of choice
Arvada West Choice
On November 15th from 5:00-7:00 PM, Arvada West High School is hosting our annual Choice Enrollment Showcase for prospective families interested in learning more about AWest, the extensive academic, activity, and athletic experiences we offer our students, and how we maximize student achievement.
You are invited to tour our building, meet our teachers, hear from current students, and see how Arvada West High School’s rich history and traditions are progressing to provide students with significant, real-world learning.
The evening will offer an informational presentation in the auditorium as well as representation from all departments, activities and athletics throughout the building. We look forward to you attending
this informative event.
A community-driven and achievementoriented high school, Arvada West offers comprehensive college prep, career and technical exploration, and workforce development for young adults. Our population of nearly 1900 students ranges from highly-academic AP students to the Significant Needs Program, which is embraced by both students and staff. As our population continues to diversify, the Arvada West staff work to support students as a community of learners and leaders who think critically about the world around them and develop the college-andcareer ready skills necessary to find success in a collaborative, technology-driven world. Contact: 303-982-1303
www.arvadawest.org
SELFLESS
BY JASON GONZALES
CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Janet Damon of Denver’s DELTA High School named 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year
that it did not surprise them that the Denver Public Schools DELTA High School history teacher received the statewide honor over six other nalists.
through the toughest days.
Janet Damon is the type of teacher students will remember for the rest of their lives, her father said after she was named the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year.
“She’s a miracle child,” said a beaming Joseph Damon, 76, a former educator, adding: “She takes care of kids.”
Others who gathered for a surprise assembly said
Many cited her sel ess mission to help her students as the reason she was selected for the honor.
DELTA junior Serenity Sena, 17, who stayed after the assembly to congratulate her teacher and get a photo, said Damon helped her through the hospitalization of her mom, who was diagnosed with liver failure. Sena said Damon pushed her to stay in school and get
BY MELANIE ASMAR CHALKBEAT COLORADO
e nalists included a Boulder music teacher, a Highlands Ranch English teacher, an Aurora educator who helps students feel a sense of belonging, a Summit County middle school teacher, a fth grade teacher in
Tera Johnson-Swartz, English teacher, STEM School Highlands Ranch, Douglas County School District
“She specializes in building meaning relationships with her students while also providing lessons remembered beyond her classroom,” the department said of Johnson-Swartz, who has been an educator for two years. “She tells her students from day one that teaching wasn’t a career she had to take, but one she wanted to, humbly and with all her heart.”
Ashley Smith, sixth grade teacher, Summit Middle School, Summit School District
Damon stayed after hours to help her with not just history homework, but English and math, Sena said.
“ is award is something we expected. It’s something she deserves. 100%,” Sena said. “She’s just a guiding spirit.”
Each year, the Colorado Teacher of the Year program selects a Colorado teacher to honor for their service
Colorado 2025 Teacher of the Year: Meet the 6 finalists
Colorado Springs, and second and third grade teacher in rural Norwood in southwest Colorado.
Each 2025 Teacher of the Year nalist will receive $1,500 from the state department and the Boettcher Foundation, and their schools will each receive a $500 donation from Boettcher.
e winner, Janet Damon, a history teacher at DEL-
Amy Okimoto, connections coordinator, Summit Elementary School, Cherry Creek School District
“Ashley Smith, who has been teaching for 18 years, is known for creating meticulous lesson plans that cater to various learning styles, ensuring every student can engage with the material in a meaningful way,” the state education department said in a press release. “She is a leader in the school, mentoring other teachers and building strong and positive relationships with every student she works with.”
“Amy is an incredible educator whose dedication to social-emotional learning and restorative practices has made a big impact at Summit Elementary,” Cherry Creek Superintendent Christopher Smith said in a press release. “Her leadership in student groups and her commitment to fostering a supportive community exemplify the values we hold dear.”
Anthony Williams, fth grade teacher, Wild ower Elementary School, Harrison School District 2
“He is a Harrison School District 2 graduate, and our students see themselves in Anthony,” district Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel said in a press release. “Anthony goes above and beyond to show up for students and take an interest in their interests. He attends their events, cheers them on in their endeavors, and can be found coaching and mentoring D2 students outside of the classroom. He has earned credit with our students by showing up for them, so you better believe they show up for him each day in the classroom.”
TA High School with Denver Public Schools, will represent Colorado in the national Teacher of the Year competition, and she will also serve on the Commissioner’s Teachers Cabinet, which is a statewide advisory panel, and act as an ambassador for the profession for the next year.
e nalists are:
Wanda Vásquez García, music teacher, Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer, Boulder Valley School District
“We are incredibly lucky that Ms. Vásquez García found a love for music at such a young age, an outstanding network of support from both her parents and her mentors at the Dominican Republic National Symphony Orchestra, and that she has chosen to invest it all in the next generation of musicians in the Boulder Valley School District,” Boulder Valley Superintendent Rob Anderson said in a press release.
Shelley Donnellon , second and third grade teacher, Norwood Elementary School, Norwood Public Schools
“Shelley Donnellon has been an educator for 11 years and describes herself as ‘Norwood through and through,’” the state education department said in a press release. “She teaches at Norwood Elementary School and her family has attended Norwood schools for four generations. Shelley believes in bringing new ideas and a personalized approach to her teaching practices. She crafts each lesson to fit with each of her second-grade students, lighting up young minds with literacy, social studies, science and math.”
Janet Damon wipes a tear after learning that she was chosen as Colorado’s Teacher of the Year on Oct. 3, 2024, in Denver.
JASON GONZALES / CHALKBEAT
Founded by a dedicated parent group in 1993, Academy Charter School serves students from Kindergarten through 8th grade and is a unique educational setting in Castle Rock. As a publicly funded charter school, we offer a robust learning experience centered on the Core Knowledge Curriculum and Core Virtues, providing students with a well-rounded and academically rigorous education. Students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including Spanish language instruction for all grades, as well as classes in technology, library, art, music, and physical education.
