Message from the Head of School | |
Happy New Year!! I think we can all appreciate a new year, a fresh start, and new opportunities for growth and learning. We're excited to have the students back in class. We're especially excited to be fully staffed and ready to teach and learn. We know that 2023 has good things in store for CECCR. Thanks for all your support and participation in the success of our school and students. - Maren Blind | |
Welcome New Staff Members | |
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My name is Mike McClintock, the new Director of Campus Culture. I’m looking forward to getting started with CEC and getting to know all of you.
I moved to Castle Rock in 2015 from Chicago, IL with my wife and kids. We wanted our kids to experience a different upbringing than what we were accustomed to, and, as soon as we saw Castle Rock, we knew it would be the best place to raise a family. I have a bachelors in public policy from Indiana University and have been in public service for 15 years, primarily in criminal justice, law enforcement, and security. I began my career in public service in 2006 with the Air Force Reserves where I worked as a security forces specialist, fire team leader, intelligence & investigations, and as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the defense biometric identification system while deployed. I continued a career in public service as a Chicago Police Officer, a Criminal Investigator in CO, and as a small business owner providing services to the community and state agencies. I’m also a licensed EMT and have experience as a volunteer firefighter.
Most of my free time is spent with my wife and 5 kids hiking, camping, playing games, or just enjoying a movie. I also enjoy challenging activities, working out, running, hiking, biking, etc. and have completed several ultra-marathons.
I am thrilled to be part of CEC and continue to serve our community in this capacity.
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My name is Chris Cauthen I am exited to join the team as a School Counselor and looking forward to supporting you as we support the students!
I am originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with a brief upbringing in Maryland (Hagerstown) and a few other small towns in Pennsylvania. I graduated from a town named Chambersburg from CASHS (Chambersburg Area Senior High School), 38 minutes from Gettysburg PA (Civil War) for reference. I’ve spent the first part of my adult life in service to our country as a member of the United States Air Force in the Information Management career field, later changed to Administration. I have been stationed all over the world such places like Saudi Arabia, Japan and most recently Germany. I also had an assignment at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. This is a career pivot for me but one I believe is what I call Career vs Calling! I have enjoyed a wonderful career in the Air Force, but I believe I am called to be in service of students as a school counselor. Les Brown, a world-famous motivational speaker says to “Provide more service that you get paid for”. If I had to sum up my world in one statement Les Brown’s quote would be it. I am honored to be joining such a dynamic team and organization in Colorado Early Colleges Castle Rock where I can live out my passion supporting students needs as they develop into the capable, contributing adults that our society needs. I have spent the majority of my adult life shaping and mentoring our youth and I look to continue that effort as your school counselor. I am also a basketball coach and have done that for the majority of my adult life as well. You can bet that I will always have a motivational quote at the ready!
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Want to say in advance, Happy Happy Holidays to everyone! :)
My name is Kelly McCrary and I am your new American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher! I am super happy joining CEC in Castle Rock. This is my 3rd year of teaching ASL and ASL is my native language since I am Deaf. Taught at Ranch View Middle School in Highlands Ranch for 2 years. Now, I am a current grad student at University of Northern Colorado, studying Teaching ASL masters degree. Go Bears!!
I have 4 cats, wife, love go on hikes, and trying coffee from new coffee shops. I am looking forward to get to know the staff and students at CEC and can’t wait to teach all of you ASL, Deaf culture and Deaf community!
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Hello, my name is Sydney Davila, I am 22 years old and I am the new Campus Monitor for CEC CR, coming from CECP. My previous job used to be as a paraprofessional with a 1 on 1 accompanying a student. My family and I moved here in 2016 from Houston, TX for my father’s job at the time.
I get along well with anyone I come across and enjoy spending time with the kids and helping them feel like this is a safe place for them. I hope to make many friends here and have a wonderful workplace environment. In my spare time I enjoy going to concerts, playing video games, making art and trying new things. I love to spend time with family and friends as well as my chihuahua, Apollo. I love anything dark and spooky.
