Jeffco Public Schools

Superintendent's Corner

Dear Jeffco Families & Community,

Spring break marks another milestone in the year, with only eight weeks of school remaining when we return. During this time, your family may be planning on camping trips, heading to the beach, getting in some more ski days, the stay-cation (one of our favorites), or just keeping up the regular routine and catching up on things next week.

Since becoming a parent, one of the things I have become intensely aware of is the passage of time. I recall vividly first holding our baby girl in my cupped hands when she was first born, or that I could balance my son’s tiny body entirely against my side on just my forearm.

Our children are seven and almost six years old now and I am stunned at how quickly the years have gone by. My own parents told me the years would go by so fast, but I really had no idea until now that I am experiencing it.

Over this next week, I encourage all of our parents to find ways to connect with your children – getting to know them more deeply as they develop. As we all experienced ourselves, a year in a child’s life brings many new experiences, opening their world more and more.

You might find ways to learn what your child is wondering or worrying about, what they are most excited about doing or learning, and about their dreams and aspirations.

We will soon blink and another school year will have gone by. Your kindergartener will be excited about being a first grader next year. Your student transitioning grades may be thinking about middle school or high school, or your graduate may be thinking through their first big life moves on their own.

As parents, we are at once excited about what the future holds for our children and simultaneously heartbroken at how quickly they grow up. Make the most of this next week to be a big part of your child’s life. Once past, we do not get these moments back.

There are days, I wake up and I pinch myself, you're with me, not someone else.
And I am scared, yeah, I'm still scared, that it's all a dream.

'Cause you still look perfect as days go by.
Even the worst ones, you make me smile.
I'd stop the world if it gave us time.

'Cause when you love someone, you open up your heart.
When you love someone, you make room.|If you love someone, and you're not afraid to lose them …
You probably never loved someone like I do,
You probably never loved someone like I do.

Lukas Graham. “When You Love Someone.” Copenhagen Records. 2018.

Jason E. Glass, Ed. D.
​​​​​​​Superintendent & Chief Learner

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

JEFFCO POSTSECONDARY PROGRESS & SUCCESS

The recently released State of Colorado Department of Higher Education Postsecondary Progress and Success of High School Graduates annual report shows 63.1% of the Jeffco Public Schools Class of 2017 went on to a post-secondary school, which is well over the 56.4% state average.

Jeffco students from almost all sub-categories are enrolling in some type of post-secondary school at a higher rate than the state average. For example:

• Hispanic – 50.9% (45.8% state)
• American Indian – 51.4% (38.1% state)
• Asian -- 83.9% (75.2% state)
• Black -- 56.5% (54.8% state)
• Female -- 68.2% (61.9% state)
• Male – 58.1% (50.8% state)
• Free/Reduced lunch -- 62.8% (56.4% state)

Jeffco continues to expand concurrent enrollment opportunities. For example, Jeffco Virtual Academy offered the first online concurrent enrollment courses in the state in partnership with Red Rock Community College. The report shows students are taking advantage of the option. In 2011, 18.9% of students attempted 7.9 hours of concurrent enrollment classes. In 2017, 33% of Jeffco students took advantage of the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school, for an average of 13.8 hours attempted.

Post-secondary credential achievement of Jeffco students is higher than the 56.6% state average as well, with 61.8% earning their degree or credential within six years. The higher education report also shows Jeffco Public Schools students are taking more classes and attaining better grades since 2009.

There is some room for improvement in Jeffco. Jeffco students on free and reduced lunch are going (62.8%) and completing (61.4%) college at almost the same rate as all students, which is a positive trend. However, the completion rate for Jeffco’s largest minority group, Hispanic students (46.4%), indicates an area that needs attention. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion is at 81%, which is a bit below the 84.3% state level, though it may be a reflection of socio-economics of the county, not lack of opportunity.

PEACHJAR COMING APRIL 2

On April 2, Jeffco Public Schools will begin using Peachjar, a new electronic flyer communication tool. To view school-approved digital flyers, simply click the new peach icon on the district website as well as all school website homepages.

