The Bellwether

As the principal of Holm Elementary, I am proud to say that we are a school that welcomes every child exactly where they are and helps them to grow to their fullest potential. Our focus is not simply on where students begin their educational journey, but on the academic, social and emotional growth they make while they are with us. At Holm, we believe every student deserves the support and opportunities they need to succeed. For students identified as Gifted and Talented, we offer services through our GT program as well as advanced math opportunities. For students who require additional support, we provide targeted interventions, special education services, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language services, and dedicated adult support when identified through an IEP. Our commitment to the whole child continues to grow. Last year, we added a Restorative Practice Coordinator and a Liaison of Student Support to strengthen our Whole Child Model. This year, we are excited to add a second school psychologist to further support students and families. we believe social-emotional learning is woven throughout the school day and embedded in every interaction, not confined to a single scheduled lesson. Holm has consistently been recognized as an Effective School throughout Denver Public School's School Performance Framework and previously earned the Distinguished rating. In 2023, Holm was honored as a Center of Excellence by the Colorado Department of Education. While our achievement scores may not always be the highest in the state, our growth data consistently demonstrates that students make significant academic progress, often achieving more than a year's worth of growth in a single year. Family partnerships are an essential part of our success. We encourage families to advocate for their children, engage with teachers, participate in our Holm Helpers parent group, and attend the many family engagement opportunities offered throughout the year. We communicate regularly through Friday Folders, ClassDojo, social media and school-wide updates to keep families informed and connected. Holm may not always be the highest-performing school by every measure, but we are a school that believes deeply in the potential of every child. We celebrate growth, foster meaningful relationships, and work every day to ensure students feel supported, challenged and valued. Simply put, there is no place like Holm.

I wouldn’t recommend this school, if you don’t want your children coming scratched and bruised up daily; don’t enroll. School teachers, school principal, school staff does nothing about this behavior! Had a bad experience at this school with my child coming to school everyday to defend themselves instead of learning! I would never get contacted by the school when my child would be attacked by another student!(one day my child had blood on clothing, due to an altercation with two other students, my child had to change and I wasn’t contacted by Teacher, nurse or principal) Not acceptable; school teachers/ staff isn’t watching children thoroughly, along with not contacting parents when it comes to physical altercations/ children being harmed! Staff could have done better addressing situations like this in the school! Please pay close attention to your child and always ask them questions about their teachers and peers when sending them off to learn.

I have had consistent awful experiences with the front desk. My daughter is In Kindergarten and has many challenges. The front desk has consistently made matters difficult to communicate with teachers and learn protocols. I wholeheartedly believe their micro aggressions are on purpose. My daughter will not be returning next year. I was gaslit when confronted. Not worth it if you expect equality in quality service. I don’t want to assume it’s because I’m a black mother, but it shouldn’t get to the point where I tried to figure it out. I can’t wait to transfer.