Superintendent News & Messages

DCSD Logo
Important News from the DCSD Board of Education
09/08/2020
We have important news to share with our school district family. At a Special Meeting of the DCSD Board of Education on September 8, Superintendent Thomas Tucker resigned from the school district, effective September 30, 2020.
Read More about Important News from the DCSD Board of Education
clear
Welcome to the 2020-21 School Year
08/24/2020
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! Last week, we officially welcomed students back into our buildings for orientation days. This week, classes begin for our hybrid learners, and next week we look forward to welcoming our eLearners to the new school year as well. It will be great to have all of our students back and re-engaged in education once again! As I visit with students and staff, I am confident that, with your assistance, we will provide a high-quality education for your children.
Read More about Welcome to the 2020-21 School Year
clear
DCSD eLearning Program Delays to August 31
08/23/2020
Thank you for your patience and support as we get ready to start the 2020-2021 school year. At this time, all elementary and middle school students have been rostered and scheduled for their first-semester classes.
Read More about DCSD eLearning Program Delays to August 31
clear
DCSD High School eLearning Start Date Delayed
08/21/2020
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our virtual parent orientations this week. If you were unable to attend, we have posted the presentation and recording on the Douglas County School District eLearning Hub at www.dcsdk12.org/eLearning. I encourage you to bookmark this page as it is regularly updated with helpful information for our eLearning families.
Read More about DCSD High School eLearning Start Date Delayed
clear
Remembering Our Unity of Purpose
08/03/2020
Navigating the return to school in the midst of COVID-19 is incredibly challenging -- in fact, it’s the most difficult storm I’ve weathered in my 30 years in public education. Myself, the DCSD Board of Education and all of our staff are doing the best we can to provide students with a quality public education, while keeping them safe.
Read More about Remembering Our Unity of Purpose
clear
Hybrid Learning for 2020-21
07/27/2020
At a Special Meeting of the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education on Saturday, July 25, we recommended to the School Board that DCSD begin the school year implementing a hybrid learning model which is a blend of in-person learning at school with independent learning and live online instruction (eLearning) at home. The Board voted unanimously to begin the 2020-2021 school year implementing this hybrid learning model with allowance for families to select a 100% eLearning option for their students if they prefer.
Read More about Hybrid Learning for 2020-21
clear
DCSD Road to Return Update July 22
07/22/2020
Thank you for your continued patience as we work to revise our Road to Return plan. On Monday, July 20, we received much-anticipated guidance from the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. We are working to incorporate that guidance into our plan.
Read More about DCSD Road to Return Update July 22
clear
Back to School 2020 Update
07/17/2020
Thank you for your feedback and questions in follow up to my email from Wednesday, July 14. Transitioning our students and staff back to school requires community collaboration and we thank you for your continued partnership. We will continue to update and refine our re-entry plan to incorporate feedback, the changing environment, and pending guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on reopening schools protocols. This information, along with our, forthcoming, full plan document, and frequently asked questions will be presented and reviewed by the Douglas County Board of Education at its upcoming special meeting Saturday, July 25.
Read More about Back to School 2020 Update
clear
2020-21 School Year Important Update
07/14/2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided us with many challenges and continuously changing information. And with that, we understand that the idea of returning students and staff to the classroom comes with great anxiety. As the safety of our staff and students is of utmost importance, the decision to return to in-person learning is not one we are taking lightly. We are listening to the concerns of our community and working to answer the many questions being raised by our students, parents, staff, and community members.
Read More about 2020-21 School Year Important Update
clear
Survey for Returning to School August 2020
06/13/2020
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) plans to return to in-person learning this August, unless healthcare experts, the Colorado Department of Education, and/or Governor Polis advise otherwise. The safety and well being of our students and staff remain a top priority, thus we are working with our DCSD Restart & Recovery Task Force to create a restart plan which will guide us in welcoming students back to an “as close to normal as possible” classroom experience in August, while taking necessary precautionary measures to keep students safe.
Read More about Survey for Returning to School August 2020
clear
DCSD Graduation Update 6-12-20
06/12/2020
We are ecstatic to inform you that our variance request to hold outdoor, in-person graduation ceremonies for the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Class of 2020 has been approved! We will host commencement ceremonies the week of June 22, 2020. Please visit the graduation page of our website for updated times, dates, and locations. Early next week, you can expect an email from your high school principal with specific details about your child’s graduation event.
