1. education
2. school

May 2015 | Volume 2 | Issue 2
www.adams14.org
NE
W!
Engage with
Adams 14
Online!
Check out our brand new website:
PERMIT NO. 62
COMMERCE CITY, CO
80022
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE PAID
www.adams14.org
Congratulations
to the Graduating Class of 2015!
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M AY 2 015
Your Adams 14 Schools
Board of Education
Board of Education
Strategic Imperatives
Robert Vashaw
President
[email protected]
Dave Rolla
Vice President
[email protected]
Mary Morton
Secretary
[email protected]
• To dramatically improve academic performance, and move the District from
Priority Improvement to Accredited
with Distinction by the year 2020.
• To significantly empower all families
and community members to become
engaged partners in their child’s education, by creating welcoming environments District-wide that reflect and
support a culturally diverse population.
• To intentionally increase and improve
communication District-wide, both
internally and externally, as well as enhance the resources offered to our current clients and community members.
Public Invited to Board
of Education Meetings
The Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month,
and the public is welcome to attend please note, interpretation services are
available at each meeting. Time is set
aside at each meeting to allow for public
comments. Individuals who are interested in speaking during the public comments portion of the meeting must fill
out an Audience Comment Card, which
are available prior to the meeting in the
Board of Education Room. For agenda
information and to confirm meetings,
please call 303-853-3205 or visit www.
Adams14.org.
Upcoming School
Board Meetings
Connie Quintana
Treasurer
[email protected]
Larry Quintana
Director
[email protected]
Dates and times subject to change.
May
May
12
26
June
June
9
23
adams14.org
Get Involved!
Engaging our parents and our community is
at the heart of what we do. There are many
opportunities to be involved at Adams 14.
District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC)
The DAAC typically meets on the first Monday of every month at Adams City High School at 6 p.m. DAAC participants receive timely updates from District leadership, review the goals and plans of individual schools, and make
recommendations to the Board of Education and discusses important topics in the District. Dinner, language translation and child care are available at each meeting. For more information on DAAC, please contact Debra Montoya at
303-853-3244 or [email protected].
Special Education Advisory Committee
All parents, guardians, and friends of students with disabilities are welcome to join this supportive forum. All meetings are held at the Educational Support Services Building Board of Education Room at 5291 E. 60th Avenue. Dinner,
childcare and language translation will be available. For additional information, please contact Jessica Solis at 303-8533248 [email protected]. Upcoming SEAC meetings: May 18.
Facility Review Committee
The Facility Review Committee (FRC) promotes and enables input and feedback from the community, as well as staff,
providing a framework for continual facility improvements for the next generation of Adams 14 students. As educational needs continue to change, it is necessary to ensure that all elements enhance and embrace an environment that is
conducive to learning. The FRC meets at the Commerce City Recreation Center. For more information, please contact
Regina Baca at 303-853-3217 or [email protected]. Upcoming FRC meetings: May 28 and August 27.
Adams 14 Equity and Anti-Discrimination Committees
Adams 14 is proud to have three committees in place to support the District’s equity and anti-harassment program,
including the Community Committee, the Student Committee and the Employee Committee. The Community Committee will consider how outreach efforts to families and family advocacy organizations can be made to garner support
for the District’s anti-harassment program. They will also provide Superintendent Sánchez and the Adams 14 Board
of Education with input regarding strategies for preventing harassment/discrimination on the basis of race, color and
national origin, and protections from retaliation for reporting alleged discrimination. The Student Committee will be
responsible on an ongoing basis to provide a forum for students to discuss matters relating to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, national origin, or color. The Committee will also increase awareness of the Adams 14 antiharassment program, and provide specific suggestions to the Adams 14 Superintendent, and separately to the Adams 14
Board of Education, on promoting respect and tolerance for others, and make sure that we never allow a hostile environment based on race, color, or national origin for any of our students. The Employee Committee will be responsible
on an ongoing basis to provide a forum for staff to address matters relating to discrimination or harassment on the basis
of race, national origin, or color. The Committee will also increase awareness of the Adams 14 anti-harassment program,
and provide specific suggestions to the Superintendent and Board of Education – regarding prevention of a hostile
work environment based on race, color, or national origin, and developing an effective staff orientation program that
promotes respect and tolerance for others. If you would like more information about any of the Adams 14 Equity and
Anti-Discrimination Committees, or are interested in getting involved, please email [email protected].