Academy Charter School
Academy Charter School
Who We Are
Academy Charter School is a community of parents, students, and teachers united by a common belief; every child can be successful.
History
Looking at Academy Charter School today, you might describe us as ‘The Little Engine that Could.’ The district, the school board, and even the teachers weren’t quite sure what to expect when we opened our doors in 1993, simply because a charter school hadn’t been attempted before. We operated for three months before finding our school leader. We formed committees to address challenges as they arose, such as improving our meager strip mall facilities and parking lot playground. And we called on parents to help us pull it all together. It was challenging, but we formed a sense of community that still exists today.
We’ve grown from humble beginnings, moving to our current facility in September 2001 adding seventh and eighth grades. Our parent volunteers have turned into a robust organization, dedicating thousands of hours both in and outside of the classroom. We offer after-school athletic programs, and we boast a network of alumni who continue supporting the school as staff, volunteer coaches, and even parents.
Some key milestones along our journey include:
• August 31, 2021 - DCSD School Board approved our charter and we opened our doors on September 29, 1993.
• July 1994 - Governor Roy Romer visited ACS along with Governor John Engler from Michigan, who hoped to model MI schools based on his visit to Colorado Charter Schools.
• In 1997 ACS Homeschool was established, bringing grades 3-8 together for teaching and learning in Math and Science.
• 1997 then leader Dean Kern received School of Excellence Award at the National Charter School Conference held in Washington DC. ACS was the first school to receive this award.
• 1999 ACS was recognized by Governor Bill Owens for CSAP scores improving from 1997 to 1998. Rocky Mountain News
Legacy
Not many charter schools can say they have served generations of the same family, but as the first K-6 charter school in Colorado, we are proud to say we hold that distinction. In fact, several of our alumni haven’t just enrolled their children, they’ve joined our staff.
Since our inception, we have won educational awards and been recognized for our positive contributions to the community. However, it is our ability to hold true to our values that we are most proud of. We believe every child can learn and there is no limit to learning.
We cultivate people invested in student achievement. It is this commitment to our values that enables our school community to work toward a common goal, student success. There is no better compliment than having former students enroll their children, and we’re grateful for the generations of families who trust us to provide the best opportunities for their students.
*ACS received the John Irwin award in: 1994, 1995, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, (No awards were given in 2015, 2020, or 2021).
Guiding Principles
Academy Charter School wants every child to know they are cared for. We want to share their excitement when they succeed and help them regroup when they don’t. We want to nurture their independence and reassure them that asking for help is okay. Most importantly, we want them to discover who they are and what they are capable of.
Characteristics
• Service-oriented – committed to community
• Agents of change – recognizing where and how to be a productive member of society
• Self-aware – a clear sense of personal and academic interests
• Balanced – the ability to manage time and interests in a productive way
Homeschool
Since our inception Academy Charter School has offered in-school support for homeschooled students, providing the opportunity for social and academic interaction to families who would otherwise be disconnected. This program facilitates Science, Spanish, and Electives lessons for over two hundred homeschooled students in our community.
Athletics
As a charter school, we serve students from multiple districts which makes it hard for students to interact and build a sense of community outside the classroom. To facilitate these relationships, and help students learn how to balance extra-curriculars with academics in high school and beyond, we offer several sports for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.
St. Thomas More Catholic Parish School
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere e ort, and intelligent execution.” –Aristotle
We o er a curriculum rooted in logic and truth, illuminated by the beauty and wisdom of Catholicism.
Come see what our Preschool – Eighth Grade is all about!
• Take a Campus Tour and meet teachers and sta members
• Visit our technology-equipped labs and classrooms
• Receive curriculum and admissions information
• Financial assistance available
Parent Information Night: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00PM Open House: Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Call us today to schedule your personal tour of our outstanding parish school. 7071 E Otero Ave | Centennial, CO 80112 | 303.770.0441 | stmcatholic.org
Faith Knowledge Virtue Truth
e Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Denver, under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L. and at the direction of the Superintendent, state that all of their Catholic schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the right, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. Furthermore, Archdiocesan schools admit disabled students in accord with the policy on Admissions in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools Administrator’s Manual. ese schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, handicap, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies, employment practices, scholarship and loan programs or athletic or other school administered programs.
St. Thomas More Catholic Parish School
Our Mission
In the spirit of Catholic tradition, STM Catholic brings the whole person to Jesus Christ, and through excellence in education, prepares our students to serve the Church and community now and in the future.
St. Thomas More Catholic Parish School provides students with a well-rounded education, emphasizing faith formation with a rigorous academic program, concentrating on the core curriculum of math, language arts, social studies, science, and religion. In addition to our core classes, students get to participate in music, art, Spanish, physical education and technology.
Academic Excellence
Our students continually perform a year and a half above grade level on standardized testing.
• Accelerated Readers Program
• Consistent high achievement on the STAR test in both reading and math
• Leveled Math classes in 3rd–8th grade
• Virtues in Practice – a virtues-based learning program implemented to address character development
Creating Disciples of Christ
We are dedicated to creating future saints and leaders throughout the community.
• Daily prayer and religious practices within the classroom
• Weekly Mass with student participation
• Strong connection and support of STM
Parish
• Strong priestly presence
• Sacramental preparation in class
• Spiritual Retreats
• BETA Club
• Charity donations and fundraising
• Service projects and children’s charity
• Lions4Life
Preschool
In addition, STM Catholic Preschool is available for 2 ½ year-old to 5-year-old children. Our goals are to assist the parent by providing a Catholic environment with a developmentally age-appropriate curriculum, encompassing cognitive, language skills and fine and gross motor skills, and self-expression in social, emotional, academic, and spiritual domains. The underlying instructional strategy is the use of organized, teacher-led activities and free play intended to provide opportunities for the child to interact, explore, and relate successfully in their environment.
