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| April 9, 2009 In this issue. . . |
Annaleigh Ashford The Bright Stars program recognizes Jeffco |
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Jeffco leader earns Colorado High School Principal of the Year honors Dan Cohan, principal of Pomona High School in Jefferson County, is the 2009 Colorado High School Principal of the Year. Cohan’s selection was announced today by the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE). On the brink of losing its accreditation, Pomona was a struggling school when Cohan became principal in 2005. Since then, the school has achieved high-performing status the last three years. This turnaround has been the direct result of Cohan’s leadership. Cohan brought an instructional focus to the school. The staff shifted from thinking about student performance in general terms to addressing individual students and their academic needs. Teachers now use data to improve their teaching practices with an eye on student learning outcomes. In tandem with an academic focus, Cohan worked to create a positive school climate where students feel safe and respected and staff report high morale. CASE will present Cohan with his award this spring. As Colorado High School Principal of the Year, Cohan is eligible for National High School Principal of the Year recognition, which will be announced later this year. He will be honored, along with other state winners, in Washington, D.C. at that time. Jeffco Public Schools is launching an online high school named Jeffco's 21st Century Virtual Academy where Colorado students can earn their diploma online or get class credits. "Last year the district launched the Dropout Prevention and Recovery Program and the Virtual Academy will provide one more option for kids looking for an alternative to graduating," said Audie Rubin, director of Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy. Students, both young and old, can complete their studies at their own pace and in their own setting. Parents of younger students can log on to check grades and student progress at any time. The online school is now accepting applications for the 2009-10 school year and tuition is free for Colorado residents attending full or part-time. Designed to meet a wide variety of needs with flexible programming, the Virtual Academy allows students to study full- time, part-time or take supplemental classes to catch up on credits. Student enrollment is underway and prospective students are invited to attend information sessions to learn more about curriculum options, online course demonstrations and ask questions. "Students looking for a credible online high school provider in Colorado can be sure that the virtual academy will help them achieve a bright future," said Rubin. "The classes combine leading edge curriculum with the Jeffco reputation that colleges and universities look for in accepting graduates." Call 303-982-6770 or e-mail for more information on dates and times for information sessions.
AWRSAY ceremony recognizes youth The Arvada-Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth (AWRSAY) will publicly honor youth who have overcome various forms of adversity at its eighth annual recognition ceremony at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, at Arvada West High School, 11595 Allendale Dr., Arvada. The AWRSAY program honors middle and high school youth from Arvada and Wheat Ridge who have demonstrated personal strength, resiliency and determination in overcoming adversity and making positive changes in their lives or in the lives of those with whom they come in contact. Example areas of overcoming adversity include education/learning, emotional, personal, social, physical and academic. The program is unique because it is a collaboration of service clubs, businesses and the cities of Arvada and Wheat Ridge, The Jefferson Foundation, Red Rocks Community College Foundation and Red Rocks Community College Arvada campus. All funding is raised by the service clubs with support from businesses and individual contributions. With this year’s honorees, 470 students have been recognized over the years.
Citizen Committee Helps Jeffco Streamline As part of Jeffco Public Schools effort to reduce costs and streamline the budget, the district is examining all areas of operation, including how schools and facilities are used throughout the district. Over 30 community and district volunteers were chosen to serve on a Facilities Usage Committee to help the district determine the most efficient and effective use of its buildings. The Board of Education has charged the group to: The committee's first public meeting was held in March. Anyone can access the Committee's Web page to follow along with the process, get meeting minutes, agendas, etc. "No decisions have been made," said Superintendent Dr. Cindy Stevenson. "It's premature to talk about closing schools, but nothing is off the table." The committee may find that the best use of a building will be to repurpose it, such as combining programs or relocating a program.
There are over 1,500 community leaders in the Jeffco Public Schools Key Communicator Network. As opinion leaders, the district depends on your voice to inform the community about important school district issues. We also need to hear from you about the effectiveness of this important communication program. Please take a few minutes and complete the online survey below. Thank you.
Good to great Every two years Jeffco Public Schools asks employees to give the district a grade on a variety of topics; everything from effectiveness to diversity. The results of the fall 2008 survey are in and it’s really good news. According to the independent research group which conducted the survey, “These results are impressive…the opinions employees hold about workplace safety, their accountability, their performance evaluation and their work teams continues to be positive.” Nearly 8,000 employees took the survey which is a response rate of 66 percent and is higher than most employee satisfaction surveys. “This is great news and the thanks goes to every one of our employees who work tirelessly to make Jeffco a wonderful place to work and learn,” said Superintendent Cindy Stevenson. Read the executive summary of the employee survey below. Columbine anniversary events planned The following events will take place to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Columbine tragedy: Sunday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 20 from 5-6 p.m. Upcoming Board of Education meetings 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.
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