News

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Behind the Scenes Logo

Welcome to Behind the Scenes, the DCSD spotlight for good news occurring in and around the Douglas County School District by our amazing staff and students. Learn about the heroes who are impacting our school district every day behind the scenes, and the events taking place within our schools that enrich the educational value for others.

 

Curtis Hanock: Building a Legacy at Douglas County High
03/13/2024
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Curtis Hanock has not been teaching as long as many others in the district, but his experience makes him an invaluable CTE instructor at Douglas County High School. A veteran and a graduate of the state alternative licensure program, Curtis continues to build his legacy by mentoring our students here in Douglas County.
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DCHS Grad’s Fascination with Construction Laid the Foundation for Her Career
02/26/2024
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After graduating from Douglas County High School (DCHS) in 2011, Katie Van Kooten attended the South Dakota School of Mines on a women’s golf scholarship, while earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
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Chaparral’s Rob Johnson Named Colorado 5A Athletic Director of the Year
02/21/2024
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Rob Johnson, Athletic Director at Chaparral High School has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Colorado Athletic Directors Association's (CADA) 5A Athletic Director of the Year.
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Lettering in the DCSD Spelling Bee
02/08/2024
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Students from 57 elementary, middle, and charter schools participated in Douglas County School District’s annual Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 3 at the Legacy Campus.
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Eagle Academy Students’ Art on Display at Lone Tree Arts Center
02/08/2024
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Twenty-seven students from Douglas County School District’s Eagle Academy are making their artistic debut through Call from the Aerie: An Eagle Academy Art Show, a 2024 Winter Commissioners’ Choice Exhibition, at the Lone Tree Arts Center.
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DCSD’s Care Crew is Making Connections
02/07/2024
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The Home Visit Program is the creation Angela Lange, Douglas County School District’s Dropout Reduction Specialist. Originally thought to be needed only during the pandemic to address the disconnect between students and in-person education, the Home Visit Program is still going strong today.
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Empowering Elementary Students for the Middle School Transition
02/05/2024
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Franktown Elementary Student Empowerment Team: Kayla Knoll Kayla Knoll, Franktown Elementary’s School Counselor since 2019, loves her job. She especially enjoys the Student Empowerment Team and guiding fifth-graders in developing leadership skills during their last year of elementary school.
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Spilling the Beans on Joshua Rivero, Owner, Fika Coffee House
01/29/2024
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Joshua Rivero was born in California and spent his younger years in Vermont. His family then moved to Colorado and New Mexico before returning back to Colorado. Frequent moves didn’t provide a strong foundation for school, but he says things took a positive turn when his family moved to Parker and enrolled at Ponderosa High School. Principal Dr. Bill Larson helped him regain his focus on school and apply himself. Rivero credits Dr. Larson for helping him graduate in 1990.
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Finding a Second Career with the DCSD Transportation Team
01/26/2024
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Flexibility, schedule, and breaks are a few reasons that attract those seeking a second career to DCSD’s Transportation Department. People from all walks of life make up the transportation team. Meet a few faces of the department.
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Stephen Mirandi Finds His Rhythm at Flagstone Elementary
01/19/2024
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Music teacher Stephen Mirandi is finding his rhythm in his second year with DCSD at Flagstone Elementary in Castle Rock.
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Colorado State University Global and Douglas County School District Partner to Enhance Educators’ Careers
12/06/2023
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In addition to discounted tuition for all DCSD employees, DCSD-selected educators will receive funding for CSU Global’s Teaching and Learning programs.
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Meet Highlands Ranch HS Teacher Dennis Sierra
12/05/2023
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Highlands Ranch High School (HRHS) teacher Dennis Sierra entered the field of education through coaching. And as an educator, he often sees his role as a coach.
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Denise Nichols: Forging Lasting Connections
11/20/2023
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When you meet Denise Nichols, it’s evident how much she enjoys working in DCSD’s BASE program and forming relationships with staff and DCSD families.
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Sagewood Middle School Principal Ben D’Ardenne
11/17/2023
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Before being named principal of Sagewood, Ben served as an assistant principal and athletic director, teacher, and coach. Ben said one of the best things about working in public education is that he gets to serve all kids.
