Strategic Plan Staff Launch

Strategic Plan Staff Launch Event
Posted on 09/27/2019
Strategic Plan Staff Launch Event
09.20.2019


DENVER -- The day broke bright and early while thousands of DCSD employees flooded into the Pepsi Center at the heart of Denver. From neighborhood schools to charter schools, to classified staff and administrators, every facet of the school district was represented. For the first time in over a decade, DCSD was under one roof.

“Today is a celebration that we as a district and a community have come together,” says Andy Abner, principal of Rock Canyon High School. “We have voiced what we want in our school district. Today’s a celebration of those voices.”

Conversations about the strategic plan began in early 2019, when DCSD gathered feedback from approximately 300 community members and 500 staff members during open input sessions. The feedback was used to craft an online survey that dug deeper into that community and staff insight. Over 30,000 teachers, leaders, staff, community members, and students completed the survey. Their responses helped outline the priorities in the strategic plan that launched this past Fall.

Throughout the process, one message rose above the rest: student success must be defined by more than academic skills.

Abner claims, “It is imperative that our students find personal growth and fulfillment in a safe and supportive environment that also develops those soft skills [that ensure social, emotional, and physical wellbeing].”

Most importantly, the Staff Launch was about more than a plan for the district.

Rock Ridge Elementary“It’s all about the kids,” says the principal of Mammoth Heights Elementary, Nick Holtvluwer. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of this strong Douglas County community.”

In a speech that had the crowd cheering and on their feet, Kendall Meibos, an eighth-grader from Rocky Heights Middle School, reminded everyone in attendance the importance of their daily work.

“You are here to help students like me reach my potential and have a positive impact on society. Students like me need staff like you, you know us kids, you know when something is off and we need an advocate.”

“It feels as if a new day has dawned,” remarked Colleen Meyer, a sixth grade teacher at Saddle Ranch Elementary. “It dawns with excitement, hope, clarity, resources, innovative thinking, and thoughtful leadership.”

Learn more about the Growing Together Strategic Plan by visiting www.dcsdk12.org/strategic-plan.
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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

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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 ).