Jeffco school quarterly may2014 by Colorado Community Media

Jeffco Schools Quarterly May 2014 Vol. 7 No. 1

A Jeffco Schools Publication

www.jeffcopublicschools.org Our Mission

Warren Tech students practice for real life Chatfield High School and Warren Tech student Jacob Gilchrist was in command. He led his fire science team towards a car on fire at the Jeffco Sheriff and Fairmount Fire Joint Training Center off of Highway 93. With sirens blaring, the fire engine raced by victims, being played by students pretending to be injured and unconscious. Gilchrist and his team dragged out the hose to fight the fire. Once it was out, fire science instructor Tim Vaninger stepped in. “When you came straight into the scene you had tunnel vision,” explained Vaninger. “We should have stopped and thought it out, “Hey, this isn’t just a car fire, we’ve got way too many people who are hurt. Let’s stop and evaluate, but, now it’s too late because you are all contaminated with sarin gas.” The emergency scene was all part of a mock emergency exercise that included 20 Jeffco high schools and 240 Warren Tech students spanning over 12 educational programs including fire science, emergency medicine and cosmetology. Warren Tech partnered with the Fairmount Fire Protection District, Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Anthony Hospital, Flight for Life, Stadium Medical, Arvada Police Department, Adams County Sheriff ’s Office and the Colorado State Patrol. “I love how real it is,” said Warren Tech cosmetology student Grace Roberts, as she applied red, blood-like makeup on another student who played the part of an accident victim.

To provide a quality education that prepares all children for a successful future. Jeffco Public Schools is home to nearly 86,000 of Colorado's finest students. Step inside one of our 154 schools and you will see a staff dedicated to building a bright future for every student. Our staff is supported by a committed school board, involved parents and a caring community that combine to provide a quality education that prepares all children for a promising future.

“Everyone’s coming together. This is an awesome opportunity.” It was the first time Warren Tech had staged a field exercise this large. “This exercise is such a large scale,” said student fire commander Gilchrist. “It is more real life, more realistic, so you get a feel for what the job is actually going to be like.” Warren Tech science instructor Arlie Huffman said the exercise played an important role in the students’ educations. “It’s the most important piece of all because it takes everything they have been learning over the last year or two at Warren

Warren Tech fire science student Jacob Gilchrist leads his team while instructor Tim Vaninger observes. Warren Tech cosmetology student Grace Roberts applies make up on Paul Grubb.

Tech and puts it all together,” she said. Student commander Gilchrist discovered he failed to thoughtfully approach the car fire. “Hopefully, I can learn from it,” Gilchrist said.

“Better here than in real life.” Warren Tech emergency management instructor Chris Mailliard answered, “We want to fail in this exercise, so we don’t fail in real life.”

The gift of graduation

Wheat Ridge High School Assistant Principal Ken Trager and senior Taylor Roberts teamed up to keep Taylor on track to graduation.

Wheat Ridge High School (WRHS) senior Taylor Roberts hit an obstacle on the track to graduation. Her personal life had become overwhelming and she wanted to give up – but, the people in her life weren’t ready to give up on her. Taylor had dropped out. “I was struggling a lot with life in general, friends, family and just everything,” she said. “I thought I would dropout, get my GED and start working and that didn’t work out, it’s not that easy.” Her mom, Julie, didn’t know where to turn. “I ended up on the Jeffco Schools website searching to find another option for her and I stumbled across the dropout prevention site.” She called Jeffco’s Dropout Prevention and Recovery department where she met Jason Firestone. “Without Jason I don’t know where

Taylor would be,” she added. “He’s a great motivator and there’s no way she would be back in school without him.” Jeffco’s 2012-13 on-time graduation rate for neighborhood high schools moved from 88.3 to 89 percent. The increase shows the district’s emphasis on maintaining an upward trend in graduation rates while lowering the district’s drop-out rate. “In 2011-12 we had 853 students who dropped out and last year we had 710 students,” said Dave Kollar, director of Dropout Prevention and Recovery. “We’re excited about the reduction and that is Jeffco’s lowest dropout rate ever.” Kollar and Firestone said the positive change in Jeffco’s dropout rates can only be achieved when schools, programs, community agencies and interventions work together.

“We play the role of the mediator and our goal is to remove any obstacles in a student’s way that may discourage or distract them from their goal of graduating,” said Firestone. He scheduled a meeting with Taylor, her mom and WRHS Assistant Principal Ken Trager and within a few days, Taylor reenrolled at Wheat Ridge. The WRHS staff will admit they took risks with Taylor by allowing her to return to school. “We went through a pretty rough stretch and some tough decisions before we could take another chance on her,” said Trager. “We didn’t give up and put some tools in place to help her get through the tough times.” Trager and Principal Griff Wirth sat down and talked about what they teach their students. “Our staff has talked a lot about perseverance and grit and how

those characteristics are lacking in some of our students because they quit and give up too easily.” They decided to practice what they preach and not quit on kids. “It doesn’t work for us as a staff to teach that, if we’re not going to live it as well,” said Trager. Taylor’s mom said her daughter was so grateful to the Wheat Ridge staff for giving her another chance. “She told me she wanted to get Mr. Trager a present,” she said. “I told her that the biggest gift she could give him is graduating.” Taylor can’t wait to have her mom watch her accept her diploma in May along with the other graduates. With her degree in one hand and an acceptance letter to Community College of Denver in the other, Taylor’s dream of becoming a veterinarian is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

