First Quarter 2025-2026
August - October 2025
Welcome to DCSD's quarterly newsletter (replacing the former DCSD News monthly newsletter). In this brand new communication, you will find timely updates including:
- News and information applicable to the current quarter of the school year
- Action Item Reminders
- Event Dates
- Resources
- How to Stay Connected
News to Know NOW ⏰
Express Check-In is Open!
Find Express Check-In HERE
Express Check-In is designed to help streamline beginning of the year paperwork. Not completing Express Check-In prior to the first day of school will not affect your child’s enrollment in any way, and your child will still be able to attend school as normal. Find answers and learn other FAQ’s about Express Check-In.
Wednesday, August 13 is the First Day of School!
** Most DCSD schools follow the conventional calendar, with the following exceptions. Please contact these schools individually for their calendars: Renaissance Elementary Magnet School, Daniel C. Oakes High School, Eagle Academy, DCSD Charter Schools
Your Bond Dollars at Work!
Thanks to the 2024 Bond, DCSD has made significant progress this summer completing numerous projects that will directly benefit our students and staff. View the new interactive map to track progress and watch how some of your bond dollars were used this summer. Click below on each region's photo for a video update of school improvements. 🔨
Click on each image for a regional video update of progress 🔼
Find answers to your back to school questions:
Reminders ✅
Parents: Are your emergency communication preferences updated? Learn more about crisis communications in DCSD.
Events & Noteable Dates 📆
Wednesday, August 13 - First Day of School (for most DCSD schools)
Monday, August 18 - First Day of Kindergarten (for most DCSD elementary schools)
Monday, September 1 - Labor Day (District Offices Closed)
Monday, September 22 - Professional Development Day (No Students)
Monday - Friday, October 13 - 17 - Fall Break (No Students)
Board of Education
Upcoming Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, August 19, 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9, 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 7, 5:00 p.m.
District Administration Building
620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock
Watch live on YouTube or on Comcast Channel 54
Read past Board Meeting Summaries
Department Updates
District Library Media Center
Reading Rocks Summer Reading Program Update
Parents, please encourage your students to submit their summer reading logs to their school librarian by Monday, August 18. Students can also fill out this online form using their DCSD email.
Winners will be notified by DCSD email after August 29!
Foundation for Douglas County Schools
2026 Apple Awards Nomination Window opens in September
Get ready to nominate your favorite teacher or staff member for an Apple Award! This annual tradition of 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. Visit the Apple Awards website for more information.
Resources
Stay Connected 💬
Got Good News? Share it Here! 📰
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.