DCSD Quarterly

As we begin the third quarter of the school year, DCSD would like to wish our students, school communities and staff a very happy new year!

Many DCSD middle and high schools will be administering the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey to students in January 2026. The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey is a voluntary, statewide survey administered every two years to gather information about the health and well-being of Colorado’s youth. The survey covers topics including unintentional injuries and violence, mental health, school safety, substance use, physical activity and nutrition, and risk and protective factors. The results help state and local organizations better understand the youth they serve and enhance their ability to support youth in making healthy choices.

Students will receive the survey during class time (your school will provide the exact date of the survey administration along with instructions on how to opt out if you wish to do so). Students will be encouraged to skip any questions they don’t understand or don’t feel comfortable answering. Student privacy is protected, and no identifying information will be collected. Only your child will know their responses.

If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, your school will provide opt-out instructions. Students who are not participating in the survey will be given specific, alternative instructions during the survey administration period. There is no penalty for declining to participate.

Click below to view a copy of the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey as it will be administered in your child's school.

• High School Survey.

• Middle School Survey.

The new year means new groundbreakings as DCSD moves ahead with school construction thanks to funding from the 2024 Bond! Groundbreakings for the beginning of the year include:

• Wednesday, January 14, 4:30 p.m., Future Elementary School 51 (Sterling Ranch)

• Wednesday, January 28, 4:30 p.m., Sierra Middle School Expansion
• Wednesday, February 4, 4:30 p.m., Future Elementary School 50 (RidgeGate/Lyric)
• Wednesday, February 24, 4:30 p.m., Douglas County HS Cosmetology Program

Learn more about all of the groundbreaking events on DCSD's funding website. Stay updated on districtwide improvements on our interactive bond map.

During the spring, DCSD administers Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests. These are part of the system of statewide tests in English language arts, math, science and social studies that are given to all Colorado students in grades three through eight and 11 (science only in high school). Learn more about the role of assessments in schools and FAQ's about CMAS.

The purpose and value of CMAS is that these assessments are the only common measuring tool for Colorado students. Measuring real-world skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, the tests are aligned to classroom work so teachers do not have to “teach to the test.” Instruction based on the standards is the best preparation.

CMAS testing is scheduled for the month of April this year. Please be looking for information in the next few months from the school where your child is enrolled about preparing and taking CMAS tests.

Interested in attending a school other than your assigned neighborhood school?

The second round of open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year runs January 22 - August 3.

Winter will be here before we know it! Douglas County School District takes the safety of our students, staff, parents and community members seriously. Our district is huge - spanning approximately 850 square miles - and conditions can vary from one region to another.

Because many of our families and staff travel across the school district, any weather delay or closure will apply to the entire school district (unless otherwise indicated). Read more about how weather delays and closures are determined in DCSD.

Discover all things automation, electrical, control, manufacturing, and more, from industry leaders. This hands-on event is fun for all ages!

Thursday, January 15

3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

DCSD Legacy Campus

10035 S. Peoria Street, Lone Tree

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 5:00 p.m.

DCSD Legacy Campus

10035 S. Peoria Street, Lone Tree

Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54

Read past Board Meeting Summaries

Learn more about DCSD's Board of Education

The Colorado Department of Education has created a new page specifically for families. It contains information about all things gifted in Colorado. Find this resource HERE.

DCSD is excited to launch a Twice Exceptional (2e) Advisory Cadre. We are seeking dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to join our inaugural group. The cadre will work collaboratively to provide recommendations to DCSD leadership to support twice-exceptional students. More details are available in the DCSD Advanced Academics & Gifted Ed Newsletter linked below.

The new year is a great time to spruce up those reading and study skills! Visit DCL.org/parents to learn about all the ways Douglas County Libraries supports emerging, reluctant and practiced readers. Kids from Kindergarten through high school can also get live homework help at DCL.org/research/students. It’s a great time to learn with DCL!

Share good news about students, schools, staff and alumni and DCSD will celebrate district news each week in our Week In Review newsletter. Please submit good news here or use the QR code to submit.