Board focuses on student achievement

May 2014

Members of the Jefferson County Board of Education have developed ends policies or goals that guide the work of the district. The ends focus on what students should know and the work they should be able to do as a result of the education they received. The board’s governing statement is: Every student will be taught by an effective teacher in a school led by an effective principal so that they are prepared for continuous learning and the world of work in the changing environment of the 21st century. Therefore, 1. Every student will master the Colorado Content Standards at grade level. 2. Every student will achieve at least one year’s growth, or more as needed to catch up, in every year of school and be ready for the next level. 3. Every student will graduate career and workforce and/or post- secondary ready. 4. Every student will learn in a caring, safe, and engaging school environment that maximizes parental involvement and encourages community support. 5. Every student will become a responsible citizen. The following are the ends established by the board:

Ends #1 Every student will master the Colorado Content Standards at grade level. • The percentage of proficient/advanced third-grade students in reading on TCAP will increase from 80 percent to 85 percent by August of 2015. • The percentage of proficient/advanced fourth grade students in math on TCAP will increase from 77 percent to 80 percent by August 2015. • The percentage of proficient/advanced students in writing on TCAP will increase by August 2014 to: • Elementary – 64 percent • Middle level – 66 percent • High school – 59 percent Ends #2 Every student will achieve one year’s growth, or more as needed to ‘catch up,’ in each year of school and be ready for the next level. • The percentage of third graders scoring in the unsatisfactory category on third- grade reading TCAP will decrease by 1 percentage point each year in 2014 and 2015. • The percentage of ALP students who have growth measures over 50 will increase: • In writing from 54 to 56

• In math from 60 to 62 • In reading from 57 to 59 Ends #3 Every student will graduate career and workforce and/or post- secondary ready. • The college remediation rate for Jeffco graduates will decrease from 29.8 percent to 27.8 percent by spring 2015. Ends #4 Every student will learn in a caring, safe, and engaging school environment that maximizes parental involvement and encourages community support. Ends #5 Every student will become a responsible citizen. “Better outcomes begin with a plan, and the board’s plan is outlined in the five academic achievement goals we unanimously set in December,” said Jefferson County Board of Education President Ken Witt. “These goals ensure more students are on the path of success at a key checkpoint early in their education. The goals also help ensure more Jeffco kids graduate with the skills they need for the future.” “Our goals reflect achievement for all students in Jeffco,” said board treasurer Jill Fellman.

Budget dollars Members of the Jefferson County Board of Education have given preliminary direction for the district’s 2014-15 budget. The budget process began with board members identifying their ends or goals which are focused on student achievement. “The Jeffco board is dedicated to responsible financial management. We want to see education dollars spent in ways that result in better academic achievement for our students. We will carefully review where the money is invested and what the results of those investments are in order to make informed decisions,” said Jefferson County Board of Education President Ken Witt. The community and staff weighed in through an online survey, a series of public forums and public comment and correspondence. In addition, members of the Strategic Planning and Advisory Council made recommendations as did the district’s Financial Oversight Committee. Here’s what will be included in the draft proposed budget: • Employee compensation: $11.7 million – a budgetary placeholder for total compensation increases for 2014-15 including the increased costs of employer contribution to PERA and initial implementation costs for the Affordable Care Act. How the remaining funds will be invested in salary adjustments is just one item for discussion during negotiations with the Jefferson County Education Association. • Special education transportation: $786,000 – a partial offset of mandated rising cost of transportation for special education students. • Mobile device readiness: $4.5 million – an investment in wireless 2

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infrastructure enabling schools to handle increasing demands on technology in the classroom. This investment supports accessibility and capacity to the district’s technology infrastructure. Classroom Dashboard: $1.0 million – ongoing investment in the development of the online classroom dashboard that will give teachers access to data, resources and tools that will help provide better outcomes for their students. Primary literacy/reading proficiency: $2 million – additional professional development for teachers, reading interventionists and extended learning opportunities for students, specifically targeting early literacy goals. Elementary math instruction: $3.6 million – implementation of new math program, Math Expressions. This investment is for new math materials in support of the board goal to increase math literacy. It also includes two years of professional development for teachers to support and ensure the successful roll out of the math program. Data security and privacy: $560,000 – staffing and support to continue the district’s commitment to data security. Additional funding to charter schools: $3.7 million – this represents the allocation of new dollars to move toward an equal per-pupil funding to charter schools. Gifted and talented: $855,000 – an investment of funds to provide additional staffing for gifted and talented services. This is aligned with the board’s goal to increase achievement performance for students on advanced learning plans.

