DCSD Personalized Learning - The Whole Child Report and Resources 2019-2020 by Douglas County School Distrct

2019 - 2020 SCHOOL YEAR

Douglas County School District

Happy Healthy Students are Successful! Hello and welcome to our 4th edition of the Whole Child Report and Resource Guide from the Personalized Learning Department of the Douglas County School District. This is our opportunity to highlight last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialized work by many teams who collaborate to serve our students and staff. The Strategic Plan was the celebration of this past year, and our work continues as we dive into the implementation of it. We all touch all aspects of the Strategic Plan, but the one we are most involved with is the Health, Safety and Social-emotional Supports for Students. We are excited to both expand and refine the good work being done within an MTSS (Multi-tiered System of Supports) framework to deliver universal, targeted and intensive resources to our students through either direct support or professional development opportunities for our staff. Counselors, psychologists and social workers, with staff from Special Education, and Health, Wellness, and Prevention are focusing on increasing mental health supports, education, and community involvement with our DCSD families. We know issues such as alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among youth, and anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide are sensitive and pertinent. We also know that students themselves are partnering with staff and community to lift each other up and connect to needed resources. There is much work to be done, and much to celebrate. Please reach out to anyone listed in this guide if you have comments, ideas, or questions. We are growing together, and are DCSD proud!

Best in health, Lisa Kantor RN, MN, CPNP Director, Health, Wellness, and Prevention Personalized Learning

Table of Contents Early Childhood Education

Educational Programming: English Language Development

Prevention & School Culture

Restorative Practices and Restorative Justice

School Medicaid Reimbursement Program

Healthy Schools 8 Special Education 26 Homeless Student Services 10 Staff Wellness 28 Mental Health Intervention and Support

Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Sustainability 30 Nursing Services 26 Nutrition Services 18

Whole Child Report and Resources

Early Childhood Education

Highlights 2018-19 School Year • ECE began piloting the Online Registration (OLR) process for our new enrolling families • All students will be served in a fully inclusive preschool educational setting

Early Childhood Education provides individualized assessment services and instructional programming, across the district, for children aged birth to five. The explosive brain development that occurs during this period is reliant on loving, supportive relationships as well as a stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment. To meet these unique needs of our youngest learners, Early Childhood Education: • Celebrates the role of the parent as the first teacher • Creates an environment where young children learn essential skills across multiple domains • Emphasizes social/emotional development • Nurtures personal expression • Integrates authentic learning opportunities • Differentiates instruction according to individual needs, strengths and interests For 2019-20, Early Childhood Education focusing is on: • Maintaining high-quality preschool programming • Streamlining instructional systems preschool to elementary that promotes successful transitions

• Age-based programming to differentiate instruction and developmentally appropriate practices for 3 and 4-year-old students • Flexible staffing assignments to allow for preschool coaching and professional development support • Special Education services available to students enrolled in full-day BASE prekindergarten programs • Participation in school-based professional development opportunities to provide greater vertical articulation for students matriculating from preschool to Kindergarten

I was worried about my daughter starting school due to her disability. However, the preschool team has been amazing in making us feel comfortable and knowing our child is being cared for and included. Preschool Parent We have been so appreciative of the preschool program. From the initial assessments on, everyone we have dealt with has been so kind, caring, and professional. It has been a very positive experience. Preschool Parent “I appreciated that my thoughts and concerns for what I wanted my child to achieve were listened to, and made part of her IEP. I appreciated that they valued my opinion and what I knew best of her and what she was capable and not capable of doing at this time.” Child Find Parent “All staff members have been wonderful to work with. Everything was done in a timely manner. They all listened to our concerns and answered all questions. Everyone was extremely professional and I really enjoyed going through the process. I really liked meeting at the preschool he will receive services in. Thanks so much for all your hard work guys!” Child Find Parent

Douglas County School District

Lisa Graham Director, Early Childhood Education 303-387-0806

Department at a Glance - ECE • Our program has a 30-year history of providing an innovative and effective learning environment that has proven to positively impact long-term academic achievement and social emotional development.

Child Find Information and Appointment Request Website: www.dcsdk12.org/child-find

• Today we are proud to have a total of more than 70 preschool classrooms throughout Douglas County.

Preschool Information Line: 720-433-0025

We Value: • The uniqueness and learning potential of our youngest learners • A qualified, knowledgeable, and prepared staff who promote learning and development of the whole child • The role of parents in the education of their children • Being a part of the public education system and our community partnerships Our Focus: To create an optimal play-based, early learning environment that enables all preschoolers to develop ready to learn skills. Learning opportunities are maximized through nurturing & responsive relationships and a variety of differentiated, instructional approaches. Our ECE teams are cognizant of the whole child and facilitate the development of foundational social-emotional, physical, language and pre-academic skills in our youngest learners by utilizing developmentally appropriate, child-centered practices.

