JSQ May 09 C.indd - JEFFCO Public Schools

The ever elusive budget
Our Mission
To provide a quality education
Putting together a balanced budget for 2009-2010 for Jeffco Public
Schools is like a juggling act with most of the balls still up in the
air. Board of Education members fanned out across the county in
January to get feedback on proposed budget cuts. Since then, Jeffco’s
budget office has calculated and recalculated the revenue numbers
from the state, which have changed frequently. The goal is to have
a balanced budget that supports student achievement. Members of
the Board of Education have the following priorities for the use of
budget dollars:
that prepares all children
for a successful future.
Jeffco Public Schools is home to
more than 85,000 of Colorado's
finest students. Step inside one
•
•
•
•
Keep primary grade class sizes as small as possible
Fund the increase in Jeffco’s graduation requirements
Fund efforts to prevent students from dropping out of school
The expansion of Warren Tech so more students can receive
vocational education
• Professional development of teachers
• Monitoring systems that will track student progress
of our 150 schools and you will
see a staff dedicated to building a
bright future for every student.
Our staff is supported by a
▲
The district is cutting at least $12 million from the 2009-2010
budget and it’s estimated that 121 positions will be reduced. Those
jobs include administrators, teachers, bus drivpage 4
committed school board, involved
Ralston Elementary students study science
parents and a caring community
that combine to provide
quality education that
Jeffco leader earns Colorado High School
Principal of the Year honors
Principal Cohan leading a CSAP rally
D
an Cohan, principal of Pomona High School in Jefferson County,
is the 2009 Colorado High School Principal of the Year. Cohan
was selected by his peers in the Colorado Association of Secondary
School Principals (CASSP), a department of the Colorado Association
of School Executives (CASE).
On the brink of losing its accreditation, Pomona was a struggling
school when Cohan became principal in 2005. Since then, the school
has achieved high-performing status the last three years. This turn-
around has largely been the direct result of Cohan’s leadership.
Cohan brought an instructional focus to the school. The staff shifted
from thinking about student performance in general terms to addressing individual students and their academic needs. Teachers now use
data to improve their teaching practices with an eye on student learning outcomes.
In tandem with an academic focus, Cohan worked to create a positive school climate where students feel safe and respected and staff
report high morale. Cohan models trust, high expectations and open
communications.
In her nomination letter, Jeffco Superintendent Cindy Stevenson
said, “Dan is an excellent school manager. However, his true
strength is in instructional leadership.” Stevenson noted that
when Cohan came to Pomona, he focused on creating a
vision for excellence and developing goals for improvement.
“The climate and culture of Pomona is professional and
positive,” she said. “Dan Cohan is one of the best.”
Cohan has been principal at Pomona since 2005. Previously
he served as an administrator in Jeffco and briefly in Douglas
County Schools. Cohan earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees
from the University of Colorado in math and administration.
“Students, staff, parents, and other administrators agree that
Dan Cohan exemplifies leadership excellence. His professionalism, competence and interest in serving students and families
contribute to his success at Pomona High School,” said Kevin Schott,
president of CASSP.
As Colorado High School Principal of the Year, Cohan is eligible for
National High School Principal of the Year recognition, which will be
announced later this year. He will be honored, along with other state
winners, in Washington, D.C. at that time.
prepares all children for
a promising future.
Jeffco bus drivers go the extra mile
They are the first Jeffco Public
Schools employees to see students
in the morning and the last ones
to wave goodbye in the afternoon.
Jeffco bus drivers log thousands of
miles keeping kids safe and it’s a job
that some of them fulfill by going the
extra mile.
Take for example David and Milly
Kishell. David is a bus driver and his
wife Milly is a bus assistant (someone who helps special needs children
get safely on and off the bus). For
them, their job means more than just
transportation; it’s a compassionate
calling.
One of their favorite stories is
about how they provided a full
Thanksgiving dinner for a family
in need.
“We talked with the mom every
morning and she shared her concerns
about their finances and the holidays
because her husband wasn’t working,” said David. “After we took the
kids to school, we talked about going
shopping for their Thanksgiving dinner.”
The little boy they drove every
day to Fletcher Miller School was a
special needs student from Bosnia.
He and his family were struggling
financially and emotionally during a
difficult holiday season.
“David and I decided to help them
by giving them a Thanksgiving dinner with a turkey and all the trimmings. We didn’t hesitate to spend
the money because we could see how
much they needed”, said Milly.
When the couple arrived at the
house and gave the family their gift,
the mother was overcome with emotion.
“It was a real shock for her. We
had everything in a box and when
we handed it to her, and she started
crying,” said David. “She told us that
she loved both of us and so appreciated what we had done.”
The couple says the experience
made them feel great. They recall
how the little boy they bussed to
school died a short time after that
Thanksgiving holiday.
“He’s our bus angel now,” said
Milly. “I know they had one really
fabulous Thanksgiving together that
year.”
The Kishells continue to give to
their students in many ways; by taking homework to student’s homes so
they won’t fall behind, by purchasing
school supplies, by giving gift cards
and by decorating their bus for the
holidays. They say what they give
is very little compared to what they
get in return.
“What we get from our students
and their families is priceless,” said
Milly.
David Kishell drives a Jeffco school
bus. His wife, Milly, helps special
needs kids get on and off the bus.
Sharing Smiles
At Stott Elementary in Arvada,
Dawn O’Connor’s second-grade
classroom is quiet. Pencils in hand,
students are practicing writing a topic
sentence about the Underground
Railroad’s Harriet Tubman. After a
few erases and frustrations, the clock
strikes 10 a.m.
“Okay it’s time to go,” said
O’Connor. “Does everyone have
their book? I want to see a book in
your hand when you are ready.”
Silence turns to excitement as students jump out of their seats, eager
to go. Just a hop, skip and jump
Stott Elementary second-grader, Mason
Badger reads a story to Springwood
resident Gertrude Kennedy.
across the playground, the students
are going to visit their friends at the
Springwood Retirement Center.
Five years ago, in an effort to build
a connection between young and old
and because of the close proximity,
O’Connor decided to partner with
the center. Once a month, students
visit their friends in the Nightingale
Suites to share stories, play games
and read books.
“It not only gives them more of
the world, but it is a way for them
to share what they are learning and
to reinforce their learning,” said
O’Connor. “It allows them to have
an audience.”
“My grandma was here,” said
Karysa Zamora, second-grade. “It is
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like visiting my grandma.”
The Nightingale Suites is designed
to meet the needs of older adults
whose health may mean that they
need some personal assistance. Some
residents are hard of hearing or legally blind. But, when the kids come,
they can see.
“We are slow and they are fast, but
we are totally involved,” said Bobbi
Ward, a resident. “When they are
here, I feel like a child again.”
That child-like excitement can be
seen in the faces of the residents from
the moment students arrive. With
smiles from ear to ear, the residents
appear just as thrilled, if not more.
“This is the only interaction with
young visitors they have and for
others, it is the only time they have
visitors,” said Erika Spry, activity
coordinator. “They talk about it for
weeks after the students leave.”
