News

For Messages from the DCSD Superintendent, please click here.


 


Behind the Scenes Logo

Welcome to Behind the Scenes, the DCSD spotlight for good news occurring in and around the Douglas County School District by our amazing staff and students. Learn about the heroes who are impacting our school district every day behind the scenes, and the events taking place within our schools that enrich the educational value for others.

 

Castle Rock Middle Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
09/22/2023
news
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration from September 15 to October 15 which provides an opportunity to honor the rich history, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Castle Rock Middle School (CRMS) recognized Hispanic Heritage Month in a big way this year.
Read More about Castle Rock Middle Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
clear
Natalie Barnard Inpires at Mountain Vista HS
09/20/2023
news
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.
Read More about Natalie Barnard Inpires at Mountain Vista HS
clear
Douglas County High School Debuts Jan Shawcroft Field!
09/15/2023
news
A dirt field that served the needs of students for more than 40 years is now a new athletic field with brand-new artificial turf and goalposts. Douglas County High School (DCHS) in Castle Rock officially debuted the Jan Shawcroft Field on August 31, before the freshman football game.
Read More about Douglas County High School Debuts Jan Shawcroft Field!
clear
Meet Alison Shanor, Mountain Ridge Middle School Principal
09/05/2023
news
Meet Alison Shanor, Mountain Ridge Middle School Principal It’s probably no surprise that Alison Shanor chose education as a career path since she comes from a family of educators. Her dad was a principal, her mom was a school counselor, and her aunts and uncles are all educators. Alison says she always wanted a job working with and supporting kids.
Read More about Meet Alison Shanor, Mountain Ridge Middle School Principal
clear
Ponderosa High School and Legacy Point Elementary Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
09/01/2023
news
Ponderosa High School recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and Legacy Point Elementary celebrated its 20th anniversary!
Read More about Ponderosa High School and Legacy Point Elementary Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
clear
STEM School 6th Grader Wins Paradigm World Challenge
08/28/2023
news
Congratulations to STEM School Highlands Ranch 6th grader Anirudh Rao who won the Paradigm World Challenge! The ceremony was held in Los Angeles and Anirudh earned the recognition for inventing an early warning system for tornadoes. He is the youngest to ever receive this particular award, which includes legal consultation to move forward with the patent process.
Read More about STEM School 6th Grader Wins Paradigm World Challenge
clear
Tom Graves, From NASA Engineer to Substitute Teacher
08/23/2023
news
Growing up in rural Louisiana in a town of 1,200 people and graduating high school in a class of 23 people, Tom Graves never imagined he would someday land a job at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). After working on top missions and helping land a man on the moon, Tom now shares his life experiences as a substitute teacher at Legend High School in Parker.
Read More about Tom Graves, From NASA Engineer to Substitute Teacher
clear
Surprise Homecoming at Eldorado Elementary
08/22/2023
news
Eldorado Elementary students, 5th grader Skylar and 2nd grader Nolan, wereSkylar and Nolan hugging their dad Sergeant Ryan Ernst surprised by seeing their dad for the first time in over 280 days.
Read More about Surprise Homecoming at Eldorado Elementary
clear
Alumni Feature: DCHS Grad Jordan Hinton Opens a Craft Meat Market
08/16/2023
news
Jordan Hinton is a DCHS grad whose passion for agriculture and animals led her to open a craft meat market.
Read More about Alumni Feature: DCHS Grad Jordan Hinton Opens a Craft Meat Market
clear
Highlands Ranch HS' Warren Berg Selected as NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassador
08/14/2023
news
Highlands Ranch High School science teacher Warren Berg was one of only 18 teachers nationwide selected as a NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassador (AAA). Berg spent five months learning about the importance of Infrared Astronomy. Then, in July, Warren traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii to see infrared astronomy in action.
Read More about Highlands Ranch HS' Warren Berg Selected as NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassador
clear
Perseverance Golf Tournament Raises Scholarship Funds
08/02/2023
news
Approximately 130 DCSD staff and members of the Douglas County community took part in the Second Annual Perseverance Golf Tournament at the Lone Tree Golf Course on July 24. The Perseverance Golf Tournament is a fundraiser for the Perseverance Scholarship for DCSD graduates. In addition to raising money, the tournament is a fun way for DCSD staff to connect before the start of the new school year and build relationships with community partners who help make the event possible.
Read More about Perseverance Golf Tournament Raises Scholarship Funds
clear
Stone Mountain Elementary Debuts New Murals in Gym
07/07/2023
news
Stone Mountain Elementary School staff took on a project to update the gym logo to align with the school’s colors and mascot. School administration, along with the PTO, helped guide and collaborate on the project design. After several designs were explored and refined, the PTO contacted local artist Phillip Bernal, who’s been painting murals and award-winning chalk art for more than twenty years.
Read More about Stone Mountain Elementary Debuts New Murals in Gym