Preschool Information Email: preschool@dcsdk12.org Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 8am-4pm Friday: 8am-2pm Office Locations: Early Childhood Center -North (ECC -N) 9350 Teddy Lane Lone Tree, CO 80124 Administrative Assistant: Megan Olson (303-387-0821) Early Childhood Center - South (ECC-S) 3950 Trail Boss Lane Castle Rock, CO 80104 Administrative Assistant: Kathy Hakim (720-433-1187)

Whole Child Report and Resources

Educational Programming: English Language Development

Highlights 2018-19 School Year 4612 Emerging Bilinguals / English Learners (includes NEP, LEP, FEP Years 1-4) 104 languages Top 10 languages: Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Telugu, Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, Portuguese 102 ESL Teachers Celebrations:

Douglas County School District’s English Language Development staff nurtures student potential resulting in globally competitive citizens. Our priority is to support Emerging Bilinguals / English Learners in gaining proficiency in English and other languages in order to communicate effectively, elicit critical thinking, work collaboratively and creatively, value and celebrate diversity, leverage and expand the heritage language, and graduate with the motivation and ability to pursue higher education and contribute in the global workforce. DCSD ELD Accomplishments: • Offered 20 Family and Community Engagement Events including the annual ELD celebration, including over 1500 participants. • In collaboration with World Language teams and the DCSD Assessment Office, awarded over 700 students the first iteration of DCSD’s Seal of Biliteracy. • Facilitated over 30 learning opportunities for teachers, administrators and support staff • Hosted college visits for 75 secondary students. • Partnered with Departments, Districts, WIDA, and the Colorado Department of Education to provide high quality, engaging, and rigorous professional development for teachers. • Presented at multiple local and national conferences, including the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

• Awarded the CDE’s ELPA Excellence Award for the following: highest content growth for ELs in program, highest language growth for ELs in program, and highest content achievement for exited (former EL) students. • Highlighted by the CDE in Promising Practices: All Means All. • The CDE awarded Remy Rummel (Coordinator) the Distinguished Administrator in Support of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners in 2019

I appreciate all of the support provided throughout the year from everyone. I feel very grateful to be surrounded by such amazing colleagues. ESL Teacher They have helped me to learn more English - how to write and speak it. Student new to the United States this year I’ve liked what they helped him (my child) with. If my child wants a good job, he will always have two languages. And that’s really good for him.

Douglas County School District

Parent of a middle school student

Remy Rummel Director English Language Development Remy.Rummel@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0149

The ELD Team provides: • Direct coaching and support for schools, K-12 • Professional development opportunities and pathways for ELD and other district staff. • School visits • Curriculum options designed for language development • Family Outreach opportunities for ELD families • College and career readiness coaching and support • Literacy peer tutoring programming • Summer Literacy and Language Camp (LitCamp) • Community Partnering The ELD Team strives to serve the specific and unique needs of students and families, commits to collaborate with stakeholders, and exceed federal and state requirements regarding compliance and programming for Emerging Bilingual / English Learner students.

Cindy Close Team Lead English Language Development Cynthia.Close@dcsdk12.org Becky Corr Team Lead English Language Development Becky.Corr@dcsdk12.org Jacob Dunne ESL Teacher - Itinerant Programs Jacob.Dunne@dcsdk12.org

Whole Child Report and Resources

Healthy Schools Team Highlights 2018-19 School Year 71 School Health Improvement Plans 59 Participating Schools

The DCSD Healthy Schools Team aims to create learning environments that are safe, healthy, supportive , challenging and engaging for every student. We utilize the Whole School, Community, Child model which focuses on the “whole child” approach through ten essential components to a healthy learning environment . Research shows that students who eat nutritious foods, exercise daily, have strategies to relieve stress, maintain healthy relationships, and work in a safe learning environment perform better through achieving higher school-wide test scores and grades. Our goal is to support schools with their health and wellness initiatives, which helps every student reach their full potential as well as build foundations for lifelong success.

39 Elementary Schools 8 Middle Schools 4 High Schools 4 Alternative Schools 6 SSN Programs 20,000 students throughout the district benefitted from their school’s SHIP 6,800+ students experienced mindfulness or movement workshops 2,000+ staff members took a Healthy Schools professional development class

15 Student-Led Health Teams 21 Mindfulness Pilot Schools 6 Nutrition and Recess Pilot Schools 1,000+ Calming Jars made with or for students and staff

“The WSCC model responds to the call for a greater alignment, integration, and collaboration between health and education to improve each child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.” ~ ASCD

Research shows a strong connection between healthy behaviors and academic achievement (e.g., grades, standardized tests, graduation rates, attendance). Healthy students are better learners, and academic achievement bears a lifetime of benefits for health. However, youth risk behaviors, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary behaviors, tobacco use, alcohol use, and other drug use are consistently linked to poor grades and test scores and lower educational attainment. - Centers for Disease Control “Overall our teachers really saw the benefits of allowing more movement in the classroom and how positively it can impact the classroom dynamic and student attention during instructional time.” Teacher at Mesa Middle School, Physical Activity Breaks SHIP “Students increased their understanding of what causes them stress, what their individual triggers are and ways to calm themselves down during stressful moments or anxieties.” SSN Teacher at Chaparral High School, Mindfulness Pilot SHIP “This is way better than having to just sit in the classroom during indoor recess. I love how I get to throw things in the classroom without getting in trouble.” Student at Cougar Run Elementary, Indoor Recess Pilot SHIP “During our Camp Kindness month, students performed thousands of Acts of Kindness including 276 mittens and written letters to senior citizens, 500 letters sent to US Military personnel overseas, 19 clean-up projects at the school, 497 coats/socks sent to Parker Task Force and 681 random acts of kindness completed.” Teacher at Pioneer Elementary, Kindness SHIP

Douglas County School District

Department at a Glance Professional Development Offerings • Mindfulness for the Educator • Social-Emotional Learning and Mindfulness- Weaving Both into Daily Practice • Physical Activity Breaks and Brain Functioning• Self Care: Preventing Burnout While Increasing Engagement • Recess Reboot/Indoor Recess Cohorts • CDE Health Education Grant Cohort • Healthy, Mindful Teacher • Mindful, Brain-Based Teaching and Learning 1.0 & 2.0 • Creating a Prevention Based Classroom Other Workshops, Presentation, Areas of Expertise • Parents: Mindfulness, reducing stress, increasing focus • Student workshops through classroom visits: Mindfulness, Physical Activity Breaks, calming jars, journaling, nutrition, indoor and outdoor recess, movement and mindfulness • Podcasts 10 Meaningful Minutes, Helping Adults Helping Kids • Healthy Kids Colorado Survey and Smart Source Survey Information • District Health Advisory Committee (DHAC) • Local Wellness Policy (ADF-R)

