December 14, 2015 - Denver Christian Schools

DENVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
Board of Trustees
December 14, 2015
6:00 PM –Teller
I.
Welcome
II.
Opening Devotions- Trevor Nydam
III.
Review and Acceptance of Agenda
a. The agenda was accepted.
IV.
Review of Minutes
a. Minutes were approved
V.
Consent Agenda Items- None
VI.
Executive Team Reports (see attached reports)
A. Academics
B. Student life
C. Community life
D. Marketing
E. Admissions
F. Public Relations/Press
G. Business Office (Finance, Facilities, HR)
VII.
Board Items
A. Old Business
1) ReNew update – Jen Kawasaki provided an update. The new stores success
continues and the financial burden on the school continues to be decreased.
B. New Business
none
Public Comment (visitors please submit topics to [email protected] at least
two days prior to the meeting)
a. No public comments
VIII.
IX.
Closing Prayer- Jen Kawasaki
X.
Adjournment
December 2015 Board Report
Academics
Overview
Academics at DCS are going very well. Teachers are challenging students and being
innovative with their pedagogy and technology usage; students are engaged actively
learning, and happy. Our teachers have really appreciated and benefitted from the
professional development that we have provided: Barbara Newman (CLC and Inclusive
Ed), Chris Moore (Technology -- student blogging), Patrick Boyd (Promethean),
Lauralee Veenstra (Discovery Ed). Additionally, Glenn Vos and Ray Vander Laan
encouraged the teachers in Christian education.
Assessment
Teachers are being evaluated regularly by the principals through the ELEOT classroom
observation tool (formal) and classroom visits (informal). They each have goals on their
teacher improvement plans that they are working on with their principal; final
assessment will happen in January on these goals (new goals set in February).
Teacher Evaluation Plan -- Each year every teacher is evaluated on goals mutually set
with their principal, additional data used in the evaluation are ELEOTs and classroom
visit notes, standardized testing, parent comments to principals and on parent survey,
and a principal review of each staff member. We are also working to establish an
external review every few years by an educational expert who spends a few days
looking at our teaching/learning with outside eyes. A description of the Teacher
Evaluation Plan is at the link below.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vnsXFwGmiPrPWSzbWp71dfLBXUEWQupj3ocRi
F67nC8/edit?usp=sharing
MAP Testing -- We conducted our fall MAP Testing on all K-8 students. These results,
summarized below, were used in parent teacher conferences and to set goals for
students. Spring MAP testing will occur for grades K-12 at the end of April.
Fall 2015
Grade
Math
DCS (National)
Reading
DCS (National)
1
175.1 (162.4)
171.2 (160.7)
2
190.1 (176.9)
188 (174.7)
Language Arts
DCS (National)
188 (174.5)
3
198.8 (190.4)
196.3 (188.3)
200.5 (189.4)
4
211.8 (201.9)
209.1 (198.2)
210 (198.8)
5
218.7 (211.4)
211.8 (205.7)
212.7 (205.6)
6
221.7 (217.6)
218.3 (211)
217 (210.7)
7
226.8 (222.6)
221.6 (214.4)
220.8 (214)
8
241.6 (226.3)
232.2 (217.2)
231.7 (216.2)
ACT / PSAT Testing -- We offer two college entrance tests on campus for our students.
Seniors took the ACT on September 29 at DCS and juniors took the PSAT on October
14. The ACT results were very positive; the PSAT results have not been returned yet.
September 2015*
Eng
CO
Eng
DCS
Math
CO
Math
DCS
Readi
ng CO
Readi
ng
DCS
Scienc Scienc Comp
e CO
e DCS CO
Comp
DCS
20.2
24
20.4
25.1
21
24.9
20.8
24.6
23.9
20.7
*These are the results from the ACT given in September. Many students have taken the ACT multiple
times to improve these scores. When the “superscores” are figured our scores will increase even more.
Student Surveys -- the high school students were surveyed about academics and
community life. Administration, the School Improvement Team, and Student Council are
all reviewing these results. This is the 2nd year that we have surveyed the students with
this tool. These results affirm that the high school students are enjoying their DCS
experience and are engaged in learning. A summary is found at the link below.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cs2rIZbzFFMJckZsXlvGfdExikhwGOhTN4HA5OIr
03w/edit?usp=sharing
Parent Survey -- the School Improvement Team is working to update the parent survey
and plans to send this out again in January.