For more information
Education Support Services ..........303-853-3333
5291 E. 60th Avenue
Adult Education ..............................720-322-8154
Board of Education Agenda ..........303-853-3205
Building/Grounds...........................303-853-7903
Career and Technical Education ..720-322-8158
Communications ............................303-853-3259
Education Foundation ...................303-853-3253
Elementary Education ...................303-853-3261
Food Services ..................................303-853-7950
Hope Resource Center ...................303-853-3274
Human Resources...........................303-853-3201
Preschool Education ......................303-853-5000
Secondary Education .....................303-853-3233
Special Education ...........................303-853-3248
Student Behavior ............................720-322-8154
Student Records ..............................303-853-3238
Superintendent’s Office ..................303-853-3205
Technology ......................................303-853-3226
Transportation ................................303-853-7906
Volunteer Program .........................303-853-3201
IN THE
The Adams 14 Quarterly is published
by the Adams 14 School District
5291 E. 60th Avenue
Commerce City, CO, 80022
Mailed to over 13,000 Commerce City Households
in English and Spanish!
|
Graphic Layout and Design: Colorado Community Media
Photographer: Cameron Weise
TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-853-3221
adams14.org
A Message from the
Superintendent
It is hard to believe we
are approaching the end of
the 2014-15 school year. Together, we have experienced
a lot of triumphs, a handful
of challenges and of course,
no shortage of inspirations
from the incredible students we serve.
The hard work, and relentless dedication of each
Patrick Sánchez
member of Team Adams
Superintendent
14 has not gone unnoticed.
303-853-3204
Thank you for the early
[email protected]
mornings, the late evenings
and for going the extra mile
for our students. We are
seeing movement in the
right direction, and I am thankful to the students, families,
employees and community members who are collaborating to
ensure Adams 14 transforms into the highest performing district in our state. Thank you for keeping your focus on the students – they are counting on us, as the adults in this system, to
guide and support them in their pursuit of powerful futures.
By enhancing the educational experience in Adams 14, it
is our hope that today’s students will return to our District as
tomorrow’s leaders in our public education system. Today, we
are thrilled to share that we have been fortunate to hire several
home-grown members of Team Adams 14, who bring extensive experience in their respective leadership roles to support
the students and families in our District.
Let’s continue with the celebrations! The following is a sample of our highlights this school year:
• District math scores have increased over the past two
consecutive years, from 29% proficient in 2012, to 32%
proficient in 2014.
• In 2013, a higher percentage of students scored proficient
or above in reading than at any other point over the previous seven years.
• Growth scores across all content areas in 2013 met or
surpassed all growth scores since 2009. Math growth in
2014 was the second highest it’s been since 2009 (with
2013 being the highest). Writing growth during 2014 met
or surpassed all writing growth scores since 2009, with the
exception of 2013.
• Between 2012 and 2014, the percentage of elementary
students scoring proficient and above in math increased
by five percentage points. Between 2013 and 2014, math
proficiency rates increased across six of seven elementary
schools.
M AY 2 015
• Between 2012 and 2014, the percentage of middle school
students who scored proficient and above increased across
all content areas. Moreover, math growth scores were
higher in both 2013 and 2014 than in 2012.
• Between 2012 and 2014, the percentage of high school
students who scored proficient and above in writing has
increased by seven percentage points. In 2014, a higher
percentage of high school students scored proficient and
above in writing than at any other point over the previous
eight years.
• Between 2012 and 2014, the percentage of high school
students who scored proficient and above in reading
increased by two percentage points. In 2013, a higher
percentage of high school students scored proficient and
above in reading than at any other point over the previous
seven years. The second highest reading proficiency rate
over the previous eight years occurred in 2014.
• Between 2012 and 2014, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and above in math increased
by four percentage points. Math scores in 2013 and 2014
surpassed proficiency rates over the previous seven years.
• In Adams 14, the 2014 graduation rate at Adams City
High School (ACHS) surpassed the state by 1.5 points! At
78.8 percent, the 2014 ACHS graduation rate is the highest
four-year rate in the past five years, and is only 1.2 points
away from meeting the state expectation of 80 percent.
Additionally, at 79.3 percent, the 2014 ACHS completion
rate is the highest four-year rate in the past five years, and
is only .2 points below the state.
• The District elected to leave Adams BOCES Self Insurance
Pool to mitigate rising premium costs, and seek a higher
level of support with claims handling. As of July 1, 2014,
the District has been covered by an agreement with Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool. Within this first
year of the agreement, the District has realized a savings
of more than $170,000 in expenses for liability, property
and workers comp premiums, when comparing fiscal year
2013-14 to 2014-15.
• We are happy to share that we are continuing our important work focusing on inclusive excellence for all students,
staff and families in Adams 14, and, with the assistance
of Glenn Singleton – a renowned racial equity consultant – we are continuing our focus on enlightened work
outlined in his book, Courageous Conversations about
Race. To-date, 365 of Adams 14 employees have received
the Beyond Diversity professional development training,
and every school and department in the District has an
established Equity Team.