Lauren LaComb Healthy Schools Coordinator, Health, Wellness & Prevention Department lllacomb@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0029 Kimberly Romine Healthy Schools Facilitator, Health, Wellness & Prevention Department kcromine@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0029

Whole Child Report and Resources

Homeless Student Services Mission: Assist homeless students in enrolling, attending, participating, and succeeding in public school in accordance with McKinney-Vento Legislation. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides help for students who live in any of the following situations: in a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground; on the street, in an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations; temporarily “doubled-up” with friends or relatives because the family cannot find or afford housing.

HOMELESS STUDENT

SERVICES Highlights 2018-19 School Year Presented information about the homeless program to various staff and faculty throughout the district. Participated in two “Strive to Thrive” service fairs.

The DCSD Homeless Liaisons provide assistance with: 1. Accountability for educational services in accordance with federal mandates 2. Case management of homeless students 3. Resource for school staff 4. Community resource referral information 5. Provide ongoing training to staff

Promoted awareness presentations around homelessness and poverty to middle and high school students. Coordinated efforts to collect donations with middle and high school students for at risk community members. Worked collaboratively with BASE programming, providing resources to families who worked and were in need of childcare. Collaborated with the Superintendent’s office to help bring joy over the holidays to at risk community members and children. Involved with community partnerships and collaboration to ensure our students and families have as many resources as possible to choose from. Worked with community agencies and school sites on the “weekend backpack program” which provides food to students and their families who were in need.

Douglas County School District

The DCSD Homeless Education Program provides assistance with: 1. Program enrollment 2. Transportation to/from the school of origin 3. Free school meals 4. Backpack and school supplies 5. FAFSA assistance for Unaccompanied Youth 6. Resource referrals

Parent Testimonials: “One of the major factors of moving to Colorado was the Douglas County School system. We never thought that we would need to depend on the assistance programs but they, and especially you, have proven to be worthy of one of the top school districts in America. You should be very proud of what you do daily. Thank you so much again.” “I want to say thank you so much for helping us out in our time of need for the past year. The small things like getting transportation for the kids allowed me to get out there and turn things around for my family. None of it would have been possible without your dedicated help and I want to say thank you for that.”

Department at a Glance • Process referrals and vett identification of homlessness • Provide homeless education presentations within the community • Provide homeless education trainings online and in person • Provide Human Trafficking educational trainings online • Attend community partnership meetings on a regular basis • Meet with individuals who are struggling with homelessness • Meet with students who struggle with homelessness • Visit classrooms and provide homeless education training • Represent DSCD and homeless education at Strive to Thrive

Jill Savage jsavage@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0142 homelessliaison@dcsdk12.org Website: https://www.dcsdk12.org/cms/one.

• Attend state and local conferences that support homeless education • Collaborate closely with community agencies • Connect people to resources • Coordinate transportation • Participate in grant opportunities • Adhere to CDE’s McKinney-Vento guidelines in serving the homeless population • Provide school supplies to homeless students • Holiday helping hand coordination with community agencies and within DSCD

Whole Child Report and Resources

Mental Health Intervention and Support

Highlights 2018-19 School Year 1,233 Child Abuse Reports 469 Threat Assessments completed 1,743 Suicide Assessments completed Hosted a district and community event with Scott Poland, an internationally recognized expert on suicide prevention and school crisis, in partnerhsip with the Douglas County Youth Iniative and the Doulgas County Sheriff’s Office DCSD Intervention & Support Team Partners with: 1. Douglas County Sheriff Department to provide Suicide Assessment Training and Safetalk 2. School Resource Officers and Colorado Safe Schools for Threat Assessment Support and Review 3. Department of Human Services and Law Enforcement for Child Abuse reporting 4. Behavioral Health Centers such as Denver Springs and Peakview to provide follow-up safety assessments and immediate intervention, as well as trainings for school staff 5. The Douglas County community to pass the mill levy enabling the hiring of counselors into all elementary schools, and secondary schools in order to improve the ratio of counselors to students 12

The school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, and autism and behavior specialists work collaboratively to support students’ physical, social, and emotional needs through a continuum of services at universal, targeted and intensive levels. Universal: Universal services include teaching all students the knowledge and skills to understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and achieve life goals. This is done through prevention work such as Sources of Strength, universal social emotional curriculum, Restorative Practices, mindfulness practices, and suicide prevention training for staff, students, and the community. Targeted: At the targeted level professionals are doing group work with students, safety assessments, and connecting families with services. Intensive: At the intensive level students receive comprehensive services based on individual plans and services that increase safety and skill building. The district Crisis Team responds to schools when students have been exposed to a major traumatic event.

“Great day today. I have so many ideas that I have already started to implement for everything I learned today. Thanks for all the inspiration.” “Excellent strategies and intervention ideas to work with kids and parents-- “ “Being new I love all the information about what is happening in the district so I feel “in the know” and can share it with my Admin and Mental Health Team.”

