Graduation Update

2020 Graduation Update
Posted on 05/29/2020
Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2020,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well and enjoying this beautiful Colorado weather.

As promised, the following is an update on the Douglas County School District’s (DCSD’s) plans for graduation ceremonies.

Yesterday, I participated in a conference call with Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon, DCSD Board President David Ray, representatives from the Tri-County Health Department, and other Douglas County staff to discuss possibilities for our graduation ceremonies. During this call (and based on previous collaboration with our high school principals), we advocated for outdoor, in-person graduation ceremonies at DCSD athletic stadiums for our nine neighborhood high schools, two alternative high schools, as well as eDCSD. We proposed a modified version of an in-person, traditional commencement event with a limited number of family members in attendance, and specific guidelines for ensuring the safety and health of all those involved (e.g. social distancing, face coverings, strict procedures for graduate behavior, management of crowd and traffic flow, etc.).

Commissioner Laydon and the Tri-County Health Department were very supportive of the plan, and a variance application will be submitted in support of allowing this plan to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment early next week. It is anticipated that it will take at least a week before it is approved, modified, or denied. We will keep you updated on the status of the requested variance. If approved, we will move forward with graduation ceremonies the week of June 23, and high school principals will follow up with specific details. If not approved, contingency plans will be made known as soon as possible.

Our DCSD Class of 2020 graduates have worked for their graduation moment over the past 13 years and deserve to be celebrated. I’ve been so impressed with the positivity and maturity displayed by our seniors in spite of the many obstacles and challenges that have occurred due to this pandemic. Persevering through this unusual time is a significant testimony that they are resilient and ready for postsecondary life.

I thank you for your continued support of the Douglas County School District. Should you need to reach me, please do not hesitate to call or email.

Proud to serve as your Superintendent,

Thomas S. Tucker, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).