Read More about Sagewood Middle School Principal Ben D’Ardenne
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DCHS's FFA Students Showcase their Animals on Barnyard Day
11/13/2023
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Douglas County High School’s (DCHS) Barnyard Day is an annual tradition hosted by the DCHS Future Farmers Association (FFA) chapter. FFA students showcase their dogs, horses, miniature horses, goats, chickens, and rabbits.
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Meet Heritage Elementary Principal Katie Lawson
11/09/2023
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Katie Lawson entered education because she wanted to make a difference and that’s exactly what she is doing at Heritage Elementary. She supports the social/emotional well-being of her staff and students and prioritizes self-care and healthy boundaries.
Read More about Meet Heritage Elementary Principal Katie Lawson
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Singing the Praises of Highlands Ranch High Grad Riley Cullinan
11/08/2023
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2023 Highlands Ranch High School (HRHS) Graduate Riley Cullinan is living life on a high note. She recorded her first album before heading off to her freshman year at Harvard University where she is enrolled in the Berklee School of Music’s joint five-year Master’s Program. 
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Sue Tymkew: Shining in the Classroom and on the Field
11/03/2023
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Not many shine as brightly as “Sparkle” Sue Tymkew. From sun up to sun down, Sue is working for the students of Chaparral High School. She spends her days teaching in the gym and in the classroom. In the evenings, Sue can be found on the sidelines, as the physical trainer for the competing athletes of Chaparral. Sue gives her all to Chaparral, and when she needed them the most, the ChapFam was right there to gave it right back.
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Officer Dave Knight and His Four-Legged Partner
11/02/2023
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He's no stranger to Castle Rock Middle School, as he attended CRMS as a young child. With a deep passion for his community, he now serves as the School Resource Officer for the Blue Knights! Meet Castle Rock Police Department Officer Dave Knight. He recently added a four-legged partner to his routine and Ru, a two-year-old Husky Malamute mix, are quite popular on campus!
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Liliana Burke: Connecting through Language
11/02/2023
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Liliana Burke has taught Spanish to Sierra Middle School students for three years. She is originally from Columbia but has called Colorado home for quite some time. Liliana's classes are fun, interactive, and also offer an opportunity for her students to get to know each other through the use of a second language.
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DCSD Staff, Schools Named Colorado Parent Magazine “Family Favorites”
11/02/2023
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Each year, Colorado Parent Magazine honors local businesses, services, and attractions that make Colorado a great place to raise kids. Families across Colorado vote for their favorites. Douglas County School District schools and principals received many honors in the 2023 Family Favorites!
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Tornado Creates a New Outdoor Learning Space at Sand Creek Elementary
10/27/2023
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everal months ago, Sand Creek Elementary’s Principal Pam Pekarek and Occupational Therapist Michelle Rudolf wanted to use the school’s garden as an outdoor learning space. One thing needed was seating and the pair thought it would be nice to incorporate natural elements as seating options. 
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DCSD Bridge Graduates Transition to DCSD Transportation Staff Members
10/27/2023
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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. Bridge Program staff help young adults, ages 18-21, transition from school to the adult world through meaningful learning opportunities within the classroom and community.
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Julie Crawford: Beyond the Walls of the Classroom
10/27/2023
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DCSD roots run deep for Julie Crawford. She attended Northeast Elementary School as a child and graduated from Ponderosa High School, and her own children are Chaparral High School graduates. Julie's 26 years of teaching have only strengthened her love of the Parker community.
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Kevin Fopma: Educator in and Outside the Classroom
10/26/2023
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Kevin Fopma is a social studies teacher and golf coach at Chaparral High School in Parker. He has been with the Douglas County School District for over six years. Mr. Fopma’s love for teaching is literally in his blood – his grandfather was a government teacher for 30 years and his father worked for a Congressman.
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Timothy Ryckman: 25 Years of Artistic Inspiration
10/14/2023
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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.
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Mandy Hill: A Lifelong Journey in Education
10/11/2023
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You might say teaching has been a way of life for Mandy Hill, whose mother was a teacher in Aurora Public Schools for 25 years. “I would help her grade papers and go with her to work sometimes,” said Mandy. “She has always been my hero.”
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Catherine Watson: A Guiding Light at Pioneer Elementary
10/09/2023
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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.
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Teacher Anne Burke Thrives at Fox Creek Elementary
10/04/2023
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Anne Burke can hardly contain her excitement when speaking about being a teacher. There’s no doubt in her mind that teaching is what she is meant to do - specifically at Fox Creek Elementary in Highlands Ranch.