Douglas County School District

Department at a Glance - Mental Health • Chosen to present at the 52nd Annual Conference of the American Association of Suicidology on Postvention as Prevention • Provided PREPARE crisis intervention trainings • Provided safety trainings including Crisis Prevention Intervention, Suicide Assessement, Threat Assessments, Keeping Students Safe, SafeTALK • Provided autism trainings including an overview of autism spectrum disorder, social thinking skills, and applied behavior analysis instruction • Hosted district Career and Education Fairs for secondary students • Presented at DAC Winter Forum • Members of Metro Crisis Team consisting of Denver area crisis team leads and mental health directors to improve crisis response partnerships and support • Recognized CDE BrainSTEPS team to support students with brain injuries • Collaborate with partnering Personalized Learning teams of Health, Wellness and Prevention team, Special Education, Gifted and Talented, English Language Learners, and Early Childhood Education • Member of the Mental Health Initiative and DASPA

Stephanie Crawford-Goetz Director, Personalized Learning Mental Health stephanie.crawford@dcsdk12.org 720-841-5266 Aaron Ragon Counselor Lead aaron.ragon@dcsdk12.org Keith Sousa Behavior Team Lead keith.sousa@dcsdk12.org Kristi Bird Autism Team Lead kristi.bird@dcsdk12.org Ellen Kerkhoff Mental Health Lead ellen.kerkhoff@dcsdk12.org Stephanie O’Neill District Crisis Team Lead stephanie.bulawa@dcsdk12.org or stephanie.oneill@dcsdk12.org Website: www.dcsdk12.org/ interventionand-support

Whole Child Report and Resources

Multi -Tiered System of Supports A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is defined as a prevention-based framework of team-driven data-based problem solving for improving the outcomes of every student through family, school and community partnering, and a layered continuum of evidence-based practices applied at the classroom, school, district, region and state level (CDE’s Office of Learning Supports, 2018).

Highlights 2018-19 School Year • March 2019 MTSS Workshop at the Highlands Ranch Mansion • Fall Workshop and Spring Workshop • Advanced School MTSS implementation workshop September 25, 2019 at Cielo • The MTSS Implementation • Google Site Pilot Schools • MTSS Reference Booklets

In DCSD we have a MTSS Leadership Team ready to help you with your implementation. We can... • Answer individual and team questions • Provide guidance and coaching to MTSS and/or building leadership teams • Provide staff development • Guide staff to additional resources and more...reach out and ask us. We are here for you! • and more...reach out and ask us. We are here for you!

MTSS

Multi-Tiered System of Supports in DCSD

Health & Wellness Supports

Behavior Supports

Family & Community Engagements & Supports

Academic Supports

Mental Health Supports

A whole-school prevention-based framework for improving learning outcomes for EVERY student through a layered continuum of evidence-based practices and systems.

Douglas County School District

Whole Child Report and Resources

Department at a Glance - MTSS • Check out the MTSS Implementation Guide! • Your school will receive several MTSS booklets. It is a great resource. •Two MTSS Workshops (Fall/Spring) • Site specific PD - Essential of MTSS - Using Data - Implementation Science • Site specific consultation

Check out the MTSS Implementation Guide: https://sites.google.com/dcsdk12. org/dcsdmtss/home

Zac Hess Director of Health, Wellness, and Prevention Laura Gorman ESSA, Titles and Grants Coordinator and co-lead of this team Danelle Hiatt Executive Director of Schools for the Castle Rock Feeders Aaron Ragon Counselor Lead for the District

The first every MTSS Workshop in March 2019 was hosted at the Highlands Ranch Mansion with over 250 DCSD staff in attendance. Breakfast and lunch were provided and subs were paid for. CDE came to support the work with a keynote and coaching teams. Overall the workshop was a success.

Annika Barton Coordinator for Child Find and Early Childhood

Quotes from the Workshop attendees:

Becky Corr Team Lead for English Language Development

“This was so valuable to me as a leader! I am hopeful this will be on the forefront of our Unity of Purpose!” “Wow such a great day! Thank you for the expertise, passion, and resources!” “So informative, lots of resources to take back to my building.”

Erin McConnell Strategist for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Growth Gail Rendon Coordinator for Assessment Technology Jenifer Nerwin Special Education Teacher at DC Oaks Nicole Lechman-Trujillo Special Education Coordinator

Whole Child Report and Resources

Nursing Services The Nursing Services Department provides for the needs of all students with an emphasis on those that have health challenges. Collaborating together with staff, families and health care providers, we develop plans so all students have an equal opportunity to access their education and work towards their highest potential.

Highlights 2018-19 School Year

DCSD Nursing Services collaborates with Tri-County Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) in an effort to keep our schools & surrounding communities educated about and protected from the spread of communicable diseases. We also collaborate with CDPHE to ensure immunization compliance per state requirements. We collaborate with the State School Nurse Consultant employed by the Colorado Department of Education to assure we are aligned with nursing best practices.

40 Nurses on staff 10 Nurses are Nationally Certified School Nurses STUDENTS CASE MANAGED: Students with a concussion 688 Medically Fragile students 143 Students with diabetes 302 TRAINED & CERTIFIED DCSD STAFF: Health Assistants, office staff, and EAV’s trained to care for students with a health concern: 955 B.A.S.E. staff trained: 888 CPR/First Aid: 1,200+

Healthy Lifestyle

Access to Education

Maximum Wellness

“I am grateful for you because you were there for (my child) when he needed someone. Thank you for your care and kindness.” Middle School Parent 16

Douglas County School District

Department at a Glance - Nursing Services

Lisa Kantor, RN, MN, CPNP Director, Health, Wellness & Prevention lisa.kantor@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0260