clear
Pioneer Elementary Gets A Peace Pole
06/12/2023
news
On Tuesday morning, May 23, 2023 Parker’s Pioneer Elementary held a celebration for the addition of a Peace Pole Garden to their school. Their Peace Pole has the inscription of “May Peace Prevail on Earth” from the countries of the eight most commonly spoken languages in Douglas County including: Belarus, China, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States. Pioneer Elementary’s Peace Pole garden provides a quiet spot for the Douglas County Community to reflect upon what it means to live peacefully among different cultures and beliefs.
Read More about Pioneer Elementary Gets A Peace Pole
clear
ThunderRidge’s Peer Program is a Win-Win for Students
05/19/2023
news
ThunderRidge High School’s Peer Intern Program offers an opportunity for students to learn about and assist classmates whose learning abilities are unlike their own. The Peer Intern Program is a semester-long class where students pair with students in the significant support needs (SSN) program.
Read More about ThunderRidge’s Peer Program is a Win-Win for Students
clear
Students with Hearing Loss Enjoy making Connections at Carnival
05/08/2023
news
Students participated in the annual Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Carnival. The carnival is a fun way for DHH kids to make connections.
Read More about Students with Hearing Loss Enjoy making Connections at Carnival
clear
Bridge Art Show Raises $4K for Program
05/04/2023
news
DCSD’s Bridge Transition Program recently held an Art Show, which also served as a fundraiser, at Union American Bistro in Castle Rock. The Bridge Transition Program serves young adults ages 18-21 with developmental disabilities to prepare them for life after high school. In total, the students created 170 art pieces and sold 147 of them! The Art Show raised close to $4,000 to support the Bridge Program.
Read More about Bridge Art Show Raises $4K for Program
clear
Chaparral Family Raises over $107K For Wish Week
04/17/2023
news
Over the past couple of months, our high schools have been participating in Wish Weeks which have become an important tradition here in DCSD. During Wish Weeks, high school students and staff come up with a variety of fundraising activities and events to grant the wish of a child who is battling health challenges.
Read More about Chaparral Family Raises over $107K For Wish Week
clear
CDE Recognizes DCSD Schools for Excellence
03/30/2023
news
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is recognizing several Douglas County School District schools for high academic achievement. The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award is given to schools demonstrating exceptional student growth. The John Irwin Schools of Excellence awards recognize schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time.
Read More about CDE Recognizes DCSD Schools for Excellence
clear
Christian Brothers Automotive Comes to Mesa Middle School
03/27/2023
news
Mechanics from Christian Brothers Automotive and students from Mesa Middle School teamed up to tear down some engines in a hands-on lab. Students who participated rolled up their sleeves, grabbed some tools, removed some bolts, and even got to take home a souvenir.
Read More about Christian Brothers Automotive Comes to Mesa Middle School
clear
School Spotlight: Cloverleaf Enrichment School
03/03/2023
news
For families who are embarking on the homeschool journey with children entering kindergarten next fall, a partnership with Cloverleaf Enrichment School may be just the ticket. One day each week students and families switch up the homeschool routine and join their friends at Cloverleaf. Kindergarten is just the beginning, as the Cloverleaf program extends all the way through 12th grade. The hallmark of the Cloverleaf experience for all grade levels is a strong sense of community, as one day each week students have a change of pace from the homeschool routine and join a close-knit community of learners guided by state licensed teachers. Students take part in project-based learning exploration, strengthen important social and life skills, and build strong relationships. For high school students, enrichment includes opportunities to earn transcript credit, as well as access to concurrent enrollment and career technical education classes, including those provided at DCSD’s new Legacy Campus.
Read More about School Spotlight: Cloverleaf Enrichment School
clear
Therapy Dogs Help Reduce Students’ Anxiety and Stress and Bring Smiles to DCSD Students and Staff
02/14/2023
news
Friendly dogs who calmly travel alongside their handlers are becoming more common throughout the Douglas County School District (DCSD) as Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) programs are on the rise. DCSD currently has eight teams of therapy dogs and their handlers assisting students including School Resource Officers (SROs) and school staff (counselors, teachers, and specialists).
Read More about Therapy Dogs Help Reduce Students’ Anxiety and Stress and Bring Smiles to DCSD Students and Staff
clear
Kelli Mueller Named Finalist for School Nurse of the Year Award
01/06/2023
news
DCSD’s Kelli Mueller was named a finalist for the Colorado Association of School Nurses’ 2022 School Nurse of the Year Award. With nearly 750 school nurses throughout the state, it’s quite an honor to be nominated for this prestigious award. “I’m very touched by this recognition,” Kelli said.
Read More about Kelli Mueller Named Finalist for School Nurse of the Year Award
clear
Meet Dr. Jean Taylor, the New Mountain View Elementary Principal
12/30/2022
news
As public educators, we have the beautiful opportunity to provide universal access to education, help students fulfill their potential, and prepare for the future. You never know what each year will bring, but one can count on the excitement of learning. Being a public educator is an honor and a huge responsibility.
