Back to School 2018

Below the Surface

A “TEXTING THERAPY RESOURCE” ARRIVES IN EL PASO COUNTY SCHOOLS

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guide 3

Look

what 's inside!

Contents Below the Surface //

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT.............................................. 6

District Calendar ........................................... 8 Charter School Funding //

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT.......................................... 10

Finding the Right School //

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT.......................................... 12

Gazette Preps //

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT.......................................... 15

Countdown to College //

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT.......................................... 20

Foreign Language Classes //

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT.......................................... 24

Early Education Programs //

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT.......................................... 26

School List ................................................... 30

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JULY 15, 2018

JULY 15, 2018

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guide 5

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Below the Surface

THERAPY New service arrives in El Paso County Schools

by TEXT Miranda Martinez

As the fall school semester begins to approach, a new movement and resource arrives:

Below the Surface.

“ Whether students have a tough exam, AP class, a breakup, or are feeling like they’re being left out, we hope people will pick up their phones and text us.”

EL PASO COUNTY STILL BEARS THE WOUNDS OF MULTIPLE TEEN SUICIDES —

2015 alone had 15 children who took their own lives — but the National Alliance on Mental Health’s campaign, Below the Surface, aims to help children with a “texting therapy” resource.

HE STEPS ARE SIMPLE: text TALK to T 38255 and trained counselors will respond in a confidential text. If students cannot text, then they can call 1-844-493-8255.

text is real time, 24/7, but the average text conThe versation length is about 50 minutes. Depending on the severity, that determines what happens next,” said Lori Jarvis NAMI executive director.

This free service is dedicated to helping students through any situation — depression, stress, anxiety, relationship problems, suicidal thoughts, drugs and alcohol, death and grief, domestic violence, or worries about a friend or family member.

In 2016, Below the Surface received funding from Colorado Springs Health Foundation, and it is now making its way into schools.

During the texting or calling conversation, counselors through Colorado Crisis Services will ask for three pieces of information from the student: zip code, date of birth and name; however, students do not have to provide that information if they do not want to.

Below the Surface does not contact parents of teenage texters, nor do they make regular reports to law enforcement.

“ This has been a labor of love, and our goal is to get to people before they’re at the point of a crisis,” said Jarvis.

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JULY 15, 2018

“We only reach out to law enforcement if we believe a teen is a threat to themselves or someone else,” Jarvis said.

Other organizations such as Suicide Hotlines or Safe2Tell have been integrated into schools, but Below the Surface is taking a different angle; “Safe2Tell is primarily about reporting something of concern and action will be taken with law enforcement, but Below the Surface is a therapeutic service for any situation,” Jarvis explained.

Sixteen El Paso County schools have already integrated Below the Surface into their districts to meet students where they are, including Mesa Ridge, Discovery Canyon, Manitou High School and Manitou Middle School, Falcon, Atlas Preparatory and more.

“Whether students have a tough exam, AP class, a breakup, or are feeling like they’re being left out, we hope people will pick up their phones and text us,” Jarvis said.

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guide 7

District Calendar District

Contact Info

First day

Last day (tentative) Extended breaks (for students)

Student Holidays

Academy District 20

asd20.org 234-1200

Aug. 15

May 31

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 24–Jan. 4 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21); Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18) Memorial Day (May 27)

Calhan RJ1

calhanschool.org 347-2766

Aug. 14 Sept. 4 preschool

May 24

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 21–Jan. 2 March 25–29

School is not in session on Mondays unless needed as makeup days.

Cheyenne Mountain District 12

cmsd.k12.org 475–6100

Aug. 16 K–7 & 10–12 Aug. 17 8 & 9 Aug. 20 Pre–K

May 23 Pre–K–6 May 24 7–12

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 24–Jan. 4 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

District 11

d11.org 520–2000

Aug. 15

May 21 Elementary May 24 Middle & HS

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 20–Jan. 4 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Cripple Creek Victor RE1

tinyurl.com/ hey4o4j 689–2685

Aug. 13

May 23

Nov. 19–22; Dec. 24–Jan. 7 March 25–28

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Edison District 54–JT

edison54jt.org 478–2125

Aug. 9 Aug. 28 preschool

May 24

Nov. 20–23; Dec. 25–Jan. 4 March 26–29

School is not in session on Mondays

Ellicott District 22

ellicottschools.org 683–2700

Aug. 13 Aug. 20 preschool

May 23

Nov. 19–22; Dec. 24–Jan. 3 March 25–28

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Falcon District 49

Falcon 49, d49.org 495–1100

Aug. 2; Aug. 1 KDG grades 6 and 9

May 24 May 23 preschool

Oct. 8–19; Nov. 19–23; Dec. 24–Jan. 4 March 18–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Excellence

ex•cel•lence /eks ( ) l ns / noun. (from the verb excellere ‘surpass’) 1. a lineage of inspirational teachers who use their unique gifts to spark greatness in the hearts and minds of students: At Academy District 20, excellence means always asking, “Is this best for students?” | excellence in teaching synonyms: quality, distinction, greatness, merit

Choose Excellence. Choose Academy District 20.

