Weekly Update 9/13/26
A Message from Mrs. Mills (Richey)
🌎 Hello International School at Harris Park Families!
We hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend!
Throughout our school, students are engaging in meaningful learning, strengthening friendships, and discovering new things about themselves and the world around them. We are proud of the curiosity, kindness, and determination they bring to our classrooms each day as they Choose to Be B.R.I.G.H.T.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you support your children each day. We love having them at International School at Harris Park!
There is no school tomorrow, Monday, September 14. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, September 15!
💤 Helping Children Recharge
As students settle into the school year, consistent sleep routines can make a big difference in how they feel and learn each day.
Getting enough sleep helps children focus, remember what they are learning, manage their emotions, and keep their bodies healthy. Most children ages 4–12 need approximately 9–12 hours of sleep each night.
A few simple habits can help:
- Keep bedtime and wake-up times as consistent as possible.
- Turn off televisions, tablets, phones, and other screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- Create a calm bedtime routine, such as taking a bath, reading together, or talking about the day.
- Prepare clothes and backpacks the night before to help mornings feel less rushed.
Thank you for helping our students arrive by 7:25 AM, rested and ready to learn!
💬 Talk About It Together
From time to time, we will share questions families might enjoy using to spark conversations about school, learning, friendships, and growing up. Try one in the car, around the dinner table, or before bed:
- What is something you can do now that felt difficult at the beginning of the school year?
- Who helped you at school this week? How did they help?
- What is something you did to help someone else?
- What mistake helped you learn something?
- When did you feel proud of yourself?
- What is one goal you have for the coming week?
Children may not always be ready to talk right away—and that is okay. Asking regularly lets them know that their experiences, learning, and feelings matter to you.
There are no perfect answers—andand children may not always be ready to talk right away. Asking regularly lets them know that their experiences, learning, and feelings matter to you.
** Thank You, Families!
We are grateful for the trust you place in us each day. Our commitment is to ensure that every child at International School at Harris Park feels known, valued, challenged, supported, and proud to belong.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. We will see our students on Tuesday, September 15!
With love,
Mrs. Mills (Richey)
Attendance
🎯 Our 2026–2027 Attendance Goal
Last Week's Attendance:
Important Upcoming Dates - Mark Your Calendars
Every Monday is Early Release
- 7:25 AM–1:30 PM Hours for ALL students PK-6
- Every Monday will be early release—great for afternoon appointments!
Monday, September 14
- No School
Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 2
- Monday – Favorite Color Day: Wear as much or as little of your favorite color as you would like.
- Tuesday – Animal Day: Wear an animal picture, animal print, animal-inspired color, or something representing your favorite animal.
- Wednesday – Hat or Fun Headwear Day: Wear a favorite hat, headband, or school-made paper headpiece.
- Thursday – Pajama Day: Wear school-appropriate pajamas, comfy clothes, or cozy socks. Please leave blankets and stuffed animals at home.
- Friday – Patterns and Colors Day: Wear stripes, spots, plaid, florals, or any fun combination of colors and patterns.
Participation is always optional, and families do not need to purchase anything.
Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13
- No School, Fall Break
Wednesday, October 14
- 4:00-4:45 PM Parent Leadership Meeting in the Library
Thursday, October 15
- Picture Retake Day
- 3:30-6:30 PM Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences
- 3:30-6:30 PM Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday, October 20
- 3:30-6:30 PM Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences
- 3:30-6:30 PM Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, October 26
- No School
Thursday, October 29
- 4:00-5:00 PM Trick or Treat Street and Haunted Gym
Monday, November 9
- No School, Holiday
Wednesday, November 11
- 4:00-4:45 PM Parent Leadership Meeting in the Library
Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27
- No School, Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday through Thursday, December 1, 2, and 3
- 3:00-5:30 PM Holiday Store, Library
Tuesday, December 8
- 4:00-4:45 PM Parent Leadership Meeting in the Library
December 21 - January 5
- No School, Winter Break
Wednesday, January 6
- First Day Back After Break
Wednesday, January 13
- 4:00-4:45 PM Parent Leadership Meeting in the Library
2026-2027 Westminster Public Schools Calendar
Family, Community, School Connection & Resources
Moved? New Phone Number? Keep the IS@HP Team Updated!
📢 Staying Connected
Maintaining current contact information is one of the most important ways you can help us support your child. Throughout the school year, we use several communication tools to share important updates, celebrate student success, and keep families informed.
Here's how you can expect to hear from us:
📞 Sunday Calls and Emails – Our primary source of schoolwide information, reminders, and upcoming events.
📰 Monthly Family Newsletter – Delivered by email and filled with important dates, celebrations, and school news.
🏫 Teachers – Communicate through ClassDojo, email, and phone calls.
☎️ School Office – Primarily communicates by phone regarding attendance, health concerns, transportation, and other important matters.
To ensure you receive all school communications, please verify that your phone numbers, email addresses, emergency contacts, and mailing address are current.
The easiest way to update your information is through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you need assistance accessing your account, please call our office at 303-428-1721. We are happy to provide your username and help reset your password.
Thank you for partnering with us to stay informed and connected throughout the school year!
Westy Futures
Westminster Public Schools Athletic Opportunities for Elementary Students
For more information click here.
WPS is excited to offer opportunities in athletics to students in elementary school. Each activity will cost $50 per student-athlete. Each activity will offer practices and games. Student-athletes will receive a uniform they keep. Transportation will not be provided to or from games. Games begin in September for elementary-based sports (Westy Juniors).
Westy Juniors (K-5) – approximate ages; levels are grade based
Grades K-1 (5-7 years old)
Grades 2-3 (7-8 years old)
Grades 4-5 (9-11 years old)
For the most up-to-date information about everything that is going on at the Dan Vallez center, please visit their website here.
Helpful Links
Empower Learning
At International School at Harris Park, we
Where You Can Find Us
Email: nmills@wps.org
Website: harrispark.wps.org
Location: 4300 West 75th Ave, Westminster, CO 80030
Phone: 303-428-1721
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalSchoolatHarrisPark
Twitter: @WPSNewsNow