Jeffco Public Schools

Superintendent's Corner

Dear Jeffco Families & Community,

These past few weeks, the eyes of the nation turned to our neighbor, Denver Public Schools, as district leadership and the teachers’ union failed to come to agreement on a new contract, leading to a teacher strike in the 92,000-student district. Fortunately for everyone involved, the parties were able to come to a resolution after just a few days.

Since that time, I have fielded a number of questions about the climate of labor relations in Jeffco Public Schools and (more pointedly) if I expected such an action to take place in our community.

Jeffco has two “unions” that we work with. The Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA) represents teachers and other certified staff in the district. The Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) represents our support staff and hourly employees such as maintenance and custodial, cafeteria, transportation, health providers and clerical positions. We also have a professional association representing administrators in the district, the Jefferson County Administrators Association (JCAA). We negotiate (or bargain) with JCEA and JESPA, but JCAA is not a bargaining organization. All of these organizations are membership based and employees have the option to join.

I can honestly say that I have positive and collaborative relationships with all three of our associations and their leadership. I consider their problems my problems, and vice versa. We call on each other frequently to share ideas, solve problems, and think together. I respect them deeply, and believe that respect extends both ways. Our relationships are strong and in a good space ... and this is not accidental. We have all invested time and energy in supporting each other, and have been there for each other when there was a need. All three organizations worked tirelessly during the 2018 election cycle to generate support with Jeffco voters for 5A and 5B to successfully pass these important ballot 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.

JEFFCO STUDENT-ATHLETES SIGN THEIR NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT

More than 100 signed their National Letter of Intent to a wide range of colleges and universities across the country. Arvada West, Chatfield, Columbine, Dakota Ridge, Golden, Pomona, and Ralston Valley all held celebrations to honor their students who will continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.

More than 150 student-athletes from Jeffco Public Schools' Class of 2019 have signed their National Letter of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level. With one more NCAA initial signing day remaining (April 17) this year's class should come close to the just more than 200 signers from the Class of 2018.

Learn more.

AVID FOR AVID AT POMONA HIGH SCHOOL

Andy Geise switched on his principal radar at Pomona High School. It was not the kind of radar you think; he was looking for students who might be flying just under it. He knows because he was one of them once.

“I would get distracted in high school. If I had had that support and those structures with a community feel and some of the best teachers in the school working with me to be successful, it would’ve been great.”

That’s where AVID comes in; it helps students stay focused and on track. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. In short, it’s a readiness program designed to help high school students develop the skills they’ll need to be successful in college or other post-secondary efforts. So, who are the students who benefit most from the program?

“The average student who does an average job who might think that what they’re doing, is all they can do. They’re doing fine, they’re floating along on the surface like a water skimmer,” said AVID District Director Adrienne Rossi. “However, we know that every student can succeed and be more successful to change their own trajectory. That’s the AVID student.”

Read more.

Good News in Jeffco

Bravo to all of the teachers and programs that represented Jeffco at the CMEA conference in January. Read more.

Congratulations to all of the students selected to the Jeffco Public Schools All-County Honor Band and Orchestra! Read more.

Eight Jeffco Public Schools students are candidates in the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Read more. 

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

ENROLLJEFFCO

Round 1 Offers Coming Feb. 27

Did you apply to a school other than your neighborhood or current school via EnrollJeffco before Feb. 8? Round 1 preschool and choice applicants will receive offers or waitlist positions for all schools to which they applied on Wednesday, February 27.  Families have five days to accept an offer. If you have any technical issues or do not receive an expected email, please contact your prospective school during normal school hours.  If you need more information or after hours help, go to www.EnrollJeffco.org for more information.

EnrollJeffco Now Open for Round 2 Choice Enrollment

Who should use www.EnrollJeffco.org for Round 2? New students, preschool applicants, and if you are interested in applying for a school that is not your expected school (not your current school or if moving up, not your neighborhood school). If you applied during Round 1, no need to apply during Round 2 unless it’s a different school. Round 2 applications are processed as they are received. Round 2 offers or waitlist information will be communicated to families beginning in early March.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Survey on Teacher Development Time

How do you feel about once-a-week educator planning time? A task force working on this possibility would like to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to read about the proposed weekly planning time and take the survey. The survey closes on March 6. English, Spanish

HAPPENING IN JEFFCO

Jeffco Schools Foundation Community Night
March 2

For students, educators, staff, and their friends and family. Top participating schools will be eligible to participate in special experiences on the court. Upper-level seats starting at $22 a ticket and lower/club seats starting at $46. Click here to purchase tickets.

Saturday, March 2, 7:00 p.m. 
Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans, Pepsi Center

Elevating the Youth Voice:  Understanding Root Causes of Youth Nicotine & Other Substance Misuse
March 6

Come learn about UpRISE: Colorado's statewide social justice youth tobacco control movement. Hear from young people about how they are using their voice and collective power to create health equity in their schools and communities. See the attached flyer for details.

Prom Dress Exchange
March 9

Our goal is for every teen to attend their big event IN STYLE!  Open to all high school students with a valid student ID.  Each teen may choose one long and one short dress from our HUGE selection. Seamstresses will be available onsite for limited alterations. We ask for a $10 donation or a clean formal dress to exchange if possible.

Saturday, March 9, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Adams 12 Five Star Schools ESC, 1500 E. 128th Ave., Thornton. For more info call: 303-358-6804 or visit www.promdressexchange.org.

MENTAL WELLNESS TIP

“If you’re feeling anxious, try coloring!” - 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

• February 15 - K-8 early release
• March 25-29 - Spring Break

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

• Thursday, March 7, 5:00 p.m., Study Session
• Thursday, March 7, 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!