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JULY 15, 2018

District Calendar District

Contact Info

First day

Last day (tentative) Extended breaks (for students)

Student Holidays

Ftn Ft Carson District 8

ffc8.org 382–1300

Aug.13 1–12 Aug. 15 KDG – Pre–K

May 24

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 21–Jan. 4 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Veteran’s Day (Nov. 12); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21); Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Hanover District 28

hanoverhornets.org 683–2247

Aug. 7 for K–12; Sept. 4 for Pre–K

May 17 Pre–K May 23 KDG – 5 May 24 1–4 & 6–12

Nov. 17–26; Dec. 21–Jan. 7 March 22–April 1

School is not in session on Mondays

Harrison District 2

hsd2.org 579–2000

Aug. 9

May 23

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 21–Jan. 4 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Lewis Palmer District 38

lewispalmer.org 488–4700

Aug. 21

May 24

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 24–Jan. 4 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Manitou Spgs District 14

mssd14.org 685–2024

Aug. 24

May 30

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 24–Jan. 8 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18); Memorial Day (May 27)

Miami Yoder 60JT

miamiyoder.com 478–2186

Aug. 7 6–12 ; Aug. 8 K–5 Aug. 21 Preschool

May 23

Nov. 20–23; Dec. 21–Jan. 4 March 25–29

School is not in session on most Mondays

Peyton 23JT

peyton.k12.co.us 749–2330

Aug. 9

May 23

Nov. 19–22; Dec. 24–Jan. 3 March 25–28

Labor Day (Sept. 3)

Widefield District 3

wsd3.org 391–3000

Aug. 15; Aug16 7 & 8 Aug. 17 for KDG

May 22

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 24–Jan. 4 March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); October Day (Oct. 8); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21); Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

Woodland Park RE2

new.wpsdk12.org 686–2000

Aug. 22

May 22

Nov. 19–23; Dec. 24–Jan. 4; March 25–29

Labor Day (Sept. 3); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21) Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18)

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guide 9

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Charter School Funding

Independent charter schools will receive an additional $300 per student this upcoming school year, with a boost from the state legislature.

By Andrea Guzman, Special to The Gazette TERRY CROY LEWIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COLORADO CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE, said that House bill 1375 makes funding for independent charters “not quite equal yet, but we’re working towards it.” Lewis described the charter sector in Colorado as “very healthy.” “In other states you see them struggling,” Lewis said. “We haven’t seen that as much in Colorado.

We have strong legislation.

It’s one of the best in the country.”

Lewis noted Colorado charters aren’t experiencing closures like other states are. And in recent years, more students have enrolled in charter schools across the state. A 2016 report by the Schools of Choice Office reported 31 charter schools in the

city and 226 in the state, with an enrollment greater than 108,000 students.

The report emphasized students enrolled in charter schools make up about 12 percent of Pre-K through Grade 12 students, which is greater than any single school district in Colorado. Individual charter schools often enroll fewer students than public schools that operate within the school district, and critics of charter schools are concerned about the financial impact the bill will have on public school districts.

The mill levy override is carried out depending on whether a school is authorized under the Charter School Institute or the district. Deputy Superintendent of District 11 Glenn Gustafson described the district’s plan for distributing mill levy revenues for charter schools as providing a “fair share of each line

item,” which depends on factors like class size and employee compensation.

All districts in the state had to adopt plans by July 1.

For Colorado Springs’ largest school district, District 11, Gustafson said, “we carve it out so that our district students aren’t penalized for it, but if it does get bigger and bigger, it

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“Hopefully, this trend will continue of equalization,” Dan Ajamian head of school at CSCA said. The school is one of the 10 in the Colorado Springs or Calhan District that fall under CSI, which oversees 41 across the state. “It’s getting us there, so if that continues to happen at the state level, I would love to be able to honor our teachers more with some of that funding,” Ajamian said. On average, teachers at charter schools earn approximately $15,000 less a year than teachers at district schools, according to the 2016 report.

will take away from district schools.”

As for independent charters that aren’t impacted by districts’ plans, Gustafson questioned when the state would be able to provide more than $300 per student.

“The disparity is so big right now,” Gustafson said.

“ The challenge is to level the playing field for charter schools and that’s what this bill attempted to do.

The Classical Academy is the largest charter school in Colorado Springs, and received authorization from District 20. Director of Communications Tisha Harris said the district already shared their funds, and isn’t experiencing much of a change from the mill levy distribution.

But it’s a very complicated situation.” He added that charter schools are “more equitable in terms of funding, but it’s a complicated matter that’s not going to be easily resolved.”

Charter schools that are independent from their school district undergo an application process with the Charter School Institute. If approved, the school has more flexibility than other public schools with how they structure curriculum and fiscal management. Often, the schools have a program focus. For example, the Colorado Springs Charter Academy in District 11 teaches a curriculum based on “Core Knowledge.”

The school is starting on projects funded through a $14.1 million bond passed fall 2016, however. The money is going towards a new performing arts center and elementary gym.

Aside from funding, there are other shakeups at charter schools in Colorado, with Colorado Springs Monarch Classical opening and Pikes Peak Prep closing.

Golden Beau Classical transferred from the local district to authorization to CSI.

A 2016 report by the schools of choice office reported…

31 charter schools in the city and 226 in the state, with an enrollment greater than 108,000 students.

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guide 11

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// School Choice

Finding the right school: Families in

Colorado have choices for their students’ education

By Haley Candelario and Tatiana Talesnick THE PROSPECT OF FINDING THE RIGHT PRIMARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL CAN BE OVERWHELMING, but Colorado’s open enrollment laws give families the option to choose what school their child enrolls in.

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Parents can choose to send their student to their neighborhood school, to another school in their district or to a school in an outside district — any school in the state they are able to provide transportation to, they can go to.

