A stitch to heal - JEFFCO Public Schools

A stitch to heal
The tattered, worn flag blankets the commons
tables at Columbine High School. Principal
Frank DeAngelis stands over the enormous
20-foot by 30-foot flag holding the needle taut,
carefully threading it through the fabric. He
makes the ceremonial first stitch to help restore
the National 9/11 Flag — the largest to survive
the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center
on September 11, 2001.
As students, staff, community members, and
local heroes make their stitch, they remember
the events on 9/11 and reflect on the tragedy
that occurred at Columbine on April 20, 1999.
DeAngelis says helping to repair the flag is a
step toward healing as a nation, a community
and a school.
“It’s symbolic because when the tragedy
happened at Columbine High School, we had
so much support and what I saw on a much
larger scale on 9/11 occurred at Columbine —
the community came together to support each
other,” he said.
The flag is stopping in all 50 states and bringing the nation together to restore and return the
flag to its former glory using pieces of unused
flags intended for retirement.
“Part of the idea is to help people heal,” said
Carolyn Deters of the New York Says Thank
You Foundation, which sponsors the National
9/11 Flag Restoration Tour. “We try and go to
places where there have been tragedies in the
past and it’s amazing the affect it has on people.
It really does help.”
Cris Welsh, who’s now a history teacher at
Columbine, was a student at the school on that
horrific day 12 years ago. He says the flag’s
Our Mission
To provide a quality
education that prepares
all children for a
successful future.
Jeffco Public Schools is home to
nearly 86,000 of Colorado's finest
students. Step inside one
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
committed school board, involved
parents and a caring community
Columbine High School Principal Frank DeAngelis takes a stitch to make the National 9/11 Flag whole again.
display at the school is fitting.
“Back when we were students, we had a lot
of stuff sent to us from other parts of the country,” he said. “It makes me glad to be involved
in this because we can give back to other people
who experienced hard times.”
Once the flag is restored, it will become part
of the permanent collection of the National
September 11 Memorial Museum being built at
the site of the former World Trade Center. The
goal is to complete the flag by this September
and unveil it during the 10th year anniversary
ceremony.
District's budget cuts:
Changes for community
With nearly $40 million being cut
from next year’s district budget, parents, students, staff and the community will feel the impact of the
reductions.
“Jeffco has been making cuts over
the years, but we have tried to keep
them out of the classroom. However,
because of the draconian reductions
to K-12 education on the state level,
we are being forced to make decisions
that will be felt throughout Jefferson
County,” said Superintendent Cindy
Stevenson.
Here are some of the changes asso-
ciated with the budget cuts:
• Most classrooms will increase in
size by one or two students at the
elementary level. Middle and high
schools will have less flexibility in
scheduling choices.
• A bus fee will be imposed across
the district. The current recommendation is that parents will have to
pay $150 per child, per year to ride
the bus. Students who attend option
schools will have to pay $200.
• Athletic fees will increase to $150
per participant, per sport. Admission
As he pulls the needle through the heart of the
flag, DeAngelis makes his stitch on history and
a step closer towards healing.
“People ask me all the time when we’ll be
back to normal,” he said. “We’ll never be back
to normal at Columbine — we redefine what
normal is — this helps contribute to moving
forward. Our thing has always been a time to
remember, a time to hope, and this contributes
to the memory of the 13 who lost their lives,
but also hope for a brighter future not only for
Columbine High School, but for the United
States of America.”
fees for stadiums and school events
will also increase.
• There will be two furlough days
for staff – Wednesday, April 11 and
Friday, May 4. Students will not
attend school on those days.
• There will be two more early
release days next year for K-8 students. This year, there were four
K-8 early release days; in 2011-12
there will be six. The additional days
are because the work year is being
shortened for staff. Teachers are losing 32 hours of planning and staff
development time. The additional
early release days will give teachers
an extra four to six hours of time
to review student assessments and
improve student achievement.
that combine to provide
a quality education that
prepares all children for
a promising future.
• Graduation requirements have
been changed from 24 to 23 credits
and the world language requirement
removed.
Laboratory program for sixth-graders.
• Jeffco employees will see a three
percent reduction in compensation
in the form of four fewer workdays
on non-student contact days and two
student-contact furlough days; a total
of six days for a savings of approximately $16 million.
“This proposed budget takes into
account the ever-increasing demands
for student achievement. It also takes
into account the Board of Education’s
desire to continue educational excellence, save classroom jobs, develop
a financially responsible plan and to
balance the needs of students, community and staff in meeting those
goals,” said Chief Financial Officer
Lorie Gillis.
To see more information on the
district’s budget, visit www.jeffcopublicschools.org
• A reduction of approximately 212
full-time employees including administrators.
• The closure of Zerger Elementary
in Westminster and Martensen
Elementary in Wheat Ridge.
• The suspension of the Outdoor
• Moving Long View High School
to another district location.
Jeffco
Schools
Quarterly
A free publication for parents
and residents of Jefferson
County, 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
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informed with news about Jeffco
Schools. Citizen comments
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welcome. Mile High Newspapers
provides layout, sells
advertisements, prints and
distributes the publication at no
cost to the school district.
To contact
Communications Services:
303-514-5653
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Jeffco Public Schools Service Directory
Main Switchboard..............303-982-6500
Assessment.......................303-982-6565
Athletics/Activities..............303-982-6634
Benefits Office (medical,
dental, vision insurance,
retirement).........................303-982-6527
Boundaries/Demographics
(property management).....303-982-2339
Building/Facility Use
(community use of
school facilities).................303-982-6500
Communications Services.303-982-6808
Education Center
(main switchboard)............303-982-6500
Employee Records............303-982-6519
Employee Relations..........303-982-6544
Employment Services........303-982-6500
Food and Nutrition
Services.............................303-982-6748
an effort to keep the community
Home School Option
Program.............................303-982-6321
Human Resources.............303-982-6515
Jeffco Public Schools
Hotline...............................303-982-6600
Department for Learning
and Educational
Achievement......................303-982-6994
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
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:
303-279-5541
Photographer:
Lorie Hirose
Jeffco Schools
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 website at
www.jeffcopublicschools.org.
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
2
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Message from the Superintendent
“These reductions are beyond our wildest
imaginations and will be difficult to manage.
However, you must make your communities
aware of the magnitude of the impacts that will
be felt by children across the state.”
- Vody Herrmann, former Colorado Assistant
Commissioner of Education
When it was announced in March that the state
wanted to cut $375 million from K-12 education,
I think many people had the same reaction as I
did – shock and sadness. Those of us in education
knew the state’s budget crisis was severe, but I
don’t think anyone expected the deep reductions
that were proposed. The impact to children in
Jeffco and across the state would be nearly $500
less per student in funding. Colorado already
ranks very low in per-pupil spending compared to
Dr. Cindy Stevenson
Superintendent, Jeffco Schools
other states (*40th). Anyway you looked at it, the
news from the Governor’s office was devastating.
