CSAP success

In a few weeks, parents will be getting a look at their child’s results on the 2008-09 Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP), the yearly test which measures students’ progress on meeting academic standards.  As a whole, Jeffco students continue to outperform the state in all content areas and at all grade levels. Out of 27 tests, 17 of Jeffco’s scores increased, seven decreased and three were stable. See Jeffco’s CSAP results. 

This year, parents will see that there are two CSAP measures – one that shows whether students are advanced or proficient on the test and one that indicates whether or not the student is showing adequate growth in a subject area. The new Colorado Growth Model enables parents, students and educators to see how individual children are progressing from one year to another. Students will also be identified as making low, typical or high growth compared to their academic peers. Find out more about the Colorado Growth Model by visiting the Colorado Department of Education Web site.

“Our CSAP results reflect the teaching and learning that is happening every day in Jeffco classrooms. It’s exciting to also have this new growth measure which will help our staff understand the academic growth of our students from year to year,” said Jeffco Superintendent Cindy Stevenson.

Changes in the cafeteria

When students return this fall, they will notice a few additions and subtractions on the school lunch menu. Students will have choices such as oven roasted chicken, baked chips, whole wheat bread and at eight local high schools, a burrito bar. Junk food such as candy, doughnuts and cinnamon rolls are being eliminated while other items like flavored milk and sugary cereals are being replaced with more nutritious options.

The district has partnered with local markets to offer 100 percent natural food. To help the district move away from processed foods, cafeteria workers will start preparing more items from scratch. Paul Schutt, an executive chef and trainer, has been hired to help modify recipes, train employees to use new equipment and locate local food products to incorporate in the lunch line.

Jeffco schools will also be offering healthier beverage choices to include bottled water, fat-free or low-fat milk and 100 percent juice at elementary and middle schools. High schools will also offer low-calorie beverages such as unsweetened teas, low-calorie sports drinks, fitness waters and flavored waters. No diet soda will be sold.

Washing away H1N1

“You just feel miserable,” said a Jeffco 7th grader.  The 7th grader was diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus this summer, after attending a sports ambassador program in Austria.  “I lost 15 pounds because I didn’t really feel like eating anything,” she said.  For more than seven days, she had a fever with a temperature of 102.5. 

“You don’t want to mess around,” said her mom.  That’s why mother and daughter say Jeffco’s plan to remind students about hand washing and hygiene is an important part of curbing the spread of the H1N1 virus.  Posters urging students to clean their hands and cover their coughs will appear in all Jeffco schools this year. 

“We know that H1N1 continues to circulate widely,” said Linda Buzard, director of health services for Jeffco schools.  Jeffco follows federal, state and county health guidelines about the H1N1 virus. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises people with flu-like symptoms, like fever with a cough and sore throat, to stay home and avoid close contact with other people.  The CDC asks people to remain isolated until they are fever-free for 24 hours without use of a fever reducing medicine.

The H1N1 flu virus is unpredictable, so parents are encouraged to check the district Web page periodically.  The latest information can also be found on the following public health sites:

• Centers for Disease Control
• Colorado Department of Health
• Jefferson County Public Health
  

The Jeffco 7th grader adds, “Students really do need to be careful, because this flu lasted a long time.”

Supplying kids with confidence

“Financially, right now, I’m not able to buy the things that they need for school,” said Bernadette Ramirez.   Bernadette’s children were two of some 4,000 students who got new school supplies last week at Wheat Ridge Middle School.  For ten years now, the Jeffco Action Center has distributed supplies to Jeffco families who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program.  This year, the need was up 25 percent from last year.

“We’re the type of organization that sees the negative impact of the economy first, and we see it last,” said Joe Haines, Jeffco Action Center’s director of development. “We’re dealing with people who are on the fringe of poverty.  They’re under-employed, they’re working minimum wage jobs, or they were working a full time job and they just got laid off.”

Ramirez said this is the first year she has asked for help.  “I’ve always donated stuff and did my part as much as I possibly could and now I’m on this side.” 

Columbine High School sophomore, Jordyn Vogele volunteered to help distribute school supplies.  “It makes you feel really good that you can help these kids that maybe don’t have the same privileges that you do,” she said. And it’s not just about what’s in the backpack. 

“I feel that they need that stuff, so they don’t go to school and get ridiculed,” said Ramirez.  Her daughter agreed,  “I think it’s kinda cool that I have all this new stuff for school this year, where I can actually enjoy this year without…kids coming up to me and saying where’s all your stuff and having to share with my friends.”

“It feels good, I feel like a lot has been lifted off of my shoulders right now,” said Ramirez as she walked her kids out the door with their new supplies. The Jeffco Action Center hopes to hold a mid-year school supply distribution.  To learn more, check out the Jeffco Action Center Web site.

School board selects new member and new president

Members of the Jefferson County Board of Education have selected parent-volunteer Robin Johnson to fill the seat left vacant by Scott Benefield.  He stepped down from the board in June for personal reasons.

Johnson lives in Arvada, has three children in Jeffco schools and has been active in PTA. She will take the oath of office on September 3. As an appointee, she will have to run for election in November. 

The board has also reorganized, electing Sue Marinelli as president and Rick Rush as secretary/treasurer.

Board seats open in November

This November, the Jefferson County Board of Education will have three of its five seats open for election.   Each seat is for a term of four years.

More information about applying for a board seat

Parent feedback is needed

What is important for your child’s school?  Is the school too large or too small?  Should all schools provide equitable opportunities across the district?  Weigh in on these and other questions being discussed by the Jeffco Facilities Usage Committee at one of the upcoming public meetings.  Share your ideas on how to make Jeffco Public Schools more efficient and effective.

Community Forums
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9-10:30 a.m., Manning School Auditorium, 13200 W. 32nd Ave., Golden

Monday, Sept. 14, 6-7:30 p.m., Jefferson High School Auditorium, 2305 Pierce St., Edgewater

Wednesday, Sept.16, 6-7:30 p.m., Chatfield High School Auditorium, 7227 S. Simms St., Littleton

Monday, Sept. 21, 6-7:30 p.m., Arvada West High School Auditorium, 11595 Allendale Drive, Arvada

New attendance policy

In alignment with the new state board policy requirements, parents may notice a few changes to the district attendance policy this year. Please review the district’s student absence policy in the conduct code booklet which is available online or at your neighborhood school.

Support line helps parents

When family concerns arise and you need answers, information, referrals, or you just need to vent, call the FAMILY SUPPORT LINE (English and Spanish).  Whatever your child’s age or your issue, you will be greeted with compassionate listening, ideas, and information on all aspects of family life and child development, as well as referrals to community resources. 

Discuss single parenting, trials and tribulations of living with teens or toddlers, setting limits and sticking to them,  how to calm yourself, and so much more.  Asking for help is a sign of strength.  All it takes is a phone call!

FAMILY SUPPORT LINE
Metro Denver 303-695-7996
Spanish: CONSEJOS PARA FAMILIAS:
1-866-LAS-FAMILIAS (866-527-3264)
10 a.m. – 10 p.m., every day
www.FamiliesFirstColorado.org

The Family Support Line is a program of Families First, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian agency devoted to empowering parents, nurturing children and strengthening families. Other Family Support Services:  parenting classes, infant massage, seminars, and free Circle of Parents® groups.