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“Parents have more options available to them in terms of choosing a school for their child,” said Bill Kottenstette, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Education’s Choice and Innovation Unit. “Some states have policies that would limit the ability of a student to enroll in a school outside of their neighborhood (within the district) or outside of their district. Colorado policies allow for both types of open enrollment as long as there is space available at the school in which the student seeks to enroll.”

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Parents can fill out a Choice Open Enrollment Application for the school they want to send their child to, but enrollment is not guaranteed. Applications can be denied for any the following reasons: • The school does not have enough space or staff.

• The school does not have the proper facilities or programs necessary for the student’s needs.

• The student does not meet the school’s eligibility criteria.

• A desegregation plan is in effect to reduce/ increase diversity and improve courses and access to school facilities.

• The student was expelled, is in the process of being expelled or the student’s behavior could lead to expulsion.

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Families are encouraged to research their neighborhood schools before looking at other options.

“Start with your neighborhood school. Have a tour, get a lay of the land,” said Devra Ashby, Communications Director for Colorado Springs School District 11, the largest school district in the city. “I tell parents they will

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JULY 15, 2018

have a gut feeling about where their child belongs.”

Ashby says parents should worry less about finding “niche, specialized schools” for their elementary students — it’s when their child gets older that parents should start to look out for particular interests. Many schools offer technical training that can point students in the direction of specific careers and even help students earn college credits or certification to practice trades.

In Colorado Springs and the surrounding area there are nine districts with a variety of elementary, middle and high school options: Academy School District 20

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 Colorado Springs School District 11 Falcon School District 49

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 Harrison School District 2

Manitou Springs School District 14 Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Widefield School District 3

Parents who are concerned about school waitlists are encouraged to contact the school that they their child will attend.

Colorado children have many options for types of schools: neighborhood public schooling, open enrollment at other public schools, magnet schools and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Outside of public school districts, religious and non-secular private schools are also options parents and students may consider.

NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

A neighborhood school is assigned to a child based on a system created by the school district. Attending a neighborhood public school can make it easy for a child to get to school, work with classmates on group projects and visit friends.

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THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// School Choice

continued from page 13 MAGNET SCHOOLS

Magnet schools are designed to attract students from diverse social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds by focusing on a specific subject, such as science, technology, or the arts.

Some schools host magnet programs within them. Typically, magnet schools and programs require students to take an exam or demonstrate skill to qualify for enrollment.

VIRTUAL SCHOOLS

Virtual schools have organized curriculum for students to complete on their computers. Virtual education is sometimes used in remote areas for specialized or advanced courses that are not available in the immediate area. Some school districts use online schools to offer classes that will help students learn at their own pace.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate

A HIGH SCHOOL for the Tinkerers Dreamers Innovators

programs offer rigorous academics for high schoolers. At the end of an AP course, students have the opportunity to receive college credit at a college or university depending on their scores from the national AP exam.

Students who graduate from an IB program receive an IB diploma that is recognized internationally by colleges and universities and are often given college or university credit. Other students may choose not to take the full IB curriculum but pursue certificates in individual areas.

Some elementary and middle schools offer components of the IB program.

HOME SCHOOLS

Homeschooling is another option for parents. Some parents prepare their own materials and design their own programs of study, while others use materials produced by companies specializing in homeschool materials.

Homeschooling is considered non-public and is not regulated by the state of Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Education.

The school type descriptions are adapted from the U.S. Department of Education’s Choosing a School for Your Child.

Pikes PikesPeak Peak

719-203-6128 or LaunchHigh.org Fundraising, schools, 719.464.5232 Fundraising, schools, parties, camps, sports, 719.464.5232 parties, camps, sports, konacos@kona-ice.com corporate events, konacos@kona-ice.com corporate events, www.kona-ice.com & so much more! www.kona-ice.com & so much more!

14 BACK TO SCHOOL guide

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JULY 15, 2018

On a great path …

D38

 Accredited with

Distinction by the State

 In Colorado’s Top 10% for College Entrance and State Exams

 Outstanding Teachers and Staff  Gifted and Talented Programs on Every Campus

 Full-Day Kindergarten and Preschool

 K-6 Campus Child Care Outside of School Hours

 Homeschool Academy Weekly Enrichment

LEWIS-PALMER SCHOOL DISTRICT #38 Follow LP

146 N. Jefferson Street, Monument, CO (719) 488-4700  www.lewispalmer.org

What your children believe is just as important as what they know.

• Fully accredited from • Strong academic and extra-curricular programs • After school extended day program • CSAL sports in grades 1-8 • Dedicated staff and teachers • Safety of our students is paramount

So what sets us apart from other schools?

• Christ centered atmosphere that develops life values

Your child’s education is important to us, but we also understand that it is not just what they know, it’s what they believe that makes a difference.

“Belonging Leads to Believing”

Now enrolling for the 2018-19 school year.

Pre-School through 8th Grade Call Candy Bench for more information or to set your private tour

(719) 632-1846 • cbench@stpaulcos.org

SEE OUR GAZETTE PREPS SPOTLIGHT ON PAGE 16

St. Paul Catholic School 1601 Mesa Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906 www.stpaulpmcs.org “The Way of the Lord is my Fortress for Life” JULY 15, 2018

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guide 15

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Gazette Preps

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Gazette Preps

By Matt Wiley

GAZETTE PREPS SHARES A LOT OF SIMILARITIES WITH THE ATHLETES WE COVER. We have a desire to be the best, we constantly try to improve and we are proud to represent Colorado Springs.

