IB Newsletter - January 2026

Welcome to our first IB community newsletter. Here, we are going to highlight the amazing things our IB schools are up to each month! This newsletter contains information from Douglas County High School, Mesa Middle School, South Ridge Elementary School, and Rock Ridge Elementary School.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized education framework designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring students who think critically and act responsibly in a global context. It emphasizes academic rigor, international-mindedness, and the development of the whole child.

In this district, we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to kindergarten through 5th grade, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to 6th through 10th grade, and the Diploma Programme (DP) to 11th and 12th grade. Keep reading to learn more about these programs at our schools!

Mesa Middle School

A GREAT day outside! Sixth-grade students in Mr. Kasper's class worked hard on essential trail maintenance in support of our partners at the Town of Castle Rock. Thanks to all the students for keeping our trails beautiful!

Douglas County High School

Our students recently got back from a trip to Copenhagen! They got to learn about how. entire amusement park can be leaders in global sustainability, participate in community service project and immerse themselves in international culture.

South Ridge Elementary School

5th Grade Exhibition: May 2026

In-House Field Trips Aligned to PYP Planners:

Castle Rock Mayor Visit – Government systems
Hawk Quest – An educational, in-school program featuring live raptors, interactive activities, and props to teach 5th-grade students about birds of prey. Educational ambassadors include hawks, owls, and eagles. The mission is to educate and teach appreciation for wild things living in their natural environment and the importance of preserving our world.
Local Fire Station
Walking Field Trips along Memmon Ridge

Rock Ridge Elementary School

Upcoming Events:

6th grade exhibition (May 2026)
CSU Extension Department and the Master Gardener's Program
Castle Rock Mayor visit
Party Safari - Educational Exotic Animal Presentations (photo)
Hawk Quest: educational, in-school program featuring live raptors, interactive activities, and props to teach 5th-grade students about birds of prey. (educational ambassadors like hawks, owls, and eagles)

Sra. Seeley's MYP Spanish class working hard at Rock Ridge Elementary!!

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

January's Trait: INQUIRERS

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Douglas County High School

TOK students went on a field trip to Jazz in the Park to discuss how musicians communicate and transfer knowledge. They connected their discussions to a previous science lesson about thinking like a scientist and compared the two areas of knowledge.

Mesa Middle School

At Mesa Middle School, Ms. McDaniel's students ran experiments, and the results are in! Our scientists found ZERO germs when collecting samples from the lunch tables. Looks like we eat in the cleanest place thanks to Mr. Todd and Mr. Jordan!

Rock Ridge Elementary School

This month, we’re highlighting how students use the Inquiry Cycle to drive their learning and strengthen their Communication Skills. From asking meaningful questions to sharing their findings with others, learners are developing confidence as communicators and collaborators—key components of the IB PYP framework.

Inquiry Cycle: Encourage students to reflect on their inquiries and identify new questions they want to explore next.
Communication Skills: Provide opportunities for students to present their learning to authentic audiences—peers, families, or the school community.

Students who are inquirers...

I can listen when someone is talking.
I can take turns when I speak and listen.
I can share my ideas clearly.
I can use different ways (words, visuals, technology) to communicate.
I can organize my ideas to make my message strong.
Asking open-ended, complex questions ("How does this affect...?", "Why does this matter?") instead of just "what" questions.
Using diverse resources (primary sources, interviews, digital tools) to find answers.
Applying their learning to solve real-world problems, create something new, or advocate for change.

Key Concepts (South Ridge Elementary)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Key Concepts are fundamental ideas that help students explore and understand the world around them. They are not specific to a particular subject but instead serve as a framework for inquiry and learning across the IB curriculum.

The IB Key Concepts include:

Form: What is it like?
Function: How does it work?
Causation: Why is it as it is?
Change: How is it transforming?
Connection: How is it linked to other things?
Perspective: What are the points of view?
Responsibility: What are our obligations?

Action (South Ridge Elementary)

In the IB, Action is an essential part of learning that encourages students to take what they’ve learned and use it to make a difference. Whether it’s showing kindness to a friend, starting a recycling initiative at home, or sharing new knowledge with others, action allows students to connect their learning to the real world in meaningful ways. At school, we support students in recognizing opportunities to act and reflect on how their actions can impact others. Through action, students grow as caring, responsible, and active members of their communities.

IBPO - DCHS

DCHS has an IB Parent Organization called the IBPO, which puts on events such as the Ice Cream Social, Junior Induction, and more! While this group is currently only at the high school level, they would be interested in expanding their members to include those from the IB feeder schools. More information on how to get involved coming soon!

If you are interested in learning more about each school and their IB programs, please contact the IB Coordinators listed below, or visit the school’s IB website! Click on the program logos below to visit the official IBO website.