SCE Principal/Weekly Blast
October 23, 2026
October 23, 2026
Dear SCE Families,
Did you know the DCSD Board of Education voted to place a Mill Levy Override (MLO) on the November 3 ballot? An MLO is a voter-approved local property tax measure that would provide additional funding for district operations. If approved, the proposed $54 million measure would support teacher and staff compensation, school safety, Career and Technical Education opportunities, and the restoration of student programming, such as elementary instrumental music.
We encourage families to take a few minutes to learn about the proposal and review the information before voting.
The MLO Lightning Round with Superintendent Erin Kane
What questions does Superintendent Erin Kane hear most often about school funding? Watch this fast-paced video as she answers common questions about the 2026 MLO.
▶ Watch: The MLO Lightning Round with Superintendent Erin Kane
For additional information, including frequently asked questions, the proposed taxpayer cost, and the official ballot language, visit the DCSD MLO Information Website.
Halloween at Sand Creek: Parties, Parade & BOO Bash!
We have a fun-filled Halloween ahead at Sand Creek on Friday, October 30! Families are welcome to join us for our classroom Halloween parties from 2:30–3:30 PM. Our traditional Halloween Parade begins at 3:00 PM, giving our Eagles a chance to strut their stuff and show off their costumes as they parade around the school!
A few costume reminders:
Costumes must be school-appropriate and follow school dress code guidelines.
Costumes may not promote violence or be offensive to others.
No face paint or weapons/props that look like weapons.
Students should bring their costumes to school and change into them just before the afternoon party. They must be able to put on and take off their costumes independently.
After school, the fun continues at our annual BOO Bash from 5:30–7:30 PM! All SCE families are welcome to enjoy games, amazing prizes, face painting, dancing, and our costume contest. Dress up and join the fun!
Know a neighborhood family with a preschool-aged child? Invite them to BOO Bash! It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience our amazing school community and see what makes Sand Creek such a special place to learn and grow.
Thinking About Kindergarten for Next Year?
Kindergarten enrollment opens November 13! If you know a family exploring elementary school options, please spread the word. I would love to give prospective families a quick school tour, answer questions, and share what Sand Creek has to offer. Prospective families are also welcome to join us at our upcoming community events!
Thank you for being such an important part of our Eagle family. I look forward to celebrating Halloween with you!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Proud to be an Eagle!
Pamela Pekarek
Principal, Sand Creek Elementary
Oct 23rd: Fundraising Night at McDonald's | 4:00 - 8:00pm
Oct 26th: National Pumpkin Day | Wear Your Orange and/or Pumpkin Clothes and Accessories!
Oct 26th: Apple Award Nominations Deadline
Oct 27th: Student Picture Retakes | 9:00 -11:00am
Oct 27th: MVHS Trunk or Treat | 5:00 - 7:00pm | Mountain Vista HS
Oct 30th: Fall Parties | Costume Parade
Oct 30th: Boo Bash | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
REMINDER!
Every Friday is a PLC Friday Late Start | Doors Open at 9:10am | Tardy Bell at 9:25am
- Each month, our Specials Team will share highlights from Art, Music, PE, and STEM
- Please click here below to view the SEPT/OCT edition of our Specials Newsletter.
Don't miss out on preserving this year's memories! The Sand Creek 2026–2027 Yearbook is officially on sale for $22. Yearbooks are a wonderful way for students to look back on their favorite school events, friends, and special moments.
Sales end on February 28th, 2027. Make sure to order your copy today before time runs out!
👉 Click here to order your 26-27 yearbook! Enter your username and password from last year, or click on "Sign up" to create a new account.
The SCE B.A.S.E. Program is a child-care program available to all students who attend Sand Creek Elementary School grades Kindergarten through Fifth. We offer our program before school and after school, as well as a full-day option during breaks.
Click here for more details about and how to register.
Are @dcsdk12.org Emails Landing in your Spam Folder?
To ensure you receive important updates regarding school safety, grades, and events, we recommend checking your Spam or Junk folder periodically.
If you find an email from @dcsdk12.org in your spam folder, please mark it as "Not Spam" or "Move to Inbox." This simple action helps "train" your email provider to recognize our communications as safe, ensuring our future messages reach you directly.
Thank you for helping us stay connected!
Access Your Student’s CMAS Score Reports through Pearson’s Family Portal.
Click Here for Directions to view your student's scores.
Click here for 26-27 District Assessment Dates
The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS): Colorado's standards-based state summative assessment system is designed to provide a picture of student performance to schools, districts, educators, parents and the community.
The purpose of the assessments is to indicate the degree to which students have mastered the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) in mathematics, English language arts/literacy, science and social studies at the end of the tested grade level or content area. CMAS results provide one measure of a student's academic progress relative to the CAS.
For more information on CMAS, visit the Colorado Department of Education. For answers to frequently asked questions, visit the State Testing FAQ's page.
- DCSD Board Policy IK: State Mandated Assessments
- SCE HB15-1323 (Updated September 2025)
- 26-27 District Assessment Dates
- State Assessment Excusal Form Walkthrough Parent/Guardian
Students who qualify for the paper-based assessment must have:
- an active IEP/504 plan
- a documented disability that directly impacts their access to computerized technology and therefore prevents their access to the digital assessment (e.g., epilepsy, other seizure disorder, neurological disorder that prevents access computerized technology, etc.) HB 25-1278