There is an excitement mounting for the 2018–19 school year based on some of improvements in 2017–18.

Here are some of the additions to our coverage we made.

Top 5 plays of the week (reader submissions encouraged)

Highlight videos from our plays of the week

Big & Smalls preview videos featuring Smith and Hugh Johnson

Snapchat filters during our games of the week

Twitter polls asking you which games you want us to cover

We were privileged to cover elite players and teams, but selecting our favorite moment was actually easy.

On Oct. 6, 2017

four Sierra High School football players walked onto the field carrying jersey No. 63 to honor former Harrison football player Fermin Vialpando, who died 11 years earlier playing football. Widefield also had a No. 63 jersey on display to honor Vialpando at its game against Mesa Ridge.

Anyone who knows the history of Colorado Springs understands the rivalries between Harrison, Sierra and Widefield. The show of sportsmanship on display was unmatched all season. It was an emotional reminder that we are all in this together as members of the Pikes Peak region. The rivalries between the schools are fierce — but they are built on respect.

16 BACK TO SCHOOL guide

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JULY 15, 2018

We are proud that Gazette Preps was there to bring this moment to you.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO TELLING MORE OF YOUR STORIES IN 2018–19.

If you have any suggestions for our coverage, please email us at lindsey.smith @gazette.com, preps@gazette.com, matt.wiley@gazette.com or reach us on our social accounts:

We were privileged to cover elite players and teams, but selecting our favorite moment was actually easy.

Facebook: facebook.com/gazettepreps, Instagram: gazettepreps and Twitter: @gazettepreps

JULY 15, 2018

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guide 17

St. Mary’s High School

Gazette Preps cont.

A Catholic, college-prep family since 1885

Now accepting applications for 2018-2019

97% of graduates are accepted to a 4-year college

$225,000 in tuition assistance given annually in full/partial scholarships More than 70% of graduates receive merit scholarships 12,000+ hours of service performed by each graduating class 19 sports and 14 clubs/organizations Learn more at www.smhscs.org 2501 E. Yampa St. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719.635.7540

INSPIRED BY FAITH, EMPOWERED BY KNOWLEDGE, UNITED BY COMMUNITY

@SMHSColorado

style.

We finished the year in

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS EDITOR LINDSEY SMITH, who moved here from her home state of Pennsylvania in 2017, we finished the year in style.

2018–19 SEASON

Smith wanted something special for our Peak Performers of the Year (Most Valuable Players in each sport), and our staff and sponsors delivered a memorable night of celebration.

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BOX OFFICE • 719-255-3232 18 BACK TO SCHOOL guide

theatreworksCS.org |

JULY 15, 2018

which brought athletes and families from all over the city together to honor the MVPs, featured the movie theme that Smith and photographer Dougal Brownlie produced during the season. Every student received a plaque honoring their achievements, had the opportunity to take pictures with their friends and family on a red carpet and were given a poster featuring the picture that ran in The Gazette. Kaiser Permanente was the Platinum sponsor of the event that was hosted by The Pinery.

In addition to the individual awards, each school that won a state championship was given a framed photo from our-award winning Gazette Visuals department to acknowledge their achievements.

We covered the Gatorade player of the year in football (Palmer Ridge’s Ty Evans) and baseball (Pine Creek’s Justin Olson) and the Lewis-Palmer volleyball team finished a nationallyranked season with a state title.

There is no doubt the banquet was a special night, culminated with Discovery Canyon’s Lauren Gale and Palmer Ridge’s Ty Evans winning the Female and Male Peak Performers of the Year awards.

WITH THE ARTS WE THRIVE Fostering the next generation of arts lovers through: • Free school tours • Year-round art classes for all ages • Student matinée theatre programs • Fourth Grade Passport to the Arts program • FREE museum admission for students and teachers (w/ID) Learn more at coloradocollege.edu/fac

JULY 15, 2018

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guide 19

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE

HOW TO MAKE THAT SUMMER CAMPUS VISIT MORE MEANINGFUL

By Lee Bierer, Special to The Gazette

STAY ORGANIZED CREATE A CHECKLIST STAY ORGANIZED PREPARE A LIST OF QUESTIONS TALK TO PEOPLE FIND AN OPEN HOUSE GRAB A COPY

// Countdown to College

CAMPUS VISITS DURING

summer

THE ARE FINE.

It seems like just yesterday that your future college student was a 9 year-old in a little lacrosse uniform. And as hard as it is to imagine them as an 18 year-old cruising to classes, studying in the library and schmoozing in the student union, the time comes when you need to start scouting potential schools for them to attend.

If you’re crisscrossing the country and visiting multiple colleges in a short period of time, it can be hard to distinguish one library from another. And trust me: The dorms and dining halls begin to look alike.

New Summit Charter Academy: A New Choice in Education!

New Summit Charter Academy is now accepting enrollments for the 2018-2019 school year.

At New Summit Charter Academy, we believe in approaching the child as a whole by keeping them safe, healthy, engaged, and happy during their school days. With the award-winning Core Knowledge Curriculum, a Literacy First approach, and some of the best teachers around, we’re proud to be the newest choice in D20.

New Summit Charter Academy 7899 Lexington Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 283-1731 • www.newsummitcharter.org 20 BACK TO SCHOOL guide

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JULY 15, 2018

Here are some suggestions

to help make the most of your summer visits:

Stay organized, and make sure you allow enough time to arrive promptly. That usually includes an allowance for getting lost, parking and then walking to the admissions office.

