• Jeffco wants parents to weigh in on calendar
• Celebration of Excellence
• Second Wind Fund
• Medal of Honor recipients speak at schools
• Jeffco listens to community concerns
• Board of Education vacancy process

Paul Andrews
Executive Vice President
Kroenke Sports Enterprisese
(Oversees operations for: Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, etc.)
Alameda High School Alumnus

The Bright Stars program recognizes Jeffco
Public Schools' graduates who have gone on to distinguished careers or have accomplished a significant achievement. If you have a Bright Star you would like to nominate, please e-mail Communications Services.

Jeffco wants parents to weigh in on calendar

Jeffco Public Schools is asking district parents to make their voices heard on the 2009-10 school year calendar. “We have heard from many parents that beginning school on August 12 this year was too early, said Superintendent Cindy Stevenson.

“Because the district is committed to an open dialogue about the calendar, parents will have a chance to give input by taking an online survey.” The district will use the survey results in deciding a new, later start date for next year. Jeffco teachers are also being asked to weigh in by taking a similar survey.

Parents can find the brief survey on the Jeffco Public Schools Web site at: www.jeffcopublicschools.org. A meeting of the district’s calendar committee on Friday, Sept. 19 has been canceled at the request of committee members.

Click here to complete calendar survey

Celebration of Excellence

Don't forget to RSVP for the fourth annual Key Communicator's Celebration of Excellence event to be held on Wednesday, October 15 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. (Golden High School Auditorium, 701 24th Street, Golden, CO 80401).

This reception is the district's way to say thanks to our Key Communicators and to celebrate the accomplishments of students, teachers, staff and our Jefferson County community. This wonderful evening includes individual and group representation of the best of the best in academics, athletics, arts, teachers, staff and community service. The event will again provide student entertainment and demonstrations.

RSVP

7th annual Second Wind Fund walk/run/ride

Have a great day unlike any other and help kids at your school! Second Wind Fund is holding its unique 7th Annual walk/run/ride on Sunday, September 21 at Green Mountain High School.

All ages mix for this one-of-a-kind event: school staff, youth, families, and retirees were among the 2,600 attending in 2007, which was the largest suicide prevention event in the nation. Second Wind was started to serve Jeffco kids, and provides mental health services to youth at-risk for suicide.

However, the best reason to come out is that Second Wind has assisted more than 500 kids, from every neighborhood in Jeffco, including perhaps your school. Stunningly, since Second Wind began serving so many kids, the youth suicide rate in Jeffco has decreased notably.

Second Wind’s event is family-oriented, combining commemorative elements (highlighted by a white dove release) with fun. The cost is $25 for adults, $10 for students, and all participants get a free BBQ lunch/taco bar, Nina Storey concert, massage, t-shirt, kids’ activities, goody bags, and more.

For more information or to register, send in the enclosed brochure, visit www.thesecondwindfund.org, pre-register at selected locations or on event day, or call 303-988-2645.

Register here

Jeffco hosts Medal of Honor recipients

Students, staff and community members, including active duty and veterans, will hear stories from a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient on Thursday, Sept. 18 at Evergreen High School and Ralston Valley High School in Arvada. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

The day focuses on the ideals of courage, selflessness, sacrifice, being a responsible citizen and patriotism. Only 105 recipients of the nation’s highest military award are living and the students, staff and community members from Evergreen and Ralston Valley will have the honor of meeting two of them.. Ralph Schomp Automotive has generously donated two cars to transport the honorees to the school events.

Jeffco listens to community concerns

After hearing concerns from residents in the 6th Ave. West neighborhood, Jeffco Public Schools has decided not to go forward with a new school in the area. The district had planned to build a school for the Johnson Program – an alternative school for expelled and at-risk students – on its Life Long Learning Center campus located near Warren Tech in Lakewood.

During meetings with a small group of community residents and then during a larger meeting held on Sept. 8, it became clear that people in the surrounding neighborhood objected to having the Johnson Program in the area. “This decision is being made with the best interests of the Johnson students and the neighborhood in mind,” said Jeffco Public Schools. “We value the community’s involvement and we are committed to continuing the dialogue about any future plans for the Life Long Learning Center campus.”

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Board of Education vacancy process

Sept. 18, 4-6 p.m .- Screening Interviews. Following the board meeting the list will be narrowed from 10 to 3-4 finalists.

Oct. 2, 4-6 p.m. - Finalists interviewed. The Board will appoint a new member.

Oct. 16 - New Board member takes Oath of Office prior to the regular meeting.

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.