DCSD Notebook

Students’ use of smartphones in schools is a huge topic. Is it a distraction? Can they be helpful in an educational setting? When should they be used and when should they be put away?  On April 21, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education approved a new policy about the use of communication devices in schools. This was the culmination of nearly two years’ worth of district leaders’ examination of the challenges and benefits of smart phones and other high-tech devices being used by students during school hours. The policy adoption was also required by a new state law.  In this episode, DCSD Chief of Staff Steve Colella and ThunderRidge High School Principal Liz Walhof discuss the issue, the policy, and most importantly, the practices of students, teachers, parents and district leaders when it comes to communication devices – not just phones. Colella co-led an effort to speak with hundreds of people across the district over the last several months, as well as conducting deep research into the issue surrounding communication device use and helping craft the new policy. Walhof has years of experience as an ed-tech expert and administrator. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the in-class challenges that technology poses. To read the full policy, watch recent discussions at Board of Education meetings, and access the wide range of research, visit DCSD’s Digital Literacy webpage. Resources: Digital Literacy webpage (includes new policy in full) Video of DCSD Board of Education discussion from April 21 Presentation slides from April 21 BOE meeting (includes March 3 slides) Colorado Law regarding Communication Devices Guests this episode:  Steve Colella, DCSD Chief of Staff Liz Walhof, ThunderRidge High School Principal  Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide, which may be triggering for some individuals. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self harm, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. From the Happy Crew website: “Colorado ranks 41st in the US for youth mental health treatment access, with 26% of teens reporting persistent hopelessness. These aren't just statistics — they're stories waiting to be rewritten. Since 2007, Happy Crew has been showing teens they matter and belong, creating spaces where feeling alone transforms into finding community.” Amy Mays is founder of Happy Crew, a Douglas County nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally and socially. Amy brings a thoughtful and uplifting approach to this work, and in this episode, she talks about the mission behind Happy Crew, how they’re supporting students in our community, and some simple, practical ways families can reinforce these skills at home. Happy Crew Events:  Sunday, April 19 Do you have a teenager in your life who is looking for community and a little pre-final exams fun? Join the Lone Tree Youth Commission and Happy Crew for Real Talk, an event for local teens to connect with their community and focus on mental health. When: 2-6 p.m. Where: Prairie Sky Park in Lone Tree, 9381 Crossington Way What: Local teenagers can spend time with friends at Prairie Sky Park with yard games, music, and relaxing before the end of the school year. Hear from former Nuggets player Mark Randall about mental health and the importance of strong community. Grab a snack from Mile High Tikka Express food truck – the first 100 attendees get a ticket for a free item! RSVP: https://go.cityoflonetree.com/realtalk-RSVP Monday, April 20 End of Year Celebration at the Happy Crew Coffee House All High Schoolers are welcome to Happy Crew. Dinner will be provided. When: 7-8 p.m. Where: 9044 Forsstrom Dr., Lone Tree, CO Guest this episode  Amy Mays Host  Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD Resources The Happy Crew Text Amy Mays: 303-916-1515 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Email: [email protected] Instagram: @TheHappyCrew About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.

Career and Technical Education is a hot topic in schools these days – and not just high schools where most of the classes take place. Cimarron Middle School Principal Chris Zimmerman piloted CTE classes at his school this year and helped plan the inaugural Career Discovery Camp taking place this June 3-5 at Legacy Campus. It’s a three-day camp to introduce middle school students to CTE options available to them in DCSD. As this episode is released, registration is open – and limited. Registration information is below. Career Discovery Camp: A three-day, hands-on summer experience designed to introduce students to Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Students explore multiple career areas, try real activities, and learn about future high school pathway options. Students attend three different pathways sessions each day. Sessions are interactive, hands-on, and led by experienced CTE teachers. This camp is open to students entering grades 6, 7, or 8 for the 2026-2027 school year. DCSD students only, including district middle schools and approved charter schools. Guest this episode  Chris Zimmerman, principal of Cimarron Middle School  Host  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources Career Discovery Camp registration (MySchoolBucks page) Flyer with details DCSD’s Postsecondary Readiness website with career pathway information Legacy Campus website About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?  