However, in the month that has followed,
Jeffco has responded with a ground-breaking
partnership that may be a model for other districts to follow. We have developed a package
of budget reductions totaling nearly $40 million and we did it by putting the best interests
of our students ahead of our self-interests. For
two days in March, representatives from the
Jefferson County Education Association, the
Classified School Employees Association, the
Jefferson County Administrator’s Association,
the Jefferson County Board of Education and district leadership met during an historic employee
summit. The result of our work is a solid budget
that includes compensation reductions, furlough
days, school closings, fee increases, the suspension of the Outdoor Laboratory program for
sixth-graders and job eliminations.
None of the choices we had to make were good
or easy, but they were necessary to balance our
budget and save as many jobs as possible in the
classroom while keeping the focus on student
achievement.
Any additional revenues received from the state
next year will be put into reserves to offset anticipated cuts for 2012-13.
I encourage you to read more about the proposed 2011-12 budget in this issue of the Jeffco
Quarterly. While I don’t like the choices that
we had to make, I am proud of the process. My
commitment to the community is that we will
continue to work together to provide a great education for the children in Jeffco.
*Source: Great Education Colorado
Speaking the language
“We help the school and the district bridge the cultural gap and
come together with families,”
said Diana Yaner, Jeffco Spanishspeaking interpreter and bilingual
school liaison.
Over 9,000 students in Jeffco are
bilingual and more than 5,000 of
them need instructional support in
the classroom. For Yaner and other
members of Jeffco’s Translation
Services Department, connecting
bilingual and non-English speaking families with the district and
schools helps them stay engaged and
involved in their child’s education.
“The English-learner population
in Jefferson County has increased
every single year,” said Catherine
Baldwin, director for Translation
Services. “Our goal is to ensure
that those students and their parents
feel welcome in Jefferson County.
Their bilingualism is honored and
considered an asset in Jefferson
County, therefore they will stay and
achieve.”
As the district’s diversity expands,
the need for the team is greater than
ever. The translation department is
made up of two Spanish-speaking
district translators, Marta Alejandro
and Susan Klein; four Spanishspeaking school liaisons, Jenny Zahn,
Rosalinda Martinez, Jesus Quintana,
and Yaner; one Russian-speaking
translator and school liaison, Anna
Ellison; and one technician, Simone
McLaughlin. The team translates
district and school information sent
home to parents and interprets for
families at school meetings, parent
teacher conferences and more.
They agree their job is more than
interpreting and translating. They
help parents find English and adult
literacy classes, make recommendations on where to get insurance,
glasses, mental health help and even
explain what’s on a school’s lunch
menu.
“We act like a psychologist, social
worker and parents call you teacher,
social worker,” said Quintana. “We
want to help families be self sufficient.”
Immigrating from Mexico, Spain,
Argentina, Russia, Costa Rica and
Ecuador, the department members
know what it’s like to transition
from a foreign country and adapt to
the U.S. culture.
“The fact that we all came from
different countries, we relate to each
First row (from left) Jenny Zahn, Rosalinda Martinez, Diana Yaner;
2nd row: Jesus Quintana, Anna Ellison, Marta Alejandro, Simone McLaughlin, Susan Klein.
other and we relate to our families,” said Klein. “We understand
the things they go through, we know
how to help them and how important
it is to communicate. We are the
people helping people like us.”
Each one of them says helping
families feel welcome is one of the
most rewarding aspects of their job.
“We feel that what we do matters
for so many people,” said Martinez.
“We feel that our jobs are important
and making a difference for the families, the students and the district.”
Jeffco Schools Board of Education
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Dave Thomas, President
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Jane Barnes, First Vice President
Laura Boggs, Second Vice President
Paula Noonan, Treasurer
3
Robin Johnson, Secretary
May 2011
2011 GRADUATION SCHEDULE
Neighborhood Schools
Date
Thursday, May 19
Friday, May 20 Friday, May 20 Friday, May 20
Friday, May 20
Saturday, May 21
Saturday, May 21
Saturday, May 21
Tuesday, May 24
Tuesday, May 24
Wednesday, May 25 Wednesday, May 25
Thursday, May 26
Thursday, May 26
Friday, May 27
Saturday, May 28
Saturday, May 28
School
Location
Time
Bear Creek HS
Green Mountain HS
Arvada HS
Chatfield HS
Wheat Ridge HS
Golden HS
Evergreen HS
Conifer HS
Alameda HS
Jefferson HS
Arvada West HS
Standley Lake HS
Dakota Ridge HS
Pomona HS
Ralston Valley HS
Columbine HS
Lakewood HS
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Wells Fargo Theatre Colorado Convention Center
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Wells Fargo Theatre Colorado Convention Center
Colorado School of Mines Brooks Field
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Conifer HS Football Field
Boettcher Concert Hall
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
CU Events Center
CU Events Center
Comfort Dental Amphitheatre (Fiddler’s Green)
CU Events Center
CU Events Center
Comfort Dental Amphitheatre (Fiddler’s Green)
CU Events Center
9 a.m.
9 a.m.
10 a.m.
2 p.m.
3 p.m.
9 a.m.
9 a.m.
11 a.m.
10 a.m.
7 p.m.
2 p.m.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
10:30 a.m.
9 a.m.
10 a.m.
Option/Charter Schools
Date
Tuesday, May 17
Thursday, May 19
Saturday, May 21
Tuesday, May 24
Wednesday, May 25
Wednesday, May 25
Wednesday, May 25
Thursday, May 26
Thursday, May 26
Friday, May 27
Saturday, May 28
Saturday, May 28
Friday, June 3
Saturday, June 4
School
Location
Time
Fletcher Miller
Jeffco’s 21st Century
Virtual Academy
Jefferson County Open
McLain – CB
McLain – Jeffco Net/Achieve
Collegiate Academy of Colorado
Compass Montessori – Golden
McLain – ACE
Brady Exploration
Jefferson Academy HS
D’Evelyn Senior
Long View HS
New America School
Two Roads High School
Fletcher Miller
1:30 p.m.
D’Evelyn HS
Genesee Mountain Park
Bear Creek HS
Bear Creek HS
Waterstone Community Church
University of Denver Strum Hall–Davis Auditorium
Bear Creek HS
Brady Field House
Colorado School of Mines Green Center
Ellie Caulkins Opera House @ DCPA
Long View HS
Ellie Caulkins Opera House @ DCPA
Arvada Covenant Church
7 p.m.
9 a.m.
7 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
6 p.m.
7 p.m.
3 p.m.
9 a.m.
11 a.m.
7 p.m.
1 p.m.
Language of learning
Edgewater Elementary’s English as a Second Language teacher Tera Giron works with second-graders Valeria
Arreola-Aguilar and Ricardo Resendez-Victorio
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
In Tera Giron’s second-grade
class at Edgewater Elementary
School, students move seamlessly from English to Spanish
and then back to English again.
