All Episodes

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.
 

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 March 2025 and focuses on helping student athletes navigate burnout.
 
Our featured presenter, Stacy Ingram from Cultivate Your Courage, shared warning signs to look for and strategies for success.
 
Stacy specializes in empowering young athletes and performers to overcome the invisible barriers that often hinder their performance. With a focus on the mental side of the game, her programs are designed to equip athletes and performers with the cognitive tools and resilience needed for success both in sports/the arts and in everyday life.
 
Here are resources from the presentation:  
UnderstandingAthleteBurnout.pdf
CultivateYourCourage.pdf
 
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.

In the business world, company leaders set standards through mission and vision statements and by listing their values. In the education world, it’s all about setting examples and teaching what are called Norms. Here are DCSD’s norms for Culture and Climate: 
Presume Positive Intent
Exude and Expect Optimism
Address Concerns the Right Way
Create a Culture of Safe Mistakes
Communicate Kindly and Respectfully
These five norms are the topic for this episode – our season finale as the school year comes to a close. We’re bookending the season by welcoming back our very first guest: Supt. Erin Kane. And this time we’ve got two more guests to make a great conversation about the district’s Culture and Climate Norms. Alicia Elmore is the director of our Before and After School Enterprise, or BASE, program, and Dion Killingsworth is director of Human Resources. 
This episode complements Episode 20 with the brilliant Jolee Jones, who talked about Organizational Development. While Supt. Kane gives us the 30,000-foot perspective of the ideals behind the norms, Alicia and Dion talk about how those are applied and lived at the department level and even person to person.
Guests this episode: 
Erin Kane, Superintendent of Douglas County School District
Alicia Elmore, Director of Before and After School Enterprise (BASE)
Dion Killingsworth, Director of Human Resources
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications 
Resources:
Culture and Climate Norms (on Supt. Kane’s webpage)
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?
 

Magic happens when therapy dogs can help school staff members reach out to students who are struggling. DCSD’s pioneering Animal Assisted Interventions team is the largest and most advanced in Colorado. With 34 therapy dogs deployed all over the school district – and more preparing to join their ranks, the AAI team continues to prove its value and brighten the days of thousands of students all over Douglas County. 
In this episode, we hear from three of the top innovators who established the AAI program and learn how specially trained, four-legged friends provide gentle, empathetic, tail-wagging support that keeps students in school, opening their hearts and then their minds to overcome many kinds of difficulties. 
Our guests explain the research that supports their work, including close ties to University of Denver experts in human-animal connections, as well as a commitment to ethical support of therapy dogs and their interactions with students. Make sure to listen all the way to the end, when you’ll  hear a small sample of the many stories illustrating just how powerful a dog-to-student connection can be. These are literally life-changing relationships that allow students to succeed when they otherwise might not.
Guests this episode: 
Ellen Kerkhoff, DCSD Mental Health Team Lead.
Dani Morrison, Social Worker at Plum Creek Academy and caretaker/partner of Betty the therapy dog.
Laura Wilson, DCSD Behavior Specialist for the Ponderosa High School feeder and caretaker/partner of Daphne the therapy dog.  
Pictured: From left, Laura Wilson with Daphne, Ellen Kerkhoff, and Dani Morrison with Betty.
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications 
Resources:
DCSD Animal Assisted Interventions
University of Denver - Institute for Human-Animal Connection
Follow Betty on Instagram: @therapydog.betty
Follow Daphne on Instagram: @therapydog.daphne
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?
 

Supt. Erin Kane’s State of DCSD address on Monday, May 4, 2026, featured a Q&A panel with six outstanding seniors who represent a range of academic pursuits, goals and even the types of schools they attended. The students shared their future plans, how DCSD helped prepare them for those next steps, and how they have grown as people during their time in Douglas County Schools. 
Supt. Kane’s full presentation was live-streamed and recorded on the DCSD YouTube channel. She also shared points of pride, numerous examples of how the district is stewarding taxpayer funds, and her vision for the district’s future in preparing students for a rapidly changing world. 
Guests this episode: 
Jessie Ramsey, Ponderosa High School
Haden Hart, Highlands Ranch High School
Ashley Schumacher, Eagle Academy
Roman Perez, VALE
Jake McClintock, eDCSD
Piper Hannon, Castle View High School
Host: 
Erin Kane, Superintendent of Schools, DCSD 
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?

