Welcome to the September 2023 Edition of the

APS Board of Education Newsletter!

Debbie Gerkin Board Newsletter Photo cropped.jpg

President's Message


Greetings, APS Community!


Welcome to a brand new school year filled with new faces, big smiles, and loads of potential! This year, we opened two new schools:  Del Mar Academy and Aurora Highlands P-8. We also welcome our new superintendent, Mr. Michael Giles, Jr.  New beginnings give each of us new opportunities to learn and grow. I am excited to see what great things lie ahead for all of us!

 

The Board of Education began the new school year with a retreat focused on building relationships and deepening our understandings of diversity, equity and inclusion. I celebrate the fact that our Climate Survey reveals more staff believe the district has an explicit commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. However, I know this only happens because of ongoing, intentional work – work that occurs systemically and begins with the Board. More opportunities for learning and growth will follow.

 

Looking forward to the year ahead, I can’t wait to visit schools and talk with students, staff and parents. Together, we will make a difference. Together, we will power our potential!  

Dr. Debra E. Gerkin, APS Board President

Important Board of Education News

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During this quarter, the Board has monitored the following results and limitations:


  • Early Literacy (specifically 2nd and 3rd-grade students who are below grade level as measured by iReady assessments, but meet their stretch growth goals)   
  • Equity (specifically 12th-grade students who meet graduation requirements based on credits accumulated)
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (specifically the degree to which staff feels the district has an explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion)

 

During this quarter, the Board voted in favor of the following significant motions:

 

  • Approved new members to serve on the District Accountability Advisory Committee


To read more Board news, discover upcoming agenda items, learn how to provide public comments and/or find the link to live stream our meetings, please visit our website at aurorak12.org/boe.

September 5, 2023 Edition

Agendas & Minutes


View the latest agendas and minutes in BoardDocs


Upcoming Events


Board Work Session

9/5


Board Business Meeting

9/19


Board Work Session

10/3


Fall Break

10/16-10/20


View the BOE Calendar


Our Unified Job Description

"The job of the APS Board of Education is to accelerate learning for every APS student, every day. We do our job by advocating for the success of all students through effective governance, serving as good stewards of taxpayer dollars and being responsive to our stakeholders. Our community needs us to do our job."


We Want to Hear from You!

The APS Board of Education typically meets twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays. Time is set aside at the beginning of the second monthly meeting for the public to address the Board on items that are not on the agenda.


Contact Us


Board member

committee assignments


Board member

school assignments


If you have questions or comments, please join us at one of the meetings. View the complete schedule of APS Board of Education meetings or contact Aurora Public Schools at 303-344-8060, extension 28988.

Out and About: Board Members in Our Schools and Community

Michael Carter


CSU Global Tour

Board Director Vicki Reinhard and l recently toured the campus of Colorado State University Global. Our partnership with Colorado State University Global provides graduates and staff members the opportunity to pursue online postsecondary education and certificate programs at significantly discounted rates. CSU Global is a completely online, regionally accredited university designed for working adults and recent high school graduates and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as certificate and continuing education opportunities.

CSU Global Campus

CSU Global Campus

Vicki Reinhard and Michael Carter at CSU Global

Board Director Vicki Reinhard (left) with Board Secretary Michael Carter

Vicki Reinhard, Michael Carter and Rachael Browning at CSU Global

Board Director Vicki Reinhard (left), Board Secretary Michael Carter and Exceptional Student Services Director Rachael Browning

Girls Middle School Track Meet

I had the opportunity to watch the Aurora Public Schools’ middle school athletes compete at the Girls Middle School Track Meet at Aurora Public Schools Stadium. All the student-athletes performed well, including the Unified Track Team from Mrachek Middle School. Congratulations, athletes!

Aurora Public Schools Stadium
Middle School girls track athletes warming up

Middle school girls track athletes warming up

Board Secretary Michael Carter (left) with the coach and athletic director of the Mrachek Unified Track Team.

