Key Communique

Jeffco Public Schools students continue to show a higher percentage of students scoring in the “advanced/proficient” category on Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests than the statewide average, according to data released Wednesday, Aug. 2, by the Colorado Department of Education.

The district continues strong performance in math and science. Compared to 2005, Jeffco math “advanced/proficient” scores show improvement or sustained performance in five out of eight CSAP assessments. In science, Jeffco exceeded the state's “advanced/proficient” performance by substantial margins, including 13 percentage points higher achievement on the 8th grade assessment.

“Advanced/proficient” scores for Hispanic students have shown good progress at many grade levels. Students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch (an at risk subgroup identified by the U.S. Department of Education) have also shown improvement.

“Teachers, principals, and district instructional staff will continue to analyze our assessment data to improve our curriculum and instruction in order to ensure that all students receive a high quality education in Jeffco Schools,” said Superintendent Cindy Stevenson. “We are proud of our successes, particularly in science and the improvement in Hispanic student scores, but we want to improve in all categories.”

CSAP tests, which measure how well students are mastering state standards, are scored “advanced,” “proficient,” “partially proficient” and “unsatisfactory.” When students achieve the “proficient” or “advanced” level on CSAP, they have met the learning expectations at a particular grade level.

CSAP results, students scoring “advanced/proficient” by grade level and content area are as follows:

Three key district leadership positions have recently been filled, rounding out the superintendent's Cabinet.
Additionally, the reorganization within the Community Superintendent's office is now complete.

Patrick Hickey, Debbie Backus and Lynn Setzer joined Jeffco Public Schools within the past two months.

Hickey became the new chief operating officer August 1. He replaced Dr. Ken Hoover who accepted a superintendent's position in his home state of Washington . Hickey was previously the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Support Services for the Douglas County School District .

Backus took over as the Chief Academic Officer July 3; she replaces Sherida Peterson who retired. Backus came to Jeffco Public Schools from the Aurora School District where her most recent role was the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.

Setzer is the new Executive Director of Communication Services and Public Engagement. She started July 6. Before joining the district, Setzer served as a communications/public relations specialist for Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver. Prior to that, she was a reporter and anchor for KMGH-TV, Channel 7 for 15 years. She replaced Rick Kaufman, who resigned in March.

As previously reported, the Community Superintendent's office reorganized July 1. Incumbents Rick Myles, Marcia Anker , Peg Kastberg and Dr. Irene Griego are continuing in their current roles with expanded responsibilities. Reporting to and supporting the community superintendents are George Diedrich, Holly Anderson, Cynthia Whitlock and Anthony Giurado.

Approximately 500 principals, assistant principals, administrators and members of the Board of Education participated in the district's 2006-07 welcome back event on Tuesday, July 25, at Arvada High School.

Board of Education president Jane Barnes opened the event speaking about the need to develop a “well educated, well prepared” work force to replace the baby boomers who are moving into retirement. She challenged the staff “to make a tangible difference in a student's life this year.”

Superintendent Cindy Stevenson set the tone for the year with her presentation Magic, Artistry, Skill, Knowledge.

“Children have a short time with us, what kind of magic can we make for them, how can we inspire them to learn.” Stevenson said. “We want to create children who have curiosity and passion.”

She emphasized that two-thirds of the jobs created between now and 2014 will require a college education. Only 15 percent of the available jobs will be for low skilled workers.

“We want 100 percent of our students to graduate with good choices for their future,” she said.

Stevenson said, “We must have a great teacher in every classroom and support staff to back them up.” She encouraged staff to ask themselves each day “what can I do today to support great schools and create success for a child.”
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August school construction Update fact sheets

Jeffco Public Schools currently has completed or is working on 67 school construction projects, almost all as part of the 2005-2010 Capital Improvement Program. All of the projects, funded from the 2004 $328.5 million bond, are on time and on budget.

This month two new schools, Wayne Carle Middle and Meiklejohn Elementary, will open their doors to students. Wayne Carle Middle School, located at 10200 West 100th Avenue in Westminster, is funded from bonds approved by voters in 1997. The school, named after a former Jeffco Public Schools' superintendent, will host its dedication ceremony at 9 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14. Meiklejohn Elementary School, named in honor of former Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education president Al Meiklejohn, is located at 13405 W. 83rd Avenue in the Five Parks' subdivision of Arvada . The school will host its dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. , Wednesday, September 27.

The district's first replacement facility from the 2004 Bond will open to students August 22. The new Dunstan Middle School replaces an older facility, which has since been razed. The scheduling of the dedication date will be announced at a later date.

Two high schools scheduled to be replaced have also announced their groundbreaking ceremonies. Arvada West High School, where construction has already started, will host its ceremony at 5 p.m., Wednesday, August 30. Golden High School will host its ceremony at 4 p.m., October 23.

Other major construction projects in progress include Fairmount and Hackberry Hill Elementary chools, Bear Creek K-8 School and Chatfield, Dakota Ridge, Lakewood, Ralston Valley and Wheat Ridge High schools.

Jeffco Public Schools is committed to keeping its publics accurately informed about construction projects that are being funded from the 2004 bond election. A monthly comprehensive fact sheet summarizes all major construction projects; please consider printing this and sharing this important information with others.
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The Board of Education holds study/dialogue sessions (Seminar Room, 4th floor) and business meetings (Board Room, 5th floor) at the Educational Services Center, 1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg #27, Golden, unless otherwise noted.