Additional Information
As part of the Archdiocese of Denver, we are a faith-based liberal arts curriculum school with a strong focus on high-quality education for the children entrusted to us. We work closely with parents as a team to ensure each child is successful in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to best equip them in their pursuit of excellence. We are proud of our 25+ years as a leader in Catholic education, keeping our faith in Jesus Christ in the forefront of our education throughout the students’ time at STM Catholic.
Aims Community College Combines
Affordability, Innovation and Student-First Focus
Throughout Northern Colorado, you can see Aims Community College billboards boasting a surprising statistic that has received much attention: “91% of Aims students graduate without debt.”
One reason many learners are not burdened with student loans is that tuition at Aims averages 50% less than nearby two-year schools and 80% less than area four-year institutions. Additionally, the new Aims Tuition Promise initiative makes higher education tuition-free for many Coloradoans. Aims factors in a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid and scholarships to pay tuition. After those programs are applied, Aims makes up the difference.
Affordability is just one aspect of the Aims story. The College emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, student-focused learning, state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes.
Since 1967, the College has established its presence in Northern Colorado with locations in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Windsor, and Loveland. Aims empowers learners to achieve their academic and career goals by offering more than 200 degree and certificate programs to help students prepare to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year school. Aims equips students to excel in numerous fields, including healthcare, skilled trades, business, education, public safety, agriculture, aviation, arts, sciences and more.
The College has recently seen a notable increase in enrollment in the Fall 2024 semester, with numbers indicating a more than 20% rise compared to last year’s figures. This is the most significant enrollment jump that Aims has seen in a post-COVID world.
“We’re excited that so many students are choosing Aims to begin or continue their education,” said Dr. Larry Pakowski, Vice President of Student Engagement, Inclusion & Success. “More and more people are discovering the hidden gem that is Aims.”
“Not Your Mom and Dad’s Community College”
Aims invests in the holistic student experience, from connecting through activities to using state-of-the-art technology to foster advanced education and hands-on learning on equipment used in the work world.
Pakowski believes when people come to campus and see the facilities and technology available, they change their perceptions about community colleges and Aims. He had recently heard a parent at orientation say, “It’s not your mom and dad’s community college.”
Aims offers a wide array of co-curricular activities, campus events and student resources to provide an enriching college experience. Traditional service and honor society organizations are on campus. There are also groups focused on career interests, identity groups, or
shared interests, like video games.
The Aims Welcome Center and Student Commons are the beating heart of student engagement outside the classroom. These vibrant spaces are designed to help students acclimate to college life and make lifelong connections. These spaces host college and community events to bring people together.
Aims invests in state-of-the-art equipment and learning tools to provide hands-on experience for students in career and technical education courses. Below are a few examples of technology in action.
• An Anatomage Table is a technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool for anatomy and physiology education.
• Automotive, welding and nurse aid students learn using virtual reality training equipment.
• Future truck drivers will practice on a CDL simulator, and tomorrow’s pilots and air traffic controllers train on aviation simulator technology before flying.
• In the newly expanded Windsor Campus, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) students can access a drone fabrication and design lab, while public safety students can replicate real-world scenarios at the Sim City.
• Ed Beaty Hall is home to experiential learning with a theater, radio station, TV studio, green-screen room, surround sound studio and video-editing booths.
• The greenhouse on the Fort Lupton Campus offers Aims agriculture students an indoor space for yearround, hands-on learning.
• The Community Lab is a maker space open to all Aims students and the community. Students use the lab to work on assignments for their classes, such as building a model for a diorama, printing largescale posters, and producing elements of a multimedia art project. Technology includes 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering equipment and much more.
• Alquist 3D, an innovative 3D printing construction company, is partnering with Aims to incorporate its technology into the curriculum and train the workforce. An online non-credit online certificate program is open to anyone wanting to learn more about the industry. This online course is the first step in formalizing workforce development and training in 3D construction and infrastructure printing. Future plans include hands-on classes with this technology.
Executive Director of Enrollment Management Dana Kohler attributes part of the surge in enrollments at Aims to the College’s faculty, staff and administrators. “There are a lot of really, really good people at Aims who are trying to support students and help them do the right thing. When we all do that together, the students are the ones that benefit from that.”
Aims 2024 graduate Ixel Macias believes the education she receives at Aims boosts intellectual rigor. “My professors challenged my way of thinking. I’m challenged much more than I was at previous schools, in the best way possible,” she said. Ixel feels like her instructors keep pushing her to climb to something bigger and better. Even though they encourage her to take it to the next level, she still feels comfortable asking questions and gaining further understanding of her learning.
This level of support is also evident outside of the classroom. Aims offers many services to foster success as a college student and beyond. This includes advising, disability access services, counseling services and more. Aims was among the first higher education institutions to receive the Hunger-Free Campus designation by the State of Colorado. By helping our students manage the critical issue of food insecurity, they can succeed and meet their individual goals with much-reduced stress.
The Learning Commons is another resources dedicated to student success. It includes academic support such as library services, tutoring, online learning support and technology assistance. Aims students can check out laptops, hotspots, and tablets to help them with their studies.
All of this builds a culture of success at Aims. This leads learners to thrive in moving into their next steps, whether it be going into the workforce or continuing in their education.
After graduation, 54% of Aims students continue their education by transferring to four-year institutions. Those looking to attend the University of Northern Colorado can streamline this journey with the Aims2UNC program. Other programs, like an articulation agreement with the Colorado School of Mines, create a formalized pathway for
Aims also get many of our learners into high-demand fields like healthcare, trades and technology. Nine months after graduating from Aims, 80 percent of students are employed, contributing to the workforce. Career Services at Aims offers programs to help students find jobs to start their careers.