• Annual Health Assistant Training • Annual Health Room Training • Annual Personal Care Services training with SSN staff • Medication Administration Training • Diabetes Education for staff and collaboration with health care providers, families & students to assure safe care while in school • Stop the Bleed training for staff and students • Stock Epipen training at all schools • BASE staff training • Preschool staff training

Celia Flanigan MS, RN, NCSN Nurse Coordinator cmflanigan@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0266 (office) 303-519-3911 (mobile) Kelly Driver BSN, RN, NCSN Diabetes Resource Nurse kcdriver@dcsdk12.org 720-284-7545 (mobile)

• Provide CPR classes for staff and students • Offer puberty, hand washing, nutrition and other health classes at all levels PreK Bridge students as requested • Work to ensure State Immunization compliance • Many of our nurses attend the annual Colorado Association of School Nurses annual conference • All annual trainings are offered continuously year-round for each new employee as they are hired • Chronic disease management • Infectious disease management • Acute illness case management • Emergency response for injuries & illness

Whole Child Report and Resources

Nutrition Services Highlights 2018-19 School Year 30,000 nutritious meals every day to students and staff Participation in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program (at select sites) and offer free lunches in the Summer Feeding Program All snacks sold by DCSD meet “Smart Snack” standards as set forth by the National School Lunch Program Compliance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

DCSD Nutrition Services is committed to providing the highest quality meals for students and staff. We work to create an environment where students can learn to make healthy decisions that lead to a healthy lifestyle. School meals are important because they help develop sound nutritional habits by exposing students to a variety of foods. DCSD offers many food choices and provides healthful fruits and vegetables daily. Our menus reflect common foods that children know and love like Pizza and Chicken Nuggets. However, we also offer different foods such as a Southwest Beef Burrito Bowl and Grilled Chicken Ranch Pitas. We strive to make our meals and snacks available and as healthy as possible, knowing the positive effect it has on overall health and preparing the mind for learning. Colorado Proud Day – Each September, we celebrate Colorado Proud School Meal Day. This is day where we highlight local foods produced or grown in our state. We focus on bringing in culturally diverse foods that might be new to many kids but give them the opportunity to explore new flavors. We also take this opportunity to speak to elementary students about Colorado agriculture and the economic and environmental benefits of choosing locally sourced foods. Taste of DCSD–Each fall we host the“Taste of DCSD”open house showcasing healthy meal options and local vendor products served throughout the district daily. This is Nutrition Services’ opportunity to meet with our parents and students to share what we are doing in our kitchens. We also look to the attendees for their opinion on products we may want to include in our menus moving forward. This is always an exciting event with an attendance of over 500 people annually!

“I want to write this letter to you all because you have very much changed my high school experience for the better. Coming to lunch and having conversation with you guys has made my day every time. Just know that all of the hard work you do for this school is so amazing and difficult, and very much appreciated (even if people don’t express it). Doing the work that you do with no appreciation have made you heroes in my eye.”

Douglas County School District

Excerpts from a letter addressed to the lunch ladies at ThunderRidge High School, from a graduating senior

Department at a Glance Eat Healthy, Play Healthy - What a great concept that we should all live by! This year DCSD Nutrition Services teamed up with The Denver Nuggets, Tyson Foods, and Danone North America to bring a fun food pairing competition to our schools which featured NAE chicken nuggets and yogurt based dipping sauces. The schools that had the highest increased average daily participation received a $500 Micro Grant from Kroenke Sports to make improvements to the kitchens. We also had the schools vote for “Rocky!” from the Denver Nuggets to come visit the schools. Mesa Middle School, Challenge to Excellence and Summit View Elementary were the winning schools! Rocky ran through the halls, banged on doors and took many photos with the students and staff members. New “Action Stations” at Middle Schools- These stations allow students and staff to customize their lunches, giving them a little more freedom to choose their food. There will be five different stations offered each week: an Asian Bar, Nacho Bar, Chicken Bar, Breakfast Bar and a Pasta/Mac and Cheese Bar. We piloted the program last year at Mountain Ridge and Cimarron Middle Schools and had a huge success! New “Action Stations” at Middle Schools - These stations allow students and staff to customize their lunches, giving them a little more freedom to choose their food. There will be five different stations offered each week: an Asian Bar, Nacho Bar, Chicken Bar, Breakfast Bar and a Pasta/Mac and Cheese Bar. We piloted the program last year at Mountain Ridge and Cimarron Middle Schools and had a huge success! Allergy Open House - This is a one of a kind event that we started last year and will continue to do annually. We hold this open house in three locations throughout the district and it is open to all families and staff. Specifically, encourage families who have students with food allergies to attend and learn how we can help provide safe and nutritious meals for their students. We also offer samples of some of our special diet foods.

Menu Manager and Special Diet Accommodations: Amy Faricy, RD, SNS afaricy@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0301 Free & Reduced Lunch: Susan Babineau susan.babineau@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0368 Catering: Ryan Repplinger ryan.repplinger@dcsdk12.org dccatering.dcsdnutritionservices.org dccatering@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0304 Online Menus: dcsd.nutritslice.com Nutrition Services website: dcsdnutritionservices.org Special Events or Fundraising at school sites: Contact your site’s Kitchen Manager

Whole Child Report and Resources

Prevention & School Culture Highlights 2018-19 School Year 220 DCSD students attended the all-day Success in the Middle conference to increase help-seeking skills and resiliency before entering middle school.

Emotional and social safety begins with prevention efforts embedded within a school culture that fosters connections to trusted adults through help, strength, and hope. When youth recognize their needs and practice social and emotional skills, they are more equipped to engage in their own prevention advocacy. When youth know how to seek the help needed, incidents of bullying, suicide, substance use and acts of school violence decrease. Team Universal Prevention (Team U.P.), our district’s Prevention and School Culture team partners with students, teachers, parents, administrators, counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, and community organizations, on a universal level, to build our personal safety and universal prevention toolboxes.