“It’s affirming that our children are able to learn in both
languages,” said Giron.
Many of Giron’s students
came to her class speaking
mostly Spanish, but as the
school year progresses, her students become more proficient
in English. She’s been so successful, this year, the Colorado
Association for Bilingual Education named her Bilingual
Teacher of the Year. Her students say she deserves the recognition.
“When I was in first grade,
I was down on the bottom and
I always practiced with Miss
4
Giron and she got me to the
top,” said Kevin Varela.
Giron says bilingual education
works because you’re learning
in two languages. “Students are
able to use what they know in
their first language, and apply it
to their second language,” said
Giron. “They continue to grow
as opposed to their academic
growth being on hold while
they are waiting to get enough
English to function.”
Giron’s students, like Esteban
Escalante, say being able to
speak English is very important.
“For work, if you want to work,
they speak English,” Escalante
explained with a smile.
Not only does Giron support
her students in the classroom,
she’s been known to go to their
soccer games on the weekends
and cheer them on. She says
she sees potential in each of her
students. “They just amaze me.
How resilient they are, some
of their stories, the hard backgrounds they come from touch
my heart,” she said.
For Giron, it’s personal.
Her husband emigrated from
Mexico. “He came here not
speaking English and he just
graduated with an electrical
engineering degree,” she said.
Giron says she wants to give
her students the foundation
to succeed by “giving them a
love for learning and self confidence to take them a long
way to be able to accomplish
great things.” Giron was honored at Jeffco’s Celebration of
Excellence earlier this month.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Braley makes it work
A
t Brady Exploration in Lakewood, principal Troy Braley is
hands-on.
“Hey, how’s it going? What can I
do to help?” he asked senior Vince
Chacon while working on his graduation plan.
Students say the one-on-one interactions with Braley make Brady a
great school.
“I love it. He comes and talks to
us to see what we’re all doing and
if what we’re doing is actually helping us learn,” said senior Stephanie
Purcell. “He’s very interactive and
tries to help us out a lot and I think
it’s very cool — you don’t get that
with very many principals.”
Brady is an option school for students who are expelled, dropped
out or struggle with attendance.
Students are able to work at their
own pace through a hybrid model of
online learning paired with face-toface instruction.
Students come from diverse backgrounds. Often they are working to
help support their family or their
parents work multiple jobs. Some
live in a single parent home or
are homeless. Others struggled in
a traditional high school or may be
involved in gangs or spent time in
the judicial system.
Braley started at the school when
it opened six years ago. It had the
lowest attendance in the district,
discipline was constant, one out of
every four students was involved
with drugs and one out of every five
was involved in a fight.
Braley says for one reason or the
other, the core support for his students is gone or has failed them
and when they come to Brady, they
think they’re failures. But for Braley,
nobody is a failure and the Brady
staff is devoted to help change that
attitude and help students succeed.
“We’re the emergency rescue boat
and can turn on a dime and adjust for
whatever that kid needs right now,”
he said. “If they need food, we will
get them food. If they need clothing,
we will get them clothing and if they
need a bus pass, we will get it.”
One of the reasons Braley connects with his students is because
of his own struggles. When he was
a senior, he could not read or write
and as a Native American growing
up on a reservation, he was expected
to work in the paper mills like the
rest of his family.
“I was good at playing sick,” he
said. “But, my teacher said, ‘You’ve
got to get it down and you will get it
done,’ so she worked with me before
Brady Exploration School Principal Troy
Braley works with senior Stephanie Purcell
in the science lab.
school, during lunch and picked me
up at the reservation on Saturdays to
make sure I was going to do it.”
Braley instills this work ethic in
his students.
“The average kid comes to us with
four class credits and I tell them it’s
going to be a lot of hard work and
it’s not going to be easy, but you’re
going to have to do it,” he said.
Since Braley started at Brady,
enrollment is up, discipline is low,
students produce over a year’s worth
of growth each year and the number of graduates has increased six
times the original amount. Staff says
it’s because Braley goes above and
beyond to make sure students and
staff achieve.
“He’s always saying, ‘If you think
it will work, let’s do it,’” said science
teacher John Livingston. “He lets
teachers use their expertise and gives
us whatever we need to make it work
for our students.”
Westerra Awards Grants to 18 Jeffco Schools
With the 2010-2011 school year, Westerra Credit Union introduced a School Grant Program to assist teachers and schools with financial
resources for programs and activities to help students achieve academic and personal success. We are honored to report that we have
awarded grants of approximately $400-$700 each to 18 schools in Jeffco Public Schools this semester. This is in addition to grants provided
to 22 schools last semester. Schools receiving grants this Spring are:
Jeffco Public Schools Grant Recipients
Alameda High School—Bus fee for transporting
International Baccalaureate Diploma program students
to Denver Public Library for workshop
Collegiate Academy of Colorado—Supplies to create
math boards for before and after school program
Dakota Ridge High School—Blood pressure monitors
for lab experiments
Jefferson High School—Gate fees for students’ families
to attend athletic events
Green Mountain High School—Training and workshop
for “Breaking Down the Walls” program for a healthy
school environment
Martensen Elementary—Sewing machines and other
supplies for after school sewing club
New America School—Copies of “The Pearl” for ESL2
and Reading classes
Pleasant View Elementary—Prizes and party for positive
behavior program
Ralston Valley High School—Workshop for “Challenge
Day” multicultural and diversity program
Red Rocks Elementary—Lumber and soil for raised garden
beds for school garden
Rocky Mountain Deaf School—Admission and
transportation to see sign language interpreted
performance of “Flat Stanley”
Sierra Elementary—Play structure for entire school
Sobesky Academy—Microscopes, slides, and other lab
equipment
Summit Ridge Middle School—Registration fee for girl
bullying seminar
Two Roads Charter High School—Incentives and awards
for literacy and life skills programs for at-risk, special
needs students
Welchester Elementary—Bus fee for field trip with
Chatfield High School Multicultural Education Club
mentorship program
Wilmot Elementary—Flip video cameras and other
equipment for student-run video broadcast
Woodrow Wilson Academy—Drinking fountain purchase
and installation
It is important to us to make a difference in the lives of the individuals and
families who use our credit union—and the community we share. Because
education is so important to us, you may also see Westerra assisting in
financial literacy education in our classrooms, providing online financial
education resources and sponsoring initiatives in our community. We look
forward to continuing to support our schools and add value to students’
educational experience through this grant program again next semester.
Learn more at www.westerracu.com.
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000
and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government
www.westerracu.com
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Federally insured by NCUA
Locally owned by our members since 1934
5
May 2011
Making a difference
G
reen Mountain High School
counselor Sandy Austin’s
enthusiasm is infectious and her
passion for helping her students is
obvious.
