Insights

DCSD recently celebrated the groundbreaking for a new automotive program at Highlands Ranch High School. This will be the first DCSD automotive program on the west side of I-25, making the program more accessible to students across Douglas County. Thank you again to our amazing community for saying yes to the 2024 Bond, which is making this possible!

To learn more about how Bond dollars are being spent, visit our interactive bond map.

It's a feast unlike any other. DCSD Nutrition Services has chopped, mixed and baked numerous delicious options for the annual Taste of DCSD. Parents, students and DCSD staff were all welcome to come sample some of the tastiest offerings our school lunch program has to offer.

Show your DCSD pride by displaying a "Proud to Be DCSD" window cling on your vehicle from the supply that was delivered to your school. Please take one and display it proudly on your vehicle (they're free for staff). Yes, there is an incentive! As DCSD leadership visits schools, we will randomly select staff vehicles with the window cling to receive a special prize. Prizes will be delivered to your school's front office!

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.

I grew up in a family of educators and knew I wanted to be an educator on my first day of kindergarten. My mom, Phyllis, taught at my elementary school and my father, Doug McFarland, was a principal right here in Douglas County! He began his administrative career at Sedalia Elementary and then later opened Northridge Elementary and also Cresthill Middle School. My older sister, Kimberly, went into teaching as well. Every night our dinner table conversations were surrounded by how the school day was for all of us.

Learn more about Principal Molly Milley on our Principal Profiles page.

Congratulations to Mountain Vista's Natalie Barnard for being named the 2025 Journalism Adviser of the Year by the Colorado Student Media Association. Barnard received an unprecedented 14 nominations. Her nomination packet included support letters from current students, former students, parents and colleagues. Learn more about Barnard's teaching and the lasting impact on her students, including her Faces of DCSD spotlight video.

The DCSD Notebook podcast has a new episode now available about Leadership in Athletics and Activities. Listen to the newest discussion about student engagement and involvement in athletics and activities.

Listen to all of the podcasts on DCSD Notebook here. You can also find The DCSD Notebook on your favorite podcast streaming app, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music/Audible.

Join in their annual culture and community night as they celebrate 25 years of greatness!

Thursday, November 6

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

10345 Arrowwood Drive

Highlands Ranch

Twice Exceptional Modules (mini courses) are now available to ALL staff!

• Learn more about the modules.

• Title II funds are available for a half day to support a substitute for participants.

• Understanding the Twice Exceptional is a prerequisite for the modules.

• All modules count toward the 10 SPED credits for relicensure.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse & Gifted Series (CLD & Gifted Courses)

Three courses will be offered this year in the Fall and in the Spring. FAQ's and learn more.

Thank you to The Foundation for Douglas County Schools for once again sponsoring One Book One District, a vibrant celebration of literacy and community. Now in its fifth year, the One Book One District initiative continues to grow as a beloved, unifying event that fosters literacy, creativity and connection throughout our entire school community.

This year, the chosen book, To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell, will encourage exploration of habitats, ecosystems, and the important values of perseverance and mentorship. Learn more here. Join us for the virtual author visit with Matthew Cordell on Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00 a.m. Sign up to receive the Google meeting link or live stream details.

Reading connects us all! Enjoy the book in Spanish, Russian and Chinese. Viewers can also watch Superintendent Erin Kane bring the story to life with captions. View the read aloud videos here!

Colorado Gives Day is the biggest giving event in the state and it’s an opportunity for you to join other Coloradans who are coming together to make a meaningful impact. This year, your gift will help to enrich learning, empower future leaders and ensure our schools remain vibrant, forward-thinking environments.

Early Giving Starts Saturday, November 1!

From November 1-December 9, every donation you make is boosted by a $1M+ Incentive Fund, thanks to the Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank giving us a share based on our percentage of total raised. Plus, if you set up a new monthly recurring donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly gift up to $100 (and up to $250K total across all organizations)! It’s an exciting way for you to double the impact of your continued support. Visit our donation page. Click "donate" and choose to do a one-time donation or select the option for a monthly donation. If you select monthly, your donation will be matched automatically.

Tuesday, November 11: Veterans Day

Saturday, November 22: Castle Rock Starlighting Stop by the DCSD Booth! 🌟

Monday - Friday, November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break (Schools Closed)

November 27-28: Thanksgiving Holiday (District Offices Closed)

Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 11 at 5:00 p.m.

Board of Education meetings are held at 620 Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104

Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54

Read past Board Meeting summaries

Tours for Teachers, a program by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, is designed to help educators bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. Register here for the last tour of 2025 on the topic of:

Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Tours

• Tour Date: Thursday, November 20
• Locations: HCA Health One Sky Ridge & AdventHealth Castle Rock

By participating in these behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses and industries in Douglas County, teachers, administrators, counselors, and staff gain valuable insights into current workforce needs and career opportunities, allowing them to better prepare students for the future. Receive 10 hours of Continuing Education Credit per tour!

Brian Fleet, AVID 10th, Legend High School

Jenny Frueh, Administrative Assistant to the CFO, West Support Center

Lilly Reyes, Spanish Teacher, Castle View High School

Julia Smye-Rumsby - Transportation/Bus Driver, Ponderosa Feeder-Parker Terminal

Learn more about our Rock Stars and why they were nominated!