D
THE
ISTRICT
Vol. 4 No. 2
EDUCATOR
SPRING 2017
A PUBLICATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT 27J
Happy Reunion
Reunion Elementary School opening this fall to grades preK-5
Reunion Elementary School
will open in the Reunion
neighborhood of Commerce
City this August. 27J’s newest
school is expected to serve more
than 300 students in grades
preschool to fifth grade.
Principal David Felten,
an educator for 20 years, is
delighted to be planning the
opening of a new school. He
is working with parents and
students to choose school colors
and a mascot.
“It’s an exciting time as
we prepare to open,” Felten
said. “We continue to reach
out to families for their input
in creating Reunion as a true
community school.”
A planning team is preparing
for the opening and day-to-day
operations.
“As we move forward, we
will be scheduling parent nights
and setting schedules for the
school day,” Felten said.
See REUNION page 7
Reunion Elementary School Principal David Felten and staff stand in front of the school, which will open in the fall.
New high school graduation
requirements on the horizon
Attention parents of incoming freshmen: The
graduation requirements for high school are changing
beginning with the incoming Class of 2021. The
Colorado Department of Education is implementing
these changes statewide.
Life beyond high school is different from what it
used to be. Most jobs now require education beyond
high school. This year, the 27J school board adopted
the new graduation guidelines from the state into
District graduation requirements.
According to Paul Francisco, 27J’s director of postsecondary and workforce readiness, the main change
in graduation requirements is a new component
added by the state. The new component, called a
“College and Career Ready Demonstration,” requires
students show that they are ready to succeed after
graduation. School District 27J currently has three
board-approved methods for students to meet this new
College and Career Ready Demonstration, and more
See GRADUATION page 9
SPECIAL INSERT INSIDE
27J Report Card
2
—
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017
Knowing and suspecting are not the same thing
You may recall that I wrote
an article entitled, “Canaries
in a Coal Mine – Colorado’s
K-12 Funding Crisis,” in the fall
edition of The 27J Educator. In it,
I explained the Negative Factor
in Colorado and the effect it has
had upon K-12 education funding
in Colorado for the past seven
years. As we near the end of this
legislative cycle in Colorado, the
DR. CHRIS FIEDLER Negative Factor will continue
(and grow) for the eighth
consecutive year as a way of balancing the state’s budget
within the constitutional constraints of TABOR and Gallagher
– pushing the total lost revenue to K-12 public education over
eight years to nearly $7 billion with a “b”. The cumulative
loss of revenue due to the Negative Factor for educating our
kids in District 27J through this school year is $113 million.
The projected Negative Factor for us in 2017-18 is another
$17 million, making our total $130 million.
I am writing this spring about the manner in which
school districts can increase revenue for operations locally
– mill levy override elections – and how we compare
to our Denver Metro School District neighbors. As you
may recall, the Quality Schools Initiative Committee
recommended a bond and a mill levy override question for
the November 2014 election. I chose to recommend only the
bond question to our Board of Education, and we narrowly
failed. The Superintendent’s Growth Advisory Task Force
recommended the larger $248 million dollar bond question
for the November 2015 election, and as you know, we were
successful (thank you!) and have been busily constructing
new buildings and improving upon our existing learning
spaces for our students.
I chose this title because I want you to “know” how we
compare to our neighbors in the Denver Metro area, not
simply “suspect.” First, I want you to know how we compare
in terms of 2016 graduation rates and ACT scores. Second,
I want you to know how we compare in terms of per pupil
funding from the state through the School Finance Act and
additional per pupil funding through local mill levy override
elections. Finally, I want you to know how we compare in
terms of how we compensate our teachers and what our
turnover rate was for last year. The data for our classified
(support) staff is not as readily available from the Colorado
Department of Education, but it mirrors that of our certified
(teaching) staff.
I want you to know and then draw your own conclusions as
to how we move forward together as a community to educate
our students in 27J. You will find the comparison data in the
center of this edition of The Educator.
Dr. Chris Fiedler is Superintendent of School District 27J.
Looking back at nearly a decade of growth
As my term winds down, I have
certainly enjoyed volunteering
with the school district. The
learning curve of becoming a
school board member is as they
say, “like drinking from a fire
hose.” I have grown to appreciate
the efforts of District staff over the
past eight years and the devotion
our staff exhibits in educating our
kids. I want to focus on a couple
of topics and how the District has
PATRICK DAY
responded.
Growth: 27J continues to be a district of tremendous growth.
When I joined the board there were approximately 13,000
students, now we have over 17,000. Adapting to that growth
has many challenges. Increases in class sizes and changes to
PUBLISHED BY:
School District 27J
18551 East 160th Ave.
Brighton, Colo. 80601
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Chris Fiedler
Board of Education
Patrick Day, President
Roberta Thimmig, Vice President
Rick Doucet
Blaine Nickeson
Gregory Piotraschke
Jenn Venerable
Lloyd Worth
SUBMIT STORY IDEAS TO:
[email protected]
Writers: Meaghan Casey,
Tonja Castaneda and Tracy Rudnick
Spanish translation provided by School
District 27J Translation Department
Photos: Tonja Castaneda and
Tracy Rudnick
PRODUCED BY:
GRANT COMMUNICATIONS
CONSULTING GROUP
Boston ◊ New York
781-598-8200
www.grantgroup.com
scheduling have been instituted to meet the needs of space.
The passage of the bond program has enabled us to build four
new schools and expand the capacity of existing schools as we
continue to grow.
Funding: As a new board member, in 2009, School District
27J was subject to the funding rescission from the state. This
rescission impacted all school districts in the state. We faced
reduced funding and had to send budgeted money back to
the state. Since then, funding has been subject to a “negative
factor” each year. District 27J reduced instructional, support
and administrative staff, as well as reduction in educational
offerings. While we continue to focus on core curriculum,
additional, extra-curricular opportunities have been diminished.
Education: Educating students is why School District 27J
exists. Diminished funding and rapid growth have a significant
impact on delivery of services and student performance. The
District has done its best to balance instructional offerings
with available resources. Students continue to have various
opportunities to excel and attainment on academic achievement
has increased as the District continues to work toward meeting
performance frameworks.
I want to thank our community for supporting the bond
program. We built Brantner Elementary with savings from
a previous bond, a substantial contribution from the capital
facility fee foundation and the 2015 bond. Reunion Elementary
is nearing completion and Riverdale Ridge High School is on
schedule to welcome students in 2018. Many improvements to
existing schools are currently under way. These are key steps,
supported by our community, which will help meet the future
needs of 27J as we continue to expand.
It has been my pleasure to serve the community and our kids.
27J has a rich past and a bright future.
Patrick Day is president of the District 27J Board of Education.