Read More about DCSD Graduation Update 6-12-20
clear
DCSD Graduation Update 6-10-20
06/10/2020
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) is continuing to advocate for outdoor, in-person graduation ceremonies for our Class of 2020. The Tri-County Health Department and Douglas County Commissioners are supportive of our proposed plan, and submitted a variance application to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) last week. However, we are still waiting for word from the state on the approval or denial of that variance request.
Read More about DCSD Graduation Update 6-10-20
clear
Condemning Racism and Social Injustice
06/03/2020
We launched this school year with the theme of “Growing Together” to celebrate the power of interdependence and moving together toward a common vision and direction. Who knew that only a few months later we would be faced with obstacles that threaten the very core of “growing together”: a pandemic health crisis restricting physical contact, a virtual learning model minimizing relational interactions, the most extreme acts of racism and social injustice, an economic crisis resulting in increased unemployment and a significant burden on our families, and political unrest that has amplified divisiveness and polarization.
Read More about Condemning Racism and Social Injustice
clear
2020 Graduation Update
05/29/2020
Yesterday, I participated in a conference call with Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon, DCSD Board President David Ray, representatives from the Tri-County Health Department, and other Douglas County staff to discuss possibilities for our graduation ceremonies. During this call (and based on previous collaboration with our high school principals), we advocated for outdoor, in-person graduation ceremonies at DCSD athletic stadiums for our nine neighborhood high schools, two alternative high schools, as well as eDCSD.
Read More about 2020 Graduation Update
clear
Fall 2020 Planning Task Force
05/16/2020
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) plans to return to in-person learning this August, unless healthcare experts, the Colorado Department of Education, and/or Governor Polis advise otherwise. We are seeking parents/guardians, students, teachers, staff, and community members to help with the creation of a plan to safely reopen our schools, as well as contingency plans, in case returning to the classroom in August is not possible.
Read More about Fall 2020 Planning Task Force
clear
Thank you graphic
DCSD Celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Week 2020
05/04/2020
The first full week of May is National Teacher Appreciation Week. On behalf of the Douglas County School District, I would like to express my deep appreciation to our teachers for the heroic work they do each day to ensure the success of each of our students. Our talented professional educators provide high-quality teaching, learning and emotional support to ensure our students are prepared for college, career and life.
Read More about DCSD Celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Week 2020
clear
End of the Year Wrap-Up Plans
04/30/2020
With the Governor’s announcement of the extension of the school closure for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) staff are in the process of coordinating how we will wrap up the remainder of this school year, and the pick-up of student personal belongings from school buildings. (If your child attends a Douglas County School District charter school, please check in with your school directly for end-of-year information.)
Read More about End of the Year Wrap-Up Plans
clear
Graduation caps
Celebrating the Class of 2020
04/10/2020
While we are currently facing a collective state of uncertainty and transition in our community, I am certain all of us can say the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the Class of 2020 tops the list. Each of you has worked hard over the past 13 years to reach to this point; and each of you has experienced many milestones along the way culminating in your senior year of high school. I know you are experiencing a range of emotions such as anger, disappointment, sadness, and even fear. I feel these emotions with you, and for you. Despite this, I know that the pandemic does not define the Class of 2020. The impact, experiences, and memories of the past 13 years cannot be erased. So please keep your head up. You have so much to look forward to and I wish you nothing but success in your future.
Read More about Celebrating the Class of 2020
clear
DCSD Closes In-Person Learning for Remainder of Year
04/03/2020
Today marks the completion of our first full week of remote learning. I hope you and your family are finding a bit of a routine and normalcy during this time. I want to share with you that I, along with 13 other school district superintendents across the Front Range, have collectively made the difficult decision to keep our schools closed to in-person learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
Read More about DCSD Closes In-Person Learning for Remainder of Year
clear
Empty Classroom
DCSD Closure Extended Through April 30
04/01/2020
The Douglas County School District will follow the Governor’s executive order and remain closed through Thursday, April 30, and we will continue with remote learning during that time.
Read More about DCSD Closure Extended Through April 30
clear
Stay At Home Pic
Stay-at-Home Public Health Order
03/25/2020
Today, the Tri-County Health Department, along with two other public health departments, issued a Stay-At-Home Public Health Order. This affects all residents in Douglas County, as well as those living in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, and Jefferson counties. The Stay-At-Home order will go into effect on Thursday, March 26 at 8:00 a.m. and continue through Friday, April 17 at 11:59 p.m.