“Ms. Austin is amazing and there’s
not really another word for her,” said
senior Gage Crispe. “She does any-
thing and everything for all kids.”
“It’s the greatest feeling to make
a difference in someone’s life,” said
Austin. “I want to inspire kids to
dream and to encourage them to
want to make a difference in the
world and for their lives. Students
are a gift to this world and I want to
help them realize that.”
Students at Green Mountain High
School say it’s their gift to have
Austin and this year, she was recognized as one of the nation’s top 10
school counselors by the American
School Counselor Association.
Austin wears many hats besides
her role as a school counselor. She
helps students with college applications, course selection to harness
their passions, and deal with family
You Can Help Protect Our
Outdoor Lab Schools!
issues and difficult days.
“Sophomore year I lost a close
friend to suicide and Ms. Austin
helped me get through the hard
times,” said Crispe.
Six years ago, a string of student
suicides devastated Green Mountain
High School’s campus. As she
counseled students, Austin said she
searched to find where kids were
falling through the cracks.
“I have always looked out for and
had a heart for the students who
struggle,” she said. “It was often the
kids who were new to our school
and students who missed school for
many days due to illnesses, health
conditions, the loss of a loved one,
or a tragedy of some kind.”
Out of tragedy often comes triumph. After the rash of suicides,
Austin started the B.I.O.N.I.C.
(Believe It Or Not I Care) team.
Its purpose — to give students a
chance to reach out to classmates
in crisis. The team helps and supports classmates who may be new to
the school, seriously ill, or who are
struggling and need a friend.
The B.I.O.N.I.C team’s reach is
felt around the world. The program
is being modeled in approximately
400 schools in China, Tanzania,
Virgin Islands, Qatar, Barbados and
Belize.
“I think I will be doing this even
when I am 80 and I want to keep
going,” said Austin. “If I can pour
my life into these kids, then they
can go out and make a difference
in this world. This is my dream and
it’s my part in making the world a
better place.”
A Note from Foundation Chair, Kathy Weiss
More than 400 parents, teachers, businesses and most importantly,
kids have now raised over $100,000 so we are asking you to join our
successful efforts as we get to our goal.
And we’re just getting started! Every school is bursting with great ideas,
from bake sales to last week’s Egg Hunt that raised more than $1,600!
Your donation or your help with a PTA fund raiser can get us to our goal –
Save Outdoor Lab Schools!
Budget cuts could force Outdoor Lab Schools to close this fall. Here’s how to
keep that from happening.
#1. Donate. Go to www.outdoorlabfoundation.org and click on the “gifts and
donations” button and then follow the instructions. Yes, the site is secure! Or
mail your check to: Outdoor Lab Foundation, P.O. Box 746626, Arvada, CO
80006-2262.
#2. Participate in Pledge Week. The Outdoor Lab Foundation is asking parents, schools and PTAs to organize fund raisers between Saturday, May 14th
and Saturday, May 21st. Call your PTA to see how you can help!
#3. Make a pledge. Email or call us with a pledge. Ask for John O’Donnell
at [email protected] or call him at 303-629-9769. He will be able
to answer your questions and get you on track to helping the Outdoor Lab
Schools.
#4. Matching gifts. Let us know if your employer has a matching gifts
program. We can give you the information they need to make a donation.
Green Mountain High School counselor Sandy Austin and student Gage Crispe
A zero rating ranks
school at top of class
The students of D'Evelyn Senior High are breaking state statistics. The
school proudly boasts a zero remediation rate for students entering Colorado
colleges and universities.
When a school touts a zero remediation rate, it means none of their first-year
college-bound students require remedial help in core subjects in college.
According to an annual report by the Colorado Commission for Higher
Education, about one in three first-year college students need remedial help
in at least one core subject.
"As a school we really demand that our students commit to excellence in
their academic studies in order to ensure they are well prepared for postsecondary endeavors," said D'Evelyn Principal Terry Elliot.
Elliott credits the school's success to the curriculum. "A big part of
D'Evelyn's success is that the school has a stringent complex reading list for
students in all classes," he said.
D'Evelyn Advanced Placement Calculus teacher Cory Ryckman works with students Nathan
Bremmer and Eric Garza.
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
6
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Community seeks support for Outdoor Lab programs
S
tudents and former students throughout
Jefferson County were saddened by
news that Jeffco’s Outdoor Lab experience will be suspended for the 2011-12
school year because of proposed budget
reductions. The program has been offered
to Jeffco sixth-graders since 1961 and has
served over 300,000 students.
Because student fees cover less than
half of the operating costs, the district's
general fund has historically paid for the
other half. In addition, money from the
district's capital funds have been used
to maintain major repairs needed at the
sites.
Supporters of the Outdoor Lab program
have launched a grassroots campaign to try
and keep the Mt. Evans and Windy Peak
Outdoor Labs open by making them selfsupporting. The Outdoor Lab Foundation,
a non-profit organization, is attempting
to raise approximately $900,000 to save
the program. For information about how
to pledge support or attend fundraising
events, go to the Outdoor Lab Foundation
website at http://www.outdoorlabfoundation.org/. Donations can also be sent
directly to the Outdoor Lab Foundation
to: OLF, PO Box 746626, Arvada, CO
80006-6626. If the Outdoor Lab Schools
do not reopen, groups have the option
to leave their money in the foundation
account for future funding efforts, or they
can request a refund.
Above left: Prospect Valley fifth-graders Kate Oehm and April McMullen hold a bake sale and raise $1,700 toward saving Outdoor Lab
Schools. Below, students enjoy the many activities and learning experiences offered during Outdoor Lab.
Project ties teacher pay to results
TARGETED ADVERTISING
Advertise your business to 80,000
families in Jefferson County
in the Jeffco Schools Quarterly!
Please call 303-279-5541
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT
ON US
Passport2College
Jeffco team announces strategic compensation program. Left to right; O'Connell Middle School teacher Lisa Suomi, O'Connell principal Pati
Montgomery, Former JCAA President Warren Blair, Jeffco Strategic Compensation Project Manager Kristy Parsons, JCEA President Kerrie Dallman
and Jeffco Superintendent Dr. Cindy Stevenson
High School Juniors and Seniors
– Earn college credit while still in high school
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Earn college credit from a regionally accredited school
while you are still in high school without having to pay
tuition. And take courses taught by highly qualified,
passionate and dedicated college professors.
effco Public Schools is leading
the way in rewarding educators
who improve student learning.
Starting this fall, 20 schools will
pilot the district’s new strategic compensation plan to test the impact on
increasing student learning – and
attracting, retaining and rewarding
top educators who help students succeed.
The pilot is funded by a $33 million federal Teacher Incentive Fund
grant, the largest grant the district
has ever received.
A culture shift
The pilot is a significant culture
shift. It sets higher expectations
for students – and for educators.