DISTRICT 27J SCHOOL DIRECTORY
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS
Brantner Elementary
Michele Saller, Principal
7800 East 133rd Ave
Thornton, CO 80602
720-685-5050
Henderson Elementary
Natalie Rooney, Principal
12301 East 124th Ave
Henderson, CO 80640
303-655-2700
North Elementary
Carmella Schroeder,
Principal
89 North 6th Ave
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-2500
Northeast Elementary
Toby Karr, Principal
1605 Longspeak Street
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-2550
Pennock Elementary
Valerie Ortega, Principal
3707 Estrella Street
Brighton, CO 80601
720-685-7500
Reunion Elementary
David Felten, Principal
11021 Landmark Drive
Commerce City, CO 80022
720-685-8505
Second Creek Elementary
Evoice Sims, Principal
9950 Laredo Drive
Commerce City, CO 80022
720-685-7550
South Elementary
Kay Collins, Principal
305 South 5th Ave
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-2600
Southeast Elementary
Sarah James, Principal
1595 Southern Street
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-2650
Thimmig Elementary
Candice Reese, Principal
11453 Oswego Street
Henderson, CO 80640
303-655-2750
Turnberry Elementary
Brett Minne, Principal
13069 East 106th Place
Commerce City, CO 80022
720-685-5350
West Ridge Elementary
Amy Bruce, Principal
13102 Monaco Street
Thornton, CO 80602
720-685-5304
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Overland Trail Middle School
Eric Lambright, Principal
455 North 19th Ave
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-4000
Prairie View Middle School
Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and
Colorado law, School District 27J does not
unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race,
color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry,
creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation,
genetic information, disability or need for
special education services in admissions,
John Biner, Principal
270 South 8th Ave
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-4200
Prairie View High School
Cristina Bissell, Principal
12915 East 120th Ave
Henderson, CO 80640
720-685-5400
Jaime White, Principal
12909 East 120th Ave
Henderson, CO 80640
303-655-8800
Otho E. Stuart Middle School
ALTERNATIVE
SCHOOLS
27J Preschool
Dr. Richard Patterson,
Principal
15955 East 101st Way
Commerce City, CO 80022
720-685-5500
Vikan Middle School
Trina Norris-Buck, Principal
879 Jessup Street
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-4050
Bethany Ager, Coordinator
18551 East 160th Ave
Brighton, CO 80601
720-685-5490
BOLT Academy
Kenlyn Newman, Principal
1850 Egbert St., Suite 120
Brighton, CO 80601
720-685-5475
Heritage Academy
Anti-discrimination policy
In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act of 1967, the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information
HIGH SCHOOLS
Brighton High School
access to, treatment, or employment in
educational programs or activities which it
operates and provides equal access to the
Boy Scouts and other designated youth
groups. A lack of English language skills
will not be a barrier to participation or
admission.
Kenlyn Newman, Principal
830 East Bridge Street
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-2850
CHARTER
SCHOOLS
Belle Creek Charter School
Jacqueline Fields,
Principal
9290 East 107th Ave
Henderson, CO 80640
303-468-0160
Bromley East Charter School
Lori Sheldon,
Executive Director
356 Longspur Dr.
Brighton, CO 80601
720-685-3297
Eagle Ridge Academy
Ben Ploeger,
Head of School
and Principal
3551 Southern Street
Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-0773
Foundations Academy
Jerry Martinez, Principal
340 South 45th Ave
Brighton, CO 80601
303-659-9519
Landmark Academy
Jennifer Stengel, Principal
10566 Memphis Street
Commerce City, CO 80022
303-287-2901
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017 — 3
Kyli Kisiel and Bynn Davis work on a social studies project in
an Achieve Institute classroom.
Achieve Institute expands
Academically gifted and talented students in this country
make up approximately six percent of the total student
population and, for the first time, have their own home in
School District 27J.
Earlier this school year, Achieve Institute opened as a
school within a school at Pennock Elementary for gifted
students in grades K-5, and will expand to sixth grade at
Vikan Middle School in the fall.
“A lot of students hide their gifts or sit back feeling
bored or restless in a regular classroom,” said Sheri
Collier, Instructional Specialist for Gifted and Talented
Services. “If we’re not meeting a child’s needs, it gives a
family no choice but to go elsewhere. This is about giving
parents and students options and letting them know that
we see their children, hear their children and want to give
them the best opportunities within their own district.”
Collier, who has 22 years of experience in gifted
programs, is in her third year at 27J and is thrilled with the
rollout of Achieve Institute.
“The students are in classrooms with cognitive peers and
teachers who understand and appreciate their needs and
who will allow them to flourish intellectually, socially and
emotionally,” she said. “The best result is if they can find
that love of learning again. It’s so gratifying to see them
happy, challenged and doing amazing, creative projects
— all inside of a school where they’re part of a larger
community. They still get events like field day or Jump
Rope for Heart and can do lunch, recess and field trips with
their age-level friends. Plus, they have access to the school
library and other resources.”
The program started at the elementary level and will build
upwards, with the addition of sixth grade next year and
grades 7 and 8 to follow. For the first cohort, the District
received 150 applications, with 65 students qualifying. The
students were split into three classes: one for grades K-2,
another for grades 3-4 and a third for grades 4-5.
Achieve Institute students Jayton Nelson, Ethan Kiefer, Ruben
Abril and Kevin Elliott.
Loralie Cole-Holmbo, who teaches the class of 14
fourth-graders and eight fifth-graders, came to 27J this year
specifically for the opportunity to work with gifted students.
“I love being in schools with innovation,” said ColeHolmbo, who previously taught in the Denver Public
Schools. “This allows me to focus on students’ different
strengths, and when they’re all together, they have that
ability to think at a higher level and push themselves
further. I learned best through hands-on, project-based
methods and I try to replicate that in my classrooms.”
Cole-Holmbo says that part of the challenge of teaching
gifted students is that, in addition to the academics, you
also have to address their social and emotional needs.
“We try to work through some of the issues with
behavior and oversensitivity,” she said. “A student might
get upset if he or she loses a homework assignment or
gets a B on a test, so the emotional component is just as
important to their development.”
Achieve Institute students have also been working on
independent, interest-based “passion projects” that they
will showcase on May 17. Cole-Holmbo said her students
are exploring topics ranging from robotics to Greek
mythology to movie script writing. This spring they visited
Vikan, where many of them will likely attend.
At Vikan, there will be space for 25 gifted sixth-graders.
Through a blended programming model, they will have
classes together for science and social studies; they will
test to their level in English language arts and math (which
may include grade acceleration); and they’ll have electives
with grade-level peers.
“If students have mastered sixth-grade math, they may
Students Spencer Baggaley, Igon Marcellus and Liam Rahrs
work on building circuits.
move on to seventh- or eighth-grade levels in that subject,”
said Vikan Principal Trina Norris-Buck. “We’ve had
students ready for geometry in eighth grade and they’ve
started their days at Brighton High. That’s the type of
flexible thinking my staff is already implementing.”
