November 2024

Many of our schools and staff have created videos to say Thank You! Watch them here.

DCSD is incredibly thankful to the voters of Douglas County for understanding our need to care for our buildings, and provide our students and staff with comfortable learning environments.

Funding from the bond will:

• Update and equip aging schools and facilities.

• Create additional Career and Technical Education pathways, including for our students with special education needs.

• Construct two new elementary schools in rapidly growing neighborhoods (one in RidgeGate and one in Sterling Ranch).

• Build an expansion at Sierra Middle School.

• Begin Phase 2 of the Legacy Campus.

• Provide safety and security updates at all schools.

Click here to see how your school will benefit.

Please take a couple of minutes to watch this brief thank you video from Superintendent Erin Kane and DCSD Board President Christy Williams.

Monday was Veterans Day. Again this year, our schools found incredibly creative and moving ways to honor those in our community who served (or currently serve) our country. Some schools hosted celebratory events, while others created a special photo wall in their lobby.

The students and staff at Buffalo Ridge Elementary invited local veterans to their school for a special breakfast, which was followed by a patriotic celebration to recognize the sacrifices these heroes have made for our country. Check out this video spotlighting Buffalo Ridge's event.

Dance was always a passion for Abbey, especially in college. While studying at CU Boulder for her undergrad in advertising and master’s degree in elementary education, she was also a member of the dance team. Quickly she excelled to team captain and following graduation she was named assistant dance coach. It was the offer of the head coaching position that led to a pivot in her career path.

During this time, she noticed dance teams transitioning from traditional auditioning to recruitment-based systems. Because Abbey’s team wasn’t NCAA sanctioned, there was no central platform for dancers and coaches to connect. This observation sparked an idea for Abbey. She collaborated with computer science and engineering students through their senior capstone project to develop a website for her business. After two and a half years of development, Studio 2 Stadium was launched and she hired two of the capstone students to join the team. Studio 2 Stadium exists to seamlessly unite dancers and coaches across the nation. Read more about Abbey on our website.

Interested in attending a school other than your assigned neighborhood school?

Open enrollment applies to the following school year.

Interested in returning to your neighborhood school?

If you are open enrolled at a neighborhood school or attend a charter but would like to return to the neighborhood school associated with your address for the next school year (2025-2026), you must file an intent to return form by January 10, 2025. If you miss this date, you must open enroll to return to your address assigned school.

Intent to return does not apply if you are homeschooling, or attending an out-of-district school or private school. Please reach out directly to your assigned school.

Interested in exploring this at a later time?

The second round of open enrollment runs from January 22-August 1, 2025.

Learn more about open enrollment on our website.

Wednesday, November 20

5:30 p.m.

Webinar registration here

Join us for our last Parent University webinar of 2024! Presented by Dr. Kelli Smith, DCSD's Director of Health, Wellness and Prevention.This free webinar will address Bullying Awareness and Prevention for DCSD Students. From the developing adolescent brain, the effect external influences can have, and the role DCSD schools play, you'll leave with a better understanding and awareness of the term bullying and how we can all work to prevent it.

In case you missed it, watch the recording of October's Parent University Webinar: Career and Technical Education Pathways. Learn how post-secondary and industry partnerships provide relevant learning opportunities for DCSD high school students, ensuring a competitive advantage and workforce readiness. This and all webinar recordings are accessible via the DCSD Parent University page.

Thursday, November 21

6:00-7:30 p.m.

Highlands Ranch Library

RSVP here

What's it like to be in a classroom setting with a learning difference? Join DC Kids for this free Experience Dyslexia® simulation. This simulation lets participants experience some of the challenges and frustrations of language-based learning differences.

Friday, November 22

8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday, December 4

6:00 p.m.

DCSD Legacy Campus

Current and Prospective Parents and Students: See what amazing things students have been learning this year at the DCSD Legacy Campus! Check out our spaces and equipment, see demonstrations, talk to students and staff, and learn how to apply to Legacy for next year!

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, November 19

5:00 p.m.

District Administration Building

620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock

Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54

Read past Board Meeting summaries here

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