• Virtual Academy expansion to include K-6: $700,000 – to attract and provide high-quality services to elementary online students. This opportunity will be funded through increased revenues from the addition of new online students. • Additional investments addressed through repurposing of existing funds include – $1.5 million to support the increased cost of special education students placed out of district, $200,000 to support safety and security to meet training and crisis management needs and $400,000 for additional investment in athletic equipment and transportation. “We need to reflect the community’s priorities and interests in this budget along with weighing the needs of all students,” said board treasurer Jill Fellman. “The academic achievement goals set unanimously by the board in December can only be achieved if we have talented teachers in our classrooms. That means we need to attract and hold onto the best teachers possible,” said Witt. “They also expect to be paid on a competitive scale. We know we need to pay our newest teachers more to be competitive. And we want to pay all of our teachers at the highest rate possible for the quality of their work.” It’s important to remember that these proposals are subject to change and other budget items may be added as the board continues to discuss priorities. Public hearings on the proposed budget will be held on Thursday, June 5 and Thursday, June 19 beginning at 6 p.m. in the 5th floor Board Room, Education Center, 1829 Denver West Drive, Golden. www.jeffcopublicschools.org

Searching for a superintendent

MESSAGE FROM THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

What advice do you have for the class of 2014?

Witt

Ken Witt I encourage you to remember the difference between dreams and purpose. You are likely filled with dreams of what you would like to achieve and experience. You are at the crux of big change and enormous opportunity, facing college and career decisions. My image of dreaming is sitting on an inner tube floating down a gentle stream, eyes closed, dreams flowing. But you take control of your destiny when you open your eyes, fix your gaze on where you want to go, and take the steps needed to get there. Prepare for the future you want. Fill your heart with aspiration, but don’t stop there. Find your resolve, solidify your own sense of purpose for your life, and identify the steps needed to realize your purpose. Then do the hardest thing of all – take those steps. In short – don’t just dream – achieve!

Ray & Associates, Inc.’s Bill Newman meets with employees to talk about the search for a new Jeffco Superintendent.

Julie Williams All your dreams can come true only if you have the courage to pursue them. May you always keep learning, growing, and pursuing the best in yourself. Congratulations!

Williams

Dahlkemper

Newkirk

Fellman

ols.orgwww.jeffcopublicschools.org

The process to choose a new superintendent for Jeffco Public Schools is moving forward with Ray and Associates, Inc. leading the work. The Iowa-based search firm was chosen by the Jefferson County Board of Education to help the district find the next Jeffco superintendent. Eleven public meetings have been held to collect input from parents, students, staff and the community. Ray and Associates has also conducted a public survey to gather additional input. The information has been used by the board of education to develop a superintendent profile to help guide the search for a new Jeffco superintendent. Here’s the remaining timeline for the process: • Monday, May 5: BOE to screen candidates in a closed executive session • Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10: BOE to interview candidates in closed executive session • Thursday, May 15: BOE to interview finalists in open meeting It is hoped that a new superintendent will be named by the end of May.

Meal prices increasing

Lesley Dahlkemper #1: Define success. What does success look like for you? Go for it! How you define success will change over time. Remember those who help you along the way. #2: Focus on what matters most. And let go of all the stuff that doesn’t. You have way too much to do with your life! #3: Push yourself. The rewards are huge: greater confidence, deeper knowledge and the sheer satisfaction of knowing that you did it. Next time, it will be a little easier. #4: Give back. Tutor students at your old elementary school… volunteer at a shelter… run for school board. Our community – and you – will be better for it. #5: Embrace mistakes. “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Cartoonist Scott Adams We are so proud of you, and we cannot wait to see what you accomplish in the future!

Jeffco students will see more servings of fruits and vegetables added to their breakfasts and lunches during the 2014-15 school year. Because of that, meal prices in Jeffco will be increasing by 25 cents. Federal guidelines, established by the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, require school districts to add fruits and veggies to the menu; those extra servings mean an additional cost. “Beginning this year, the serving of fruit and vegetable for a student at lunch increased from a total of ¾ cup to now being a total of 1 ½ cups. The fruit serving for breakfast increases from ½ cup to 1 cup in 2014-15. We currently pay an average of 20 cents for a serving of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the regulations

John Newkirk Congratulations, Jefferson County graduates, on reaching this critical milestone. Your graduation is called “commencement” because it marks the beginning of an exciting new era in your lives. This moment, however, also marks a bittersweet end: it’s the last time you’ll all be together in the same place at the same time. So during these final few weeks of school, shake more hands, give more hugs, and both forgive and apologize. Thank your teachers for dedicating their lives to making yours better. Sit down with a World War II vet while you still can. Understand that you are the beneficiary of generations of hard work and sacrifice, and this world will soon belong to you. Take a road trip this summer. See what you’ve inherited. And no matter where your journey takes you, resolve to use your precious education to leave the place a little better than how you found it.

now require that all grain products served must be whole grain. Whole grain products are priced higher than the enriched products that we have customarily served,” said Linda Stoll, Jeffco’s executive director of food and nutrition services. Here’s what breakfast and lunch will cost next school year: • Elementary breakfast: $1.75 (currently $1.50) • Secondary breakfast: $2.00 (currently $1.75) • Elementary lunch: $2.75 (currently $2.50) • Secondary lunch: $3.25 (currently $3.00) Most school districts in the Denver metro area charge similar prices for breakfast and lunch.