Read More about Stay-at-Home Public Health Order
clear
DCSD LOGO
Together -- We Will Help Our Children Endure
03/24/2020
This is an incredibly challenging time for all of us. We have all been shaken from our routines, isolated at home away from one another, and forced to quickly come up with a “new normal,” as we wait to see what happens next with COVID-19.
Read More about Together -- We Will Help Our Children Endure
clear
DCSD Logo
Thank You, Teachers!
03/24/2020
As you embark upon day one of online learning with your students today, I want to thank you for your flexibility and willingness to find innovative ways to keep our students engaged in learning. This has been an incredibly challenging time for all of us. We have all been shaken from our routines, isolated at home away from students and co-workers, and forced to quickly come up with a “new normal,” as we wait to see what happens next with COVID-19. It is you, our teachers, who are truly on the front lines. In the coming days and weeks, you will comfort your students, encourage them to learn and remain excited about the future, while likely pushing down your own feelings of fear and anxiety. You will create lesson plans for online learning and you may wonder if your students will grasp the material in this remote setting. You may hit bumps in the road with technology, wonder if you’re still reaching those students with social-emotional needs, and you may even shed more than a few private tears. But, in the end, you will be making a huge difference in the lives of our 68,000 students. You will find your groove and make the best of this unsettling situation. Each of you will prove that under the guidance of a great educator, a high-quality education can be achieved, even beyond the walls of a school.
Read More about Thank You, Teachers!
clear
Tracking COVID-19 Cases
03/20/2020
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) continues to stay in close contact with our partners at Tri-County Health Department (TCHD), and we sincerely thank them for all of their amazing work during this very difficult time. However, as the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in Douglas County, across the state, and across the nation, it creates challenges for our local and state health departments. During the early days of this outbreak, Tri-County Health Department staff were able to notify our school district when there was a confirmed case of COVID-19 so that we could track those who may have been exposed. Now, due to the volume of community spread of COVID-19, we are not able to track the source of the exposure or identify those at greater risk due to exposure in our school district. We know that anyone could have easily been exposed anywhere in our community.
Read More about Tracking COVID-19 Cases
clear
Gov Polis extends closure
DCSD Closure Extended Through April 17
03/18/2020
The Douglas County School District will be following this executive order, meaning our buildings will remain closed through Friday, April 17. This includes Before and After Care (BASE), preschool programs, and facility rentals. As we announced last week, we will be transitioning to remote learning starting next week.
Read More about DCSD Closure Extended Through April 17
clear
Sorry we're closed sign
Additional Information about DCSD Closure
03/13/2020
Starting at 5:00 p.m. today (Friday, March 13), Douglas County School District will be closing all of its facilities (schools, central office buildings, etc.) through Sunday, March 29. Closing a school building does not mean that class is not in session (except for during our already scheduled Spring Break). For the week of March 23-27, DCSD will transition from an in-school to a remote learning environment. We will reassess the situation as we get closer to that end date, and decide if students and staff should return on Monday, March 30.
Read More about Additional Information about DCSD Closure
clear
Schools Closed
DCSD Closed March 16-27, 2020
03/12/2020
In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Douglas County School District will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. This includes our already scheduled Spring Break next week.
Read More about DCSD Closed March 16-27, 2020
clear
Wash hands
Coronavirus Update: March 11, 2020
03/11/2020
Yesterday, Governor Polis declared a state of emergency for Colorado. Per his press release, this declaration will help ensure resources are available to the state to combat COVID-19. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is of utmost importance to DCSD. We continue to partner with Tri-County Health Department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment when making preventative plans and decisions to protect our students, staff, families, and community.
Read More about Coronavirus Update: March 11, 2020
clear
Luggage at airport
COVID-19 and DCSD Field Trips Cancelled
03/09/2020
We continue to work closely with our partners at Tri-County Health Department as we monitor the spread of COVID-19. As the number of cases expands in the U.S. and around the world, in an abundance of caution, DCSD is canceling all district-sponsored out of state and international field trips, athletics, activities (including band, etc.), and professional development activities until further notice. Your child’s teacher, coach, or sponsor will be reaching out with more details. Please know this was not an easy decision, as we recognize the impact this has on our families, but was made in the best interest of protecting the health and well-being of our students, staff, and community.
Read More about COVID-19 and DCSD Field Trips Cancelled
clear
Coronavirus update
Coronavirus Update: March 8, 2020
03/08/2020
Dear Douglas County Community, Douglas County School District (DCSD) and Tri-County Health Department have been notified that a potential exposure to COVID-19 at Ranch View Middle School (RVMS) is no longer a concern, due to a negative test result for the virus.
