Dear Jeffco Families & Community,
As October is
Principal Appreciation Month, it seems appropriate for me to write a few words acknowledging the professionalism, dedication, and the care with which Jeffco’s principals serve our kids, families, and community.
Being a principal is both a challenging and rewarding job for education professionals. It requires being an instructional leader, providing compassion and support, and some serious problem solving!
The term “principal” originally came from the title “principal teacher,” as in, a teacher in a building who was also designated to serve as a leader for the school. Today, the best principals keep these connections to teaching and learning strong by maintaining a focus on instruction and by supporting teachers in making learning meaningful and challenging for students.
Principals are also there for students, staff, and parents who need help. Through listening with empathy and taking actions demonstrating meaningful support, principals provide trusted counsel and a resource for the school community.
Building principals are also called upon to solve all sorts of other community concerns. Staffing the building, managing the budget, setting up the school schedule, ordering materials, and creating opportunities for meaningful professional learning - all of these are examples of challenges principals juggle on a daily basis.
Beyond being a professional superhero, principals also make extraordinary personal sacrifices for their communities. My dad was a high school assistant principal, in addition to teaching science classes and coaching numerous sports. There is no doubt dad loved our family, but there were many nights when he was away at school or I knew that the challenges of the day and the job weighed heavily on him.
I urge you to take the time to express to your principal how much you appreciate what they do for your school and family. One of Jeffco’s great strengths is in its professionals and their deep commitment to this community. Let our principals know you appreciate them!
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Sincerely,
Dr. Jason Glass
Superintendent & Chief Learner
Jeffco students, parents, families, staff, and community members may engage with Dr. Glass via
Facebook,
Twitter, and his blog,
advancejeffco.
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JEFFCO BUILDS: UPDATE
New athletic fields, building additions, and playgrounds are some of the most visible improvements funded by the 2018 voter-approved bond measure. As America’s Safe Schools Week approaches (Oct. 21-27), we would like to highlight our commitment to and investments in school safety.
Across the district, bond dollars are funding the installation of safety and security updates. New laminated exterior glass, door locks, and security cameras are all making our school infrastructure safer. This year alone we have updated the cameras at 48 schools, with more to come in future years.
You can learn more about the 2018 bond program and our commitment to safety and security by visiting
www.jeffcobuilds.org.
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FLU SEASON AHEAD
One of the best ways to prevent seasonal influenza is to get a flu vaccination each fall. The
Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu vaccine for people 6 months and older.
You have many options:
- See any health care provider/walk-in clinic for flu shots. Visit vaccinefinder.org to find locations near you.
- Kaiser Permanente: Free flu shots to Kaiser members.
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JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED FOR
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT MONTH
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Students from Stevens Elementary attend Family Engagement celebration
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Students, staff and families attend Family Engagement celebration
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A Family Engagement practice from Edgewater Elementary on display at Family Engagement celebration
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October is Family Engagement Month in Colorado, and Jeffco Public Schools has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Education and the State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education (SACPIE).
Jeffco Public Schools defines Family Engagement as “families, schools, and communities actively partnering to develop, implement, and evaluate effective and equitable practices to improve educational outcomes for students.”
The District and 19 Schools Recognized
Congratulations to Jeffco Public Schools' Title I Department and 19 schools, as well as the district’s Family Engagement Office who were recognized at the Colorado Department of Education's "Family and School Partnership Month" kickoff on October 3rd. The CDE initiative awards "partnership badges" to schools who implement strong family engagement practices around the
National Family Engagement Standards. The photos above are from their celebration of all schools' efforts in partnering with families for student success. You can read more about this program in the CDE's annual
Promising Partnership Practices Book.
Governor Polis was an honorary guest at the recognition event where he presented a proclamation supporting the importance of Family Engagement in Colorado’s public schools.
Read the Governor's proclamation.