Jeffco Schools Quarterly A free publication for parents and residents of Jefferson County, the Quarterly is published in partnership with Colorado Community Media. The school district's Communications Services staff provides the articles, photos and graphics in an effort to keep the community informed with news about Jeffco Schools. Citizen comments about the publication are welcome. Colorado Community Media provides layout, sells advertisements, prints, and distributes the publication at no cost to the school district.

Jill Fellman As I think about graduation – my thoughts immediately turn to the future. Graduates, you have earned a high school diploma from Jefferson County Schools – which is indeed an accomplishment. You have so many options for your future – college, career, military, family, and a host of others. My advice to you is simple: NEVER shut the door on an option that may appeal to you later. ALWAYS be open to learning and finding that passion that will guide you into finding a career and a life that will allow you to follow your heart and soul. I wish great things for all of you! 3

Contact Communications Services:

Jeffco Public Schools 1829 Denver West Drive, #27, Golden, CO 80401 303-982-6808 | 303-982-6816 Fax www.jeffcopublicschools.org email:commsvcs@jeffco.k12.co.us Photography courtesy: Lorie Hirose, Jeffco Schools

To advertise contact Colorado Community Media: 303-566-4100 www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

May 2014

Learning the code

Music education offers lessons in life and humanity

Edgewater Elementary School sixth-grader Marlene Alba practices writing computer code.

Edgewater Elementary School sixth-grader Marlene Alba is one of 32 students who volunteers to stay after school for three hours a day, four days a week. “I’ve learned how to program things,” Alba said. “I’ve also met many new friends, so I like it.” Alba and her friends are learning how to write code and program computers thanks to a program from the not-for-profit OpenWorld Learning (OWL) Organization. OWL brings digital technology and computer programming teachers to schools with a high free and reduced lunch rate at no cost to the students or school. “It’s amazing,” said Edgewater Principal Celeste Sultze. “It goes deeper than just knowing how to look up information on an iPad or a laptop. It gets students to understand how technology works and how to develop technology.” Maureen Padilla knows first-hand the difference the program can make. She was in one of first OWL classes at her elementary school. Now, Padilla is a student at Metro State University, majoring in education, and teaching Edgewater students how to program computers through OWL’s after-school program. “I get to teach students how to animate things. Who doesn’t want to know that?” she said. “Who wouldn’t choose to do this?” “What’s cool about it, is that it’s not just about programming,” added Sultze. “It is also about role models and it inspires kids to be leaders.” Sultze says OWL students are more confident in their regular classrooms, and more excited about learning. Edgewater is one of eight schools in the Denver area, and the only school in Jeffco, with the program. Alba said she might consider a career in computer programming. But for now, she said she loves learning how to write code. “It’s just the results are making the animation move and the shape change,” she explained with excitement. “It’s like cool, I can make a cartoon now.”

Honoring Frank DeAngelis A diverse group of Jeffco business and community leaders recently rallied around Jeffco Schools Foundation’s Fifth-Annual Love Our Schools Luncheon fundraiser to honor retiring Columbine High School Principal Frank DeAngelis. They also raised more than $25,000 to benefit the programs of the Foundation in the process. DeAngelis received the Norma Anderson Lifetime Service Award which recognizes individuals whose dedication to local schools have made the community a thriving, vibrant place to live. DeAngelis’ career spans more than 35 years in Jeffco Public Schools as a teacher, coach and principal. After the Columbine tragedy in 1999, DeAngelis realized that he had been saved to fulfill an important role. “I thought about our students,” DeAngelis said. “I realized that my reason was to help rebuild the community.” He has been doing that important work ever since. He made a promise to every student enrolled at Columbine in spring 1999 that if they came back to the school, he would be there with them. “My heart and soul have been with this community,” he said. “I have been so blessed to have worked with and been a part of the lives of wonderful teachers, students, parents and community.” “Frank truly embodies the spirit of the Norma Anderson Lifetime Service Award,” said Katie Tiernan, executive director of Jeffco Schools Foundation. “We are grateful that we had a chance to honor him as a community before he retires.” Article submitted by Jeffco Schools Foundation. May 2014

Bear Creek High School’s Onyx Choir. Soprano I: Kimberly Bowles, Sierra Breeden, Ryan Comer, Emma Hartmann, Ashleigh Laws, Amissi Robbins, Clara Shannon, Priscila Sihotang, Noa Solove. Soprano II: Alexis Allensworth, Sydnianne Clawson, Ashley Deuel, Sarah Heller, Rayana McKee, Baylee Moench, Kate Pitchford, Jessica Todd, Amber White. Alto I: Bryanna Augustine, K’Lei DeLauro, Baylee Hurtado, Madeline Koehn, Justina Longoria, Megan Martinez, Brittney Schock, Valerie Simon, Aimee Wakeman, Natalie Yribia. Alto II Margaret Angelo, Erica Eggman, Kharis Grams, Marie Lankenau, Emily Montojo, Jazmyne Reining, Abigail Russell, Savannah Santana, Leanne Williams and Mikaela Zamora.

Lakewood High School music director Chuck Stephen and the chamber orchestra take a bow at CMEA.

