Español | русский | 中文
SUBJECT: Week In Review - August 28 - September 1, 2023
September 1, 2023
Happy Friday and welcome to September!
It has been so much fun watching our schools participate in their beginning of year milestone events such as fun runs, first football games of the season, homecoming preparations and so much more. I’ve had the opportunity to visit schools and am always in awe of how incredible our teachers are in the classrooms. Not only are they master educators but the relationships they build with students will clearly last a lifetime. Last May, we had the privilege of watching Legend High School senior (now graduate) Siena Rojas pay a visit to her former elementary teacher Mrs. Wrinkle at Pioneer Elementary. Watch this emotional reunion here.
In 1887, the State of Colorado, along with four other states (Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey) passed laws creating the Labor Day holiday. And, a few years later, in 1894, the U.S. Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday. Labor Day recognizes the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being. And here in DCSD we absolutely celebrate the hard work of each and every one of our amazing employees.
I hope your Labor Day weekend will be filled with friends, family and some well-deserved relaxation. Thank you for everything you do for the 63,000 students in the Douglas County School District.
Have a fantastic long weekend!
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
LifeChangers of the Year Nominations
LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. The program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. This year, DCSD has two educators that were nominated as LifeChangers of the Year!
Nadene Klein, Science and Psychology Teacher, Daniel C. Oakes High School
As a science teacher at Daniel C. Oakes High School, Ms. Klein has made an indelible mark by engaging at-risk youth in alternative programs. Her courses in zoology, astronomy, physics, earth and environmental sciences, and more have ignited a passion for learning in her students. Her ability to connect with each student on a personal level, fostering their intellectual curiosity and self-confidence, is truly exceptional. Ms. Klein's leadership extends beyond the classroom. She has revolutionized professional development initiatives in roles such as a Professional Learning Specialist at Rocky Heights Middle School and a Science Department Chair at Cimarron Middle School. Her workshops and seminars on topics like Project Based Learning and Authentic Assessments have impacted educators far beyond her immediate sphere. Read the full nomination and leave comments to help increase Nadene’s chances of winning the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Eli Moore, Performing Arts / Guitar Instructor, Legend High School
As a guitar music educator, Mr. Moore has consistently raised his students up and created a nurturing and engaging learning environment. His innovative guitar teaching methods, combined with his ability to connect with each student on a personal level, have profoundly impacted their educational journeys. There are many, many students in the Legend and Chaparral High School communities who graduated from high school simply because of their desire to attend one or more of Mr. Moore's guitar classes each day. You see, these students knew Mr. Moore's classroom was a safe place, a place of inspiration, and a place to express their authentic selves as they learned and performed guitar music. Read the full nomination and leave comments to help increase Eli’s chances of winning the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Mesa Middle School Reveals New Gym Floor
Mesa Middle School recently revealed the school's new gym floor! Click HERE to view the video of the new floor. The new floor was funded by facility rental revenue from the Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation and was at no cost to Mesa!
Special Olympics Plane Pull
Legend Unified participated in raising money for the Special Olympics by participating in the 10th Annual Plane Pull. With a team of 25 participants, Legend Unified took first place in the high school division, pulling the plane 12 feet with the fastest time of 5.9 seconds. Legend Unified raised over $2200 dollars for the Special Olympics of Colorado.
DCSD staff also brought their A-game to the Special Olympics 10th Annual Plane Pull at DIA! Each school team took on the challenge of pulling a United Airlines 737 as far and fast as possible. The result? Over $2,900 raised to support Special Olympics of Colorado (SOCO) athletes.
The whole event raised over $260,000 for Special Olympics of Colorado. A big shoutout to all participants for making a difference and proving that together, we can achieve remarkable feats! Keep soaring high, DCSD!
Ponderosa High School and Legacy Point Elementary Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
Last weekend, Ponderosa High School celebrated its 40th anniversary and Legacy Point Elementary celebrated its 20th anniversary. Congratulations to both schools! We are so happy to have you as part of the DCSD Family!
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
What Type of Exercise is Best for Mental Health?
A large new study looks at how exercise can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Read more. >>
Literacy
Helping Your Child: Guidance for Families
Reading problems are common, but they can have different causes and warning signs. Sometimes a problem is simple and quick to solve while others may require extensive intervention. Here are some common reading issues and ways to get help for your child. Read more. >>
Health and Wellness
Wilderness Awaits: 4th Graders Enjoy Free National Park Access
Have a fourth-grader? Then here's some good news: Fourth graders and their families receive FREE entry to hundreds of national parks, recreation areas, forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges. This program, known as Every Kid Outdoors, is run by the United States National Park Service and allows fourth-graders and their families free entry to some of America's most dazzling national lands, from the St. Louis Arch to the Florida Keys. Learn more. >>
EVENTS
Building the Dream Gala
Hosted by The Foundation for Douglas County Schools
Friday, September 29 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 pm.
DCSD Legacy Campus
The fifth annual Building the Dream Gala will celebrate the 2023 Apple Award Winners and showcase some of Douglas County's finest student talent. This special evening will bring out the Douglas County community to honor the amazing students, cherished teachers, exceptional schools, and extraordinary programs of the Douglas County School District! Learn more. >>
Youth Congress
A Project of the Douglas County Youth Initiative
Tuesday, October 3 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Colorado State Capitol
Students, grades 9 – 12 are invited to attend Youth Congress. During this event, youth from around Douglas County get to weigh in on issues that affect youth and are of interest to youth. One of the missions of the Youth Congress is to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and solutions to elected and community leaders. Learn more. >>
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.