Insights
Nomination for the 2026 Apple Awards opens September 15. Be sure to visit this webpage to submit your nomination(s) between September 15 and October 20!
Each year, The Foundation for Douglas County Schools honors exceptional educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in students and are trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools. Over the years, the annual Apple Awards has grown to engage the entire community, bringing in thousands of nominations every year for teachers and staff members across our school district.
The 2026 Apple Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, March 28 at the DCSD Legacy Campus. Learn more about this event!
The DCSD Notebook podcast debuted in August and currently has four episodes, including a preview of the 2025-2026 school year from Superintendent Kane, and the first-ever podcast version of Parent University.
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.
Congratulations to second grade teacher Chiara Aversa for winning the Proud to Be DCSD T-shirt contest. Chiara submitted a photo of her at Fort Leonard Wood Army Base while there for her son's graduation from National Guard Training. All photo entries were entered into a random selector tool and Chiara's photo was selected!
As a result of Chiara being selected, she won breakfast for the entire staff at Clear Sky Elementary, which was enjoyed by all during a staff meeting on Wednesday, August 20.
Emily Kircher-Morris - Twice Exceptional Staff Workshop: September 12, 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Legacy Campus
Hear directly from the Twice Exceptional "guru" on Creating a Neurodiversity-affirming school. This opportunity is available for all staff, including charter school staff. Each participant will get a copy of Emily’s new book! Learn moreCulturally 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
The second annual Reading Rocks summer reading program was a tremendous success - thanks to your support! We had an impressive 462 students and 148 staff members participate. Raffle prize winners will be notified soon. All participating students will receive a certificate and prize, which will be sent to their school librarians for distribution.
Congratulations to the schools with the highest participation! Iron Horse Elementary, Cresthill Middle School and Douglas County High School will each receive $500 for library books.
Teachers, did you know that Douglas County Libraries offer on-site and online services and resources especially for you? Check them out.
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.
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!
Learn more and register. Spots fill quickly, so register early!
Tuesday, September 23
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
DCSD Legacy Campus
Does your club or team want to volunteer together? Join us at our first Community Nonprofit Resource Fair! In partnership with The Foundation for Douglas County Schools, DCSD is hosting a free Community Nonprofit Showcase. Meet local nonprofits and learn about opportunities for your club or team to volunteer and give back. Questions? Contact Amy Pfister at apfister@dcsdk12.org.
Tuesday, October 23
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
DCSD Legacy Campus
The EXPO will showcase the many Postsecondary Readiness opportunities available to our students, including Career and Technical Education (CTE), Concurrent Enrollment, Work-Based Learning experiences, and 5th and 6th year programs. Students from across the district will share their experiences and how these programs are helping them prepare for future success.
