The Upper Elementary students’ Coat Drive was a huge success! We collected 234 coats that are going to District 11 in Colorado Springs and Colorado Housing Partnership. Thank you to everyone who supported this event.
How to Receive Emergency Messages from DCSD
Log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and click on the “person” icon in the top right-hand corner of the page. Navigate to “Contact Preferences” and review your contact information. If you see an incorrect phone number or email, please update it in Infinite Campus, or contact us at admin@dcsmontessori.org to request an update.
Log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and click on the “person” icon in the top right-hand corner of the page. Navigate to “Contact Preferences” and review your contact information. If you see an incorrect phone number or email, please update it in Infinite Campus, or contact us at admin@dcsmontessori.org to request an update.
Ms. Andrea and Mr. Mike's class House Tea! Complete with snacks from Africa to go along with our Africa studies!
A School Year Goes By Fast… But The Memories Last Forever! 📸
Help your child remember all the special moments of the 2026–2027 school year with a DCS Montessori Charter School Yearbook.
📚 Order your 2027 Yearbook by October 31 and receive 10% off!
Scan the QR code or visit TreeRing.com to purchase.
🐾 Questions? Contact Maria Hannigan at mhannigan@dcsdk12.org
2026-2027 Apple Awards Nominations
It's time for Apple Award nominations. Be sure to nominate DCSD teachers or staff members who are making a difference. Apple Awards winners will be celebrated during a gala in March. Being nominated for an Apple Awards is a true honor for our educators. Learn more and nominate at www.foundationdcs.org/aa-nominations by October 26!
It's time for Apple Award nominations. Be sure to nominate DCSD teachers or staff members who are making a difference. Apple Awards winners will be celebrated during a gala in March. Being nominated for an Apple Awards is a true honor for our educators. Learn more and nominate at www.foundationdcs.org/aa-nominations by October 26!
From Lifetouch: Enjoy 10% off your order when purchasing school pictures. Use code F2610OFF
Expires July 31, 2027
Expires July 31, 2027
Tomorrow is the final day for the coat drive
Due to Fun Run beginning promptly at 8:45am, our school’s parking lot will be closed by 8:40am tomorrow (Friday, Oct 2nd).
If you’re planning to come cheer on your student or volunteer, you need to arrive before then or park elsewhere. Please be aware that vehicles parked on the road behind the school will be ticketed and parking on the grass on the DCSM campus is strictly prohibited. Consider parking along Max Drive which is the street near our Middle School campus - just west of our Main Campus. You will not be able to enter the Main Campus parking lot after 8:40am nor exit it until after 11am.
After School Programs start right after Fall Break!
So many of your old favorites are back including Crochet, Soccer Buddies, Tech Lab MakerSpace, Lego Club, Ceramics, Los Pumas Spanish Club and more!
New classes include:
Mahjong Mania for 4th-8th graders: Students will learn the fundamentals of American Mahjong in a relaxed, welcoming environment while building skills in strategy, critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving. Each week will combine instruction with plenty of hands-on play, games, and opportunities to make new friends. Whether your child is completely new to Mahjong or has played before, this program is a great way to learn a unique and increasingly popular game while developing confidence, patience, and social skills. Come learn the tiles, master the strategy, and have fun along the way!
Cougar Pucks Floor Hockey for 1st-3rd grades: Ready to hit the floor and level up your hockey skills? Join us for an action-packed class designed for 1st-3rd graders! Players will learn new skills, play fun games, build confidence, and work together in a positive, energetic environment. All equipment will be provided.
Visit www.MySchoolBucks.com to see all the classes we have available.
So many of your old favorites are back including Crochet, Soccer Buddies, Tech Lab MakerSpace, Lego Club, Ceramics, Los Pumas Spanish Club and more!
New classes include:
Mahjong Mania for 4th-8th graders: Students will learn the fundamentals of American Mahjong in a relaxed, welcoming environment while building skills in strategy, critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving. Each week will combine instruction with plenty of hands-on play, games, and opportunities to make new friends. Whether your child is completely new to Mahjong or has played before, this program is a great way to learn a unique and increasingly popular game while developing confidence, patience, and social skills. Come learn the tiles, master the strategy, and have fun along the way!