As do the students. For those who
struggle with their reading, the residents at Springwood are just like
grandma or grandpa, empowering
them with the confidence to do anything.
“She said I was such a good reader,” whispered one student with a
smile.
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Shows Mon - Sat
10 am & 1 pm
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Jeffco Schools Quarterly
10
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
The smallest school in the largest district
At left: A parent volunteer helps out in the classroom. At right: A teacher and students smile to show how happy they are at Coal Creek.
C
oal Creek Canyon K-8 School is one of Colorado’s scenic
wonders – a beautiful mountain canyon with towering
peaks and lush valleys awash with wild flowers in the summer.
The people who live there are passionate about their canyon
and their lovely little school. With enrollment a little over 100
students, Coal Creek K-8 is the smallest in Jefferson County, but
its personality is as big as the mountains surrounding it.
Gwen Burak drives her child to Coal Creek from Boulder
every school day and says the trip is well worth it.
“It’s not just a school, it’s a community, a family. When we
need each other, we meet at the school house,” said Burak.
“The parent support at Coal Creek is just amazing,” said
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principal Chuck Clark. “When we need something, they get it
done.”
Thanks to parent support, the school has purchased 11 new
laptops, held a Trick-or-Treat Street, collected classroom supplies and materials, had a health and fitness week, added more
after school sports and activities, submitted student work to
the Reflections Arts Enrichment Program, and held a back-toschool barbeque.
In the classroom students get personalized attention through
a flexible multi-age program where two grade levels are integrated into one. Children with different experiences, ages and
abilities work together and learn from each other.
“The students in my second grade are models to my students
in first grade,” said teacher Charlotte Nick.
The recently remodeled school has a new library and multipurpose room, an outdoor classroom and pond, an amphitheater,
and a historic 1889 one-room schoolhouse. The campus reflects
the personality of the school – intimate and family-oriented.
“Here you get to focus on the individual and get to know
every child and every family,” said second grade teacher Jay
Ellwein. “It may be the smallest school in Jeffco, but it has the
biggest heart.”
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Contact us today to start your journey!
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www.jeffcopublicschools.org
11
April/May 2009
My Student, My Hero
Southwest Plaza’s My Student My Hero got a huge energy boost
as Deer Creek Middle School’s Choir stomped its way through a
medley of songs from the Broadway musical “Seussical.” Music
teacher, Carrie Fletcher led the group through the Dr. Seuss
inspired “Green Eggs and Ham” and other memorable tunes.
The Jefferson Foundation, Columbine Courier, and Panera Bread
at Southwest Plaza sponsored the celebration of south Jeffco’s
brightest future leaders.
My Student My Hero was established by Southwest Plaza to
recognize Jeffco high school students who embody leadership
qualities in their schools and communities.
The biographies of the 2009 honorees are available to read at
www.jeffersonfoundation.org. For more information, contact:
Anton Delgado: 303-982-2212; www.jeffersonfoundation.org.
Submitted by the Jefferson Foundation
Pictured are (Back row): Andrew Pepping, Alameda HS; Robert West, Conifer
HS; Von Watren, Dakota Ridge HS; Rachael Knief, WarrenTech; Rachel Adcock,
Chatfield HS; Beau Loendorf, Columbine HS; Daniel Walker-Peters, and McLain
Community HS. (Front row): Elizabeth Threlkeld, Evergreen HS; Tiffani Oney,
Green Mountain HS; and Shea Werner, Bear Creek HS.
Lights On After School project
shines on students
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735 X. Xenon Court, #101 •
Lakewood
Annette Martinez’ Digital Drama after-school project rehearsal.
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303-935-1794
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
Students at Foothills Elementary in Lakewood have
been caught on camera. In Annette Martinez’s Digital
Drama after-school project, students write scripts, create storyboards, costumes, props, videotape and edit
productions that are then showcased to students and
families.
Funded through a Lights On After School grant, the
school purchased a video camera, SMART Board™
and the accompanying technology that has transformed
Martinez’s classroom into an after-hours production
studio.
The Lights On After School program gets students involved in after-school activities. A collaboration between Mile High United Way, The Jefferson
Foundation and Jeffco Public Schools, the program
offers mini-grants to schools throughout the district.
This year, 17 schools are participating.
These schools, including Foothills have a high mobility population and involving students in activities after
school keeps them engaged and on track to graduation.
Before the project, the only technology available at
Foothills was a single SMART Board™; nothing compared to their neighboring schools. And for many students, it is the only exposure they have to technology.
“We recognized that our students deserve just as much
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access as any other student in Jeffco. However, our
school cannot afford more,” said Martinez.
The school does not qualify for Title 1 funding under
the No Child Left Behind Act which provides supplemental funds to assist schools with the highest student
concentrations of poverty to meet school educational
goals.
But, with the Lights On After School program, students at Foothills are receiving hands-on experience and
an education worthy of the spotlight.
“Having an additional SMART Board™ and software
exposes our students to the technology base they need to
be successful when they reach middle and high school,”
Martinez said.
Other Lights On After School projects include a
Yearbook Club and a Technology Enrichment Program
led by fourth grade Teacher Bonnie Kurtz. Participants
are learning PowerPoint, Excel, Movie Maker and creating projects based on the science and social studies
standards for their grade level.
For more information contact Anton Delgado at 303982-2210 or check out www.jeffersonfoundation.org.
Submitted by the Jefferson Foundation
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Hearing with their hearts
Vivian teacher, Karen Chernoff, shows signs to students in the school’s after-school signing club.
Every Thursday after school at Vivian Elementary
School, you’ll find a room full of students making
a lot of noise. Not with their voices, but with their
hands.
The students are all part of an after-school signing club, created by interpreter and teacher Karen
Chernoff, to help bridge the communication gap
between the school’s hearing students and deaf students.
“Many of them are isolated because of the communication issues or problems,” Chernoff said.
Talking to classmates in grade school shouldn’t be
very difficult, but when you’re deaf or hard of hearing like Tori Saxton, talking to classmates may be the
hardest part.
“Because it’s important to have friends,” the fourthgrader said. “’Cause you don’t want to be all alone.”
Nearly 30 kids meet with Chernoff in the school’s
gym to learn how to sign at the signing club meetings.
They learn how to sign songs, give simple compliments, ask questions and learn how to sign basic
vocabulary and common phrases.
The club is made up of a mix of both hearing, deaf
and hard of hearing students, who are practicing for an
end-of-the-year play, "Lady and the Tramp."
“It’s a different way to learn sign language, just to
make it fun,” said Chernoff.
Chernoff says students learn sign language much
faster than adults, especially when they’re having fun
in the process.
“I joined because I want to talk to people,” said
fourth-grader Dallas Toffield.
Some of the students have been in the club from
kindergarten through sixth grade.
“I think it’s very important for kids to communicate
with all kinds of people,” said Saxton.
Citizen Committee Helps
Jeffco Streamline
As part of Jeffco Public Schools effort to reduce
costs and streamline the budget, the district is examining all areas of operation, including how schools and
facilities are used throughout the district.
Over 30 community and district volunteers were
chosen to serve on a Facilities Usage Committee to
help the district determine the most efficient and effective use of its buildings.
