Español | русский | 中文
SUBJECT: Week In Review - October 23-27, 2023
October 27, 2023
Happy Friday!
I hope you had a wonderful Fall Break! It has been so much fun having students back in the classrooms in time for Halloween parties, Trunk or Treats and other celebrations. We are expecting our first snowfall this weekend, which is a great time to get familiar with how we determine weather delays and closures in DCSD. Visit this website to learn more. We notify our families of any weather delays or closures via email, text, social media, local media and on the DCSD website and mobile app. This is a good time to make sure you are signed up for emergency notifications.
Have You Turned in Your Ballot?
Election Day is fast approaching (just 11 days away). Please be sure to turn in your ballot by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7 (sooner is even better). You can track the status of your ballot and find the locations of ballot boxes and other polling centers at www.DouglasVotes.com. Remind your friends, family and neighbors to turn in their ballots as well!
Faces of DCSD: Meet Timothy Ryckman - Art Teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary
Inspired by his uncle, Timothy Ryckman decided to pursue a career in art at a very young age. He has worked in Douglas County for 25 years teaching different techniques to every grade level at Buffalo Ridge Elementary in Castle Pines. Get to know Timothy Ryckman.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
DCSD Bridge Graduates Become DCSD Transportation Staff Members
Alex Kaneshiro and Daniel Smith prove that individuals with disabilities can persevere through challenges and develop the necessary skills for gainful employment. Alex and Daniel are proud graduates of DCSD’s Bridge Transition Program. They are now working as Transportation Educational Assistants (TEA) in DCSD. Alex works at the North Transportation Terminal in Highlands Ranch. He makes positive connections with students, and monitors and assists those with disabilities who ride the bus to and from school. He also helps secure wheelchairs and other equipment on the bus. Alex is also a member of the snow team and helps keep the grounds safe by shoveling and applying ice melt to sidewalks.Daniel works at the East Transportation Terminal in Parker and drives the district’s Suburbans to other terminals to assist with route coverage. He also covers the Parker Terminal as needed. Thank you Alex and Daniel for your service to DCSD students and families!
ICYMI: Legend High School’s EDGE Program Featured on 9News
Legend High School's EDGE program was featured as the 9News Cool School for October! Learn more about this incredible program! Way to go Legend! Watch the news story. >>
Castle View Sophomore Wins Noah Begay III Regional Junior Golf Championship
Gavin Amella is a sophomore at Castle View High School. He plays on Castle View’s Varsity golf team. He recently claimed the win in the Notah Begay III Regional Jr. Championship at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. This has qualified Gavin to compete in the Notah Begay III Junior National Golf Championships which will be aired on the Golf Channel December 5th. The tournament will take place November 4-6 at Koasati Pines at Coushatta in Kinder, Louisiana. He will be playing against many talented Junior Golfers from around the nation! Congrats and good luck to Gavin as he represents Colorado!
DCSD High Schools Make AP Placement Honor Roll
All of DCSD’s comprehensive high schools were recognized by The College Board as being part of the Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll at either Bronze, Silver or Gold level. This is a new College Board award that recognizes AP programs that are delivering results for students while broadening access. 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
Mountain Vista High School Silver
Ponderosa High School Bronze
Rock Canyon High School Gold
SkyView Academy Gold
STEM High School Gold
ThunderRidge High School Silver
Apple Award Nominations are Open
Apple Award nominations are open through November 12 on the Foundation for Douglas County Schools’ website. Be sure to nominate a teacher or DCSD staff member who is making a difference in the lives of children.
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
How to Help Lonely Kids and Teens
The Surgeon General recently named loneliness as an epidemic with serious health
consequences. And while loneliness can affect anyone, research shows that loneliness among
kids and teens is at an all-time high. What can you do if your child is feeling lonely, or you suspect they might be? Experts at Children’s Hospital Colorado weigh in on why loneliness is on the rise and what signs and
symptoms to watch for. You’ll also learn helpful strategies for navigating loneliness among kids
at any age — and how to offer support. Read more. >>
Literacy
Free Community Event - How Children Learn to Read
Hosted by DC Kid
Wednesday, November 15 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch
Click here to RSVP.
Parents, caregivers, teachers, administrators - this presentation is for all of you!
Traci Thorstenson, M.Ed., CALP, will give an accessible and engaging presentation on how children learn to read and how parents/caregivers can support their children in developing strong foundational reading skills at home. This presentation is also a great overview of the Science of Reading for teachers and administrators.
Traci is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and a Reading Interventionist, K-6 at Sand Creek Elementary in Douglas County School District.
Health and Wellness
Prevent Cyberbullying
A child may be involved in cyberbullying in several ways. A child can be bullied, bully others, or witness bullying. Parents, teachers, and other adults may not be aware of all the digital media and apps that a child is using. The more digital platforms that a child uses, the more opportunities there are for being exposed to potential cyberbullying. Read more. >>
EVENTS
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.