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Welcome to the September 2025 Edition of the
APS Board of Education Newsletter!
| | Out and About: Board Members in Our Schools and Community | | |
Welcome Back, APS!
The excitement was undeniable as we kicked off the school year with our first-ever APS All-Staff Kick-Off event. Seeing our incredible students, dedicated teachers, and supportive families come together was truly inspiring. The energy in the stadium was electric—proof that APS staff are not just ready, they’re all in.
With over 6,000 teachers and staff showing up strong, the message rang loud and clear:
“You only get one shot—don’t miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”
Superintendent Giles set the tone with high energy and a powerful call to action. This year, we’re not just stepping into classrooms—we’re stepping into greatness. APS, the future is yours to shape, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what you’ll achieve!
| | APS All-Staff Kick-Off at APS Stadium at Hinkley High school. | From left: Deputy Superintendent Jesús Rodriquez, Board President Dr. Anne Keke, Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin, Board Director Tramaine Duncan and Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing at the APS All-Staff Kick-Off | | From left: Director of Safety and Security Kevin Childs and Board President Dr. Anne Keke with teachers from Edna & John Mosely P-8 Elementary School at the APS All-Staff Kick-Off | | From left: Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing, Board President Dr. Anne Keke, Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker, Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin and Board Vice President Michael Carter at the APS All-Staff Kick-Off | | From left: Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board Director Tramaine Duncan and Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. at the APS All-Staff Kick-Off | | Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin (left) greeting teachers at APS All-Staff Kick-Off | | APS Back to School Kickoff | | Town Center Aurora was packed with smiling faces at the APS Back to School Kickoff. We are so grateful for everyone who made this a huge success! | | From left: Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker, Board President Dr. Anne Keke, Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin, Board Director Tramaine Duncan, Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing and Board Director Vicki Reinhard at the APS Back to School Kickoff | | Board Director Vicki Reinhard attended the APS Back to School event at Town Center Aurora. | Board Director Tramaine Duncan (left) and Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker at the APS Back to School Kickoff | From left: Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board President Dr. Anne Keke and Gateway High School Principal Scott Fiske, Ed.D. at the APS Back to School Kickoff | | |
“The 2025-2026 school year is well underway! It was amazing to see so many families attending the APS Back-to- School event on August 2 at Town Center. This event benefits our community in so many ways – backpacks for students, meeting staff from our schools and district offices, resources for parents and many fun activities as well.
Thank you to all our sponsors, vendors, and community representatives and organization for helping to make this such a successful event!
Although I wasn’t present at the all-staff event held at the district stadium on August 8, I heard that it was enjoyed by many and saw photos that highlighted the competitions and team spirit of our schools and district sites. What a great way to kick-off a new year!
As the year has begun, I’ve been able to attend the nutrition services “Eat and Greet” event at the PLCC where incredible menu options were being sampled by students and their families, and the groundbreaking celebrating the beginning of construction of a new school in the Horizon Uptown neighborhood! It’s looking to be amazing out there!
I hope to be visiting buildings soon as I know there are lots of exciting things happening with our staff and students. These visits are always something I most look forward to!
If you haven’t had a chance to respond to the Board survey, please take a few minutes to do so. I promise it’s short and sweet, and as always, your feedback is appreciated and valued! This will close at the end of business on September 19
Here’s to a great year for all of us! Thank you for all you do for our students day in and day out!“ - Board Director Vicki Reinhard
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“As we open the doors to a new academic year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all our students, teachers, and staff. Each of you brings a unique spark to our schools, and together, we create a vibrant community of learning, growth, and possibility.
This year, let us walk boldly on the path toward success. Our classrooms are more than places of instruction—they are launchpads for dreams, and every lesson is a step closer to your goals.
To our students: believe in your potential. You are capable of greatness, and your journey is just beginning. To our educators: your dedication shapes futures. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of your classroom.
Let’s make this year one of inspiration, resilience, and achievement. Together, we will build a future filled with promise.
Welcome back—and let’s soar.”
- Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing
| | From left: Aurora Central High School Assistant Principal Angelique Green and Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker at the APS Back to School Kickoff | From left: Board President Dr. Anne Keke, Board Administrative Assistant Claudia Paz-Blossick and Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing at the APS Back to School Kickoff | | |
On July 26, Rangeview High School’s football team and cheerleading squads joined forces to kick off the new school year by holding an environmental fundraiser. Not only did they raise money for their programs, but they provided a much-needed service for the City of Aurora. They held a paint round up!
Students collected old cans of paint, both dried and still usable, and donated them to a company for recycling. They filled more than four truckloads full of cans that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill.
Job well done, Rangeview!
| | Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin attended the Rangeview Fundraiser, where the football team collected paint and other recycling. | | Students unload old paint cans from a long line of cars. | | |
Horizon P-8 Groundbreaking Ceremony
It was clear blue skies and wonderful to see so many students and their families attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Horizon P-8.
This newest APS school represents so much more than just a building. It represents new opportunities for our students to learn, grow and thrive.
With upgraded STEM and science labs, dedicated athletic fields and innovative learning spaces, this school will be a place where our students can explore their passions and prepare for the future. Looking ahead, we are planning for the future and are excited to welcome so many new families into Aurora Public Schools.
| | Various APS Board and staff members, parents, community members and business leaders shoveling at the Horizon Uptown P-8 Groundbreaking Ceremony. | | From left: Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board President Dr. Anne Keke and Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. at the Horizon Uptown Groundbreaking | | From left: Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing, Board Director Vicki Reinhard and Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. at the Horizon Uptown Groundbreaking | | |
Montview Elementary School Visit
Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing recently visited Montview Elementary and was deeply moved by the pride and dedication radiating from the staff and teachers. Their commitment to student success is evident in every corner of the school. Montview has truly embraced its community—offering English language classes for parents and creating meaningful opportunities for them to engage, including reading to their children.
| | Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing (right) meets with two Montview Elementary School teachers | | |
Community School Coordinator Susan Gershwin shared how families are encouraged to voice their hopes and ideas, and thanks to Principal Joseph Taylor’s leadership, a dedicated space now exists to support these English learning efforts. Montview Elementary stands as a shining example of what happens when schools and communities grow together.
Well done, Montview Elementary!
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Aurora Public Schools Board of Education
Educational Services Center 1
15701 E. 1st. Ave., Suite 206
Aurora, CO 80011
boe.aurorak12.org
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 cpaz@aurorak12.org or call 303-344-8060, extension 28988.
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