Español | русский | 中文
SUBJECT: Week In Review - August 7-11
August 11, 2023
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!
On Tuesday morning, I, along with members of my Cabinet, our Executive Directors of Schools, and Board of Education directors, had the absolute pleasure of visiting every school that was celebrating their first day of the new school year. It is so much fun to welcome our staff and students back. Nothing beats that first day of school energy and excitement. Of course, we still have a few schools to welcome back in the coming days and weeks but we can officially say that the 2023-2024 school year is off to a great start!
Watch this first day of school recap video here:
In addition, here is a link to a heartwarming slideshow of photos that capture the unforgettable moments of the first day. Here's to a year full of discovery, growth, and boundless opportunities!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND DCSD
Legacy Campus and VALE Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
This week two new campuses opened their doors to students in DCSD.
-
The Legacy Campus will provide additional Career and Technical Education opportunities to students in a variety of fields including: Advanced Robotics, Architecture, Aviation/Transportation, Building Controls Technology, Culinary and Hospitality, EMT/EMS, Future Educator, Nursing (CNA) and Secure Network Technology. The purchase of the Legacy Campus building was made possible by a Bond initiative passed by voters in 2018. Click here to view a video of the Legacy Campus ribbon cutting event. Visit www.legacycampus.org to learn more about this new facility.
-
VALE (Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship) also opened for the 2023-2024 school year. VALE is a new alternative education campus in Parker which believes in redefining alternative education to equip students with the necessary skills and tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. VALE’s goal is to prepare students to become entrepreneurial change-makers, well-equipped for any post-secondary pathway they choose. Click here to view a video of the VALE ribbon cutting event. Visit vale.dcsdk12.org to learn more about this new high school.
Ponderosa High School Teacher Inducted into CACTE Hall of Fame
Last month, Ponderosa High School Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Kimberly Baldwin was inducted in the Colorado Association of Career and Technical Education Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Kimberly on this prestigious honor!
Saddle Ranch Elementary Named i-Ready Super Stretch School
Congratulations to Saddle Ranch Elementary who was named a Super Stretch School by i-Ready. Stretch Growth means that Saddle Ranch put students who placed below grade level on their first i-Ready diagnostic on a path to proficiency. It also means that Saddle Ranch helped students who placed on or above grade level maintain their advanced proficiency levels. Congratulations to Saddle Ranch 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
Social Media Tips for Parents
American Psychological Association
Check out this video on 4 science-backed tips for parents on kids’ social media use.
Literacy
KitLit at Home
KitLit at Home features a variety of read out loud story videos to share with your children. Check it out here.
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
Serve on a DCSD Board Committee
The DCSD District Accountability Committee (DAC) and Fiscal Oversight Committee (FOC) and Mill Bond Oversight Committee (MBOC) are seeking candidates to fill vacant member positions. Visit their webpages to learn more and to apply.
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.