The Board of Education has charged the group to:
• Study the current Jeffco School facilities based on
capacity, enrollment, future enrollment, needs of the
school district, needs of unique communities, special
programs, future direction, educational specifications
and financial stewardship.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
• Recommend options for facility usage to the board.
These options could include, but are not limited
to, repurposing of buildings, school closures and/or
boundary/transportation changes.
The committee has scheduled at least seven meetings over the course of the next few months. You can
access the Committee’s Web page by going to the
district Web site, www.jeffcopublicschools.org, where
you can follow along with the process, get meeting
minutes, and agendas.
“No decisions have been made about facilities,” said
Superintendent Dr. Cindy Stevenson. “It’s premature
to talk about closing schools, but nothing is off the
table.”
13
April/May 2009
Times are changing
JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
GRADUATION SCHEDULE
Graduation ceremonies for Jeffco Public Schools begin Thursday, May 14 and run through Friday, June
5. Dates and times are subject to change. Be sure to contact the school for confirmation. View the entire
Jeffco graduation schedule at: http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/current_parent_student/index.html.
School
Graduation Date
Time
Location
Last Day for Seniors
Pomona H.S.
5/14/09
7:00 p.m.
CU Events Center
5/8/09
Standley Lake H.S.
5/15/09
7:00 p.m.
CU Events Center
5/8/09
Golden H.S.
5/16/09
9:00 a.m.
Brooks Field / CO School of Mines
5/8/09
Jefferson H.S.
5/18/09
7:00 p.m.
Boettcher Concert Hall
5/13/09
Alameda H.S.
5/19/09
10:00 a.m.
Boettcher Concert Hall
5/18/09
Arvada West H.S.
5/20/09
3:00 p.m.
CU Events Center
5/15/09
Bear Creek H.S.
5/21/09
9:00 a.m.
Red Rocks
5/19/09
Dakota Ridge H.S.
5/21/09
7:00 p.m.
Fiddler’s Green
5/19/09
Chatfield H.S.
5/22/09
9:00 a.m.
Red Rocks
5/15/09
Arvada H.S.
5/22/09
10:00 a.m.
Buell Theatre
5/15/09
Ralston Valley H.S.
5/22/09
10:30 a.m.
CU Events Center
5/15/09
Green Mountain H.S.
5/22/09
2:00 p.m.
Red Rocks
5/15/09
Wheat Ridge H.S.
5/22/09
3:00 p.m.
Buell Theater
5/14/09
Columbine H.S.
5/23/09
9:00 a.m.
Fiddler’s Green
5/15/09
Evergreen H.S.
5/23/09
9:00 a.m.
Red Rocks
5/18/09
Conifer H.S.
5/23/09
11:00 a.m.
Jeffco Stadium
5/15/09
Lakewood H.S.
5/23/09
10:00 a.m.
CU Events Center
5/22/09
Graduation Date
Time
Miller Special
5/19/09
1:30 p.m.
Miller Special
N/A
McLain Community H.S./CB
5/19/09
7:00 p.m.
Green Mountain H.S.
N/A
Collegiate Academy
5/20/09
7:00 p.m.
Water Stone Community Church
TBD
McLain Community H.S./
Achieve Academy &
JeffcoNet Academy
5/21/09
6:00 p.m.
D’Evelyn
TBD
Brady Exploration School
5/21/09
7:00 p.m.
Brady Exploration Gymnasium
N/A
Compass Montessori –
Golden
5/21/09
7:00 p.m.
Sherman Street Event Complex
5/15/09
D’Evelyn Senior
5/23/09
9:00 a.m.
Buell Theater
5/15/09
Jefferson County Open
5/23/09
9:00 a.m.
Genesee Park
5/22/09
Long View High School
5/23/09
2:00 p.m.
Long View High School
TBD
McLain Community H.S./ACE
5/27/09
6:30 p.m.
D’Evelyn
TBD
Jefferson Academy
5/29/09
3:00 p.m.
Green Center/CO School of Mines
5/27/09
New America School
6/5/09
7:00 p.m.
Mapleton Early College HS
601 E. 64th Avenue, Denver
6/4/09
Option/Charter School
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
Location
Last Day for Seniors
14
Jeffco parents may notice a change coming in the 2009-10 school
year. Many schools will be starting earlier or starting later than this
year because of changes in district-wide bus schedules. As you may
know, Jeffco Public Schools needs to reduce its budget by at least
$12 million for next year. Realigning bus schedules to make them
more cost efficient was a suggestion made repeatedly by community
members and Jeffco staff at budget forums held earlier this year.
More than $500 thousand can be saved by streamlining bus
routes throughout the district. Nearly a third of Jeffco Schools will
be affected by this change. The time students are picked up at the
bus stop may be changing as well. That information will be available by early August. Please check the Jeffco Schools Web site at
www.jeffcopublicschools.org for more information.
The district apologizes in advance for the inconvenience to parents. Please feel free to contact your school if you have questions
or concerns.
Facilities Master Plan
Community Meetings
Jeffco Public Schools calls all community members and parents
to attend one of four Community Meetings in May to learn
about the district wide Facilities Master Plan process and
to provide feedback.
The purpose of the district wide Facilities Master Plan is
two-fold: to support the JeffCo Strategic Plan and ensure:
• facilities meet the needs of students & staff
• safe learning and working environments
• facilities are maintained, and
• to prepare for a long range Capital Improvement Plan
to assess and determine:
•
•
•
•
new school construction
campus consolidation
school by school renovation budgets
alternative delivery strategies
District Wide Facilities Master Plan Community Meetings
are scheduled as follows:
May 4, 2009 from 6-7:30 pm in the cafeteria at
Ralston Valley High School and Dakota Ridge High School
May 5, 2009 from 6-7:30 pm in the cafeteria at
Wheat Ridge High School and Evergreen High School
Jeffco Schools
recognized for
budget excellence
Crunching the numbers and staying on task has earned Jeffco’s
Financial Services Department top awards. The Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) honored the department with the
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to signify the commitment
of the department and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
The GFOA guidelines require the department’s budget to serve as
a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. Jeffco’s financial department rated proficient in
all categories. The Association of School Business Officials (ASBO)
International also awarded the finance office with the Meritorius
Budget Award, an awards program that helps school systems build a
solid foundation in the skills of developing, analyzing and presenting a budget. The ASBO program is sponsored by ING and enables
school business administrations to achieve excellence in budget
presentation.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Congratulations to
the Jeffco Schools
Winter Sports
State Champions
Academic champions:
A mix of brawn and brains
5A Girls’ Swimming
Individual Awards:
200 Yard Individual Medley
3rd place – Arianne Lujan – Ralston Valley
One Meter Diving
1st place – Raleigh Williams – Ralston Valley
100 Yard Butterfly
3rd place – Arianne Lujan – Ralston Valley
4A Girls’ Swimming
Individual Awards:
200 Yard Individual Medley
2nd place – Kaitlyn Hack – Wheat Ridge
100 Yard Breaststroke
1st place – Kaitlyn Hack – Wheat Ridge
4A Wrestling
Individual Awards:
112 weight:
1st place – Tony Pena – Conifer
5A Wrestling
Individual Awards:
103 weight:
3rd place – Cody Weitzel- Columbine
Ralston Valley High School Swim Team
Between practice, games and tournaments, who has time for school?
