Impacting our future. Together.
March 2017
The 2017 Apple Awards Draw Near
The 2017 Apple Awards are almost here! We received a record number of nominations (8,539) resulting in over 2,100 nominees. It now comes down to 188 School and Department Representatives competing to become one of 41 Finalists and, ultimately, one of four winners.
 
DCEF is excited to be hosting the 12th Annual Apple Awards and is looking forward to the new format. "We surveyed all the principals and over 500 past Apple Award Representatives and received some great feedback. The changes recommended by DCSD teachers, principals, and staff emphasized accessibility and inclusivity, and we've adjusted the Awards to meet their objectives" said Jason Christensen, DCEF Executive Director.

The venue of the 2017 Apple Awards shifts back to Douglas County with a change in format that makes the event affordable for DCSD staff who may not be a school representative, but wish to be there to celebrate with their colleagues. "The Awards will still have all the luster of past galas. Cocktail attire required!" added Christensen.
 
The Awards will take place at the Douglas County Events Center on May 4, 2017 -- during Teacher Appreciation Week. Cocktails will be at 6:00 p.m. with the program beginning at 7:00 p.m. followed by entertainment and dancing. To RSVP, contact DCEF at 303.387.0505 or email [email protected] .
 
For those interested in becoming an Apple Awards sponsor click here or contact [email protected].

LAST CALL: Apple Awards Opportunity Grants

In an effort to make the Apple Awards open to all DCSD employees, DCEF is pleased to announce the Apple Awards will be offering three (3) competitive grants for any DCSD employee, school, or department to apply. 

Grant monies will be awarded in the following categories:
· Classroom Support Grant
· School/Department Innovation Grant
· Professional Development Grant

Applications for Apple Award Opportunities Grants are available by clicking here. Submissions must be received by March 31, 2017. Applicants can earn   up to  $5,000 if selected.

Congratulations to the 2017 Apple Awards Representatives!


Career Connect High School Student Registration Now Open! 
Career Connect provides an opportunity for Douglas County School District high school students to explore careers alongside over 40 experienced industry professionals at their locations.  This is the chance for students to learn what is required of them to become successful in their future career choice via hands-on experiences. Registration opened on March 12 with sessions beginning April 3 and going through April 27 in the evenings.

Check out the new companies and organizations who have signed up this year along with the returning participants from last year representing a variety of industries. Learn More.
Partner Highlight: Macaroni Kid
Douglas County's Macaroni Kid is a free weekly e-newsletter and website that shares all kinds of local family activities plus useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides, and more. Published by Kyrie Collins and "Sam" Wray, Macaroni Kid proudly serves families from Highlands Ranch to Parker, Castle Rock to Lone Tree, and everything in between. Contact them at [email protected].



Bring a school supply donation for the Douglas County Educational Foundation's annual county-wide Lend a Hand School Supply Drive and receive a special treat!
Chapter Highlight: Franktown Elementary PTO
Congratulations to Franktown Elementary! Their PTO submitted a grant application in October to Groove Auto's DRIVE for Education program to enhance education at their school, and they received a check for $3500 last week. These funds will be put toward an outdoor pavilion the school plans to build this summer.


Gearing up for the 2017 Lend A Hand School Supply Drive!


In This Issue
DCSD staff and community volunteers making Apple Award Finalist Selections

For Treasurers
DCEF would like to remind Chapter treasurers that all cash deposits require that two chapter representatives collectively count the funds and verify the amount prior to making the cash deposit. Verification is documented by signing off on the deposit worksheet. This documentation must now be submitted with your other deposit information that you are currently sending us. Many of you already use some kind of worksheet to account for your deposits, however, please ensure there are two signature lines on this form for proper documentation. If you don't currently use a deposit worksheet, one is available under Chapter Resources on our website and linked here. For questions, please call Alyson at 303-387-0503. 
Douglas County Educational Foundation | 303-387-0505 | http://www.dcefcolorado.org
620 Wilcox Street | Castle Rock, CO 80104

The Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF) is an independent charitable organization
working in partnership with the private sector and Douglas County School District
for the purpose of enriching the student experience and promoting innovation.