Teachers in the pilot will be rewarded for achieving excellent results
with students, earning exemplary
evaluations and working in teams
to share their expertise with other
teachers.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Participating schools are: Deane,
Fitzmorris, Foothills, Foster, Green
Mountain, Kullerstrand, Lawrence,
Lumberg, Pennington, Secrest,
Slater, Stein, Stevens, Thomson,
Welchester and Wilmore-Davis elementary schools; and Everitt, North
Arvada, O’Connell and Wheat Ridge
middle schools
The project adds more teachers to
pilot schools. These are top performers who will help their colleagues
improve instruction. They also will
provide meaningful, frequent feedback on what’s working and what’s
not to ensure the very best education
for students.
Teachers, administrators, parents
and community leaders worked
together for three years to create this
research-based strategic compensation plan.
The federal grant can be used only
to test strategic compensation in the
20 pilot schools – not to restore cuts
in state funding for public schools.
In light of the budget cuts, Jeffco
Public Schools is fortunate to have
the federal grant to invest in research
about what makes the most difference in improving student learning. Through this pilot, the district
will determine best practices that
all schools can implement in the
future.
Jeffco’s plan reflects priorities
in school reform in Colorado and
across the nation. It complements
state law that rates schools and
districts by how much students
learn from year to year. It also
aligns with a new state law starting in fall 2013 that will require
at least half of each teacher’s and
principal’s evaluation to be based
on how much students learn each
year. For information, please visit:
www.JeffcoStrategicCompensation.
org.
7
Passport2College Boot Camp
July 11 — August 12, 2011
Computer Information Systems
Westminster Campus
1870 W. 122nd Avenue | Westminster
For more information, contact Alisa Zimmerman,
Director of Community Outreach at
[email protected], call 303.280.7592 or visit
http://www.wes.devry.edu/passport2college.htm
DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.
©2010 DeVry Educational Development Corp.
All rights reserved.
May 2011
Celebration
of Excellence
If you couldn't attend Jeffco's Celebration of Excellence event on May 4 at
Arvada West High School, a sample of honorees is featured on these pages.
The event is the district's celebration of the accomplishments of
students, teachers, staff and our Jefferson County community.
The event includes the best of the best in academics, athletics, arts,
community service and support for our schools from the community.
5
8
6
1
2
7
1. Bear Creek High School gymnast Dani
Thenell captures three state titles.
2. Jeffco’s Virtual Academy teacher Kristin
Kipp named National Online Teacher of
the Year.
3. Green Mountain High School’s
Mackenzie Stein swims to two state titles.
4. Jeffco honors Arvada community for
remodeling a new commons for Arvada
High School.
5. Lakewood High School Principal
Ron Castagna named State Thespian
Administrator of the Year.
6. Manning School science teacher
Susan Coveyduck named “My Teacher,
My Hero.”
7. Eiber Elementary School kindergartener Matthew Brunker shows off his Race to
Read goodie bag. He was the top reader
in his grade at his school.
8. Dakota Ridge High School gets a
National Safe Driving grant.
9. Stein Elementary School named a
Center of Excellence.
10. Dennison Elementary gets a National
Department of Education Blue Ribbon
Designation.
11. Wheat Ridge High School is the only
public school to make it to the state football finals.
12. Lakewood resident Pam Feely donated 12,000 math kits to Jeffco Kids.
13. D’Evelyn senior John Ahern wins 4A
state golf title.
14. Arvada High School’s Marcos Peralta
takes the 4A State Wresting title in the
160 weight class.
15. Arvada High School students show
their ID badges and celebrate a new program called Safe to Text.
16. Lakewood High School honors Nina
Myers, Alexandra Nilles and Chole
Hawker at the homecoming assembly for
earning perfect scores on the ACT.
17. D'Evelyn Girls Swimming 400 Relay
takes 4A state title: Julia Oleksiak,
Colleen Olson, Molly Lonneman and
Madeleine Smith
9
9
3
4
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
10
8
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Celebration
of Excellence
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$30 off
Bowling Party
Use this coupon to receive
$30 off your private party. Coupon
valid only for parties totaling $300 and up.
No Cash Value. One Coupon per Customer.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
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Use this coupon to receive
1 Free Party Tray for your private party.
No Cash Value. One Coupon per Customer.
May 2011
SUMMER SCHOOL
Jeffco Public Schools offers a variety of summer school programs to
help students with special academic
needs and promote student enrichment. The district’s summer school
office is sponsoring core programs
in math, language arts, science and
social studies at each grade level.
Summaries of the district-wide summer school programs follow; more
details may be obtained by visiting
the district’s website or calling 303982-5236.
ELEMENTARY SUMMER
SCHOOL (Grades K-6)
This year’s K-6 program continues
with a standards-based approach
for meeting students’ educational
needs. The program focuses on
student learning and student success for the content standards in the
areas of English language arts and
math. This program is designed for
students who have just completed
kindergarten through sixth grades.
June 7 - July 1 from 8-11 a.m.,
Monday through Friday
Cost: $175.00 ($175 plus the $100
for non-district students)
Locations:
Glennon Heights Elementary
School
11025 W. Glennon Dr.
Lakewood
Westridge Elementary School
10785 W Alamo Pl.
Littleton
Jeffco Public Schools offers programs
for Summer School 2011
Swanson Elementary School
6055 W. 68th
Arvada
Registration: Early registrations
will be accepted through May 27 at
the students’ home schools. After
Friday, May 27, students may register in person, online or by mail
through the Summer School Office,
1829 Denver West Dr., Golden,
81401. Non-district students pay an
additional $100 fee.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SUMMER SCHOOL
(Grades 7-8)
Traditional Summer School
Program: Designed for students
who need to remediate academic
skill deficiencies and/or make up
credit in a required subject area.
Students may take up to two classes
and earn a maximum of one unit/
credit during the program.
June 7- July 18 (No classes on
July 4). Students may enroll in one
or both sessions. One unit/credit
classes meet both sessions. Session
one: 7:30-9:20 a.m. Session two:
9:35-11:35 a.m.
Location:
Evergreen High School
29300 Buffalo Park Rd.
Evergreen
Registration: June 6 from 7:3011:30 a.m. The cost is $150 per
one-half unit/credit class and $300
per one unit/credit class. Nondistrict students pay an additional
$100. No refunds after June 17.
Alternative Summer School
Program: Designed for students
who need to develop their study
skills, improve their attitudes
toward school and improve their
performance in the basic skill areas,
with an emphasis on reading, writing, and math. In this three-week
program, students will work with
a team of teachers for a threehour block of time. Academic and
study skills will be integrated into
thematic and experientially based
instructional units.
June 2 – June 16, Monday-Friday,
8-11:30 a.m.
Registration: June 1 from 8-11:30
a.m. at the summer school site
where the student will be attending.
The cost is $150 for Jeffco students
and $250 for non-district students.