Innovation and Expansion on the Horizon
“We’re continuing to do things to improve the student experience. There are greater things to come down the road,” Pakowski said.
The 2024-2027 Strategic & Tactical Plan, recently approved by the Aims Board of Trustees, outlines the direction for the College’s future growth. Among the planned projects is the opening of the Student Health and Wellness Center in 2026.
Planning for the new Workforce Innovation Center is also in progress. The project creates a supportive environment to help new businesses, ideas or projects flourish. It will provide production space for technology, manufacturing, and more. Aims students will benefit from hands-on experience with leading-edge technology and business development processes.
Additionally, Aims Community College plans to open a new Aircraft Maintenance Training Center along with the launch of an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic degree program in January 2026 in Loveland.
Efforts are also underway to improve veteran education services and achieve recognition as a Military Friendly School. Several years ago, Aims was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is intentionally furthering programs to support this population.
“The plan shows all the things that we are doing to improve the student experience and student success. That’s why students are choosing to come here,” Pakowski added. “Those things have created much buzz and excitement for us.”
To learn more about Aims Community College, please visit aims.edu.
student transfer. The Transfer Services team on campus is here to prepare students for their next destination.
Thinking about college?
How Colorado students can make higher education cheaper — or even free
BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Colorado has plenty of resources to ensure students don’t pay the full cost of going to college. Some programs even make college free.
A rst step is to ll out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known as the FAFSA — or the Colorado Application for Student Financial Aid. ese forms help open up scholarships and grants, and are required by many college nancial aid programs.
Chalkbeat Colorado has collected some of the resources that can help students and families pay for college.
Scholarships to help with college tuition
Students can also get money through the Colorado Opportunity Fund, which provides a stipend to help students pay in-state tuition at participating colleges. e stipend pays $116 per credit hour, and students must register with the state to get it. Students attending public Colorado colleges do not need to ll out the FAFSA to get the stipend, but students attending private colleges in Colorado do.
ere are plenty of scholarships available from organizations, foundations, and the colleges or universities themselves that provide other nancial aid for students, too. Here’s a few that students should know about:
- Boettcher Foundation: boettcherfoundation.org
Quali cations: Students must graduate from a Colorado high school and live in Colorado for their full junior and senior year of high school. ey must also be a citizen of the United States, a legal permanent resident, or a DACA recipient. Students can apply during their senior year.
Scholarship amount: $20,000 annually for four years.
- Daniels Fund: danielsfund.org
Quali cations: Students must be a Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming resident and be a graduating high school senior. Students must also prove citizenship or permanent residency. ey must earn a minimum high school GPA of 3.0, as well as meet SAT minimum score requirements. e scholarship organization also requires household incomes be below a speci c income level.
Scholarship amount: Up to a full-ride scholarship.
- Latin American Education Fund: laefcolorado.org
Quali cations: e foundation o ers scholarships to Colorado residents of Latino heritage or those who demonstrate a commitment to the Latino community. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarships are open to all regardless of documentation or citizenship status.
Scholarship amount: $3,000 per academic year.
- Denver Scholarship Foundation: denverscholarship.org
Quali cations: Students must attend a Denver Public Schools high school and submit their GPA, show nancial need, and enroll at one of 30 partner higher education institutions. Certain colleges and universities have varying GPA requirements to be eligible. Scholarship amount: $3,600 annually.
- Sachs Foundation: sachsfoundation.org
Quali cations: e foundation’s undergraduate scholarships are available to Black Colorado high school students who have been residents for at least three years. Students must also submit information such as their GPA, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Scholarship amount: Up to $12,500 a year.
- Pinnacol Foundation: pinnacolfoundation.org/apply-for-a-scholarship
Quali cations: Students must be the natural child, adopted child, stepchild or full dependent of a worker who was injured or killed in a compensable work-related accident at a Colorado-based employer. e family member must have been entitled to receive bene ts under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Stu-
dents must have or maintain a 2.0 GPA and have a high school diploma or GED, or be a high school senior. Students must reapply every year.
Scholarship amount: An average of $4,700 a year
- Alpine Bank: alpinebank.com/community/scholarship-opportunities.html
Quali cations: e bank provides numerous scholarships for Colorado students. Check the bank’s website for more information.
Scholarship amount: Amounts vary based on the scholarship.
For students from low-income backgrounds e majority of Colorado’s universities have what are known as promise programs, or nancial aid to cover the cost of tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students who come from low-income backgrounds, making the highest cost of college free for them. Students must ll out a state or federal nancial aid form and, in some cases, schools require students to share their Student Aid Index, which is a number calculated by the federal government after students submit a FAFSA that determines how much nancial support a student will need.
e lower the number, the higher the need.
Here are schools in Colorado that o er such programs and their requirements:
- Adams State University: adams.edu/promise/ Students who live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year are eligible. ey must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Aims Community College: aims.edu/departments/ nancial-aid/aims-tuition-promise
Students who live in a household with an annual income of $65,000 or less are eligible. So are independent students who make $50,000 or less per year.
- Colorado Mesa University: coloradomesa.edu/ promise.html
e college o ers free tuition and fees to students who live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year.
- Colorado Mountain College: coloradomtn.edu/ colorado-mountain-promise
Colorado Mountain College covers the cost of tuition and fees for any Colorado resident who lives in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year, or who is an independent student who makes less than $50,000 a year. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
- Colorado State University Fort Collins: nancialaid.colostate.edu/csu-tag
Students can get 50% to 100% of their tuition and fees covered. Students must submit their annual household income and be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.
- Colorado State University Pueblo: csupueblo.edu/ banner/students/students-registration.html
Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less. ey must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hour. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. e Pack Promise pays for up to 15 credits a semester.
- Fort Lewis College: fortlewis.edu/tuition-aid/affording- c/ c-tuition-promise
Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year. ey must be enrolled in at least 12 credits.