Cougar Pucks Floor Hockey for 1st-3rd grades: Ready to hit the floor and level up your hockey skills? Join us for an action-packed class designed for 1st-3rd graders! Players will learn new skills, play fun games, build confidence, and work together in a positive, energetic environment. All equipment will be provided.
Visit www.MySchoolBucks.com to see all the classes we have available.
Learning about different cultures is part of cosmic education Montessori Elementary. Upper Elementary students learned from each other about Rosh Hashanah and the Asian Mooncake Festival. They also prepared an East African cucumber and tomato salad as part of their study of Africa.
Breaking Ground: GIRLS Explore Careers in the World of Transportation & Construction
DCS Montessori 7th grade girls recently had the opportunity to participate in the GIRLS Transportation and Construction Expo, an engaging experience that introduced students to the many career possibilities within transportation, construction, engineering, and skilled trades.
Through hands-on activities and conversations with professionals, the students explored real-world applications of math, science, problem-solving, and practical skills. The experience reflected the Montessori philosophy of learning through purposeful work, curiosity, independence, and meaningful engagement with the world beyond the classroom.
For our students, the Expo was more than a field trip, it was an opportunity to ask questions, try something new, discover their capabilities, and envision themselves as future builders, designers, engineers, and leaders! We are proud of the confidence and curiosity they brought to this experience!!
DCS Montessori 7th grade girls recently had the opportunity to participate in the GIRLS Transportation and Construction Expo, an engaging experience that introduced students to the many career possibilities within transportation, construction, engineering, and skilled trades.
Through hands-on activities and conversations with professionals, the students explored real-world applications of math, science, problem-solving, and practical skills. The experience reflected the Montessori philosophy of learning through purposeful work, curiosity, independence, and meaningful engagement with the world beyond the classroom.
For our students, the Expo was more than a field trip, it was an opportunity to ask questions, try something new, discover their capabilities, and envision themselves as future builders, designers, engineers, and leaders! We are proud of the confidence and curiosity they brought to this experience!!
Many of our school and teacher emails continue to be shifted to your spam folders. So we asked Google Gemini for help (the vast majority of our parents have Gmail accounts, but we are sure you can do something similar if you use another provider).
Follow the steps below to set up a Gmail filter. Once set up, Gmail will automatically override the spam filter for any email coming from that domain.
We’ve attached screenshots that might make this easier.
Open Search Options: In Gmail, click the Show search options icon (the slider controls icon) on the right side of the top search bar. (see attached screenshot)
Specify Domain: In the From field, type @dcsdk12.org.
Create Filter: At the bottom of the popup box, click Create filter.
Bypass Spam: Check the box next to “Never send it to Spam”.
Save Filter: Click the Create filter button to save the rule.
Repeat this process for @dcsmontessori.org
Note: this information was previously sent via email to all parents.
Follow the steps below to set up a Gmail filter. Once set up, Gmail will automatically override the spam filter for any email coming from that domain.
We’ve attached screenshots that might make this easier.
Open Search Options: In Gmail, click the Show search options icon (the slider controls icon) on the right side of the top search bar. (see attached screenshot)
Specify Domain: In the From field, type @dcsdk12.org.
Create Filter: At the bottom of the popup box, click Create filter.
Bypass Spam: Check the box next to “Never send it to Spam”.
Save Filter: Click the Create filter button to save the rule.
Repeat this process for @dcsmontessori.org
Note: this information was previously sent via email to all parents.
Join the new sports After School Program - Cougar Pucks Floor Hockey!
Hey 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, are you ready to hit the floor and level up your hockey skills? Join us for an action-packed class designed just for you! Players will learn new skills, play fun games, build confidence, and work together in a positive, energetic environment. All equipment will be provided.