Name a high-concept, action-adventure story with a middle-school teacher as the main character. Has there ever been one …? In this episode we’re tying education to current pop culture, specifically the new movie “Project Hail Mary.” It stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who has to save the entire world on a deep-space mission. Throughout the movie – and even more if you’ve read or listened to the Andy Weir novel it’s based on – Grace has to solve problem after problem with his knowledge of science. It truly puts teachers front and center as the intelligent heroes they are.  In its first two weeks of release, the film made more than $300 million worldwide. The novel was a finalist for the top science fiction award, the Hugo, in 2022, and the audiobook version won the Audie award for best audiobook of 2022.  In this episode, two Rocky Heights Middle School teachers, Erika Hamlin and Sarah Lochmiller, talk about teaching science at the middle school level and how good of a job “Project Hail Mary” does in portraying their reality, how accurately the science was presented, and what they thought about stretching real science into speculative fiction. SPOILER WARNING: If you have not read the book or seen the movie, you might want to wait to listen to this episode. Plot points and details are mentioned throughout the conversation.  Guests this episode:  Erika Hamlin, 7th grade science teacher, Rocky Heights Middle School  Sarah Lochmiller, 8th grade science teacher, Rocky Heights Middle School  Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry.   With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?  

Great schools make great communities, primarily by equipping young people with the education they need to grow and succeed. They also serve as community resources and contribute to property values. That’s part of the symbiotic relationship thriving schools and communities have – and at the core of that relationship is community investment through taxes that fund school districts. That’s where the relationship gets complicated. State laws and annually adjusted funding formulas, plus extra elections for supplemental tax funds, can make it difficult to understand how and why school districts are financed the way they are.  All that complexity is why Douglas County School District’s Chief Financial Officer Jana Schleusner is our guest for this episode. As an expert who regularly goes to the state capitol to advocate for school funding on behalf of DCSD, she understands this subject as well as anyone.  Guest this week:  Jana Schleusner, DCSD chief financial officer Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources DCSD Board of Education webpage Fiscal Oversight Committee Mill Bond Oversight Committee Long Range Planning Committee DCSD Funding Website 2024 Bond Activity Interactive Map  Growth and Decline webpage (school consolidations) About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

As this episode is released, registration is now open for a pair of important bike safety events coming up this summer. Sgt. Mark Mithuen, a School Resource Officer supervisor in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, tells us all about the second annual, free Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety events. Even with twice the capacity as last year, space is limited, so parents are encouraged to register their kids early.  Sgt. Mithuen also talks about a number of the Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Academy programs for elementary, middle and high school students this coming summer and gives us an overview of the unique training and disposition it takes to be an SRO – along with why he appreciates getting to be one! Eye Five: To teach school-age children and teens bicycle safety – for beginners all the way to advanced riders – the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, DCSD, and several other community partners are sponsoring the second annual, FREE Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety event. This year, it will take place on two dates and in two locations: June 13 at Chaparral High School: 8 - 11 a.m. and noon - 3 p.m. July 11 at Castle View High School: 8 - 11 a.m. and noon - 3 p.m. Bring your helmet, bike, e-bike, scooter, electric scooter, or whatever you use to get around and get ready to have some fun learning from your DCSO school resource officers. Food trucks, local bike shops, and informational tables will be set up with information about trail and road safety around the county.  Guest this week:  Sgt. Mark Mithuen, a School Resource Officer supervisor in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety event signup  Eye Five event flyer E-bike safety flyer Summertime DCSO elementary, middle and high school Youth Academy sessions  About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?  

Parents have lots of questions about teen nicotine usage – many of them new ones, thanks to technology and social media:  What does it look like today?  Why are so many young people drawn to it?  Most importantly, how can we work together to keep students healthy and informed? To help guide this conversation, this episode features experts from the Douglas County Health Department, who bring a public health perspective and deep experience working with youth and families in our community. Both are Community Health Educators: Jenny Fisher is also a certified American Heart Association Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and Ashley Scollard is a Mental Health FIRST AID Instructor. Whether you’re a parent of an elementary student, a middle schooler, or a high schooler, this conversation provides you with practical tools, reassurance, and resources you can use at home. An important way listeners can participate in the discourse is by participating in the Douglas County Nicotine/Vaping/Tobacco Survey through March 31, 2026. Guests this week:  Jenny Fisher, community health educator for the Douglas County Health Dept. Ashley Scollard, community health educator for the Douglas County Health Dept. Host:  Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD Resources Douglas County Health Department - Resources Support for Quitting Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco My Life My Quit - We get you. Thousands of teens have joined My Life, My Quit for free, non-judgmental support, 1:1 help to quit, and easy-to-follow tips from our friendly Coaches. Start now. Colorado QuitLine – Free support and coaching to help adults quit tobacco. NRT is available. Colorado Quitline - Spanish EX Program – A digital program developed with Mayo Clinic to help people quit smoking, vaping, and other nicotine products.  Ex Program - Spanish Truth Initiative - Vaping Lingo Dictionary Douglas County Survey Link  (open through March 31) - Nicotine/Vaping/Tobacco Survey   About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.  

