October 5, 2026
Dear Southmoor Families,
We have completed our first six weeks of school. Thank you for helping your children begin the year and for partnering with us as they build friendships, learn routines, and grow as learners.
During these first weeks, our staff has focused on creating classrooms where students feel safe, connected, and ready to participate. Students have practiced our expectations of respect, responsibility, collaboration, and kindness. Teachers have also reviewed beginning-of-year assessments and classroom work to understand each child’s strengths and plan support in reading, writing, and math.
A key part of Southmoor’s strategic roadmap this year is Text, Task, and Talk. Together, these three elements help students engage with grade-level learning and show what they understand:
Text: Students read, view, or examine grade-level material worth thinking about. Depending on the lesson, that may be a story, an informational passage, a math problem, or a diagram.
Task: Students use what they have learned to tackle a grade-level question or problem. They may compare ideas, draw a conclusion, defend a solution, or write an explanation. These tasks build higher-order thinking skills.
Talk: Students explain their reasoning, listen to classmates, ask questions, and build on one another’s ideas. We call this academic discourse. It helps students put their thinking into words and learn from different approaches.
The three work together. A rich text gives students something meaningful to examine. A thoughtful task gives them a reason to think deeply. Talk helps them test and strengthen their ideas before they write, solve, or respond independently. Teachers can then look at what students say and produce to see what they understand, provide feedback, and plan the next lesson. That cycle helps us support each child’s growth and achievement.
We are also preparing targeted reading and math instruction for students who need additional support. As the year continues, teachers will monitor progress and adjust instruction so students can keep working toward grade-level expectations.
You can reinforce Text, Task, and Talk at home without creating extra homework:
Explore something together. Read a book, look at a recipe, study a bus schedule, or examine a photograph. Ask, “What do you notice?” and “What in the text or picture makes you think that?”
Offer a thinking challenge. Ask your child to explain a character’s choice, compare two ways to solve a problem, or decide which option makes the most sense and why. Encourage them to show their reasoning.
Make room for conversation. Ask, “How did you figure that out?” “Is there another way to think about it?” or “What would you add to that idea?” Give your child time to explain. Changing their mind after hearing a new idea is part of learning.
You can also ask your child’s teacher, “What grade-level skill is my child working on right now, and how can we practice it at home?” Sharing what you notice about your child helps us respond to their needs. Regular, on-time attendance helps students take part in this learning each day; please reach out if your family needs support with attendance.
In the weeks ahead, we will continue studying student work, strengthening instruction, and sharing what we learn about your child’s progress. Thank you for helping us build a school where every student belongs, thinks deeply, and grows.
In service of the most important person in the world - YOUR CHILD,
Jonell Pineda
Principal
Southmoor Elementary School
3755 South Magnolia Way, Denver, CO 80237
720-424-3930 | Fax: 720-424-3955
🔑 Be Informed
To help you prepare for a successful year, please review the important information below. Click each section title for more details:
Southmoor Family Guide: The new Southmoor Family Guide is a valuable tool that outlines key information, including school procedures, expectations, contact information, and ways to support your child’s learning. It’s designed to help families feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Student Personal Device Policy: Southmoor implements the districtwide policy on Student Personal Communication Device. Please refer to these resources for your guidance -
📌 Be Connected
DPS APP: The New DPS App and Rooms Are Now Live! In case you missed it, we recently launched our new two-way messaging feature, Rooms, and the DPS app! Download the app to communicate with teachers directly:
Download the Denver Public Schools app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Once installed, open the app, then tap “Rooms,” then “Continue to sign in.”
Type in your guardian's email address or phone number.
If you typed in your email address, tap “Log in with code.” If you typed in your phone number, you will automatically receive a code. Type this code in when prompted.
You will be prompted to select your preferred language of communication.
You will be automatically signed into your students’ Rooms.
Still have questions about Rooms? Visit the Rooms FAQ page.
Our school website is the primary source for communication and updates. Calendars – school supply lists & family resources + important announcements—you’ll find what you need to feel connected and prepared. Be sure to bookmark and check back regularly.
Calendars to Plan Ahead: To help you stay organized and in the know- 2 calendars on our website- both are designed to keep you informed and help you plan for the school year. Be on the lookout for summer events!
The 2026-2027 Southmoor Calendar includes important academic dates, assessment windows, and schoolwide activities.
The 2026 -2027 Southmoor Community Calendar highlights family engagement opportunities, community-building events, and celebrations. Many dates will be added and updated in the coming month
🎒 Mark Your Calendars: We have a series of events planned to engage families and students:
OCTOBER 2026
2 Fun Run Day (Families Invited, times vary by grade)
9 RRCK’n Moose Day - LEGO
9 Moose is Loose Carnival (3-6pm)
12 NO SCHOOL - Southmoor Professional Learning Day
13 DEIB Meeting (5-6 pm)
13 PTO Meeting (6pm)
14 Dine Out Night Chipotle 4-8pm. Online Order Code: NR64QC8
15-21 Fall Clothing Drive (Drop off Donations)
16 Fun Run Prize Day
22 Clothing Drive & Free Sale (Free Shop 3-6 pm)
23 Clothing Drive & Free Sale (Free Shop 7:30-9 am)
23 RRCK’n Moose Day - Video Game
26-29 Fall Spirit Days
29 RRCK’n Moose Day (*THURSDAY*) - Monster Mash
29 Fall Celebration & School Parade (Parade 1:30; Classroom Parties 2:30-3)
30 NO SCHOOL - DPS Professional Learning Day
🛡️Be Safe
The Southmoor Way: This guide outlines our shared expectations, safety protocols, and schoolwide routines designed to create a secure, respectful, and thriving environment.
Raptor Safe App and Passport: We want to remind all visitors that everyone must check in at the main office when entering our building. Whether you are visiting or volunteering, you must sign in upon arrival. Our Raptor system performs real-time background checks to help us maintain a safe environment for all our students. This process ensures that we continue to prioritize the safety and security of our school community. Raptor has rolled out an application that includes a passport to allow for easier visitor check-in and check-out. Visitors who visit the schools often can download the application and verify their identity ahead of time, allowing them not to need to sign in with their state-issued ID. The QR code resets often (creating a level of security) and is for the individual visitor. The visitor will scan the QR code at the main office and bypass the steps in verifying their identity. Once signed in, they will select their destination, their badge will print, and they will be good to go. This process would not take over current main office procedures; the main office staff should still verify that the badge picture matches the visitor. Here are the instructions on how to set up the Raptor application and the passport, in English and Spanish.
🙌 Be Involved
Volunteer Program: Join us in our school events and share your perspective to continue to make a positive experience as a school community. Please refer to the Volunteer Program Guide for Families for more information.