Jeffco Public Schools

Superintendent's Corner

Dear Jeffco Community,

In Jeffco Public Schools, we say “keep the main thing the main thing,” and the main thing is learning. More specifically, we are focused on changing the learning experiences our students have so that they are still connected to important content (facts), but also push toward deeper thinking. We provide students with the ability to practice a set of skills that we believe are even more important than the facts alone. We call these Generations Skills, and they are:

• Civic and Global Engagement
• Self-Direction and Personal Responsibility
• Communication
• Critical & Creative Thinking
• Collaboration & Leading by Influence
• Agility & Adaptability
• Content Mastery

In our classrooms every day, we create learning experiences for our students where they get the chance to practice these skills by working on real-world problems and issues. Providing authentic and meaningful experiences for students leads to greater engagement and ultimately a better-prepared graduate.

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.

RAISE YOUR SCHOOL IQ! COME TO JEFFCO U!

Jeffco Public Schools is inviting parents, community members, students, and staff to participate in Jeffco University (Jeffco U) on Saturday, September 29. This free, conference-style event offers a chance to learn the “why” and “how” behind our public education system.
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Neil Charles, a past attendee, said of the experience, “I think it’s incredibly valuable. Coming from the business community, I could not be more impressed with how much they have managed to deliver with so little… As citizens, if we continue to engage, I think we have a bright future ahead of us. The passion that came across from everyone that spoke to us was just inspiring.”

Karrie Zanetti also attended Jeffco U last school year. “Jeffco University gave me a really nice foundation of how Jeffco works,” she shared. “I am grateful for the opportunity to see how they are keeping the lights on, what it takes to clear snow from the sidewalks, and how they are keeping our kids safe.”

Jeffco U provides an inside look at how the district operates and the educational process for the more than 86,000 students served in our community. Attendees will learn about:

• School safety,
• Technology in today’s schools,
• School funding and budgeting,
• Jeffco’s strategic plan,
• Curriculum and instruction,
• Transforming the student experience, and
• Much more.

“This event is a unique opportunity to learn about how we do what we do for students and families throughout the school year,” said Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass. “Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy and it’s a complicated system. In this one-day event, we’ll give community members a deeper look into how Jeffco works. I hope many will chose to spend a Saturday learning with us.”

The event is free to attend with breakfast and lunch catered by Jeffco Food Services.

Saturday, September 29, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The Manning School, 13200 W. 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401. Registration is open until September 26. Questions? Contact Tracie Apel at 303-982-6808.

Click here to view the event flyer if you'd like to print or email and share! (Español)

Twenty-Three Jeffco National Merit Semifinalists, Six from D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School

D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School recently received notification that six members of the Class of 2019 have been recognized as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, which represents 4 percent of their graduating class. Nationwide, only 1 percent of students taking the National Merit qualifying exam are awarded this prestigious recognition each year. Congratulations to D’Evelyn seniors Samantha Bakes, Cadence Fisher, Emma Dukesherer, Alan Li, Rory Devin, and Ian Widmann for earning the recognition as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

Read more.

Seventeen other students from throughout the district were also named semifinalists. Congratulations to:

• Madison Pixler, Arvada West High School
• Benjamin Brandt, Ralston Valley High School
• Jessica Oudakker, Conifer High School
• Ellen Wight, Conifer High School
• Sydney Gilbert, Evergreen High School
• Colter Snyder, Evergreen High School
• Samantha Toeque, Evergreen High School
• Kai-Shen Deru, Compass Montessori
• Zachary Chorny, Golden High School
• Christian Glatz, Lakewood High School
• Kevin May, Lakewood High School
• Caleb Bristol, Chatfield High School
• Madeline Wessels, Columbine High School
• Cole Gibson, Dakota Ridge High School
• Samuel Mills, Dakota Ridge High School
• Emily Butler, Standley Lake High School
• Isaac Fernald, Wheat Ridge High School

Good News in Jeffco

Bear Creek High School teacher Kelly Cvanciger named a 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year finalist. Read more.

Westgate Elementary parent Beth Parker received the Lakewood Mayor’s Inspiration Award. Read more.

Shelton Elementary teacher Maggie Chesser received a $2,000 grant as part of Voya’s Unsung Heroes competition. Read more.

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

GOOD TO KNOW

Bond/Mill/Amendment 73 Resources

At a special meeting of the Jeffco Board of Education on August 23, the Board decided to place bond and mill levy override initiatives on the 2018 ballot. Additionally, there will be an Amendment to the State Constitution on the ballot in November, Amendment 73, that is a statewide effort to raise funds for PK-12 public education. To learn more about these ballot initiatives visit: www.jeffcopublicschools.org/futurefunding.

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 who are building bright futures! Be sure to check out the latest from JPS-TV here. 

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.

HAPPENING IN JEFFCO

College Fairs of Greater Denver
at Lakewood High School
October 4

6:30-8:00 p.m. Financial Aid presentation at 5:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Free event open to the public. Students should register for the fair at GoToCollegeFairs.com. Click here for more info and a list of colleges attending.

Transportation & Construction Girl
October 9

Join the HOYA Foundation in encouraging young women to enter the transportation and construction industry. We will also celebrate the groundbreaking women already in the field inspiring the next generation. From 8:30-11:30 a.m., we will have exhibits including heavy equipment, an attenuator truck, excavation simulators, a welding exhibit, Vactor truck, bus, drones, apprenticeship programs, and colleges to name a few. Click here to register and to find more information.

Jeffco Schools Foundation
Community Night with
the Colorado Rapids
October 28

Jeffco Schools Foundation Community Night with the Colorado Rapids: discounted tickets for all Jeffco students, employees, and community members. A portion from each ticket sold will come back to the Jeffco Schools Foundation and support programs benefiting your schools and your students! See the attached flyer for more info.

City of Golden
Mayor's Community Celebration
October 30

Special guest speaker John O’Leary
Tuesday, October 30, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Colorado School of Mines Student Center, 1620 Maple St., Golden
This event is free and no RSVP is needed.

IMPORTANT DATES

• October 12 - No School for Students

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

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