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Hi! My name is Genevieve Gibson and I am looking forward to joining the Colorado Early Colleges teams at both the Castle Rock and Parker campuses as a Political Science adjunct instructor! I was born in Englewood, Colorado and raised in Conifer graduating from Evergreen High School. I received my degrees from CU Boulder (B.A. International Affairs) and CU Denver (M.A. Political Science). My career has been in the mutual fund industry and education, with my education experience including teaching elementary, middle school, and high school. The process of learning and helping students achieve their education goals is very rewarding to me, especially when it comes to learning about history and government. I enjoy traveling, following the news, reading, running, and camping. My family consists of my comic book loving husband, James, my two high school theater kids, Evan and Bryn, and our sweet Shih Tzu, Bucky Barnes. As a family, we enjoy traveling, watching theater productions, playing board games, and enjoying the Colorado outdoors as much as possible. I can’t wait to get started at CEC in the New Year and get to know my new students! | |
Hello, my name is Missy Neihart and I received my BA and BS in psychology and biology respectively from the University of Denver. I have worked in healthcare for a number of years as well as at a medical device company helping process reports to the FDA. I have very much enjoyed my first semester at CEC teaching Biology and am very excited to expand my experience to teach biology, chemistry, and psychology in the Spring full time ! Outside of work I love to craft, ski, and read. | |
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Hello, my name is Nathan Sanders, I will be moving from part time to full time. I just finished teaching the drone class and earth science classes. I will be teaching 3d printing, drones, photography, certification lab and the new media class. I look forward to moving into full time and getting to know more students.
My background is in graphic design and computer information systems. I graduated from UNC in Greeley, Colorado. I am a Colorado native. I am married with 2 boys, 7 and 10. We love living in Castle Rock.
My previous jobs include Crocs, Advanced Energy, and more. In my free time I like to golf, mountain bike, 3d print, fly drones and enjoy the Colorado outdoors.
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Hello, my name is Beatriz Perea and I'll be joining CECCR as the new High School Art Teacher! I'm originally from Northern Colorado and had the wonderful opportunities to attend Aims Community College, The University of Northern Colorado, and Sunderland University in the UK. All for Art Education, Art History, and photography. Since childhood I've been elbow deep in anything even remotely art related and if I haven't tried a medium yet, chances are I want to. I've been a professional photographer for 15 years, a Martial Arts instructor for 10, and an early education teacher previously for the last year. I'm married to a wonderful husband and we have two stellar dogs, Gazz and Wolfie. In my free time I love to play board games, camp, read, and find the best Chai tea spots. I'm so excited to be joing the team and getting to know all the students and faculty at CEC. And can't wait to help my new students gain the foundations to make their creative dreams a reality.
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In addition please welcome:
- Mrs. Lauren Gibbons HS English Teacher
- Mrs. Genevieve Gibson College POS
Staff moving from part time to full time:
- Mrs. Missy Neihart HS Science
- Mrs. Cristi Bejadhar HS English
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Mr Sanders HS Photography/Drones
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Please join us at Chipotle in Castle Rock, CO on Saturday, January 7. This fundraiser will help students who need financial assistance in order to travel to Europe in the Spring. The fundraiser will be held from 4-8pm. If you order at the restaurant, please mention Colorado Early College's fundraiser and if you order online, please use this code in the promo code section: 7EBH7LD. Thank you for supporting our students!
Address: 5642 Allen Way Ste 104, Castle Rock, CO 80108
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Mill Levy Equalization Fund | |
Music Instruments Welcome | |
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We’re starting a music ensemble program and would be more than happy to take any old instruments from attics or other places if any families are looking to donate them?
Contact patrick.nate@coloradoearlycolleges.org
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Spring 2023 Semester
The first meeting of 2023 will be on Tuesday, January 10th at 3:20pm in Room 116. To be in Student Council for the spring semester, you will need to attend one of the first two meetings of the year. Meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 3:20pm in Room 116. Members must keep at least 50% attendance in general meetings to remain on the council, and are also expected to participate in activities and committees.
Contact Mrs. Kim or your Student Council officers with any questions.
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Check out the Student Council Instagram page
and give them a follow to stay updated on student activities!
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If you are concerned that your student may be experiencing changes in their mood or experiencing suicidal behaviors or thoughts, please remember to:
- Stay with the student until you are sure they are safe.
- If there is an immediate threat to your student or other students, call 911.
Click here to access our local guide for food, housing, and health resources.
Local Immediate Crisis Resources
- Colorado Crisis Services Line, 1-844-493-TALK (8255): This 24/7 toll-free hotline is available 365 days a year for anyone affected by a mental health, substance use or emotional crisis. All calls are connected to a mental health professional that will provide immediate support and connections to further resources.
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Crisis Text Service: Anyone can text the word TALK to 38255 anytime, from anywhere in Colorado about any type of crisis. This feature is available 24/7. Visit Home - Colorado Crisis Services for more information.
