Tag: Elementary

Staff members allege DPS teacher was drinking on the job last school year, and administration knew for months

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DENVER — The words “hard,” “depressing” and “scary” are not typically top of mind when describing an elementary school. But that is how several anonymous staff members recall the 2023-2024 school year when they worked at Columbian Elementary School in northwest Denver.

“It has been the most difficult year at Columbian in history for myself,” said one staff member.

Several months ago, multiple sources contacted Denver7 Investigates, raising concerns that a second-grade teacher at Columbian was allegedly drunk during work hours for months before being removed.

Staff agreed to speak with Denver7 Investigates if we kept their identities private out of fear of retaliation.

Denver7

Several staff members said concerns were raised to administrators, including the principal, as early as November 2023.

“It’s very scary to know that Denver Public Schools did nothing to remove an intoxicated teacher,” said one staff member.

Another staff member claimed they called Safe2tell, a system used to anonymously report concerns in Colorado, on March 22. They claim the teacher was finally removed for the first time after the report was made.

“I was so frustrated and couldn’t understand why nothing was being done, and I was frustrated with myself for not thinking about it earlier, like as an avenue to go through,” said the staff member when asked why they chose to report their concerns.

When Denver7 reached out to Denver Public Schools (DPS) for an interview, the district provided a statement reading:

Denver Public Schools is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students. When a report of a potential unsafe environment is received by a school leadership team, they follow established policies and procedures to fully investigate the allegations.

Denver Public Schools cannot comment on any specific allegations due to the District’s longstanding policy against speaking about personnel matters publicly. The District can confirm the teacher was placed on paid administrative leave on April 3, 2024, and will not be returning to Denver Public Schools.

Denver Public Schools

Records requested from Denver Public Schools

Denver7 Investigates filed multiple requests with DPS under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), including, “Any and all reports and/or documents, as well as any other publicly available information regarding a DPS security visit, call, and/or response to Columbian Elementary on March 22, 2024.”
The request was denied. In response, DPS stated, “The Denver Public Schools (DPS) is in possession of document(s) responsive to your request which are exempt from disclosure,” citing multiple statutes.

However, not all of Denver7’s record requests were denied. In another request for records, Denver7 Investigates asked for “Any complaints filed with the school district or with Columbian Elementary School administration against any staff member at the school.”

DPS provided a string of emails, including one from someone who identified themselves to Denver7 as a student’s grandparent. The email reads in-part, “8 teachers have reported him drunk,” referring to concerns about a teacher allegedly intoxicated at work. The grandparent said the email was sent at 1:38 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2024, but the copy provided by the district was not time-stamped.

Finally, Denver7 Investigates requested copies of all emails and other written communication to or from several school administrators, including the accused teacher’s name, the words “alcohol,” “drinking,” “inappropriate behavior” or “intoxicated” throughout the school year. The district responded to the CORA request with multiple documents, including a letter reading in-part:

The document(s) not provided (sic), as these document(s) fall within the deliberative privilege and are not subject to disclosure.

The document(s) withheld pursuant to the deliberative privilege are emails discussing how to possibly address personnel issues.

Public disclosure of this document would stifle honest and frank discussion within the government and, therefore, this document is not being produced in response to the CORA request.

Stacy Wheeler, CORA Officer

The district also provided a list of the emails being withheld: 10 emails dating back as early as Dec. 13, 2023, sent between several administrators, including Columbian Principal Drew Hall.

The staff members who spoke with Denver7 Investigates claim concerns were brought to Hall for several months and they believe no action was taken.

“Months went by and again, there were more reports of possibly smelling something, people reaching out to Drew Hall, and still nothing happened,” one staff member said.

Denver7 Investigates made multiple attempts to contact Hall but did not receive a response.

When asked if the school district will take accountability, one staff member said, “I hope Denver Public Schools takes some accountability and removes Drew Hall and makes sure that the people at Columbian, their community and their culture, is healed.”

Denver7

Got a tip? Send it to the Denver7 Investigates team

Use the form below to send us a comment or story idea you’d like the Denver7 Investigates team to check out. You can also email investigates@Denver7.com or call our newsroom at 303-832-0200.