Academic Initiatives
Our main academic initiative this year is the Inclusion program; we have four students
(and 2 para-professionals) currently in this program. We are evaluating this pilot
program to make recommendations for the future.
STEM -- We have increased our STEM education focus with a Tinker Lab in the
elementary; this program, led by Lauralee Veenstra, provides the foundation for future
STEM courses. We have been able to designate a STEM area in the elementary with
the computer lab, breakout space, and Tinker Lab. Mrs. Veenstra is able to utilize all
areas in her teaching, and classroom teachers are able to bring classes to that space
for enrichment.
College / Career -- With staffing changes this summer, we have had to develop a team
approach to our college/career counseling. Ben DeNooy, Jennifer Jackson-Gustafson,
and Lauren Dornisch (intern) have really helped to work with seniors (fall term) and
juniors (winter term). We have made the decision to implement a college/career
program called OverGrad (overgrad.com) to help students identify their strengths and
match them to a college or career. We are excited about launching this program on
Friday, 12/11.
Summary
As we see from the classroom observations, standardized testing, and student surveys,
students love school, are actively learning, and enjoy their DCS experience. We are
having a great year academically, and it has been a pleasure to work with the
staff/faculty and students at DCS.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Kortenhoeven
December 2014 - January 2015 Board Report - Student
Life
God is good. Things are going really well with the office of Student Life. It’s starting to feel like
we’re hitting our stride mostly. Still a work in progress, but things are going really well. One of
the biggest themes for me right now is “student culture” and the continued conversation about
helping shape student culture. Student culture as of right now is positive and full of faith, but I
would love to see it improve.
On a side note, I have really enjoyed working with Carrie Johnson. She has been an incredible
blessing and addition to our team.
1. Restorative Practices. This is still a topic of conversation amongst our staff and students.
This has been officially launched with our staff and we have had a couple of trainings with
our staff and many are implementing what they learned into their classrooms. The next step
is to take this full system wide, make it part of the teacher evaluation process and work on
more training. I’ve included, again, my working document. (http://goo.gl/WbtZPa)
a. I still spend quite a bit of my time working on student conduct and discipline. But with
this new focus, the conversations with students and teachers have really changed,
for the better.
2. Senior class retreat was amazing!! I continue to meet with the seniors throughout the
year, in fact, we met yesterday for lunch and a neat devotional. I also gave them a
devotional book designed for young Christian leaders that are making the transitions from
high school to college. (http://growingleaders.com/store/product/habitudes-for-the-journey/)
3. Student trips
a. Washington D.C. over spring break. This trip is official and we have approximately
15 students/chaperones attending. Not quite the number we wanted, we wanted 25,
but this is still going to be an awesome trip and those that are attending are very,
very excited. Here is a link to the letter I sent with all the details
(http://goo.gl/CXvSug)
b. Rehoboth for 8th grade. Plans are coming together for the trip to Rehoboth. That
trip is near the end of the school year.
c. Exploring options for next year for a 6th grade retreat (7th grade goes to
IdRaHaJe every year right at the beginning of school, powerful trip for sure!!)
4. “Hallway Heroes” program is underway. We have had a few more Hallway Heroes
heroes come through and it’s been a real treat. It’s great to see more male role models
making their way through our hallways.
5. After school clubs (adding more after the break)
a. Strategic Kids has had a great few weeks with their after school Chess and Lego
clubs and we look forward to the launch of our after school Art Club.
b. Spanish club. After Christmas break we are adding a Spanish club, taught by our
middle school Spanish teacher, Mrs. Mayen. Looking forward to that for sure.
c. Art club. The after school art club continues to mee.
6. Staff evaluation tool. Steve, Rich and I have been test driving a new staff evaluation tool.
So far we have tested it in a few classrooms. We really like the tool and its potential to
impact learning at DCS. Steve has details in his report.
● Social Media. I continue to manage all the social media for Denver Christian Schools and I
really enjoy it. Here are the different avenues I manage.