Students at three Jeffco high schools
prove that the challenge of succeeding
in both athletics and academics can be
accomplished.
Chatfield’s gymnastics, volleyball
and boys’ tennis, as well as Evergreen
gymnastics and Columbine soccer, are
teams that have been recognized as the
2008 Colorado High School Activities
Association Fall Academic Team
Champions.
Academic team champions are from
schools recognized for teams and nonathletic programs with cumulative grade
point averages (GPAs) of 3.2 or higher.
Chatfield led the district with three
teams recognized. Gymnastics had a
3.78 GPA. Volleyball had a 3.81 GPA
and boy’s tennis had a 3.77 GPA.
Evergreen gymnastics had a 3.57 GPA
and Columbine soccer had a 3.39 GPA.
“The academic honor is our way of
acknowledging the student-athletes and
teams that have achieved a high standard,”
said Rhonda Blanford-Green, assistant
commissioner with the Colorado High
School Athletics Association.
“Students who participate in athletics
and activities exceed the norm for grade
point averages, loss of school time, and
higher test scores. We crown over 93
schools in more than 30 sport and activity categories,” she said.
Each team honored this year recognizes that success in the classroom is a
key ingredient to success on the team
and that education should be on the top
of any athlete’s priorities list.
“Bottom line, school comes before
gymnastics in all aspects,” said Monnya
Silver, head coach of the Evergreen High
School Gymnastics team. “In return for
the opportunity to be on a high school
gymnastics team and all the elements
that go into that, it is the girls’ utmost
responsibility to uphold and excel in
their academic part of the bargain.”
Chatfield gymnastics head coach, Tara
Emily, says the same discipline her gymnasts use on the mat is the same discipline they use in the classroom.
“There is nothing that I am doing,”
Emily said. “The girls have discipline
because the sport is so disciplined.”
The head coach of the Chatfield volleyball team agrees that success on the
court extends to success in the classroom.
“I think there are lots of things that
support this, from their time-management requirements to their ability to
set and reach realistic goals and their
ability to focus on a specific task for an
extended period of time,” said Stephanie
Schick.
With dedication and perseverance
inside the classroom and out, on the mat
or on the court, these high school teams
demonstrate an academic and athletic
success worthy of champions.
112 weight:
2nd place – Dominic Madril – Pomona
130 weight:
1st place – Gavin Peters – Standley Lake
171 weight:
1st place – Michael Morgan – Lakewood
(D’Evelyn student)
215 weight:
2nd place – Donald Haupt – Pomona
Skiing
Girls Giant Slalom
1st place – Taylor Verdun – Evergreen (Bear
Creek student)
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
15
April/May 2009
The creative space
for kids�������������
Your Jefferson County Public Library card allows
access to a world of creative expression in your
own neighborhood and for free!
Did you know Jefferson County Public Library offers:
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any research project and can also help direct
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Check out our Kid’s page at
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10441 Hwy. 73
Littleton, CO 80123
Message from the superintendent
T
Dr. Cindy Stevenson
Superintendent Jeffco Public Schools
here are many words you could use
to describe the last few months in our
country – historic, troubling, tumultuous,
unprecedented, uncertain – the word you
can’t use is dull. We are living in a new
world where the things we took for granted
are changing. However, the one constant
is our schools…places where hope walks
in the door every day and anything is possible.
For Jeffco Public Schools, this is a time
of challenges and hard choices. We are
challenged by the economic realities of the
country, the state and the county. Those
economic realities mean tough choices have
to be made, but always made in the best
interests of our students.
As you will read in this issue of the Jeffco
Schools Quarterly, we are reducing our
2009–2010 budget by at least $12 million.
The failure of the mill levy election in the
fall and state funding cuts meant that every
school and every department in the district
was asked to reduce budgets by two percent.
We estimate 120 full-time positions will be
cut for next year; it’s hoped that most of
those jobs will be eliminated through retirements and attrition, but not all. What that
may mean to students and parents is larger
class sizes in elementary schools and some
multi-age classrooms.
You will also read in this issue about the
Federal stimulus dollars that are headed
to Colorado and Jeffco. We will use that
money to save jobs, to support student
achievement and to create an even more
efficient organization. All of those purposes reflect our values in Jeffco.
As we go to press with the Quarterly,
there is still much uncertainty about the
stimulus money and the state’s School
Finance Act. But what we do know is this:
we will save as many jobs as possible, we
will continue to give our students a quality
education and we will use the money we do
get, wisely and with transparency. In a time
when so much is uncertain, I will promise
you that.
Jeffco Schools
Quarterly
A free publication for parents and
residents of Jeffco Public Schools,
the Quarterly is published four times
a year in partnership with Mile High
Newspapers. The school district's
Communications Services staff
provides the articles, photos and
graphics in an effort to keep the
community informed with news
about Jeffco Schools.
Citizen comments about the
publication are welcome.
Directory of Services
for Jeffco Public Schools
Main Switchboard ................................................................303-982-6500
Assessment...........................................................................303-982-6565
Athletics/Activities ..............................................................303-982-6634
Benefits Office (medical, dental, vision
insurance, retirement) ......................................................303-982-6527
SAY WHAT?
Common misconceptions
about Jeffco Public Schools
school facilities)................................................................303-982-6500
Communications Services....................................................303-982-6808
Education Center (main switchboard) .................................303-982-6500
True or false
Jeffco operates its own trash removal service for schools.
Answer: False. Jeffco’s trash removal is a
contracted service.
Employee Records ...............................................................303-982-6519
Employee Relations .............................................................303-982-6544
Employment Services .........................................................303-982-6500
Food and Nutrition Services ................................................303-982-6748
GED Testing (located at Warren Tech) ................................303-982-8633
Home School Option Program ............................................303-982-6321
Human Resources ................................................................303-982-6515
Department for Learning and Educational Achievement ....303-982-6994
Jeffco Public Schools Hotline ..............................................303-982-6600
Payroll Department ..............................................................303-982-6780
Registrar ...............................................................................303-982-6994
Security (24-Hour) ...............................................................303-232-8688
Student Records ...................................................................303-982-6715
Substitute Office ..................................................................303-982-6523
Superintendent .....................................................................303-982-6800
Transportation Terminals
Central................................................................................303-982-2324
North ..................................................................................303-982-1998
South ..................................................................................303-982-9057
West....................................................................................303-982-5215
Schools are listed in the business white pages of the Qwest phone
book under Schools, Public, Jefferson County. For information,
contact Communications Services at 303-982-6808, or visit the
Web site at www.jeffcopublicschools.org.
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
layout, sells advertisements, prints and
distributes the publication at
no cost to the school district.
To contact
Communications Services:
True or false
Jeffco rents the administration building at
1829 Denver West Drive.
Answer: False. Jeffco owns the building.
