Winter can be a dreary time, and time off of school can be a difficult transition. As we all know, being in a pandemic and continuously handling the stressors from the pandemic only adds to our usual winter blues. Right now, more than ever, our mental health is extremely important! Below are some ways to keep your mental space happy and healthy during winter break, and the winter months! 1) Go for a walk or spend sometime outside. 2) Engage in a mindfulness or meditation exercise. 3) Allow yourself to do things you enjoy. 4) Try to follow a routine, [...]

This month we have focused on engaging our students in meaningful ways, and reconnecting on and offline. Our director, Jenny Bisha, spearheaded a gift bag project for all of our students. The gift bag includes notebooks, pencils, treats, fun books, and a book that will be included for a novel study all wrapped up in a nylon backpack. Teachers and social workers worked together this week to drop them off, and to see the students in person. Our school has also started "Wellness Wednesdays." Every Wednesday, some staff come into the school and socially distance in the gym or cafeteria. [...]

Since everyone has gone back to full online here in Denver, we want to make sure that kids are still having their basic needs met. This is a list of meal distribution locations the Denver Public Schools provides. Learn more about our school today.

We know that socially distant learning can be difficult, and we look forward to being able to meet in-person again soon! In the meantime, here are some mental health resources for students and parents during quarantine! Learn more about our school today.

Ms. Darienne Martin-Baker, lovingly referred to as “Ms. Dee” by staff and students, sparks joy. As a High School Assistant Teacher, she’s an all-time favorite for VTO’s, frequently full of infectious energy, and honestly great hugs. She’s a bit like a school mascot here at Sierra School at Barrett in a uniform of overalls and Birkenstocks. When we asked students, “What makes Ms.Dee great?” Most said she’s welcoming, friendly, and patient. Sierra School at Barrett staff shares similar sentiments. Tommy our program coordinator for the middle and high school says, “She’s the bright spot of all my days. I’m so [...]

Norris has worked hard to reach his goal of graduation this semester by making great choices in the classroom. His teacher Ms.Gray says, “He’s grown in understanding how to use his coping skills and has also become more social.” Norris has been an example to the rest of our elementary students through his enthusiastic commitment to graduating from Sierra School at Barrett. Norris has made an impression on our Sierra School at Barrett team. Ms.Gray says, “Norris is very independent. He’s a talented artist. And he has a huge imagination.” Our principal Ms.Harris says, “Norris is very intelligent and has [...]

High-schoolers at Sierra School at Barrett spent the morning of December 10th off-campus. Students headed to Walmart and Dollar Tree on a mission to buy toys for kids ages 5-12! After they finished shopping, they donated their items to Toys for Tots. Sierra School at Barrett Social Worker Ms.Tiffee says, “I think they enjoyed trying to stay on a budget and buy toys that younger kids would like.” Staff wanted to plan this special field trip for our high-schoolers because, as Ms.Tiffee says, “We think it’s very important for our kids to build community skills and go through the [...]