Contact:
Cameron Bell, Executive Director, Media Relations & Public Information
303.982.7920 direct
303.982.6808 office
September 9, 2020
A New Year, A New Outlook
In challenging times like these, we often hear a lot about people coming together in service to each other. And in Jeffco, we have seen an abundance of this kind of teamwork we'd like to celebrate.

In order to allow our families a choice of learning environment and our staff the opportunity to request a remote assignment based on need, we have seen many members of #TeamJeffco step up - some have stepped up in unexpected places, some have embraced a complicated teaching environment, and others have been asked to change their plans and return to the classroom.

Ours is a district of collaboration, adaptability, teamwork, and exceptional pride. Here are just a few examples of that #TeamJeffco spirit.
Pam Rusch
Kindergarten Teacher, Belmar
Pivots to Teach In Person and Online Simultaneously
Teaching a class full of 5 year-olds is certainly fun, not to mention challenging. Imagine teaching that class of young learners with some students in front of you and some online. That's what Pam Rusch does at Belmar School of Integrated Arts. Pam has jumped into this school year with a positive energy and a growth mindset. She has tackled every new challenge with grace and is willing to try anything to meet the needs of her students and families. Pam is excited to teach her in-person students and her remote students together and maintain a cohesive classroom community.
Apryl Thompson
1st G Teacher, Witt
Curriculum Specialist Makes Unexpected Return to the Classroom
When you've been an educator for 15 years, you come to expect some change - new school, new students, updates to curriculum. But sometimes those changes come quick. Just starting her second year as a Teacher on Special Assignment working on literacy curriculum, Apryl was asked to pivot and return to the classroom. Two weeks into the new school year, she found herself a 1st grade teacher at Witt Elementary. "Although it was not how I thought the school year was going to go, I am getting to be with kids, and with families...It's gonna make us better along the way."
Randy Barker
Sub Bus Driver, S. Transportation
Steps in While Others Learn New Routes and Bus Procedures
COVID has affected every aspect of our lives. For school districts, that includes transportation. Mr. Barker was asked to sub on a day when all regular drivers were practicing new routes for the return to in-person learning. But on this day, there was another important task at hand to be ready for students - picking up school supplies for students in need. Randy put hands on every single box on 6 pallets of supplies to ensure Jeffco students had what they needed to get back to learning. He demonstrated a true collaborative spirit and stepped up when he was needed.
Videos from Jack
And We're Back!
Visit some schools with the superintendent on the first day of in-person learning.
The Archers
A Jeffco Eagle Scout brings archery to the students at Fletcher Miller.
Jeffco Educator Honored with Recognition
Pomona Teacher Named 2020 History Teacher of the Year for Colorado
Barbara Taylor has been named Colorado's 2020 State History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. The institute honors one teacher in every state for demonstrating a commitment to teaching American history, creativity and imagination in the classroom, and close attention to the use of primary source documents and artifacts.
Cool Construction Update: Stober Elementary
Just one of many schools seeing major improvements over the summer, the Stober building has a fresh new look to welcome students back, thanks to improvements funded by the 2018 voter-approved bond measure. Stober now proudly shows off classroom renovations, gym improvements, and a new chiller!

Other work on the campus of the Stallions included removal of modular buildings and: 
Updates to
security cameras, locks, and entries
more secure doors and energy-efficient windows
existing technology and electrical
interior paint and wall coverings
HVAC, plumbing, and piping
kitchen, parking lot, and sidewalk
Replacement of
playground equipment
furniture
carpet and tile
sinks, cabinets, and shelving
interior lighting (with LED)
ceilings and worn roofing 
Student Blog: Executive High School Internship - Different, But Still Amazing!
Creatively Maneuvering the New Environment Leads to Career Exploration Program
Columbine senior Zulema Gomez shares her experience in Warren Tech's Executive High School Internship and new Career Exploration Program this summer. Preparing for life after high school looks different now, but these programs have adjusted to continue to provide a robust variety of experiences for Jeffco students.

Our blogger shares, "We learned a lot about our future careers, how to communicate and act professionally in the workplace...the program made learning fun and connected us with lots of important and knowledgeable figures in the Jeffco community." Read her whole blog to learn more about the program.
Read our Restart Plan and find resources and FAQs at RestartJeffco.org.
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