14 total DCSD middle and high schools participated in the Sources of Strength Program. Sources of Strength Peer Leaders presented to local elected government officials in Douglas County about the importance of the program. Eight Schools engaged in intentional efforts to raise awareness around Teen Dating Violence through the theatrical production of The Outrage. 17 certified staff members trained in leading The Student Wellness & Prevention Framework to educate staff, parents and students in measures to increase psychological safety in the Allies in Promoting Prevention Program. 2000 DCSD students engaged in the Team U.P Life Skills lessons to build their social and emotional learning.

“It’s a very uplifting program (Sources of Strength) and all the parts of the wheel mean something to me and I know I can lean back on any of the parts of the wheel when I’m struggling.” Kenize Jones, Student Peer Leader, Sierra Middle School

Douglas County School District

Department at a Glance - Prevention & School Culture • Sources of Strength - Suicide Prevention & Wellness Program • Building Resilient Me - Wellness Program

Jamie Montoya-DeSmidt Coordinator jmontoyadesmidt@dcsdk12.org 720-641-5990 Cynthia Redfern Lead cynthia.redfern@dcsdk12.org

• Success in the Middle - Transition Program • The Outrage - Relational Violence Prevention • Parent Seminars

Kimberly Moore Health & Prevention Professional kimberly.moore@dcsdk12.org

• LifeSkills Social-Emotional Prevention • Relational Safety Seminars • Student Wellness and Prevention Framework

Janet Hatt Health & Prevention Professional janet.hatt@dcsdk12.org

• Vaping and Marijuana Prevention Presentations • Speak Now! Parent and Student Prevention Workshop • Start the Conversation E-Cigarette Prevention Presentation • Works with schools to meet HB 1254 - Bullying Prevention • School Level Prevention Consultation

Dawna McKnight Health & Prevention Professional dawna.mcknight@dcsdk12.org Ann Rusin-Egnor Health & Prevention Professional amrusinegnor@dcsdk12.org Michelle Bryan Health & Prevention Professional michelle.bryan@dcsdk12.org Facebook: DCSD Prevention and School Culture Department Website: www.dcsdk12.org/ prevention-and-school-culture

Whole Child Report and Resources

Restorative Practices and Restorative Justice The Restorative Practices and Restorative Justice Implementation Team is using Implementation Science to create and deliver professional development and support structures that will build positive and restorative communities. We believe our students and staff can create communities that value relationships, responsibility, respect, repair, and reintegration; the 5 Rs of Restorative Practice. These communities value accountability over punishment and understand the value of creating a learning community that cares. The RP/RJ Team will help guide a school, using their MTSS framework, to braid restorative practices with their already existing best practices, social emotional learning, PBIS, mindfulness, and trauma informed care.

Highlights 2018-19 School Year RP/RJ Workshops: November 5, 2019 and April 1, 2020 Attended the NACRJ Conference June 2019

Quotes from educators who attended the Spring 2019 RP/RJ Workshop hosted at the Highlands Ranch Mansion.

RP/RJ Implementation Google Site published

“ Loved, loved it! Wish more of my staff could be part of this.”

“Incredible venue and information. Need more workshops like this.”

“Excellent opportunity to reflect on my current practices and plan next steps for my school.”

“ Loved the passion and overall knowledge shared.”

Continued partnership with the Douglas County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

“Good balance of science and experience. Great job engaging a large group.” “Helped me realize what I am already doing, but was also given new ideas to implement right away.” “I felt the information provided was very relevant and implementable for the classroom setting.” 22

Douglas County School District

“Amazing location, speakers and lunch - great day!!! Tons to take back to kids and staff.” “Overall workshop - great! One of the better workshops I’ve attended. Setting was awesome. Food great- I would come again.” “I was able to come last year also. Great information, inspiring ...adding to my toolbox. Thank you.”

Department at a Glance - Restorative Practices and Restorative Justices • Two Workshops a year (Fall/Spring) offering PD, practice and inspiration • Quarterly Coaching meetings - Admin and Teacher sessions - Time to collaborate and gain skills and understanding - Dates ˚ September 25, 2019 ˚ December 11, 2019 ˚ February 26, 2020 ˚ May 6, 2020

• Site specific PD/Coaching - PLC days - Before school ˚ After school ˚ Embedded Staff Development • PD - Community Building - Alternatives to Punitive Discipline - Trauma Informed - Circles - Mediation - Formal Conferencing (community conflict)

Chris Saiz School Psychologist Legend High School Erin Carlson Principal South Ridge Elementary School Jamie Montoya-DeSmidt Prevention Coordinator Jenifer Nerwin Special Education Teacher DC Oaks Jill Savage Homeless Student Liaison Jon Smith Behavioral Specialist Liana Finn Dean - Sagewood Middle School Zac Hess Director- Personalized Learning Health, Wellness and Prevention

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School Medicaid Reimbursement Program Highlights 2018-19 School Year • Funding for school nursing positions

The DCSD School Medicaid Reimbursement Program participates in the State of Colorado School Health Services Program. This program partially reimburses Colorado school districts for health-related services provided to our Medicaid-eligible students on an Individual Education Plan. The funds generated through the Medicaid Reimbursement Program must be used in accordance with our State-approved Local Service Plan. These funds are designated for the improvement and enhancement of health, wellness and prevention services for all DCSD students.