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Colorado Crisis Walk-In Locations: Walk-in crisis service locations are open 24/7 and offer confidential, in-person crisis support, information and referrals to anyone who needs it. Walk-in locations can be found on the Colorado Crisis Services website at ColoradoCrisisServices.org.
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Crisis Chat Service: On ColoradoCrisisServices.org, individuals can chat with specialists for online emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide assessments. This feature is available from 4 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
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Safe2Tell: Call 877-542-7233, text S2T to 274637, download Safe2Tell app, or visit S2T CO | Make a Call. Make a Difference (safe2tell.org)
- (National) Suicide/Crisis Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Free Mental Health Support
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I Matter Campaign offers three free mental health sessions to children in Colorado. Anyone between 12 and 18 can go to the I Matter state website to take a short survey to assess their needs. If the results show they need help, the site will connect them to a provider for a 45-minute appointment in the next two weeks.
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Spark the Change is a FREE resource that connects licensed, volunteer clinicians to students and communities in need of mental health response. Referees can get up to 10 sessions for free, as well as pertinent resources.
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Second Wind Fund is a FREE resource that connects licensed, volunteer clinicians to students at risk for suicide and in need of mental health response. Referees can get up to 12 sessions for free in person or through telehealth, as well as pertinent resources.
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Mental Health Colorado offers FREE screening tools in English and Spanish for people concerned that the mental health symptoms they are experiencing may be impacting their wellbeing.
Additional Resources
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Send Pictures to Yearbook | |
Shadow Day Student Volunteers | |
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We are planning to host Shadow Days in the Spring semester! Shadow Days are days when future students come to campus and are assigned a current student host. The host will give the future student a tour, answer questions, and have them attend their classes and lunch with them. We are looking for students that are kind, welcoming, and passing their classes.
Please fill out this form if you are interested in hosting a shadow student.
https://forms.office.com/r/CyjS6mxezC
Questions?
Contact your jessica.connelly@coloradoearlycolleges.org.
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Monetary Donations
Did you know that you can donate directly to support the Parent Group's efforts? They have been so kind in arranging lunches and coffee for staff on professional development days. If you'd like to support them donate here: https://coloradoearlycolleges.org/ceccr-parent-group/
Gift Card Donations
Next, the Parent Volunteer Committee is looking for donations of Sam's gift cards in order to celebrate the staff and students in November and December. Any amount would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off in the office to Mrs.Bilstone or emailed to ceccrparents@gmail.com. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Questions?
Contact ceccrparents@gmail.com.
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CEC is excited to launch our official Alumni Association! Check out our CEC Alumni Association page on LinkedIn and Instagram (@cec_alumni) where graduates can connect, network, and engage. We are actively seeking Class Ambassadors from all graduating classes who would like to be involved in building the CEC Alumni Association and connecting with classmates. For more information, please contact Jennifer Malenky, Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships, jennifer.malenky@coloradoearlycolleges.org.
Questions?
Contact jennifer.malenky@coloradoearlycolleges.org.
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Tutoring in the Academic Success Center | |
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Scholarship List
Click here to access the full list of scholarships.
Scholarship Resources for All Grades
Did you know that it is never too early to start applying for scholarships? High School Freshmen to College Seniors should always be on the lookout for different scholarship opportunities.
Here are some resources to help get you started:
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College/Career Opportunities | |
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2023 Colorado High School Songwriter Competition
February 3 - Deadline to Apply
Know any talented high school songwriters? The CU Denver College of Arts & Media is hosting the Colorado High School Songwriting Competition again. Students can just submit a video of them playing their song to apply. The application deadline is February 3rd.
Complete info and the application link here!
Professional Digital Portfolio!
Students can build a professional digital portfolio through Tallo, an online platform that connects high school and college students to jobs, internships, scholarships and colleges. Major companies recruit from this platform for highly competitive internships through Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Wal-Mart and more.
Go to https://tallo.com/talent/ to learn more!
Join the Advisory Board for the Born This Way Foundation!
Born This Way Foundation is excited to announce their search for the next class of Advisors, and they are honored to invite YOU! Go here to find out more information.
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Stay Connected With Us!
You can also stay up-to-date with things going on at CEC by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Refer Your Friends!
If your friend enrolls in a CEC school for 2023-2024, you may be eligible to receive $100! Click here to learn more.
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©2020 COLORADO EARLY COLLEGES | | | | |
