The Bow Mar Heights Improvement Association (BMHIA) was proud to provide a $500 donation to Mary S. Kaiser Elementary School. The Board voted unanimously to direct the funds this year towards teacher recognition and the school's computer lab. Excess money raised by the Board from advertisements in the neighborhood newsletter and donations go back to the neighborhood and its school to foster community goodwill.
The Bow Mar Heights Improvement Association partners with Rich Sinclair, principal, and the school on a regular basis. The now annual Movie Night brings students and neighbors together for a fun evening of entertainment during the summer. In April of 2007, the Rocky Mountain News recognized the BMHIA's partnership with the school and its efforts to distribute fliers about the school's positive steps. As a result of this and other efforts by the school, more students enrolled and Kaiser avoided closure. This new $500 donation continues a tradition of work and financial support to the school by the Board
Mary S. Kaiser Elementary School is an important part of the Bow Mar Heights neighborhood. Not only does it educate children, but members also believe a strong school helps build a strong community and a desirable place for people to live. Rich Sinclair, principal, noted that, "Kaiser Elementary is one of THE "choice" DPS schools in the Southwest area. The enrollment continues to grow. Next year, Kaiser will be replacing the sixth grade program with THREE full day (or half day) Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs. The cost to families will run from $390 a month to free."
In addition, "Bow Mar Heights is one of Denver's preferred neighborhoods," noted Shaun Baker, President of BMHIA. "It is situated just south of Fort Logan National Cemetery. (South of Quincy and east of Sheridan Blvd). This neighborhood is quiet and friendly. It is a great place to raise a family. Kaiser Elementary School is a gem for our neighborhood and is situated in the middle of it. The 360 degree views of many Front Range cities and the mountains are breathtaking. We have one of the lowest crime rates in the City of Denver. The approximately 700 homes are well kept by neighbors who really show their pride of ownership. We are close to light rail and several shopping centers. Two more centers are under construction. They are both located on Santa Fe, one at Hampden and the other at Belleview."
The Bow Mar Heights Improvement Association is one of Denver's Registered Neighborhood Organizations. BMHIA has an all volunteer board. Members are Dale Anderson, Shaun Baker, Sharon Bennett, Vicki Gritters, Lynda Pumphrey, Amy Reichardt, and Cheryl Thurston. Its mission is to foster a friendly and engaging community spirit and is a resource to all neighbors and city or state agencies so that they can effectively take action to address concerns and improvements which create a united community. The Association accomplishes this by holding annual events and monthly meetings, delivering quarterly newsletters, and by working with the City of Denver.
Mary S. Kaiser Elementary School is located at 4500 S. Quitman Street in Denver. To contact the school call 303/795-6014.