Faces of DCSD

He helped open the doors of Legend High School and worked tirelessly to build a community amongst the staff, students and their families. Jason Jacob reflects on what makes this high school a legendary place to learn and grow.

He helped open two high schools in Parker, has won multiple awards and dedicated the last 26 years of his life leading students to success one note at a time. Orlando Otis’s career as a band director in Douglas County School District is coming to an end, but the impact he has had on musicians at both Chaparral and Legend high schools will be remembered for years to come.

Ponderosa High's theater teacher Kayla Diaz grew up in Colorado and has been with Douglas County School District the entirety of her 13 year career. During that time, she has been guiding and directing some of Douglas County's most impressive thespians.

DCSD roots run deep for Julie Crawford. She attended Northeast Elementary School as a child and graduated from Ponderosa High School, and her own children are Chaparral High School graduates. 

Mr. Fopma’s love for teaching is literally in his blood – his grandfather was a government teacher for 30 years and his father worked for a Congressman.

Inspired by his uncle, Timothy Ryckman decided to pursue a career in art at a very young age. He has worked in Douglas County for 25 years teaching different techniques to every grade level at Buffalo Ridge Elementary in Castle Pines.

Mountain Vista High School Teacher Natalie Bernard has worked for Douglas County School District for more than ten years. She is an english teacher who has had an incredible impact on the students and staff she interacts with.

Ryan Steffen - Social Studies teacher by day and Castle View’s Offensive Coordinator by night - has a passion for supporting students. Whether in the classroom or on the field, Ryan's dedication to our students is unwavering and the positive impact he has is immeasurable.