○ Alumni Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DenverChristianSchoolsAlumni
○ DCS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DenverChristianSchools
○ Student Life Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dcsstudentlife
○ DCS Twitter account: https://twitter.com/DC_Schools
○ Student Life Twitter account: https://twitter.com/lifeatdcs
○ DCS Instagram account: http://instagram.com/denverchristian (goal is to post a
picture a day.)
Tyler Amidon
Director of Student Life
Board Report
Director of Community Life
December 2015
ADMISSIONS
● Open Houses were held on October 19 and 20. In addition to tours, displays, and
activities planned by teachers, I was impressed with a student/teacher/parent panel that
highlighted what makes DC so special.
● DC Experience Day was held on Nov. 4 and several tours and shadow days have taken
place. Carrie J. continues to lead the way with our interested families. Ten new
students are set to start after our Christmas break!
● Our application process was reviewed by our leadership team with some changes to
make our enrollment process more inviting.
● “Move Up” evening is being planned for Jan. 11. We are targeting those transition points
of preschool into kindergarten, 5th grade into middle school, and 8th grade into high
school.
STAFF/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
● What a difference the space of a gym is making! We are especially appreciating the
space for chapels and our PK-12 faith team gatherings. Our gyms will continue to grow
into the hub of our DC community.
● Mark W. and Davina P. presented first term programs in HS and MS Band and Choirs.
Well done!
● DC Auction on November 7 was a huge success for our DC Community. It was a great
night filled with laughter, fun, and committment to DC. Committee led by Elizabeth
Monaco and Jane Nydam did an awesome job!
● Ray Vander Laan led an excellent in-service for our staff on December 4 followed by a
great community event that evening. Ray’s message encouraged me and I hope others
about the importance of doing Christian education.
● I am looking forward to some fun Christmas events. Our grades 3-5 are preparing hard
for their Christmas musical on Dec. 14 at Southern Gables Church and our grades PK-2
will lead a Christmas Chapel/Assembly on the morning of Dec. 18.
COMMUNITY LIFE
I am so appreciative of our Parent Association and the way they continue to accomplish their
goals of building community and supporting and encouraging our staff and students.
● Our annual Fall Festival was a huge success
● Room moms and classroom volunteers are assisting teachers and supporting our
classrooms
● Grandparent’s Day drew over 200 Grandparents and Friends to our classrooms and our
gym for a PK-12 assembly
● Mom’s and their sons got to know each other better with an afternoon of bowling
● A Christmas Lunch is being planned to treat our staff as well as birthday and Christmas
gifts from our generous parents.
Plans are now underway to launch a Volunteer Coordinator Program in the new year. We
hope to make our community better aware of the volunteer opportunities that we have at DC.
Our coordinator will help the various groups and event planners to identify volunteer needs and
direct our volunteers to a central sign in place. We will start tracking our volunteer hours to
show our community the difference our volunteers make and the encouragement they can be.
As volunteers become more aware of our needs and the benefits of volunteering into the DC
community, we hope to create a volunteer culture at DC that helps all to see volunteering at DC
as a wise investment.
PK-5
●
●
I believe communication has improved as we introduced the role of principals back into
our administrative structure. I am more in touch with the needs of staff, students, and
parents than I was last year at this time.
I am thankful for the staff I work with and the dedication and care they put into their
students and classrooms. We are currently reviewing teacher goals and the progress
they have made toward those goals. In January we will set new goals for staff as they
work towards continually improving.
I want to say a huge THANK YOU to the DC Board for your dedication and commitment to
Denver Christian Schools. Thank you for serving and treating us in such a special way last
Saturday night at the Board/Staff Christmas Party. It was a great night for staff/board relations
and a great night to be a part of the DC family. From someone who has been around a few
years I can say it has not always felt like we were pulling in the same direction. I have felt a
change the last few years that has encouraged me. I am honored and humbled that you have
placed your trust in me to serve the students, staff, and parents of Denver Christian. Your
support is a huge encouragement. I pray for a Blessed Christmas season for you and your
families.