Jolee Jones works in two of the most unique positions in education. She leads DCSD’s outdoor education facility near Larkspur, which gives Douglas County students countless opportunities to learn from and enjoy the wonders of nature in Colorado. And the lessons she has both taught and learned, plus her own development as a leader in organizational development led to an expansion of her role. She now also works with teams through the school district to foster improved engagement, resilience, stress management, and awareness of what makes teachers teach better and administrators lead better.  Her mix of research-based practices and real-world application makes her a true – and valued – unicorn in the realm of educational leadership.  Guest this week:  Jolee Jones, DCSD Director of Organizational Development/Experiential Learning Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources Stone Canyon Outdoor EdVentures Emergenetics

Daniel C. Oakes High School in Castle Rock provides a compelling alternative for students who find large, comprehensive high schools are not the right fit for their needs. Because Douglas County School District strives to provide something for every style of learner, D.C. Oakes is one way to ensure students don’t miss out on a quality education. And this episode of the DCSD Notebook is a milestone – it’s our first featuring current students. D.C. Oakes principal Brian Singleton helps us welcome a pair of students who have truly found a home and a family atmosphere at Oakes: Elianna Diaz and Connor Siebert. Worth noting: In the cover photo for this episode, Connor, Elianna and Mr. Singleton are standing in front of a student-created flag with a Phoenix, the mascot for D.C. Oakes.  Guests this week:  Brian Singleton, principal at Daniel C. Oakes High School Elianna Diaz, D.C. Oakes student Connor Siebert, D.C. Oakes student Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources Daniel C. Oakes High School   About Daniel C. Oakes High School > Our Vision: Daniel C. Oakes High School strives to rekindle a student's desire and passion to learn by providing a safe, flexible, and supportive community where students are seen as individuals. > Our Mission: We create a community where we thrive to become better by doing our best work, being a decent human being, valuing relationships with other people, offering outdoor education experiences, and leaving as a better person than we were when we started. At Daniel C. Oakes High School, we continue to meet the needs of over 120 students each quarter who are looking for an alternative path toward achieving a high school diploma. Founded during the 1986-87 school year, Daniel C. Oakes High School is a school dedicated to providing an instructional, community atmosphere with a focus on personalized instruction. We take pride knowing that we can rekindle a student's desire and passion to learn, and we are proud to serve the Douglas County School District with a comprehensive, alternative high school program. Our instructional efforts are rooted in district and state standards, and driven by our Board of Education's Ends Statements. We have combined this solid foundation with a firm belief in educating the whole student via an experimental approach to the acquisition of knowledge, outdoor education opportunities, and an exposure to the arts. We have found that this combination maximizes each student's academic success and develops strong relationships among students and staff. It also provides our students the ability to think critically, apply academic skills to real life situations, and create conditions that bolster confidence and sense of self worth. About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of injury and death among teens nationwide. While smartphones get much of the blame, the reality is that distractions can come from anywhere — friends in the car, music, emotions, and even overconfidence behind the wheel. To help us understand what really happens on the road and in emergency rooms, we are joined by HCA Healthone Skyridge hospital’s Trauma Nurse Coordinator and Injury Prevention Specialist Kathy Myers, RN, who has seen firsthand the consequences of distracted driving. In this discussion, she shares ways families can reduce risk and better prepare not only drivers but also passengers to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. Guest this week Kathy Myers, RN, trauma nurse coordinator and injury prevention specialist at HCA HealthONE Skyridge Host  Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD Resources Colorado Hands Free Law Impact Teen Drivers Colorado Page About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.  

