Dear Jeffco Families & Community,
Since the release of our district vision document,
Jeffco Generations, in the fall of 2017 we have worked to reimagine what school could be and to consider experiences for students that are more aligned to the kind of complex work students have to do when they leave our schools.
In Jeffco, we are intent on providing rich and authentic learning experiences for all students built on the foundation of “student task” - or what teachers create for students to do in the classroom. We want our students to have the opportunity to develop skills and abilities such as collaboration, adaptation to changing conditions, communications, creative problem solving, and civic and global engagement. We have provided tools and supports for our teachers and staff to develop student tasks with these objectives as a priority.
Forces such as automation, globalization, and easy access to data and information have brought dramatic changes to our world and these changes are only accelerating. Business leaders and common sense tell us that the experiences our students have in school must change if we want our students to be fully prepared for their future.
Still, factual information and deep content knowledge remains as important as ever. Students have a lot to learn about the world and need a foundation of basic tools to navigate their futures successfully.
State assessments in Colorado rely heavily on whether or not students know and can use content knowledge. The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests are aligned with grade-level academic standards, establishing expectations for students at different levels.
In Jeffco, we believe students need it all - both an experience-based education where they learn and practice important skills for their future AND a strong base of factual content knowledge.
Toward that end, we are introducing an expanded level of instructional supports and resources for our schools that we call the Jeffco Learning Model. The model includes four parts: Plan (the design of authentic tasks and experiences and the alignment of those with state content standards), Teach (the delivery of those tasks as learning experiences for students), Assess (formative measures of how students are doing toward mastering both skills and content), and Reflect (intentional time and space for teachers and students to consider their strength and growth areas).
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The Jeffco Learning Model (Plan, Teach, Assess, Reflect) may look different in implementation within individual buildings and that’s by design. The Jeffco Learning Model represents good instruction and a quality improvement cycle that can be held up for any kind of school. It represents good professional practice when it comes to teaching and learning.
We believe that teaching and learning have to profoundly change (and continue to evolve) as the world we are preparing our children for continues to change. And, we believe all students should be able to work against a challenging set of academic expectations and be supported in reaching those standards. At its core, the Jeffco Learning Model was formulated and will continue to evolve with these objectives in mind.
Thank you for supporting our schools!
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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INNOVATE FUN WITH THE INNOVATION FUND
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?
Apply for the Innovation Fund starting September 30.
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JEFFCO BUILDS: UPDATE
Big changes are coming to Wilmot Elementary this fall. The project, funded by the 2018 bond, includes a 13,000 square foot state-of-the-art gymnasium and a new commercial kitchen and cafeteria, replacing a 57-yr-old structure. Groundbreaking was held on September 13.
On September 25, Summit Ridge Middle School will use the golden scissors at its ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of its new building addition.
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GOVERNOR POLIS AND FREE FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN
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Governor Polis and Senator Brittany Pettersen read to first-day kindergartners at Green Gables Elementary
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Governor Polis visits with kindergartners at Semper Elementary
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Jeffco Public Schools hosted Governor Jared Polis twice during the first weeks of school in celebration of the state initiative supporting free full-day Kindergarten. He visited Green Gables Elementary on the very first day of school and Semper Elementary a week later. The Governor read books to our youngest learners and visited other classrooms at both schools.
Joining him on these visits were a number of dignitaries including Senator Brittany Pettersen, Commissioner of Education Katy Anthes, Senator Rachel Zenzinger, Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp, and members of Jeffco’s Board of Education. We are proud to celebrate all of our
new students in Jeffco Public Schools.
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TECHforED:
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
This month, Jeffco Public Schools classrooms are engaging in digital citizenship learning related to creating and maintaining one’s digital footprint and identity. It is important for children to realize that digital footprints are often public and potentially accessible by anyone. Jeffco’s Ed Tech team has resources for families to supplement classroom learning that can help students learn how to positively contribute to their digital reputation.
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GOOD NEWS IN JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Own Your Power! Bell Middle School 6th-grader Sabrina Streich inspires Athleta to design new sweatshirt that fits her lifestyle.
A community comes together to make a difference. Jeffco Public Schools employees and Arvada PD Student Resource Officer Brad Gagon help 6-year-old Roman take steps to a better future, literally.
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OUTDOOR LAB FOUNDATION:
AFTER DARK 2019
The Outdoor Lab Foundation invites you to their annual fundraiser and “friend”raiser. With food trucks, live bands, and boots and bling attire, this is a much-anticipated event supporting the Outdoor Lab schools and their on-going programming for 6th graders.
October 12
5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
The Studios at Overland Crossing
2205 S. Delaware St.
Denver
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CONSTRUCTION GIRL DAY
Jeffco Public Schools encourages young women to participate in the Transportation & Construction Girl Expo on Monday, September 23.
Currently, women make up 9% of the construction work force. Annual salary ranges for careers in construction and transportation range from about $60K - $200K.
This event features exhibits like heavy equipment, welding, buses, drones, apprenticeship programs, and colleges. Guest speakers will be young women in the construction and transportation industries.
Scholarships available to attend. Inquire with your school counselor for more information.
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NEW RECESS STANDARDS
Did you know that physical activity and time spent outside during the school day helps improve your child’s grades, behavior, and overall health?
Jeffco Public Schools has adopted new recess guidelines that recommend all elementary schools schedule two recess periods a day for a total of no less than 30 minutes of recess time per day.
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STUDENT COUNT DAY IS OCTOBER 2
Mark October 2 on your calendar! The most important action you can take to support school funding is to make sure your student attends school on count day. Much of public education funding from the State of Colorado is based on student count. Please help us ensure all our students are accurately counted by having your student in class on Wednesday, October 2.
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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!
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important dates
September 20 -
No school for students
October 2 -
October Student Count Day
November 5
- Jefferson County elections
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Inside the World of Social Emotional Learning Specialists
SELS are highly trained mental health professionals who help manage the day-to-day ups and downs any student can experience. Take a peek at inside the world of the Stober Elementary SEL Specialist.
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Jeffco Marching Band Invitational
Jeffco Public Schools Marching Band Invitational was held September 17 at Jeffco Stadium. Congratulations to all who participated in this annual night of music.
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board of education meetings
Thursday,
October 10
, 5:00 p,m., Study Session
Thursday,
October 10
, 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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