When Bear Creek High School (BCHS) junior Kate Pitchford sang on stage at the Colorado Music Educator’s Association (CMEA) conference in January, she was following in her mother’s footsteps. “I really look up to my mother,” explained Pitchford. “It was kind of cool to stand where my mother stood.” Pitchford’s mother, Sharon Littlefield sang at CMEA with her college choir. She also attended the conference when she was a school choir director. But this year, she went to see her daughter sing with the Bear Creek choir, Onyx. “All you can do is just be so proud,” said Littlefield. “And wonder to yourself, was I that mature at that age?” BCHS was just one of three Jeffco music groups to perform at the conference. D’Evelyn High School’s Symphonic Band and Lakewood High School’s Chamber Orchestra also played for the music educators. There is a competitive selection process, and only the very best are chosen to perform. “For us in the music profession, it’s the ultimate goal to be able to play there,” said D’Evelyn music director Steve Martin. “We’re playing for a very critical audience. Competitively, it puts pressure on you to 4

raise your level of teaching a little bit and to keep you on your toes.” Lakewood’s music director Chuck Stephen says students learn hard work and extra rehearsals pay off. “To be among the best in the state, I think it’s a huge thing for the kids and for the school,” said Stephen. “Jeffco is always well represented. We have some very talented directors in Jeffco and a lot of fine music programs.” “In today’s world of technology and instant gratification, a music class can teach a student what good ‘ole hard work and perseverance can accomplish,” said BCHS music director Nathan Payant. “A wellpolished, beautiful sounding ensemble doesn’t happen in a day or overnight. It takes literally hundreds of hours of hard work and preparation to pull off an aweinspiring performance.” For students like Kate Pitchford, the hours of work are worth it. “I just have this freedom with singing,” she said. “Especially when you’re doing it right, creating music with a whole group of people with a common goal. It sounds so beautiful.” www.jeffcopublicschools.org

Jeffco celebrates state championships Jeffco schools won three state team championships during the winter sports season. Ralston Valley High School brought home the 5A state hockey trophy for the second year in a row. “It’s pretty incredible,” Ralston Valley coach Matt Schoepflin told the Denver Post. “I hope they (the students) realize how special and how rare it is in any sport, regardless of level, to go undefeated in a season, be the number one seed and bring the title home.” Arvada West High School took the 5A state wrestling team title, beating out last year’s state champions, Pomona High School. Evergreen High School’s girls swim team brought home the 4A state championship title, after finishing second in 2012, and third in 2013. “You know the victory was even sweeter because of our third place last year,” said Cougars swim coach Jeanne Godarie. “This year we really redeemed ourselves. I hope the girls learned if you persevere through difficult times and failures, when you succeed, it’s a testament to the hard work and following through on your dreams.” Evergreen’s 200-yard medley team of Lindsay Morrow, Josie Pearson, Bailey Smith and Kamryn Holland won the 4A title. Morrow also won the 4A 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke titles. In the 5A wrestling contests, the following athletes won state titles: Tomas Gutierrez, 106 pounds, Pomona High School; Josh Rosales, 120 pounds, Pomona High School; P.T. Garcia, 132 pounds, Bear Creek High School; Payton Tawater, 145 pounds, Arvada West High School; Tony Silva-Bussey, 170 pounds, Arvada West High School; and Devin Rothrock, 195 pounds, Arvada West High School. Pictured Above: 1. Ralston Valley High School hockey coach Matt Schoepflin with the school’s second 5A state trophy. 2. Arvada West High School wrestlers bring home the 5A state trophy. 3. Evergreen Girls Swim Team wins 4A State Championship.

Virtual academy goes K-12

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says off. huge phen. Beginning with the August 2014 start of very school, Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy music will be a kindergarten through 12th grade school with highly-qualified teachers offering stantthe Jeffco curriculum online. what “We see our elementary school as an option lish,”for families who want a different setting for well-their young children. We think of ourselves ppenas an ‘at home’ choice for education where ds ofparents have the help of Jeffco teachers to guide awe-learning,” said Virtual Academy Principal Glenn Moses. work Elementary students who attend the virtual elementary school must be Colorado residents said.and will be required to meet one day a week musicat the school which is currently located in the oal. ItJeffco Public Schools Education Center, 1829 Denver West Drive, in Golden. In addition,

ols.orgwww.jeffcopublicschools.org

K-6 students wishing to enroll must attend full-time and cannot be enrolled in any other school. “We are in the process of meeting with some of the families who have expressed a desire to enroll their child in the Virtual Academy. We are asking them to help us refine our elementary vision to meet the needs of our students and their parents,” said Moses. The 21st Century Virtual Academy also offers full and part-time options for middle and high school students in Colorado. The school is fully accredited by the Colorado Department of Education and is staffed with highly-qualified teachers. For more information, call 303-982-6770 or learnonline@jeffco.k12.co.us 5

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For more information, contact Joe Moore at Joe.Moore@gcu.edu or 303-638-5986 For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. 14COEE105

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Edgewater Elementary students learn how to write computer code

Bradford Intermediate students participate in an hour of writing computer code

Kyffin Elementary students at their annual veterans’ day celebration Twenty Jeffco schools received Governor’s Distinguished Improvement awards. The award is given to schools that demonstrate excellent student growth. These schools exceed expectations on the school performance framework academic growth indicator. Jeffco’s 2013 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement schools are: Bradford Intermediate, Coal Creek Canyon K-8, Dennison Elementary, Devinny Elementary, Edgewater Elementary, Elk Creek Elementary, Fairmount Elementary, Green Gables Elementary, Meiklejohn Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, Parmalee Elementary, Peck Elementary, Red Rocks Elementary, Ryan Elementary, Shelton Elementary, Stein Elementary, Ute Meadows Elementary, Vanderhoof Elementary, Warder Elementary and West Woods Elementary.

