Poudre School District students, staff and volunteers kicked off the holiday spirit by collecting frozen turkeys, hams, chickens and non-perishable food items for local families during the PSD Turkey Round Up held at schools, district buildings and community sites Nov. 19.
The annual event benefits the Food Bank for Larimer County to help provide holiday meals for families and community members who may need assistance.
The PSD community collected a grand total of 1,976 frozen turkeys, 1,178 other food donations and an $3,492 for the food bank.
Bamford Elementary School collected the most turkeys in PSD with a whopping total of 263 turkeys!
PSD students showcase art in Creative Endeavors K-12 Art Show
Students like Kinard Middle School sixth-grader Mari Batan are displaying their art in Poudre School District’s Creative Endeavors K-12 Art Show at the Shops at Foothills mall in Fort Collins until Tuesday, Jan. 11.
“It is nice that people like and care about my art and appreciate my work,” says Batan, whose family says they are proud of her. The young artist gained confidence in her talent as a result of being chosen for this show.
Batan’s art teacher, Kari Mohar, was excited to share this opportunity with her.
Batan’s art piece, titled “Hidden Cave of Emotions,” is a metaphor for how people present themselves as happy on the outside but, on the inside, can hold anger or other negative emotions.
The Creative Endeavors K-12 Art Show is a convenient and fun way for the community to see what is happening in the visual arts studios across the district, says Kimberly Noel, PSD’s visual arts facilitator.
“Exhibiting student art at Foothills has a long tradition in Fort Collins,” Noel says. The Creative Endeavors K-12 Art Show has taken place since the late 70s and featured multiple generations of PSD alumni works.
“For art educators, Creative Endeavors is a wonderful community venue to showcase the individual flavor and strength of their school’s art programs,” says Noel. “Scheduling the show during the holiday season and during PSD’s winter break provides more opportunities for family and friends to celebrate the creative process and the work of our students.”
Volunteer Fran Grassman
Fran Grassman, Poudre School District volunteer, sets a good example. As one who avoids the spotlight and attention, she impacts volunteers, staff, and students in small ways as she serves.
Jennifer Wright, a PSD nurse and Grassman’s daughter, convinced her mother to start serving in PSD about eight years ago. Wright figured this would be a fun way for her mom to get out of the house to meet more people.
Grassman serves at all school levels and volunteers at multiple schools as a hearing screener. The screenings typically take place in the fall and into early spring.
Grassman also assists with both hearing and vision screenings of PSD’s Early Childhood Education students. Grassman helps students to feel comfortable during the screening, guides students to sit down, and assists with putting the headset on the student, which tests their level of hearing.
In PSD, students are screened from kindergarten through ninth grade. This year includes fourth graders because screenings did not occur last year, due to the pandemic. In a typical year, kindergarten through third grade, fifth, seventh, and ninth graders may be screened.
Grassman finds joy in helping people.
“I appreciate getting to meet the young people,” says the retiree, who likes being a part of the school system as a volunteer.
Things that make Grassman stand out are her knitting prowess and crafts, which she makes for family and friends. During breaks during volunteering, she works on her latest creation. Grassman has knitted special hearing aid covers for students’ masks during the pandemic. She also shares her recipes with other volunteers.
Grassman has a servant heart. She was only able to volunteer one week during last school year, but she showed up, nonetheless.
“I missed being in the schools and around the students,” she says. She was overjoyed when volunteers were able to go back into schools. “Even though the school activities do not look the same, it was good to get back this year.”
Read more at psdschools.org/news.
Explore your options in PSD—open houses at schools scheduled in January
If you have a child starting kindergarten in fall 2022 or want to learn about the different programs offered at Poudre School District schools, plan to attend an upcoming open house or informational meeting. PSD has a wide array of schools that each offer unique experiences to learn and grow, as well as paths that fit students’ interests and needs. Most schools are holding events in January for students and parents to learn more about the exciting programs they offer. For details about informational meetings and open houses (in-person and virtual options), please visit the school websites or contact the schools directly.
Health and Wellness
Find resources for Mental Health, Health and Wellness and more through Student Services. Access Student Health programs and services and keep up with Colorado’s required immunizations. For the latest on COVID-19 protocols, visit the PSD 2021-22 Health and Safety webpage.
