Jeffco Public Schools

Superintendent's Corner

Dear Jeffco Families & Community,

This past week has been challenging for our students, families, staff, and the entire metro community with the threat of violence put upon our schools. Ultimately, and in a collaborative and supportive decision, all the schools in the Denver metro area closed this week as we prioritized safety above all other concerns.

I am proud of the way our schools and district staff responded to this challenge. Jeffco has one of the most sophisticated and robust systems of school safety in the nation and we put that into action this week. Former Columbine High School principal Frank DeAngelis described Jeffco’s reaction to this situation as “clockwork.” While there are always things we can learn and improve upon in these experiences, Jeffco’s reaction to this situation was thoughtful, deliberate, and decisive.

With that said, there is much about this situation that still troubles me.

I am bothered that one person with a gun could hold an entire region’s education system hostage with a credible, but also an unspecified, threat.

As many of you know, I am a Jeffco parent myself. My wife Sarah and I have a six-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter who attend Jeffco Public Schools. Like so many parents in our community, we struggled in answering their strikingly direct and innocent questions.

Read more.

Jeffco students, parents, families, staff, and community members may engage with Dr. Glass via Facebook, Twitter @COJasonGlass, and through his blog, advancejeffco.blog.

Our Schools – Our Community

Over the past several months, Jeffco Public Schools has been leading an initiative to advance public education across Colorado. Alongside many partner districts, we are striving to elevate the conversation regarding our public schools in order to prioritize their outstanding successes and significant impacts.

Recently, an editorial endorsed and supported by numerous education leaders was published by The Colorado Sun highlighting the critical role our public schools play in determining the future success of our communities, state, and nation. As approximately 90% of all children in America, grades K-12, are currently enrolled in a public school, it is imperative that we all work together to ensure the quality of this important institution.

We invite our Jeffco community to take a moment to learn more about this effort and share across your networks by joining us online at www.ourschoolsourcommunity.org or on Twitter @COSchoolsProud.

Together, we can strengthen our communities and foster continued support of our schools for current and future generations.

The Many Faces of Family Engagement

The last school bell had long since rung at Emory Elementary in Lakewood, where a party of enormous proportions was going on. It was International Night, and visitors had their pick of countries, traditions, and foods.

“We have Spain, and we have Ireland, Italy, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates. We have China. We have Mexico, a big, big station out there,” explained Emory Elementary Family Engagement Liaison Andrea Syko. “I think the majority of kids that are represented, that are highlighted, are from Mexico. We have a large Latino and Hispanic population in our school which is great because we are a dual language school.”

Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul was there, watching the fun with Emory Principal Sharon Ivie. The planning had taken months.

“At the beginning of the school year, I dreamed about these things. I started thinking about it from the first day of school,” said Syko.

The extensive planning period paid off – attendees had nothing but rave reviews.

Read more.

Good News in Jeffco

Ute Meadows Elementary student Kaden Forsha moved onto the semi-finals of the hit TV show American Ninja Warrior Junior! Read more.

Parmalee Elementary student Zander De Jager raised over $1,200 for the American Cancer Society. Read more.

Bradford K-8 North social studies teacher Alisha Lindsey was awarded a National Geographic Fellowship. Read more.

Two Roads Charter School senior Noelle Mayer is a real standout. Read more.

Warren Tech student Kevin Mikulich earns a unique scholarship with the U.S. Army. Read more.

For more good news, visit the Good News Blog and see Jeffco in the News.

HAPPENING IN JEFFCO

Columbine Day of Service
April 20

Columbine students and staff will be participating in various acts of kindness through service projects. The specific service projects and locations are restricted to CHS students and staff. We encourage every community to participate in a service project of your own and to let us know what you are doing in your own community! Visit our website, www.columbineserves.org, for information and resources and connect with us on social media using the hashtags #ColumbineServes, #DayOfRecommitment, and #WeAreColumbine.

20-Year Columbine Remembrance Service
April 20

The community is invited to remember, reflect and recommit at Clement Park, at the soccer field east of the Columbine Library, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Parking will be limited, with shuttle service provided from the parking lot behind Burlington Coat Factory (across W. Bowles Ave. from the park). Please bring folding chairs or blankets for additional seating behind the reserved seating provided for the families who lost loved ones and those wounded in the April 20, 1999 tragedy.

2019 Graduations

Click here to view the full schedule of 2019 high school graduation ceremonies.

Transportation & Construction Career Days for Girls
June 17-21 or July 15-19

The HOYA Foundation, one of Jeffco Public School's community partners, sponsors a free opportunity for girls to explore career pathways in transportation and construction industries. Over one week, girls, ranging from eighth grade to 20 years old, making five stops to engage with women, ask questions and tour work sites. Each company puts together a day-long insight into their company and into the industry. Click here for more information, or visit Jeffco Career Links.

Seeking Outdoor Lab Alumni

Did you grow up in Jefferson County? Did you attend Outdoor Lab? Outdoor Lab is a 62-year-old program that has become a rite of passage in the district, and the Outdoor Lab Foundation is looking for alumni! The foundation wants to connect with you, hear your story, and continue the Outdoor Lab Legacy with you. Interested? Join our Facebook page. Join us as the Outdoor Lab Legacy lives on.

MENTAL WELLNESS TIP

“Know when you need help.” - Golden High School student

Brought to you by The Golden Rotary's  Mental Health committee. This project is in partnership with Golden High School students.  

IMPORTANT DATES

• April 26 - K-8 Early Release

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

• Thursday, May 2, 5:00 p.m., Study Session
• Thursday, May 2, 6:00 p.m., Regular Meeting

Meetings are held at the Jeffco Ed Center Board Room, 1829 Denver West Drive #27, Golden. Meeting schedules and agendas are posted on BoardDocs.

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

Check Out the Latest from JPS-TV

Emmy®-nominated JPS-TV is the official YouTube channel for Jeffco Public Schools. It features stories about Jeffco kids, teachers, and staff! Click here to check out the latest from JPS-TV!

Keep Up with Jeffco Athletics

To get the latest on Jeffco’s high school athletics, be sure to check out the CHSAANow.com/jeffco website, JPS-TV Sports, the Jeffco Athletics Facebook page, and scores and photos via @JeffcoAthletics on Twitter. Click here to check out the latest from JPS-TV!