No refunds after June 6.
Locations:
Oberon Middle School
7300 Quail St.,
Arvada
Ken Caryl Middle School
6509 W. Ken Caryl Ave.,
Littleton
Dunstan Middle School
1855 S. Wright St., Lakewood
SENIOR HIGH SUMMER
SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)
The senior high summer school
program is primarily designed for
students who need to make up
credit or remediate skill deficiencies
in required subject areas. It offers
classes in English language arts,
mathematics, science, social studies
and physical education. June 7 - July 18 (no classes on
July 4) from 7:30-11:35 a.m.,
Monday-Friday (times vary by location). Session one: 7:30-9:20 a.m.
Session two: 9:35-11:35 a.m.
Students may enroll in either or
both class sessions. Classes that
earn one credit meet the entire four
hours.
Registration: June 6 from 7:3011:30 a.m. at the summer school
site. The cost is $150 for one-half
credit and $300 for one credit.
There is an additional $100 fee for
non-district students. Students may
enroll in a maximum of two onehalf credit courses. No refunds after
June 17. Locations: Green Mountain High School
13175 W. Green Mtn. Dr.,
Lakewood
Dakota Ridge High School
13399 W. Coal Mine Ave.
Littleton
Arvada K8 (for Arvada HS),
5751 Balsam,
Arvada
Evergreen High School (for the
mountain area)
29300 Buffalo Park R.
Evergreen
For information, call the Summer
School Office at 303-982-5236.
Online summer
school courses
(Grades 7-12)
Courses are offered through Jeffco's
21st Century Virtual Academy.
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
10
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Spotlight: Annaleigh Ashford takes the stage
A
nnaleigh Ashford has headlined one of the most popular
shows on Broadway playing Glinda
in “Wicked,” appeared on national
television and made cameos on the
big screen in “Sex and the City”
spotlight when she was cast at the
age of 10 in the Theatre Group's
Broadway production of "Ruthless,
the Musical." She has since gone
on to perform everywhere from the
Arvada Center to New York City’s
Gershwin Theatre. Her Broadway
credits include "Legally Blonde"
and, most recently, "Hair." While
Ashford is busy taking a bite out
of the Big Apple, she took a break
to talk about her time in Jeffco
Schools.
What is your favorite memory
of Jeffco Public Schools?
Annaleigh Ashford, actress and Jeffco
Schools alum
and “Rachel Getting Married.” The
Wheat Ridge High School graduate,
known to her peers as Annaleigh
Swanson, got her first taste of the
Ashford: I am so grateful that I was
educated in Jeffco Public Schools.
My time at Stober Elementary,
Everitt Middle School and Wheat
Ridge High School were so important in shaping the person I am
today. I have too many favorite
memories to pick just one! I had so
many special teachers that not only
educated me, but supported me and
helped me believe that I could make
my dreams come true with hard
work and determination.
How did your education at
Wheat Ridge High School
prepare you for your career?
Ashford: Wheat Ridge High School
was so supportive of my extracurricular activities and supported my
busy schedule. That taught me the
time management skills and determination that is integral in living
the very busy life of an actor. The
arts programs at the school were
also very important to the balance
of my education and allowed me
the opportunity to be creative and
experiment.
Were you part of any theatre
groups/classes in school?
Did you participate in any
other extracurricular activities?
Ashford: I was an active participant
in both the choir and the theatre
program. I also was a peer counselor and a member of senate. I
performed in the theatres around the
Denver Metro area, but I also was
a part of the annual musical, every
choir concert and all of the drama
performances.
What is it like to be on
the big screen in major
movies and performing
on Broadway?
Ashford: It is amazing to have
your dreams that you have worked
so hard for, come true. I am so
grateful and so blessed to have been
a working actor. It is also a very
tough industry and very hard work.
I have more job interviews in a
week than most people have
in their life. But, when you finally
get a job, it is thrilling and so
rewarding.
What advice would you give
to Jeffco students pursuing
their own dreams?
Ashford: Go for it fearlessly with
determination and hard work. You
should always give yourselves the
best opportunity to
make your dreams come true
and that means being prepared.
Use all of the resources that are
around you to learn and experience
as much as you can about what
you are interested in.
Any upcoming productions
or films Jeffco residents can
see you in?
Ashford: Right now I am working
on a variety of projects that are
under wraps and in development!
Hopefully, I will have an update for
you soon!
Miracle child
Ayla Charness is a happy, energetic 10-year-old girl. The Van
Arsdale fourth-grader loves dinosaurs, plays piano, dances, and
swims but has to be extremely careful because even the smallest bumps and bruises take a long time to heal.
“I wear a helmet every day during recess and PE,” she said.
“Kids in my class are very protective — one time a girl got
in front of me and said she wouldn’t let the ball hit my face
because she knew if my nose started bleeding, it wouldn’t
stop.”
Charness lives with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
(ITP), a rare and serious bleeding disorder that lowers blood
platelet counts, which causes internal bleeding, nosebleeds
and easy bruising. While most people have platelet levels of
150,000-400,000 per microliter of blood, when Charness' levels are low, her body only produces 5,000.
There is no cure for ITP, but Charness receives blood
transfusions and ongoing treatment at The Denver Children’s
Hospital. She is hopeful and optimistic — it’s one of the reasons she was selected as the 2011 Children’s Miracle Network
Colorado Champion.
Ayla Charness, Van Arsdale student and 2011 Children’s
“It means helping children who are treated at the hospital like
Miracle Network Colorado Champion
me,” said Charness. “It’s important for me to share my story and
for people to know what it’s like.”
At Van Arsdale, Charness serves as an inspiration for her teachers and peers. Principal Martha Tate says she’s a true
champion.
“She’s just an amazing young woman and we all love her,” she said. “Some days are emotional, but we don’t worry
because she’s always smiling and she will be successful no matter what.”
“When I grow up I want to be a paleontologist,” Charness says as she lets out a big roar like Tyrannosaurs Rex.
Notice of Stormwater Program
Notice is hereby given that Jeffco Public Schools is seeking input on the implementation of their stormwater
program as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This program requires that
the school district implement a program that educates the public and prevents water pollution from our sites. A
copy of the current program can be obtained from Environmental Services by calling 303-982-2349, or by visiting
our website at http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/environsvs/StrmWater.htm . Any input or questions are welcomed
and should be communicated by December 31, 2011.
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
11
May 2011
Overnight sensation
What started out as a basement
music jam session with his buddies
has turned into a shot at super-stardom for Dakota Ridge High School
senior Graham Stookey.
“My buddy heard me playing this
song during one of our jam sessions and he asked me if he could
videotape it,” recalls Stookey. “We
thought that was it, he posted it on
YouTube and a week later my phone
was ringing off the hook.”
