Principal Post 8.8.22

Posted August 9, 2022

Dear Bromwell Families,

Welcome back to School Year 2022-2023! We have two short weeks before our halls will be filled with over 300 Bromwell Bears, and I can’t wait.

First, you will be hearing from your child’s teacher at the beginning of next week.  Staff returns from summer break next Monday, August, 15th, although I’ve already seen almost all of them in the building getting ready for your students.  We are all so excited to get this school year going! 

Some details: 

  • School Day runs from 8:10-3:10 this year.  Kiss and go will be utilized for those families driving. Enter off of 3rd and Columbine by the Starbucks and exit onto Josephine by turning right only onto Josephine.  Walkers, you can use the garden gate, or the Alley gate, but please be careful of cars in the alley. Bike racks are now located on school property on the playground blacktop.   
  • School Lunch unlike the last two years, school lunches are no longer free.  If you need meal assistance, please fill out the form here, and if you’d like your student to buy lunch, you can upload money onto their account at My School Bucks here.  Your child’s teacher will communicate their daily schedule including details about recesses, snacks required, etc.  Every student is encouraged to bring a clean water bottle each day.
  • Absences please call our absence line at 720-424-9380.  Please email your child’s teacher if you will be picking up your child early. 
  • School Supplies: Your student’s teacher will be sending out a school supply list next week.  For families that ordered 1st Day School supplies last spring, they have been delivered to your teacher already. 
  • School Handbook:  there are many informational resources including our School Handbook posted on our website under Parent Resources.  Please take a moment to read through those tabs.  https://bromwell.dpsk12.org

Now for some more fun stuff: Introductions!  I’m so excited to welcome back our amazing returning staff members and welcome these teachers to our team.  It’s going to be a great year. If you see them on the playground, please give them a warm welcome. And since the last two years have been disrupted by the COVID pandemic, please introduce yourself to any staff members you see that you don’t recognize. Chances are, if you don’t recognize them, they don’t recognize you. 

In Kindergarten, welcome to:

 Dr. Stephen Raulli – My name is Dr Raulli and this will be my first year at Bromwell Elementary. I moved here from New York and received my BA in writing and rhetoric, my MA in creative writing and PhD in writing. I’m so excited to help the students explore their excitement for learning and building a warm and inclusive classroom for them. I love teaching because the students surprise me every day with their incredible amount of determination, pride, integrity and overall excellence! I enjoy running, reading, are here and spending as much time as I can with my dogs, Oscar and Harper.

In Second grade, Ginell Martin (Iverson) is joining us full time. Ginell spent a few months teaching 1st grade last spring and we are so happy to have her on full time staff.  

Ginell Martin – My name is Ginell Martin and I will be teaching in 2nd grade this year.  I have been teaching since 2016 and have taught grades 1st thru 3rd.  I have taught in Florida, New York and Colorado. I can’t wait to start school again and start teaching Bromwell Bears, old and new. 

In 4th grade, please welcome:

 Jaylen McGrew – My name is Jaylen McGrew, and I have been an educator for 13 years, teaching in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, and now Denver. I am excited and honored to join the Bromwell community, and I sincerely thank you for entrusting me to teach and learn with your child. 

Our new graphic arts teacher is Lisa Merenius She will be partnering with other specials staff and Think360 arts to bring a focused and engaging music curriculum to your students as well.  

Lisa Merenius –  Hello Bromwell Bears! My name is Lisa Merenius, known to all artists as Miss M. I am a Detroit native, but have lived and worked in Denver since 2006. I am coming to DPS from CCSD, teaching Art for the past 7 years at Highline Community ES. Prior to those 7 years I was an Outdoor Apparel Designer and Design/Marketing Consultant. I am married to my husband Jay and we have two kids Johan (10) and Annika (6). I LOVE being creative and innovative, using collaborative minds to problem solve and create art. I am looking forward to being a member of the Bromwell Community learning, creating, and growing with you all!

And finally, welcome Ali Hansen to our Special Ed program.  Ali will be returning to Bromwell for her fourth year as the Special Education teacher and will work closely with Mr. Gallagher. 

We also have some new paraprofessionals joining our Staff. They are: Melanie Sanderson (Kindergarten), Paige Hetley (Kindergarten), Tayekerrian Gates, (SpEd), and Robin Mayer (SpEd). 

Mark your calendars to visit Bromwell on Thursday, 8/18, from 5-7 PM to meet your teacher, and walk through the building.  Also, the PTA will be providing general tours for families (new or returning) on  8/16 (2-4pm), 8/18 (8-10am), 8/19 (11-1pm).  

This is the first of many communications from me, your teacher, our Staff, and our Parent Teacher Association.  This year, we are transitioning away from app based communications via Flyer to a web based platform called Memberhub for communications from staff as well as PTA management. Many of the links and resources you used Flyer for in previous years will be maintained on our website.   Our goal is to simplify and streamline the flow of communications to you. 

Thanks for your excitement and support as we get this school year off to an amazing start! I can’t wait to grow and learn with all of your children.

See you all soon!

Valecia von Weise, Principal 

Bromwell Elementary