• Funding for mental health intervention and prevention services • Funding for uninsured and underinsured students’ emergency health services • Funding for Healthy Schools program for all DCSD students • Funding for new AN program @ PHS • Funding for health-related materials, equipment and supplies needed throughout DCSD to meet the needs of all students • Funding for health-related staff development, conferences and training

We had OT’s tell us that this was the best team meeting they have ever had. SWAAAC wanted to thank Medicaid for helping us purchase materials for this Outreach event for the Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists in Douglas County. The OTs and PTs were able to see how simple adaptations can provide students that have motor difficulties access to their education. Sara Rode, SWAAAC Lead Many students have hand weakness, incoordination, and an inefficient grip on their pencil/crayons. By making individualized adapted writing utensils and grips, students can better hold and control their pencils and crayons, improving their accuracy, speed, endurance and legibility in their handwriting, drawing and coloring. This improves their academic writing performance.” Sue Phillips, DCSD Occupational Therapist

Douglas County School District

Department at a Glance - Restorative Practices and Restorative Justices • Program trainings to include: PD (in person and online CIPG courses) • In person trainings at schools • Attend all PCG and The Consortium trainings • Prepare and submit quarterly and annual financial reports • The Medicaid team complies with all Federal requirements by the following: The SHS Program is administered jointly by the Department and Colorado Department of Education. The Department draws and disburses the federal Medicaid funds, conducts the federally-approved time study, administers the quarterly and annual cost report and certification processes, and conducts on-site reviews to ensure compliance with federal requirements. The Department of Education provides technical assistance related to the development of LSPs and annual reports and reviews and approves LSPs. Local Services Plan (LSP): Participating districts are required to develop an LSP based on community input to determine priorities and how funds will be allocated to enhance or expand health services to all students in the school district Under Colorado statute, SHS Program Providers are required to use the Medicaid funds received for health services for all students. Each participating SHS Program Provider must develop an LSP with community input to identify the types of health services needed by its students and must submit an annual report that describes exactly how the Medicaid revenue was spent in accordance with its LSP.

Olga Gintchin Coordinator ogintchin@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0227 Nalene Pecore Lead Specialist nalene.pecore@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0263 Stacy Shafar Medicaid Specialist stacy.shafar@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0267 Website: www.medicaidreimbursement@ dcsdk12.org

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The SHS Program delivers additional health services to Colorado public school children each year without additional General Fund expenditures. Using the disbursed federal funds within a health service delivery process established through the LSP, school districts address some of the health care needs unique to their

Whole Child Report and Resources

Special Education The Douglas County School District Special Education Department provides instructional and programming support and professional development to 85 school sites. Services are provided to approximately 7,000 students district-wide by approximately 1,225 special educators, related service providers, and educational assistants. Additionally, the special education department oversees the administration of Section 504 plans which afford approximately 1,000+ students who experience a substantially limiting physical or mental impairment the opportunity to benefit from the educational program and activities of the school.

Highlights 2018-19 School Year Approximately 1,400 Special Education providers and classified staff serve over aged 3-21 district-wide. Approximately 1,800 additional students are evaluated each year to determine eligibility for special education services

Douglas County School District

Universal and targeted special education support and services are delivered at all school sites within the framework of moderate needs support and itinerant services. Itinerant services include mental health, speech-language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, assistive technology, vision, deaf hard of hearing, and audiology. Consistent with our mission of empowering all students to achieve world-class outcomes by providing specialized instruction & services, the Special Education Department also provides an intensive level of support in center-based programs for students who experience significant support needs, serious emotional disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing, and autism. Center-based programming is designed to enable students to build the skills required to access and make progress in the general curriculum/environment to the fullest extent possible.

Department at a Glance - Special Education Universal Services Universal Services are afforded to all students who are entitled to special education services as identified in the student’s Individualized Education Program. Universal services may include: • Moderate needs support: An individualized service delivery model that primarily utilizes inclusive practices through a combination of special education support provided in the general classroom environment and/or special education support provided outside the general classroom environment. • Direct itinerant support: This may include mental health, speech-language, and occupational therapy interventions provided in the general classroom environment and/or special education support provided outside the general classroom environment. • Indirect itinerant support: This consists of primarily consultative services provided by mental health, speech-language, and occupational therapy service providers. • Instructional/environmental accommodations & modifications • State assessment accommodations • Individualized instructional practices • Small group services/interventions • Individual goal setting and progress monitoring

Lynnette Steinhoff Director Personalized Learning Special Education lsteinhoff@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0078 Sarah Cannon Director Personalized Learning Special Education scannon@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0078 Website: https://www.dcsdk12.org/specialeducation Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee: http://www.dcseac.org/

Targeted Services The continuum of special education services (universal, targeted, intensive) is designed to ensure that students are able to access and make progress in the general curriculum. Service delivery is driven by student need and subject to change as the student makes progress towards goals and objectives and is served in the least restrictive environment.

Whole Child Report and Resources

Staff Wellness Vision - Douglas County School District empowers employees to “choose the best you” through health education and activities that sustain healthy lifestyles resulting in improved productivity and morale. Our mission is to provide diverse staff wellness opportunities, empower individuals to make healthy choices, and develop a positive culture that is focused on celebrating and improving the quality of life for all employees.

