|
Welcome Back to the 2024-2025 School Year!
Dear CEC-Castle Rock Families,
We are very happy you have chosen CECCR as your high school for what will be a fantastic year! The first full week has been a success as we continue to grow our community to include 130 new students! CECCR’s enrollment is at an all-time high with over 400 students in attendance. We are very fortunate to be fully staffed with our instructors in all classrooms. We are hiring some other non-instructional staff, so please check our website for more information. We have a remarkable team of dedicated staff, and I am very fortunate to be serving with such an amazing group of professionals!
Thank you, students, and families, for your support as we enter our 5th year as a growing school community!
Maren Blind
Please meet our new staff members listed below!
| |
Renee Shapiro, High School Art | |
|
Renee Shapiro: Art Historian; Oil Painter; and Visual Art teacher. Graduated with honors with Master's Degree from UCLA. Trained in Art History, Art, and Aesthetic Anthropology. Worked as an Art Teacher twenty years at an Architecture, Digital Arts and Filmmaking Magnet High School in Los Angeles. Specialty subjects: Watercolor and Advanced Oil Painting; Architectural History; Architectural Model Building; College level Art History (AP) Tonal and Perspective Drawing. Avid supporter of careers in the Arts and Student Portfolio Development.
| Jack Bull, College History | |
My name is Jack Bull and I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I just retired from full time teaching after 30 years of service to our noble profession. I grew up in Arizona and my family and I move to Colorado in 2007. My wife and I have two children who are enjoying post college lives.
My professional focus has been middle school and high school public education with an emphasis on history. During my career I taught grades 5 – 12 as well as coached a variety of levels of sports.
I continue to believe that education is one of the greatest legacies we can leave our children. I am proud to have been involved in thousands of students’ lives over the years and I look forward to working with the students at Colorado Early Colleges.
| |
Angela Kluver, Special Education | |
|
Angela Kluver enters her first year as a special education teacher with a strong foundation from her 20-year career as an engineer. Motivated by a passion for supporting people with diverse needs, Angela brings a unique perspective to her classroom, blending analytical skills with empathy and creativity. Outside of school hours, Angela finds joy in the quiet moments spent reading, fishing, or immersed in the artistry of wood burning. Her greatest source of happiness, however, is her family, with whom she shares cherished moments filled with laughter and adventures. Angela is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of her students and fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
| |
Lisa Lanyon, College Humanities | |
|
My name is Lisa Lanyon and I have been teaching humanities classes including Introduction to Film and Mythology for many years at ACC. I have a background in interdisciplinary humanities including art, literature, philosophy and psychology. I look forward to teaching Intro to Film class at CEC this Fall.
| Gayla Power, 504, MTSS, Testing Coordinator | |
Gayla Power is excited to join CEC Castle Rock High School as the new 504, Multi-Tiered Student Services (MTSS), and Assessment Coordinator. Her wealth of experience includes eight years in site assessment leadership at John F. Kennedy High School, Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences Middle School, and during an Assistant Principalship at DCIS at Fairmont Elementary School. Additionally, Gayla was the initial Product Manager for both the Principal and Teacher Portals' implementation and maintenance District wide for 8 years and an elementary educator and coach at Dora Moore K-8 and Montclair Elementary School (DPS's first Innovation school). With 20 years experience in education at Denver Public Schools and another 15 in Information Technology in corporate America prior to that, Gayla brings a wealth of expertise to her role here at CEC Castle Rock and will be instrumental in helpings us elevate our performance to the next level.
This year, Gayla will focus on Section 504 Caseload Management, thorough and effective MTSS process management, and coordination of the comprehensive State and National assessments. Her background in managing schoolwide assessments and implementing effective data management and integrity entity wide including educational reporting systems used to drive change and positive results will ensure all students receive the resources and support they need to succeed.
Gayla is eager to contribute her skills and passion to CEC Castle Rock and make a positive impact on the student, family and educator community, a community in which she not only works, but also lives in and loves.
| |
Jessica Hovland, Special Education | |
 |  | Jessica Hovland, Ph.D. is excited to start working with the staff and students at CEC Castle Rock! Dr. Hovland has been teaching in the field of special education for over 15 years. She has a Master’s degree in Inclusive Special Education, a Master’s degree in Social Studies Education, and a Ph.D. in Special Education. Her teaching career started at a high school in Buffalo, NY, and then moved to Chicago, where she taught in Chicago Public Schools for four years. Dr. Hovland has experience teaching social studies, math, English, and reading at the secondary level. She and her husband moved to Colorado nine years ago, and she has been teaching courses at the University of Northern Colorado for most of those years! Outside of work, she is a mother to two active boys, ages 7 and 9 years old. As a family, they enjoy the Colorado outdoors, playing music, learning about nature, and spending time with relatives and friends. She is looking forward to learning more about the students and families at CEC Castle Rock!
| Patricia McCown (Herbertson), Business Manager | |
Patricia Herbertson: I have been with CEC Douglas County for just under 2 years, I just got promoted to Business Manager at our Castle Rock Campus. I have greatly enjoyed working with all our staff, and our phenomenal students. Before, I worked in the Facilities Department for Denver Public Schools as a Crew Lead Custodian, So I have worked in Education for the last 6 years. I Graduated from FRCC with my Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting in Spring of 2024. I begin earning my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at CU Denver this Fall.
