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Dateline DA...News for the weeks of 12/21 - 1/4 |
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Your news source!
Quick links to this week’s articles: Click the links below to jump directly to a specific article
Calendar
From our Headmaster
Changes to DA Winter Camp Schedule
Elementary Students Shine
14th Annual DA Alumni/Faculty Basketball Game
Travis Macy Returns from Abu Dhabi
College and Transition Night for Juniors
Recycle Cell Phones and Batteries at DA!
A Lesson in Fluid Dynamics
Calendar of Events
December 21 – January 3
Winter Break: School Closed
December 21
DA Winter Camp (Arts & Tech. Bldg.): 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
January 4
Faculty and Staff Returns, No School for Students
January 5
Classes Resume
January 7
HS Basketball Home Games vs. Longmont Christian: Girls at 4:00 p.m.; Boys at 5:30 p.m.
January 9
Alumni/Faculty Basketball Game (DA Gym): 11:00 a.m. (Lunch to follow)
From our Headmaster
By Kevin Smith
The excitement for the holidays and joy of family celebrations is palpable on campus this week. While I am certain that many within our community are eager for the coming days and a break from the routine of school, we also have a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the many successes that have occurred on campus this school year.
Whether it is our volleyball team undefeated in competition this past fall or a student who for the first time broke the code and learned to read, a student new to campus who for the first time felt safe, cared for, and successful in school or a senior who now is focused on college applications, DA creates an environment that is truly unique and rapt in its attention to success and transforming lives. At the heart of DA is our amazing educators. Two members of our faculty, Mr. Fritszche and Mr. Brookhart were among 24 teachers nationwide honored as “Teachers of the Future” by the National Association of Independent Schools. I would encourage all members of our community to take some time to review their work here.
This weekend, Maria and I will be on our way to Cleveland to visit our families for the holidays. We look forward to the coming year and all it holds for our community. It will be exciting to support the evolution of the high school program, establish priorities in our strategic plan, and continue to support the excellent work that every day changes the lives of our students. Although I have no doubt that 2010 will contain both opportunities and challenges, I am also confident in our excellent team and its abilities and passion for the students at Denver Academy.
Season’s Greetings!
Changes to DA Winter Camp Schedule
Denver Academy’s Winter Camp will be held Monday, December 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.in the Arts and Technology Building. The other five days of camp: 12/22, 12/23, 12/28, 12/29, 12/30 have been cancelled due to lack of enrollment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chris Hegele, Director of Summer Programs and Camps at chegele@denveracademy.org or 303-704-0116.
Elementary Students Shine
There were some amazing performances by elementary students this week in the DA Theater. The Lower Elementary performed “Tacky the Penguin” and holiday songs on Tuesday. On Thursday the Upper Elementary acted in an original production (written by the students!) called, “The Untold Story of Snowy Island.” Click here to check out pictures of both performances.
14th Annual DA Alumni/Faculty Basketball Game
Don’t miss this Denver Academy tradition! The first week back from winter break we will hold the Alumni/Faculty Basketball Game in the gym on Saturday, January 9 at 11 a.m. Come support the alumni and the faculty/staff. After the game, there will be lunch in the Core High School atrium catered by Kokoro. Lunch is $5 per person, game is free. Halftime will feature a scrimmage with members of boys’ high school developmental basketball team! GO MUSTANGS!
Travis Macy Returns from Abu Dhabi
As we mentioned a few weeks ago, Core HS teacher Travis Macy competed in the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. He and three other team members raced in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the following disciplines: Sea Kayaking, Cross Orienteering, Mountain Biking, Adventure Running and Rope Activities.
The team came in sixth place out of 40 teams! Congratulations to Travis and the team – click here to check out pictures from the competition. Travis is working on a report about each day of the competition, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!
College and Transition Night for Juniors
Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 6:30-7:45 pm (new time)
All junior students and parents are requested to attend this event. If you are unable to attend, please RSVP to Amy Macy for the makeup workshop on Thursday, January 14th at 3 p.m. in Room 204 in the Prep Division.
Recycle Cell Phones and Batteries at DA!
DA teachers Wanda Zimmerman and Paul Sasaki are collecting old cell phones and batteries so that they can be disposed of properly. Many older electronics used lead solder and all batteries contain heavy metals, with some even containing mercury.
Please look for the recycling containers Progressive classrooms. Thank you for your help!
A Lesson in Fluid Dynamics
Science teacher, Paul Sasaki, presented a challenge to students: combine Diet Coke and Mentos in a container and design a nozzle that would send the ensuing violent release of carbon dioxide foam the farthest. Student, Ross Hallenbeck, took the problem to the Metal Arts Studio and began turning a nozzle on the lathe, cutting a thread in a piece of aluminum rod to match a standard soda bottle neck.
Guest teacher, Jeff Branson, showed Ross how the math behind hydrostatic pressure informed his design. Using Bernoulli's Principle about the relationship in fluid dynamics between pressure and velocity (as area decreases, velocity increases and pressure drops – the very principle behind airplane flight and the water squirting out of pinched garden hoses), Ross was able to alter his design in order to use the laws of physics to his advantage. The date of the competition has not been scheduled yet. Click here to see a photo of Ross working on the project.
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