Boundaries/Demographics (property management) ............303-982-2339
Building/Facility Use (community use of
Mile High Newspapers provides
True or false
Jeffco is top heavy with administrators.
Answer: False. Among the 100 largest
school districts in the nation, Jeffco ranks
41st for the percent of administrators to
total staff at only 3.8 percent.
True or False
Superintendent Cindy Stevenson is one of
the highest paid superintendent’s in the
state.
Answer: False. Dr. Stevenson makes less
than superintendents in comparable districts
and less than most Denver area superintendents.
True or false
Jeffco tries to hide its budget from the
public.
Answer: False. Jeffco makes every effort
to be transparent. The budget can be
found online at www.jeffcopublicschools.
org under “Publications.” The district is
also taking steps to put its spending online
in the next few months so taxpayers can see
where the money is being spent.
2
Jeffco Public Schools
1829 Denver West Drive, #27
Golden, CO 80401
303-982-6808
303-982-6816 Fax
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
e-mail: [email protected]
To advertise in the JSQ,
please contact Mile High Newspapers:
Janice Holmes
303-339-4332, x35
e-mail: [email protected]
or
John Tracy
303-279-5541
e-mail: [email protected]
Photographer:
William Bond
Jeffco Public Schools
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Jefferson County Board of Education
Scott Benefield
President
Jane Barnes
First Vice President
Dave Thomas
Second Vice President
Rick Rush
Treasurer
Sue Marinell
Secretary
Spotlight on the Jefferson County Board of Education
It is a new year and for some Jeffco students, it is the last
semester of their high school career. Looking ahead to the
future, many will go off to college, enter the work force or take
some time to figure out what comes next.
The Jefferson County Board of Education has high hopes for
these graduating seniors. Here are their wishes for the class of
2009:
Scott Benefield:
My hope for the graduating class of 2009 is to have them
prepared for any option they want to pursue in their post-K12
future. I want the graduates of 2009 to find happiness and
wealth, or a sense of their wealth, in their chosen path. Whether
that path takes them directly to college or winds a bit along the
way to each one’s personal sense of success, I want them to find
fulfillment. I want them to know that success and wealth come
in many forms and that our country will find our graduates
prepared for work and success of all kinds.
Jane Barnes:
Sue Marinelli:
My hope for Jeffco’s class of 2009 is that our students are
prepared to be creative, intelligent, thoughtful and productive
members of society, no matter what path they choose after high
school.
The class of 2009 will most certainly enter a world where
they must be able to think critically and creatively. My hope
is that they find their passion and set their goals in ways that
benefit the entire community.
Dave Thomas:
Rick Rush:
My hopes for the Class of 2009 include my sincerest hope
that each person has received an education that has prepared
them for whatever choice they make for their future, be it college, technical or trade school, the military or employment in
the work force. I also hope they have made a commitment to
continue learning as adults and dedicating part of their lives
to community service in some form. If they accomplish these
things, we have been successful as a school district and they
will be successful as community citizens.
My hope for the 2009 graduates is that they find balance.
Don’t take the next few years, or yourself, too seriously. It’s not
all about the best college, the killer job, and the corner office. If
you miss out on family and friends you’ve missed out on life.
Take risks and explore new opportunities; but also take
responsibility. If you’re already too timid, you’re missing a lot
of fun. Have the courage to do what is best for you, but understand that what you do influences those around you. Have an
open heart: love and be loved.
If you would like to contact the Board of Education, send correspondence to: Board of Education, Jefferson County Public
Schools, P.O. Box 4001, Golden, CO 80401-0001. If you have
questions, contact Helen Neal at 303-982-6801.
Jeffco Credit Union...
providing award-winning financial education
programs to Jeffco Public Schools students
for over 25 years.
Check out FoolProof, JCU’s latest consumer education portal,
at www.jeffcocu.coop
303.989.3300 •
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www.jeffcopublicschools.org
www.jeffcocu.coop
3
April/May 2009
Stimulus funds
The question everyone wants to know is how
much money will Jeffco Public Schools be getting from the stimulus funds?
The district still has not heard exact numbers
from the Colorado Department of Education
(CDE), however it is believed the amount will
be approximately $23,647,000 over two years.
The money will be allocated to two pots: Title
I Part A and Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) or special education.
Here is a Q&A about the stimulus money.
How does Jeffco plan to spend
the stimulus money?
With the stimulus money, the district will
save and create jobs, increase teacher training,
provide materials for classrooms, and create a
more efficient organization.
How will the stimulus dollars
benefit my child?
Stimulus dollars will improve instruction
and benefit all children in Title I schools or
district-wide IDEA programs in several ways:
CDE must review and approve Jeffco’s plan
on how to spend the stimulus money.
• Ongoing professional development for
teachers and principals,
• provide instructional coaches to help build
teacher capacity, and
• provide intervention materials
• decrease class sizes strategically
How will stimulus funds be used for
retention or creation of jobs?
Jeffco Title I schools can opt to hire back
teachers they have lost due to lay-offs or hire
new positions that they normally
wouldn’t have, keeping in
mind that after two years
the funding would end
and would have to be
sustained through Jeffco
funds.
The IDEA funds
could be used to slow
down and phase the
special education staff
Does this mean that Jeffco is now
ok when it comes to money?
No. Stimulus funds are one-time dollars.
Jeffco can use the stimulus money to make
short-term improvements but we will not be
able to sustain the expenditures beyond the
two year allocations.
Why do stimulus dollars only go
for special education and Title I?
The U.S. Department of Education determined that the stimulus money would be tied
to IDEA and Title I guidelines. Title I funds
support schools in poverty that typically
do not meet reading
and math standards.
reduction effort over a three year period.
Special education is currently reducing staff
in an effort to right-size the program based
on population changes within the district. We
area also striving to strategically decrease
some class sizes in primary grades and
expand full day kindergarten.
The race is on to get kids reading
tudents, start your engines and
get ready to read.
What started out as one mother’s way to help her child’s school
library, turned into a multi-district
reading program to encourage kids
to read more outside of the class-
room.
When Tami Shrader, who does
public relations for the Bandimere
Speedway in Morrison, dropped
off a $100 check to her daughter’s
school library, she made a deal with
the librarian.
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MORRISON MUSEUM
Discover Colorado’s dinosaurs at our
hands-on, family-friendly natural
history museum. Explore local fossil
finds from Dinosaur Ridge, including
recently discovered hatchling dinosaur
footprints! Recently renovated....
Have your birthday party with dinosaurs!
As featured in Smithsonian magazine
and on the Discovery Channel!
Outreach Programs and Classroom Visits
DINOSAUR RIDGE
The Alameda Trail has closed to car traffic so that our schools and other
groups can enjoy SAFE exploration of Colorado’s Prehistoric Giants as
they step back in time! Our new Exhibit Hall is open! Ask about
our scholarships and transportation subsidies for school groups!
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Jeffco Schools Quarterly
Shrader on how their schools could
get involved.
“The first three years we were all
over the place, giving away tickets, displaying cars and decorating libraries in a race theme,” said
Shrader. “I told everyone to hold on
for the ride, because this thing was
going to take off.”