After Vikan, Collier says gifted students will have
guidance finding advanced pathways in high school.
She would like to see Achieve Institute grow to five
classrooms at Pennock and says it could be replicated in
other buildings if the need for gifted placement continues
to grow.
Congratulations, Class of 2017 graduates
Heritage
Academy and
Bridge Academy
graduation will be
on Thursday, May
25 at 1 p.m. at
Brighton Heritage
Academy, 830
E. Bridge St. in
Brighton.
The BOLT
Academy
graduation
ceremony will be
on Thursday, May
25 at 4 p.m. at
Brighton Heritage
Academy.
Prairie View
High School will
hold a graduation
ceremony on
Friday, May 26
at 10 a.m. at the
Coors Events
Center on the
University of
Colorado campus
in Boulder.
Brighton High
School will hold
a graduation
ceremony on
Saturday, May
27 at 9 a.m. in
the BHS stadium,
270 S. 8th Ave. in
Brighton.
Brighton Heritage Academy
graduates, from left (front
row), Harmony Kline,
Chloe Garcia, Leeann Smith,
Carolyn Ambrose and (back
row) Tanner Aitken, Edwin
Galvez, Jaime Chavira and
Alberto Martinez Villa
celebrate after receiving
their diplomas during the
most recent graduation,
which was held in March.
4
—
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017
27J welcomes five principals
Terry Elliott
Kate Pelton
David Felten
Natalie Rooney
Fabricio Velez
Terry Elliott will bring his
district-wide achievement
knowledge and principal
leadership to his new role as
principal of Riverdale Ridge High
School. Elliott has been serving
as the chief school effectiveness
officer for Jefferson County Public
Schools. Prior to that, he served
as that district’s achievement
director and served as principal at
two schools. He began his career
as a teacher and DECA advisor
at Lakewood High School. He
earned his bachelor’s degree in
history from Columbia University
and a master’s in administration
from the University of Phoenix
in Denver. Elliott will begin his
role as principal on July 1. “I look
forward to meeting the Riverdale
Ridge High School community in
the months ahead and hope folks
will take advantage of community
gatherings we will begin to hold
later this summer and into the fall,”
said Elliott.
Turnberry School Assistant
Principal Kate Pelton has been
named principal at Turnberry for
the 2017-2018 school year. She
officially begins her new role on
July 1. “I’m honored to have the
opportunity to serve in this role,”
said Pelton. She has been part
of the Turnberry community for
two years. Prior to that, she was
a fifth-grade teacher at Second
Creek Elementary. Pelton has also
worked as a fifth-grade teacher
in Adams County District 14,
and in the Fountain-Fort Carson
School District. Pelton has a
master’s degree in administrative
leadership and policy studies from
the University of Colorado at
Denver, and holds an elementary
school principal certification.
Pelton will replace Brett Minne
who will move into the role of
student achievement director for
the District this summer.
Former Henderson Elementary
Principal David Felten has been
named first principal of Reunion
Elementary School, scheduled
to open to students this August.
Felten was principal at Henderson
Elementary for nine years. Prior
to that, he was the assistant
principal for three years at Second
Creek Elementary. He has 20
years of combined teaching and
administrative experience in
elementary education. Before
coming to School District
27J, he was a teacher at North
Mor Elementary in Adams 12
School District for eight years.
Felten has a master’s degree
in administration from the
University of Colorado at Denver.
“I am excited about the challenge
of opening a new school,” Felten
said. “I look forward to working
with Reunion Elementary students
and families because I want them
to have pride and ownership in
our new school.”
School administrative
veteran Natalie Rooney was
named principal of Henderson
Elementary in January. “I love
the students, staff and families
at Henderson. The students have
amazing hearts and have fun while
learning,” said Rooney. “The
teachers are team players who
believe all students can learn. The
families are caring and supportive.
Together, this is a great
combination.” Rooney previously
served as interim principal of
Tollgate Expeditionary Learning
School in Aurora Public Schools.
Prior to that, she was principal
of Marion Elementary School
in Marion, Ark. for three years.
Rooney has a master’s degree
in elementary and special
education from Nazareth College
in Rochester NY. She received a
certificate of Advanced Study in
Administration Leadership from
the State University of New York
at Oswego.
Fabricio Velez has been named
the new principal of Stuart Middle
School, starting on July 1. Velez
is currently assistant principal at
Prairie View High School. Prior
to that, Velez served as assistant
principal and then principal
at Pathways Future Center
School in the Adams 12 School
District. He started his career
as an ESL teacher in Adams 12.
Originally from Ecuador, he
earned a bachelor’s degree in
arts and humanities from Central
University of Ecuador. He moved
to the United States in 1999 to
study English and went on to earn
a master’s degree in curriculum
and instruction, with a focus on
English as a Second Language
(ESL), from the University of
Colorado at Denver. He holds a
principal license from University
of Denver. Velez will replace
Richard Patterson who will
move into the role of student
achievement director this summer.
Up for the challenge
Vikan Middle School was awarded $10,000 from the Colorado Department
of Public Health & Environment for winning the Protect What’s Next
Challenge. Vikan was one of four schools in the state to win the challenge,
and will use the funds to create an outdoor classroom.
To win the challenge, Vikan students and teachers participated in and
posted more than 590 challenges to take first place over 14 other middle
schools. Challenges included: arm wrestling, thumb wars, wearing a wig to
school, putting notes on lockers and doing pushups.
The purpose of the challenge is to encourage students to prioritize personal
goals over retail marijuana use and was developed based on youth’s belief
that using retail marijuana before age 21 could get in the way of achieving
their goals. The prize money comes from the marijuana tax and is earmarked
for education and prevention of drug use.
“The goal of the challenge was to inspire Colorado youth to be confident
in themselves and their choices, and to remind them of what it feels like to
accomplish something you set your mind to,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, chief
medical officer with the Colorado Department of Public Health.
Vikan staff members participated in a pushup contest as part of the Protect What’s Next Challenge.
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017 — 5
Prairie View High student named Boettcher Scholar
A Prairie View High School student has been named
the first Boettcher Scholar in the school’s history. Senior
Hossna Yasini has earned a four-year scholarship to attend
a Colorado college or university.
“I’m incredibly grateful that I was chosen as a
Boettcher Scholar,” Yasini said. “The Boettcher
Foundation is an amazing organization that provides
students with not only the funds to attend college, but also
unique opportunities that will benefit us in the future.”
It’s such a competitive scholarship, Yasini said. “I
have had a lot of help from Prairie View counselors and
teachers, especially with letters of recommendation for the
scholarship.”
As a Boettcher Scholar, she was invited to attend
college days at local universities. She visited Colorado
College and the University of Colorado at Boulder this
spring. She likes both colleges but thinks she already
knows her career path.