- Metropolitan State University of Denver: msudenver.edu/ nancial-aid/roadrunner-promise/ Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $60,000 or less a year, or they must have a student aid index of 0.
- Pikes Peak State College: pikespeak.edu/costsscholarships-aid/promise-programs/index.php Students must have graduated from Harrison District 2 or Colorado Springs District 11. e program has dif-
fering GPA requirements and eligibility requirements based on where students graduated.
- University of Colorado-Boulder: colorado.edu/nancialaid/types-aid/cupromise
Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $65,000 or less a year. ey must be enrolled in at least 12 credits.
- University of Colorado-Colorado Springs: naid. uccs.edu/about- nancial-aid/how-aid-is-packaged Students can receive grants and stipends based on their nancial need to cover the full cost of tuition and fees.
- University of Colorado-Denver: ucdenver.edu/ student- nances/ nancial-aid/types/grants/cupromise
Students must submit a FAFSA and be eligible for a Pell Grant, or free federal aid. e package includes grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
- University of Northern Colorado: unco.edu/ nancial-aid/types-of- nancial-aid/tuition-promise/ Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $65,0000 or less a year, or have a Student Aid Index of 3,000 or less.
- Western Colorado University: western.edu/admissions-aid/mountaineer-promise/ Students must have an annual household income at or below $70,000 for dependent students, qualify for Pell, or demonstrate signi cant nancial need.
Opportunities through state and high school programs ere are other opportunities for free college. e state also has a list of resources to make college more a ordable. A few are in high school, while others are specialized programs.
- ASCENT: A fth-year high school option available to Colorado students in participating school districts. Students can stay enrolled in their district for an extra year to take college courses. Link: cde.state.co.us/ postsecondary/ce_ascent
- P-TECH: Students begin in their ninth grade year and then can extend high school to take college courses for a total of six years in certain science, technology, engineering, and math elds. Link: cde.state.co.us/ postsecondary/p-tech
- TREP: e program allows students who want to become educators to enroll in college courses while staying at their high school for up to two years after their 12th grade year. Link: cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/ trep
- Career Advance Colorado: High school graduates or students with a high school-equivalency diploma of any age can enroll for free in courses in certain elds, such as nursing, re ghting, law enforcement, and early childhood education. e program covers tuition, fees, course materials, and other costs. Link: cccs.edu/colleges-programs/programs/workforceprograms/zero-cost-training-programs/ - Opportunity Next Colorado: Colorado Class of 2024 graduates can receive up to $1500 to help cover tuition, fees, books, and equipment. Link: opportunitynext.org/
A rebate for college tuition is year, Colorado created a new college tax credit program to help students who might not qualify for their college’s promise program. e state tax credit is for students who live in a household that makes $90,000 or less a year. e tax credit will help pay for two years of college. Colleges or universities will track which students are eligible. Students will still have to le their own tax return to get the money.
Reprinted with permission. Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature for Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.
COLORADO
• Smaller class sizes with passionate and highly-qualified teachers
• Accessible, flexible, and individualized learning
• Campus culture is caring, inclusive, and focused on creating lifelong learners
• Par t-time on-campus and online enrollment options for homeschoolers
coloradoearlycolleges.org/our-schools
Where Bright Kids Belong!
Mackintosh Academy offers one of the Denver metro area’s only private International Baccalaureate programs for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded in 1977, Mackintosh is Colorado’s first school dedicated to gifted and creative students. Our students thrive in a nurturing, holistic environment that honors the hearts and minds of children. The Mackintosh program provides the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
KEEN MINDS
Mackintosh Academy’s one-of-a-kind learning environment is based on the globally-respected International Baccalaureate program. Our curriculum is inquiry-based, hands-on, and engaging. Our teachers challenge students at their level and help them thrive to their full potential.
COMPASSIONATE HEARTS
At Mackintosh, we know that skills like collaboration, communication, resilience, and empathy are key to success in school and beyond. We build strong and trusting relationships among students and faculty. Social-emotional learning is part of daily classroom practice.
GLOBAL ACTION
Our International Baccalaureate curriculum incorporates design thinking, innovation, and service projects. Our students are prepared to become meaningful contributors and globally aware citizens.
We’d love to tell you more about our unique school! Please email admissions@ mackintoshacademy.com or call (303) 7946222 to schedule a tour or conversation with our admissions team.
Free Horizon Montessori PK – 8th Grade
A public Montessori option - Free Horizon Montessori (FHM) is where teachers meet students where they are, and each individual child will receive a meaningful and comprehensive education. Students and families join a school community where academic excellence, and an inclusive learning environment unites school and community in a common vision. Founded in 2002, FHM embraces the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, this dedicated educational model supports individualized learning and has a corner-
Highlands Ranch High School Invites 5th-8th
FUTURE FALCON SHOWCASE
Come spend the evening with us and learn about Why Highlands Ranch! With nearly 40 years of a Tradition of Excellence, HRHS focuses on preparing ALL students for their future beyond high school. All while empowering students to learn, lead and grow
stone of respect and responsibility for oneself, the environment, and those with whom we share the world.
As Jefferson County Public School’s only Option School of Innovation, FHM prides itself on offering a welcoming environment to dynamic learners. FHM offers in person tours (sign up at www. freehorizonmontessori.org) and we are always available to answer questions. Enrollment for 2025-2026 starts soon! Free Horizon Montessori – A place to learn, a place to belong.
Parent sessions about College & Career Readiness, Course Rigor, CTE, The transition to high school, and Q&A with the 2023 CO Principal of the Year Career & Tech Ed demos from Engineering, Cosmetology, Business & Marketing, Cyber Security, Family & Consumer, Technical Theater, Broadcast/Filmmaking and more!
SPORTS LAND
Future
Colorado’s Finest offers an alternative setting for students seeking a smaller and more personal high school experience.
