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SUBJECT: Week In Review - March 3-8, 2024
March 8, 2024
Happy Friday!
Hilltop Schoolhouse Visit
Earlier this week my Cabinet and I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Hilltop Schoolhouse. This schoolhouse was built in 1898 after the town’s original school was destroyed in a fire. The town was, in fact, called Hilltop and the schoolhouse is one of the few buildings remaining in the town from the late 1800s. The Douglas County School District owns the Hilltop Schoolhouse and the land, the incredible women of the Hilltop Social Club care for the building and love it so much. They greeted us with open arms, provided us with homemade baked goods and tea and coffee, and of course a tour. We plan to share more about this little gem in the future but for now learn more on their website.
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DCSD Academic Calendar Survey
It’s that time again when we ask you, our families, students, staff, and community members to provide your feedback on our academic calendars for the coming years. The DCSD Calendar Committee has developed four possible academic calendar options for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Now it’s time for you to weigh in. Here’s how:
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Review the different calendar options. We have created a Cross Calendar Comparison that compares the key dates within each set of options. We have also created a Calendars at a Glance document for you to see all of the options for that set of calendars.
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Complete our Calendar Feedback Survey. You will be separately ranking the options for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Please complete the survey by Sunday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m.
The feedback collected from the survey will be used to help the Calendar Committee select calendars to be presented to the DCSD Board of Education for approval and adoption.
A special thank you to our calendar committee which is made up of DCSD parents, students, leaders, teachers, and classified staff members. These dedicated individuals have been working since September 2023 to develop the calendar options for your feedback.
As always, we greatly appreciate your participation.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
VIDEO: Legend High School Community Makes Wishes Come True for Local Boy
Every year, the students and staff at Legend High School spend a week raising money to grant a wish for one very special kid. The halls are decorated and the students host special events like teacher karaoke and drive-in movies. The students at Legend High School and their associated feeder schools are dedicated to making this week an unforgettable experience for their Wish Kid. Meet Dominik Kuhl. He is a six-year-old boy whose love for running is only matched by his love for Disney. Watch as Dominik and his family are welcomed into the Titan Family. Watch video. >>
VIDEO: Mammoth Heights “M.V.T.” Honored by the Denver Nuggets
Madison Coonts is a first grade teacher at Mammoth Heights Elementary. Her hard work and dedication to her students is not only being recognized by her peers, but also by one of Colorado’s most beloved sports teams. Madison has been awarded the “M.V.T.” Award by the Denver Nuggets. The “M.V.T.” - or Most Valuable Teacher Award - includes a classroom visit from the Denver Nuggets Public Address Announcer, Kyle Spiller, and everyone’s favorite mascot, Rocky. Watch video. >>
Erin Kane: Raises at Douglas County schools are courtesy of voters
Douglas County News-Press
In January, Douglas County School District’s educators and staff received their much anticipated and well-deserved pay increases. This was made possible by you — the citizens of our community who voted yes on 5A (mill levy override) this past November. Read more. >>
Douglas County teacher recognized as outstanding agricultural educator
Douglas County News-Press
Douglas County’s Susan Irwin received the 2024 Outstanding Teacher Award from the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture for her work engaging students in various elements of agricultural education. Irwin, a teacher at Pioneer Elementary School, oversees a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) class that develops students’ agricultural skills through projects involving hydroponics, aquaponics and raising livestock, including chickens and a calf. 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 Resources
National Parent & Youth Helpline
The National Parent & Youth Helpline provides vital information, support, and referrals through calls, texts, and chats to diverse parents, children, and youth seeking help nationwide. The National Parent & Youth HelplineTM is operated by Parents Anonymous® and available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Learn more. >>
Literacy Resources
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. Learn more. >>
Health and Wellness Resources
9 Common Childhood Illnesses and Conditions
From stomach bugs to roseola, some sicknesses are bound to happen at some point during childhood. But as a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to identify what these conditions are, or when you should ask for help. Plus, many sicknesses can have overlapping symptoms, making it hard to differentiate what illness your child may have. Fortunately, our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado share expert information on key signs and symptoms of common conditions, how to help your child heal and more. Read more. >>
EVENTS
Job Interview Day for Graduating Seniors
(Full-Time, Permanent Job Opportunities)
Friday, April 12 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
DCSD Legacy Campus, Lone Tree
Students should sign up with their counselor to attend. Learn more. >>
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Serve on a DCSD Board Committee
The DCSD District Accountability Committee (DAC), Fiscal Oversight Committee (FOC), Long Range Planning Committee, and Mill Bond Oversight Committee (MBOC) are seeking candidates to fill vacant member positions. Visit their webpages to learn more and to apply.
2024 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Award Nominations
The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 who have overcome personal adversity and created positive change in their lives. The Youth Awards focus on teenagers who have triumphed over great odds and serve as inspirations and role models. If you know young people who would be good candidates for the Youth Awards, please help us identify them by completing the nomination form, link is below. Award winners receive a cash gift! Nomination forms are due by: March 29, 2024.