Outside of work and School, I enjoy spending time with my husband that I have been dating for 15 years since we were in high school, and his family. We all enjoy camping, playing board games, and watching movies and shows together. I also enjoy taking my husband and I's two old Jeeps Four Wheeling on various trails, as well as fixing and maintaining them together.
| Curtis Wiberg, College Political Science | |
My name is Curtis Wiberg, and I will be your student’s PSC 1025 teacher (American, State and Local Government) this year. I am a retired lawyer who wanted to close my career by sharing my knowledge and experience as a teacher. I began teaching adjunct government classes last year and am excited to teach this subject during a Presidential election year, as the current events will be a helpful teaching that will hopefully make the subject matter being taught come to life.
In addition to teaching, I have several hobbies and interests that I enjoy in my free time. Most notably, I am a lifelong Denver Nuggets fan. My dog’s name is Jokic. I have successfully brought my wife into Nuggets Nation. The Championship year was something I waited for since I was 6 years old (back when the Nuggets were the Denver Rockets). I am also a cooking show enthusiast and amateur chef. I try to make one gourmet recipe per week. I believe that sharing these interests with you and the students helps build a stronger classroom community and allows students to see their teacher as a well-rounded individual. I look forward to getting to know about each of your children.
| Robert Long, College Communication | |
Robert Long: I was born in Montebello, California and was raised by parents who encouraged me to invest in my education for life success. After joining the military and serving overseas in the Army, I entered college and earned an Associate of Arts in Communications, a Bachelor of Science in Religion, a Master of Arts in Human Services in Communication Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Organizational Communications. After teaching in Brazil for a number of years I returned to live in Colorado where I currently teach at several colleges both in-person and online. I currently live in Colorado Springs with my beautiful wife Sandy, and my four children: Luther, Louisa, Livia, and Linneah.
| Scott Bickers, High School Biology/Chemistry |
 | | I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and lands to the west, where I attended Abilene Christian University to obtain my teaching degree. Upon graduation, I enlisted in the US Navy, an unusual move with a bachelor’s degree, but I had my non-20/20 eyes on alternative paths to being a fighter pilot. I served four years working on anti-submarine helicopters and seeing the world aboard destroyers. Upon leaving the military, I began teaching science at various schools in Texas over the years. I have taught all science classes from 5th grade to high school. As my four kids entered college and paying for their tuition became a pressing need, I left teaching to work for various large companies flying drones in industrial and R&D type settings. My latest venture in that world has been working with Amazon Prime Air to develop their drone delivery program. I am excited to return to teaching high school science and to bring with me my recent experience in big, corporate industries. Teaching is my passion. Life is full of wonder, and my greatest joy in life is sharing that wonder and helping create life-long learners. My youngest son has recently moved to Castle Rock to start a civil engineering career. I am excited to move near him and start my new life as a Colorado teacher!
| Richard Thompson, College Business | |
Richard Thompson went to school for his BA at CUS global and his MBA from Mayville University. Richard has owned his own small business for 6 years now, and just completed 20 years in the United States Army Reserves. Richard is a father to 4 kids.
| |
Melissa Miller, Nurse
Eileen Willis, Earth Science
Trent Graumann, Math Tutor
| |
Senior Pants / Senior Sunrise | |
|
Link for School Documents
If you are looking for any documents for the upcoming school year (such as bell schedule and calendar), please access those under the Student Resources section of our Families & Students page. You can access that at https://coloradoearlycolleges.org/families-students/.
SchoolPool Program
We are pleased to partner with Schoolpool, a program to help parents get their students to/from school. It’s free and there is no obligation to participate. Schoolpool is a service of Way to Go, a federally funded program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).
How does Schoolpool work?
1. Using a computer (not a smart phone or tablet), create an account and register your household address or intersection here: https://mywaytogo.org/s/schoolpool-coloradocgh20 (To maintain the highest level of privacy and security, this link is the only way for CEC Castle Rock participants to register.)
2. Add comments to indicate special requests or preferences, such as “can provide morning rides in exchange for afternoon rides,” “student is in after-school actives,” or “looking for a walk buddy in the mornings.”
3. Find and contact interested CEC Castle Rock families in your neighborhood or along your drive to/from school.
The more families that register, the more likely you are to find good matches.
Questions?
Contact Way to Go at 303-458-7665 or waytogo@drcog.org for assistance.
CEC Castle Rock and Way to Go do not run background checks, confirm valid driver’s licenses or assess insurance coverage on participants. Potential users are advised to screen participants to their personal satisfaction and check their own insurance coverage for carpooling to ensure that they are covered under these voluntary arrangements. No drivers, vehicles or insurance are provided.
| |
|
Dear CECCR Parents/Guardians,
Our first SAC (School Accountability Committee) meeting is rapidly approaching (9/3/24) and we need parent volunteers to be on this committee. The SAC only meets virtually (5:30pm) four times per year: 9/3/24, 11/5/24, 2/4/25, 4/15/25. According to our Governing Board Bylaws these are the members we need to have on our SAC committee:
SAC Membership
At a minimum, a SAC will have seven members:
• CEC Head of School, or designee,
• One teacher who provides instruction at the school,
• At least three parents/legal guardians of students enrolled in the school,
• One adult member of an organization of parents, teachers, and students recognized by the school, and
• One community member involved in a local business/industry who is not a school parent. The HOS is responsible for recruiting for this position.