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Natalie Chuck

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August 22, 2024
Ralston 5th grader raises $2,000 for grieving, struggling teacher

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The bond between a Ralston teacher and her fifth-grade student is stronger than ever. Janice Rhods is mourning her baby boy. He recently died after dealing with a rare heart issue. But about a month before, fifth-grade student Adrianna Case stepped up to help in a big way.It’s been about two weeks since Rhods lost a huge piece of her world.”I think of his smile. Honestly, I think of him now in peace,” Rhods said.Her 5-and-a-half-month-old son Caden suffered from hypoplastic left heart syndrome.”His life was one that was filled of pain and hospital stays. He was happiest when he was outside, and he only got that for a couple months,” Rhods said. “Out of the 5-and-a-half months that he was alive, he was home for two of them.”In November, Caden caught a common cold which led to a fever and a high heart rate.”Everything escalated super quickly,” Rhods said.Caden passed away on Nov. 17.”A combination of all of that, they think his heart was just overworking. His heart was super, super fragile,” Rhods said.Rhods teaches fifth grade at Karen Western Elementary School in Ralston. So far this school year, she has spent a lot of time out of the classroom to be by Caden’s side.”You’re trying to be there for your son and for my two other kids I have at home and then I’m also trying to be there for my students,” she said.Rhods’ student, Case, noticed that struggle about a month before Caden died, and decided she wanted to do whatever she could to help. “I got him a blanket and I felt like that wasn’t enough so I started a GoFundMe,” Case said.With the help of her mom, Case was able to create a GoFundMe, raising $2,000 for her favorite teacher.”I thought it would just be, not like to $2,000. I thought it would just be like a couple hundred dollars,” Case said.For Rhods, the joy of all of this is about so much more than the money.”It’s more of, what she did to show her compassion and caring for others. Because she showed that for me, I know she’d do that to other people,” Rhods said.”I truly love her,” Case said about Rhods.Rhods said she’ll go back to work Monday. She said she doesn’t think she’d be able to make it through if it weren’t for her amazing students like Adrianna.

RALSTON, Neb. —

The bond between a Ralston teacher and her fifth-grade student is stronger than ever. Janice Rhods is mourning her baby boy. He recently died after dealing with a rare heart issue. But about a month before, fifth-grade student Adrianna Case stepped up to help in a big way.

It’s been about two weeks since Rhods lost a huge piece of her world.

“I think of his smile. Honestly, I think of him now in peace,” Rhods said.

Her 5-and-a-half-month-old son Caden suffered from hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

“His life was one that was filled of pain and hospital stays. He was happiest when he was outside, and he only got that for a couple months,” Rhods said. “Out of the 5-and-a-half months that he was alive, he was home for two of them.”

In November, Caden caught a common cold which led to a fever and a high heart rate.

“Everything escalated super quickly,” Rhods said.

Caden passed away on Nov. 17.

“A combination of all of that, they think his heart was just overworking. His heart was super, super fragile,” Rhods said.

Rhods teaches fifth grade at Karen Western Elementary School in Ralston. So far this school year, she has spent a lot of time out of the classroom to be by Caden’s side.

“You’re trying to be there for your son and for my two other kids I have at home and then I’m also trying to be there for my students,” she said.

Rhods’ student, Case, noticed that struggle about a month before Caden died, and decided she wanted to do whatever she could to help.

“I got him a blanket and I felt like that wasn’t enough so I started a GoFundMe,” Case said.

With the help of her mom, Case was able to create a GoFundMe, raising $2,000 for her favorite teacher.

“I thought it would just be, not like to $2,000. I thought it would just be like a couple hundred dollars,” Case said.

For Rhods, the joy of all of this is about so much more than the money.

“It’s more of, what she did to show her compassion and caring for others. Because she showed that for me, I know she’d do that to other people,” Rhods said.

“I truly love her,” Case said about Rhods.

Rhods said she’ll go back to work Monday. She said she doesn’t think she’d be able to make it through if it weren’t for her amazing students like Adrianna.

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December 3, 2022
Bay Area Author’s Latest Work, ’52’, Sparks Powerful Message in a Lonely, COVID-19 World

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Inspired by the incredible true story of the 52-hertz whale, author Johnny DePalma’s latest rhyming picture book, ’52 – A Tale of Loneliness’, echoes emotions that may be felt at home.