Respectfully submitted,
Rich Schemper
Director of Community Life
PK-5 Principal
MARKETING UPDATE
December 9, 2015
1. Mission Advancement Team
a. May - Dec. 2015 MAT Implementations
i. Revised a simplified Event Form to capture all events in the DCS
Community (fine arts, community activities, fundraising, summer
programs, external events, etc.) Event form is now available online
through the Teacher link
ii. To date, approximately 28 forms have been submitted for scheduling
iii. Addition of Lauralee Veenstra and Amy Luinstra to the MAT Team to
focus on website efforts
2. BRAND
a. Branding Standards – Revised Branding standards to delete the “s” from the
word “Schools” and provide direction for internal, as well as external use. Logos
and standard parameters available online for faculty and staff
b. Branding Summit: Still plan to schedule a “Branding Summit” with Lance Jackson,
DCS administration (ED Team, MAT Team, Lead teachers). The purpose of this
conference is to provide
i. The overall Vision set forth by Lance Jackson
ii. A comprehensive understanding of “Inspired, Equipped Engaged” and
how we, as administrators can explain and share this with others in the
Community
3. ENROLLMENT MARKETING
a. 2015-2016 Marketing Efforts Calendar - produced a comprehensive media
calendar to include radio, newspaper, direct mail, print advertising, online, and
sponsorships.
b. KLOVE messaging August 10 - November 22 - messages supported DC Open
House and DC Experience events, as well as general messaging to drive traffic to
the website to register for events or schedule a tour. Messages staggered with
MIX 100.3 FM to capture Christian and secular audiences with a demographic of
women 25-54 with school-aged children
c. MIX 100 FM - Messaging August 3 - October 25 - messages supporters the DC
Open House and DC Experience events, as well as general messaging. Messages
were more specifically targeted during “The Dom Testa Show.” Advertising
specifically targeted from 7:30 - 8:00 am during carpool derivative, as well as
during the popular “Mindbender” segment. Approximately 540,000 weekly
listeners will hear daily targeted messaging of DCS. Messaging staggered with
KLOVE during their pledge drive when advertising space was not available.
d. Print Advertising - running 1/2 page, 4-color ads in two targeted publications
i. Solterra Living magazine - neighborhood within five mile radius of DCS.
Neighborhood does not have a designated elementary school for its
families. Perfect opportunity for Denver Christian to advertise its
proximity to the area. Currently, six DCS families reside in the Solterra
neighborhood. Initial advertising was a 1/2, black and white ad. First
publication of a color ad was in December.
ii. Colorado Parent Magazine - DCS was named a “Top Five Favorite” in
private schools in 2015. DCS is advertising with this designation
throughout the publication, as well as in other advertising efforts.
iii. Community Newspapers - currently no advertising has been placed in
local newspaper. However, marketing dollars allow this and initial
planning includes advertising in The Villager, Colorado Community
Newspapers (Lakewood Sentinel, Littleton Independent, Golden
Transcript, etc.). Also slated for 2016 are ad placements in community
newsletters/newspapers - Grant Ranch Community Newsletter and Life at
Ken Caryl.
e. Direct Mail - planning three direct mail programs throughout the year to focus
on marketing DCS Open House and DC Experience events.
i. Mail drop #1 - October and November Open Houses - delivered to
approximately 4,800 homes within a 10 mile radius of DCS
ii. Mail drop #2 - scheduled drop 12/15. Will mail to approximately 9,600
homes. Added two new areas - Golden and Ken Caryl
iii. Mail drop #3 - scheduled to drop either late February or early March
2016 pending Open House dates
f. Parent Previews - Open Houses and “DC Experience”
i. Hosted DC Experience events April 22 and April 28. Both events were
smaller in attendance and hosted by Carrie Johnson and Rich Schemper.
ii. Planned and implemented three Fall Parent Preview dates
1. October 19 and October 20 Open Houses. Specifically directed to
families in PK, 5th and 8th grade who may be considering
transitioning to another school
2. November 4 - DC Experience scheduled and implemented. Carrie
Johnson and Rich Schemper hosted prospective families.
3. Winter events in process - January 11 and February 18 Open
House dates scheduled and will be published in advertising starting
December 15; DC Experience event scheduled for January 20.