Shrader was right. Thirteen years
later, the official reading program
has developed a curriculum and
reached into 172 schools, with 41
Jeffco schools involved this year.
The program encourages students
to pick up a book outside of the
classroom and invites parents to
read to their kids and get involved in
their reading. Students are rewarded
for their reading with race tickets
to Bandimere’s Night of Fire and
Thunder.
The stories that parents share
with Shrader are priceless. “I had a
mother write a note saying she was
a having a hard time getting her son
to read, but the automotive theme
gave him an interest in a book series
and now he’s eager to finish books,”
said Shrader.
A father and son visited the race
track and asked Shrader to take a
picture with them. He shared that
the program helped his son, who
was diagnosed with dyslexia, by
motivating him to read to earn race
tickets.
“There’s no requirement on the
number or kinds of books they have
to read. We don’t care what they
read, just read,” said Shrader. “Turn
off the television and take some
down time to enjoy some literature
of some kind.”
For more information on the Race
to Read program, call Tami Shrader
at 303-697-6013, ext. 104.
The ever elusive budget
▲
S
“I told her to buy as many books
that she could with an automotive
theme,” said Shrader.
The hope was that the boys at
the school would be more willing
to pick up a book and read it if
the books had a theme they found
interesting.
The books started flying off the
shelf. That’s when the librarian
came to Shrader with an idea for
the race track to sponsor a racingthemed reading program with ticket
giveaways and dragster show and
tell days.
“I came up with the name Race to
Read,” said Shrader. “We brought a
junior dragster in to the library, gave
away race tickets and the kids totally
got into it.”
The school had so much success
with the Race to Read program that
word spread quickly to other librarians who started putting in calls to
page 1
ers, custodians, and support jobs like business services,
information technology and maintenance. To read a
complete list of the proposed reductions, please visit
www.jeffcopublicschools.org/finance.
“We are hoping that the majority of job reductions
will be through retirement and attrition, but it is possible
that some Jeffco employees will be losing their jobs at
the end of this school year,” said Lorie Gillis, Jeffco’s
chief financial officer.
“The majority of our general fund dollars (85.26 percent) go toward supporting our schools; that includes
teachers, principals, transportation, and special education. A little over 10 percent goes toward school support and that includes the Department of Learning and
Educational Achievement, Special Student Services,
Athletics and Activities, Field Services, Property
4
Management and Community Superintendents. Only
4.17 percent of our budget is spent on administration
which is low for the size of our organization. I worry
about us being under-managed, rather than over-managed,” said Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent, Cindy
Stevenson.
It’s hoped that federal stimulus money coming to
Jeffco could help ease the budget crunch for next year
but it’s one-time money that can’t be sustained beyond
two years (see the stimulus story above).
Public hearings on the proposed budget will be
held in May and the final budget is expected to be
adopted by the Board of Education in June. Keep
watching the Jeffco Public Schools home Web page –
www.jeffcopublicschools.org – for budget updates.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Virtually anything is possible
Do you know a student who wants or needs to learn
in a different way? If so, Jeffco Public Schools has a
new school that is worth investigating. Jeffco’s 21st
Century Virtual Academy is an online high school
where Colorado students can now earn their diploma
online or pick-up class credits.
“Last year the district launched the Dropout
Prevention and Recovery Program and the Virtual
Academy will provide one more option for kids looking for an alternative,” said Audie Rubin, director of
Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy.
Students, both young and old, can complete their
studies at their own pace and in their own setting.
Parents of younger students can log-on to check grades
and student progress at any time.
The online school is now accepting applications for
the 2009-10 school year and tuition is free for Colorado
residents attending full or part-time.
Designed to meet a wide variety of needs with
flexible programming, the Virtual Academy allows
students to study full-time, part-time
or take supplemental classes to catch
up on credits.
Student enrollment is underway
and prospective students are invited
to attend information sessions to
learn more about curriculum options,
online course demonstrations and ask
questions.
“Students looking for a credible online high school provider in
Colorado can be sure that the virtual academy will help them achieve
a bright future,” said Rubin. “The
classes combine leading edge curriculum with the Jeffco reputation
that colleges and universities look for
in accepting graduates.”
Call 303-982-6770 or e-mail
[email protected] for
more information on dates and times
for information sessions. For more
information check out www.jeffcopublicschools.org/online.
@
Jeffco Schools' new monthly parent e-newsletter made its
debut this month. The newsletter contains relevant and timely information intended to strengthen the communication ties
between the district and parents. If you did not receive the
e-mail newsletter, you can sign up by going to
www.jeffcopublicschools.org, click "Publications,"
and then "Parent Newsletter."
colorado anti aging
Kids have great dreams.
All they need to do is fund them.
Bellco Credit Union has the tools:
> Student Visa® Credit Card
> Youth Savings Account
> Student Checking Account
> Youth Certificate of Deposit
> Surprise Savings Account
For more information, visit BellcoYouthAccounts.org
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
5
April/May 2009
Get a Leg Up on Choosing Camp
•
Learn Football and Have Fun!
ing or education. Camps that simply
hire kids looking for summer jobs
should be avoided. The American
Camp Association (ACA) recommends that 80 percent of a camp’s
staff should be 18 or older.
Though the wind might be howling
outside as the specter of snowfall
hangs over much of the country,
now is actually the best time for parents to start thinking about summer
camp. Since most summer camps
typically fill their rosters long before
the first signs of spring, now is the
time for parents to begin their search
and find the right fit for their child.
For parents new to the process,
finding the right camp can be a
difficult task. After all, no parent
wants to see their child spend the
bulk of their summer at a camp they
don’t like. When seeking a summer
camp, parents should consider the
following.
The Camp’s Goals
Camps can differ greatly with what
they hope to offer a child. Camps
may focus on religion, sports, music,
recreation, or a host of other interests. If you’re looking for a sports
camp, ask about affiliations with any
local colleges or professional teams.
If it’s a musical camp, ask about
what your child can expect to learn
from staff.
It’s also important to determine
the general temperament of a camp.
Does the camp foster a laid back
or more competitive environment?
This can be a big help in choosing
the right camp for your child. For
example, a child who isn’t very
competitive likely will not enjoy a
camp where competition is heavily
emphasized, whereas a child who is
competitive might not get much out
of a camp that is more recreational.
Staff
The staff will play a crucial role in
how much your child enjoys himself
over the summer. A qualified staff
is adept at making all children feel
welcome, and will be experienced
in making everyone’s time at camp
as enjoyable as possible.
When speaking with camps, ask
about staff and how the staff is
assembled. What education and
training is required of the staff? Does
the camp run criminal background
checks on its staff? A good staff will
be trained in first aid and have some
type of background in child counsel-
The Daily Schedule
While some camps might be specialized, most parents send their
children to recreational camps that
Overnight Summer Camp
Traditional Camp
Programs for
boys & girls ages 7-17.
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Located at the base of Longs Peak in Estes Park, CO
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�Wilderness Adventure Programs
�Western Horseback Riding
�Mini-Camp for first timers
Campers grow in spirit, mind & body through
new activities & friendships!