Players will:
*Learn stick handling, passing and shooting
*Play fun games and skill challenges
*Build teamwork and sportsmanship
*Improve coordination, agility and balance
*Get creative with hockey-themed activities
Come ready to move, play, compete, and have fun!
Visit www.myschoolbucks.com to sign up. Classes start right after Fall Break!
Hey 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, are you ready to hit the floor and level up your hockey skills? Join us for an action-packed class designed just for you! Players will learn new skills, play fun games, build confidence, and work together in a positive, energetic environment. All equipment will be provided.
Players will:
*Learn stick handling, passing and shooting
*Play fun games and skill challenges
*Build teamwork and sportsmanship
*Improve coordination, agility and balance
*Get creative with hockey-themed activities
Come ready to move, play, compete, and have fun!
Visit www.myschoolbucks.com to sign up. Classes start right after Fall Break!
Growing Community: Mums for the Fall Fun Run!
Our Middle School Greenhouse students are getting into the spirit of fall! As part of their Greenhouse work, students recently planted colorful mums to help decorate the elementary campus for the upcoming Fall Fun Run! 💚💛💚
From preparing the soil to carefully planting and watering, students practiced responsibility, patience, and care for their environment. The project offered a meaningful opportunity to connect their greenhouse work with the larger school community.
We look forward to seeing their beautiful mums brighten the path as our community comes together for a fun fall celebration NEXT WEEK! 💚💛💚
Our Middle School Greenhouse students are getting into the spirit of fall! As part of their Greenhouse work, students recently planted colorful mums to help decorate the elementary campus for the upcoming Fall Fun Run! 💚💛💚
From preparing the soil to carefully planting and watering, students practiced responsibility, patience, and care for their environment. The project offered a meaningful opportunity to connect their greenhouse work with the larger school community.
We look forward to seeing their beautiful mums brighten the path as our community comes together for a fun fall celebration NEXT WEEK! 💚💛💚
Learning Through Service: DCS Montessori Middle School Partners with P.O.S.T.
Some of our middle school students recently partnered with P.O.S.T. (Castle Rock Parks, Open Space, & Trails) for a trail clean-up day at PSM Park in Castle Rock. Working together outdoors, students cared for a shared community space while putting Montessori principles into action. Through hands-on service, they practiced stewardship, responsibility, collaboration, and respect for the natural environment, all while working as a team and making a meaningful contribution to their community.
Experiences like this invite our students to consider their cosmic purpose: The idea that each of us has a role to play in the larger story of our world. By caring for the land, serving their community, and recognizing how their actions affect others, students begin to see themselves not simply as learners, but as active participants in a much larger interconnected community. This partnership also reflects a core Montessori belief: students are capable, engaged members of their communities. Through service and connection with the natural world, our students are developing practical skills while cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility for the places they share, the people around them, and the wider world of which they are a part!
Some of our middle school students recently partnered with P.O.S.T. (Castle Rock Parks, Open Space, & Trails) for a trail clean-up day at PSM Park in Castle Rock. Working together outdoors, students cared for a shared community space while putting Montessori principles into action. Through hands-on service, they practiced stewardship, responsibility, collaboration, and respect for the natural environment, all while working as a team and making a meaningful contribution to their community.
Experiences like this invite our students to consider their cosmic purpose: The idea that each of us has a role to play in the larger story of our world. By caring for the land, serving their community, and recognizing how their actions affect others, students begin to see themselves not simply as learners, but as active participants in a much larger interconnected community. This partnership also reflects a core Montessori belief: students are capable, engaged members of their communities. Through service and connection with the natural world, our students are developing practical skills while cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility for the places they share, the people around them, and the wider world of which they are a part!
Notes from our Kitchen,
Students sometimes order “doubles” (that second slice of pizza can be irresistible!). Single entree lunches are free for our students; however, that second entree has a charge.
If you are okay with your children ordering doubles, please ensure they have funds in their www.MySchoolBucks.com account. We recommend enabling “Auto Pay” where you set the payments and the timing. For example you can set it to add $25 each time the account falls below $10.