4. Spring events in process - April 20 DC Experience scheduled; Open
House events TBD
g. 5280 School Fair - Denver Museum of Nature and Science
i. Booth presence October 17 with approx. 30 other private schools (PK-12)
in the Denver Metro area.
h. Online Advertising - “Mommy Blog”
i. Will begin advertising through banner ads on Macaroni Kids local
blog/website in January 2016
ii. Debbie Fitzgerald will collaborate with MC to write stories about Denver
Christian School to build additional awareness in the “mommy blog”
community
iii. Successes may lead to expansion of efforts. Current advertising will focus
on Lakewood families only.
4. OUTREACH AND PR:
a. PR Opportunities (Debbie Fitzgerald)
i. Kick off of 100th year, April 2015 - 9News presence at the April 16, 2015 100th
year celebration event at DCS. Story ran during the 4:30 pm news segment.
ii. Solterra Living article - Sponsor Spotlight included story about Denver Christian
School and the new location close to the Solterra neighborhood. Highlighted
photos of current DCS families. Printed in the December 2015 issue.
iii. WT Cafe overview - sending PR pitches to various newspaper and television
outlets about healthy lunches and the WT Cafe (tentative interest from FOX31
news but hasn't come to fruition yet
iv. Colorado Parent Best of Private Schools (for additional coverage) - DCS was a
finalist in the Colorado Parent “Best of Private Schools” section.
v. Best Private Schools web site
vi. MAP scores
vii. DC Auction (calendar listings)
viii.
Ray VanderLaan event (calendar listings)
ix. January Calvin series (tentative interest from Lakewood Sentinel)
x. ReNew Grand Opening - worked with Jen Kawasaki on press releases for the regrand opening of ReNew
xi. General pitches to tour school (several sent throughout the year)
b. 100th Year Celebration - 5/16/2015 (follow up)
i. Event held at The Wildlife Experience 6:30 - 10:00 pm, Alumni “meet and
greet” beginning at 6:00 pm
ii. Slide show and entertainment provided by Jeremi and Amy Richardson
(Avalon) and the cast from DCHS production “The Little Mermaid”
throughout the evening
iii. Approximately 400 guests attended event
c. Ray Vander Laan Event - December 4
i. Invited guests to listen to Ray Vander Laan speak about ‘The Word
Became Flesh”
ii. Invitations sent to DC family pastors, Focus on the Family, and DC
families and community
iii. Approximately 200 guests in attendance; majority of guests were NOT DC
affiliated (furthest attendees from Steamboat, CO)
iv. Secondary purpose of event - Capital Campaign end-of-year giving
d. HeavenFest - August 7-8, 2015
i. Participated in Gold Sponsorship - booth presence during event
ii. Offered one-year tuition to family through a “register to win” name
gathering
iii. Event prompted production of a promotional video. Two and a half
minute video available online, as well as for school fairs
iv. Decided we were not interested in sponsorship for the 2016 eventdemographic did not fit with enrollment needs
v. Good opportunity for overall awareness of Denver Christian School, but
not for a call-to-action (demographic fit)
5. ONLINE PRESENCE
a. First Link Technologies and Lauralee Veenstra continue to update the Denver
Christian websites. Two websites reside - Marketing and Community
i. Marketing Website continues to focus on general information about
Denver Christian and enrollment. Addition of banners to highlight events
on home page implemented
ii. Marketing website receives continuous updates
iii. Community Specific Site - new Community site in process. Will go live
soon.
6. 2016 PLANNING
a. 100th Birthday Celebration - April 23rd
i. Event location - Seawell Ballroom, Downtown Denver. 6:00 - 10:00 pm.
ii. Tentative entertainment - Avalon and key note speaker* (speaker will
confirm February 1, 2016)
iii. Primary focus - celebration of the 100th anniversary of the inception of
Denver Christian School (1916 - 2016)
iv. Secondary focus - continued Capital Campaign efforts for the athletic
fields and Fine Arts Center
b. Sponsorship Proposal
i. Provide an “annual” sponsorship opportunity rather than asking potential
sponsors for money for major events multiple times a year
ii. Sponsorship would include three major (Fall, Winter, Spring) events, plus
Booster Club/athletic presence (DC Dash, Fall Auction, Spring fundraiser,
sporting events, etc.)