Yasini wants to be a doctor and she’s been moving
toward that goal since she started high school. It was in
Prairie View High School’s biomedical program that got
her interested in a career in medicine.
“I have spent four years in Prairie View’s biomedical
science classes and I have learned about the different
aspects of medicine,” she said. “I have always liked
science and the medical field seems interesting.”
Throughout high school, Yasini has sought out
opportunities to learn about becoming a doctor. She
participated in a summer internship at Children’s Hospital
and has shadowed doctors in different fields of medicine
including cardiology and obstetrics.
She even shadowed her own physician. “I shadowed
Hossna Yasini visited the stadium at the University of
Colorado during a college tour.
a family medicine physician every Friday for a year
and a half,” said Yasini. “It was an incredibly enriching
experience that solidified my love for the medical field.”
At Children’s Hospital, she was assigned to the
cardiology department. She shadowed a fetal cardiologist
and a pediatric cardiologist, a social worker, a certified
nursing assistant and a physician’s assistant. “I like being
with patients,” said Yasini.
“Working at Children’s Hospital and seeing patients
that need critical care is an eye-opening experience,” she
said. “Seeing the physicians and surgeons all helping
that one patient and their family, I think shows care and
compassion.” But the medical field, she said, encompasses
much more than science because it’s also a business.
“Primary Care physicians deal with insurance companies,
not just surgeries and patient care,” she said.
Yasini has already been accepted into an eight-year
medical program at the University of Colorado at Denver.
If she scores a certain number on the Medical College
Admissions Test (MCAT) and keeps a certain grade point
average; she has a spot in medical school reserved for her.
Yasini says she is a first-generation college student, and
her family is supportive and proud. “My dad is excited for
the opportunity I have,” she said. “He understands how
rare being a Boettcher Scholar is.”
Prairie View High teachers have been saying
congratulations to her. “When I found out I was elated,”
said PVHS Counselor Roc Ann Smith. “I still can’t
stop smiling when I think about it. Hossna has been an
exceptional student since the day I met her. In my 20
years in education, she is one exceptional student I will
never forget.”
Yasini is president of the National Honor Society
and played basketball at PVHS for one year. She has
also participated in the Health Occupations Students
of America Club and has participated in medical
competitions statewide and internationally.
BHS senior with dual citizenship
chooses America for his future
One Brighton High senior has a truly unique perspective
of the world. Amro Ahmed, who goes by the nickname
Ro, has dual citizenship in the United States and Egypt.
Ahmed, 17, will be part of Brighton High School’s 2017
graduating class.
He was born in Denver while his mother was visiting
from Egypt. “I stayed here two months and as a baby went
back to Cairo, Egypt with my family,” said Ahmed. He
grew up in Egypt with his three siblings, but is the only
person in his family with dual citizenship. His hometown
is about a 40-minute drive from some of the ancient
pyramids in Giza.
“Some people use camels by the pyramids because there
is a lot of sand but we also have cars in Egypt,” he said.
“For me it was exciting visiting the pyramids because
you go inside and they are huge. We saw a tomb and you
cannot imagine how large it is inside the pyramids. It’s
massive.”
Ahmed hears about the stereotypes in both his countries.
In Egypt, his friends ask him if Americans hate Muslims.
In America, his friends ask if Egypt is made up of all sand.
He admits the countries have their differences. In Egypt,
which is about 95 percent Muslim, citizens pray five times
throughout the day and girls are still expected to take on
traditional female roles like cooking and cleaning.
When he was 15-years-old, Ahmed came back to the
United States to attend high school. He said it was a
difficult time. “I had to learn a new language, had a new
family, a new school, had to adjust to the weather and
make new friends,” he said.
Ahmed said he was excited to come live in America but
he came here just a few years after the September 11 attacks.
“People knew I was Muslim so at times it was pretty hard to
deal with the stereotypes,” Ahmed said. “I was really happy
that I came here, but that doesn’t mean it was easy.”
Ahmed has lived with a family in Brighton the past few
years while attending Brighton High School. He said while
there are many differences between his two countries, he
has become accustomed to American ways of eating and
school traditions. “Most of the foods are homemade in
Egypt,” he said. Ahmed said it’s expensive to eat at fast
food restaurants in Egypt. “In Egypt, we eat breakfast at 11
a.m. and lunch at 5 p.m. and we really don’t eat dinner,”
Ahmed said.
Now he’s enjoying his senior year at Brighton High
and has been involved in playing on the boy’s soccer
team, track team, a member of speech and debate club and
DECA Club. He even participated this fall as one of the
Mr. BHS candidates to raise money for charity.
“One of my favorite moments here was prom my junior
year,” he said. “We went to the Broncos stadium for prom
and I went with two exchange student friends of mine.”
Ahmed has ties to two countries. His family and his
childhood memories are in Egypt but his immediate future
Graduating senior Amro Ahmed has dual citizenship.
is in America. “I plan on spending the rest of my life here,”
he says. “I want to become an Aerospace Engineer. I can
always visit Egypt, but for now I have to do what I need to
do to become successful.”
Ahmed said he loves America—the country of his birth. “I
actually get goose bumps when I hear the National Anthem,”
he said. Soon he will be serving our country. Ahmed has
enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an engineer.
He thinks he can help dispel stereotypes about Muslims
and terrorism. “Not every Muslim is a terrorist,” he said.
“In Egypt, we care for each other and love others. I’m not
for terrorism. In my life, it’s all about peace and caring for
one another.”
6
—
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017
After 37 years, 27J’s Chief Academic Officer is retiring
There are many special people who make up the 27J family, but few can
say they have spent the better part of their professional career educating
our students and impacting our community.
27J’s Chief Academic Officer, Kelly Corbett, started out as a business
major at Adams State University, but soon realized education was his
passion and promptly switched his major to elementary education. Upon
graduation he began looking for a teaching position, but was told that
finding anything in the Denver-metro area would be impossible. From his
parents’ home, in Broomfield, Kelly’s strategy was to call every school
district that was not long distance from his parents’ house. His theory
was, if I can call the district, I can drive to the district. He landed his first
position in 1980, two weeks before the start of the school year, teaching at
Northeast Elementary and has been with 27J ever since.
Kelly’s journey led him down a path that was anything but
boring. He spent 12 years at Northeast Elementary, three
years at South Elementary and then transitioned to serve as
a “teacher on special assignment” as a clinical professor
in partnership with CU Boulder where he worked with
beginning teachers. His role then morphed into focusing
on teacher development. These experiences led to his
involvement with new teacher orientation and new
teacher network. Soon after, people encouraged Kelly
to transition from working with teachers to assisting
principals. After receiving his principal’s license, Kelly
was promoted to Director of Professional Development
and soon his focus turned to curriculum instruction. All
these experiences led Kelly to his current role of Chief
Academic Officer.