The Sweeney Family Business is all about caring for and building up people. Over the last decade, it’s become even more focused on helping, specifically through education. What started with Kiera Sweeney becoming a Sierra Middle School teacher, soon became three members of the family, with her father, Sean, and then her sister, Delaney, also becoming teachers. In fact those two teach at the same school, Bear Canyon Elementary in Highlands Ranch. Soon another member of the family will be added by marriage. In this episode, we’re going to hear from the tight-knit, fun-loving and fully supportive Sweeney family about how much teaching means to them. If you want to admire a family that can work together, laugh together, and generally embody the love for community that makes DCSD a top destination, listen to this episode – and get ready to smile. Guests this week:  Delaney Sweeney, Bear Canyon Elementary kindergarten teacher Sean Sweeney, Bear Canyon Elementary PE teacher Kiera Sweeney, Sierra Middle School drama teacher Resources Bear Canyon Elementary Sierra Middle School About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. DCSD offers 76 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

At ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch, Brad Johnson is a mainstay as a history teacher and state-championship winning coach. His daughter, Annabeth Johnson, also teaches history and coaches at ThunderRidge. The father and daughter teachers are at opposite ends of their careers, but both are all about making a difference in students’ lives through education. In this episode, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Johnson talk about their unique working relationship, how they inspire and mentor each other, and how much they appreciate the ThunderRidge community.   Guests this week:  Brad Johnson, American History teacher Annabeth Johnson, American History teacher Resources ThunderRidge High School

In this episode, host Amy Pfister welcomes special guest, Dr. Matt Hadeed, chair of pediatrics at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge, which is the sponsor of Parent University. Dr. Hadeed is a leader in pediatric health and development, and he has worked with countless families to build routines that support children’s physical and emotional well-being. Dr. Hadeed shares his expertise on what kids really need when it comes to sleep, nutrition and daily habits — and how parents can set up their children for success both in and out of the classroom. Whether parents are navigating picky eating, bedtime battles, or just want to make healthier choices as a family, this conversation is full of practical, science-backed guidance. Guests this week:  Dr. Matt Hadeed, chair of pediatrics at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge Resources HealthyChildren.org - The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge – Parent University sponsor

AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, exists to help students, and in this final episode of our AVID miniseries, we get to hear from former students who went through the program and can attest, with first-person experience, how much it helped them.  So far in this miniseries, we’ve heard the district perspective and the school-level perspective and, in both cases, the viewpoints of administrators and educators. But what about the people who are supposed to benefit from this program? That’s why we reached out to a couple of graduates of the Legend High School AVID program. Zoe (Class of 2016) and Liv (Class of 2021) are now fully embarked on their respective careers, and in this conversation they tell us how AVID helped prepare – and push – them as they chased their goals and dreams.  Liv and Zoe talk about why they needed the AVID program, how it gave them tools as well as a supportive community so they could grow as students, how it prepared them for college and careers, and how every day they still use what they learned several years ago.  Listen to this episode, and you’ll hear about resilience, collaboration, perseverance, confidence, achievement and so much more. Guests this week:  Zoe, 2016 Legend High School graduate Liv, 2021 Legend High School graduate  Resources AVID homepage  The AVID College and Career Readiness Framework  AVID National data  AVID in Colorado data Current AVID Schools in DCSD: Legend High School Ponderosa High School VALE High School Cresthill Middle School Sagewood Middle School Franktown Elementary School Frontier Valley Elementary School

AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a highly regarded, comprehensive educational program which has been used in schools all over the U.S. for 45 years.  In one DCSD feeder system, students can learn AVID-based skills throughout their K-12 journey: first at Franktown Elementary, where AVID concepts are infused throughout all grades and subjects, then Sagewood Middle School and Ponderosa High School, both of which have AVID elective classes and more. In this episode, the principals from all three of those schools talk about how AVID makes a difference for all ages of students – plus parents, teachers, and principals building an identity for their schools.  From elementary students learning “You can do hard things” to middle schoolers starting to think about careers and college, to high schoolers mastering the skills to excel in each, these school leaders are helping pave the way to success for students with all kinds of learning styles and abilities. This whole conversation carries the core AVID message of “empowerment to unlock every student’s greatness.” This is the second of three parts of the DCSD Notebook podcast miniseries focusing on the AVID program, which is used at several schools in Douglas County. The previous episode focused on the core aspects of the program and its implementation at the district level. This one is at the school level, and our next episode will have DCSD graduates talking about their experiences at the individual level and how AVID prepared them for the real world.  Guests this week:  Chandra Baca, Franktown Elementary School principal Sarah Fields-Hasler, Sagewood Middle School principal Ryan Hollingshead, Ponderosa High School principal Resources AVID homepage  The AVID College and Career Readiness Framework  AVID National data  AVID in Colorado data Current AVID Schools in DCSD: Legend High School Ponderosa High School VALE High School Cresthill Middle School Sagewood Middle School Franktown Elementary School Frontier Valley Elementary School