JEFFCO SCHOOLS RECEIVE ACADEMIC AWARDS

Red Rocks elementary students

The Colorado Department of Education awarded 41 Jeffco schools honors for academic achievement. Some of the schools received more than one award. Evergreen High School students dance during diversity day

Manning students celebrate a “Manning for (Peyton) Manning” day May 2014

Thirty-one Jeffco schools received the John Irwin Award for excellent academic achievement. These schools exceed expectations on the indicator for academic achievement over three years on the school performance framework. Jeffco’s 2013 John Irwin Schools are: Bergen Valley Intermediate School, Bradford Intermediate, Bradford Primary, Conifer High School, Deer Creek Middle School, Dennison Elementary, D’Evelyn Junior/ Senior, Devinny Elementary, Elk Creek Elementary, Evergreen High School, Evergreen Middle School, Jefferson Academy Charter, Kyffin Elementary, Manning School, Maple Grove Elementary, Marshdale Elementary, Meiklejohn Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, Normandy Elementary, Parmalee Elementary, Ralston Elementary, Ralston Valley High School, Red Rocks Elementary, Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen, Shaffer Elementary, Sierra Elementary, Ute Meadow Elementary, West Jefferson Elementary, West Jefferson Middle School, West Woods Elementary and Wilmot Elementary.

Mitchell Elementary students and teachers celebrate learning every day

D’Evelyn students and staff celebrate the highest public school ACT scores in the state

Ralston Elementary students through the years celebrate the school’s Blue Ribbon Award 6

www.jeffcopublicschools.org

Ralston Valley High School’s marching band 7

May 2014

Grant funds college credit

Hatching new technology “Hello, I’m Memphis. In science we are studying how to incubate chicken eggs, butterfly larvae, and see the difference between an egg and a seed.” That is how a third grader at Little Elementary School began one of his blog entries. That student and all of the third graders in Deanna Duray’s class each have an iPad, thanks to a grant from the Friedman Family Foundation. With the iPads, students were able to make photographs of the eggs and newly hatched chickens, research baby chicks, create albums, movies, presentations, and blog about their experiences. “Having the iPads has made learning very accessible,” said Duray. “It really is kind of fun to pair something very old school, like hatching chicks, with something completely new school like the iPad, and to use that technology to learn more about science,” said Little Elementary Principal Robert Lopez. “Waiting for 21 days was hard. I got bored quickly,” blogged one student. “But on day 20, one almost hatched! We saw its beak!” Another student wrote a poem about the baby chicks: Personification Peep, peep! Guess who I am? Yes, yes! I’m a chick I just hatched, Me and my brothers and sisters match.

Jefferson High School counselor Molly Harrington and AP Calculus student Elvira Miranda.

When Jefferson High School junior Elvira Miranda takes her Advanced Placement (AP) tests next year, the $89 dollar registration fee will be taken care of. And when she passes the test, she will get college credit and be awarded $100, thanks to a grant from the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI). “Taking the AP and getting the score itself is a reward,” Miranda said. “But knowing that you have support, and that our teachers fought for us, and believed in us is an extra reward. And just to know that they (CEI) have faith in us to even give us this grant means a lot.” This year, Jefferson High School and Wheat Ridge High School are each recipients of $10,000 grants. CEI partners with the National Math and Science Initiative and several corporate sponsors to provide funding for exam fees, Saturday tutors and teacher training. “This $10,000 opens the doors to AP for all students,” said Jefferson counselor Molly Harrington. Wheat Ridge High offers 15 AP classes. The grant will support all students in eight AP English, math and science classes. Students do not have to qualify for free and reduced lunch to benefit from the grant. “This grant really sends a message to all kids that learning is cool, and that’s one thing I think as a society we’ve always had kids that don’t buy into that idea,” said Wheat Ridge High Principal Griff Wirth. Last year, thanks to the CEI grant, Arvada High School increased passing scores on AP exams by 95 percent. “We weren’t surprised, because we knew our kids had the skill set to make this happen,” said Arvada High Principal Kathy Norton. “ It validated the work that our students and teachers have put into this program.” Arvada junior Herman Musimbi is taking AP Language Arts. “The AP class itself not only affects my grades on a resume, there are things in AP that you can’t learn in a normal class,” said Musimbi. Former Arvada High and current University of Colorado student Majica Smith said, “You learn what it means to learn, and you learn how to think.” May 2014

Little Elementary School third-grade teacher Deanna Duray uses iPads to help students learn about life cycles.

We go peep, peep, and cheep, cheep. We love our lives! Lopez says having the iPads is like “tricking students into learning. Here is this great tool, but wow, look how much learning I’m getting from this piece of technology.” The proof is in the student’s blogs. “The chicks are now cute and precious. They are a miracle! It was fun to learn about their life cycle!”

