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SUBJECT: Week In Review - October 2-6, 2023
October 6, 2023
Happy Friday!
Today finally felt like fall. I’ll be bundled up and out attending some of our DCSD football games taking place this evening - I cannot wait! Of course, a couple of our games are DCSD versus DCSD matchups making it impossible for me to root for any team in particular. So if you see me rooting for multiple teams, just know that I’m wishing all of our student athletes the best of luck!
I’m honored to introduce this week’s Faces of DCSD staff spotlight – Catherine Watson at Pioneer Elementary School.
The Faces of DCSD: Catherine Watson
Catherine Watson has been working in the Douglas County School District for twenty years. She currently serves students, including those with significant support needs, at Pioneer Elementary in Parker. She is passionate about helping her students reach their full potential and preparing them for the next steps in their educational journey. Watch as Catherine shares why she calls Douglas County School District home.
2024 Apple Awards Nominations
Don’t forget to show some love to those DCSD educators and staff who are making a difference! The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is proud to honor exceptional educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in students and are trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools. Nominate an outstanding staff member today! Be sure to click on a school name to be routed to that school's nomination page.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
Rock Canyon Golfers Win State Championship
Way to go Rock Canyon Jags on winning the state championship title in 5A Boys Golf! Rock Canyon’s 5A Boys Team won the championship, and Rock Canyon’s Charlie Tucker took the championship title for individual results. This was Rock Canyon’s first-ever team and individual state title! Click here to read more and to see a full list of team and individual results. Click here for 4A results.
DCSD High Schools Make AP Placement Honor Roll
Several DCSD high schools are being recognized for their AP (Advanced Placement) programs, being named to the new AP School Honor Roll. Schools can earn this prestigious recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. Read more. >>
AP School Honor Roll 2023
Castle View High School Bronze
Chaparral High School Bronze
Douglas County High School Bronze
Highlands Ranch High School Silver
Legend High School Silver
Rock Canyon High School Gold
Skyview Academy Gold
STEM High School Gold
ThunderRidge High School Silver
Douglas County High School Student Honored for Outstanding Young Environmental Leadership
Congratulations to Douglas County High School Junior Maya Ayres. Maya recently received the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education’s (CAED) 2023 Award for Excellence for Outstanding Young Environmental Leadership! Maya was honored at the September 26 Board of Education meeting, and officially received her award at the Advancing Environmental Education Conference. Read more about Maya. >> See Maya’s TEDx Talk. >>
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 Resource
Webinar: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Depression in Teens
Hosted by ADDitude
Tuesday, October 24 | 11:00 a.m.
Register to receive link (webinar will be recorded)
Depression in teens has grown increasingly common since the COVID pandemic began and rates of adolescent mood disorders remain concerningly high. Depression and ADHD frequently co-occur, and both conditions must be recognized and treated effectively. When depression is not recognized, the consequences can be serious: Teens are at risk for poor school performance, substance use, early pregnancy, and self-harm.
During this webinar, caregivers and teachers will learn:
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How to differentiate typical sadness from depression in adolescents and teens
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How to recognize the symptoms of depression in adolescents and teens
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How symptoms of ADHD and major depression overlap
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About the current treatments for adolescent and teen depression
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Supportive strategies that caregivers and others can provide
Literacy
Dyslexia Awareness Month
The Colorado Dyslexia Handbook is a resource for reliable information for educators, students, families, and community members about dyslexia, comprehensive literacy instruction, and the evidence-based practices for identification, instruction, and accommodation of students who have reading difficulties. This handbook covers everything from the definition of dyslexia, structured literacy practices, assessments, wonderful articles written by respected researchers, and important legislation. Access the handbook here. >>
Health and Wellness
Visiting your pediatrician regularly helps ensure that your child is healthy and happy. In addition to covering basic wellness exams, these visits are also important for vaccinations, vision and hearing tests, mental health screenings, physical development and so much more. Plus, these visits are a key part of disease and illness prevention throughout childhood. Learn more about the importance of wellness checks from our friends at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
EVENTS
DCSD Pathways Expo
Hosted by the DCSD District Accountability Committee
Thursday, October 26 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
DCSD Legacy Campus, Lone Tree
The Expo will highlight Postsecondary Readiness options available to our students including Career and Technical Education, Concurrent Enrollment, and Work-based Learning Experiences. Students from across the district will share insights from participating in these programs and how the experience is preparing them to succeed in the future.
Click here to RSVP. Click here to view event flier. No cost to attend.
One Book. One District. Community Day.
Hosted by Douglas County Conservation District, DCSD Sustainability, and the District Library Media Center
Saturday, November 11 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Kirk Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds
Read to chickens and dogs. Live critters with nature's educators. Student art and poetry showcase. Food trucks. Hands-on experiences. Learn more. >>
Venture Academy of Entrepreneurship and Leadership (VALE) Information Nights
Thursday, November 16 and Tuesday, December 12 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
VALE, 15653 Brookstone Drive Parker
Step inside and discover the gifts of Douglas County School District’s newest high school. www.vale.dcsdk12.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.