If you could learn how to learn better or, if you have kids in school,  help them unlock proven strategies to ensure they get the most out of school, would you want to hear more about that?  Here on the DCSD Notebook podcast from the top-scoring school district in the Denver area, we’re going to devote the next three episodes to a deep dive into the AVID program. In this episode, we’re going to start at the 10,000-foot level and learn what Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, is. DCSD’s co-director of the program, Gordon Mosher, who’s going to tell us the why, the how and the what of this program which can literally change the course of a student’s life – from someone who does OK but could achieve so much more if they were equipped, challenged and guided to embrace their potential.  In our next episode, we’ll drill down a little deeper and have a conversation with three principals in Parker who can tell us what AVID looks like at the elementary, middle and high school levels.    Then, in the third episode, we’re going to hear from DCSD graduates who went through the AVID program and can tell us how it helped them go forward into college and careers with confidence.   Guest this week:  Gordon Mosher III, executive director of schools for Choice Programming and DCSD co-director of AVID Resources AVID homepage  The AVID College and Career Readiness Framework  AVID National data  AVID in Colorado data Current AVID Schools in DCSD: Legend High School Ponderosa High School VALE High School Cresthill Middle School Sagewood Middle School Franktown Elementary School Frontier Valley Elementary School Glossary for this episode AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination Metacognition: According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: awareness or analysis of one's own learning or thinking processes. WICOR: Acronym for AVID teaching and learning strategies which stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading

In this episode, host Amy Pfister and her guest Nikki Brooker, founder of YANA — You Are Not Alone, are talking about something that so many parents experience but don’t always talk about — how to find your community (as a parent) during your child’s school years. YANA is a local nonprofit which Brooker created to help parents connect, share, and realize that none of us are meant to do this journey in isolation. This conversation is all about why finding community matters, how schools can help foster those connections, and simple steps parents can take to feel more supported — right here in Douglas County and beyond. Resources: YANA website  Let’s Be Real Podcast: Mama Journeys (Note: This podcast, produced by YANA, features difficult subject matter and frank discussions; listener discretion advised) About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.

School psychologists play an important role in providing Pre-K through 12th grade students mental health services including evaluations, counseling, academic and behavioral intervention, safety assessments and support, and crisis response. They are trained in psychology, child development, and education. The growing mental health crisis, paired with an increased need for school psychologists, has resulted in a shortage.  Many doctoral school psychology programs only admit a handful of students each year. Additionally, according to the Colorado Department of Education, in 2023 there were 1,635 people who held a school psychology license with 616 of these people not working in school psychology roles, resulting in 37.7% of the potential workforce working in other professions.  One of the most promising strategies to recruit and retain school psychologists working in schools is a “grow your own program.”  In August, DCSD’s team of mental health professionals earned a rare accreditation after a long and thorough process. The accreditation is retroactive for the 2024-25 school year. DCSD is part of the Colorado School Psychology Internship Consortium. This is a collaborative effort of the DCSD, Aurora Public Schools, and the University of Colorado Denver to pool and share resources for the purpose of creating a high-quality doctoral internship opportunity that meets the unique clinical and workforce needs of the Denver metropolitan area. The aim is to prepare and retain doctoral school psychologists to provide responsive behavioral and mental health care to children, adolescents, and families in school settings.  DCSD doctoral interns become a licensed psychologist in addition to getting their school psychology credential, and American Psychology Association accredited internships provide high-quality training in clinical practice and specialties. Programs are required to go through a rigorous process to become accredited. DCSD's program, as part of the consortium, has received full accreditation for the next 10 years. This important distinction attracts top doctoral students from across the country, as most graduate programs require an accredited internship. DCSD's program grows sought-after professionals who often are hired on after they complete their internship. This accreditation enables graduates to have a streamlined path to licensure, a supportive introduction to the district, and highly trained supervisors furthering their development into the profession. A doctoral graduate student attends a four- to six-year program dependent upon whether they already have earned their masters degree. To obtain an internship they go through a stringent match process, similar to the process for placement of medical residents. There are approximately 782 psychology internships in the country with only 17 school district internship programs; and 24 internship programs in Colorado with only 2 school district programs. The only one in the Denver Metro area is in DCSD.  This episode is highlighted by the leader of the district’s mental health team and originator of the newly accredited program, as well as a doctoral intern and his experienced mentor.   Guests this week:  Dr. Stephanie Crawford-Goetz, DCSD Director of Mental Health Dr. Ryan Trowbridge, School Psychologist at Cresthill Middle School Joel Flores, School Psychologist Intern Resources DCSD Mental Health Support and School Providers  