If you would like to nominate yourself or another parent to be on this committee, please click HERE
| |
|
Please attend and participate in CEC-Castle Rock’s School Accountability Committee (SAC)! We want to hear from you, the CEC-Castle Rock Community and we want to share the latest and greatest news that is happening at your student’s school. SAC meetings happen four times a year and are always virtual!
Please click on the date to join the meetings.
All meetings are from 5:30-6:30pm
Date: 9/3/24, 11/5/24, 2/4/25, 4/15/25
| |
|
CEC Spirit Wear
The NEW CEC Spirit Store is up and taking orders! Students, staff, and families can shop online at https://4980prints.com/ceccommunity/shop/home. In the future, we look to offer even more custom items for each specific campus. Enjoy!
| |
Has someone in the CEC community shown you or your student an act of kindness? Click here or use the QR code provided to give them a shoutout! It can be big or small. | |
|
Current Job Openings at CEC Castle Rock
Director of Admissions - Full Time
Health Tech - Part Time
Math Teacher - Part Time
Health Science Teacher - Part Time
Long Term Substitute
Campus Culture Coordinator - Full Time
Substitute Teacher
Join the CEC team! Click the button below for more information and to apply.
| |
|
Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) believes that academic success is fundamentally dependent on class attendance. For questions about our Attendance and Tardy Policies, please read further:
Our school’s Attendance and Tardy Policy can be found in the Student and Family Handbook; however, it is nice to know what counts as an excused and unexcused absence. This information can be found on page 14 of the Student and Family Handbook.
The follow are recognized as excused absences:
- Absences due to temporary illness or injury.
- Absences due to a physical, mental, or emotional disability.
- Absences due to a suspension, or expulsion in accordance with C.R.S. 22-33-105 and 106.
- Absence due to student to whom a current age and school certificate or work permit has been issued pursuant to the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971.
- Absence due to a student who is in the custody of a court or law enforcement authorities.
- Absences due to participation in an approved work-study program.
- Absences due to court appearances and participation in court-ordered activities if a student is in out-of-home placement (as that term is defined by C.R.S. 22-32-138(1)(e)). The student’s assigned social worker will verify the student’s absence was for a court appearance or courtordered activity.
- Medical and Legal appointments.
- Family funeral attendance.
- School sponsored programs or competitions such as state music performances, robotics competitions, sports, Knowledge Bowls, etc
CEC Heads of Schools, or their respective designees, may recognize additional absences as excused such as religious observations or other occurrences.
Unexcused absences occur when the student is absent without a reason or for a reason outside of the excused absences identified within this attendance policy. See CEC policy Attendance and Tardiness.
Extended Absences:
We understand that there may be a time when an extended absence is planned during the year. All extended absences need approval from the Head of School or Academic Dean. A student who is absent a total of 10 unexcused absences for the year may be marked as Habitually Truant- to avoid this, please fill out a
Pre-Approved Absence Form prior to the absence. It must be filled out and approved before the absences are taken. You can pick up a Pre-Approved Absence Form at the front desk.
Sports Forms:
We understand many students participate in sports at other local schools and we try to accommodate students who may need to leave a few minutes early or may need to travel for an out-of-town event. To be excused a few minutes early for athletics, students must fill out the Sports Form. Early dismissal is a privilege and may be revoked if it is abused or students fail to maintain schoolwork. If a student needs to miss a day due to a tournament, out-of-town event, etc.; a Pre-Approved Absence Form must be completed. Both forms are also located at the front desk.
| |
King Soopers Community Rewards | |
|
Sign up for our King Soopers Community Rewards to help us raise funds for student activities!
What is King Soopers Community Rewards?
This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at King Soopers and swipe your Shopper’s Card.
How to add Colorado Early Colleges Castle Rock to your King Soopers Shoppers Account:
-
A digital account is needed to participate in King Soopers Community Rewards. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose. If you do not have a digital account, click here to set one up.
- Sign in to your digital account.
-
Search for your organization here.
- Enter "Colorado Early Colleges Castle Rock."
- Select the organization from the list and click “Save”.
Questions?
Contact mary.bain@coloradoearlycolleges.org.
| |
To better serve our parents and visitors please be sure to make an appointment before visiting CECCR. Our goal is to ensure every visitor gets the time and attention they deserve, and an appointment allows us to reserve that time solely for you! Emails are the most efficient way to contact staff members. All staff members emails are formatted with (firstname.lastname@coloradoearlycolleges.org). | |
|
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:
| |
College/Career Opportunities | |
|
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!
| |
Stay Connected With Us!
You can also stay up-to-date with things going on at CEC by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
| |
|
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.
| |
©2020 COLORADO EARLY COLLEGES | | | | |