Students’ use of smartphones in schools is a huge topic. Is it a distraction? Can they be helpful in an educational setting? When should they be used and when should they be put away? 
On April 21, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education approved a new policy about the use of communication devices in schools. This was the culmination of nearly two years’ worth of district leaders’ examination of the challenges and benefits of smart phones and other high-tech devices being used by students during school hours. The policy adoption was also required by a new state law. 
In this episode, DCSD Chief of Staff Steve Colella and ThunderRidge High School Principal Liz Walhof discuss the issue, the policy, and most importantly, the practices of students, teachers, parents and district leaders when it comes to communication devices – not just phones. Colella co-led an effort to speak with hundreds of people across the district over the last several months, as well as conducting deep research into the issue surrounding communication device use and helping craft the new policy. Walhof has years of experience as an ed-tech expert and administrator. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the in-class challenges that technology poses.
To read the full policy, watch recent discussions at Board of Education meetings, and access the wide range of research, visit DCSD’s Digital Literacy webpage.
Resources:
Digital Literacy webpage (includes new policy in full)
Video of DCSD Board of Education discussion from April 21
Presentation slides from April 21 BOE meeting (includes March 3 slides)
Colorado Law regarding Communication Devices
Guests this episode: 
Steve Colella, DCSD Chief of Staff
Liz Walhof, ThunderRidge High School Principal 
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications 
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide, which may be triggering for some individuals. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self harm, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
From the Happy Crew website: “Colorado ranks 41st in the US for youth mental health treatment access, with 26% of teens reporting persistent hopelessness. These aren't just statistics — they're stories waiting to be rewritten. Since 2007, Happy Crew has been showing teens they matter and belong, creating spaces where feeling alone transforms into finding community.”
Amy Mays is founder of Happy Crew, a Douglas County nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally and socially.
Amy brings a thoughtful and uplifting approach to this work, and in this episode, she talks about the mission behind Happy Crew, how they’re supporting students in our community, and some simple, practical ways families can reinforce these skills at home.
Happy Crew Events: 
Sunday, April 19Do you have a teenager in your life who is looking for community and a little pre-final exams fun? Join the Lone Tree Youth Commission and Happy Crew for Real Talk, an event for local teens to connect with their community and focus on mental health.
When: 2-6 p.m.Where: Prairie Sky Park in Lone Tree, 9381 Crossington WayWhat: Local teenagers can spend time with friends at Prairie Sky Park with yard games, music, and relaxing before the end of the school year. Hear from former Nuggets player Mark Randall about mental health and the importance of strong community. Grab a snack from Mile High Tikka Express food truck – the first 100 attendees get a ticket for a free item!
RSVP: https://go.cityoflonetree.com/realtalk-RSVP
Monday, April 20 End of Year Celebration at the Happy Crew Coffee HouseAll High Schoolers are welcome to Happy Crew. Dinner will be provided.When: 7-8 p.m.Where: 9044 Forsstrom Dr., Lone Tree, CO
Guest this episode Amy Mays
Host Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD
Resources
The Happy Crew
Text Amy Mays: 303-916-1515
988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Email: Amy@TheHappyCrew.org
Instagram: @TheHappyCrew
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.

Career and Technical Education is a hot topic in schools these days – and not just high schools where most of the classes take place. Cimarron Middle School Principal Chris Zimmerman piloted CTE classes at his school this year and helped plan the inaugural Career Discovery Camp taking place this June 3-5 at Legacy Campus. It’s a three-day camp to introduce middle school students to CTE options available to them in DCSD. As this episode is released, registration is open – and limited. Registration information is below.
Career Discovery Camp: A three-day, hands-on summer experience designed to introduce students to Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Students explore multiple career areas, try real activities, and learn about future high school pathway options.
Students attend three different pathways sessions each day. Sessions are interactive, hands-on, and led by experienced CTE teachers.
This camp is open to students entering grades 6, 7, or 8 for the 2026-2027 school year. DCSD students only, including district middle schools and approved charter schools.
Guest this episode 
Chris Zimmerman, principal of Cimarron Middle School 
Host 
Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications 
Resources
Career Discovery Camp registration (MySchoolBucks page)
Flyer with details
DCSD’s Postsecondary Readiness website with career pathway information
Legacy Campus website
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?
 