iii. Proposal due for presentation January-February 2016
c. 2016-2017 Marketing Planning
i. Would like to engage in discussions with people about new marketing
opportunities for the 2016-2017 school year.
ii. Propose new ideas in additional to traditional advertising (radio, DM,
print, etc.) that could bring new opportunities for enrollment (i.e. JeffCo
new development and Littleton new development - welcome packets,
further explore relocation guides, re-establish “boots on the ground”
efforts, etc.)
iii. Better marketing tracking - Would like to get a better understanding of
how DCS tracks advertising to enrollment. Want to establish a better
process of tracking conversion (ad recognition - “where did you hear
about us” to tour to registration). Want to work more closely with Carrie
Johnson in how she tracks this and how it can help in marketing efforts
and vice versa.
Denver Christian School - Marketing Efforts 2015-2016
6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2
9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 1
8 15 22 29 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2
Description
Radio KLVD - KLOVE
Placement based on general awareness, as
well as DC Experience and special events
(Open Houses, Fall Festival). 6 spots/week
(MWF) and 4 spots/week (TTH) alternating
weeks throughout the school year
Mix 100.3
Placement 3 weeks prior to DC Experience, 16
times a week. Additional 3-week placement
before school starts to capture last-minute
enrollment and summer Open House schedule
4x 9x 4x
4x 9x 4x
16 16 16
x x x
4x 9x 4x 9x
16 16 16
x x x
9x 4x 9x 4x
4x 9x 4x 9x
16 16 16
x x x
16 16 16
x x x
Direct Mail Direct Mail message sent three-four weeks
prior to DC Experience/Open House dates.
Messaging to include DC Experience 3x
(November 4, January 20, April 27) and evening
Open House dates. Fourth mailing TBD
Print Colorado Parent Magazine - 1/2 page ad, 4Solterra Living - 1/2 page ad, BW thru Nov. 4color moving forward.
Grant Ranch Community Newsletter - 1/4 page,
4-color ad (4x/year)
Life at Ken Caryl Community Newsletter - 1/8
pg., BW (8x/year)
The Villager Newspaper - 1/8 pg., color
Online Macaroni Kids Mommy Blog - three month
Sponsorships Heaven Fest - August 7-8, 2015 Bandimere
Event Calendars KLOVE 99.1 Christian Contemporary
TOTAL Advertising
1
Family Favorites Back-To-School Health & Safety
Education Guide/Family Volunteering
TBD
TBD
TBD
9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27
Admissions Report to the Board
December 14, 2015
September 2015 to Present
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“New Family 101” New Family DC Orientation in September
October Open House (15 families) & November DC Experience (5 families) for
prospective students
Club USA Collaboration – Information DC Table in the Club
4 new students enrolled since September, 7 withdrew (5 not related to satisfaction of
Denver Christian performance
Enrollment inquiry levels at or above last year during this period
Over 30 tours for potential new families
14 shadow students during this period
Admissions consultation with Educational Logistics Incorporated and other area
Christian schools
Currently
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Currently finalizing enrollment for 11 new students who will begin attending in January
2016 (compared to 0 new students beginning in January 2015).
Final Preparations for Re-enrollment period (December 11- January 15)
Ongoing Preparations for New Family Admission Events upcoming
Final revisions to our Enrollment Application and Process (given consultations
referenced above)
Revisions to Website Admissions pages (given consultations referenced above)
Updating the International Students Program for 2016-2017
Planning for the creation of an Admissions Volunteer Team
Upcoming
•
•
•
•
Shadow Ambassador training for our current students to help equip our students to be
exemplary hosts for potential and new students
January 11 “Next Steps” - Informative night for current preschool, 5th and 8th grade
families previewing what to expect for the following “next step” year
January 11 “Open House” for prospective students and families
January 20 DC Experience returns for prospective families
Summary
I believe that to date we are ahead of last year during this same time for both re-enrollment
and new student enrollment. The early months of 2016 in particular will be wonderfully busy in
Admissions as parents begin planning for the 2016-2017 school year. Our efforts are to retain
and gain as many current and new students and families as possible! Please pray!