Read More about Coronavirus Update: March 8, 2020
clear
Public Schools Week Logo
Celebrating Public Schools Week 2020
02/26/2020
This week (February 24-28) is Public Schools Week 2020. This week celebrates our nation’s public schools, our students and the many school professionals who work to help students achieve their greatest potential. Douglas County School District is proud to be part of the broad group of 10 million parents and educators — administrators, teachers, specialists, teacher educators, and school board members who are commemorating this important week.
Read More about Celebrating Public Schools Week 2020
clear
DCSD Celebrates 2020 Presidents Day
Commemorating Presidents Day
02/17/2020
Dear Douglas County Community, I hope our staff and students are enjoying a well-deserved day off as we commemorate the lives of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as the lives and contributions of all of our 45 Presidents. Did you know that while Presidents Day is an official national holiday, each state decides how to celebrate it and even what to call it?
Read More about Commemorating Presidents Day
clear
MLK 2020
Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
01/20/2020
Dear Douglas County School District community, I hope our students and educators are enjoying a well-deserved day off from school on this historic day where we celebrate the life of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On this 34th annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I’m reminded of Dr. King’s passion for giving back to others. Soon, many of our schools will begin their Wish Week celebrations as they work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to provide special gifts to some remarkable children. Students give an enormous amount of energy, time and enthusiasm in their Wish Week acts of kindness and compassion.
Read More about Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
clear
Mountain View Veterans Day 2019 event
Thank You Veterans!
11/11/2019
I have been moved by the number of students and staff who took the time to invite our Active Service Members and Veterans into their school communities. Some schools hosted absolutely incredible Veterans Day Celebratory events, while others invited Veterans and Active Service Members to join them for breakfast or brunch. Some schools even honored Veterans who are now staff members in their buildings.
Read More about Thank You Veterans!
clear
image of vote pins
Reminder: Election Day is Next Week
11/01/2019
Just a reminder that Election Day is next week (Tuesday, November 5th). If you have not yet voted, please be sure to drop off your ballot ASAP -- please do not mail it in as it will not make it on time to be counted (postmarks are not honored).
Read More about Reminder: Election Day is Next Week
clear
Colorado Flag
Facts about Proposition CC
10/14/2019
The 2019 Colorado General Election is fast-approaching with ballots scheduled to arrive in mailboxes beginning this week. I have received questions regarding Proposition CC, which will appear on the ballot, and the impact it may have on Douglas County School District (DCSD). The Fair Campaign Practices Act prohibits us from endorsing or opposing any ballot initiative; therefore the following is factual information summarizing some of the pros and cons of Proposition CC.
Read More about Facts about Proposition CC
clear
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
10/10/2019
During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), Douglas County School District joined with Americans across our nation in celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, and was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively. Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, is October 12 and also falls within this 30-day period.
Read More about Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
clear
Red Rocks 9-11
Superintendent 9/11 Message
09/11/2019
Dear Douglas County Community, It’s hard to believe 18 years have passed since what we now refer to as 9/11 - or Patriot Day.
Read More about Superintendent 9/11 Message
clear
Safety and Security in DCSD
06/11/2019
Thanks to those of you who have provided us with input about how best to keep our students safe. I want you to know we are listening to your feedback and will refer to it as we look to build upon our current, comprehensive safety plan. In addition to the research-based security protocols being implemented in our schools, I want to outline several steps DCSD is taking for additional security measures. These security enhancements have already been in the works thanks to additional funding made possible by the passage of a $40 million mill levy override and $250 million bond this past November.
Read More about Safety and Security in DCSD
clear
Looking Back -- and Preparing for the Future
05/10/2019
While we work to face these days together and process the tragedy at STEM School Highlands Ranch, I want to reassure you that we have multiple resources in place to support all of our students and staff. References to these practices are linked below such as mental health services, safety and security protocols and Board of Education policies and resolutions that ensure safe and secure environments for all of our students.
Read More about Looking Back -- and Preparing for the Future
clear
Care and Concern for Our DCSD Family
05/07/2019
Dear DCSD Community: This is an incredibly difficult letter for me to write to you - and one I hoped I would never have to send. Our STEM family is hurting tonight. Our DCSD family is hurting tonight.
Read More about Care and Concern for Our DCSD Family
clear
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).