September 2nd at 6:00-7:30 pm in the DCHS Auditorium

All seniors and their parents/guardians are invited to learn more about post-secondary planning.

Breakout sessions included will be: DCSD Graduation requirements, Alternate post-grad pathways (non-college bound), 4-year colleges/university requirements, Common App information, Community Colleges & Junior Colleges, Scholarship opportunities and NCAA requirements, Naviance overview and any general questions you would like answered. There will be an opportunity to attend up to 3 of the breakout sessions.

Hello DCHS Students,

On April 27th 2021, your password was reset to a new default format!

-The new default password will be the ‘#’ symbol followed by your birthday, then Dcsd.

#MMDDYYYYDcsd

-For example, if your birthday is March 25, 2003, your new password will be #03252003Dcsd. The month and day must be two digits, and the year must be four digits.

-Students are encouraged but not required to change your password to something personal that only you know. Please follow the directions in the link below to change your password.

DCSD IT: Password Reset Directions

-We also recommend setting up security questions to prevent you from getting locked out if you forget your password. This will also guide you to set up secondary contact information to allow you to use the PIN Reset tool. Both options are helpful if you have forgotten your password and cannot access your account. These tools are located at password.dcsdk12.org

DCSD IT: Setup Security Questions Help Video

DCSD IT: Setup Security Questions Written Guide

After you change your password, you MUST re-join the DCSD secure network on your personal mobile devices including laptops and cellphones. Below are instructions on how to re-join using any device.

-Failure to re-authenticate all of your personal devices to DCSD-Secure can cause your account to get locked out due to these devices trying to use your old password.

DCSD IT: Re-authenticating with DCSD-Secure on Mac

DCSD IT: Re-authenticating with DCSD-Secure on Android

DCSD IT: Re-authenticating with DCSD-Secure on Windows

DCSD IT: Re-authenticating with DCSD-Secure on iPhone

DCSD IT: Re-authenticating with DCSD-Secure on Chromebooks

Your new password will log you into all DCSD websites and applications just like before

9th graders - all photos will be taken on Monday Aug. 9th with the photographers, id's will be distributed via homeroom class when the photographers print them and get them back to us

10th & 11th graders - all id's will be distributed via homeroom class, you will have an interoffice envelope with your HR on them. Some students didn't have id's, those students need to be notified if they are 10-12th graders that they need to see the photographer to get their picture taken for an id. Notations have been made on your HR rosters.

We rolled over last year's pictures for the id's.

Pictures still need to be taken for yearbook purposes and that will be via each English class on Tuesday, Aug. 10th

12th graders - all photos from previous year were used for id's and distributed via homeroom class

New students - need to go have their pictures taken by the photographers for yearbook AND id purposes. Photographers will be here on Monday and Tuesday (8am - 2pm) from and Friday for makeup's (8am - 3pm)

For all schools where DCSD Nutrition Services operates, the USDA has extended Meals at No Cost through June 30, 2022. This means that one breakfast (where offered) and one lunch per day per student will continue to be provided at no cost to all students. Students are required to take a fruit or vegetable to make a reimbursable/no cost meal at breakfast and lunch. Ala Carte food items are available for purchase. Meals will be served in the school cafeterias to students.”

This is ONLY a request; we cannot guarantee that your request will be granted due to scheduling conflicts and limited class capacities. Thank you!

On this page, you will find information about Naviance, college applications, transcripts, scholarships, college visits, and important information for seniors.

If you have any further questions, stop by at the counseling office or email your questions to Mrs. De Prado at edeprado@dcsdk12.org

• Students who are eligible for transportation are required to scan their SMART tag bus pass on and off the bus each time they ride. Eligibility information can be found at the DCSD bus route information page

• If you do not have a bus pass and are eligible for transportation services, passes can be requested at engaged.dcsdk12.org under the "Manage Transportation" link. If you do not see a link under your student's profile or need to request a replacement card reach out to us via Let's Talk

• DO NOT PUNCH HOLES IN THE BUS PASS. You can place the bus pass in a clear plastic sleeve attached to a lanyard if needed. If a card is damaged or lost, a replacement bus pass can be requested at engaged.dcsdk12.org.

• Only students that are eligible for transportation can ride the bus. We are unable to accommodate one day bus passes for students to ride home with other students on the bus

• Students who receive specialized transportation services do not need to request a SMART tag bus pass. Your student's card will be distributed to their bus driver directly

• Bus passes for general education students will be distributed to students by their bus driver after an application has been submitted at engaged.dcsdk12.org. Students may ride in the interim while waiting for their bus pass

• Transportation fees are approved by the Board of Education. Rides are $1.00 each way per student. These charges will be billed on a quarterly basis to your student's MySchoolBucks account. Students who receive specialized transportation services or qualify for the free or reduced lunch program will have their fees waived

If you have questions or concerns, we welcome the opportunity to address them via the Let’s Talk feedback tool.