With a population of 250 students, teachers can focus on building meaningful relationships while also delivering high-quality instruction in every subject area. At Finest, you can take fun, interactive classes that fit your needs and keep you on a path toward graduation at whatever pace is right for you.
We offer a traditional path as well as opportunities for credit recovery, adding additional classes, and completing individual assignments to propel you toward your future. We are a performance-rated high school showcasing a large variety of classes designed to teach core content in a fun, engaging way. You can put Harry Potter on trial, study the philosophy of Bruce Lee, and learn the physics and chemistry of SCUBA diving , all to fulfill the credits toward getting your diploma. Focus on what you love with our selection of electives including animal care, urban gardening, music recording
and production, and other classes designed with your interests in mind.
We are committed to honoring each student’s identities, cultures and abilities in a safe and accepting environment. Individualism and independence are encouraged and respected by staff and students. Using mediation and restorative practices, we strive to maintain an environment free of bullying, fighting and other antisocial behavior.
Here’s more of what Finest offers our students:
• Hope and a fresh start
• Six-week sessions
• A point system instead of grades, where every class attended is credit earned
• Wide variety of classes with flexible start and end times
• Small class sizes for a more personalized learning experience
Find out more by contacting us today!
Colorado nurse:
Engaging
Prolonged exposure to screens can take health toll
with digitally connected youth about health and safety
BY HALEY LENA DOUGLAS COUNTY NEWS-PRESS
Tempted by social media, streaming services and video games, it’s nearly impossible for people, young and old, to escape the screens of their digital devices. Research has shown how time on phones, tablets, and big screens can have a negative e ect on the body.
at’s why AdventHealth Nurse Practitioner Jill Hefti-Breed works with parents and children on solutions to reduce screen time – and to be safe while visiting cyberspace.
“Technology is an amazing thing,” said Hefti-Breed. “But it’s just nding the balance to help our kids continue to be social, healthy, interactive beings.”
In spring of 2023, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory concerning the e ects social media use has on youth’s mental health.
“Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content, to bullying and harassment,” Murthy said in a statement. “And for too many children, social media use is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends.”
Murthy said he is often asked by parents if social media is safe for their kids. ere is not enough evidence to say it’s safe, he said, but there is growing evidence that social media is associated with harm, particularly to mental health.
Pair that trend with the fact that children 11-17 years old have increased their
screen time an average an hour a day since the pandemic, according to a recent study from the National Library of Medicine. Children in that age group have increased their screen time up to seven hours in a few years.
e COVID pandemic, which included lockdowns and virtual classes at many schools, was an accelerator for screen time use for people of all ages.
“I think it turned not only kids, but it turned adults to staying inside and doing more online,” said Hefti-Breed.
A Pew Research Center report published in January found about 41% of U.S. adults reported being online “almost constantly,” and for those between 18-29 years of age, the rate was even higher: 62%.
Hefti-Breed talks with kids and their parents about how social media has bene ts, but also understands the pitfalls, including negative e ects on mental health, physical health and overall safety.
“People just don’t understand the power of their kids with that phone,” said Hefti-Breed.
Brain development and overall health e brain’s prefrontal cortex manages one’s mood, memory and judgment. Just as alcohol and drugs a ect the development of the cortex, so does using a phone, said Hefti-Breed. It’s concerning in young people because the brain isn’t fully developed until the mid-to-late 20s, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
“Studies show they shouldn’t even have social media before the age of 15 because they don’t have the understanding to be able to di erentiate that that’s not important,” said Hefti-Breed.
erefore, giving them access to sites and parts of the internet they mentally cannot comprehend a ects their focus, social skills and sense of self worth. And being on the phone or computer for hours on end establishes a certain threshold for being judged and limits their ability for
con ict resolution.
It can also become addicting. e ding of a noti cation sends endorphins to the brain that says you have to check it, said Hefti-Breed. Having the phone in the room at night is tempting for kids and adults and can disrupt the quality of sleep.
When Hefti-Breed talks with kids during their physicals, she asks them how long they spend on their phones or video games and how much time they spend walking. e answers typically range from three to four hours behind the screen and zero time walking.
“You get consumed and all of the sudden, time goes away and all you’ve done is be sedentary, scrolling through your phone, so you’re not getting the endorphins that you would get from exercise,” said Hefti-Breed. “You’re not giving your heart a good workout, you’re slowing your metabolism, putting yourself at risk for weight gain, and decreasing cardiac stamina.”
She added that algorithms can be harmful to mental health as it can feed information about subjects like depression or eating disorders, which is why she speaks to parents about putting parameters on content and not introducing a phone until it’s needed. If parents feel a phone is needed, she says to refrain from allowing them to have social media.
“If you don’t have the brain maturity, it can lead you down a hole of depression and anxiety or just feeling worthless about yourself,” said Hefti-Breed. “ ey don’t understand that even an apple looks perfect from one angle with a bite taken out of the back.”
The Digital Futures Initiative Kids today tend to live in a world of likes and dislikes. Hefti-Breed described them as “digital natives.”
Originally created to teach in schools, Hefti-Breed formed a nonpro t, Digital Futures Initiative, with her husband. It
works to empower parents and communities with information and resources to help guide today’s digitally connected youth.
e tools and training programs are utilized by school resource o cers and media teachers across Colorado, including Douglas County. It is also used elsewhere in the country and in several other countries. ere are even parent academies to show parents how to keep an eye on their children and how easy it is, for instance, for kids to hide things on their phones that parents should know about.
Centered around the idea of safe and judicial use of phones and computers, the website helps adults instruct kids and teens on more responsible internet and device usage as well as manage challenges that arise. She also takes on myths, such as it is safer for children to stay inside rather than play outside.
“Worry about your kids’ safety because they’re going to probably run into more predators online than they ever will outside,” said Hefti-Breed.