Stookey’s song “Jonah,” made an
impression with young music lovers
around the world and was viewed
over 300,000 times. The song’s
Internet explosion had Stookey field-
ing calls from record labels and The
Ryan Seacrest show in Los Angeles.
Then the big call came, the one
that can make or break a performer.
“The producers of the Oprah Show
called my mom, they were writing a
show on kid talent and had seen the
video I recorded in Ryan Seacrest’s
green room,” said Stookey.
“I’m 18 and everyone else Oprah
was profiling on the show was nine
or 10, so I almost didn’t get on
because of my age, but they flew me
out to Chicago.”
While on the Oprah show, Stookey
got to live out a professional dream
– playing with mega-star Lenny
Kravitz, his musical hero.
“I’m finding out that the ladies
love Lenny – that was nuts, they
kept that secret so under wraps,” said
Stookey. “I always thought those
‘surprise’ on-stage meetings were
produced, but I turned around on the
stage and he was right there – I had
no idea.”
The two plucked strings together,
harmonizing their riffs onstage. After
the performance, Stookey had some
one-on-one time backstage with the
musical legend.
“We hung out in the green room
and he showed me his tour bus,” said
Stookey. “He told me his story, his
trip to fame.”
As a reminder of that magical
music moment, Kravitz gave Stookey
an autographed guitar.
“I’ve plucked it a few times, it’s
kind of against the ‘music code’ to
pluck the guitar one of your idols
signed, but it’s hard to keep my
hands off of it,” said Stookey.
Since his trip to the windy city to
talk talent with Oprah, Stookey has
traveled to the east and west coast
on press junkets, shopped around his
sound to record label execs and landed on the set of the Good Day LA
and Denver CW’s Everyday show.
“I’m searching for the right deal,
going with the flow and keeping the
train moving, but not too fast,” said
Stookey. “I have to graduate first.”
Music has been part of Stookey’s
life-plan since seventh grade, when
he first played the keys of a piano.
He thought his career in music
would lead him down the path to
write jingles or music scores, but
everything changed when he picked
up an acoustic guitar.
“The beauty of music is it can
mean something different to everyone,” said Stookey. “Music is the
only thing I’m good at and the only
Dakota Ridge High School senior is shocked
when his favorite rock legend, Lenny Kravitz,
surprises him on the stage of The Oprah
Show.
thing I love.”
For now, Stookey and his bandmates don’t have a record label,
but they are still looking for the hit
single that will give them their big
break.
More students have access
to Jeffco's Virtual Academy
Getting an education online or
through a hybrid model (part online,
part classroom) is fast becoming the
latest trend. Colleges and universities are looking at high school transcripts that include online classes as
an indicator for future success.
The Jeffco Schools 21st Century
Virtual Academy provides Colorado
students the opportunity to explore
the virtual world. This fall, the
Virtual Academy will expand to
include seventh- and eighth-graders
in addition to the high school program.
The Virtual Academy is similar
to a brick and mortar school, offering clubs, activities and field trips.
Students work on the yearbook and
graduate in real ceremonies. Online
teachers provide personalized attention through phone calls, e-mail and
class discussions.
Teachers, like Kristin Kipp, work
for the Virtual Academy “because
I love the bells and whistles — the
blogs and the wikis, all of that interaction that I get to do in an online
course environment,” says Kipp.
Kipp was named the 2011 National
Online Teacher of the Year for K-12
education. The honor comes as an
additional tribute to Kipp, who
was also named the 2011 Colorado
Online Teacher of the Year by the
Colorado Department of Education
last fall.
The Virtual Academy met all (100
percent) of their Adequate Yearly
Progress (AYP) targets for the 200910 school year under the No Child
Left Behind Act. Students can get
more information at the school’s
website, www.jeffcopublicschools.
org/online.
Virtual Academy student Rikk Shimizu
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
12
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Your guide to
summer fun!
n
Child & Tee Camps
AdVenture
Licensed 12-week
Summer Day Camp
May 31 - Aug. 19
Professional recreation staff
indoor/outdoor activities • sports
special events • swimming
field trips • games • crafts & more
For registration and fees,
call Cindy: 303-658-2219
Denver Fencing Center Summer Camps
14 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!
DENVER FENCING CENTER
1930 S. Navajo Street • Denver
2400 Ford Street • Golden
303-922-7288
Price: $325 • Hours: M-F 9 am - 4 pm
2011 Family Expo
and Summer Camp

May 21 • 11am - 4pm
•
•
•
•
•
KICK
OFF!
Complimentarytrialforourexciting
summeryouthprograms!
Limitedspace,somakereservationsnow!
LakeshoreMembersandtheirchildrenarefreetothisevent.
Parentsmustremainonpremisesduringevent.
Non-membersandtheirchildrenmust
payguestfee(callfordetails).
For a list of trial classes being held this day, contact Paula:
303-729-2552 x112
email:[email protected]
Lakeshore
Landsharks Summer
Camp May 31-Aug 12

Th is summer ’s
cam p is go ing to
w
blo
righ t of f
th e fin s
d
you r swee t-face
sh a rk s!
Summer Camps
Academic
F
Art
Music
www.unccamps.com
Sports
•
•
•
•
•
Ages3-13(preschoolcampfor
SharkPups;school-agedcamp
forLandsharks)!
Onsiteoutdoorwaterpark!
11weeksoffunandmorefun
FINtasticfieldtrips
Counselorsallbackground,safety,
andCPRcertified!
Contact [email protected]
(303) 729-2552
Lakeshore Athletic Club
300 Summit Blvd.
Broomfield, CO 80021
Lights On After School
in Jeffco Schools
N
ow in its fourth year, Lights
On After School (LOAS) continues the successful partnership
of Mile High United Way, Jeffco
Public Schools and The Jefferson
Foundation.
Affecting over 2,000 Jeffco students, LOAS programming accounted for approximately $235,000 in
program dollars this school year.
Five core schools, with the highest
need per student in Jeffco, received
full after-school project funding,
while 21 mini-grants of $3,000 to
$5,000 were awarded to additional
K-12 school sites through an application process.
LOAS projects support student
achievement and social development by engaging students through
academic, recreational and enriching opportunities. LOAS programming aligns with The Jefferson
Foundation strategic goals of reducing achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates.
“LOAS programs are free, quality after-school programs that keep
children engaged in school and
expand their learning potential in
a safe environment,” said Katie
Tiernan, executive director of The
Jefferson Foundation. “We are very
encouraged by the preliminary data
from our after-school sites. As an
example, our LOAS students have a
school attendance rate of at least 90
percent or better.”
Research shows that students who
regularly participate in after-school
programs demonstrate higher academic achievement and improved
The Jefferson Foundation
and its supporters
“Love Our Schools”
Above: Kendrick Lake Rocket Boys in the LOAS Rocket Club get ready for a launch.
