Winter 2025 Newsletter

As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for this extraordinary community. Whether you’ve supported Tennyson for years or are just getting to know us, your connection to our mission makes a difference. Together, we are creating new opportunities for children and families, providing the care, education, and resources they need to heal and build strong, hopeful futures.

Meaningful support has helped drive remarkable progress in our facility school and day treatment program. Under the leadership of Principal Djuana Osby, who has dedicated over 35 years to Tennyson, we’ve reshaped our school structure to better support both students and educators. A renewed focus on professional development has empowered our teachers, while innovative curriculum updates have created new pathways for learning. These efforts are ensuring that children who have struggled in traditional school settings now have a place where they feel safe, supported, and able to succeed.

In our residential program, 2024 marked the first full year of expanded services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Thanks to your support, we’ve not only increased the number of children we serve but have also introduced new therapeutic programs, including experiential therapies like gardening and art. These initiatives are helping children develop essential life skills, emotional regulation, and meaningful connections—all in a structured, home-like environment.

Beyond our campus, your generosity is strengthening community-based programs that extend our reach to children and families across Colorado. This year, we made a strategic shift to allow our clinicians to spend more time with families, tailoring support to meet their unique needs. This flexibility has been life-changing for so many, as one parent shared: “Tennyson gave us hope when we had none. They reminded us that we’re not alone in this journey.”

While we celebrate these achievements, we also recognize the evolving landscape for nonprofits. Changes in federal funding policies are impacting many organizations, including those in child welfare and mental health services. At Tennyson, we are committed to staying agile and ensuring that children and families continue receiving the care they need, regardless of external challenges. Your partnership is more vital than ever in this moment, allowing us to navigate uncertainty with confidence and continue delivering the highest level of care.

Last year, as we celebrated 120 years of Tennyson’s legacy, we were reminded that lasting change is built on the strength of a community that believes in the power of hope and healing. Your support is more than a donation—it’s a lifeline for children who need stability, safety, and a future filled with possibilities.

I invite you to stay connected, visit our campus, or reach out to hear more about how your generosity makes a difference. Together, we are creating lasting change and opening doors to new possibilities for every child we serve.

With gratitude,

Mindy Watrous
President & CEO

BUILDING GROWTH & CONNECTION IN OUR SCHOOL

One semester down, we continue building on exciting developments for this academic year. Several key initiatives and collaborations have furthered our commitment to providing an enriching educational experience for our students.

Enhanced Collaboration with Youth Treatment Counselors

This semester, we are amplifying the collaboration between our teachers and youth treatment counselors (YTCs). Recognizing the crucial role that mental wellness plays in educational success, YTCs are now leading groups in the classroom, focusing on the “7 Mindsets” program.

The 7 Mindsets are based on a comprehensive study of some of the world’s happiest and most successful people and include principles such as “Everything is Possible,” “Passion First,” and “We Are Connected.” These mindsets help foster resilience, empathy, and a positive growth outlook among students, which are crucial for personal and academic success.

Further incorporation of YTCs into regular classroom activities and behavioral supports not only assists students’ emotional and social development but also enriches the educational environment by providing more holistic support. Teachers collaborating closely with YTCs ensure that educational strategies are aligned with students’ emotional needs, creating a nurturing and effective learning space.

Leveraging Technology in the Classroom

We are thrilled to announce that new laptops have been purchased for classroom use, significantly enhancing our project-based learning activities and all other academic assignments. Access to laptops allows students to engage in a more diversified curriculum, explore digital resources, and develop essential job-ready skills. Our goal is to have teachers use this technology to expand lesson plans, integrate multimedia elements, and facilitate interactive learning experiences that cater to our students’ diverse learning styles.

Innovative Art Projects and Professional Development

Our art department recently embarked on an innovative project. Students manipulated nylon to create painted 3D structures. This hands-on activity not only allowed students to explore their creative talents but also demonstrated the practical application of art concepts in three-dimensional forms. The finished pieces are on display in the administration offices.

We recently had a professional development day featuring the Tennyson version of  “The Amazing Race.” This team-building activity was met with glowing reviews from staff and provided lots of fun, team-building, and laughs. It was an engaging way to develop cooperative strategies and problem-solving skills, and we will continue to do activities like this in the future.

These updates reflect our school’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment. Through collaboration, technology use, and community-building activities, we continue to empower our students and staff to excel and enjoy every aspect of their educational journey here at Tennyson.

RESIDENTIAL RENOVATIONS

We are grateful to HomeAid, Pulte Homes, and Toll Brothers for coming together to create a brighter future for our kids. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformation unfolds!

CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS

Our young artists have been busy bringing their creativity to life through a variety of hands-on projects, exploring new materials, techniques, and artistic concepts.

Abstract Sculptures
Students designed striking abstract sculptures using wire and nylons, transforming them into dynamic 3D canvases. Inspired by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor, and Barbara Hepworth, they explored ways to break up space, create contrast, and push the boundaries of form. 

Clay Creations
From coil-built vessels to festive ornaments, students expanded their understanding of clay, even designing ceramic pieces that tell a story about life today—imagining how an archaeologist might interpret their work 500 years from now. They also had the exciting opportunity to learn how to throw clay on the potter’s wheel!

Handmade Paper Sculptures
Through the Denver Art Museum’s Art Lives Here program, students had the unique experience of engaging with authentic works from local artists displayed in our own Tennyson library. Inspired by Tiana Kitchell’s piece on plant adaptation, students crafted their own handmade paper sculptures, reimagining plant life with an alien-like twist.

Bug Creations
Bugs took center stage as students worked with a variety of materials to bring their insects to life—starting with chalk and glue drawings, then moving on to cardboard and plaster bug sculptures. They also designed unique habitats and stories for their bugs, learning about insect life along the way.

Each of these projects has allowed our students to express themselves in new and meaningful ways, building confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the artistic process.

FORE! Our Kids Golf Classic

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS