Insights
December 2024
Bond Next Steps
Thank you again Douglas County for saying yes to 5A -- a $490 million Bond.
We are hitting the ground running getting ready to use the Bond money, exactly as intended by voters. At its November meeting, our Board of Education approved contracts for architects and owners representative contracts. We are also assembling our internal Bond team, including a bond director who will ensure that we are the best stewards of your taxpayer dollars and are incredibly transparent about how the money is being spent.
Here's where to find some information about how the Bond money will be used.
Important Updates and News from Around DCSD
Redstone Elementary Students Take the Lead with Pen Pal Program 📝
A pen pal program is building an incredible bond between two classes found in different regions of the Douglas County School District. In the second part of this story, we meet Mrs. Emmons' third-grade class and learn how these letters are giving these students a chance to help teach their first-grade pen pals.
In case you missed it, check out the first part of the story here.
Kirsten Sola, Acres Green Elementary Principal
I love working in public education because I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on diverse students' lives, helping them grow academically and personally while promoting a sense of community and inclusivity. After graduating from college and spending some time as a technical writer, I found myself looking for a deeper sense of purpose and connection to my community. The events of 9/11 were a turning point for me, highlighting the need for compassion, understanding and education in a world filled with uncertainty. I realized that teaching would allow me to inspire and empower the next generation, fostering critical thinking, empathy toward others and resilience in the face of challenges. Learn more about Kirsten on our Principal Profiles page.
District Smore Account Available to DCSD Employees
DCSD has a districtwide Smore for Teams account that is available to our employees. Smore is a user-friendly newsletter builder that includes features such as accessibility tools, translations for multiple languages and more. We encourage our teachers and staff to take full advantage of this district-provided account. If you do not currently have access to the DCSD Smore account, please ask your school leader for access and click on the button to request an account. When logging into Smore, be sure to use your short form email address, for example: jldoe@dcsdk12.org not jane.doe@dcsdk12.org.
Events
Board of Education Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
5:00 p.m.
District Administration Building
620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock
Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54
Legacy Campus Automation Expo
Legacy Campus Automation Expo
Thursday, January 16
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Open to all ages
Discover all things automation, electrical, controlled, and manufactured from industry leaders!
Parent University: Empowering Young Minds - Navigating the Digital World
Empowering Young Minds: Navigating the Digital World
Wednesday, January 22
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn how to help provide safe guidelines for your child in a digital world. All previous webinar recordings are available on the DCSD Parent University page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Equity Advisory Council
DCSD is seeking parents, staff, and community members with a variety of backgrounds and expertise to serve on the Equity Advisory Council (EAC).
The District is committed to maintaining the Equity Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC is a committee that will coordinate with School District Leadership to support and advise the full and systemic implementation of the DCSD Educational Equity Policy.
The Equity Advisory Council meets monthly throughout the school year. The EAC is currently looking for a variety of community members to serve on the EAC, including:
Parents/Guardians from DCSD alternative education and charter schools.
School level staff from DCSD neighborhood schools.
If you are interested in serving on this council, please complete the Equity Advisory Council Membership Application. For membership and other meeting details, see the Educational Equity page on DCSD’s website. The application will remain open and vacancies will be filled on an as needed basis.
Mill Bond Oversight Ad-Hoc Committee
The Mill Bond Oversight Ad Hoc Committee (MBOC) is currently accepting applications for:
- One (1) Licensed Educator-Secondary Representative, to complete an application click here.
- One (1) Neighborhood School Parent - Castle Rock Representative, to complete an application click here.
- One (1) Neighborhood School Parent - Parker Representative, to complete an application click here.
- One (1) Government Agency Representative, to complete an application click here.
The application period will remain open until the positions have been filled. Additional information can be found in the Mill Bond Oversight Ad Hoc Committee Bylaws. For questions or assistance, please contact MBOC@dcsdk12.org.
December Department Newsletter Updates
Resources
Congratulations to DCSD's Rock Stars!
Christopher Barnhart, Warehouse Delivery CDL Driver, Nutrition Services
Courtney Barondeau and Charlie, Third Grade Teacher and Therapy Dog, Frontier Valley Elementary
Zachary Brinkmann, BASE Substitute Program Leader, Eagle Ridge Elementary
Susy Butterfield, District Receptionist and HR Assistant, Wilcox
Renee Goyette, Clerical, Specialized Support, Castle Rock Middle School
Henri Guerrero, Elementary Building Engineer, Meadowview Elementary
Shyana Holley, BASE Manager, Eagle Ridge Elementary
Simmy Katoch, Educational Assistant, IV, Eldorado Elementary
Kristie Krier, Coordinator - Alternative Licensure & Induction Programs, Legacy Campus
Kacy Maez, Educational Assistant, Prairie Crossing Elementary
Briona Monroe, Educational Assistant, Bear Canyon Elementary
Kelley Marie Paulson, Director of Communications, Ben Franklin Academy
Matt Pomme, Improvement Planning and Data Specialist, Legacy Campus
Laurie Thompson, Security Specialist, Sage Canyon Elementary
Shannon Vaughn, AP Secretary and Bookkeeper, Cimarron Middle School
Deb Williams, Librarian, Ben Franklin Academy
Ty Williams, Transportation - Special Education
Mallory Wilson, Behavior Coach/Technician, Buffalo Ridge Elementary