Create your own checklist of things that you want to do on every visit.

While it’s impossible to compare “apples to apples,” it does make sense to try to see and do as many of the same things on each campus as possible, such as:

(1) Seeing a real dorm room — not the staged dorm room that many colleges display. (2) Checking out the dining options and having a meal. (3) Visiting the health and fitness facilities; (4) stopping off at the career center to understand

how it helps with summer employment and internships; (5) Visiting the health center, especially if your student gets sick easily or is likely to consider using the mental health services. (6) Assessing the immediate surrounding area, including its restaurants, shopping, performance venue, transportation accessibility, and evaluating any safety concerns.

Peronalize it. If you’re involved in a church youth group, then check out the religious facilities. If you’re son or daughter is involved in theater, then make sure you visit the performance venues.

Prepare a list of questions to ask admissions officers and student tour guides at every campus you visit, such as:

What percentage of students participate in Greek life? Do fraternities and sororities dominate the social scene? As a freshman, how

many classes are likely to take place in a large lecture hall with hundreds of other students? How does the college or university help make a big school seem smaller?

Talk to as many people as you can.

Even though it’s not likely there will be many students on campus, try to chat with anyone you see (staff, professors, etc.).

What security measures are currently in place to protect students?

Find out if there is an open house scheduled for the fall or spring.

Research the college before arriving on campus. Find out if it offers majors that are likely to be of interest to your future student.

Do they have any special interdisciplinary majors, study-abroad options, internship programs, etc., that make their college more appealing than others?

Grab a copy of the student newspaper and the admissions literature. Listen to the college radio station.

When you return home, write up your thoughts.

Ask yourself: “Is this a place where I could feel at home?” List the pros and cons of each school.

Having your comments and your lists will make it much easier to trim your future student college list later in the summer.

— Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies

JULY 15, 2018

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guide 21

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// After-school Programs

nanny

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Seven in 10 Colorado parents say that after-school programs give them peace of mind and help them keep their jobs, according to national nonprofit advocacy group Afterschool Alliance.

For parents who work full-time, aligning hectic work schedules with in-school hours isn’t always possible.

Hiring an independent babysitter or nanny can be convenient, but it can also be on the pricier end of after-school care. Even if a nanny is paid minimum wage, the cost for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week

would pile up to around $600 per month.

Fortunately, families in Colorado Springs have access to a variety of alternative after-school options.

Many elementary schools have partnerships with local after-school providers on-site. Other programs

require independent transportation, but are open to students at all schools.

ONE OPTION THAT IS AVAILABLE AT 27 SCHOOLS ACROSS SEVEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS IS THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM OFFERED BY YMCA OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION. The program

provides attendees, ages 5-12, with a daily snack, homework help, physical activities and math or literacy help right at school. In the event that school is canceled, care is available at a

designated YMCA branch.

The pick-up time for their after-school program is 6 p.m. Full-time enrollment is $310-$320 per month for non-members at most locations.

FOR FAMILIES IN NORTHERN COLORADO SPRINGS, CHAMPIONS OFFERS AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT 12 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS. Champions’ programs are developed

with a focus on community, literacy, creative expression, character development, executive function and inquiry-based learning. Champions

continued on page 24

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THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// After-school Programs

continued from page 23 also offers homework help, physical activity and a snack. Pick-up time is 6 p.m. Full-time enrollment is $340-$356 per month at most locations.

LASTLY, FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE OR THEATER, THE COLORADO SPRINGS CONSERVATORY OFFERS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS AGES 4-18.

No transportation is provided for this program, but students from all schools are welcome.

Students ages 4-7 start in the Novice program, and move to the Bridge to CORE and then the CORE program as they age. No audition is required for participation in these programs, which can include activities such as private lessons in violin or piano, exploratory theater classes, general music education and music theory classes. Program schedules can be customized, and often vary. Colorado Springs

Conservatory after-school programs slide up in price as students age, starting at $252 per month for the Novice program and rounding out at $406 per month for CORE. “Just last year, we conducted a city-wide survey in both English and Spanish across the Denver community and heard loud and clear from parents that after-school is a necessity, it’s not a luxury. Parents work and need to know that their kids are somewhere that’s safe and that they’re learning and engaged,” said Maxine Quintana, Director of Afterschool Initiatives for Denver Afterschool Alliance.

While after-school programs have been called a “necessity” by Denver parents, Quintana also acknowledged that quality after-school programs can be costly. She said there's currently not a sustainable source of funding for after-school programs in Colorado.

Parents seeking financial assistance for afterschool care can check if they qualify for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).

Military families can qualify for after-school fee assistance through Child Care Aware of America.

Contact your child’s school for specific details about after-school care options.

“Academic outcomes come naturally from kids being engaged in after-school programs,” Quintana said. “But, they need to be engaged regularly and the program needs to be of quality. It doesn’t really matter what type of programming it is, it can be an arts-based program, it can be a sports-based program — it can be anything really. What matters most is that there’s a focus on positive youth development and that they’re building social and emotional skills and that they’re doing it in a quality way that keeps kids engaged."

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JULY 15, 2018

www.wsd3.org

more

By Lois K. Solomon, Tribune News Service

Parli italiano?

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Some Boca Raton elementary and middle school students will learn Italian for the first time next year.

By the time they get to high school, their skills will be “perfetto.”