If you don’t want your child to order doubles - and it’s become an issue, click here and complete the form.
If you are okay with them ordering doubles occasionally - talk with them about the limits. Perhaps only on Pizza Day. Or no more than twice each week. Our staff can’t monitor this, but it’s a great learning opportunity for your students. And ensure you have funds in your www.MySchoolBucks.com lunch account. We recommend enabling “Auto Pay” where you set the payments and the timing. For example you can set it to add $25 each time the account falls below $10.
For more information about our Lunch program click here: https://www.dcsmontessori.org/o/dcsm/page/lunch-info
2nd Quarter After School Programs start right after Fall Break! Visit www.MySchoolBucks.com to sign up.
Day Class Grades Vacancies
Mondays Sports Spectacular OTA ◀️ NEW 3-6 12
Mondays Book Club ◀️ NEW 1-5 20
Mondays Chess Wizards K-5 13
Mondays Sensory Play P3-1 5
Tuesdays Coding for Kids K-3 K-3 6
Tuesdays Crochet 2-8 13
Tuesdays Los Pumas Spanish Club ◀️ Now enrolling 1st-3rd graders 1-3 8
Tuesdays Mahjong Mania ◀️ NEW 4-8 15
Tuesdays Soccer Buddies P3-K 12
Wednesdays Ceramics 1-8 5
Wednesdays Cougar Zoomies Wednesdays P3-K 13
Wednesdays Tech Lab MakerSpace 4-8 10
Thursdays Lil' Pucks Floor Hockey ◀️ NEW P3-K 6
Thursdays Lego Club K-5 11
Fridays Dungeons & Dragons 4-8 6
Fridays Cougar Pucks ◀️ NEW 1-3 14
Fall Appreciation Luncheon
We’re celebrating our amazing teachers and staff with a Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon on October 6 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. This is a particularly busy and long week for our school staff, so we’d love your help in making this luncheon extra special!
There are several ways you can contribute. You can sign up to:
* Donate a food item, such as a salad, side dish, or dessert
* Provide drinks or paper goods
* Help with set-up
* Help with clean-up — and enjoy special front-row parking privileges while you’re here!
Click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090549A4AF2FAAFF2-65920200-fall#/
We’re celebrating our amazing teachers and staff with a Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon on October 6 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. This is a particularly busy and long week for our school staff, so we’d love your help in making this luncheon extra special!
There are several ways you can contribute. You can sign up to:
* Donate a food item, such as a salad, side dish, or dessert
* Provide drinks or paper goods
* Help with set-up
* Help with clean-up — and enjoy special front-row parking privileges while you’re here!
Click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090549A4AF2FAAFF2-65920200-fall#/
Do you have coats that don’t fit anymore? Donate them to our annual coat drive! Upper Elementary 6th graders will be collecting coats this year, during the week of September 28th- October 2nd, during morning and afternoon carpool. There are three ways you can help:
1. Donate your gently used kids' and adults' jackets from Sept 28-Oct 2. We will also take hats, gloves, and boots.
2. Buy new coats, hats, gloves, and boots to donate.
3. Please be sure to wash all items before donating
Donations of children's coats will go toward Rogers Elementary and Coperni 3 K-8 public charter school in Colorado Springs. The adult donations will go to Partners in Housing: Community Service Agency. Please help us provide warmth for families in need this winter. Thank you!
Please let Ms. Diana know if you have any questions at dlvisser1@dcsdk12.org.
1. Donate your gently used kids' and adults' jackets from Sept 28-Oct 2. We will also take hats, gloves, and boots.
2. Buy new coats, hats, gloves, and boots to donate.
3. Please be sure to wash all items before donating
Donations of children's coats will go toward Rogers Elementary and Coperni 3 K-8 public charter school in Colorado Springs. The adult donations will go to Partners in Housing: Community Service Agency. Please help us provide warmth for families in need this winter. Thank you!
Please let Ms. Diana know if you have any questions at dlvisser1@dcsdk12.org.
