February 2025

Under the leadership of Mr. Lasecke, students are finding a future career underneath the hood. Thanks to the citizens of Douglas County passing the 2024 Bond, our CTE automotive program is expanding to Highlands Ranch High School. This will allow even more students to have the opportunity to learn this valuable trade.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a state designation for rigorous academic programs that offer a clear program of study under a qualified, credentialed teacher. This classroom leader integrates real world learning to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand career fields. CTE programs offer Douglas County students opportunities to apply learning, develop leadership and enhance employability skills. Industry-recognized certifications and access to work-based learning experiences are also offered.

Students in CTE are able to earn high school and college credit as well as learn and explore skills, knowledge and abilities to be workforce, college and career ready.

DCSD currently offers the following CTE Pathways:

• Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy

• Business Marketing and Public Administration

• Health Science, Criminal Justice and Public Safety

• Hospitality, Human Services and Education

• Skilled Trades and Technical Services

• STEM, Art and Design, and Information Technology

Thanks to Douglas County voters, the 2024 Bond will provide for a new automotive program at Highlands Ranch High School and a new cosmetology program at Douglas County High School!

For more information, check out DCSD’s Guide to Career & Technical Education.

The Douglas County School District Spelling Bee took place on February 1, bringing together 67 talented students from 58 elementary, middle and charter schools to compete for the top spot.

Congratulations to our winners:
First Place: Sai Shreyas Sriyapu Reddy, sixth grade at World Compass Academy
Second Place: Carson Beckstead, seventh grade at Mesa Middle School
Third Place: Drew Krinhop, fifth grade at Lone Tree Elementary

The top 24 spellers advance to the first round of the Colorado State Spelling Bee. Best of luck as you continue to showcase your spelling skills!

February 15 is National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day!

This is a special day to recognize the dedication and contributions of our invaluable SRO’s. These specially trained law enforcement officers serve in our schools providing security and educational support to students and staff.

Not only do our district SRO’s contribute to a safe learning environment, these officers foster trust between law enforcement and our Douglas County community, making schools a safer and more welcoming place for all.

Please take a moment to thank the SRO’s in your school community. #NationalSRODay

My decision to become a teacher was influenced by the summers I spent with my grandparents, who dedicated their lives to education. My grandmother worked as an attendance secretary in an at-risk high school and her compassion and determination impacted my decision greatly. I grew up hearing her stories about going above and beyond for her students - driving them to school, making countless phone calls to colleges and universities on their behalf, and ensuring they had opportunities for a better future. Learn more about Deborah on our Principal Profiles page.

The world is changing rapidly and so are the needs of our students. As we develop a bold new strategic plan for our school district, we invite you — students, parents, educators, business leaders and community members — to be part of the conversation. One way is to take this online survey.

Another is to participate in any of the numerous, interactive stakeholder meetings beginning on February 25. Details can be found on the DCSD website.

Those meetings will explore three essential questions:

• What emerging challenges and opportunities for schools, educators and young people do we need to prepare for?

• What do we want our schools, educators and students to achieve over the next 10 years?

• What are our strengths and where must we improve?

Your voice matters, and these discussion forums and survey are your opportunity to help shape the future of education in Douglas County. Together, we will ensure our schools are not just adapting to change but leading the way as we prepare students for success in an unpredictable world.

Join us and make a difference!

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.

Hosted by the Douglas County Youth Initiative

The Outstanding Youth Awards recognizes teenagers between 13 and 19 who have overcome personal adversity and created positive change in their lives. The Youth Awards focus on teenagers who have triumphed over great odds and serve as inspirations and role models. If you know young people who would be good candidates, please submit nominations by March 4.

Tuesday, February 11

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

Professional Development Day: Friday, February 14 - NO SCHOOL

President's Day: Monday, February 17 - NO SCHOOL

Douglas County Libraries’ Reading Challenge is for kids as well as adults! Visit DCL.org/reading-challenge to get started on a year full of stories, surprises and reading inspiration.

Thursday, February 6 - Friday, February 7

Colorado Convention Center/Bellco Theatre

Purchase tickets and learn more about this annual event.

Friday, February 21 is Portfolio Day at the PACE Center! This annual event presented by Parker Arts is a professional development opportunity for local area high school art students to have their portfolios reviewed by art industry professionals.

During the event, students will gain insight on how to polish their portfolios, while connecting with fellow peers, local artists and college recruiters.

Participating students will also have the chance to exhibit their best pieces at the PACE Center Gallery in the Bright Futures Exhibit, March 2 - 27. Register and learn more here.

Wednesday, February 26

5:30 p.m.

Register here

In case you missed it, watch the recording of the January Parent University Webinar on the topic of Empowering Young Minds: Navigating the Digital World. All previous webinar recordings are available on the DCSD Parent University page.

DCSD preschool students enrolled before January 1, 2025, will automatically be registered for kindergarten at their neighborhood elementary school. Learn more about what DCSD kindergarten offers and register your child for kindergarten here.

We will continue to send these celebratory emails each week during the school year. If we missed a celebration or you have good news to share, please submit it here.