Merry Christmas,
Carrie Johnson
Denver Christian School PR Report
Debbie Fitzgerald
December 9, 2015
Kick off of 100th year, April 2015
• Worked to secure Mayor of Lakewood to attend event
• Worked with Mayor of Denver office to secure Colorado Education Secretary
attendance at event
• Worked with Colorado Governor Hickenlooper’s office & Denver Mayor Hancock’s
office to secure official ‘framable’ Proclamations from each
• Draft ‘Letter to the Editor’ & submit to Denver Post & Lakewood Sentinel
• Press release drafted & distributed
• Media alert drafted & distributed
• Pitch letter drafted & distributed to all Denver area media
• Hosted 9News/KUSA (NBC affiliates) education reporter Nelson Garcia & camera
crew at event
• Greenwood Villager story re: 100th anniversary & overview of DC
• Hosted Lakewood Sentinel reporter Clarke Reader for tour of school & 100th
birthday story; provided background information & photos
• Resulting news stories with 9News/KUSA (NBC affiliate) and the Lakewood
Sentinel
Governor Hickenlooper’s #StateofKind Submission
• Work with Tyler Amidon re: # of acts of kindness by DC students
• Submit to Governor’s #StateofKind initiative
• Share tweet from #StateofKind twitter handle about DC
Colorado Parent Magazine
• Work with them on Best Private School distinction
• Post on social media
General pitches to tour school
• several sent throughout the year)
WT Cafe overview
• Kim Laga interviewed
• Pitch written
• Tentative interest from FOX31 news but hasn't come to fruition yet
Thebestschool.org web site
• Draft overview of DC & email to thebestschools.org editor
Heaven Fest
• Coordination meetings
• Volunteer discussions
• Video production, review/approvals
• Review contract
1
DC Dash
• Outreach to local media re: story
• Submit media calendar listings
MAP scores/DC Education outreach
• Outreach to area media & Lakewood Sentinel re: test scores story
DC Auction
• Media calendar listing submissions
Ray VanderLaan event
• Media calendar listing submissions
January Calvin series
• Media calendar listing submissions
• Pitches sent to Denver Post & Lakewood Sentinel
• Tentative interest from Lakewood Sentinel
Solterra Neighborhood Communication
• Draft article with photos of DC Solterra families
Renew Grand Opening
• Draft flyer
• Draft press release & communication for web site; work with Renew partners to
ensure all approved
• Brainstorm additional ways to get the word out to the community
Recruitment Opps/DC Experience Events
• Brainstorm ways to get the word out to the community
• Discuss communication to families rumored to be possibly returning
• Discuss planning all-out push with area churches/AWANA/MOPS programs)
• Discuss Lakewood realtor/City of Lakewood ‘welcome packs’; continued
outreach
• Discuss new Lakewood development in 2016 & possible outreach
• Discuss outreach to Stapleton families
DC Blog
• Brainstorm additional content ideas
• Contact 4-5 teachers with interview questions for ‘Teacher Feature’
• Work with Mr. Dirksen & Mrs. Zietse for feature; draft stories & obtain photos
• Work with Donaldson family for ‘new family feature’; draft story & obtain photo
New Gymnasiums
• Brainstorm launch event
• Communication with Brant Epperhart re: community outreach re: use of
gymnasiums
• Discuss 2016 plan
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Mommy Blog program
• Contact Macaroni Kids Lakewood/Littleton Publisher
• Discuss advertising, feature story and subscriber/social media push cost for
January 2016 launch
Social Media Exposure
• Brainstorm content
• Discussion re: starting a ‘Next Door’ account & conducting community outreach via
this social media platform
Community Partnerships
• Brainstorm additional ways to educate the community about DC through partnership
like the one we have with Club USA
• Talk about push to surrounding businesses
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
• Brainstorm appealing to influential families in the area
• Discuss PR around 2016 Capital Campaign & speaker
100TH YEAR OPPORTUNITIES
• Brainstorm ideas surrounding 100 year celebrate, ideas include:
A DC challenge between classrooms, or with another school
Do ‘100’ of something that would make a big splash
Give back to the community in a HUGE way & celebrate on April 16, 2016/make the
announcement
Discussion/Planning for April 16 ‘Give Back to the Community with 100
incorporated’ event and possible Kirk Cousins appearance:
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