NOV 4
2015

 
| NEWSLINE

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THE BIG PICTURE

What can we do to prevent students from losing their passion for learning? These two teachers are trying something innovative -- and it's working.




What is Back to School of the Future?

In Douglas County, it is possible to get a peek into the future of education by looking into some of our classrooms. Our teacher leaders are working to transform education in the following ways:
  • Encouraging our students to connect with their passions by giving them voice and choice in the classroom.
  • Challenging our students to push their thinking to the highest levels, while using data to drive instruction.
  • Making learning opportunities fun, authentic and relevant.
  • Incorporating restorative practices so that our students have a safe learning environment where they can "fail forward."
  • Using world class tools like technology, robotics, gaming and more to expand learning experiences.
During the month of November, jump into the Delorean and explore a glimpse of what DCSD classrooms will look like in the future.


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FEATURE STORIES

According to the unofficial results released by the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder's office, Anne-Marie Lemieux, David Ray, and Wendy Vogel won seats on the Douglas County Board of Education in the November 3 election.   Once certified, election results will be deemed final and the District's newly elected Board members 
will be sworn-in.

We caught up with Tara O'Gorman and Katie Pickrell, the students who coordinated Mountain Vista High School's student-led Board Candidate forum, to learn more about them, their experience planning the event, and what they are planning for the future.

Read the full story HERE

The first open enrollment period for 2016-17 is now underway for individuals looking to change schools within Douglas County. This year, a new easy-to-use tool is available for parents to navigate DCSD's open enrollment process.

Learn more HERE

Be prepared for any Douglas County School District delays or closures, by updating your contact information in Infinite Campus and following the District's emergency communication channels.

Learn more HERE

For students at Daniel C. Oakes High School, this annual food drive is a great way for them to give back after experiencing many hardships themselves.

Read the full story HERE

Ponderosa High School alum Natalie Walter may only be a senior in college, but she is already making a difference globally. 

Read the full story HERE

As the warning bells sounded, Cimarron students exited the building in a quick and calm manner, demonstrating their pre-planning.

Read the full story and watch the video HERE


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POINTS OF PRIDE

For the first time in Chaparral High School history, two students received the Advanced Placement International Diploma. Congratulations to Alexandra Burghardt and Landon Yanez, who are also recognized as Scholars with Distinction.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
With many new employees at the school, Larkspur Elementary School faculty partnered with Stone Canyon Outdoor Edventures this year to promote its Environmental Integrated Curriculum. To kick this off, the faculty spent an overnight retreat at Stone Canyon, working with Director Jolee Jones and her staff on team building exercises, before working on curriculum plans. Featured in the photo above is Scott Forbes, the Physical Education and Tech teacher at Larkspur, mastering the ropes. Click to view more pictures HERE.


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DCSD IN THE NEWS

Three teams from schools in the Douglas County School District, four mystery ingredients, and various pantry items ... did they succeed or did the challenge overcome them?

View the full story HERE

7Everyday Hero Becki Santangelo is nourishing the hearts, souls and bodies of teachers at Iron Horse Elementary School. 

Watch the story HERE

The Douglas County School District will host its second annual Choice Fair Nov. 12 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock.

Read the full story HERE


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COMMUNITY EVENTS
This free educational theatre performance discusses the topics of teen dating violence and sexual assault in a candid, yet sensitive manner.  The presentation includes statistics, reenactments of teen dating situations, consent, and bystander intervention. 
A Q&A will follow the performance. 
Choice is for Kids Fair
November 12
DCSD is offering the "Choice Is For Kids" School Choice Fair to help parents learn about the variety of educational opportunities and programs that exist to meet the unique needs of students. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with school and program representatives throughout DCSD, all in one place and one night. Click here to learn more
Here is a list of Veterans Day events being held at DCSD schools. Local veterans are welcome to attend a ceremony at a school in their community. Questions about specific events should be directed to the school.
Click here to view full list
Please join us at a night of outreach aimed at helping parents and leaders become informed about mental health and wellness to support our community's youth.
Click here for more information