Below: Faculty Advisor, Courtney Brown with Thomson Elementary’s LOAS “Girls on the
Run” Club. The young ladies win races and stay fit.
school attendance. Students also
receive higher scores on the Colorado
Student Assessment Program
(CSAP). Students participated in
activities that included: homework
help and tutoring clubs, math and
reading projects, art, music, dance,
and drama clubs, video production
and performing arts.
For more information please contact Anton Delgado at 303-9822212 or visit www.jeffersonfoundation.org
The Jefferson
Foundation’s second annual “Love
Our Schools” luncheon
gathered
supporters at the
Sheraton Denver
West last month.
Over 300 invited
guests were updated on Foundation
program support
and projects, and
provided donations
to The Jefferson
Foundation. They
were also treated
to performances by
the Hackberry Hill
Elementary Strings,
conducted by Sue Mogan, and the
Lights On After School “Magic
Kids” from Zerger Elementary.
The 2011 Norma Anderson
Lifetime Service Award was presented to Sen. Maryanne “Moe”
Keller. Created in recognition of
Jefferson County legislator and
education advocate, Sen. Norma
Anderson, the Lifetime Service
Award honors individuals who
have made Jefferson County and
Jeffco Public Schools a thriving,
vibrant community.
Sen. Keller was a teacher and
interpreter for the deaf for 25
years in Jeffco and Denver Public
Schools. She served on the Wheat
R to L: Katie Tiernan, Sen.
Maryanne “Moe” Keller, Dr.
Cindy Stevenson, and Sen.
Norma Anderson. The event
raised over $20,000.
Ridge City Council
before being elected
to the Colorado State House of
Representatives and the Colorado
State Senate. She was the Chair of
the Joint Budget Committee and
Vice-Chair of the Appropriations
Committee before leaving the
Capitol in 2010. She is known for
her work with the developmental
disability and mental health communities. Sen. Keller has worked
tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable populations in challenging economic times.
For more information about
The Jefferson Foundation contact
Anton Delgado at 303-982-2212
or www.jeffersonfoundation.org.
The Jefferson Foundation middle
school and high school art shows
T
he Jefferson Foundation and
its supporters funded the
2011 Jeffco Public Schools student art shows. “It was important
for The Jefferson Foundation to
prevent the student art shows from
being eliminated through budget
cuts,” said Katie Tiernan, executive director for The Jefferson
Foundation. “The arts are an
important part of our curricula in
Jeffco schools at all grade levels
and the high school art exhibit
represents thousands of dollars in
scholarships for our secondary art
Judging for The Jefferson Foundation 2011
Middle School Art Show. Retired art teachers
and judges, Miki Reddy, Lon Seymour and
Pat Rucker, created several Jury Awards
with cash prizes, which were awarded at the
Artist Celebration.
students.”
The 2011 Middle School Art
Show at the Lakewood Cultural
Center was an even bigger community event than in previous
years. Retired Jeffco art teachers
acted as judges of the show and
donated their honoraria to create Jury Awards to provide funding for two additional awards.
Students received the awards and
cash prizes at the April Artists’
Celebration.
The Jefferson Foundation’s 40th
Annual High School Art Show is
open to the public through Sunday,
May 15 at the Arvada Center for
the Arts and Humanities. This
annual tradition features the work
of more than 400 students from
20 high schools. The jury-selected
show awards student work in 13
Jeffco Schools art teachers install a paper sculpture at the 2011 Jefferson Foundation Art
Exhibit. (L to R) Andy Yutzy, Wheat Ridge HS; Scot Oderdahl, WarrenTech; and Torrey
Carlton, Conifer HS.
different categories. Coinciding
with The Jefferson Foundation
High School Art Show are two
shows highlighting Jeffco educators. Admission is free to the
exhibitions.
“The arts not only encourage
creative expression, they promote
careers in the arts and motivate
our students to achieve in other
academic areas. We could not
let these shows go away,” said
Tiernan.
For more information about
The Jefferson Foundation, contact
Anton Delgado 303-982-2212,
www.jeffersonfoundation.org.
All stories on this page submitted by the Jefferson Foundation.
Jeffco Schools Quarterly
14
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
Libraries get
a powerboost
T
he term Power Library in Jeffco
Public Schools means reading
rooms across the district are getting
a boost into the 21st century. The
Colorado Department of Education
and the State Library Board gives
the Power Library designation to
libraries meeting the needs of students as 21st century learners.
The Power Library Program is a
statewide program designed to bring
recognition to the role that school
library media programs and teacher
librarians play in promoting student
achievement.
Many parents and others ask what
a 21st century learner is – and the
answer, involves technology. Not
just how to use technology, which
many students have mastered before
they enter kindergarten, but how to
help students develop technology
literacy. Meaning – they become
ethical users and consumers of technology to create information and
find the answers to their questions.
The school librarian now teaches
students technology literacy, along
with the classroom teacher’s instruction. Both teachers work together to
create curriculum and use the library
as an effective and efficient space.
The books in the library are still
critical to students’ educations, but
the shelf-lined spaces are so much
more than that now.
“With so much information found
out there in cyberspace, students
must learn how to use the information they find and to also produce
information from what their research
unveils,” said Mary Beth Bazzanella,
library services coordinator for
Jeffco Schools. “Staff works with
students to learn how to confirm
Internet sources and validate the
information they find.”
For example, when students are
trying to research the effects of gravity, they learn to validate websites
and avoid search engines like Yahoo
and instead opt to visit the NASA
website.
“When most parents and grandparents used the library they searched
through books to find information
they needed,” said Bazzanella. “The
library’s now offering a chance for
students to create and share new
literacies – they’ll find digital story-telling, Wikipedia’s and Google
Docs and the Power Library is where
all of that comes together.”
Librarians still guide students on
Lukas Elementary teacher librarian Michelle Laughlin works with Garrett Laughlin (left) and Logan Gottlob on a multi-media project.
the side, empowering students to
think, to learn and to share.
The Power Library remains the
hub of a school where a lot of learning goes on, but the libraries are
teaching the staff to work in different
ways as well. “The big piece is the
collaborative teaching the librarian
has with the classroom teacher,” said
Bazzanella. “Teachers aren’t only
addressing the content, but bringing
in the technology piece and embedding it in the curriculum.”
Students learn the technology
skills they will use to be successful in a 21st century job. They’re
using a world community through
the Internet to creatively find the
information, remix or communicate
it to a much larger audience than
ever before.
Jeffco Public Schools invites
you to view a video that features
staff and students using technology in libraries and classrooms at:
http://204.98.149.236/communications/JeffcoTech.wmv
Kids – Teens – Adults
Join Jefferson County Public Library’s
Summer Reading Club
June 1 – July 31
• Fun programs
• Free books
jeffcolibrary.org/summerreading
Can the Library keep young minds
exploring all summer long?
www.jeffcopublicschools.org
15
303-235-JCPL (5275)
Online anytime at jeffcolibrary.org
May 2011
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