Read More about Teacher Anne Burke Thrives at Fox Creek Elementary
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Parker Core Knowledge Named Blue Ribbon School
10/03/2023
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Parker Core Knowledge, a charter school in the Douglas County School District, has been named a Blue Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education. Parker Core Knowledge is one of only four Colorado schools to receive the honor this year.
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Bas Wolf Named Junior Achievement Educator of the Year
10/02/2023
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Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain (JA) is proud to name Bas Wolf as its 2023 JA Educator of the Year. Bas, who taught English for his first 17 years in the classroom, is entering his ninth year leading the Alternative Cooperation Education (ACE) program at Highlands Ranch High School.
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Ryan Steffen: Teacher & Coach Extraordinaire
09/29/2023
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Ryan Steffen - Social Studies teacher by day and Castle View’s Offensive Coordinator by night - has a passion for supporting students
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Jason Jacob: The Leader Behind Legend HS
09/25/2023
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Turns out that spending time around kids is great preparation for leading a building of more than 2,200 teenagers. Legend High School Principal Jason Jacob said working at different sports camps during his youth and teenage years got him interested in working with kids. And as a former college athlete, he also fell in love with coaching kids. He attended the University of Northern Colorado which also drew him towards education due to the university’s teaching college.
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Castle Rock Middle Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
09/22/2023
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Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration from September 15 to October 15 which provides an opportunity to honor the rich history, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Castle Rock Middle School (CRMS) recognized Hispanic Heritage Month in a big way this year.
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Natalie Barnard Inpires at Mountain Vista HS
09/20/2023
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Mountain Vista High School Teacher Natalie Bernard has worked for Douglas County School District for more than ten years. She is an english teacher who has had an incredible impact on the students and staff she interacts with.
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Douglas County High School Debuts Jan Shawcroft Field!
09/15/2023
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A dirt field that served the needs of students for more than 40 years is now a new athletic field with brand-new artificial turf and goalposts. Douglas County High School (DCHS) in Castle Rock officially debuted the Jan Shawcroft Field on August 31, before the freshman football game.
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Meet Alison Shanor, Mountain Ridge Middle School Principal
09/05/2023
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Meet Alison Shanor, Mountain Ridge Middle School Principal It’s probably no surprise that Alison Shanor chose education as a career path since she comes from a family of educators. Her dad was a principal, her mom was a school counselor, and her aunts and uncles are all educators. Alison says she always wanted a job working with and supporting kids.
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Ponderosa High School and Legacy Point Elementary Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
09/01/2023
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Ponderosa High School recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and Legacy Point Elementary celebrated its 20th anniversary!
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STEM School 6th Grader Wins Paradigm World Challenge
08/28/2023
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Congratulations to STEM School Highlands Ranch 6th grader Anirudh Rao who won the Paradigm World Challenge! The ceremony was held in Los Angeles and Anirudh earned the recognition for inventing an early warning system for tornadoes. He is the youngest to ever receive this particular award, which includes legal consultation to move forward with the patent process.
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Tom Graves, From NASA Engineer to Substitute Teacher
08/23/2023
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Growing up in rural Louisiana in a town of 1,200 people and graduating high school in a class of 23 people, Tom Graves never imagined he would someday land a job at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). After working on top missions and helping land a man on the moon, Tom now shares his life experiences as a substitute teacher at Legend High School in Parker.
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Surprise Homecoming at Eldorado Elementary
08/22/2023
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Eldorado Elementary students, 5th grader Skylar and 2nd grader Nolan, wereSkylar and Nolan hugging their dad Sergeant Ryan Ernst surprised by seeing their dad for the first time in over 280 days.
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Alumni Feature: DCHS Grad Jordan Hinton Opens a Craft Meat Market
08/16/2023
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Jordan Hinton is a DCHS grad whose passion for agriculture and animals led her to open a craft meat market.
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Highlands Ranch HS' Warren Berg Selected as NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassador
08/14/2023
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Highlands Ranch High School science teacher Warren Berg was one of only 18 teachers nationwide selected as a NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassador (AAA). Berg spent five months learning about the importance of Infrared Astronomy. Then, in July, Warren traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii to see infrared astronomy in action.
