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SUBJECT: Week In Review - September 18-22, 2023
September 22, 2023
Happy Friday!
This weekend kicks off Homecoming seasons for many of our high schools. I wish our high school students incredible experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Please join me in reminding DCSD’s teens to be safe during homecoming whether that’s this weekend or in the weeks to come. We love each of our students and care deeply about their wellbeing both in and out of the classroom.
The Faces of DCSD
We are thrilled to introduce to you “The Faces of DCSD.” Through both written stories and video features, this gives us the opportunity to help our families and community get to know our absolutely amazing teachers and staff. Check out the first video below!
Meet the Remarkable Natalie Barnard!
"Fun, honest, loyal, and she tries to understand our point of view," is how one student describes Natalie Barnard, English teacher at Mountain Vista High School. She's worked for DCSD for over 10 years and has had an incredible impact on the students and staff she interacts with.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Sincerely,
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations
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Conexión, DCSD’s Spanish-language family group, held its first Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Legacy Campus on September 19. The celebration was a night full of food, family, and fun! There was a live band, dancing, and even a piñata! The event also provided parents with the opportunity to connect with DCSD staff and each other. Conexión aspires to be the voice of Spanish-language families, breaking barriers and building bridges with the educational community, so that each child reaches their full potential. Learn more >>
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Last year, Castle Rock Middle School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of celebrations throughout the month with world language classes. This year there was a desire for more students and classes to be involved so it grew to a whole school assembly which took place on September 15. During the assembly, CRMS staff, students, and community members were honored to have special guests from Oaxaca, Mexico, and the Consul General of Mexico in Denver, Pável Meléndez Cruz. The group from Oaxaca, “Banda Filarmonica Sandunga de Santo Domingo Tehuantepec” consisted of 24 student musicians who traveled to the United States to perform lively selections for those in attendance. The musicians also performed at the State Capital and the Denver Center for Performing Arts. CRMS world language and ELD teacher, Rocio Meli, coordinated the event and secured a visit from the Consul General of Mexico in Denver, Pável Meléndez Cruz.
2023 National Blue Ribbon School - Parker Core Knowledge
Congratulations to Parker Core Knowledge Charter School on being named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. Parker Core Knowledge was one of only four Colorado recipients of the prestigious award.
The U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
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Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
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Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
Chaparral High School Welcomes Girls Flag Football
Girls' flag football is making a comeback! Chaparral High School has one of the newest teams with nearly 50 players for its first year as a club sport. Although many on the team are athletes who participate in other sports, anyone who expressed interest made the team, and every grade is represented. There are no cuts, and there isn’t a C team. Chaparral is among 96 participating Colorado high schools in girl's flag football this year. They play three 30-minute games every Saturday throughout the metro area, wherever fields are available. Chaparral played its first game on August 26 against Legend High School. Other DCSD schools with teams include Douglas County, Mountain Vista, Ponderosa, Rock Canyon, and ThunderRidge high schools. Read more…
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
Suicide Prevention Month - #BeThe1To
#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. Learn more. >>
Literacy
Experience Dyslexia® Simulation
Hosted by DCKID
Wednesday, September 27 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Castle Pines Library
This hands-on simulation session lets participants experience some of the challenges and frustrations faced by people with language-based learning differences. Participants will be guided through different learning tasks commonly encountered in the classroom or workplace, including reading comprehension, fluency, writing, spelling, listening, and processing speed. Click here to RSVP. >>
Health and Wellness
Parent University: Concussion Process and School Sports: Support and Best Practice Alignment with CHSAA
Hosted by DCSD and Sky Ridge Medical Center
Wednesday, September 27 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Learn about the components of DCSD’s student concussion protocol and how our school district's support and practice aligns with the Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSAA). We are excited to have Chris Mathewson, DCSD’s Lead Athletic Trainer as our panelist for this September webinar. Coach Mathewson will share insights, best practices and the latest research in this field. Click here to RSVP. >>
EVENTS
Reading to Your Kids at Any Age
Hosted by Douglas County Early Childhood Council
Wednesday, September 27 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Reading with children is not always easy to work into your schedule, and it’s not always clear why
reading with your children is important at every age. In this class, caregivers will gain new skills
and ideas for reading with the children in their care, whether they can read independently already or not. Learn more and get the Zoom link.
Understanding Universal PreK for Parents
Hosted by Douglas County Early Childhood Council
Thursday, September 28 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Universal Pre-K is now offered for all Colorado children who are in the year before they qualify for kindergarten! Join us to find out how to sign up and match with a provider of your choice. You will also learn about the funding that can save you almost $6000! Your child must be 4 years old on or before October 1 in order to participate. Whether you have a current 4 year old and want to get signed up right away or if you have a 3 year old and want to be prepared for the next year, you won’t want to miss this session. Learn more and get the Zoom link.
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. >>
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.
Long Range Planning Committee Seeks Members
The DCSD Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) is seeking members, specifically parents/guardians in the Castle Rock and Parker regions. They are also looking for parents/guardians of charter school students to serve on this important committee. The LRPC plays a crucial role in advising the Board of Education on matters related to population trends, facility usage, school attendance boundaries, and much more. Your expertise and insights will help shape the future of our schools and facilities while serving as a vital link between our community and the Board of Education. Click here to apply. Deadline is September 29.
Join the Equity Advisory Council
DCSD is seeking parents, students, and community members with a variety of backgrounds and expertise to serve on the Equity Advisory Council. Per Policies ADB and ADB-R:
The Equity Advisory Council meets monthly throughout the school year. The EAC is currently looking for a variety of community members to serve on the EAC, including:
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Parents/Guardians from Castle Rock and Parker region schools.
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Parents/Guardians from DCSD alternative education and charter schools.
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School level staff from DCSD neighborhood and charter schools
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Secondary level student from Highlands Ranch region schools.
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Secondary level student from DCSD alternative education and charter schools.
Click here to apply. Applications are due by the close of business on Thursday, October 9.