DCSD News

During the August 27 Board Meeting, the DCSD Board of Education voted unanimously to place a $490 million Bond on the November ballot. If approved by voters, Douglas County homeowners would not see an increase in current property taxes. The Bond amount would allow the school district restructure its debt in order to keep property taxes from increasing. The Bond would help us care for our 112 facilities to ensure our staff and students have safe and comfortable learning environments, build schools in fast-growing developments in Douglas County, upgrade safety and security in our schools, and offer additional Career and Technical Education programs. Learn more at the links below. Read more about DCSD’s funding challenges.

• Watch Superintendent Erin Kane's August 27 presentation to the Board of Education.

• Click here for details on what each of DCSD’s existing schools would receive should the Bond be approved by voters.

DCSD will conduct a test of its emergency notification system, including email, social media, text and voice messaging on Thursday, September 19. Should a real emergency arise, the test will be delayed.

How do I update my emergency contact information?

Log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and click on the “person” icon in the top right-hand corner of the page. Navigate to “Contact Preferences” and review your contact information. If you see an incorrect phone number or email, please update it in Infinite Campus, or contact the registrar at your child’s school to request an update.

What phone number will my caller ID show when I get emergency calls?

NOTE: We have transitioned to a different system this year, so the phone number has changed!

When you receive emergency communication from the DCSD Finalsite system, the number displayed will be:

• Emergency Notifications (critical communications)

• 855-269-0502 (you may wish to add this number to your contacts)

Have additional questions?

Should you have additional questions, please contact the IT Support Center (303-387-0001) to ensure you receive emergency notifications accurately and quickly.

Parents/Guardians: Read more about updating your contact preferences.

Staff: Update your contact preferences in Workday.

Since graduating from Legend High School, Army Staff Sergeant Daniel Olson has been fulfilling his lifelong dream of being in the Army. Sgt. Olson enlisted immediately following graduation and quickly moved from boot camp to airborne training.

“I learned academic and life lessons from the teachers at Legend,” said Sgt. Olson. “The energy they brought every day helped me be excited about learning. I am grateful for the hard work and sacrifice that was made every day for me and other Legend students.” Read more about Sgt. Daniel Olson.

Douglas County Foundation's September Newsletter is here. Click on the newsletter to learn more!

We are excited to report that this year's annual Lend A Hand School Supply Drive was a great success because of the support of corporate and private sponsors, community donations, and 109 volunteers contributing over 327 volunteer hours! This year, we distributed nearly 1,700 grade-appropriate, school supply filled, backpacks at several distribution events across the district. At the end of our backpack distribution, 120 DCSD teachers joined us at our Grab 'N Go event where they were able to pick up donated school and classroom supplies to assist in their preparation for the start of the new school year.

August/September Newsletter is available here.

The Douglas County Gifted Education Advisory Council (DCGEAC) is seeking members with a variety of backgrounds and expertise! If you are a parent/guardian of a student identified for gifted services OR a high school student who has been identified as gifted, please consider joining us by completing the DCGEAC Self Nomination Form.

DCGEAC meets quarterly throughout the year. This year's in person meetings are:

Tuesday, September 17, 4:30-6:00 p.m., DCSD Legacy Campus

Wednesday, November 13, 4:30-6:00 p.m., DCSD VALE Campus (Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship)

Thursday, February 20, 4:30-6:00 p.m., DCSD Legacy Campus

Tuesday, April 29, 4:30-6:00 p.m., DCSD VALE Campus

This year's priority is Gifted Programming:

Developing gifted students’ strengths and interests... supporting their academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs. Our areas of focus: Elementary • Secondary • Twice Exceptional • Social-Emotional

All meetings are open to the public. See this flyer for more information

Please send us an email at gifted.education@dcsdk12.org if you have any questions.

From BestColleges.com

Many U.S. high schools offer AP classes. Discover the benefits of taking AP courses and what factors to consider before enrolling.

According to the College Board, more than 2.5 million students in grades 9-12 took Advanced Placement (AP) exams in 2021. Some of the most popular AP exams and courses include AP U.S. History, AP English Language and Composition, AP Calculus AB, AP U.S. Government and Politics, and AP Psychology.

Students taking AP classes can earn college credit, prepare themselves for the rigors of higher education, and even skip introductory college classes.

Continue reading the article HERE. Interested in learning more? Visit CollegeBoard.org or talk with your high school’s guidance counselor.

DCSD is seeking parents, staff, students, and community members with a variety of backgrounds and expertise to serve on the Equity Advisory Council (EAC).

Per Policies ADB and ADB-R:

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.

• Secondary level student from Castle Rock and Parker region schools.

• Secondary level student from DCSD charter 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.

All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Mental Health is a person's emotional, psychological and social well-being. It is how people think, act and feel. Mental Health determines how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Check out DCSD’s Mental Health Support & Resources.

CBS News Colorado is teaming up with MaxPreps this football season to livestream select high school football games in the metro area. This Friday, the Legend Titans will take the spotlight as they host Columbine! If you can't make it to the game, this is a great way to get your football fix! 🏈

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, September 10 at 5:00 p.m.

Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54

See past Board Meeting summaries here.

via Douglas County Government

Calling all young artists! Douglas County is inviting young artists to explore election themes through art. Learn more and read the official rules for the Elections Student Art Contest. Student submissions are due by Friday, September 13!

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