NEXT YEAR WILL BE “WORLD LANGUAGE EXPANSION YEAR” in Palm Beach County schools, with

new tracks added for students to learn Italian, Japanese, French and Chinese in elementary school, and continue the languages in middle and high school.

The expansion marks an effort to prepare students for international careers and distribute foreign language lessons equitably among all

In Palm Beach County, every high school and 70 percent of middle schools offer at least one foreign language. There are 22 duallanguage schools, in which students learn in English half the day and in a foreign language the other half.

Run and West Boca; an elementary school in that track hasn’t been selected yet.

Students in central Palm Beach County will learn French beginning as elementary school students at Barton Elementary in Lake Worth and continuing on at Woodlands Middle. These students will have a choice of four high schools that already have French programs: Atlantic in Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Park Vista and Santaluces.

In south Palm Beach County, Sunrise Park Elementary and Logger’s Run Middle are set to start their Italian classes next year, with students continuing on to a program at West Boca High. Japanese lessons also will begin at Logger’s

C’est fantastique!

The district already has programs for students to learn Spanish and American Sign Language, and a small number of schools offer Chinese, Latin and Haitian Creole. That’s similar to schools in Broward and Miami-Dade, which offer the same languages, as well as German and Portuguese on some of their campuses.

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Contact us today to learn more: 719-630-0577 • 3302 Alpine Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 • www.globecharter.org JULY 15, 2018

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guide 25

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Early Education Program

By Brian Blevins, Special to The Gazette

EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS GIVE KIDS A

For parents with young children, now comes the time of year to think about early education options, including options for preschool.

J

art! t s p um

Educators have long argued for the benefits of preschool as a helpful boost for children preparing to enter kindergarten. Such benefits include getting a head start on literacy, math, and social skills, learning how to engage in a classroom environment, and growing accustomed to being apart from parents. Overall, the effect is better school-readiness.

These benefits have caught the eye of state lawmakers, and now several states offer government-funded preschool programs for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Colorado is one of those states, with government-funded preschool options available at multiple school districts along the Front Range.

Located near Highway 24 in Old Colorado City, Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) provides many of the preschool and childcare services available for families in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.

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2018 For more information, call 719.282.9101 or visit our website at www.ACTcolorado.net 26 BACK TO SCHOOL guide

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JULY 15, 2018

Kristen Allton, WPHS 2004 “I became a School Psychologist”

Self portraits by Summit Elementary students.

Woodland Park School District 719.686.2000 www.wpsdk12.org

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Early Education Program

The programs offered by CPCD include an implementation of Head Start, an early education program initiated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of establishing a young child’s emotional and physical well-being, and readying that child for a more structured learning environment.

Specifically equipped to serve low-income families, CPCD currently serves roughly 1,800 children and families in El Paso County. Eighty percent of those are considered to have “very limited income.”

“We are specifically here for that purpose,” said CPCD CEO Noreen LandisTyson. “We’re here to make sure we are serving those in our community who are most vulnerable.”

While the benefits of early education are readily recognized, for children growing up in poverty, early education becomes an invaluable resource.

“Children are more likely to be behind if they are living in poverty,” Landis-Tyson explained. “It’s part of the effect of the environment.”

“ Being behind” can include delays in language skills or vocabulary deficits.

To help remedy the negative effects of poverty, CPCD makes a conscious effort to create a positive learning environment in each child’s home.

Part of this includes a deliberate parent education program, which offers parents the opportunity to learn more about where their child stands in terms of school readiness, as well as where they should be before entering kindergarten and how best to help students be successful in their education.

CPCD is “very intentional about involving parents in their child’s education,” asserts Landis-Tyson. “This can’t just be about what we do in the classroom. It has to be about what parents do at home with their child’s education.”

That’s why CPCD provides resources and recommendations to parents, including books to read to their children at home for the sake of improving literacy and early vocabulary.

Along with a Head Start initiative, CPCD also provides an Early Head Start curriculum, dedicated to serving pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years old. The program “serves to enhance the development of very young children while promoting healthy family functioning and school readiness,” and currently serves 203 children and families.

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guide 27

Early Education Programs cont.

District 2

The third core program CPCD offers is a partnership with the Colorado Preschool Program.

This early education program offers services similar to those offered by Head Start, including health screenings and family support. Like Head Start, children and families who wish to enroll in the Colorado Preschool Program must meet certain criteria to be admitted.

This program currently serves 636 children and their families in El Paso County.

Area: South-Central Colorado Springs Programs: CPCD-Early Head Start; CPCD-Head Start; Colorado Preschool Program Classes: Vary by school

2018-19 schedule: Aug. 9-May 23.

District 3

· Ranked as a top school in Colorado by U.S. News and World Report

Costs: $120 per quarter (if eligible for tuition)

Class Size: 16-17

Programs: District classes; Colorado Preschool Program; Child Find; CPCD-Head Start; Special Education services Classes: Half-day only. Mon-Thur.

Head Start: Tue-Fri

First day: Aug. 20

Teacher/student ratio: 1:5

District 8

Area: Fort Carson, City of Fountain

Programs: Early Intervention Program; Child Find; CPCD-Head Start

Costs: $55 application fee, $260/month.

2018-19 schedule: Aug. 22-May 31

Classes: Half-day only. Tue-Fri

2018-19 schedule: Aug. 15-May 24

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719.799.6110 28 BACK TO SCHOOL guide

Classes: Half-day only. Mon-Thur

Area: Northern Colorado Springs

Classes: Half-day only. Mon-Thurs; Mon/Wed; Tue/Thur.

