The Denver Green School

Mission: In partnership with our diverse urban community, Denver Green School will provide a hands-on, brains-on experience that includes all students, staff, families and community, preparing all learners to lead the way toward a sustainable, bright and green future.

I recently attended an Open House at the Denver Green School (aka DGS). I didn’t know too much about it so I decided to meet my good friend, who lives in the neighborhood, and accompany her to learn more about the school and how it hopes to attract students. I wanted to see for myself the buzz surrounding this school that opens in the fall of 2010 (ECE, 1^st, 2^nd, 6^th grade). Each year a few more grade levels will be added and by the fall of 2013-2014, the school will reach its full capacity as an ECE-8^th grade school.

I had a chance to talk to several founders of this school. Everyone seemed extremely excited and passionate about the school and its possibilities. These administrators have worked tirelessly on addressing the needs of the school and carrying out its vision. I can’t imagine the amount of work that needs to be done when creating a school such as this. They were passionate about the school, the community, the building (and its expansion possibilities), the curriculum, the partnerships within the community, and the success they hope the school will have.

I heard from an enthusiastic teacher who spoke about the math curriculum called Investigations, a student-driven hands-on mathematical approach to learning. He talked a bit about the project-based learning model that will be used at the school too. He explained that children learn better by projects that interest them; they are more invested in their learning this way.

One of the founders of the school mentioned Earth Force and the Peaceful Person, two teaching methodologies, that will be integrated into the curriculum as well. I couldn’t help but think of the teacher training that will be involved. One of the most important things will be finding competent, driven staff members who share in this educational philosophy. DGS is in the process of hiring teachers right now.

There was talk of students of varying grade levels coming together as a “learning family” to engage in various projects. The topics the students study will tie in with the Colorado State Standards (after all it is a DPS) and the sustainability component will play a big part in the learning as well.

I was pretty inspired (yes, I’m an idealist) by what the founders had to say, the vision of DGS and what they hope to offer their students. I realize that this school has a long road ahead and I’m sure it’ll take quite some time to get established. Who doesn’t want to make a difference on this planet and at DGS, students will be provided many opportunities to do just that.

Here are a few things I learned about DGS:

• It’s a Neighborhood Performance School. You will be automatically enrolled if you live within the boundary of the school (contact DGS if you are unsure) and if you live outside the boundary, you may apply through the choice-in process.
• Performance School—meaning it has its own unique program design approved by the Denver School Board. Core academics such as reading, math, science, and history will be taught using a project–based learning model, along with a sustainability component.
• Two classrooms per grade level with an average class size of 25 students (upper grades 28 students)
• Community garden and other sustainability projects such as local, organic lunches (some from their future garden perhaps) and solar panels on the roof (they hope to walk the talk when it comes to having a green building).
• Democratic School Governance Model (the nine founders of DGS will share leadership)
• Longer school day (additional 45 minutes)
• Denver Green School not only emphasizes the “green movement” of today but a focus on the “whole” child and “whole” community. A belief in reducing one’s carbon footprint and focusing on environmental and social sustainability is also the goal.

If you have further inquiries, please use the contact information below.

Contact Information:

The Denver Green School (DGS)

6700 East Virginia Ave

(formerly Fallis Elementary)

Denver, CO 80224

303.918.4508

website: http://www.denvergreenschool.org/

denvergreenschool@gmail.com

School: The Odyssey School

Type: Charter School (chartered by DPS)-Expeditionary Learning School

Website: www.odysseydenver.org

Tours: Monthly tours start in September. Some evening tours are available closer to the time of the lottery in February. See website or contact school for dates and times.

Main Phone: 303.316.3944

Executive School Director: Marcia Fulton

Location: *Update: new address 6550 East 21st Ave. Denver, CO 80207

Hours: 8:10 am- 3:15 pm

Grades: K-8

Average Class Size: Approximately 224 students attend. There are 24-25 students in each “crew.” In 6^th – 8^th grade, crews have fewer of students because they are divided into groups for certain subjects.

Before/After Care: Kaleidoscope Corner and My Enrichment-a program that provides afterschool enrichment classes to students at Odyssey, Bill Roberts and Westerly Creek.

Playground: Since the school is about seven years old, the playground area is in great condition. Any child would love this outdoor play arena. There is a very large blacktop for organized play, a basketball court, and a giant field which includes a baseball diamond. There is a small, thriving garden that is cared for by the students.

