DCSD Notebook

Kindergarten: The Year of Firsts

Kindergarten teachers have an incredibly important job: They teach small children how to become students and get the most out of school (not to mention welcoming parents into the school community). Is that pressure or a treasured privilege? Listen to the genuine joy and laughter from a pair of kindergarten teachers from Bear Canyon Elementary, along with their inspiring principal, and you’ll have the answer pretty quickly: There’s nowhere they would rather be than in the classroom.

Guests: Bear Canyon Elementary Principal Allison Sullivan and Kindergarten Teachers Megan Harris and Samantha Banis

How the Foundation Fosters Innovation and Inspiration

Guest: Ashley Sommers, Executive Director of The Foundation for Douglas County Schools

Topic: As the official nonprofit partner for DCSD, The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is active year-round in support of students and educators, from back-to-school supply drives to the Apple Awards, Perseverance Scholarships and much more.

Notes: 

• The Foundation’s Three Pillars
• Apple Awards (nominations open Sept. 15, 2025)
• Perseverance Scholarships
• Opportunity Grants (application window opened Sept. 2, 2025)
• Chapters (PTOs and Booster Clubs)

PARENT UNIVERSITY - Dealing with Back-to-School Anxiety

Guest: Lisa Stull, Licensed Clinical Therapist and Owner of Parker-based practice, Comprehensive Counseling Solutions.

Topic: Tools and tips for parents to help children who have anxiety over the start of the new school year.

Notes 

• Download a four-page resource guide from CCS titled Back-to-School Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Support & Resilience 
• CCS is hosting a live and virtual “Back to School” workshop from 6-8 p.m., Sept. 5. Here’s a flyer with more details. Attendance is free.  Register by emailing them or by phone at 720-766-7290.

Next Month

The October episode of Parent University will feature a guest from Douglas County Libraries. To ask a question for that episode or to suggest a topic of interest for a future Parent University episode, please fill out this form. 

 

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 Skyridge for their continued support and partnership.

Prepping for Life After Graduation

Guests: Assistant Superintendent Danny Winsor; Director of Legacy Campus Rex Corr, Ed.D.; Assistant Director of Postsecondary Readiness Keri Stuebinger

Topic: Programs to prepare students for enrollment, employment or enlistment after high school

Notes: Every industry has its terms, acronyms and abbreviations. Here are some from the education world that were mentioned in this episode:

• ACC: Arapahoe Community College (a partner with DCSD on numerous college opportunities for high school students)
• AVID: Advancement via Individual Determination (a program – often a specific class – builds academic skills, college and career knowledge, and student agency)
• CE: Concurrent enrollment (taking college-level courses while in high school)
• CTE: Career and Technical Education (what used to be known as vocational education, but now a much more expansive program)
• Pathways: A connection between learning progressions, advanced course options, instruction that supports skill development, stackable credentials, and work-based learning experiences to prepare students for training, education, military service, and/or advancement in a career field. These include:
  • Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy
  • Business, Marketing, and Public Administration
  • Health Science, Criminal Justice, and Public Safety
  • Hospitality, Human Services, and Education
  • Skilled Trades and Technical Services
  • STEM, Arts & Design, and Information Technology. 
• TREP: Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (a special program that creates the opportunity for qualified students in an Educator Pathway to concurrently enroll in postsecondary courses for the two years after the 12th grade year tuition- free for two years, with DCSD covering the tuition costs)

Links to learn more:

• DCSD Postsecondary Readiness website
• Legacy Campus website

Bonus links

• Here’s a video highlighting DCSD’s first TREP graduate and what the program means for her and her future.
• Ms. Stuebinger mentioned a student who graduated from DCSD and is now in law enforcement. Legend High School grad, Deputy Tyler Lee, has officially graduated from the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Academy. Here’s the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s video about his journey.

Supt. Kane previews the 2025-26 school year

Guest: Superintendent Erin Kane

Topic: Big plans for the new school year

Notes: Supt. Kane’s biographical listing on The Google GSV Education Innovation Fellowship: "Erin Kane is Superintendent of Douglas County School District, one of Colorado's largest and top-performing districts. A leader in academic excellence and innovation, she has improved test scores, expanded CTE and AI, and boosted staff morale. Kane secured major funding initiatives, champions opportunities for all students, and brings experience from charter leadership and high tech. She holds degrees in Applied Math, Computer Science and Public Administration from the University of Colorado."

DCSD Notebook Preview - Learn about the Senior Gold Card

Guest: Amy Pfister, DCSD Community Relations Coordinator

Topic: The Senior Gold Card program

Notes: The Douglas County School District Senior Gold Card is now available to Douglas County residents age 60 and older. The Gold Card offers our senior neighbors FREE admission to most DCSD home athletic events and most student fine-arts performances including plays, concerts and choir performances. We’re also excited to offer discounts at a couple of our DCSD student-run businesses. It’s our way of saying "thank you" to our older Douglas County community for the many years of support and contributions to DCSD schools and students. We value the involvement of older Douglas County residents in our schools and their recognition that strong schools equal a strong community!

Whether it's enjoying the marching band performing at halftime under the Friday Night Lights, watching a musical theater production or cheering on your favorite athlete and team, the DCSD Senior Gold Card provides a multitude of opportunities to enjoy DCSD events!

How to apply:

• Fill out this online form
• Stop by the DCSD main office at 620 Wilcox St., Castle Rock, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
• Stop by Legacy Campus, 10035 S. Peoria St., Lone Tree, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday-Friday.