On May 2, our school district hosted the State of DCSD with nearly 400 people in attendance! During the event we heard from some of our incredible students and had the opportunity to celebrate our schools who won awards from the Colorado Department of Education. Watch the recorded event on our YouTube channel.

The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award is given to schools demonstrating exceptional student growth. The John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time. Finally, the National Blue Ribbon Award recognizes schools with high academic outcomes.

See the list and read more about our award winning schools!

The Douglas County School District (DCSD) continues to celebrate the Class of 2024. Recently, the celebration included 12 incredible students who were named recipients of the DCSD Perseverance Scholarship. While financial need and academic merit are key criteria used in selecting recipients, many who are awarded this scholarship have often overcome personal challenges.

This year’s recipients include students who lost a parent or sibling at a young age, students facing significant medical battles and more. These students show grit, determination and resiliency. Meet each of this year’s incredible recipients through their video stories.

The DCSD Perseverance Scholarship has awarded more than $300,000 to over 200 seniors since 1988. Scholarships are awarded to a student from each neighborhood and alternative high school in DCSD. Recipients are selected by an administrator at their school. All donations to the DCSD Perseverance Scholarship fund go straight to student scholarships. Donations are accepted through Colorado Gives.

Congratulations to outstanding DCSD scholar Mae Webster of Highlands Ranch High School! Only nine students in Colorado are being recognized for their educational excellence with National Merit Scholarship corporate-sponsored awards, with one of those coming from the Douglas County School District. Mae plans to study law. Read about other scholarship recipients.

Four DCSD students were recently selected as recipients of a National Merit $2,500 scholarship!

• Cathryn Church from Mountain Vista High plans to study law
• Alicia Tan from Rock Canyon High will pursue engineering
• Vinisha Tripathi from Mountain Vista High plans to study medicine
• Payton Tereick from Highlands Ranch High will pursue neurosurgery

These four outstanding DCSD students were selected from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists. Recipients of National Merit college-sponsored scholarships will be announced in June and July.

More than 1,900 Colorado students applied for the prestigious Boettcher Foundation Scholarship this year, with 50 recipients being named. The Douglas County School District is proud to congratulate five DCSD graduates for earning this prestigious scholarship that aims to retain Colorado’s inspiring high school graduates within the state for their college education. As Boettcher Scholars, each of these students will receive an $80,000 scholarship award across four years, along with institutional, merit and/or need-based aid from their respective campuses. Scholars are selected based on academics, service, leadership and character. Read more here.

• Maanasi Gowda, Mountain Vista High, plans to attend DU
• Chloe Johnson, Douglas County High, plans to attend Colorado College
• Laura Pulido, Highlands Ranch High, plans to attend CU Boulder
• Nandhana Vivek, Legend High, plans to attend CU Boulder
• Lauren Watts, Mountain Vista High, plans to attend CSU

Daniels Scholars have their full cost of attendance covered at partner schools in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, and up to $100,000 over four years if they choose to attend a school outside the four-state region. Students are selected for their strength of character, leadership potential, commitment to serving the community, and academic potential. Learn more about the Daniels Scholarship Program.

• Caleb Cease, ThunderRidge High School
• Ryan Gromer, Chaparral High School
• Collette Johnson, Legend High School
• Kiera Sheehan, Ponderosa High School
• Kayla Stutz, Chaparral High School
• Brynna West, ThunderRidge High School

Congratulations to all of our colleagues who we celebrated at our recent Staff Retirement Ceremony! Each and every one of you will be missed. Thank you all for what you have done for our students and school district!

DCSD high school students enrolled in EMT, Fire/Rescue, and Criminal Justice classes stepped into action during a realistic emergency training exercise! Students responded, triaged, and cared for victims of a multi-car incident. Alongside the students, their teachers and representatives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted and provided feedback to the young first responders.

