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Insights

Insights
Insights

October 2024 October 2024

Be Sure to Check Your Voter Registration Be Sure to Check Your Voter Registration

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Ballots for the November General Election will be mailed to all eligible voters in Douglas County beginning on Friday, October 11.


We encourage you to follow this checklist to make sure you are registered to vote and that your voter registration is up-to-date.



  • Register to vote or update your voter registration at GoVoteColorado.gov.
  • Visit this website for more voting information.

Campaign Do's and Don'ts for Staff Campaign Do's and Don'ts for Staff

With the 2024 General Election right around the corner, we want to provide district and charter school staff with a reminder about Campaign Do's and Don'ts so that our schools, district, and staff remain in compliance with the Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act and District Policy. We have developed a “Campaign Do’s and Don’ts” document that sets out what the law allows and what it prohibits. Please carefully review this document in its entirety.

DCSD's Funding Challenges

$490 million Bond will be included on the November Ballot

This Bond amount would allow the school district to restructure its debt in order to keep property taxes from increasing. The Bond would help us care for our 112 facilities to ensure our staff and students have safe and comfortable learning environments, build schools in fast-growing developments in Douglas County, upgrade safety and security in our schools, and offer additional Career and Technical Education programs. Watch the video above to learn more.


Read more about DCSD’s funding challenges.

Looking for more information on how your school would benefit if the Bond is approved by voters in November? Learn more on DCSD's Funding Needs website. Search for a school by name or click on the school image for details on specific building improvements.

Discover more Bond Overview ‘Quick Facts’ Here Discover more Bond Overview ‘Quick Facts’ Here

Important Updates and News from Around DCSD Important Updates and News from Around DCSD

There's still time to register for a Strategic Plan Kickoff Presentation!

Attend Douglas County School District's next strategic plan presentation and learn more about how the district is building upon the great work we have done. We will also talk about the future and lay the groundwork to proactively ensure we provide our students with crucial knowledge and skills.


Upcoming Sessions:

Tonight

Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Cimarron Middle School, Parker

DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED


Tomorrow

Thursday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Castle View High School, Castle Rock

DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED


Learn more and register here.

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Be Ready for Weather Delays/Closures in DCSD

It seems crazy to talk about weather delays and closures when it's still 80 degrees outside! However, 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.

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Submit Your Apple Awards Nominations!

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools continues it's tradition of honoring exceptional educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in students and are trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools. Nominate a staff member today!

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Parent University Webinar: How to Afford College

FAFSA, CASFA, OH MY! The first Parent University Webinar of the 2024-2025 school year was a success! Navigating how to pay for college can be overwhelming. Attendees heard from Colorado Department of Higher Education and DCSD panelists about financial aid and options available for your student. A recording of this webinar (and other previously recorded webinars) is available on DCSD’s Parent University Webinar website.

Sora is our online eBook and audiobook platform

Sora is our online eBook and audiobook platform that all staff can use by downloading the digital app or accessing here. Use your DCSD SSO (single sign-on) to log in. We also provide a robust magazine collection with no holds or waitlists. Click here for Sora app instructions.

Advanced Academics and Gifted Programming Updates Advanced Academics and Gifted Programming Updates

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Byrdseed TV - Renewed for another year!

  • All district staff have access to this incredible resource!

  • Ian Byrd is always uploading new videos, lessons and articles.

  • HERE is the link to access this year’s login page.

Addressing the Social Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners Fall 2024

This course is online through Canvas and meets the requirements for the social/emotional section of the Gifted Education Metro Certificate
  • Course scheduled September 12-December 12.

  • Register here.

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Candice Laviaguerre - Copper Mesa Elementary

Ever since I was a little girl, I worshiped my teachers and I played school (I always got to be the teacher, much to the dismay of my friends!). Education is my calling. My mom inspired me to follow my dreams and she taught me that doing something in service of others is the most important work we can do in our lives. I followed an unconventional plan to become a principal. I always thought I would stay in the classroom for my entire career, but an administrator who inspired me challenged me to reach beyond the scope of the classroom to have a broader effect on the system. She pushed my thinking and helped me to believe in myself as a leader.


I am most proud of refining the Professional Learning Community work in my building. After one year of supporting teachers in a more collaborative process and building a Culture of Data, we earned the John Irwin Academic Achievement Award for the first time in Copper Mesa's history!


Learn more about Principal Laviaguerre and other DCSD Principals.

Resources Resources

October Newsletter - Human Resources
October Newsletter - DCSD Advanced Academics and Gifted Ed
Request Interpretation for a Meeting or Event
Request a Smore Account
2024-2025 Academic Calendars

Events Events

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Taste of DCSD Open House

Nutrition Services will be hosting their annual Taste of DCSD Open House event on Tuesday, October 22, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Mountain Vista High School. This event is free to all and is a great opportunity to taste and provide feedback on the items being served in our schools. Come hungry!

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2024 DCSD Career Pathways EXPO

For 65 years, the Douglas County School District has been guiding students through discovery, exploration, and skill development to find a purpose and determine the best path for the future.


Attend the 2024 DCSD Career Expo on October 24 to learn about some of the offerings DCSD provides to students such as Career and Technical Education (earn hands-on experience and industry certifications while still in high school), Concurrent Enrollment (earn college credits while in high school), and Work-Based Learning experiences (gain valuable work experience while in high school). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Register here.

One Book One District
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One Book One District - Community Event

On October 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the DCSD Legacy Campus join in at the Oceans of Possibilities DCSD Community Event. Click here for more details.

One Book One District - Districtwide Toiletry Drive

The annual One Book One District toiletry drive takes place October 21 - November 8. Be sure to get your school involved to help families in need here in Douglas County.


The top three schools that collect the most items (based on student population and number of items collected) will win $1,000 for their library.


Click here for a downloadable flyer to share with families and staff.

Board of Education Board of Education

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, October 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54


See past Board Meeting summaries here.

Douglas County School District Rock Star

Congratulations to our Summer Rock Stars! Congratulations to our Summer Rock Stars!

  • Rachel Espinosa, Language Arts Teacher, STEM School Highlands Ranch
  • Emily Oerter, Professional Learning Specialist, Prairie Crossing Elementary
  • Dion Killingsworth, Director, Human Resources, Wilcox
  • Shauna Manitoken, Executive Assistant, Human Resources, Wilcox
  • Julie Naab, Administrative Assistant, Choice Programming, Inverness
  • Sherri Carlson, Assistant Principal, Iron Horse Elementary
  • Nicole Goering, School Psychologist, Timber Trail Elementary
  • Bryan Mitchell, Student Systems Delivery Lead, IT Support Center
  • Donna Rastberger, Software Engineer II, IT Support Center
  • Kelsey Parisi, SPED Teacher Moderate Needs, Castle View High School
  • Jessica Kane, Library Specialist, Mountain View Elementary
  • Lisa de la Pena, Attendance Specialist, Academic Integrity, Inverness Campus
  • Erin Wassenaar, Health Teacher & Staff Wellness Champion, Pine Grove Elementary
  • Kris Washington, Pat Thomas, Donna Ivanditto, Daniel Smith, Bus Drivers and Bus Aides, East Transportation, Buster the Bus
  • Sumer Daley, Program Manager, BASE, Cougar Run Elementary
Nominate a Rock Star Today!
Douglas County School District
www.dcsdk12.org
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