These Jeffco schools have been recognized by the CDE and SACPIE for their initiatives, programs, and family engagement practices:
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Kullerstrand Elementary
Rose Stein Elementary
Edgewater Elementary
Parr Elementary
Everitt Middle
Swanson Elementary
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Little Elementary
Eiber Elementary
Jefferson Jr/Sr High
Fitzmorris Elementary
Foothills Elementary
Lasley Elementary
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Thomson Elementary
Alameda Jr/Sr High
Lumberg Elementary
Emory Elementary
Slater Elementary
Peak Expeditionary
Welchester Elementary
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For more information about family engagement in your school community
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THE HUB FOR HELP
The Hub is a community resource center located in Stevens Elementary School. The Hub serves all families who are in need of support services in Wheat Ridge and have a school-aged child (ages 2 to 21).
As a Precious Child Boutique, the Hub offers free clothing and shoes for children, and some adult clothing. It also offers a food pantry, hygiene supplies, school supplies, and computer access for adults who need it. To qualify for Hub services, families must have a student who attends a Wheat Ridge-area Jeffco school.
Hub hours of operation:
M-Th 8:00 - 9:15 a.m. and 2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Also open by appointment. Call Stevens Elementary School at 303-982-2198.
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GOOD NEWS
Fairmount Elementary Broadcast Students Spend the Day with Jeffco Public Schools' Communications Team
Lawrence Elementary Student Resource Officer Brad Gagon selected as ABC World News "Person of the Week".
Foothills Foodies gather food, clothing donations for community
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NEW MENU ITEM:
COMPOSTABLE TRAYS
Cafeteria food lines across the school district are debuting a new item - only this one isn't to be eaten. Jeffco Food and Nutrition Services has begun piloting compostable food trays. A high-volume item, Jeffco listened to our community's sustainability concerns and has made the move to using trays made from wheatstraw fiber, an annually renewable resource.
Community members and the Food and Nutrition Services Task Force worked together to take this step toward sustainability by eliminating the use of Styrofoam in some of our cafeteria lunch lines.
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INNOVATION FUND - STUDENTS APPLY NOW!
Calling all Student Innovators! Do you have an idea that will improve your learning experience? The Jeffco Innovation Fund is back and is looking to fund amazing student ideas.
Need software? New instruments? Training? Want to start a club? The sky's the limit!
Share it with us and the Innovation Fund might fund it! How can you #InnovateFun?
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ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 5
November 5th is Election Day in Jefferson County and the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education has four candidates running for two open seats.
Learn more about the candidates and upcoming community events to meet the candidates.
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JEFFERSON ACADEMY OPENS NEW BUILDING
Jefferson Academy students, staff and invited guests opened the school's multi-million dollar Fine Arts & Learning complex on its Broomfield campus earlier this month. The complex was a joint venture of Jefferson Academy, Jeffco Public Schools, and the City of Broomfield, and was financed in part with voter-approved bond money.
The VIPs in attendance included U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado's Second Congressional District.
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happening in jeffco
Staying connected
with our families and community is important to us. See the many ways we share news, info, and keep in touch!
in case you missed it
New Fitzmorris Elementary library para-professional Nicole Crow acquires new books for school library, inspired by her love of books and Dr. Seuss.
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important dates
October 25 - No school for students
October 28 - No school for students
November 5 - Jefferson County elections
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The Bike Shop Brings to Life Old Bikes and New Opportunity
The Golden Optimists have partnered with Jeffco’s Connections Learning Center to teach the art of bike repair to students seeking a fresh start.
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Chatfield vs. Wheat Ridge HS Football featured on ESPN SportsCenter
ESPN SportsCenter featured the Chatfield vs. Wheat Ridge High School football game as a "Top 10 Plays of the Night" on October 10.
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board of education meetings
Thursday,
November 7
, 5:00 p,m., Study Session
Thursday,
November 7
, 6:00 p,m., Regular Session
Meetings are held at the Jeffco Ed Center Board Room, 1829 Denver West Drive #27, Golden.
Meeting schedules and agendas are posted on
BoardDocs.
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