Valuing volunteers They give of their time and talent to help Jeffco students, and at the April 3 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education, more than 30 volunteers were honored for their service. The volunteers help with events, tutoring, playground duty and many other activities that keep schools and classrooms running smoothly. Board members thanked them for their time, skill, knowledge and caring. Please read the complete list of those volunteers who were honored.

Jefferson County Board of Education President Ken Witt with District 5 volunteers.

District 1 – Julie Williams Jack Plummer Arvada K-8 Kristi Geisz Lincoln Academy Charmaine Freeny North Arvada Middle School Julie Michaels Semper Elementary Barbara Dachtler Swanson Elementary Amanda DesMarais Wayne Carle Middle School District 2 – John Newkirk Peggy Halderman Connections Learning Center Pam Morrison Conifer High School Tracy Gibbons Devinny Elementary Cara Adams Elk Creek Elementary Savina Lopez Foothills Elementary Sheila Haggard Ralston Elementary Ryan Lucas Outdoor Lab Schools Kathy Weiss Outdoor Lab Schools District 3 – Jill Fellman Raechelle Tucker Maria McVey Lisa Cernick Kathy Axen T.J. Hayden

Campbell Elementary Coal Creek Canyon K-8 Free Horizon Montessori Maple Grove Elementary Meiklejohn Elementary 8

Tom Sublett Alice Flood Nikkole Cubbage Kim Johnson Jen Piel

Pleasant View Elementary Stott Elementary Welchester Elementary West Woods Elementary Wilmore-Davis Elementary

District 4 – Lesley Dahlkemper Jason Johnson Brady Exploration School Dana Hug Deane Elementary Kathy Vendeventer Lasley Elementary Carole Benjamin Miller Special School Gloria Campos Molholm Elementary Michelle Hill Patterson International Elementary Marian Katz Stein Elementary District 5 – Ken Witt Mary Jane Furgason Michael Klassen Ann Benningoff Val Myers Carla Shepherd Debbie Riordan Autumn Teff Lanie Garrison

Chatfield High School Dakota Ridge High School Dutch Creek Elementary Falcon Bluffs Middle School Governor’s Ranch Elementary Leawood Elementary Stony Creek Elementary Ute Meadows Elementary www.jeffcopublicschools.org

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Jeffco Public Schools As the largest K-12 school district in Colorado, Jeffco Public Schools has a tradition of excellence spanning more than 50 years. Our students are high-achieving, our teachers are highly-qualified and our commitment to the community runs deep. We are the largest employer in Jefferson County with 14,000 full and part-time employees. Our schools Jeffco serves more than 85,000 students at: • 89 elementary schools • 3 K-8 schools • 19 middle schools • 17 high schools • 9 option schools • 14 charter schools • 1 online school • 2 outdoor laboratory schools U.S. News & World Report ranks six Jeffco high schools in the top 40 on their 2013 Best High Schools list. Jeffco’s D’Evelyn, Conifer, Evergreen, Lakewood, Ralston Valley, and Wheat Ridge high schools are among the list of 83 Colorado schools. Forty-one Jeffco schools received academic awards from the Colorado Department of Education, with some Jeffco schools walking away with double awards. Our students • Jeffco students outperformed the State of Colorado in all grade levels and content areas (reading, writing, math and science) on the 2012-13 Transitional Colorado Assessment Program or TCAP. • Jeffco’s neighborhood high school graduation rate is 89 percent, giving the district the third-best graduation rate of the nation’s 50 largest school districts, according to Education Week. • Jeffco’s graduates earned more than $57 million in scholarships to local and national colleges and universities in 2013.

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• Our students come from many different experiences and backgrounds: • American Indian/Alaska Native - 1 percent • Asian, Pacific Islander - 3 percent • Black - 1 percent • Hispanic - 24 percent • White - 67 percent • Multiple Race - 4 percent • 33.75 percent of our students qualified for free and reduced lunch in 2013. Our staff Jeffco has approximately 4,250 teachers and many have received national and state recognition for their work. • 99.86 percent of Jeffco teachers are considered highly-qualified according to federal guidelines • 99.93 percent of Jeffco classes are taught by a highlyqualified teacher The district’s strategic plan, or Call to Action, focuses on ensuring that all students graduate prepared for continued learning and the world of work in the 21st century. All employees are accountable for a highperforming organization. Our budget For approximately $42.50 a day, Jeffco Public Schools provides each student: • Highly-skilled and trained teachers that make a difference in students’ lives • Specialized learning services for students with special needs • Access to library resources and technology • Guidance, counseling and other support services • Materials such as textbooks and equipment • Transportation to and from school (subsidized by fees) • Extracurricular activities (subsidized by fees) • Choices for learning environments • Clean and well-maintained facilities 9

May 2014

Allendale celebrates its history Nanci Barnes was a kindergartener at Allendale Elementary School the year the big building opened in 1964. Now, she teaches second grade at her alma mater. “This is my community,” Barnes said. “I think when you have children come to their neighborhood school, it builds community and I think that’s important.” For 50 years, Allendale has served the Arvada neighborhood. In March, staff, students, parents and community members came together to celebrate the school’s anniversary. Allendale’s history began with the dedication ceremony on May 25, 1964. The original school cost $570,000 to build and was officially opened by then Jefferson County Board of Education President