Highlights 2018-19 School Year

Weight Management - Participated in the Healthy Wage Challenge. Offered 7 At Work WW sessions, 100 employees utilized the WW digital tools and 50 individuals used WW Local Meeting Vouchers. Walktober - Total participants: 1626 participants; Total steps: 466 million steps (233,000 miles) Site-based challenges - Hydration Challenge, Planksgiving, sElf on a Shelf, Wellness Bingo, Weigh and Win, and more. DCSD Employee Fitness Classes - Free fitness classes (yoga, HIIT, Zumba) offered at 10 district sites District Volleyball League - 8 teams participated EPIC Adventure Event - 95+ employees and family challenged themselves Reflect, Rejuvenate, and Recharge Challenge - Over 900 employees participated in this selfcare challenge. Colfax Marathon Relay 28 teams participated representing their schools and DCSD Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - High utilization of our direct access to web-based resources, and 6 free counseling sessions/ issue/person in household/year Staff Wellness Champions - 68 Champs encouraged their schools and sites. Staff Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG) Worked towards creating a culture of health and well-being. Flu Shots - offered throughout the district for employees Wellness Discounts - Multiple discounts at fitness facilities and local companies Lactation/Wellness Rooms - Created 6 remodeled spaces for employees to utilize 28

“Thank you for this opportunity!! These are great things to motivate me to better my life. THANK YOU!” - DCSD Teacher “I love that this was offered. I feel like it brings out the best in us.” - DCSD Teacher

Douglas County School District

Department at a Glance - Staff Wellness • Coordinate efforts with a Wellness Work Group team that works together on a statewide initiative to create and support a culture of health and wellness in the workplace alongside the American Heart Association and Tri-County Health. • Collaborate with WELCOA (Wellness Council of America) to work towards our commitment to protect and enhance the health and well-being of our employees. • Work with each school and employee workgroup to help create opportunities to bring unique wellness opportunities to employees in our district. • Offer the opportunity for staff and schools to partner with the American Heart Association on Go Red Day! Staff raised over $3800 for the American Heart Association campaign.

Holly Giron Staff Wellness Coordinator holly.giron@dcsdk12.org 720-433-1274 Rosa Reynolds Benefits Manager rereynolds@dcsdk12.org 720-433-1252 Website: https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/ our_district/departments/benefits/ staff_wellness

Whole Child Report and Resources

Sustainability Highlights 2018-19 School Year Teacher & Classroom support: • Provided mini-grants to fund 24 sustainability projects within schools • Created a new Sustainability Library engaging teaching tools available for teachers to check out at IDC • Supported Integration of sustainability initiatives into school curriculum and culture through offering • vertical and horizontal alignment of 2020 Colorado Academic Standards • Provided four evenings of Professional Development • Participated in student presentations, assemblies and events Annual Green U Conference: • Doubled attendance from previous year • Promoted Sustainability with vendors and partners • Provided a full day of professional development for attendees with fun and engaging breakout sessions Community Events and Collaboration • Earth Day celebration - Over 200 attendees - Recognized 50 ECO Award student and teacher winners - Displayed student-created UP-Cycle Challenge projects - Featured 16 community partner organizations • Douglas County Electronic Recycling Event - Partnered with Douglas County to offer free electronics recycling and paper shredding - Diverted 93 tons of electronics from landfills • Monthly Newsletter Communication shared with schools, community partners and community members - Features Sustainability Spotlight School of the Month - Communicates current DCSD Office of Sustainability Events - Recognizes DCSD Sustainability partners

The Office of Sustainability mission is to engage students, teachers and schools throughout the district in sustainability learning initiatives. Our goal is to provide the opportunity for every student to receive environmental education as part of their learning experience in DCSD.

Alignment to DCSD Unity of Purpose

Academic Excellence – Sustainability initiatives provide authentic student-led learning experiences that are inclusive of all learning abilities while supporting the Colorado Academic Standards. Outstanding Educators and Staff – The Office of Sustainability provides professional development through quarterly face to face networking sessions and our annual professional learning conference, Green U. Safe, Positive Climate and Culture - School-wide sustainability initiatives such as school gardens, recycling programs and energy reduction competitions bring students together through collaborative learning and celebrations and help build positive school culture. Collaborative Relations with Parents and Community – Schools are encouraged and often choose to include the community in implementing and celebrating sustainability projects. DCSD school community involvement includes community gardening, community showcase nights, display gardens and our annual “Earth Day Extravaganza!” which displays and celebrates school, teacher and student success in sustainability. Financial Well-Being - Energy savings initiatives, water reduction, waste reduction for the district while teaching students financial literacy.

Rethink, Reduce, Rescue, Recycle “It’s a lifestyle” “Teaching Sustainability puts the fun back into learning” “Great authentic ways to teach our next generation” “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make” “What you do TODAY can improve all your TOMORROWS” “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Grants awarded to Office of Sustainability: • Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to help provide recycle bins for our schools.

Douglas County School District

Through green school environments, we can improve student health, reduce school operational costs, and lessen our impact on the environment. • RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION • INDOOR / OUTDOOR GARDENS • COMPOSTING • GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY • WATER CONSERVATION • ENERGY REDUCTION • CHICKEN PROGRAM • OUTDOOR LEARNING

Beth Church Sustainability Coordinator DCSD Office of Sustainability bachurch@dcsdk12.org 303-387-0451 Heather Berry Sustainability Learning Specialist DCSD Office of Sustainability AP Environmental Science Teacher Highlands Ranch High School hmberry@dcsdk12.org https://www.dcsdk12. org/about/our_district/ departments/operations_and_ maintenance/sustainability

Whole Child Report and Resources

With Gratitude!

The District Health Advisory Committee (DHAC) would like to thank the individuals instrumental in supporting the health and well-being of our students and staff each and every day, including: School Staff Student Leaders School Administrations

Community Partners Parents District Support

Together they work to create a safe, healthy, and happy learning environment for our students and staff. 32

Douglas County School District

Cover photo by Tim Bourke