����������������������
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970.887.2648
www.campchiefouray.org
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Jeffco Schools Quarterly
6
they hope offer their kids a wellrounded experience. Ask to see the
schedule from a typical day, and ask
about how flexible that schedule is.
Will kids be able to choose from
different activities each day, or is
every day regimented? Remember,
kids will be spending their summer
vacations at camp, and for many
kids camp is an opportunity to relax
and spend some time doing what
they want. Camps that feature strict
schedules might not be the best fit.
Referrals
While summer camps aren’t necessarily as popular as they once
were, chances are some of your
child’s classmates attend camp in
the summer. Ask around and seek
some advice on summer camps in
your area. If you’re lucky, you might
even be able to send your child
to a summer camp that some of
his classmates also attend, which
should make it easier for your child
to adapt to camp, especially if it’s a
first summer away from home.
If you can’t find any personal
referrals, ask a camp for a list of references. These references shouldn’t
weight too heavily in your decision,
as a camp director is obviously not
going to give you names of parents
whose children didn’t have a good
time. But the parents should be able
to provide an accurate portrayal of
how the camp conducts itself and
how your child might fare should he
attend that camp.
To learn more about what to look
for in a camp, visit the ACA Web
site at www.acacamps.org.
For information
about Jeffco Public
Schools Summer
School call
303-982-6988
or go to
http://www.
jeffcopublicschools.
org/programs/
summer_school/.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Caring for kids for
over 45 years!
Week-long
overnight
camps
for 3rd-12th
graders.
5567 Painted Rocks Rd.
Woodland Park, CO 80863
719-687-2030
www.camp.elim.com
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12 WEEK LONG DAY CAMPS At the Denver and Golden locations.
For information, visit www.DenverFencingCenter.com
Campers learn fun and exciting sport of
Olympic fencing. We also have theatrical camps for
teenage actors learning stage fencing!
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���������������������������
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��������������������������������������
To
advertise in
the JSQ,
St. Jude
please call
330-279-5541
for rates
and dates.
The next issue
of JSQ comes
out in July.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
7
April/May 2009
Creative
Learning
Good to great:
Employee survey
Every two years Jeffco Public Schools asks employees to give the district a grade
on a variety of topics; everything from effectiveness to diversity. The results of the
fall 2008 survey are in and it’s really good news. According to the independent
research group which conducted the survey, “These results are impressive…the
opinions employees hold about workplace safety, their accountability, their performance evaluation and their work teams continues to be positive.”
Nearly 8,000 employees took the survey which is a response rate of 66 percent and
is higher than most employee satisfaction surveys.
“This is great news and the thanks goes to every one of our employees who work
tirelessly to make Jeffco a wonderful place to work and learn,” said Superintendent
Cindy Stevenson.
Autism teacher Jennifer Foellmer listens to third-grader,
Ricky Holden read.
L
ast year, Simon Brunker would only talk about
movies. It was like pulling teeth to get another
word out. From Transformers and Spiderman
to PIXAR and Disney, the first-grader loved movies
and wouldn’t talk about anything else.
Simon is autistic and when it was time to learn
other words and skills his teacher used his passion
for movies to help him succeed. Jennifer Foellmer
created a set of cards with pictures, words, numbers
and movie titles for Simon to say. It was a struggle
at first, but after a few cards, a movie title would
appear and Simon wouldn’t hesitate. Soon, Simon
was learning new words, numbers and skills. This
year, Simon has a lot more to talk about.
Every student in Foellmer’s autism class at
Fremont Elementary in Arvada has their own set of
cards. Jakob Uvanile’s includes elephants. Rachel
Read the executive summary of the employee survey at
http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/assessment/new/research/reports/index.html.
2002
2006
2008
2006 & 2008
Change
Building facilities in the district
support student learning
3.68
3.58
3.69
.10 Higher
District information I receive
is accurate
3.60
3.54
3.72
.18 Higher
District information I receive
is timely
3.50
3.42
3.63
.22 Higher
This is a good place to work
4.03
3.93
4.13
.20 Higher
Decision making in this district
is based on hard data
3.16
3.14
3.40
.26 Higher
The Superintendent is leading
the district effectively
3.35
3.13
3.41
.28 Higher
This district communicates
effectively with the community
3.27
3.24
3.44
.19 Higher
Schools and departments in this
district coordinate their efforts
3.16
3.05
3.21
.16 Higher
This district is efficient in
its use of resources
2.75
2.85
3.05
.20 Higher
This district provides equal
opportunities for employment
advancement
3.48
3.46
3.60
.15 Higher
The Board of Education is leading the district effectively
3.12
3.10
3.29
.19 Higher
I am satisfied with how well this
district involves employees in
making decisions
2.98
2.72
3.00
.28 Higher
This district orients new people
effectively
3.23
3.16
3.35
.19 Higher
This district has the technology
training that it needs to meet
the future
2.90
2.84
2.98
.14 Higher
Senior management (Cabinet)
is leading the district effectively
3.08
3.00
3.17
.17 Higher
This district values student
learning
3.95
3.86
4.02
.16 Higher
3.58
3.72
.15 Higher
2.99
3.26
.27 Higher
The District
Items
This district actively seeks parent and community
involvement
I trust district leadership
3.05
Landeros’ has animals. Specific to each student’s
interest, the cards are one of the many ways that
Foellmer understands and connects with her students.
“I try stepping into their world before trying to
take them out,” said Foellmer. “I try to incorporate
their interests or what I see them go for in the classroom.”
The process of learning for autistic students is
very different. Autism is a complex biological disorder that causes delays or problems with communication, both verbal and nonverbal, and social interactions with other people, both physical and verbal.
Currently, Fremont is one of four Autism Sepctrum
Disorder (ASD) centers in Jeffco Public Schools.
And while the thinking and learning abilities of
Foellmer’s students may vary from gifted to severely
challenged, she never underestimates them.
“I love teaching those kids that people don’t think
can learn,” said Foellmer. “If I think they can, then
we will find a way.”
Because of her fierce commitment to her students,
they are learning what seemed impossible because
of their autism.
In only her second year teaching at Fremont, colleagues say Foellmer has made miracles happen.
“She senses what they need and how to make it
better,” said Catherine Meng, a para-educator in the
classroom. “She is amazing.”
“In just the short time she has been here, she has
turned the program around,” said Deb Hines, principal. “I truly believe that this is her calling.”
Great expectations
It’s 7:45 on a Tuesday morning at Jefferson High
School and Principal Mike Little is standing in front of
the building, urging his students to hurry inside.
“Bell’s going to ring, the bell’s going to ring. Don’t get
caught, don’t get caught,” he chants.
By 7:55 a.m., students are in their classrooms, getting
ready for another day of great expectations at Jefferson.
Since taking over as principal in August 2008, Little has
made changes that have transformed the school. Closed
classroom doors are now open and kids who used to
wander in late and roam the halls, are now expected to
be in class learning.
“The first day of school it was awful. There were kids
everywhere but in the classroom. I told them that tomorrow, if they were still in the hall when the bell rang,
they would be spending the morning in the auditorium
with me learning about the new rules at Jefferson,” said
Little.