In any school district, student engagement and involvement can be seen as a three-legged stool of academics, activities and athletics. In DCSD, two of those three legs are supervised, along with student leadership, by our guests for this episode: Derek Chaney, director of Activities, Athletics, and Student Leadership, and Brad Wiidakas, assistant director for the department. Both have been with DCSD for decades, and Chaney is retiring after this school year. This super-sized episode is both a tribute to Chaney’s leadership and accomplishments as well as a deep dive into the hard work and long hours that both men invest in an organization with countless moving parts but a simple, straightforward mission: “It’s all about the kids.” Guests this week  Derek Chaney, director of Activities, Athletics, and Student Leadership Brad Wiidakas, assistant director of Activities, Athletics, and Student Leadership Resources DCSD Athletics webpage DCSD Activities webpage Students and Coaches in the News

This is the second of two chapters in the DCSD Notebook regarding bullying prevention. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and this Parent University episode, hosted by Community Relations Coordinator Amy Pfister, features three members of the DCSD Health, Wellness and Prevention team. They discuss ways they, as professionals as well as mothers, deal with the challenges presented by bullying.  Guests: Dr. Kelli Smith, director of Health, Wellness and Prevention Trena Hand, Health, Wellness and Prevention lead Hope Ebel, Health, Wellness and Prevention lead Resources Mentioned: “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt DCSD Bullying Prevention webpage Parent University anti-bullying presentation from 2024 Next Month:  Our November Parent University podcast, "Community Matters" will explore the power of community and how parents can build stronger connections with one another. Joining us will be a representative from the local nonprofit, YANA. We invite you to submit your questions about fostering community and collaboration here as your voice helps shape the conversation! About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Skyridge for their continued support and partnership.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and the DCSD Notebook will have two chapters. This week's chapter features a panel of district and school leaders discussing what bullying is and what it isn’t; how schools work with families to investigate and address issues of bullying; resources available to parents; and the legal requirements that all schools face when dealing with these complex issues.  Next week’s chapter will be Part 2 of our bullying coverage. It will be a Parent University episode with host Amy Pfister interviewing a panel of DCSD leaders who also happen to be mothers of students who span the age range from elementary to high school. They will do an even deeper dive into the resources and efforts the district uses every day to make schools as safe and welcoming as possible. Guests this week:  Erin Kruse, executive director of schools for DCSD’s Castle Rock region Jarod Nicholson, principal of Mesa Middle School Trena Hand, the district’s health, wellness and prevention lead Links and resources: DCSD Bullying Prevention webpage DCSD Bullying Reporting form Safe2Tell – Report anonymously. Any time. Any day. Visit the website or call: 877-542-7233  FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, mentioned in the episode, provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records.

In this month’s edition of Parent University, we’re talking about one of the best community spots around — the public library! If you think the library is only about checking out books, you’re missing A LOT. The library is full of fun programs, cool resources, and opportunities that can support children’s learning and give families new ways to connect. Our guest is Jaime Gotlieb, community services and partnerships manager from Douglas County Libraries, talking about the many amazing programs, resources and events at the library and how Douglas County families can get involved.

