Money matters

Have you seen an increase in the size of your child’s class this school year? If so, it's the result of cutting 50 elementary teachers in order to balance this year’s budget.  Overall, 107 jobs in Jeffco were eliminated including administrators and support staff.  The district also had to reconfigure many bus routes to save money – that may be why your child is catching the bus earlier.  In today’s economy, most businesses and households are cutting back and Jeffco is no exception.  While the blow of budget cuts was softened by the infusion of federal stimulus dollars, that cushion won’t last long.  Those are one-time dollars that will run out next year.

The financial future isn’t looking any better at this point.  Over the next four years, Jeffco Public Schools must cut $40 million from the budget – and that number could go higher.  The district is beginning the 2010-2011 budget development process. During the fall, the district will be asking employees and the community to help with the budgeting process.  Right now the district is facing $15 million in reductions for next year, but that number could go up depending on what happens at the state level.  Those cuts will be deep and will ultimately impact the classroom and children.  There will be reductions at every level of the organization, as there were this year – administrators, teachers and support staff. 

Look for more information on the budget development process and how you might be able to get involved in future issues of Chalk Talk.

Perfect score

It’s an accomplishment worth bragging about; both Dennison Elementary and Meiklejohn Elementary had classes that scored 100 percent proficient or above on the 2009 CSAP, Colorado Student Assessment Program test.Read more

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter reads to Russell Elementary students

Read for the record

Governor Bill Ritter and a group of Russell Elementary students did their part to help set a world reading record.  It was part of the fourth annual Jumpstart Read for the Record Campaign, aimed at setting a world record for the number of people reading the same children’s book on the same day, Oct. 8. The Pearson Foundation donated copies of the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, to students at Russell.

“Every time you read something, you learn something,” Governor Ritter told the group.  Second grader Tristen Sanchez agreed. “You can read, so you can learn and your brain is not confused,” he said. 

There’s no word yet on whether last year’s world record was shattered. Click here to view a video of Governor Ritter reading to students.

Last opportunity to share your thoughts

Columbine students line up to question lawyers and justices.

Court in session at Columbine High School

Columbine High School students got a front row seat at a Colorado Supreme Court Hearing this month.  The state Supreme Court only visited two schools this year.
“It’s very historic,” said Columbine history teacher, Ivory Moore. 

Columbine students listened as Justices heard oral arguments in a civil case and a criminal case.  The students studied the cases in class.  And once the court issues its decision, students will have an opportunity to review the opinions.

“I absolutely loved it,” said Columbine junior Alyssa Karford.  “I might even contemplate being a lawyer.”

Seeing the big picture for special education

If you are the parent of a child in special education, your participation is needed.  A special education advisory committee is being formed by Jeffco Public Schools to advise the Diverse Learners Department on issues related to students with special needs.  Your attendance is welcomed at the kick-off event on:

• Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
• 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
• Board Room – 5th Floor, Education Center, 1829 Denver West Dr., Golden, 80401

Please join other parents, school staff and community members to learn more about this unique opportunity to be a part of the educational decision-making process for students with special needs.

Contact Lisa Franklin at 303-982-2520 if you have questions or need accommodations in order to attend this meeting.

Multicultural Career Fair

Join us for the Career Opportunity Fair for Multicultural Families on Saturday, November 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Lakewood High School. Representatives from colleges, vocational /technical schools, and other educational agencies will be present to discuss career options. Workshops range from learning how to write a professional resume to strategies on how to successfully apply for scholarships. Spanish interpreters will be available to help.

H1N1 vaccine tips

Questions about the new H1N1 vaccine? Read the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control.

Be prepared for snow days and emergency school closures

Winter weather is just around the corner and the school district has announced its emergency school closure procedures for the year. The safety of our students and staff is our greatest concern.

Read more or watch the snow closure video

Halloween safety tips

Helping Kids Thrive Conference

Where do you go for answers to parenting a child? The Helping Kids Thrive Conference.provides hands-on practical tools, skills, and information to help children grow in positive ways.The conference is free for parents and families and will be Thursday, October 22, 5:30 - 9 p.m. at Jefferson High School, 2305 Pierce Street, Edgewater.

Classes include:
The Preschool Years: Creating a Blueprint for Success; The Elementary Years: Foundation for Healthy Growth; The Teen Years: Framing Boundaries and Expectations; Empowering Successful Kids; AND MUCH MORE!

• Light refreshments will be available
• Supervised children’s activities on-site during the conference. (Children must be potty-trained.)
• Community resource tables
• Some classes are presented in English & Spanish

Space is Limited. Register now or call 303-432-5144.