DCSD’s EMT, Fire Science and Criminal Justice programs are just some of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities offered by DCSD’s Post-Secondary Readiness Department. Learn more about how DCSD prepares students for a successful path after graduation.

Dave Schluter joined DCSD’s Transportation Department in fall of 2021, earning his Commercial Driver’s License after completing DCSD’s six week bus driver training program. Born in Wimbledon and having lived in the suburbs of London, he never owned a car and didn’t drive until he was 33. “There was no need to have a vehicle with great public transportation, like the bus, train, and the tube within a five-minute walk,” said Schluter. Ironically, he worked as a postman in the suburbs of London for ten years, driving a full transit van down small, narrow roads. That experience has no doubt helped Schluter become a very skilled driver. Read more about Dave Schluter.

On April 18, DCSD’s Language, Culture, & Equity team honored the diverse cultures, languages, and experiences of our Multilingual Learners and their families at the 12th Annual ELD Celebration. Over 800 people attended the event at the Legacy Campus where families explored culture and language through art, crafts, performances, food, and fun! Families and staff built new and deepened existing relationships through shared experiences and stories. The success of this annual event is a testament to the power of community and family connections in schools, our district, and community agencies in Douglas County, as we are One Community with Many Stories.

With a national teacher shortage, the Douglas County School District is taking the lead in providing an opportunity for those currently working in DCSD to obtain their teaching license. Through DCSD’s Alternative Licensure Program, those in certified teaching positions can earn a teaching license in any role as a K-12 teacher. Certified staff members have a Bachelor’s degree and are working towards their teaching license through this unique program.

“We’re thrilled to be growing our own teachers,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Amanda Thompson. “We want to retain our valuable employees and help them grow professionally. And now we’re providing a pathway for them to earn their teaching license for free!” Read more.

DCSD’s Leadership Institute Recognition event at the Legacy Campus was a resounding success! Superintendent Kane and other district leaders joined the Professional Development Department in celebrating the achievements of 22 graduates from across 13 departments. Participants had the opportunity to share how the concepts and skills acquired through the institute have equipped them to become better leaders.

The Leadership Institute Cohort was established in 2009 to provide leaders with a comprehensive professional development program. This program focuses on leadership knowledge, skills, and tools development for leaders of all work groups. Read more about DCSD's Leadership Institute.

Each year, the DCSEAC honors DCSD staff members who go above and beyond for students who receive special education services. Watch this heartwarming video to learn more about the Shining Star Awards and the incredible impact of these dedicated educators!

Click HERE to see what's offered for Culturally Linguistically Courses & UNC Online Cohort for Fall of 2024!

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools coordinates the Lend A Hand School Supply Drive every summer, with the goal of collecting, purchasing, assembling and distributing backpacks and school supplies to students in need. The Foundation distributes over 1,500 backpacks annually. Lend A Hand ensures that every student will start the 2024-25 school year with the supplies they need to be successful in school. Learn more here.

📅 Save the Date! 📅

Monday, July 22

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools Perseverance Scholarship Golf Tournament

Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course

For more information and to register click HERE!

Perseverance Golf Tournament is presented by The Foundation for Douglas County Schools.

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 28 at 5:00 p.m.

Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54

See past Board Meeting summaries here.

• Tifany Cazer, Educational Assistant IV - Affective Needs, Castle Rock Middle School

• Ashley Frick, Specialized Support, Castle Rock Middle School

• Matt Hensarling, Manager, IT Systems, Information Technology, West Support Center

• Vanessa Hoffman, Professional Development Coordinator, Legacy Campu

• Brandon Hommel, Chemistry Teacher, Rock Canyon High School

• Beata Kocsi, Educational Assistant IV - Affective Needs, Castle Rock Middle School

• Anne Matherly, Emotional Support Teacher (Behavior Technician), Iron Horse Elementary

• Amber Rietsch, Educational Assistant IV - Affective Needs, Pine Lane Elementary

• Nichol Swan, Educational Assistant IV - Severe Needs, Castle Rock Middle School