Read More about Meet Dr. Jean Taylor, the New Mountain View Elementary Principal
clear
Northeast Elementary Receives Special Recognition
12/01/2022
news
Northeast Elementary was recently recognized by Solution Tree as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the PLC at Work process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students.
Read More about Northeast Elementary Receives Special Recognition
clear
Meg Jacques is Flagstone Elementary's New Principal!
12/01/2022
news
I took over the principalship in the midst of a pandemic and in the middle of a school year. I am most proud of being able to maintain the incredible and supportive culture and climate that is Flagstone. Ensuring that people are honored, valued, and trusted as professionals are one of my most important priorities as a leader because staff that feels valued work hard and are committed. And that has an immediate and positive impact on our most valued customers... our STUDENTS!
Read More about Meg Jacques is Flagstone Elementary's New Principal!
clear
Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
11/18/2022
news
At Cherry Valley Elementary (CVE), what started as a pilot incubator program with a handful of chickens has hatched into a year-round agricultural program run by the school’s 13 fifth and sixth-grade students.
Read More about Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
clear
Meet Sean Pattterson, the New ThunderRidge Principal
11/15/2022
news
Sean Patterson, the new ThunderRidge High School principal, loves seeing the students and teachers engaging in learning!
Read More about Meet Sean Pattterson, the New ThunderRidge Principal
clear
DCSD’s Tim Ottmann and Ann Strother Abromaitis Selected for Induction into CHSSA’s Hall of Fame Class for 2022
11/15/2022
news
The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame announced its Class for 2022, and DCSD is proud to have two of the seven members selected for induction: Coach Tim Ottman from Ponderosa High School and Highlands Ranch High School basketball standout Ann Strother Abromaitis.
Read More about DCSD’s Tim Ottmann and Ann Strother Abromaitis Selected for Induction into CHSSA’s Hall of Fame Class for 2022
clear
Colorado Rapids' Diego Rubio Visits Pine Lane Elementary
10/31/2022
news
“No matter how many obstacles you come across, if you push yourself and persevere, you can accomplish almost anything!” This is the message Colorado Rapids player, Diego Rubio, conveyed to Pine Lane Elementary students during his visit for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More about Colorado Rapids' Diego Rubio Visits Pine Lane Elementary
clear
Meet Emmalee Owens, the New Principal at Acres Green Elementary
10/20/2022
news
I always knew I would do something in education, even as a young child, and that was confirmed the more I learned about teaching and had opportunities to be in classrooms with children.
Read More about Meet Emmalee Owens, the New Principal at Acres Green Elementary
clear
Castle View to Produce Frozen, The Musical in 2023
09/26/2022
news
We’re excited to announce that Castle View High School will produce Frozen, The Musical in November 2023! Talk about magical! Through a unique nationwide competition, one high school in every U.S. state and territory were granted the rights to produce Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical in their local communities. The winning productions will mark the first-ever school productions of Frozen anywhere in the world. Congratulations Sabercats!
Read More about Castle View to Produce Frozen, The Musical in 2023
clear
Colorado Proud School Meal Day 2022
09/23/2022
news
Colorado Proud School Meal Day is held annually on September 20 to spotlight Colorado agriculture and to educate students about healthy eating. In celebration of Colorado Proud School Meal Day, DCSD’s 51 elementary schools featured a Colorado Proud Meal for lunch: mixed melons and honeydew, rainbow carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers on the harvest bar, and fresh roasted fingerling potatoes with broccoli and cheese sauce. Colorado Proud School Meal Day is a great way to introduce fresh produce and food to children who might be unfamiliar with some items. This year, in connection with Colorado Proud School Meal Day, DCSD families and members of the community visited a day-long Farmer’s Market on the front lawn of Arrowwood Elementary in Highlands Ranch. DCSD’s Nutrition Services partnered with Hoffman Farms in Greeley and other local producers, such as Beyond the Hive, Merfs, and Yumbana, which supplied fresh produce and food available for purchase. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase corn, Palisade peaches, shishito peppers, tomatoes, Pueblo chilis, honey sticks, hot sauce and condiments, and gluten-free baked goods.
Read More about Colorado Proud School Meal Day 2022
clear
Welcome to Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy at Highlands Ranch High School, operated by students enrolled in the cosmetology program.
08/31/2022
news
Welcome to Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy at Highlands Ranch High School, operated by students enrolled in the cosmetology program. On August 11, Highlands Ranch High School hosted a grand opening ceremony for Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy.
Read More about Welcome to Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy at Highlands Ranch High School, operated by students enrolled in the cosmetology program.
clear
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2023 Intrado Corporation. All rights reserved.

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 ).