As promised, the next morning there were 190 students
in the auditorium. They had been “swept up” by the new
principal and were about to learn that it wasn’t business
as usual at their school.
Since becoming Jefferson’s principal, Little has set the
bar high for staff and students. He likes to use the word
“expectations.”
“I made my expectations very clear to the teachers.
We’re not going to be afraid to teach these kids how to do
2008 Survey response rate 68%.
5 point scale: 5 strongly agree, 4 agree, 3 neutral, 2 disagree, 1 strongly disagree
8
school. We’re going to keep classroom
doors open and be like a regular high
school. Just because we’re Jefferson
doesn’t mean these kids can’t learn like
any other students,” Little said.
Many of the kids who attend Jefferson
come from disadvantaged homes where
poverty is a way of life. Little says that’s
no excuse for bad behavior and low
expectations.
“I set the expectation that they are
going to go to school and they are going
to learn and get an education,” he said.
Little says he understands the kids at
Jefferson because he used to be one of Principal Mike Little
them. Growing up in Commerce City,
Little was the oldest of six children
whose father was an alcoholic.
“I knew every bartender in Commerce City because
I used to go looking for my dad. I grew up determined
to not be like him, to make something of my life,” said
Little.
His father has been sober for 22 years and Little has
kept the promise to himself to succeed. His Jeffco journey has taken him from assistant principal to principal at
Mandalay Middle School, to principal at North Arvada
Middle School to principal at Jefferson.
Woman of
the year
From Broadway to Books
Superintendent Dr. Cindy Stevenson
It’s an honor that only 19 other women have
received in Jefferson County…Jeffco Public
Schools Superintendent Dr. Cindy Stevenson
was chosen as Woman of the Year by the
Arvada-Northwest Business and Professional
Women (ANBPW). Stevenson was selected
because of her accomplishments and contributions to the community.
“Cindy is a successful woman,” said Marcia
McLagan-Clark, president of Arvada-Northwest
BPW. “Success isn’t measured by money, but in
what a person has chosen to do in their profession and community.”
Stevenson was honored at the Woman of the
Year dinner held in February. The Business and
Professional Women’s group is part of a national
organization that promotes equality for women
in the workplace through advocacy, information
and education.
Some of the attributes upon which candidates
were judged, included contributions made to
an organization, their community and how they
have helped other women succeed.
“Of course Cindy is an admirable choice,” said
McLagan-Clark, “What a history she has. She is
one of those women who after all she’s accomplished, she is still very humble.”
al Mike Little
because
ermined
e,” said
“I enjoy seeing them put it all together to
create and make music.”
As the director of Lakewood High
School’s vocal music program, Willmarth
shares her experience and knowledge, when
students ask what the industry is like.
She is honest and realistic. “Singing for
your supper is different than singing,” she
said. “I tell my students, ‘you can make
a living at it, but it is not necessarily that
easy.’”
She says students get the most realistic view of singing professionally when
they perform at the school’s sold-out concerts. Whether it is Michael Jackson’s
Thriller, Man in the Mirror, or Hair’s Age
of Aquarius, the audience gets a Broadway
experience.
Willmarth’s very popular high school
ensembles include Encore, Eclipse and
Kaleidoscope, all who have received recognition at the University of Northern
Teri Willmarth conducts students
during a concert rehearsal.
Colorado Jazz Festival and the Colorado
Music Educators Conference.
Every year, many of her members are
selected to the Colorado All State Choir.
In 2006, Kaleidoscope performed for the
Colorado Music Educators Association
and Encore performed with the Colorado
Symphony Orchestra. In 2007, Encore
shared the stage with the Metropolitan State
College Choir and the Alpine Chorale in a
Celtic Concert presented last year.
This is what a Panther looks like
9
Pomona Facilities Manager Gabor Talian compares his muscles with a student.
121
Marston
Reservoir
Belleview Ave
Bowles
Reservoir One
Crestline
Bowles Ave
Wadsworth Way
Gabor Talian looks tough. His dark piercing eyes, handlebar moustache
and brawny physique covered in his signature sleeveless T-shirt, only
emphasizes his bulging biceps.
He may appear intimidating, but when Talian opens up about his job
as facilities manager at Pomona High School, it is clear he is more teddy
bear than tough guy.
“I love the energy at the high school,” said Talian. “I love the laughter
of the students and this is a great school with good people, good students
and a positive community.”
Talian goes beyond keeping the school safe and clean. He opens his
door and his heart to everyone around him.
“If someone needs to talk to me, I am here to listen,” said Talian who
always says hi and speaks to many students on a first-name basis.
“Gabe strives to get to know individuals,” said Pomona Principal Dan
Cohan. “He is meticulous about building safety and keeping it clean. It is
his first priority. But, a close second is to provide an environment that is
conducive to student learning.”
Talian has built strong relationships with the staff,
students and community. The staff knows he is willing to
help in any way, with any task. Students turn to him when
they need that last minute nut or bolt for their shop project
or for weight lifting tips. And after 19 years at Pomona,
Talian has become an asset in the community.
In recognition of the aging building and its needs,
nearly 150 students, faculty and community members
volunteered a Saturday last November to clean up the
school and indirectly give Talian and his crew an extra
hand. Cohan said Talian was instrumental in working
with the district to get supplies and showed up bright and
early to help as the first Pomona Pride Day gave a fresh
coat of paint to the school’s hallways, storefront and choir
room.
“The staff and students see how much Gabe and his
crew do and it was a reflection of their hard work,” said
Cohan.
“It is a great feeling that they appreciate what I do,”
Talian said.
The admiration for Talian does not exist only in and
around the Panther community. With 29 years in Jeffco
Public Schools, he is recognized throughout the district.
“He goes above and beyond,” said Joe Pitoniak, director of custodial services. “If I had 140 of him, I would be
out of a job.”
Kipling Pkwy
ttle has
co jourcipal at
Arvada
Students who start to slide at Jefferson are invited to
Saturday School with the principal. On his own time,
Little meets students at 7 a.m. sharp on a Saturday morning. For the next two hours, he helps them with homework and tries to give them the determination to stay in
school and graduate. He hopes it’s working.
“I want the best for these kids. I don’t want people to
say, ‘oh those poor Jefferson kids.’ I think that’s a cop out
for us – we can do better than that.”
Teri Willmarth’s resume reads like a
Broadway playbill, listing her accomplishments as an opera and jazz singer in New
York City, often performing 10 shows a
week.
She’s played Hodel in Fiddler on the
Roof, Brigitta in the Sound Of Music and
Suzanne in The Marriage of Figaro. An
accomplished vocalist, she has received
vocal awards from the Hadley Crawford
Foundation, the Colorado Opera Guild and
the Dante Aligari Society.
She holds a double degree from Metro
State University after studying vocal performance at the Cincinnati Conservatory
of Music and two years at the University of
Texas in San Antonio.
With Willmarth’s successful stage career
in the big city, it’s a wonder she would end
up in the front of a classroom.
“I love watching students grow and putting themselves out there,” said Willmarth.
121
Grant Ranch Blvd
Raccoon Creek
Golf Course