20 Hours of Community Service is NEEDED TO GRADUATE!!!

We all face trauma, adversity and other stresses. Here’s a roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations, and emerging even stronger than before.

July 21, 2021

Dear DCSD Families and Staff,

I hope you are enjoying your summer and some relaxation with family and friends! I am looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year and am excited to see our students and staff in person.

As we shared earlier this summer, DCSD is planning to return to as normal as possible learning environments this school year (more details below). DCSD will also welcome back parents and visitors into our schools this year! I am thrilled to kick off the new school year and look forward to our community staying healthy and well.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)
The COVID pandemic impacted all of us in many different ways. Our students may be experiencing heightened anxiety and trauma as they transition back to a more stable learning environment and reconnect with peers and educators. Our families and staff are also recovering from the disruption to their lives that was caused by the COVID pandemic which may result in stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and feeling overwhelmed. Our DCSD team will prioritize the social-emotional and mental health needs of all students and staff. We want to help our students transition out of a pandemic and into a successful school year. The beginning of the school year is a time to connect and build students into learning, activities, and athletics, while creating pride in their school experience. This connection is more critical than ever, and we have a commitment to build belonging and a systemic approach to monitor and support each and every student.

For example, kindergarten students will take part in the Balanced Beginnings program. This allows our young students to slowly transition into the classroom, while meeting other students and their teacher. Additionally, some middle and high schools have dedicated days for new students to visit the school, find their classroom and meet new friends. Your child’s school will provide more details about these opportunities.

COVID PROTOCOLS FOR 2021-2022
In compliance with DCSD Board of Education policies, and ongoing collaboration with our partners at the Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), here is what the Douglas County School District is planning for the 2021-2022 school year.

Our COVID health and safety protocols will be in alignment with guidance from state and local health agencies. We recognize that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released guidance highly encouraging students over the age of two to wear face coverings at school. These guidelines have been carefully considered in our collaborative decision making with the Tri-County Health Department. However, in light of strong vaccination rates in our state and county (71% in Douglas County to date), we feel confident moving forward with the following protocols. We will work with families to accommodate their students’ needs and comfort levels so that every student has an enjoyable and safe learning environment.

Strong plans are able to adjust to changes while providing a framework that is defined, yet flexible. We will continue to monitor COVID data throughout the year and will adjust as needed should transmission rates increase in our schools, and/or public health orders change.

Face Coverings

• For students ages 11 and under: in alignment with local and state guidance, face coverings will be strongly encouraged while learning indoors, but will not be required.

• For students ages 12 and over: in alignment with local and state guidance, face coverings will be strongly encouraged for anyone who is 12+ years and not fully vaccinated, but will not be required.

We will honor the decision of parents when it comes to their children wearing or not wearing a face covering in school. We will use our space in schools, classrooms and other areas to support each and every student with safe learning environments. Behavior such as “mask shaming” will not be tolerated.

• CDPHE guidance states: The state recommends local public health agencies and school districts consider mask requirements for unvaccinated individuals, particularly in higher-risk environments. In addition, even when not required by local public health or a school district, unvaccinated and vaccinated staff and students may choose to wear masks. Schools and school districts should ensure that every classroom is a welcome environment for students and staff who choose to protect themselves in this manner.

Isolation
Students or staff members who test positive for COVID will be required to isolate via past COVID practices.
Isolated students will be provided with learning opportunities until they are able to return to the classroom.
Our partners at Tri-County Health Department will continue contact tracing positive cases and advise on next steps when an exposure occurs.

• CDPHE guidance states: Colorado will move from an individual case-based response strategy to a transmission mitigation strategy, where instead of quarantining students and staff after individual exposures, the risk of the whole school community, including the risk of interruptions to learning, is considered. Because in-person learning is essential for communities and students to thrive, CDPHE is recommending reduced incidents of quarantine in schools and child care specifically.

Physical Distancing
Schools will continue to implement physical distancing where possible, and make available additional physical space for those who want/need more distance while learning.

Disinfection/Ventilation
DCSD will continue with disinfection and ventilation protocols as follows:

• Touchpoints (i.e. doorknobs, light switches, etc.) will continue to be disinfected throughout all buildings on a daily basis.

• School buses will continue to be disinfected twice daily.

• Teachers and staff will continue to have access to disinfectant supplies, including disinfecting spray, to clean high-touch areas regularly if desired.

• The circulation of outdoor air within district buildings, via mechanical systems, will continue to be increased.

COVID Vaccination
The COVID vaccination is free to those 12+ years. Families may visit our website for location and registration information. We will continue to provide information to our community about COVID immunization opportunities as a courtesy for those who wish to access the vaccine. The COVID vaccine is not required for staff or students, however it creates more predictability and stability in our schools, activities and athletics. The higher the percentage of vaccinated students and staff, the better we can prepare for the school year and reduce the need for isolations. See current vaccination data for Douglas County.