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Perseverance Golf Tournament Raises Scholarship Funds
08/02/2023
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Approximately 130 DCSD staff and members of the Douglas County community took part in the Second Annual Perseverance Golf Tournament at the Lone Tree Golf Course on July 24. The Perseverance Golf Tournament is a fundraiser for the Perseverance Scholarship for DCSD graduates. In addition to raising money, the tournament is a fun way for DCSD staff to connect before the start of the new school year and build relationships with community partners who help make the event possible.
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Stone Mountain Elementary Debuts New Murals in Gym
07/07/2023
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Stone Mountain Elementary School staff took on a project to update the gym logo to align with the school’s colors and mascot. School administration, along with the PTO, helped guide and collaborate on the project design. After several designs were explored and refined, the PTO contacted local artist Phillip Bernal, who’s been painting murals and award-winning chalk art for more than twenty years.
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Pioneer Elementary Gets A Peace Pole
06/12/2023
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On Tuesday morning, May 23, 2023 Parker’s Pioneer Elementary held a celebration for the addition of a Peace Pole Garden to their school. Their Peace Pole has the inscription of “May Peace Prevail on Earth” from the countries of the eight most commonly spoken languages in Douglas County including: Belarus, China, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States. Pioneer Elementary’s Peace Pole garden provides a quiet spot for the Douglas County Community to reflect upon what it means to live peacefully among different cultures and beliefs.
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ThunderRidge’s Peer Program is a Win-Win for Students
05/19/2023
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ThunderRidge High School’s Peer Intern Program offers an opportunity for students to learn about and assist classmates whose learning abilities are unlike their own. The Peer Intern Program is a semester-long class where students pair with students in the significant support needs (SSN) program.
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Students with Hearing Loss Enjoy making Connections at Carnival
05/08/2023
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Students participated in the annual Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Carnival. The carnival is a fun way for DHH kids to make connections.
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Bridge Art Show Raises $4K for Program
05/04/2023
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DCSD’s Bridge Transition Program recently held an Art Show, which also served as a fundraiser, at Union American Bistro in Castle Rock. The Bridge Transition Program serves young adults ages 18-21 with developmental disabilities to prepare them for life after high school. In total, the students created 170 art pieces and sold 147 of them! The Art Show raised close to $4,000 to support the Bridge Program.
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Chaparral Family Raises over $107K For Wish Week
04/17/2023
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Over the past couple of months, our high schools have been participating in Wish Weeks which have become an important tradition here in DCSD. During Wish Weeks, high school students and staff come up with a variety of fundraising activities and events to grant the wish of a child who is battling health challenges.
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CDE Recognizes DCSD Schools for Excellence
03/30/2023
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The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is recognizing several Douglas County School District schools for high academic achievement. The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award is given to schools demonstrating exceptional student growth. The John Irwin Schools of Excellence awards recognize schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time.
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Christian Brothers Automotive Comes to Mesa Middle School
03/27/2023
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Mechanics from Christian Brothers Automotive and students from Mesa Middle School teamed up to tear down some engines in a hands-on lab. Students who participated rolled up their sleeves, grabbed some tools, removed some bolts, and even got to take home a souvenir.
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School Spotlight: Cloverleaf Enrichment School
03/03/2023
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For families who are embarking on the homeschool journey with children entering kindergarten next fall, a partnership with Cloverleaf Enrichment School may be just the ticket. One day each week students and families switch up the homeschool routine and join their friends at Cloverleaf. Kindergarten is just the beginning, as the Cloverleaf program extends all the way through 12th grade. The hallmark of the Cloverleaf experience for all grade levels is a strong sense of community, as one day each week students have a change of pace from the homeschool routine and join a close-knit community of learners guided by state licensed teachers. Students take part in project-based learning exploration, strengthen important social and life skills, and build strong relationships. For high school students, enrichment includes opportunities to earn transcript credit, as well as access to concurrent enrollment and career technical education classes, including those provided at DCSD’s new Legacy Campus.
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Therapy Dogs Help Reduce Students’ Anxiety and Stress and Bring Smiles to DCSD Students and Staff
02/14/2023
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Friendly dogs who calmly travel alongside their handlers are becoming more common throughout the Douglas County School District (DCSD) as Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) programs are on the rise. DCSD currently has eight teams of therapy dogs and their handlers assisting students including School Resource Officers (SROs) and school staff (counselors, teachers, and specialists).
