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SUBJECT: Week In Review - September 25-29, 2023
September 29, 2023
Happy Friday!
Did you know there is a ton of factual information about DCSD’s funding measures (5A - Mill Levy Override and 5B - Bond) at www.dcsdk12.org/funding? There you can find social-media friendly infographics, how each school would benefit, the full MLO/Bond plan and Arguments For and Against the measures. Be sure to visit this website for all of the information you need to make an informed decision. You can even find information about how to register to vote or update your voter registration.
The Faces of DCSD: Meet the Ryan Steffen, Castle View High School Social Studies Teacher and Football Offensive Coordinator
Ryan Steffen - Social Studies teacher by day and Castle View’s Offensive Coordinator by night - has a passion for supporting students. Whether in the classroom or on the field, Ryan's dedication to our students is unwavering and the positive impact he has is immeasurable. Watch the video. >>
2024 Apple Awards Nominations
Speaking of our amazing educators – nominations for 2024 Apple Awards open on Monday, October 2. Go to this website to submit your nomination through November 12.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Sincerely,
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
Highlands Ranch High School Teacher Named Junior Achievement Educator of the Year
Highlands Ranch High School teacher Bas Wolf has been named the Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain Educator of the Year. Bas will be formally recognized by Junior Achievement on October 4th and at the DCSD Board of Education meeting on October 10th. Way to go Bas! Read more. >>
Ponderosa High School Teacher Named Broncos Flag Football Coach of the Week
Deb Richardson was named Broncos High School Flag Football Coach of the week. She has done an incredible job building the program, advocating for her team, and getting the girls excited about this sport! Read more. >>
Rock Canyon HS Principal Shares about Hiring and Compensation Challenges
Andy Abner has been the principal of Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch for 13 years. In a recent 7News interview, he shared that it’s never been harder to hire good teachers. “When we posted a job when I started here, we might have 40 applicants that were qualified for the position. Now we're lucky if we get one or two,” Abner said. Watch the interview. >>
**Get more information including arguments for and against funding measures for Douglas County School District at www.dcsdk12.org/funding
Clear Sky Elementary Second Graders Visit with their School Resource Officer
Students in Mrs. Mazzoni‘s second-grade class at Clear Sky Elementary recently had a special visit from their School Resource Office during their library time. What a special relationship!
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
Save the number, save a life.
Add the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) to your phone now—it could save a life later. Trained crisis counselors are available to talk 24/7/365. Visit https://go.usa.gov/xyxGa for more info.
Literacy
Writing SOS: What are some everyday things I can do to help my child’s writing skills?
Literacy specialist Kyley Pulphus encourages parents to make writing fun and purposeful. With her own daughter, she sees more enthusiasm for writing when asking her to write lists, letters, emails, greeting cards, and text messages. Watch video. >>
Health and Wellness
Recorded Webinar: Concussion Process and School Sports
This Parent University Webinar discusses components of DCSD’s student concussion protocol and how our school district’s support and practice aligns with the Colorado High School Activity 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. Additional information is also provided by DCSD's BrainSTEPS Committee. Watch recorded webinar. >>
EVENTS
DCSD Nutrition Services Farmers Market
Tuesday, October 3 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Redstone Elementary School (Front Lawn)
9970 Glenstone Circle, Highlands Ranch
Open to the public. Featuring a variety of Colorado products and vendors.
Venture Academy of Entrepreneurship and Leadership (VALE) Information Nights
October 3, November 16 and December 12 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
VALE, 15653 Brookstone Drive Parker
Step inside and discover the gifts of Douglas County School District’s newest high school. www.vale.dcsdk12.org.
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.