In addition to the protocols listed above, DCSD will continue to encourage families to keep students at home when showing symptoms of illness.

I am eager to begin the new school year. One of my favorite sounds is that of a busy school, filled with students who are excited to learn!

Proud to be your superintendent!

Corey Wise
Superintendent
Douglas County School District

Do you need a test? For information regarding symptoms covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-in-colorado/about-covid-19/testing-for-covid-19 for more information.

Free Testing at Select Pharmacies
If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, you may also obtain a free COVID-19 test at select pharmacies across Colorado. View this PDF list of free pharmacy testing sites to find a site near you. Testing at these sites is free to all. Photo ID will be required to obtain a COVID-19 test through this program. Proof of insurance will be requested during registration but is not required.

For additional Testing Locations in and around the Denver metro area, please visit the Tri-County Health Department or visit the CDPHE website or click here for in-home testing kits for employees required to interact with members of the public.

Note: Rapid testing is NOT available at the sites listed below.

COVIDCheck Colorado Testing Site – Participants MUST preregister and make an appointment.
Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis – you may check current availability at the end of the registration process. Participants do not need to be symptomatic or have been exposed. This testing site is free to participants (no insurance billed). For questions please call Covid Check at 720-432-5303 or visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/testing

LocationHoursPreregistration

EchoPark Stadium
11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd
Parker

Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Appointments are required – preregister for appointment dates and times at COVIDCheck Colorado

MAKO Drive-Thru Testing Sites
These FREE large-scale sites provide drive-thru nasal swab testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. View before/after your test information in English and Spanish or view the various ways to get your results. For additional questions contact MAKO at 719-416-5857.

LocationHoursPreregistration / Flyers

Douglas County Justice Center
4000 Justice Way
Castle RockMonday-Friday
(closed on weekends)
8 a.m.– 6 p.m.Preregister
Flyers English/Spanish

Sky Ridge Medical Center
10101 Ridgegate Pkwy
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Southernmost Auxiliary Parking LotSite Opening July 15
7 days a week
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.Preregister
Flyers English

Free at-home COVID-19 testing kits now available to all public-facing employees
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is providing free at-home COVID-19 rapid testing kits to all employees who interact with the public at their jobs across the state.

Public-facing employees can enroll online to verify their employer and email address. Once applicants are approved, they will receive their testing kit via Amazon. For more information visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE HOMELESS TO RECEIVE SUPPORT

Megan Tran
Email: homelessliaison@dcsdk12.org
Phone: 303-387-0142
Address: Douglas County School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104

For more specific needs or inquiries, please contact the McKinney-Vento Coordinator directly. See contact information above.

The school district will be responsible for:

The Douglas County Homeless Education Program will remove barriers for homeless students to enroll, attend, participate, and succeed in school

A homeless student liaison has been appointed to help identify and assist homeless students

Educational stability and continuity

Arranges transportation to keep students in their school of origin

Ensures the right to attend school of origin for the duration of homelessness or until the end of the academic school year in which they move into permanent housing

Strengthening parental involvement

Ensures that parents are fully informed of the educational opportunities available to their children. School administrators will provide written explanation to parents should disputes arise over school selection or school enrollment and will refer the parents to the Homeless Student Liaison to mediate such disputes

Ensuring the educational rights of unaccompanied youth

Immediately enroll unaccompanied youth

Arrange transportation to and from school of origin

Allow equal access to program and services

Douglas County Human Services

303.688.4825

Food Stamps, Medicaid, Emergency Assistance, Energy Assistance, Veterans Services, and Financial Support

HYPERLINK "http://www.douglas.co.us/humanservices" www.douglas.co.us/humanservices

Tri County Health Department

303.663.7650

Immunizations, WIC, Family Planning, Women’s Wellness

HYPERLINK "http://www.tchd.org" www.tchd.org

Douglas Elbert Task Force

303.688.1114

Emergency Assistance, Food Bank, Clothing Bank

www.detaskforce.org

AllHealth Network

303.730.8858

Comprehensive Treatment to Children and Families Challenged by Emotional and Behavioral Issues.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works

303.688.4825 Ext. 5037

Employment and Job Search Assistance

HYPERLINK "http://www.adworks.org" www.adworks.org

The Crisis Center

303.688.8484

Domestic Violence Services for Men and Women

HYPERLINK "http://thecrisiscenter.org" http://thecrisiscenter.org

Doctors Care

303.730.1313

Medical Care on a Sliding Fee Scale

HYPERLINK "http://www.doctorscare.com" www.doctorscare.com

Douglas County Housing Partnership

303.784.7824

Education, Down Payment Assistance, and Housing Referrals Information and Resources for Planning Low-Cost Meals, Budgeting, Managing Credit, and Developing Financial Skills

HYPERLINK "http://www.douglascountyhousingpartnership.org" www.douglascountyhousingpartnership.org