Will Pierce is, so I am excited about that.
“This organization (School District 27J) provided
They didn’t hire the next Kelly, they hired
me with the opportunity to try new things,” said
the next Chief Academic Officer and Will is
Kelly. “I didn’t have to leave; they provided me with
remodeling and improving things to the best of
opportunities to learn and grow, right here. This
his abilities. That is what we want for all our
allowed me to help improve the systems and the
employees. My best hope is that, no matter how
organization and continue to perpetuate the things I
the District grows, it always cares about people
know and love.”
Kelly made the decision to retire because he felt that and relationships because that’s what makes this
the organization was ready. He plans to travel and have place so special.”
Kelly Corbett has spent his career sharing his
fun with his wife, Sue, and has a million projects he
energy and love for teaching with his students,
wants to get to, but is in no rush to get it all done at
once. If he has learned one thing throughout his career, coworkers and community. As we bid him adieu,
let’s take a page out of the Kelly Corbett rule
it is that change is invigorating.
“My goal for 27J is to always get better, and
book and remember to have fun and enjoy the
impact we make on students’ lives each and
we are,” said Kelly. “The most flattering thing the
every day.
District can do is hire someone better than me, and
Thank you for your
years of service
Here are the 27J employees retiring who have 20 or
more years of service:
◆ Henderson teacher Charmaine DiPerna, 37 years
◆ Brighton High teacher Philip Marlatt, 35 years
◆ South teacher Michelle Jeffres, 32 years
◆ Preschool group leader Annette Rodriguez, 27 years
◆ Southeast teacher Patricia Toornman-Hunter, 24 years
◆ Pennock teacher Teresa Samson, 23 years
◆ Primary literacy coach Sandra Yamamoto, 22 years
◆ Special Education coordinator Brenda Trujillo, 20 years
Q&A with Kelly Corbett
Q
A
Q
A
What is your idea of authentic happiness?
Making the world a better place for myself and others.
Which living person do you most admire?
My wife, Sue. I am a better person because of her. Sue Corbett is
currently the manager at Eagle View Adult Center in Brighton.
Q
A
What is your greatest extravagance?
I have two. Sue and I love to travel. After I retire my plan is to
go to Santorini, Greece. I’m also a closet crafter. I can often be found
at Michael’s buying materials for my next project.
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be more athletic and handy.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My sense of humor and my laugh.
Who are your favorite writers?
Professionally, I admire Dennis Sparks. His philosophy on
continuous improvement of teaching and learning for all students
has been very influential throughout my career. Personally, I enjoy a
good murder mystery. Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series is one of
my favorites.
Q
A
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I’m not sure identify is the right word, but I often reference
Lincoln and Einstein quotes. These are two men I greatly admire.
Q
A
Q
A
Who are your heroes in real life?
My wife, Will Pierce, Lois Lesser and Rodger Quist.
What is your motto?
“I get paid the same whether I have fun or not, so I might as well
have fun!”
Three decades of service come to a close
Peggy Robertson began her career at
27J volunteering at Southeast Elementary.
This led to being offered a position as
a paraprofessional. Working with and
observing teachers made Peggy realize that
she would enjoy having her own classroom.
She went back to school and finished her
degree in Elementary Education, with a
minor in Psychology, from the University
of North Carolina. She went back to
school the following year and earned a
master’s degree in Bilingual/Bicultural
Education from CU Boulder. In the early
2000s she went back to school and earned
an administrative degree through Denver
University.
Peggy stayed in the classroom for almost
20 years before making the move to serve
as Director over Federal NCLB grants,
including Title I and III and Assessment.
“You don’t have to be in a classroom
to have a positive impact on student
achievement,” said Peggy. “I love being
able to set up systems and structures that
support learning and growth for students
and staff members.”
Peggy has no intentions of slowing down.
She wants to spend time with her family,
volunteering and doing church work,
going to the zoo in the fall, gardening and
spending more time baking fun things like
pies and pastries.
All four of Peggy’s children graduated
from Brighton High School and 12 of her
14 grandchildren have attended 27J schools.
Peggy Robertson has served the staff and
students of 27J with the utmost level of
caring and professionalism for 30 years. We
wish her all the best as she embarks on this
new and exciting chapter in her life.
Peggy Robertson retires after
30 years with the District.
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017 — 7
Planning team members include, from left, third-grade teacher
Nicole Cox, kindergarten teacher Jen Kuffrey, Principal David Felten,
secretary Lisa Egan and third-grade teacher Kelly Krings.
A rendering of the main entry and media center courtesy of Hord Coplan Macht Architects.
Construction of the school is nearing completion.
Reunion classrooms filled with natural light
The designers of 27J’s newest elementary school
describe it as a colorful building with lots of natural
ambient light coming in classrooms from 180 windows
throughout the school. “We kept in mind what the kids
are going to experience as they attend school in this
building,” said Architect Carson Shields, with Hord
Coplan Macht Architects (HCM), the firm that designed
the new school.
Reunion Elementary School, located at 11021
Landmark Dr., is 62,416-sq.-ft. in size and has three
sections to it: the main entry with the office, media
center, gym and cafeteria; a one-story wing with primary
classrooms for preschool, kindergarten and first grade;
and a two-story classroom wing for second, third, fourth
and fifth grades.
“A big canopy stretches out to welcome people into
the school,” Shields said of the entryway. “The floor is
polished concrete and the hallway is meant to be like a
Main Street going through the whole building. There will
The new gym will be one area filled with natural light.
be exposed wood panels in the ceiling and metal panels
that bring color into the space.”
“Studies have shown that day-lighting is very
important to how kids learn,” said Shields. “All the
windows face north or south in classrooms and we made
sure to design with day-lighting in mind. We lowered
the placement of windows in preschool and kindergarten
classrooms, and have tinted some of the windows to
prevent glare.”
Beetle-kill pine wood from trees native to Colorado
will be used in the school’s entryway. This will bring a
natural element into the building. The accent wood will
be in the main hallway. “The wood will go from ceiling to
floor in some areas,” he said.
Color is used throughout the school. “It will be a very
colorful school,” he said. “We have used red, blues, gray
and light tan colors throughout the building.” Classrooms
are designed to be open and inviting and kindergarten
classrooms are larger at 915-sq.-ft.; with other classrooms
at 870-sq.-ft.
There are three shared, break-out spaces in the school
where walls will be painted with a special product so kids
can use them like a dry-erase board.
Reunion opening this fall to grades preK-5
REUNION: from page 1
The Reunion planning team is hiring teachers and other
professionals. Felten has ordered furniture for the school
and walks the construction site weekly.
Some of the unique offerings at Reunion Elementary
include: an outdoor classroom and shared break-out
learning spaces in three areas of the school.