Online concerns involve cyberbullying, harassment, identity theft, child exploitation, cat shing, swatting, distracted driving and drug tra cking or use. e website has a guide to apps and websites, which describes the purpose and the potential danger of each one. Other resources include proactive parenting plans, family device agreement, tech controls for parents, protecting children’s phone content and more.
With easy access to social media and the internet, Hefti-Breed understands that adults cannot simply hide youth from it.
“What we just want to do is help them to be able to have the understanding and to now look for acceptance through online measures,” said Hefti-Breed.
More: Hefti-Breed has provided free downloads to resources at www.d now.org/ downloads/.
If you live, work, or attend school in Mapleton Public Schools, this is a question you’ll get asked a lot.
Mapleton is not a county. It’s not a town on any Colorado map. But Mapleton is a very special place to be.
Mapleton Public Schools, a PK-12 school district, is located in the “heart” of metro Denver. It’s likely many people who don’t know where Mapleton is drive through it every day, as Mapleton is where major Colorado arteries, including Interstate 25, Highway 36, Interstate 270, and Interstate 76, converge.
Mapleton Public Schools, originally known as Adams County District 1, is said to have gotten its name from the maple trees that lined Washington Street generations ago. At a modest 25 square miles, the district has 20 schools, partially in Thornton and partially in Denver. Enrollment continues to rise, with more than 7,000 students choosing to Achieve their Dreams in Mapleton every school year.
Although Mapleton might not be a place on the map, our graduates, students, current staff, and retirees continue to put Mapleton on the map by making a lasting mark, achieving their dreams both globally and within the district.
That’s why we are starting “Where is Mapleton,” a series of stories about where we’ve been, where we are, what we’re up to, and all the things that make Mapleton the only place you want to be.
For this “Where is Mapleton?” story, we ask that you please put your chairs and tables in the upright position because we’ll
be cruising at altitude.
Reyle A., a senior at Mapleton Early Career Prep (MEC), recently embarked on an exciting journey toward his dream career: becoming a pilot. Thanks to funding from his school, Reyle participated in a Discovery Flight with the Rocky Mountain Flight School in Broomfield in September, which has now set him on a path toward a long-term internship in aviation.
“I think I’ve always wanted to fly a plane since I was young, but my interest got sparked again when I saw a TikTok video of a Discovery Flight,” Reyle said.
Despite having never been on a plane before, he reached out to the flight school to schedule his own experience. A Discovery Flight is an introductory flight offered by flight schools to give people the hands-on experience of flying an airplane. Reyle’s Discovery Flight was made possible through MEC’s student-run print lab, which raises funds for unique student opportunities like Reyle’s, by producing and selling t-shirts for local teams and clubs.
During Reyle’s Discovery Flight, the pilot handled takeoff and landing, but Reyle got to spend nearly an hour at the controls of a Cessna 172, learning basic maneuvers like pitch control and steep turns.
With this exciting start to his aviation journey, Reyle is well on his way to turning his dream of flying into a reality.
If you have a “Where is Mapleton?”
Prepare for More.
WPS Focuses on Jobs of the Future
With the opening of the Iver C. Ranum Innovation Campus in August, Westminster Public Schools ushered in a new era in education for its students and the community.
It’s an era defined by the phrase, “Designed for Industry.”
in creating a campus that went beyond the traditional classroom experience,” says Superintendent Jeni Gotto.
In April of 2022 the WPS Board of Education approved $20 million in funding for phase one development. In November voters will be asked to approve additional funds to expand programming and construction on the campus while also supporting other district priorities.
Ballot measure 4C extends the existing bond that was approved by voters in 2006 without a tax increase.
Named after long-time educator and former superintendent Iver Ranum, the campus is bringing public and private resources together to prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. Students from Westminster High School and Hidden Lake Secondary School spend a part of their school day on the Ranum campus learning from industry professionals while using state-ofthe-art equipment. Phase one of the campus offers pathways in Aviation Engineering, Biotechnology, and Cyber Technology.
Every pathway on the campus offers industry credentials and college credits– allowing students to move directly into the workforce upon graduation or get a head start as they move on to higher education. These high-paying careers have been identified by Colorado employers as facing a shortage of qualified workers. More than two dozen community, business and educational leaders are serving on the Ranum advisory board.
The Ranum building was constructed as a high school in the early 1960’s and evolved into a middle school when Westminster Public Schools built a consolidated high school in 2010. Phase one of the campus utilizes 50,000 square feet with an additional 150,000 square feet available for expansion.
The district held an official ribboncutting ceremony for the Iver C. Ranum Innovation Campus in September that was attended by members of the Ranum Family.
In addition, long-range plans call for the creation of weekend and evening classes to provide continuing education and career opportunities for adults in the community. “We needed to be bold
Thursday, November 7th 5:30pm-7:30pm
The campus is tied closely to Iver’s vision of a school that prepares students to excel from day one and equip them with the skills to pursue long-term successful careers that drive innovation and economic growth.
To learn more about enrolling at Iver C. Ranum an Innovation Campus, visit ranum.wps.org
Experience the many academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities available at our exceptional International Baccalaureate World School.
Informational Sessions include:
•Inter national Baccalaureate Diploma Prog ramme
•Advanced Placement Courses
•CTE, ACC, & Dual Enrollment Courses
•Special Education Prog ramming & Lear ning Support Services
Additional Representatives will be available to discuss:
•Clubs & Activities
•Open Enrollment
•Perfor ming Arts
Denver-based training program helps people find futures in trade work
BY NATALIE KERR SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
In May 2024, Jorge Ramirez was working a dead-end retail job that he had no passion for. Today, as a graduate of e Master’s Apprentice, he is a certi ed electrician and beginning an apprenticeship at an electrical company that he sees as the rst step in his lifelong career.