Press Release
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updated: Mar 23, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, March 23, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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Known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for curating the pandemic’s Emergency Art Museum (emergencyartmuseum.com), award-winning author Johnny DePalma’s latest literary accomplishment dives deep into innate human feelings, emotions, and loneliness – something all too common in a COVID-19 world.

“I would say all my books are somewhat autobiographical,” said DePalma, regarding his latest book, ’52 – A Tale of Loneliness.’ “Loneliness is such a universal and complex emotion. For me, my days of loneliness were also my days of unlimited imagination. I would take the time to connect with all of the small, seemingly invisible things in my life. And, looking back, I think those moments we’re incredibly important. Years later, when I learned about the 52-hertz whale, (also known as the loneliest whale in the world) I knew I wanted to write a book that reconnects with that misunderstood emotion.”

This children’s tale, recommended for ages 4-8, has recently hit home for an audience of all ages. Taking place far beneath the beautiful sea, a unique whale sings a song that is all his own. Told in short, poetic passages, this whale, simply known as 52, celebrates the joy of life he’s found beneath the ocean waves. Yet, despite his isolation, 52 remains optimistic and introduces readers to the magic, beauty, and joy found within his own invisible world.

DePalma details the beauty of isolation with effortlessness throughout the book, writing, “And that’s all mine! I get to see, the things invisible, like me! So, every night, I say hello, to all the barnacles below. To every bubble, kelp, and shell. To every grain of sand as well. For all these things make up my home, and with them, I don’t feel alone.”

“It’s been greatly inspired by the California coast,” said DePalma. “After all, that is where the real-life 52-hertz whale has been known to travel. In 2018, my good friend and illustrator, Kyle Brown and I took a research trip from Point Conception, to Monterey, and eventually through San Francisco to find the creative spark needed for the illustrations in this book. I couldn’t be happier with the result. It’s my hope that children and families alike will uncover that same special spark of joy that 52 has found. Considering what we’ve all been going through, I think embracing some of these feelings, and putting a voice to them is going to be an important step for children moving forward.”

DePalma went on to say, “As children start heading back to school, social and emotional learning tools are going to be imperative. Characters like 52 are there to help guide children through those difficult feelings and to help them find their voice in a world that might suddenly feel a bit different. I want children to know that being unique can be a positive and powerful thing. Sometimes, it just takes the right perspective for them to see that.”

One recent reviewer stated, “DePalma effectively validates feelings that are relatable to children of various ages. Although 52 experiences loneliness, and sometimes feels invisible, he still sings, and his tale is not a sad one. This good-natured whale exemplifies themes of self-acceptance, individuality, contentment, empathy, bravery, and joy.” – Cecilia_L

Terra Jolé, of “Dancing with the Stars,” fame stated, “This book is a wonderful way for children to feel content with who they are. This speaks loudly to me as a mother isolating her family through the pandemic. Embracing a world you’re creating for yourself is a powerful message in a children’s book.”

To date, 52 – A Tale of Loneliness has won a Mom’s Choice Gold Award, and a Reader’s Favorite Five Stars. The book also includes a downloadable companion audiobook read by Emmy Award-winning actor, Patton Oswalt.

For more information about 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, visit: umbrellybooks.com/52tale

###

Contact: Johnny DePalma

Umbrelly Books Publishing

hello@umbrellybooks.com

408-666-2722

Source: Umbrelly Books Publishing

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March 23, 2021
Kids Science Labs Announces New Introduction to Chemistry and Physics Series
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Award-winning Children’s Hands-on Science and Innovation Centers – Kids Science Labs

Press Release
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updated: Aug 29, 2019
CHICAGO, August 29, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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Kids Science Labs today announced an exciting new hands-on science series “Introduction to Chemistry and Physics” for children 3-12 years old.

This all-new series takes students on an adventure into the core concepts of Chemistry and Physics and applies them to real world experiences – from why trees can grow so tall to the chemistry and physics required to design running shoes. “Kids want to mix, build, break and explore. Early experience with hands-on science opens doors to problem solving and creativity and also builds an early interest in STEM careers,” says Nina Tinucci, Director of Education.

