Happy New Year, Jeffco!

If you are like me, the new year is a time for reflection and also for setting goals for the coming year. When I was a high school kid growing up in Kentucky, my dad sat down and taught me about the importance of setting annual goals in different categories and identifying outcomes associated with those goals.

For Jeffco Public Schools, our goals and measurable outcomes are set forth in our strategic plan. Each year, our board of education reviews the plan and our progress towards meeting our goals. One focus area for this year in Jeffco Public Schools is raising our academic outcomes as measured on standardized tests. While these tests certainly don’t tell us everything about how our kids and schools are doing, they do measure important concepts of basic literacy and numeracy.

With around 60 days until the state testing window opens, our schools are working to implement the Jeffco Deeper Learning Model as a way to create authentic and meaningful learning experiences for students that also prepare them with these fundamental skills.

Of course, goal setting is not just good for organizations. It is also good for parents, staff members, and students to consider as well. Some of you may know I’ve been a follower of Dave Ramsey’s financial program for years. Sarah (my wife) and I even taught it to employees in our previous district. Ramsey has some good advice for setting new year’s goals in specific areas.

These include:

Financial Goals - getting your finances under control and on budget

Fitness Goals - getting in better condition or reaching some accomplishment

Spiritual Goals - taking steps on your personal faith journey

Educational Goals - personal academic or intellectual growth

Family Goals - building stronger family connections

Career Goals - planning or taking that next career step or accomplishment

Social Goals - connecting and building relationships with others

I encourage you to think through some of your goals for 2020. And, like Dad did for me, I also encourage you to talk to your students about their goals for this coming year. 

Let’s all work to make 2020 the best year yet!

Colorado and Jeffco Public Schools are committed to educating students so they enter the workforce with in-demand skills that meet business, industry, and higher education standards.

Jeffco students graduating in and after 2021 must meet or exceed new graduation requirements.

Take a look at the new graduation requirements to make sure your student is on track to a successful future. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your student's path, please contact your school.