A math curriculum called “Bridges” will be used and
a literacy curriculum called “Ready Gen” will be used in
grades 3-5.
Reunion Elementary has held two parent information
meetings with kindergarten registration. “We have
introduced families to our teachers and given updates
about the building construction,” Felten said.
“Parents and students are very excited to have a school in
their neighborhood that they can walk to,” Felten said. “We
are committed to providing the best learning environment
for our students and engaging with our parents.”
Felten said the keys to the school could be turned over to
School District 27J as early as the end of June. Enrollments
and registration are now being accepted for Reunion
Elementary. Parents enrolling students for the 20172018 school year can send open enrollment forms and
registration packets to the school. For more information
about Reunion Elementary, call 720-685-8505.
8
—
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017
As the school year ends, school construction projects around the
District are scheduled to gear up. This fall, Reunion Elementary
School will open to more than 300 students, Riverdale Ridge High
School is at the halfway point of being constructed and more
renovations including new roofs will be completed at schools
throughout the District this summer. The renovation work at schools
and construction of new schools is made possible by a $248 million
bond passed by voters in November 2015. Here’s an update on school
construction projects:
Steel and walls going up in
Riverdale Ridge High School
Located at 136th Avenue and Yosemite Street in Thornton, Riverdale
Ridge High School is under construction and scheduled to open in fall
2018. At the construction site, crews have completed grade beams for the
foundation and the structural steel is almost finished. Structural masonry
walls are up in the performing arts wing, and a Topping Out ceremony is
scheduled for May. Crews have used three cranes—two for steel and one
for masonry walls—to keep the project moving along. On average there
are 130 workers each day from different trades on site constructing the
new high school. That number will increase as the construction process
moves forward. Drywall workers, electricians, roofers and painters
are just a few of the trades workers who will enclose and finish off the
interior of the school. When the school opens, it will house grades 9-10
and middle school grades 6-8. Terry Elliott has been named the principal
of the school.
“I’m honored to be named Riverdale Ridge High School principal,”
said Elliott. “This is a once-in-a-career opportunity for which I’m eager
to begin the work supporting the school community.
“Our school will be one where students feel a sense of community
as they are positively challenged academically and in extra-curricular
endeavors. I’m excited to establish a very collaborative school culture
where educators model high expectations for students, where leadership
is shared and our halls feel like neighborhoods led by students, supported
by teachers and valued by families,” he said.
“While we will build new traditions for our young scholars, we will
also honor existing 27J traditions built by Brighton High and Prairie
View High,” said Elliott. “The traditions and spirit we create in our high
school will connect students from class to class and year to year.” Elliott
begins his role as principal on July 1.
Attendance areas have been set for both the new high school and for
Rodger Quist Middle School. Attendance areas for both can be found on
the Planning Department page on the District website at www.sd27J.org.
The project to construct a new, six-classroom wing at Vikan Middle School is moving along. Steel beams
were erected for the addition starting April 19.
At the construction site for Riverdale Ridge High School, steel is scheduled to be completed in May.
Pictured is the classroom wing, which is almost enclosed. The roof is started and interior framing has begun.
Grant benefits Brighton Heritage Academy
Phase II of construction at Brighton Heritage Academy begins
this summer. Work installing a new roof, funded through a Colorado
State Department of Education BEST grant, will begin by June 1. The
mechanical heating and cooling system will be completely replaced,
using bond funding.
The scope of work includes installing two new boilers for heating and
four new air handling units for cooling. Two of the air handling units will
serve classrooms and the other two air handlers will serve the gym and
auditorium. New duct work will be installed throughout the school and
provide air circulation to every classroom, as well as the gymnasium and
auditorium. As part of the upgrade all unit ventilators in classrooms will
be removed. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) controls
at BHA will be updated so the climate control can be monitored and
adjusted remotely by 27J facilities staff.
The project is being paid for with a combination of $4.9 million in
bond money and $575,000 from the BEST grant. Phase I of the BHA
project replaced 154 windows and included asbestos abatement in 10
classrooms.
Students participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at Vikan Middle School.
Vikan Middle School celebrates groundbreaking
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Vikan
addition and renovation project was held on March
10. Vikan students, teachers and staff along with
27J District leaders and community members
attended the celebration.
“Vikan is more than 50 years old and the
additional classroom space and upgrades will
improve the learning environment for students and
staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Chris Fiedler. “This
project embodies what the 2015 bond is all about.”
Foundation and footing work to build a new
six classroom wing in front of the school began
in February. Vikan Middle School will receive a
complete roof replacement and interior renovation
starting this summer. Smaller classrooms will
be remodeled into four larger classrooms in the
sixth grade wing, a new secure entrance and
reception area will be built along with a new
entry plaza. The project also includes a complete
heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
replacement. Vikan Middle School will also
receive new energy efficient lighting and other
electrical upgrades, a new fire alarm system and
existing water and sewer pipes will be replaced.
“I’m most excited that our school will have
much needed improvements that will have a
positive impact,” said Vikan Principal Trina
Norris-Buck. “I’m also excited we will have a new
sixth grade wing to allow flexibility in the way we
design learning experiences.”
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017 — 9
27J District invests in new roofs for five schools
This summer, five 27J schools and two District
buildings will receive new roofs. The schools receiving
new roofs are: Brighton High School, Brighton Heritage
Academy, Vikan Middle School, Overland Trail Middle
School and South Elementary School.
“All the roofing work will replace the entire roof
at each of the five 27J schools,” said Les Layton, 27J
Construction Project Manager. The roofing schedule for
schools begins in June and goes through August.
The Brighton Swimming Pool building is already in
the process of getting a new roof. The indoor swimming
pool is used by Brighton and Prairie View High swim
team and the Brighton Bullfrogs community swim team
for meets. The Educational Service Building, which
houses District administrative offices, is also in the
process of being re-roofed.
The roofing cost for the seven roof projects going on
this summer is approximately $5.9 million.
Brighton High benefits from
new roof, renovations
A new roof, window replacements and new exterior
finish are just three of the projects that Brighton High
School can expect as part of their renovation package
from the passage of the 2015 Bond. Gray, red and white
panels will replace a majority of the brick, wrapping
around the building from the auditorium in the front
to the Dawg Diner in the back. New windows will be
installed in these same areas of the school. The cafeteria
Overland Trail Middle School and
Northeast Elementary School
renovations to start in late summer
At Overland Trail Middle School, work to install a new
roof will begin this summer. Other construction upgrades
at Overland Trail Middle School and Northeast Elementary
School are still being finalized. Recently, Design Advisory
Rodger Quist Middle School
land purchased
The next middle school to be constructed in School
District 27J is named for Rodger Quist, a longtime
community member who was employed with 27J from 1977
to 1997. Quist served as principal at Northeast Elementary
School, Overland Trail Middle School and South Elementary
School. He served as Interim Superintendent for the District,
at two different times, and as Finance Director. The school
LED lights installed in six
schools over break
Energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures were installed
in gymnasiums at six 27J schools over spring break. The
project was funded by the 2015 bond passed by voters
to upgrade schools. New lights were put in the cafeterias
and gyms at North Elementary and Southeast Elementary
School District 27J had roof conditions checked last
summer by Cave Consulting Group, who conducted roof
assessments and submitted a roofing report to the District.
