October 2024

Ballots for the November General Election will be mailed to all eligible voters in Douglas County beginning on Friday, October 11.

We encourage you to follow this checklist to make sure you are registered to vote and that your voter registration is up-to-date.

• Register to vote or update your voter registration at GoVoteColorado.gov.
• Visit this website for more voting information.

This Bond amount would allow the school district to restructure its debt in order to keep property taxes from increasing. The Bond would help us care for our 112 facilities to ensure our staff and students have safe and comfortable learning environments, build schools in fast-growing developments in Douglas County, upgrade safety and security in our schools, and offer additional Career and Technical Education programs. Watch the video above to learn more.

Read more about DCSD’s funding challenges.

Looking for more information on how your child's or community school would benefit if the Bond is approved by voters in November? Learn more on DCSD's Funding Needs website. Search for a school by name or click on the school image for details on specific building improvements.

It seems crazy to talk about weather delays and closures when it's still 80 degrees outside! However, winter will be here before we know it.

Douglas County School District takes the safety of our students, staff, parents and community members seriously. Our district is huge - spanning approximately 850 square miles - and conditions can vary from one region to another.

Because many of our families and staff travel across the school district, any weather delay or closure will apply to the entire school district (unless otherwise indicated). Read about how weather delays and closures are determined in DCSD.

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools continues it's tradition of honoring exceptional educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in students and are trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools. Nominate your favorite staff member today!

The Discovery Program application process for the 2025-2026 school year is open through November 13 for highly advanced gifted elementary school students (grades 2 - 6). Learn more.

Please use this Google Form to R.S.V.P for an in-person Discovery Information night. This will help us plan for the number of families joining us.

OR join us for a VIRTUAL information session:

Monday, November 4th, 2024

6:00-7:00 P.M.

Please R.S.V.P using this Google Form.

Information including the virtual link will be sent directly to you upon receipt.

Ever since I was a little girl, I worshiped my teachers and I played school (I always got to be the teacher, much to the dismay of my friends!). Education is my calling. My mom inspired me to follow my dreams and she taught me that doing something in service of others is the most important work we can do in our lives. I followed an unconventional plan to become a principal. I always thought I would stay in the classroom for my entire career, but an administrator who inspired me challenged me to reach beyond the scope of the classroom to have a broader effect on the system. She pushed my thinking and helped me to believe in myself as a leader.

I am most proud of refining the Professional Learning Community work in my building. After one year of supporting teachers in a more collaborative process and building a Culture of Data, we earned the John Irwin Academic Achievement Award for the first time in Copper Mesa's history!

Learn more about Principal Laviaguerre and other DCSD Principals.

Attend Douglas County School District's next strategic plan presentation and learn more about how the district is building upon the great work we have done. We will also talk about the future and lay the groundwork to proactively ensure we provide our students with crucial knowledge and skills.

Upcoming Sessions:

Tonight

Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Cimarron Middle School, Parker

DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED

Tomorrow

Thursday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Castle View High School, Castle Rock

DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED

Learn more and register here.

From October 15-October 17, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, as well as several private institutions, will waive their application fees, making it free for anyone to submit an application. Colorado Free Application Days aims to improve access to further education and training. Learn more about free application days.

Nutrition Services will be hosting their annual Taste of DCSD Open House event on Tuesday, October 22, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Mountain Vista High School. This event is free to all and is a great opportunity to taste and provide feedback on the items being served in our schools. Come hungry!

For 65 years, the Douglas County School District has been guiding students through discovery, exploration, and skill development to find a purpose and determine the best path for the future.

Attend the 2024 DCSD Career Expo on Thursday, October 24 to learn about some of the offerings DCSD provides to students such as Career and Technical Education (earn hands-on experience and industry certifications while still in high school), Concurrent Enrollment (earn college credits while in high school), and Work-Based Learning experiences (gain valuable work experience while in high school). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Register here.

On Saturday, October 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the DCSD Legacy Campus, join in at the Oceans of Possibilities DCSD Community Event. Click here for more details.

The annual One Book One District toiletry drive takes place October 21 - November 8. Be on the lookout for more information from your school about this drive.

The top three schools that collect the most items (based on student population and number of items collected) will win $1,000 for their library.

Click here for a downloadable flyer.

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is proud to present the 14th annual 8th Grade Career Expo on November 22. Students will have the opportunity to visit with over 40+ employers and explore possible career pathways. Learn more about the Expo here.

Is your employer interested in helping students explore possible career pathways? If so, please register here.

FAFSA, CASFA, OH MY! The first Parent University Webinar of the 2024-2025 school year was a success! Navigating how to pay for college can be overwhelming. Attendees heard from Colorado Department of Higher Education and DCSD panelists about financial aid and options available for your student. A recording of this webinar (and other previously recorded webinars) is available on DCSD’s Parent University Webinar website.

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, October 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54

See past Board Meeting summaries here.

If you have good news to share, please submit it here.