Jeffco Public Schools

Superintendent's Corner

Dear Jeffco Families,

This article is part two of our look at Jeffco Public Schools funding. In the last issue of Chalk Talk we covered the 2019-20 budget process; now we look ahead to the fall ballot and beyond for what may be on the horizon for K-12 public school funding. Of course, you have heard we had to cancel school for students on April 26 because of staff absences related to K-12 funding issues – many of our teachers and staff members plan to rally at the capitol. Let’s delve a bit deeper into what can be done to address these issues.

I would like to start with a disclaimer first: None of this has been decided. Jeffco Public Schools might go for all of the following options, or none of them, or some combination. We will be seeking input from the community on our funding issues.

How can schools increase funding? Of course, one way is through action by the state legislature. This is the reason Jeffco Public Schools teachers and staff are rallying at the capitol next Thursday.

However, we don’t necessarily have to wait for the state to address our local funding concerns. Looking ahead to this fall, we see three possibilities.

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.

WE ARE COLUMBINE

Students and staff at Columbine High explain what Rebel pride means to them. Check out the video below or click here to view on JPS-TV.

POMONA HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR A MUSICAL MARVEL

As Pomona High School’s Principal Andy Geise states, "Olivia Walt completed the Grand Slam of music this school year."

The Pomona junior was named to the Jeffco All-County High School Band, All-State Orchestra, All-State Band, and 2018 University of Colorado Honor High School Band.

“It has really made me enjoy music even more,” Walt said of the four tremendous honors she has received this school year. “It has actually made me consider more maybe pursuing music as a career more after I graduate. It’s really special and I’m really thankful to be given these opportunities.”

Walt has become a star in Pomona’s tradition-rich music program the high school has had over the years.

BUILT TO LAST

Warren Tech students are known throughout Jeffco for their hands-on hard work, and that was certainly the case as teens interested in construction careers got schooled in the somewhat messy art of concrete. The students were guided by Warren Tech instructors and professionals from Baker Concrete Construction, as well as other businesses that specialize in creating things built to last. Each stage, from forming to pouring to placing, was carefully carried out.

“While you’re pumping the concrete, you have to start mixing it kind of right away, spreading it out and knowing where to put it. The edging is really important, and I’ve learned that just having all your forms and everything perfect is really important,” explained Justin Martinez. “That’s one of the biggest steps in concrete and just knowing how to form all those together better, like using stakes and the techniques they showed us out there like putting them closer together so that there’s not a chance of it breaking.”

It was a full week of instruction and practical experience, as the students helped build a concrete pathway, patio, and outdoor learning space near one of the school’s two greenhouses.

Good News in Jeffco

Stevens Elementary and Prospect Valley Elementary compete in paper airplane contest. Read more.

Bell Middle School Girls in STEM Club hosted its first Hackathon. Read more.

West Jefferson Middle School instrumental music teacher Laura Garrison received the Jeffco PTA Crystal Apple Teacher of the Year Award. Read more.

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

GOOD TO KNOW

2018 High School Graduations

Click here to view the schedule of high school graduations.

Facebook Live:
Talking Ed with Dr. Glass
Hot Topics in School Funding
April 26

Coming April 26, 3:30-4:00 p.m. What is Initiative 93? How does school funding work in Colorado? Where has all the marijuana money gone? What are Jeffco's facility needs? Join Dr. Glass, Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Askelson, and Chief Operating Officer Steve Bell as they discuss these and other school funding hot topics. Watch here!

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

Fletcher Miller/Sobesky Secondary Art Exhibit 
Now - April 29

Lakewood Cultural Center, 480 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood, 80226, 303-987-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Jeffco Schools Foundation Elevate Education Gala 
April 26

A Night in Brazil at the Arvada Center. Click here for more info. Order tickets at jeffcoschoolsfoundation.org.

Community Wellness Fair
April 28

Saturday, April 28, 9:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (free food 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
Golden High School
701 24th St., Golden
See the attached flyer for more info.  

Olde Town Arvada
First Friday Art Walk
May 4

Featuring artwork from students at 12 Jeffco high schools at various locations in Olde Town Arvada. Artwork will be hung in several businesses and others will have specials on food and product for visitors. May 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Jeffco Sheriff's Parent Technology Safety Night
May 10

Thursday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.
Falcon Bluffs Middle School
8449 S. Garrison St., Littleton, 80128
See the attached flyer for more details.

JA Business Week
June 10-15

JA (Junior Achievement) Business Week is a one-of-a-kind summer program that lets high school students experience the business world, develop leadership skills, and focus on their futures. Students currently in grades 9-12 learn about business from hundreds of professionals while working on "Shark Tank"-style projects. They also get a taste of college life by living on a university campus. Click here for more information and to register.

IMPORTANT DATES

• April 26 - No School for Students
• April 27 - K-8 Early Release, No School for Jefferson Area & Day Without Hate

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

• Thursday, May 3, 5:00 p.m., Special Meeting
• Thursday, May 3, 6:00 p.m., Regular Meeting
• Monday, May 7, 9:00 a.m., Special 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. Please note these study session schedule changes: 9:00 a.m. on and June 11.