This new series has been under development for two years. “We are very excited about our Introduction to Chemistry and Physics series, which provides kids an early advantage for understanding concepts they will see in high school and college,” says Keith Norsym, co-founder at Kids Science Labs. “There is something deeply satisfying about solving a problem and being able to apply that new knowledge to the world around us – as Chemistry and Physics are intertwined in our daily lives.”

Features and benefits include:
- Children and parents have been requesting a fun and engaging introduction to real chemistry and physics to help prepare for school.
- Studies have shown that early and regular exposure to science and problem-solving leads to long-term out-performance.
- On average children receive 45 minutes of science instruction a week; classes at KSL are 75 minutes a week.
- A STEM degree is just about the most valuable asset a young person can have in the modern economy.
The “Introduction to Chemistry & Physics” series will be available starting September 10at all of their learning centers. For more information, visit www.kidssciencelabs.com.

About Kids Science Labs

What began as a single location in 2011 has grown into a nationally recognized brand that is teaching kids problem-solving, creativity and innovation. Started by two dads and engineers, Shegan Campbell and Keith Norsym, the science-learning centers run classes, camps, and events for children that enable them to explore their world through hands-on experiments all year round.

With computer programming and STEM fields expanding at rapid rates, parents and kids are searching for opportunities to gain an early advantage, even before preschool.

Since opening the first center in 2011, Kids Science Labs has taught over 100,000 students a year at their centers located in Chicago and Seattle. As the company continues to expand nationally, kids ages 2-14 years old are becoming better problem solvers and critical thinkers through hands-on science experiments. Parents see their children gain confidence and learn core science concepts all while having fun and exploring questions they are interested in.

Kids Science Labs is on a mission to enable the next generation of creative thinkers. Find out more.

www.kidssciencelabs.com

Source: Kids Science Labs
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August 29, 2019
Kids to Interview Apollo Astronaut

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For the 50th anniversary of Apollo 7, children will send questions to Walter Cunningham, the only surviving astronaut from the mission

Press Release
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updated: Jan 11, 2018

NEW YORK, January 11, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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Fifty years ago, the race to the moon was in full swing. Scientists and engineers were making huge leaps in technology to make good on President Kennedy’s promise of reaching the moon. As News-O-Matic covers the current events of 2018, it is also looking back at the news of 1968 that changed the world. And it’s inviting young readers to participate by conducting an interview with Apollo 7 astronaut Walter Cunningham!

Throughout January, students can submit questions to Cunningham through News-O-Matic. The Q&A with the American hero will then be featured in early February. It’s an example of how the Daily News Just for Kids is transforming the news experience — by involving children with the editorial process and letting them ask the big questions.

This is how we make history come alive.

Russell Kahn, Editor in Chief

“This is how we make history come alive,” said News-O-Matic Editor-in-Chief Russell Kahn. “We are getting first-person accounts from 1968 to create powerful connections to our past for the next generation,” he added. “As a result, our users come back to read the news day after day and develop the regular routine of daily reading.” Kahn also said that kids who grow up reading the news on a daily basis become “better-informed global citizens and critical thinkers.”

This feature is part of an ongoing series of 1968 anniversaries, each with rich opportunities for students to gain context to their world. There will be articles on the Mexico City Olympic Games, with its parallels to the recent protests in the NFL. There will also be features on America’s strained relationship with North Korea from 1968.

Students will do more than just learn about the lasting impacts of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. They will participate in a writing contest to honor the legacy of Dr. King, 50 years after his death. It’s all part of the newspaper’s efforts to engage even the most reluctant readers.

About News-O-Matic

News-O-Matic is the Digital Daily News Platform for Kids. More than 4 million children have downloaded the reading app (iOS and Android) from 140+ countries. Thousands of U.S. schools use the resource as part of their nonfiction literacy curriculum. Interactive technology features engage young readers with breaking news. All texts include multiple readability levels from grades K–8 with audio recordings. The articles are available in English, Spanish and French (text and audio).

Contact:

Russell Kahn
Editor in Chief
646-226-0241
russ@press4kids.com

Source: News-O-Matic

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January 11, 2018