Wayne Van Arsdale. Audience members at the dedication officially opened the building with these words: “We, the patrons and friends of Jefferson County School District R-1 dedicate this building to learning and thinking, and to the promotion and practice of peace and understanding.” Fifty years later, the school is home to more than 200 students who use state-of-the-art technology and come from many different backgrounds and cultures. The anniversary celebration was like a homecoming for many people who shared yearbooks and memories of their time at Allendale. “We want this to feel like home for our current students and those who remember it from the past,” said Allendale Principal Jennifer Harrington.

Sch can b Pa the m That an em emer recei “W an em and S know Jeff Second-grade teacher Nanci Barnes with a student at Allendale stude Elementary School’s 50th Anniversary celebration. color unde and s staff a “M and s When the Arvada West High School’s Sparkle teams in middle schools, high schools and collegesMcD team performs, they serve as an inspiration to not that bring together students with and withoutschoo rema only their classmates, but the community as well. disabilities. That’s one of the reasons that the A-West Wildcat At a special ceremony earlier this year, membersuntil Sparkles caught the attention of the Wilmore-Richter of the Arvada American Legion Post #161 presented Mc American Legion Post #161 in Arvada. members of the Sparkles team with the Proud tobefor “These children are amazing and we wanted be American award along with a separate Proud towhen to recognize their spirit with the Proud to be an be an American award to A-West for outstandingreuni Sch American award from our post,” said Legion member patriotism. comm Bill Baldaccini. “The Legion strongly supports traditional family The Sparkles are special-needs students who serve values and assistance for all children, but especiallyschoo as cheerleaders at sporting and school events. The those with special needs,” said Baldaccini. “Thehow program at A-West is patterned after the national enthusiasm of the Sparkles has a patriotic effect onmess Sparkle Effect program which helps students across the entire school. Their focus on succeeding is theemer the fo the country create inclusive cheerleading and dance very essence of patriotism.” we w with Commander Bill Pollack presents the “Proud to be an American” to res Award Citation to Arvada West High School Principal Robert Bishop.

Sparkling patriotism

The Classroom Dashboard comes to Jeffco Schools Teachers tape student information to a wall to organize data. The Dashboard would do this electronically. A screen shot of the Dashboard in development.

Notice of stormwater program Spreadsheets taped to a classroom wall, hand-drawn graphs, and note cards in a file box— all have been used by teachers to look at how students are progressing and explore ways to help students learn. For years, teachers have looked for a better way to understand each student’s progress and learning needs. They have struggled to find a system that will help them personalize lessons that address individual student’s learning styles. Technology has finally arrived that will give teachers a leg up when it comes to getting a broader view of student performance and will help teachers do complex tasks more efficiently. Since 2012, Jeffco Public Schools has been developing an online May 2014

Classroom Dashboard that will combine the information that teachers need into one tool. The Dashboard, which will be available in some Jeffco schools in January 2015, was designed by Jeffco teachers who understand how teaching can become more powerful and meet students’ needs with the right technological supports. “We are excited to start using the Dashboard in Jeffco classrooms. We know this tool will help teachers to personalize learning for their students,” said Matt Cormier, executive director of educational technology. 10

Notice is hereby given that Jeffco Public Schools is seeking input on the implementation of its stormwater program as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This program requires that the school district implement a program that educates the public and prevents water pollution from our sites. A copy of the current program can be obtained from Environmental Services by calling 303-9822349. Any input or questions are welcomed and should be communicated by December 31, 2014.

www.jeffcopublicschools.org

Prepared for the unexpected School emergencies are never planned, but the response to one can be. Parents should partner with their child’s school to make sure the most up-to-date emergency contact information is on file. That information is what schools use to contact parents during an emergency situation. It’s also important that parents not block emergency messages that come from the school or they won’t receive critical crisis communications. “We are constantly training with our schools on how to react to an emergency situation,” said Jeffco’s executive director for Safety and Security John McDonald. “Parents should do their part in knowing our protocol and their school’s reunification site.” Jeffco Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol to train students beginning at the preschool level. The plan, shown in color-coded posters around the district, is created with easy-tounderstand language and symbols. Lockout, lockdown, evacuate and shelter are all defensive steps that create space and time for staff and teachers when there is a threat against a school. “Many school emergencies like a gas leak or other building and student emergencies, can lead to a school evacuation,” added McDonald. “Parents should know that our protocol has trained school staff to take control of the reunification process and they remain in control, sometimes with the help of law enforcement, until the job is done.” McDonald added that the responsibility to school safety starts before the crisis begins and ends only when all students and parents are reunified safely. SchoolMessenger is the crisis communications tool used by all Jeffco schools. “Parents should be aware of how they have elected to receive those messages,” said McDonald. “When an emergency message comes through in the form of a phone call, text or email, we want our parents to be empowered with information on next steps and how to respond.”

Make sure your emergency contact information is up-to-date in SchoolMessenger.

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May 2014