Students from all districts welcome!

· Award-winning Art and Music Programs

Programs: District classes; Child Find; CPCD-Head Start; Community operated preschools; Tesla Early Learning Center

District 20

Programs: District preschool; Child Find; CPCD-Head Start; Colorado Preschool Program

NE W S TORE H O U RS

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT.

Area: Central Colorado Springs

2018-19 schedule: Aug. 15-May 21

Area: Security-Widefield

As Landis-Tyson explained, the purpose of CPCD “is to address the whole needs of our family and the whole needs of the child, and to help them connect with the community.”

To implement their programs, CPCD partners with School Districts 49, 20, and 11, as well as Fountain-Fort Carson District 8, Widefield School District 3, and Harrison School District 2 in central Colorado Springs.

Each district offers similar preschool and early education programs for district residents.

District 11

|

TheVanguardSchool.com

1605 S. Corona Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80905

JULY 15, 2018

Learn more online at ppymca.org/beforeandafter

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Early Education Program

District 49

Area: Southeastern Colorado Springs Programs: District classes; Colorado Preschool Program; Child Find; CPCD-Head Start Classes: Half-day only. Mon-Thur Costs: District classes $40

Registration fee, $300/month

2018-19 schedule: Aug. 6-May 23

The main CPCD office can be reached at 719-635-1536.

More information is also available at

cpcdheadstart.org

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Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 is proud to serve the children and families of our community.

Our commitment to diversity and student support helps young people achieve a sense of accomplishment and civic responsibility.

Learn more at www.FFC8.org JULY 15, 2018

|

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guide 29

District Calendar Colorado Springs School District 11

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12

Elementary Schools ▶▶ Adams Elementary ▶▶ Audubon Elementary ▶▶ Bristol Elementary ▶▶ Buena Vista Montessori ▶▶ Carver Elementary ▶▶ Chipeta Elementary ▶▶ Columbia Elementary ▶▶ Edison Elementary ▶▶ Freedom Elementary ▶▶ Fremont Elementary ▶▶ Grant Elementary ▶▶ Henry Elementary ▶▶ Howbert Elementary ▶▶ Jackson Elementary ▶▶ Keller Elementary ▶▶ King Elementary ▶▶ Madison Elementary ▶▶ Martinez Elementary ▶▶ McAuliffe Elementary ▶▶ Midland Elementary ▶▶ Monroe Elementary ▶▶ Penrose Elem Queen Palmer ▶▶ Rogers Elementary ▶▶ Rudy Elementary ▶▶ Scott Elementary ▶▶ Steele Elementary ▶▶ Stratton Elementary ▶▶ Taylor Elementary ▶▶ Trailblazer Elementary ▶▶ Twain Elementary ▶▶ Wilson Elementary

Preschool ▶▶ Canon

Elementary Schools ▶▶ Broadmoor Elementary ▶▶ Cheyenne Mountain Elementary ▶▶ Gold Camp Elementary ▶▶ Pinon Valley Elementary ▶▶ Skyway Elementary Cheyenne Mountain Junior High Cheyenne Mountain High School

Charter Schools ▶▶ Cheyenne Mtn. Charter Acad (K-8) ▶▶ The Vanguard School (9-12) Manitou Springs School District 14

Elementary Schools ▶▶ Manitou Springs Elementary ▶▶ Ute Pass Elementary Manitou Springs Middle School Manitou Springs High School

Widefield School District 3 Preschools ▶▶ Widefield Preschool

(Formerly North Elementary School in 2011-2012 school year

Elementary schools ▶▶ French Elementary ▶▶ King Elementary ▶▶ North Elementary (repurposed as a

Middle Schools ▶▶ Galileo School of Math and Science Former East Middle School ▶▶ Holmes Middle School ▶▶ Jenkins Middle School ▶▶ Mann Middle School ▶▶ North Middle School ▶▶ Russell Middle School ▶▶ Sabin Middle School ▶▶ Swigert Aerospace Academy Edison Charter Academy ▶▶ West Middle School

▶▶ ▶▶ ▶▶ ▶▶ ▶▶ ▶▶

Pinello Elementary Sunrise Elementary Talbott Elementary Venetucci Elementary Widefield Elementary Webster Elementary

Junior High Schools ▶▶ Janitell Junior High ▶▶ Sproula Junior High ▶▶ Watson Junior High

High Schools ▶▶ Coronado High ▶▶ Doherty High ▶▶ Mitchell High ▶▶ Palmer High ▶▶ Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus Charter Schools ▶▶ Academy for Advanced & Creative Learning ▶▶ CIVA Charter High ▶▶ GLOBE ▶▶ Community Prep ▶▶ Lifeskills

30 BACK TO SCHOOL guide

preschool, 2011-2012 school year)

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High Schools ▶▶ Discovery High ▶▶ Mesa Ridge High ▶▶ Widefield High Falcon School District 49

Elementary Schools ▶▶ Evans International Elementary ▶▶ Falcon Elementary ▶▶ Meridian Ranch Elementary ▶▶ Odyssey Elementary ▶▶ Remington Elementary ▶▶ Ridgeview Elementary ▶▶ Springs Ranch Elementary ▶▶ Stetson Elementary ▶▶ Woodmen Hills Elementary