Board Secretary Michael Carter (left) with the coach and athletic director of the Mrachek Unified Track Team.

Board Secretary Michael Carter (right) with teachers from the Mrachek Unified Track Team

Board Secretary Michael Carter (right) with teachers from the Mrachek Unified Track Team

Vista PEAK Preparatory Back to School Night

I recently attended the Back to School Night for students and families at Vista PEAK Preparatory. Principal Jason Maclin and VPP staff welcomed students back with food and fun for all to enjoy as the new school year started.

Board Secretary Michael Carter (left) with Vista PEAK Preparatory Principal Jason Maclin.

Board Secretary Michael Carter (left) with Vista PEAK Preparatory Principal Jason Maclin.

Debbie Gerkin


Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

It was a great pleasure to attend the Aurora Rotary Club on August 23 when three of our Rangeview High School students presented the day’s program. Seniors Mary Sekibo, Valeria Sanchez Aguilera and Carrie Ames, all members of Rangeview’s Interact Club, described their experiences at Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. RYLA is an intensive, week-long leadership training event designed by Rotary clubs where young people develop their skills as leaders, while having fun and making connections. Rotarian and former Aurora Public Schools administrator Mrs. Linda Witulski is their club sponsor.

Left to right: Mary Sekibo, Valeria Sanchez Aguilera, Carrie Ames and Mrs. Linda Witulski

Left to right: Rangeview students Mary Sekibo, Valeria Sanchez Aguilera, Carrie Ames and Mrs. Linda Witulski

Anne Keke


Second Chances Warrant Event

I recently attended the Second Chances event at Aurora CentrePoint plaza with Board Secretary Michael Carter. Second Chances allows anyone with an active warrant for low level offenses in Arapahoe County to clear their warrant without being arrested. Aurora Public Schools partnered with this event to provide school registration, mental health resources and meal vouchers to young adults.

The Honorable Judge Michelle Amico (center) with Board Secretary Michael Carter (left) and Board Director Dr. Anne Keke

(From left) Board Director Dr. Anne Keke, Board Secretary Michael Carter, and Murphy Creek P-8 parent Joshua Gonzalez

Aurora Chamber Legislative Update

I attended the recent legislative update for the Aurora Chamber of Commerce with Aurora Public Schools Chief of Staff Mark Seglem.

Board Director Dr. Anne Keke (left) with Aurora Public Schools Chief of Staff Mark Seglem

Board Director Dr. Anne Keke (center) with volunteers at the Arapahoe County Fair

Arapahoe County Fair

I recently attended the Arapahoe County Fair, where I visited some of the volunteers. I attended the Boots not Suits dinner later that evening at the fair.

Adams County Event

I recently attended an event in Adams County where I had the opportunity to meet Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Colorado State Senator Kyle Mullica.

Board Director Dr. Anne Keke (left) with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

Board Director Dr. Anne Keke (left) with Colorado State Senator Kyle Mullica

Nichelle Ortiz



We’re off to a great start of the school year! As a School Board Director in my fourth year, I'm keenly aware of the efforts that have been put into motion to ensure a smooth and successful start. Our dedicated educators and staff have worked tirelessly to prepare welcoming and safe learning environments for our students.

Back to School Kick-off

In the weeks leading up to the first day, there has been a strong emphasis on communication and engagement with parents, students, and the community. This was especially evident at the Back to School Kick-off at the Town Center at Aurora on August 5. It was so great to see familiar faces and welcome new students and families to Aurora Public Schools!

Aurora families attend the Back to School Kick-off

Aurora families attend the Back to School Kick-off

Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. (center) with Board members Michael Carter and Stephanie Mason

Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. (center) with Board members Michael Carter and Stephanie Mason

Left to right: Board Vice President Stephanie Mason, Rangeview High School Principal Lisa Grosz, Board Secretary Michael Carter and Murphy Creek P-8 Principal Christopher Capron

From left: Board Vice President Stephanie Mason, Rangeview High School Principal Lisa Grosz, Board Secretary Michael Carter and Murphy Creek P-8 Principal Christopher Capron

Board Treasurer Nichelle Ortiz and her son Mateo attend the RISE All Inclusive Community Festival.