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Kelli Mueller Named Finalist for School Nurse of the Year Award
01/06/2023
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DCSD’s Kelli Mueller was named a finalist for the Colorado Association of School Nurses’ 2022 School Nurse of the Year Award. With nearly 750 school nurses throughout the state, it’s quite an honor to be nominated for this prestigious award. “I’m very touched by this recognition,” Kelli said.
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Meet Dr. Jean Taylor, the New Mountain View Elementary Principal
12/30/2022
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As public educators, we have the beautiful opportunity to provide universal access to education, help students fulfill their potential, and prepare for the future. You never know what each year will bring, but one can count on the excitement of learning. Being a public educator is an honor and a huge responsibility.
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Northeast Elementary Receives Special Recognition
12/01/2022
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Northeast Elementary was recently recognized by Solution Tree as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the PLC at Work process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students.
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Meg Jacques is Flagstone Elementary's New Principal!
12/01/2022
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I took over the principalship in the midst of a pandemic and in the middle of a school year. I am most proud of being able to maintain the incredible and supportive culture and climate that is Flagstone. Ensuring that people are honored, valued, and trusted as professionals are one of my most important priorities as a leader because staff that feels valued work hard and are committed. And that has an immediate and positive impact on our most valued customers... our STUDENTS!
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Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
11/18/2022
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At Cherry Valley Elementary (CVE), what started as a pilot incubator program with a handful of chickens has hatched into a year-round agricultural program run by the school’s 13 fifth and sixth-grade students.
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Meet Sean Pattterson, the New ThunderRidge Principal
11/15/2022
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Sean Patterson, the new ThunderRidge High School principal, loves seeing the students and teachers engaging in learning!
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DCSD’s Tim Ottmann and Ann Strother Abromaitis Selected for Induction into CHSSA’s Hall of Fame Class for 2022
11/15/2022
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The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame announced its Class for 2022, and DCSD is proud to have two of the seven members selected for induction: Coach Tim Ottman from Ponderosa High School and Highlands Ranch High School basketball standout Ann Strother Abromaitis.
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Colorado Rapids' Diego Rubio Visits Pine Lane Elementary
10/31/2022
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“No matter how many obstacles you come across, if you push yourself and persevere, you can accomplish almost anything!” This is the message Colorado Rapids player, Diego Rubio, conveyed to Pine Lane Elementary students during his visit for Hispanic Heritage Month.
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Meet Emmalee Owens, the New Principal at Acres Green Elementary
10/20/2022
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I always knew I would do something in education, even as a young child, and that was confirmed the more I learned about teaching and had opportunities to be in classrooms with children.
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Castle View to Produce Frozen, The Musical in 2023
09/26/2022
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We’re excited to announce that Castle View High School will produce Frozen, The Musical in November 2023! Talk about magical! Through a unique nationwide competition, one high school in every U.S. state and territory were granted the rights to produce Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical in their local communities. The winning productions will mark the first-ever school productions of Frozen anywhere in the world. Congratulations Sabercats!
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Colorado Proud School Meal Day 2022
09/23/2022
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Colorado Proud School Meal Day is held annually on September 20 to spotlight Colorado agriculture and to educate students about healthy eating. In celebration of Colorado Proud School Meal Day, DCSD’s 51 elementary schools featured a Colorado Proud Meal for lunch: mixed melons and honeydew, rainbow carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers on the harvest bar, and fresh roasted fingerling potatoes with broccoli and cheese sauce. Colorado Proud School Meal Day is a great way to introduce fresh produce and food to children who might be unfamiliar with some items. This year, in connection with Colorado Proud School Meal Day, DCSD families and members of the community visited a day-long Farmer’s Market on the front lawn of Arrowwood Elementary in Highlands Ranch. DCSD’s Nutrition Services partnered with Hoffman Farms in Greeley and other local producers, such as Beyond the Hive, Merfs, and Yumbana, which supplied fresh produce and food available for purchase. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase corn, Palisade peaches, shishito peppers, tomatoes, Pueblo chilis, honey sticks, hot sauce and condiments, and gluten-free baked goods.
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Welcome to Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy at Highlands Ranch High School, operated by students enrolled in the cosmetology program.
08/31/2022
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Welcome to Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy at Highlands Ranch High School, operated by students enrolled in the cosmetology program. On August 11, Highlands Ranch High School hosted a grand opening ceremony for Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy.
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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 ).