Name a high-concept, action-adventure story with a middle-school teacher as the main character. Has there ever been one …? In this episode we’re tying education to current pop culture, specifically the new movie “Project Hail Mary.” It stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who has to save the entire world on a deep-space mission. Throughout the movie – and even more if you’ve read or listened to the Andy Weir novel it’s based on – Grace has to solve problem after problem with his knowledge of science. It truly puts teachers front and center as the intelligent heroes they are. 
In its first two weeks of release, the film made more than $300 million worldwide. The novel was a finalist for the top science fiction award, the Hugo, in 2022, and the audiobook version won the Audie award for best audiobook of 2022. 
In this episode, two Rocky Heights Middle School teachers, Erika Hamlin and Sarah Lochmiller, talk about teaching science at the middle school level and how good of a job “Project Hail Mary” does in portraying their reality, how accurately the science was presented, and what they thought about stretching real science into speculative fiction.
SPOILER WARNING: If you have not read the book or seen the movie, you might want to wait to listen to this episode. Plot points and details are mentioned throughout the conversation. 
Guests this episode: 
Erika Hamlin, 7th grade science teacher, Rocky Heights Middle School 
Sarah Lochmiller, 8th grade science teacher, Rocky Heights Middle School 
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications 
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?
 

Great schools make great communities, primarily by equipping young people with the education they need to grow and succeed. They also serve as community resources and contribute to property values. That’s part of the symbiotic relationship thriving schools and communities have – and at the core of that relationship is community investment through taxes that fund school districts. That’s where the relationship gets complicated. State laws and annually adjusted funding formulas, plus extra elections for supplemental tax funds, can make it difficult to understand how and why school districts are financed the way they are. 
All that complexity is why Douglas County School District’s Chief Financial Officer Jana Schleusner is our guest for this episode. As an expert who regularly goes to the state capitol to advocate for school funding on behalf of DCSD, she understands this subject as well as anyone. 
Guest this week: 
Jana Schleusner, DCSD chief financial officer
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications 
Resources
DCSD Board of Education webpage
Fiscal Oversight Committee
Mill Bond Oversight Committee
Long Range Planning Committee
DCSD Funding Website
2024 Bond Activity Interactive Map 
Growth and Decline webpage (school consolidations)
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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 this episode is released, registration is now open for a pair of important bike safety events coming up this summer. Sgt. Mark Mithuen, a School Resource Officer supervisor in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, tells us all about the second annual, free Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety events. Even with twice the capacity as last year, space is limited, so parents are encouraged to register their kids early. 
Sgt. Mithuen also talks about a number of the Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Academy programs for elementary, middle and high school students this coming summer and gives us an overview of the unique training and disposition it takes to be an SRO – along with why he appreciates getting to be one!
Eye Five:
To teach school-age children and teens bicycle safety – for beginners all the way to advanced riders – the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, DCSD, and several other community partners are sponsoring the second annual, FREE Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety event. This year, it will take place on two dates and in two locations:
June 13 at Chaparral High School: 8 - 11 a.m. and noon - 3 p.m.
July 11 at Castle View High School: 8 - 11 a.m. and noon - 3 p.m.
Bring your helmet, bike, e-bike, scooter, electric scooter, or whatever you use to get around and get ready to have some fun learning from your DCSO school resource officers. Food trucks, local bike shops, and informational tables will be set up with information about trail and road safety around the county. 
Guest this week: 
Sgt. Mark Mithuen, a School Resource Officer supervisor in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications 
Resources
Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety event signup 
Eye Five event flyer
E-bike safety flyer
Summertime DCSO elementary, middle and high school Youth Academy sessions 
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?
 

Parents have lots of questions about teen nicotine usage – many of them new ones, thanks to technology and social media: 
What does it look like today? 
Why are so many young people drawn to it? 
Most importantly, how can we work together to keep students healthy and informed?
To help guide this conversation, this episode features experts from the Douglas County Health Department, who bring a public health perspective and deep experience working with youth and families in our community. Both are Community Health Educators: Jenny Fisher is also a certified American Heart Association Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and Ashley Scollard is a Mental Health FIRST AID Instructor.
Whether you’re a parent of an elementary student, a middle schooler, or a high schooler, this conversation provides you with practical tools, reassurance, and resources you can use at home.
An important way listeners can participate in the discourse is by participating in the Douglas County Nicotine/Vaping/Tobacco Survey through March 31, 2026.
Guests this week: 
Jenny Fisher, community health educator for the Douglas County Health Dept.
Ashley Scollard, community health educator for the Douglas County Health Dept.
Host: 
Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD
Resources
Douglas County Health Department - Resources Support for Quitting Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco
My Life My Quit - We get you. Thousands of teens have joined My Life, My Quit for free, non-judgmental support, 1:1 help to quit, and easy-to-follow tips from our friendly Coaches. Start now.
Colorado QuitLine – Free support and coaching to help adults quit tobacco. NRT is available.
Colorado Quitline - Spanish
EX Program – A digital program developed with Mayo Clinic to help people quit smoking, vaping, and other nicotine products. 
Ex Program - Spanish
Truth Initiative - Vaping Lingo Dictionary
Douglas County Survey Link  (open through March 31) - Nicotine/Vaping/Tobacco Survey
 