Special & Core Programs: The Odyssey School is a dynamic Expeditionary Learning community dedicated to fostering each child’s unique potential and spirit of adventure through exemplary standards of character, intellectual achievement, and social responsibility. The school draws its direction and strength from Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound Design Principles. These educational principles provide a powerful framework for personal growth through physical challenge and service. The curriculum is designed around rigorous, purposeful, project-based learning expeditions tied to Colorado State Standards. Learning expeditions are long-term, in-depth investigations of a topic engaging students through projects, service, and fieldwork. This educational philosophy differs from a traditional approach where each subject is taught separately. There are generally 2-3 expeditions during the school year.

One example of an expedition 2^nd and 3^rd graders would engage in is the Cardiovascular System. During this expedition you might find the students dissecting cow hearts, creating heart healthy recipes, and visiting the Bonfils Blood Center. These are a few of the many engaging activities that occur while learning about this topic in-depth. At the conclusion of the expedition, the students present their findings to a panel of doctors. The children work both individually and in small groups. Daily reflection is a vital part of their day as well.

There are also the six “Habits of a Learner” that are an integral part of the culture.   Students are expected to be both academically brilliant as well as thoughtful people and life-long learners.  Every few years, the students go through a passage process whereby each student must prove in a portfolio and through a panel presentation that they are proficient in the “Habits of a Learner”.  The six Habits are: Revision, Inquiry, Perspective Taking, Responsibility, Collaboration/Leadership, and Stewardship/Service.

Impressions: The Odyssey School is located “smack dab” in the middle of the Stapleton Neighborhood. On my first visit about two years ago, I was surprised to learn that it shared the same building with another Stapleton neighborhood school, Westerly Creek. It’s unfortunate it doesn’t have its own building and grounds, but they certainly do make the most of it! The building itself is seven years old and that’s how long the Executive Director, Marcia Fulton, has been there. I recently spoke to her about the school. She was a pleasure to talk to and enthusiastic about what Odyssey has to offer children. I also attended a tour of this school about two years ago. The presentation tends to be somewhat corporate, like some say, complete with a Power-point slide show, Q & A forum, and tour of the facility. I thought it was a well-organized presentation and was the best way to accommodate a large audience. I counted more than 75 parents in attendance at my tour!

As stated above, this school shares the same building as Westerly Creek Elementary. Indoor space (such as the auditorium and cafeteria) as well as the outdoor space (playground), is common ground for both schools. When walking down a hall at the Odyssey school, you will be led directly into Westerly Creek. Overall space is therefore limited.

There is a diverse student body represented at Odyssey. As we made our way around the school, I remember the children being very engaged in their classrooms. A few students I spoke to were thrilled to chat with me about what they were learning and I was impressed with their candidness. It’s a far cry from a traditional school where classrooms of students are sitting at desks in rows with teacher led instruction. In most of the classrooms at this school, students were on the floor, working in groups, and conversing around tables. The teachers at Odyssey are highly qualified, passionate educators who are skilled facilitators guiding children through the learning expeditions. It was great to see a mix of both female and male educators. They collaborate with their colleagues, parents, and community members to ensure a rich, learning experience. Typical grade levels are not found here, instead, a configuration of classrooms consist of the following: Kindergarten/1^st grade are a loop, 2nd/3^rd grades  and 4th/5th grades are multi-age, 6^th grade is self-contained with a designated math teacher, and 7th/8th is multi-age.

The school is dependent on parent volunteers. Marcia told me that the volunteers help make the program possible. Volunteers are needed to help out with daily classroom activities and to assist on field trips (some which are overnight). It’s a real time commitment being a part of this school but at the same time, a testament to the program’s high expectations, standards, and achievements. There is a Family Counsel (a.k.a. PTA) that runs two big fundraisers a year. It feels like a real cohesive community.

It’s been said that children have to be very independent to be a good fit for this school, but contrary to that belief, Marcia feels that each child naturally adapts. She believes it’s the parents who must buy into the unique educational philosophy. Odyssey has become a very popular choice for Denver families especially those who feel strongly about the expeditionary philosophy. Marcia stated she has seen an upward trend each year in applications. This year alone there were 300 students on the wait list with 20 slots open at the time of the lottery. The lottery takes place in February and priority is given to those who qualify for free/reduced lunch, along with siblings of students that currently attend.

I am very impressed with Odyssey’s website. It is creative, informative, and current. The website describes in depth about the Expeditionary Learning model. One of the staff members, along with a parent is responsible for keeping it active.

We welcome your comments and impressions on your experience with The Odyssey School.