Kindergarten teachers have an incredibly important job: They teach small children how to become students and get the most out of school (not to mention welcoming parents into the school community). Is that pressure or a treasured privilege? Listen to the genuine joy and laughter from a pair of kindergarten teachers from Bear Canyon Elementary, along with their inspiring principal, and you’ll have the answer pretty quickly: There’s nowhere they would rather be than in the classroom. Guests: Bear Canyon Elementary Principal Allison Sullivan and Kindergarten Teachers Megan Harris and Samantha Banis

Guest: Ashley Sommers, Executive Director of The Foundation for Douglas County Schools Topic: As the official nonprofit partner for DCSD, The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is active year-round in support of students and educators, from back-to-school supply drives to the Apple Awards, Perseverance Scholarships and much more. Notes:  The Foundation’s Three Pillars Apple Awards (nominations open Sept. 15, 2025) Perseverance Scholarships Opportunity Grants (application window opened Sept. 2, 2025) Chapters (PTOs and Booster Clubs)

Guest: Lisa Stull, Licensed Clinical Therapist and Owner of Parker-based practice, Comprehensive Counseling Solutions. Topic: Tools and tips for parents to help children who have anxiety over the start of the new school year. Notes  Download a four-page resource guide from CCS titled Back-to-School Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Support & Resilience  CCS is hosting a live and virtual “Back to School” workshop from 6-8 p.m., Sept. 5. Here’s a flyer with more details. Attendance is free.  Register by emailing them or by phone at 720-766-7290. Next Month The October episode of Parent University will feature a guest from Douglas County Libraries. To ask a question for that episode or to suggest a topic of interest for a future Parent University episode, please fill out this form.    About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Skyridge for their continued support and partnership.

Guests: Assistant Superintendent Danny Winsor; Director of Legacy Campus Rex Corr, Ed.D.; Assistant Director of Postsecondary Readiness Keri Stuebinger Topic: Programs to prepare students for enrollment, employment or enlistment after high school Notes: Every industry has its terms, acronyms and abbreviations. Here are some from the education world that were mentioned in this episode: ACC: Arapahoe Community College (a partner with DCSD on numerous college opportunities for high school students) AVID: Advancement via Individual Determination (a program – often a specific class – builds academic skills, college and career knowledge, and student agency) CE: Concurrent enrollment (taking college-level courses while in high school) CTE: Career and Technical Education (what used to be known as vocational education, but now a much more expansive program) Pathways: A connection between learning progressions, advanced course options, instruction that supports skill development, stackable credentials, and work-based learning experiences to prepare students for training, education, military service, and/or advancement in a career field. These include: Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Business, Marketing, and Public Administration Health Science, Criminal Justice, and Public Safety Hospitality, Human Services, and Education Skilled Trades and Technical Services STEM, Arts & Design, and Information Technology.  TREP: Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (a special program that creates the opportunity for qualified students in an Educator Pathway to concurrently enroll in postsecondary courses for the two years after the 12th grade year tuition- free for two years, with DCSD covering the tuition costs) Links to learn more: DCSD Postsecondary Readiness website Legacy Campus website Bonus links Here’s a video highlighting DCSD’s first TREP graduate and what the program means for her and her future. Ms. Stuebinger mentioned a student who graduated from DCSD and is now in law enforcement. Legend High School grad, Deputy Tyler Lee, has officially graduated from the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Academy. Here’s the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s video about his journey.

Guest: Superintendent Erin Kane Topic: Big plans for the new school year Notes: Supt. Kane’s biographical listing on The Google GSV Education Innovation Fellowship: "Erin Kane is Superintendent of Douglas County School District, one of Colorado's largest and top-performing districts. A leader in academic excellence and innovation, she has improved test scores, expanded CTE and AI, and boosted staff morale. Kane secured major funding initiatives, champions opportunities for all students, and brings experience from charter leadership and high tech. She holds degrees in Applied Math, Computer Science and Public Administration from the University of Colorado."

Guest: Amy Pfister, DCSD Community Relations Coordinator Topic: The Senior Gold Card program Notes: The Douglas County School District Senior Gold Card is now available to Douglas County residents age 60 and older. The Gold Card offers our senior neighbors FREE admission to most DCSD home athletic events and most student fine-arts performances including plays, concerts and choir performances. We’re also excited to offer discounts at a couple of our DCSD student-run businesses. It’s our way of saying "thank you" to our older Douglas County community for the many years of support and contributions to DCSD schools and students. We value the involvement of older Douglas County residents in our schools and their recognition that strong schools equal a strong community! Whether it's enjoying the marching band performing at halftime under the Friday Night Lights, watching a musical theater production or cheering on your favorite athlete and team, the DCSD Senior Gold Card provides a multitude of opportunities to enjoy DCSD events! How to apply: Fill out this online form Stop by the DCSD main office at 620 Wilcox St., Castle Rock, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Stop by Legacy Campus, 10035 S. Peoria St., Lone Tree, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday-Friday.