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SUBJECT: Week In Review - January 22-26, 2024
January 26, 2024
Happy Friday!
How can we possibly be at the end of January? It truly feels like this school year is flying by.
Many of our high schools are beginning their Wish Weeks which, in my opinion, are some of the more incredible events our community can participate in. During Wish Weeks our high schools (and often their entire feeder and community) come together to grant the wish of a special child via Make-A-Wish or other similar organizations. These events are led by our incredible high school students!
This week, Douglas County High School, Highlands Ranch High School, and Legend High School kicked off their Wish Weeks, with many more launching in the coming weeks. Be sure to watch your local high school’s website and social media pages for information on how you can get involved in your community. There are a variety of ways to help including mentioning your local high school’s Wish Week at participating restaurants, making donations and buying Wish Week merchandise.
Here’s some information about Highlands Ranch High School’s Wish Kid. Wish Weeks make wishes come true for so many children including those living right here in Douglas County.
Have a great weekend!
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
Faces of DCSD: Meet Flagstone Elementary Music Teacher Stephen Mirandi
Music teacher Stephen Mirandi is finding his rhythm in his second year with DCSD at Flagstone Elementary in Castle Rock. Mirandi teaches grades K-6 and movement is key for the younger grades. The kindergarteners and first graders dance and participate in fun singing activities. Students in second and third grades are introduced to the xylophone and recorders. Students in fourth through sixth grades are learning the ukulele and studying music history, including jazz and blues, country, b-pop, rap, and classical music. In fifth and sixth grades, students get more familiar with the ukulele. Read more. >>
Castle View HS Student Completes Colorado 14ers
Kayla, a Castle Rock resident, recently completed her goal summiting all of Colorado’s peaks. She did most with her mom, Nicole Ross. With repeats of some peaks, Kalya Ross has climbed all 58. A fourteener is a mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet of elevation with fragile high-alpine terrain. Read more.>>
A Super Special Night at Mammoth Heights Elementary
Over 250 students and their families attended "A Super Special Night at MHE," organized by Mammoth Heights Elementary's specials teachers. The event showcased activities in Art, Music, Health & Wellness, STEM, and PE, providing a glimpse into the diverse curriculum of the specials classrooms. It was a memorable evening that brought the school community together, emphasizing the holistic education Mammoth Heights Elementary offers.
2023 Junior ThesCon (Correction)
Congratulations to Ashley Howard from Cresthill Middle School who received a Superior Rating at Junior ThesCon last month.
Share Your School’s Good News!
We will continue to send these celebratory emails out each week. If we missed a celebration or you have good news to share, please submit it here.
RESOURCES AND TIPS FOR PARENTS
Mental Health Resources
The Big Lesson Parents Of High-Achieving Kids Must Teach Again And Again
When parents and teachers place lofty expectations on kids, the pressure to be perfect can result in a lot of anxiety. That sort of anxiety can mean a drive to avoid failure at all costs can, and, paradoxically, stop children from becoming high-achievers. But there are ways to greatly increase the odds that a child will turn their goals into results. Read more. >>
Literacy
Developing Reading and Writing at Home
Writing is a terrific way for children to express their thoughts, creativity, and uniqueness. It is also a fundamental way in which children learn to organize ideas. And learning to write well helps children to be better readers. When engaging in writing, young children often mirror what they see around them: adults and older children writing lists, letters, text messaging. They are observing the way writing is used in our everyday lives. Read more.>>
Health and Wellness
How To Keep Kids Active in Winter
Winter brings shorter, colder days and, typically, much more indoor family time. But that doesn't mean you can't keep your kids moving and having fun. With a little planning and creativity, you can help your family stay physically active all year long – no matter what the weather is outside. Read more.>>
EVENTS
Parent University: The Role of Today’s School Counselor
Wednesday, January 31 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Online/Virtual Event
Douglas County School District will be celebrating National School Counselor Week the week of February 5-9. Join Dr. Kelli Smith, Director of Health, Wellness and Prevention, and DCSD Lead Counselors Renee Cawley and Kambi Crabb, to discuss how students can best leverage their school counselor. Specifically, data will be shared on our DCSD counseling programs' impact on students' achievement and engagement in our schools. Learn more and register. >>
Summer Camp Fair and Kids’ Activities Expo
Hosted by Macaroni Kid
Sunday, February 25 | 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DCSD Legacy Campus, Lone Tree
Registration is now open for the 2024 Macaroni KID Summer Camp Fair & Kids' Activities Expo! This free event is a one-stop community-focused event designed to allow families to meet face-to-face with the best camps, summer activities, and more in and around Douglas County. The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is a proud non-profit partner of Macaroni Kid. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Learn Multisensory Methods To Help Your Child Master Multiplication Facts
Hosted by DCKid
Wednesday, February 28 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Castle Pines Library, 360 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines
Click here for more information and to register.
Teen Defensive Driving and Crash Avoidance Courses
Hosted by Altitude Driver Safety Foundation
Three-hour courses taught by law enforcement driving instructors.
Click here for more information and pricing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2024 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Award Nominations
The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 who have overcome personal adversity and created positive change in their lives. The Youth Awards focus on teenagers who have triumphed over great odds and serve as inspirations and role models. If you know young people who would be good candidates for the Youth Awards, please help us identify them by completing the nomination form, link is below. Award winners receive a cash gift! Nomination forms are due by: March 29, 2024.
Join the DCSD Family
DCSD is hiring for a variety of positions, including bus drivers, transportation assistants, educational assistants, BASE workers, kitchen assistants, building engineers, security dispatchers, grounds and maintenance and so much more. Learn more and apply today at www.dcsdk12.org/careers.