DCSD Notebook

When our kids get ready for life after high school, there’s plenty to think about — from choosing their next step to helping them become more independent. But what about the things we may not know to ask?
In this episode, we’re joined by community advocate and former DCSD parent Connie Ingram, a 23-year Highlands Ranch resident and the mother of two DCSD graduates from the classes of 2014 and 2017. A longtime advocate for public education, Connie became dedicated to raising awareness of meningitis B after her younger son nearly died from the illness in 2017. Before his diagnosis, she was unaware of meningitis B or the vaccine available to help protect against it.
Today, Connie shares her family’s experience to empower others with the information she wishes she had, helping parents and young adults ask informed questions about their health. She is an active volunteer with the American Society for Meningitis Prevention and has shared her story through interviews with several organizations to broaden awareness.
Note: This conversation shares one parent’s perspective; individual medical questions are best discussed with your family’s healthcare provider.
Guest this episode: 
Connie Ingram, former DCSD parent and community advocate
Host:
Amy Pfister, DCSD community relations coordinator
Resources:
Douglas County Health Department 
Meningitis prevention
About Parent University
Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production. 
Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.
 

Julie Crawford and Doug Humphreys have a unique assignment this year: They are founding principals of two elementary schools currently under construction – in Sterling Ranch and Lone Tree, respectively – and as their buildings are being built, they are laying the foundations for the education that will be provided when their schools open in August of 2027. 
They are both long-time principals in DCSD and even though they are both currently without a building, a staff or a student body to lead, this year has a monumental amount of preparation as each day brings them closer to school leadership as they have always known it. 
As this episode is released, eight days have passed since the DCSD Board of Education formally approved the names of their schools – and this interview was conducted when work was being done to decide on those names. Until last week, Doug’s school was temporarily known as Elementary School 50 and Julie’s was Elementary School 51. 
Now, Elementary School 50 will be called Echo Bluffs Elementary – and their mascot is the River Otters. Elementary School 51 is now Blue Sky Elementary – and they will be the Blue Sky Bears.
In this episode, Julie and Doug talk about the process of preparing a school’s physical footprint as well as everything necessary to build a staff and educational foundation – and the decision-making required at every turn. 
Guests this episode: 
Julie Crawford, Founding Principal of Blue Sky Elementary School
Doug Humphreys, Founding Principal of Echo Bluffs Elementary School
Host:
Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications 
Resources:
Blue Sky Elementary on Instagram
Blue Sky’s construction update page
Echo Bluffs Elementary on Instagram
Echo Bluffs’ construction update page
DCSD Interactive Bond Update Map
Julie’s and Doug’s school-naming presentation to the Board of Education from September 29, 2026
About DCSD
Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential.
DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row.
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $25 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year.
DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry.
With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered. 
Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?
 

In early September, Mountain Vista High School science and cybersecurity teacher Jason Cochrane received a surprise visit from state and district leaders informing him that he is among eight finalists for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year.
While he waits to find out who the winner is, he continues teaching high-level classes grounded in career preparation and relevance. Along with featuring Cochrane, this episode also has three students to share their experiences in his classes: Charlie Smyth, a junior, and seniors Nathan Samuel and Cooper Casanova.
Cochrane holds a bachelor’s degree in science education and a master’s degree in principalship from the University of Northern Iowa. A respected teacher of everything from chemistry to data analysis and technology integration, he is passionate about building community, student achievement and teacher effectiveness. 
 
As a finalist, Cochrane received a $1,000 check from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation, and $500 from the Boettcher Foundation for MVHS.
 
The 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in October. This year, there were 297 applicants from 76 districts. The winner will receive $10,000 from CDE and the Boettcher Foundation, represent the state as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program and serve as a teaching ambassador to communities and organizations around the state and nation.
Guests this episode: 
Jason Cochrane, chemistry and cybersecurity teacher at MVHS
Cooper Casanova, MVHS senior
Nathan Samuel, MVHS senior
Charlie Smyth, MVHS junior
 
Host:
Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications 
Resources:
2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year website
Teacher of the Year sponsors and partners:
Boettcher Foundation
Colorado Education Association
Adams State University
Blue Bell Ice Cream.
About DCSD
Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential.
DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row.
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $25 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year.
DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry.
With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered. 
Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?
 

From e-bikes to e-motorcycles, easy mobility for school-aged children and teens has changed significantly in just the last couple of years. Related to that shift, hospital emergency departments have also seen major changes in the kinds and severity of injuries they treat on a daily basis. To explain in greater detail, Dr. Garrett Prince, emergency room physician with HCA HealthONE Skyridge, tackles the subject with host Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD.
Dr. Prince talks about how e-bikes different from the bicycles many of us grew up riding; the roles that speed, weight, and rider experience have in crashes; misconceptions that parents may have about e-bikes (for instance, did you know many can be modified to go faster than the built-in limit?) and much more. 
Cities and towns in Douglas County partnered with county officials and the Sheriff’s Office to create this resource. 
Many e-bikes are not street legal under Colorado Law, and some local jurisdictions have local ordinances that add fines to violations of state law. Three jurisdictions in Douglas County have adopted ordinances regulating the operation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and low-powered scooters to improve public safety:
Castle Pines
Castle Rock
Unincorporated Douglas County (including Highlands Ranch)
Visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office e-bike resource page to learn more.
 
About Parent University
Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production. 
Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.
 

On August 25, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education voted to add a Mill Levy Override option for taxpayers on the November ballot. In this episode, DCSD Superintendent Erin Kane provides information about the reasons staff recommended the MLO to the Board, measures of transparency and return-on-investment the district provides for the benefit of students, and specifics regarding the needs to increase funding for: 
Retaining and attracting top-quality teachers and staff by providing salaries that are more competitive with neighboring school districts and better keep pace with inflation.
Supporting the increasing cost of school security, including school resource officers.
Reducing student waitlists for Career and Technical Education programming, including the trades.
Restoring student programming such as instrumental music in elementary schools.
Guest this episode: 
Erin Kane, Superintendent of Douglas County School District
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications 
Resources:
DCSD Funding Site with information, FAQs and more regarding the MLO.
Board of Education meeting from August 25, 2026, which includes presentations and the Board’s vote to support the MLO.
About DCSD
Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential.
DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row.
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $25 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year.
DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry.
With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered. 
Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

As we prepare for Season 2 and the new school year, we are reaching back into the archives, when Parent University was a live Zoom session, to re-share via this podcast feed some of the episodes that remain timely and pertinent.
This episode was originally shared in December 2024 and focuses on bullying awareness and prevention for DCSD students. 
Our featured presenter, Dr. Kelli Smith, DCSD Director of Health, Wellness and Prevention, shared information about the developing adolescent brain, the effect external influences can have — and the role DCSD schools play. The intent was to leave listeners with a better understanding and awareness of the term bullying and how we can all work to prevent it. 
Original episode on YouTube
 
About Parent University
Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production. 
Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.