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.
 

Jolee Jones works in two of the most unique positions in education. She leads DCSD’s outdoor education facility near Larkspur, which gives Douglas County students countless opportunities to learn from and enjoy the wonders of nature in Colorado. And the lessons she has both taught and learned, plus her own development as a leader in organizational development led to an expansion of her role. She now also works with teams through the school district to foster improved engagement, resilience, stress management, and awareness of what makes teachers teach better and administrators lead better. 
Her mix of research-based practices and real-world application makes her a true – and valued – unicorn in the realm of educational leadership. 
Guest this week: 
Jolee Jones, DCSD Director of Organizational Development/Experiential Learning
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications 
Resources
Stone Canyon Outdoor EdVentures
Emergenetics

Daniel C. Oakes High School in Castle Rock provides a compelling alternative for students who find large, comprehensive high schools are not the right fit for their needs. Because Douglas County School District strives to provide something for every style of learner, D.C. Oakes is one way to ensure students don’t miss out on a quality education. And this episode of the DCSD Notebook is a milestone – it’s our first featuring current students. D.C. Oakes principal Brian Singleton helps us welcome a pair of students who have truly found a home and a family atmosphere at Oakes: Elianna Diaz and Connor Siebert.
Worth noting: In the cover photo for this episode, Connor, Elianna and Mr. Singleton are standing in front of a student-created flag with a Phoenix, the mascot for D.C. Oakes. 
Guests this week: 
Brian Singleton, principal at Daniel C. Oakes High School
Elianna Diaz, D.C. Oakes student
Connor Siebert, D.C. Oakes student
Host: 
Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications 
Resources
Daniel C. Oakes High School
 
About Daniel C. Oakes High School
> Our Vision:Daniel C. Oakes High School strives to rekindle a student's desire and passion to learn by providing a safe, flexible, and supportive community where students are seen as individuals.
> Our Mission:We create a community where we thrive to become better by doing our best work, being a decent human being, valuing relationships with other people, offering outdoor education experiences, and leaving as a better person than we were when we started.
At Daniel C. Oakes High School, we continue to meet the needs of over 120 students each quarter who are looking for an alternative path toward achieving a high school diploma. Founded during the 1986-87 school year, Daniel C. Oakes High School is a school dedicated to providing an instructional, community atmosphere with a focus on personalized instruction. We take pride knowing that we can rekindle a student's desire and passion to learn, and we are proud to serve the Douglas County School District with a comprehensive, alternative high school program.
Our instructional efforts are rooted in district and state standards, and driven by our Board of Education's Ends Statements. We have combined this solid foundation with a firm belief in educating the whole student via an experimental approach to the acquisition of knowledge, outdoor education opportunities, and an exposure to the arts. We have found that this combination maximizes each student's academic success and develops strong relationships among students and staff. It also provides our students the ability to think critically, apply academic skills to real life situations, and create conditions that bolster confidence and sense of self worth.
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 second year in a row (first time in a decade).
Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
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 92 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?

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of injury and death among teens nationwide. While smartphones get much of the blame, the reality is that distractions can come from anywhere — friends in the car, music, emotions, and even overconfidence behind the wheel.
To help us understand what really happens on the road and in emergency rooms, we are joined by HCA Healthone Skyridge hospital’s Trauma Nurse Coordinator and Injury Prevention Specialist Kathy Myers, RN, who has seen firsthand the consequences of distracted driving. In this discussion, she shares ways families can reduce risk and better prepare not only drivers but also passengers to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely.
Guest this week
Kathy Myers, RN, trauma nurse coordinator and injury prevention specialist at HCA HealthONE Skyridge
Host 
Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD
Resources
Colorado Hands Free Law
Impact Teen Drivers
Colorado Page
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.