The report says, of the school roofs that were
assessed, each roof had multiple leaks and deterioration
caused by age. Emergency roof repairs had to be made
last fall to fix leaks and keep buildings safe and dry
through the winter.
“The age of roofs is an indication of when roof repairs
or replacements need to be made. The industry standard
is 20 years for roofs,” said Robert Cave of Cave
Consulting Group, who has 40 years of experience in the
roofing industry.
“The good news is with the bond funding, School
District 27J can afford to re-roof entire school roofs,”
he said. “Doing the entire roof at a school brings a
considerable cost savings in part because the cost per
square-foot is reduced.”
will also be expanded by enclosing the outdoor portion
of the Dawg Diner eating area. Additional upgrades
include a security kiosk in the main lobby, mechanical
upgrades and a remodel of four main floor restrooms.
The catering kitchen will have new sinks and countertops
installed. The art room will also get new sinks with clay
traps to aid in the disposal of art materials. Ventilation
in the auditorium, wrestling room and entry way will be
improved as part of the mechanical upgrades. The roofing
and renovation projects at Brighton High School will
begin by June 1.
Group meetings have taken place to determine the
construction scope of the project at both schools. Both
schools plan to offer the International Baccalaureate
program. Northeast Elementary is already an IB School
and Overland is on track to become an IB School. Possible
upgrades being considered for the school sites are to make
traffic flow improvements for pedestrians, bus and cars; to
create outdoor classrooms and add walking paths. There
will also be interior improvements made at both schools.
will be located on 23.5 acres at 136th Avenue and Yosemite
Street in Thornton, across the street from Riverdale Ridge
High School. The proximity of the two sites brings a cost
savings as many of the off-site improvements, such as paving
roads and installing utilities, are already being completed for
Riverdale Ridge High School. Rodger Quist Middle School
will be designed and constructed as a prototype building
similar to the construction of Prairie View and Stuart middle
schools. Construction is scheduled to start sometime in 2018
with an opening in fall 2020.
schools. Lighting was also installed in the gymnasiums at
Second Creek, Pennock, Henderson and Thimmig schools.
This project helps to reduce energy costs in schools.
“The School District is working towards being as energyefficient as possible,” said 27J Project Manager Les
Layton.
“The District expects to see a cost savings for switching
to LED lights,” he said. The lights are expected to last
longer than 10 years, Layton said.
New graduation
requirements
GRADUATION: from page 1
options are under review.
High School students will be able to meet this new
requirement for graduation by attaining a specific
score on the SAT or ACT test; or by taking and
successfully passing advanced placement courses. The
new requirement can also be met by taking specific
concurrent enrollment college courses while attending
high school. Review the graph below to see what scores
and courses meet the graduation requirement.
In the future, students may be able to meet this new
graduation requirement through a District Capstone
or a state recognized Industry Certificate. These
demonstrations are currently under development in
School District 27J.
Course requirements for high school graduation
will remain the same at 46 total semester credits.
That breaks down by subject area: English Language
Arts, 8; Math, 6; Science, 6; Social Studies, 6; Career
and Technical Education, 2; Humanities, 2; Physical
Education, 2; Health, 1 and Electives, 13.
“These are the minimum graduation requirements, but
if a student is going to a four-year university you want
to have a more rigorous course plan,” Francisco said.
According to Francisco, there are minor changes to
the high school curriculum next year. The District will
require students to take an economics course in high
school and geography content will be incorporated into
history classes.
Other requirements for high school graduation—
that are not new—include: students being required
to complete an Individual Career and Academic Plan
(ICAP) and high school counselors will work with
each student to create their ICAP that looks at possible
future career paths. Francisco said this ICAP process
starts as a goal setting session with freshmen students
and creates a four-year academic plan for each
student.
Students will also need 20 hours of community
service in order to graduate. For more information
about graduation requirements, contact your high school
counselor or Paul Francisco at 720-685-7642.
10
—
The District 27J Educator Primavera de 2017 — S10
The District 27J Educator SPRING 2017
SO MANY GREAT DAYS AT 27J
Overland Trail’s Lion King
production was a hit
La obra teatral del Rey León
de Overland Trail fue un éxito
Overland Trail Middle School was
transformed into an African desert this
spring as students in brightly-colored animal
masks, beaded jewelry and costumes
presented “The Lion King Jr.”
The cast of students, who morphed
into lions, zebras and giraffes, included:
Kimberly Magana Rodriguez, Danny
Thomas, Erin Riley, Faith Garcia,
Cheyenne Phillips, Connor Federocko,
Sienna Marcove, Jordyn Morgan,
Savannah McCool, Kimberly VanStory,
Jake Halverson, Angelo Flores, Shekinah
Orongan, Rose Weidemann, William
Halverson and Devon Vick. Musical
numbers included: “I Just Can’t Wait to Be
King” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
Overland Trail teachers Misty Ebers and
Marcel Martin directed and choreographed
the production. In recognition of their
outstanding work the past five years, Ebers
and Martin were honored by the 27J Board
of Education with a Reaching Out Team
Inventor Extraordinaire award.
“They hand-beaded African-style belts and
jewelry and taught students how to do these
things for the production,” said Overland
Trail Teacher Jennifer Federocko. “These
women are so dedicated that they took a trip
to New York City just to see The Lion King
on Broadway, so they could pull more ideas
for the show.”
La escuela secundaria Overland Trail
se convirtió en el desierto Africano
esta primavera cuando los estudiantes
presentaron la obra teatral del “Rey León”.
El elenco estudiantil se convirtió en leones,
cebras, elefantes y en jirafas bastante
altas. El elenco incluyó a: Kimberly Magana
Rodriguez, Danny Thomas, Erin Riley,
Faith Garcia, Cheyenne Phillips, Connor
Federocko, Sienna Marcove, Jordyn Morgan,
Savannah McCool, Kimberly VanStory,
Jake Halverson, Angelo Flores, Shekinah
Orongan, Rose Weidemann, William
Halverson y Devon Vick. Los números
musicales incluyeron “I Just Can’t Wait to
Be King” y “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
Las maestras Misty Ebers y Marcel Martin
de Overland Trail dirigieron y coreografiaron
la producción teatral. Como reconocimiento
por su excelente trabajo por los últimos 5
años, Ebers y Martin fueron reconocidas
por el Comité de Educación del 27J con el
premio de Reaching Out.
