DCSD News
March/April 2024
Proud to Be DCSD!
There is so much to be proud of within the Douglas County School District. We have incredible students, fantastic teachers and staff, and amazing parents/guardians and community members who all work together to make this school district one of the best!
Did You Know?
For the first time in a decade, DCSD is the TOP scoring district in the Denver/Metro area!
DCSD is one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic!!) scores in every subject and every grade.
DCSD is one of the only school districts in the state to increase proficiency levels across all student subgroups.
DCSD is one of the leaders, nationwide, in “blurring the lines” between PK-12 and higher education through our incredible Concurrent Enrollment/Career & Technical Education offerings (Over 20K seats!) and our partnerships with multiple higher education institutions, providing students additional pathways to success after high school, whether they choose college or go straight to industry.
Finally, DCSD was just rated number 11 on the list of the 250 “most envied” school districts in the country by Test Prep Insight. (DCSD is the only Colorado school district in the top 65).
How 5A is Helping Teachers, Staff and Kids
We are so thankful, again, for the support we received to get 5A over the finish line. Thanks to 5A, we have been able to retain the amazing educators who made all of that happen for our kids and move our starting teacher pay from $45K to $51K. 5A resulted in a net increase of 2.939 mills to the district's tax rate ($194 for a million-dollar home), and yet we still have one of the lowest tax rates in the metro area, so the district's return on investment for our community is amazing!
Read this article from the Douglas-County News Press for more details.
How do I...
DCSD Spotlights
Mill Levy Override (5A) Provides Increased Security Staff at DCSD Schools
When votes said yes to the Mill Levy Override (5A) last November, it provided increased pay for the incredible teachers and staff here in DCSD. But did you know it also enabled our school district to further increase safety and security in schools? That’s right! Per the ballot language, $6M of the MLO was earmarked for hiring additional personnel such as School Resource Officers (SRO) and Campus Security Specialists (CSS) in our schools.
While hiring is in the works for many of these positions, Campus Security Specialists are already in place at several DCSD elementary schools. And, these schools are already reporting that their new Campus Security Specialists are making a positive impact on their students, staff and overall school culture. Let’s take a look at one example at Iron Horse Elementary School in Parker.
Meet Benjamin Alway, aka Mr. Ben. The students at Iron Horse Elementary have already welcomed him with open arms. Read more. >>
Curtis Hanock: Building a Legacy at Douglas County High School
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools Awards Opportunity Grants
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools had the pleasure of surprising 27 2024 Opportunity Grant Recipients at their schools! This year, the Foundation awarded almost $75,000 in grant support to eight elementary schools, four middle schools, and seven high schools, impacting nearly 11,500 students across the district. The Foundation's Opportunity Grants support ideas around their three pillars of Innovation and Leadership, Community and STEAM. See all the recipients >>
Superintendent Erin Kane Named Castle Rock Chamber's Advocate of the Year
More Good News
Important Updates and News from Around DCSD
Academic Calendar Survey Closes March 31
There's still time to provide your feedback on our academic calendars for the coming years. The DCSD Calendar Committee has developed four possible academic calendar options for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Here's how you can weigh in:
Review the different calendar options. We have created a Cross Calendar Comparison that compares the key dates within each set of options. We have also created a Calendars at a Glance document for you to see all of the options for that set of calendars.
Complete our Calendar Feedback Survey. You will be separately ranking the options for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Please complete the survey by Sunday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m.
A special thank you to our calendar committee which is made up of DCSD parents, students, leaders, teachers, and classified staff members. These dedicated individuals have been working since September 2023 to develop the calendar options for your feedback.
Early Access to Kindergarten or First Grade Process Open Until April 1
Early Access is designed for “highly advanced gifted” 4 or 5 year old children. It allows early access to kindergarten or first-grade for students who are academically gifted, socially and emotionally mature, in the top 2% or less of the gifted peer group, motivated to learn, ready for advanced placement, and who have exhausted the resources of preschool or home schooling. This is not a process intended for students who miss the October 1 enrollment cut off.
For more information or to apply, please visit our website. You can also email us at gifted.education@dcsdk12.org.
Celebrate Your School Librarian
April is School Library Month and the perfect time to thank our wonderful DCSD school librarians! Take a moment to celebrate your students' school librarian by writing a thank you card and sending it in with your students to give to their librarian. Please feel free to create your own or print off and use one of ours.
Elementary flier - thank you
Secondary - thank you card
April is National Poetry Month
- Celebrate poetry at home with your family
- Sign up for Poem-a-Day, curated in April by Cyrus Cassells, and enjoy a free daily poem in your inbox
- Encourage your student to check out a poetry book. Poetry Collection on Sora. Students use their DCSD SSO to access this resource.
Sustainability Resources
Become a good sward to the land around you. Choosing native plants and learning about water conservation are crucial steps in promoting environmental sustainability and preserving biodiversity. Below are some useful resources that teach the importance of water conservation, minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers, creating habitats that support local wildlife, and mindful landscaping.
2024 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Award Nominations
The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes teenagers between the ages of 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 for the Youth Awards, please help identify them by completing the nomination form.
Award winners receive a cash gift! Nomination forms are due by: Friday, March 29.
Colorado Teacher of the Year Nominations Now Open
Events
Parent University: Child Find Assessments and Preschool-Aged Students
Hosted by Douglas County School District and Sky Ridge Medical Center
Wednesday, April 3 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Virtual/Webinar
Join DCSD Child Find Team Members to discuss supporting behaviors associated with sensory regulation in Preschool-aged students. Christina Howery, School Psychologist, and Mary Beth Karr, Occupational Therapist, will lead this webinar. Child Find is part of Douglas County School District’s Early Childhood Education Department. Register to attend this webinar today!
Board of Education
Board of Education Study Session
Tuesday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54
Board of Education Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m.
Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54