JULY 15, 2018

Charter School ▶▶ James Madison Charter Academy Middle Schools ▶▶ Falcon Middle ▶▶ Horizon Middle ▶▶ Skyview Middle High Schools ▶▶ Falcon High School ▶▶ Sand Creek High School ▶▶ Vista Ridge High School Alternative ▶▶ Patriot High School ▶▶ Springs Studio for Academic Excellence ▶▶ Pikes Peak Early Colleges Lewis-Palmer School District 38

Elementary Schools ▶▶ Bear Creek Elementary ▶▶ Kilmer Elementary ▶▶ Lewis-Palmer Elementary ▶▶ Palmer Lake Elementary ▶▶ Prairie Winds Elementary Lewis-Palmer Middle School

High Schools ▶▶ Lewis Palmer High School ▶▶ Palmer Ridge High School Charter School ▶▶ Monument Academy Academy School District 20

Elementary Schools ▶▶ Academy International Elementary ▶▶ Antelope Trails Elementary ▶▶ Chinook Trail Elementary ▶▶ The da Vinci Academy ▶▶ Discovery Canyon Campus ▶▶ Douglass Valley Elementary ▶▶ Edith Wolford Elementary ▶▶ Explorer Elementary ▶▶ Foothills Elementary ▶▶ Frontier Elementary ▶▶ High Plains Elementary ▶▶ Mountain View Elementary ▶▶ Pine Valley Elementary ▶▶ Pioneer Elementary ▶▶ Prairie Hills Elementary ▶▶ Ranch Creek Elementary ▶▶ Rockrimmon Elementary ▶▶ School in the Woods ▶▶ Woodmen-Roberts Elementary Middle Schools ▶▶ Aspen Valley Middle School ▶▶ Challenger Middle School ▶▶ Eagleview Middle School ▶▶ Home School Academy ▶▶ Mountain Ridge Middle School ▶▶ Timberview Middle School ▶▶ Summer School and Enrichment

High Schools ▶▶ Air Academy High School ▶▶ Aspen Valley High School ▶▶ Discovery Canyon Campus ▶▶ Liberty High School ▶▶ Pine Creek High School ▶▶ Rampart High School ▶▶ Online High School Charter School ▶▶ The Classical Academy Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 Elementary Schools ▶▶ Aragon Elementary ▶▶ Eagleside Elementary ▶▶ Jordahl Elementary ▶▶ Mesa Elementary

Fountain Middle School Fountain-Fort Carson High School Schools on Fort Carson ▶▶ Abrams Elementary ▶▶ Carson Middle School ▶▶ Mountainside Elementary ▶▶ Patriot Elementary ▶▶ Weikel Elementary ▶▶ Welte Education Center Harrison School District 2

Elementary Schools ▶▶ Adelina Otero Elementary ▶▶ Bricker Elementary ▶▶ Centennial Elementary ▶▶ Giberson Elementary ▶▶ Monterey Elementary ▶▶ Mountain Vista Community (K-8) ▶▶ Nate Rogers Elementary ▶▶ Oak Creek Elementary ▶▶ Otero Elementary ▶▶ Pikes Peak Elementary ▶▶ Sand Creek Elementary ▶▶ Soaring Eagles Elementary ▶▶ Stratmoor Hills Elementary ▶▶ Stratton Meadows Elementary ▶▶ Turman Elementary ▶▶ Wildflower Elementary Middle Schools ▶▶ Carmel Middle ▶▶ Fox Meadow Middle ▶▶ Mountain Vista Community (K-8) ▶▶ Panorama Middle High Schools ▶▶ Harrison High ▶▶ Sierra High Alternative School ▶▶ The New Horizons School Charter Schools ▶▶ Atlas Preparatory Academy ▶▶ James Irwin Charter ▶▶ James Irwin Elementary ▶▶ James Irwin Middle ▶▶ James Irwin High

PREVIEW DAY INFO Visit campus during a Preview Day to get a taste of the Mountaineer life. You’ll connect with current students, meet with professors, explore campus and more.

More info: western.edu/preview

2018-19 PREVIEW DAYS Friday, Oct. 19 Saturday, Nov. 10 Friday, March 1 Saturday, March 30

TYLER BRANDT

Can’t make it to Gunnison for a Preview Day? Schedule a campus tour: western.edu/visit.

COLORADO SPRINGS | CLASS OF 2020 Business Administration (Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship emphasis)

YOUR LOCAL RECRUITER

After interning at Peak Startup in his hometown of Colorado Springs, Tyler Brandt knew he wanted to study entrepreneurship in college. When Tyler discovered the Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship (ICE) program at Western State Colorado University, he knew where he belonged.

Lindsay Leggett Colorado Springs Director of Recruitment Office: 970.943.2081 Cell: 970.787.5341 Email: lleggett@western.edu

GO.WESTERN.EDU

Now a junior, Tyler explores his zeal for innovative business ventures not only in his studies, but also in his role as director for the ICE Project, which organizes entrepreneurial events at Western and within the surrounding Gunnison Valley.

Western State Colorado University 1 Western Way Gunnison, CO 81231

“I wanted to come in and help build it and be a part of doing something at the school,” Tyler said.

After he completes his degree at Western, Tyler plans to continue working in the startup world.

“I’ll have the skills to easily apply and work at a startup,” Tyler said. “Especially building this community, I can see it being very easy for me to get a job at a startup straight out of school. I want to be working for one that’s growing quickly, or I’ll hopefully be running my own. I couldn’t be happier with my pick of Western.”

Greg Smith

Profile photo by Taylor Cull.

JULY 15, 2018

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