Board Treasurer Nichelle Ortiz and her son Mateo attend the RISE All Inclusive Community Festival.

RISE All Inclusive Community Festival

Inclusivity and equity have remained at the forefront of our planning and we’re thankful for community partners like RISE Colorado who share this vision and help lead this charge in Aurora. On Saturday, August 19, RISE Colorado held their annual All Inclusive Community Festival, which recognized the hard work and dedication from their family and student leaders. The Board was invited to take part in the celebration that also acknowledged many Aurora Public Schools staff for their dedication to Aurora students and families.

Fun student decorated faces in the crowd at the RISE All Inclusive Community Festival

Fun faces in the crowd at the RISE All Inclusive Community Festival

From left: Board Vice President Stephanie Mason, Board Secretary Michael Carter, Board President Debbie Gerkin and Board Treasurer Nichelle Ortiz.

From left: Board Vice President Stephanie Mason, Board Secretary Michael Carter, Board President Debbie Gerkin and Board Treasurer Nichelle Ortiz.

From left: Board Vice President Stephanie Mason, Board Secretary Michael Carter and Board President Debbie Gerkin

From left: Board Vice President Stephanie Mason, Board Secretary Michael Carter and Board President Debbie Gerkin

Vicki Reinhard



Back to School Kick-off

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year – we’re glad you’re here!


New shoes, new backpacks, games, snacks, smiles as bright as the sun! The Back to School Kick-off held at the Town Center at Aurora had it all! It was so wonderful to see our community come together as families gathered at the event and discovered a multitude of resources to help their students with all they needed to be ready for a new and exciting school year. Many thanks go out to all of our community partners, staff, volunteers and families for showing up for our children. This excitement never gets old!

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nia Campbell (third from left) with Board members (starting from left) Nichelle Ortiz, Tramaine Duncan and Stephanie Mason at the Back to School Kick-off

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nia Campbell (third from left) with Board members (starting from left) Nichelle Ortiz, Tramaine Duncan and Stephanie Mason at the Back to School Kick-off

Monvtivew Ice Cream Social

The ice cream social hosted by Montview Elementary School on August 7 was well-attended by an enthusiastic crowd where again many resources, including tasty ice cream, were available to families. Even though it was hot outside, spirits were high, ice cream provided a much-needed cool down, and students and teachers met each other, and anticipation of the first day of school was building!

Board Director Vicki Reinhard (left) with Montview Second Grade Teacher Dawn Medina at the Montview Ice Cream Social

Board Director Vicki Reinhard (left) with Montview Second Grade Teacher Dawn Medina at the Montview Ice Cream Social

Rangeview High School Assistant Principal Tammy Strouse during Rangeview’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

Rangeview High School Assistant Principal Tammy Strouse during Rangeview’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

Rangeview 40th Anniversary

Rangeview High School kicked off the new year by celebrating its 40th anniversary. Balloons, cheerleaders, music and a ribbon-cutting ushered in the 2023-24 year. Thank you to Tammy Strouse, Principal Lisa Grosz and all the Rangeview staff for such an exciting welcome to current students and alumni as well.


The celebration of this significant anniversary will continue, I hear!

Aurora Public Schools Board of Education 

Educational Services Center 1

15701 E. 1st. Ave., Suite 206

Aurora, CO 80011 

aurorak12.org/boe


Aurora Public Schools Boardroom 

APS Professional Learning & Conference Center

15771 E. 1st. Ave.

Aurora, CO 80011 


Questions or comments? Email Board Assistant Claudia Paz-Blossick at [email protected] or call 303-344-8060, extension 28988. 

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