“Ellas bordaron joyería y cintos de estilo
Africano y les enseñaron a los estudiantes a
hacer estas manualidades para la producción
teatral” mencionó la maestra de Overland
Trail Jennifer Federocko, “Estas maestras
son tan dedicadas que viajaron a la ciudad
de Nueva York para ver la obra de teatro
del ‘Rey León’ en Broadway para tener más
ideas para el show”.
Students danced to “Shadowlands” in Lion King Jr.
Los estudiantes bailaron “Shadowland” en el Rey del León Jr.
Sienna Marcove and Jordyn Morgan played lionesses.
El papel de las leonas fue protagonizado por Sienna
Marcove y Jordyn Morgan.
Student Kimmy Magana played Rafiki.
La estudiante Kimmy Magana hizo el papel de Rafiki.
First 27J Choral Festival
celebrates with song
El primer festival coral del 27J
celebra con una canción
The 27J Choral Festival brought students
from Brighton High School, Prairie View High
School and Stuart, Vikan and Prairie View
middle schools together in harmony.
School choirs received vocal training and
performance critiques from Dr. Kyle Fleming,
who teaches at the University of Denver and
Metropolitan State University. Fleming has
been a conductor, music educator and singer
in Colorado for 20 years. This was the first
year for the 27J Choral Festival, which was
held at Prairie View High School.
El festival coral del 27J unió a los coros de
las secundarias Stuart, Vikan y Prairie View
junto con estudiantes de las preparatorias
Brighton y Prairie View para cantar juntos en
armonía.
Los estudiantes recibieron entrenamiento
vocal y críticas constructivas del Dr. Kyle
Fleming quien es profesor en la Universidad
de Denver y en la Universidad de
Metropolitan State. Fleming ha sido director
y profesor de música al igual que cantante
en el estado de Colorado por 20 años.
Este es el primer año que se lleva a cabo el
festival coral del 27J, el cual fue celebrado
en la escuela preparatoria Prairie View.
Guest music educator Dr. Kyle Fleming teaches 27J high school and middle school choral students.
Invitado y maestro de música Dr. Kyle Fleming enseñando a los estudiantes del coro de las escuelas del 27J.
Pennock Mighty Milers run for
fun and fitness
Los Mighty Milers de Pennock
corren por diversión y salud
A group of Pennock Elementary
students have run farther than people run
in a marathon — or even two — as they
participate in the Mighty Milers Running
Club.
Pennock Physical Education teacher Joe
Jennings started the club to offer students
an opportunity to get physical fitness
activity. Students are encouraged to run laps
before school three days a week. They keep
track of the number of miles they run, with
help from parent volunteers.
Jennings said the before-school running
club helps some students stay focused
throughout the school day. “I have kids
just start off walking and then when they
do four laps, that’s a mile,” Jennings said.
“They are with their friends, moving and
having fun.”
The Mighty Milers program offers prizes
for kids as they reach different milestones.
Jennings said some students have earned
all the prizes they can by reaching 100
miles, and have now set goals to log
150 miles. Currently, 187 students are
participating.
Un grupo de estudiantes de la primaria
Pennock ha corrido más que las personas
que corren en un maratón -y más de dos- al
participar en el club de Mighty Milers Running.
El maestro de educación física de Pennock,
Joe Jennings, comenzó el club para ofrecerle
a los estudiantes la oportunidad de obtener
una actividad física. Actualmente hay 187
estudiantes de Pennock que participan en el
programa, el cual anima a los estudiantes a
correr tres veces a la semana antes de asistir
a la escuela. Con ayuda de padres que son
voluntarios los estudiantes mantienen un
registro del número de millas que corren.
Jennings comentó que el club de correr
antes de la escuela ayuda a algunos
estudiantes a mantenerse enfocados a
través del día escolar. “Tengo niños que
comienzan caminando y después cuando
dan cuatro vueltas en la pista, completan
una milla”, comentó Jennings. “Están entre
amigos, en movimiento y divirtiéndose”.
El programa Mighty Milers ofrece premios
a los niños al alcanzar diferentes metas.
Jennings dijo que algunos estudiantes han
obtenido todos los premios posibles al
alcanzar las 100 millas, y ahora han puesto
la meta de registrar 150.
Students Austin Talbott, Vance Martinez, Maverick Martinez and Kaden Talbott have logged 100 miles.
Estudiantes que han marcado las 100 millas.
Pennock students show off the medals they received
for Mighty Milers.
Los estudiantes de Pennock muestran las medallas que
recibieron de Mightly Milers.
PE Teacher Joe Jennings awards students the medals
they earned for running.
Joe Jennings, maestro de educ. física premiando a los
estudiantes con las medallas que ganaron.
Henderson ‘Starts with Hello’
to promote kindness
Henderson promueve la bondad
con ‘se comienza con un saludo’
Henderson Elementary School held
its second annual “Start with Hello” spirit
day this spring. The day encourages
students and teachers to wear green
to create an environment that makes
everyone feel included and accepted.
The “Start with Hello” initiative comes
from the Sandy Hook Promise that
promotes inclusion of all students and
encourages students to say hello to other
kids.
“The Sandy Hook Promise believes that
young people have the power to reach out
and Start with Hello in order to foster a more
connected and inclusive classroom, school
and community,” said Henderson School
Psychologist Sara Knippenberg. “We believe
our students should recognize their potential to
be a friendly face.”
Esta primavera la escuela primaria Henderson
tuvo su segundo día anual de orgullo escolar
“se comienza con un saludo”. En este día se les
anima a los estudiantes y maestros a usar el
color verde para crear un ambiente que hace a
todos sentirse incluidos y aceptados.
La iniciativa de “Se comienza con un
saludo” proviene de la Promesa de Sandy
Hook que promueve la inclusión de todos
los estudiantes para que ellos se sientan
conectados en la escuela. La campaña anima
a los estudiantes a saludar a otros niños.
“La Promesa de Sandy Hook cree que
la gente joven tiene el poder de alcanzar y
comenzar con un saludo a fin de promover
un salón de clase, escuela y comunidad más
conectada e inclusiva,” comento la psicóloga
escolar de Henderson, Sara Knippenberg.
“Creemos que nuestros estudiantes deben
reconocer su potencial para ser más
amigables”.
Henderson students wore green to encourage kindness at school.
Los estudiantes de Henderson usaron verde para promover la
amabilidad en la escuela.
Henderson School Psychologist Sara Knippenberg
and 27J Social Worker Brandon Smith dressed up
for Start with Hello Day.
Sara Knippenber, psicóloga de Henderson y
Brandon Smith, trabajador social del 27J con el
vestuario para el día de Comienza con un saludo.
Students dressed up in hats and sunglasses to pose for fun photos.
Los estudiantes usaron gorros y lentes para el sol para posar para
las fotos de diversión.