“For me, I was like, if I’m going into this, I’ve gotta put in 100% and hopefully, I get what they’re saying that I can get, which was the job — and I did,” Ramirez said.
e Master’s Apprentice is a Denverbased nonpro t that graduates hundreds of people each year with the skills to become carpenters, electricians, mechanics, plumbers and more from its six-week program. Last year, the program graduated 225 students and boasts an average of about 40% of them nding employment soon after graduation. e program’s success was rewarded in March with a $930,000 grant from the Lowes Foundation to increase its capacity.
During e Master’s Apprentice program, students attend classes and visit job sites to nd their desired eld and learn the necessary skills to enter it. Students are paid up to $100 each week, and a $250 Tool & Book Scholarship upon completion to help o oad the time they take o from work to attend. Othernancial assistance is available as well.
Recently, the Colorado Pay It Forward Fund, a job training initiative designed to help more Coloradans enter in-demand careers, partnered with e Master’s Apprentice to o er zero-interest loans to help students pay for living expenses as they complete the training.
plying laborers to companies that have no career development opportunities, Villarreal said. e goal is to get people connected to companies with apprenticeship programs that will continue to nourish their skills and goals.
e program isn’t just about nding employment, but retaining it, said cofounder Luis Villarreal. rough mentorship and practical education, the students learn nancial literacy, social skills, a strong work ethic, how to write a resume and other professional skills they will use throughout their careers.
e Master’s Apprentice was born in 2013 out of a desire to solve two problems at once: A low supply of trades workers in the metro area, and to serve a demographic of people struggling to get out of dead-end jobs and into highpaying, rewarding careers.
“We started with men that are struggling these days, particularly young men without a direction. And we thought, how can we nd a future for them?” Villarreal said. “We thought that the construction trades were a good avenue where they could earn big money, a trajectory, economic security and social mobility.”
e Master’s Apprentice program directors help participants develop soft skills, such as collaboration, networking, time management and work ethic, Villarreal said. ey provide support both during the program and after graduation to help graduates stay focused and driven towards their goals. e sta continues to reach out to alumni, particularly in the few months following graduation, as well as maintain an alumni network that meets regularly.
“It’s kind of like a trampoline,” Villarreal said. “You’ve got all these springs, you fall and the springs bring you back up — it’s a network. If you don’t have a network and you fall, you don’t come up. But the network keeps you engaged, it keeps you going on the right track.”
Finding e Master’s Apprentice turned Ramirez’s life around – not only in his work, but his social network, faith and self-con dence, too. Daily devotion-
else around her.
toward students. Along with the title, Damon received $5,000 from the Boettcher Foundation and $5,000 from the Colorado Department of Education. She will also have a chance to be chosen for the National Teacher of the Year award.
Meanwhile, she will serve as a teaching ambassador for the entire state.
Colorado Commissioner of Education Susana Cordova said Damon had a chance to talk about herself during the assembly, but instead thanked and honored everyone
“She’s the kind of teacher that I think really sees her work as helping others and gives so sel essly and recognizes what people do for her,” Cordova said. “I don’t know if she really recognizes how much she does for others. is is just a great opportunity to really call out the tremendous contribution she’s making to our profession.”
Damon has taught for more than 25 years, and in her nomination, the Colorado Department of Education cited her focus on helping students imagine solutions to problems in the state and their lives, such as creating podcasts that advocate for issues such as homelessness, gun violence, incarceration, in ation, and immigration.
a connection with his faith. He and other students also text in a group chat for general conversation, and to plan fun social events together.
Faith Davis, another recent graduate of e Master’s Apprentice, came into the program with an open mind and ultimately landed on carpentry as her profession. She didn’t know what to expect, especially since the program seemed too good to be true, she said. Davis faced challenges in school guring out her future trajectory, and disengaged teachers ultimately let her fall through the cracks.
Davis stopped participating in many of her classes starting in the fth grade, and never nished high school. She had her son in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and knew she wouldn’t be able to handle remote education.
But e Master’s Apprentice helped her nd a new passion in carpentry and learn the complex mathematics required in the eld. Now, she has a job in carpentry and is working towards her GED.
“It was a classroom setting, but it felt more like a discussion. e teachers actually bothered to care, and sit down and work with me, instead of just looking at
Damon said her mother and father contributed the most toward her passion to educate others. Her father was educated in segregated Texas schools, and her mother didn’t have access to education, she said, which inspired her to help ensure others get a great education.
She grew up in military schools before going to Denver West High School, she said, and her father fought for her to get into advanced classes.
“So for me, every student deserves something that’s going to be hard, that they are going to be proud of,” she said.
She said she can help students only because DELTA leadership supports her and trusts her. It’s the type of environment
e program competed nationally to earn the $1 million grant from the Lowes Foundation, and the sta is putting the money towards more tools and supplies for students, classroom spaces, o ce spaces, and anything else that will help attract and graduate more students, Villarreal said.
During his 50 years of helping low-income individuals, Villarreal has seen the impact of making small, but consistent, steps towards overcoming obstacles and nding success, he said. It’s encouraging to watch and he hopes that programs like e Master’s Apprentice helps boost the reputation of trade work, which is often looked down upon.
“Our population oftentimes can feel fatalistic, and that the American dream isn’t for them,” Villarreal said. “ e American dream is for everyone. It’s equal opportunity, but sometimes equal opportunity has to be surrounded with the right kind of support so it becomes more equal, and becomes more accessible.”
To learn more about e Master’s Apprentice, visit themastersapprentice.org.
where every teacher can grow and be their best, she said.
She hopes to use her new platform to focus on the great things happening in the classroom, she said. And she wants others to know that good leadership can help any teacher become the Colorado Teacher of the Year.
Reprinted with permission. Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature for Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.
Jorge Ramirez sands down a piece of cut plywood in the Master’s Apprentice woodwork workshop on June 6.
PHOTO BY NATALIE KERR
Mountain Area Schools
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