This “green” initiative will save paper and reduce copy costs. On top of that, posting school flyers in this “electronic backpack” will remove a significant administrative burden from teachers, office staff, and volunteers.

No action is required for Jeffco Public Schools families, who will receive a welcome email from our service provider, Peachjar, once the system is online. This system is used exclusively for distribution of school-approved flyers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.

Community organizations can submit flyers for distribution through Peachjar. Simply register for a Peachjar account as a "Program Provider" and upload flyers for distribution to desired schools. Click here to learn more about the process and guidelines.

Good News in Jeffco

Green Mountain High School students excelled at the 2019 HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) State Competition. Read more.

North Arvada Middle School’s chapter of the Technology Students Association competed at the TSA State Conference. Read more.

Lawrence Elementary had a very successful Author's Day. Read more.

Golden High School student Dobhran Wilcoxen helps adapted athletics for his Eagle Scout project. Read more.

Arvada West High School senior Caitlin Danborn was named runner-up for the 2019 Dorothy Greer Scholarship from the Colorado Student Media Association (CSMA). Read more.

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

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

 
Help Jeffco Public Schools by Taking the 2019 Community Survey

Jeffco Public Schools conducts surveys throughout the year about many important issues and we appreciate hearing from the community. This annual survey seeks community input about the district’s general direction, financial information, communications, and family engagement in schools. The information will help us understand if we are meeting the expectations of the community and families, and identify areas of improvement. We appreciate your participation. The online survey will be open until March 25. Take it today!

BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPLICATION 2019-20

Apply Now!

We are seeking engaged Jeffco parents, staff, and business, and community members to support the district and Board of Education by serving on advisory committees. Click here for more information on the responsibilities and functions of committee members. Online applications (En Español) will be reviewed by the Board of Education in May so that members can be appointed in June to begin committee work for the 2019-20 school year.

We are seeking members for the following committees:

• District Accountability Committee
• Technology Data Privacy Advisory Committee
• Financial Oversight Committee (FOC)
• Capital Asset Advisory Committee

The following are welcome to apply:

• Teacher(s) employed by Jeffco Public Schools;
• School administrator(s) employed by Jeffco Public Schools;
• Individual(s) involved in business in the Jeffco Public Schools district boundary;
• Parents of current Jeffco Public Schools students; and
• Community members without students attending Jeffco Public Schools.

HAPPENING IN JEFFCO

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day 2019
March 30

8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, 700 Meridian Avenue, Fort Collins, 80523. A free fun opportunity for middle school aged girls to discover and learn about the different disciplines of engineering through hands-on activities. Click here to learn more.

Sobesky Academy/ Fletcher Miller Secondary Art Show
April 1-30

Please join Sobesky Academy and Fetcher Miller in celebrating our Middle School and High School artists. The Artist's Celebration will be Tuesday, April 2nd from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Lakewood Cultural Center's Corner Gallery. The exhibit will be on display from April 1 to April 30.

Budget Forums April 1 & 2

Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass will discuss the proposed 2019-20 budget. Parents, students, staff, and community members are welcome.

• April 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Arvada West High School Library, 11595 Allendale Drive, Arvada, 80004
• April 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Dakota Ridge High School, 13399 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton, 80124

Jeffco Schools Foundation Annual Elevate Education Gala
April 5

5:30 p.m. at the Arvada Center
Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Choose Your Own ADDventure
9th Annual Conference
April 6

This is a free, all-day conference that explores and increases the understanding of the many nuances of ADHD and LD. Due to limited seating and high demand, and in order to provide the opportunity for attendance, please ensure you will attend this free event prior to registration. Click here for more information and to register.

Columbine Day of Service
April 20

Join our community for the 3rd annual Columbine Day of Service. We want to 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.

MENTAL WELLNESS TIP

“Give yourself time to relax.” - 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

• March 25-29 - Spring Break

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

• Thursday, April 4, 5:00 p.m., Study Session
• Thursday, April 4, 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!