Español | русский | 中文
SUBJECT: Week In Review - August 14-18
August 18, 2023
Happy Friday!
Earlier this week, the Colorado Department of Education released state assessment results for all Colorado school districts and it is cause for celebration here in DCSD! Overall, the percentage of DCSD students who met or exceeded expectations on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests not only increased from last year, but has also exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Check out our press release for more information.
This week we welcomed our youngest learners as our preschool classes began the new school year. We also had the opportunity to welcome students and staff back at many of our charter schools. It’s been an absolute joy to be out visiting schools and seeing students engaged in learning once again. We are so thankful for our amazing educators and staff for all of their hard work and dedication to our 63,000 students. Click here to see photos from many of our schools’ first day back.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
Highlands Ranch High School’s Warren Berg Selected as NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassador
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. “In my cohort of teachers from Texas, New York, and Georgia, we spent two nights at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) for day/night observations of Venus cloud layers. We had a tour of the IRTF and James Clerk Maxwell Radio Telescope, which was used to discover the black hole in galaxy M87. We also toured the University of Hawaii Hilo Astronomy Department and the Gemini North Facility. It was an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will incorporate into my classroom. Additionally, I've been trained to teach a three week Infrared immersive experience for my astronomy students through the NASA/SETI Education," continued Berg.
Douglas County High School Grad Opens a Craft Meat Market
Last fall, Douglas County High School graduate (class of 2007) Jordan (McHenry) Hinton, along with her husband Ralph opened SALT, a craft meat market located in downtown Castle Rock. In addition to managing their business, Jordan and her husband have three young children. At their farmette in Elizabeth, they raise pigs to sell to local 4-H kids to raise for the Douglas County Fair. Jordan gives back to DCHS by helping with the FFA’s meat-judging contest. She also hosted an FFA field trip to SALT to teach students about different cuts of meat, pork, and beef. The DCHS FFA students placed among the top three in the state against all other Colorado high schools in the FFA Meat Judging Contest! Jordan Hinton’s love for agriculture and animals laid a foundation for her current role as a local business owner. Read more…
Redstone Elementary Named i-Ready Super Stretch School
Congratulations to Redstone Elementary who was named a Super Stretch School by i-Ready. Stretch Growth means that Redstone put students who placed below grade level on their first i-Ready diagnostic on a path to proficiency. It also means that Redstone helped students who placed on or above grade level maintain their advanced proficiency levels. Congratulations to Redstone and thank you for your dedication to students!
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
Parenting With Courage: Brain Science (Colorado Parent Magazine)
So, let’s get into this month’s pillar of Courageous Parenting. Now, brace yourselves because I’m about to share a parenting secret that can, if you allow it to, completely transform how you parent, and therefore how much peace you experience in your home. Ready? The first pillar is that ALL BEHAVIOR IS THE RESULT OF AN UNMET NEED. Understanding this truth will bring generosity, empathy, and a renewed feeling of connection to your family life. Click here to read the full article.
Literacy
Castle Rock Library Grand Opening
Saturday, August 26 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the Castle Rock library's Grand Opening! Pop in and explore their new digs, including state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces; Kids Corner and The Ranch playscape, sponsored by Castle Rock Rotary Club; the new Archives & Local History space and Sjostrom History Lounge reading room; and other beautiful new features, while also enjoying lots of fun treats. No registration required.
Health and Wellness
Second Annual Yana Fitfest
Saturday, August 26, 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Civic Green Park, Highlands Ranch
Bring your family and friends for a morning of movement, connection and fun. All proceeds benefit local non-profit You Are Not Alone.
Free to attend. Click here to get tickets. Click here to view a printable flier.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Leaders for Douglas County Schools Cohort
DCSD is now accepting applications for the 2023 Leaders for Douglas County Schools Cohort. Leaders for Douglas County Schools is a program designed to give Douglas County School District parents/guardians and community members the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of our district's mission, operations and strategic priorities. The program is especially appropriate for those who are interested in becoming more active participants in their child's school or the school district as a whole in order to provide the brightest futures possible for each and every one of the 63,000 students across Douglas County School District.We would like to offer you the opportunity to sign up for this year's LDCS. We will be limiting the cohort to 30 people. If you are interested in joining the cohort, fill out this form (the form includes additional information such as cohort meeting dates and times.
Serve on the DCSEAC
The Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC) is a group of parents and guardians who work in close collaboration with DCSD Special Education Leadership to help support the students and families served by the Special Education Program. Join DCSEAC to get more involved, to make great connections, and to become better informed. If interested, fill out the DCSEAC Application and review the Commitment Agreement. Application Deadline: Thursday, August 24.
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.