• The Adams 14 District Advisory Accountability Committee’s (DAAC) newly elected leaders – President Timio
Archuleta, Vice-President Maria Zubia, Secretary Geri
Mandez and Treasurer Anita Mercado – are continuing to
build and enhance support and momentum surrounding
this important committee.
• Our Adams 14 Equity and Anti-Discrimination Committees (Community, Student and Employee) are continuing
their essential work to support the District’s anti-harassment program, and engage in ongoing discussions to
prevent discrimination or harassment on the basis of race,
national origin or color.
• We debuted our new Adams 14 app, which is now available for free download, and is designed to enhance communications with District families, parents, students, staff
and community members.
• The Adams 14 Education Foundation has been able to
secure four, new scholarships for 2015 – totaling $80,000
for Adams 14 students! Thanks to these four, incredible higher education partners – Adams State University
(Alamosa), Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction),
Ft Lewis College (Durango) and Western State Colorado
University (Gunnison) – each of the Education Foundation’s four, $10,000 scholarships has been matched with
$10,000 from each college partner, respectively.
• The Association of School Business Officials International’s (ASBO) presented Adams 14 with its Certificate of
Excellence in Financial Reporting award, for having met
or exceeded the program’s high standards for financial
reporting and accountability. This award recognizes
Adams 14 for its Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report for the fiscal year ending 2013. The Certificate of
Excellence (COE) award confirms Adams 14’s Financial
Department’s commitment to financial accountability and
transparency. Recognition through the COE program
can help strengthen a district’s presentation for bond issuance statements and promotes a high level of financial
reporting. Additionally, Adams 14 received the Certificate
of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Program (CAFR Program) from the Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA).
• We developed a first-of-its-kind Silver Eagle Pass for the
2014-15 school year, which entitles Commerce City senior
citizens (55 and older, with ID) to free entry into any of
ACHS’ home varsity sporting events, as well as any musical or performing arts events!
I know we faced a challenging moment together when the
tax measures on last November’s ballot to benefit Adams 14
schools – 3E and 3F – did not pass. It was certainly disappointing that we did not experience a unanimous commitment to this investment on behalf of our children and their
futures. However, in spite of our facility limitations, we are all
continuing to transform the way we teach our students, work
with our colleagues and engage with parents, guardians and
the community. I want to once again thank each member of
the We Believe Committee, which is made up of some of the
most genuine and committed community members, parents,
students and staff who worked tirelessly to create world-class
learning environments and opportunities for our children.
You have truly set the tone for excellence, and have demonstrated a genuine focus on what our work is all about – our
students. I’d also like to thank the employees of Adams 14 as
you make a difference each day in the lives of the children
and the families that we serve. Our work is very important
and the momentum does not stop here – we still believe in
Adams 14!
Thank you so much to every single member of Team Adams 14 – our employees, students, families and community
members. Each of you bring such incredible skill and talent to
our District, and we are so thankful to have you here to help
us inspire, educate and empower all students to succeed.
As always, you can contact me directly with feedback, ideas
or concerns you have at [email protected], or 303-8533204. Or, you can use the Adams 14 app’s Report It function,
which allows users to submit anonymous feedback – both
positive feedback, as well as opportunities for improvement in
the District. Your feedback is valued, appreciated and encouraged, as Adams 14 works to improve the overall experience
for all students, families and employees in the District.
Respectfully,
Pat Sánchez, Superintendent
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adams14.org
Congratulations
Adams City High School Graduating Class of 2015!
CLASS COLORS: Gold and Black CLASS SONG: “In Time” by Imagine Dragons CLASS MOTTO: It’s not where we come from, it’s where we’re going that matters
Karina Acuna-Castro
Tyler Adams
Vanessa Agnew
Cassidy Aguilar
Ryan Allee Jr.
Israel Alvarado
Jose Alvarez-Alvarez
Miguel Alvarez-Reyes
Jerry Amaro
Judith Apodaca-Acosta
Elias Arana-Carrera
Martha Aranda Del Rio
Octavio Arias
Anthony Armstrong
Alexander Armstrong
Melissa Ascencio
Chrishawna Atnip
Christian Aviles-Cervantes
Maria Ayala
Kesly Barahona
Johnny Basquez-Juarez
Kendra Beaver
Berenice Becerra-Bermudez
Micayla Bellamy
Katelynn Belman
Savannah Bodkin
Chantel Bogart
Alaura Boling
Belen Bonilla
Francis Bowden
Isis Brown
Dayshalai Butler
Joshua Cabazos
Catherin Caldera-Velazquez
Karina Calderon-Aguilar
Andreana Caranza
Alexis Cardona
Benjamin Cardona-Barron
Rosa Carmona
Carmen Carrillo-Mireles
Miguel Casas Jr.
Jose Casillas-Retana
Miguel Castaneda Jr.
Stephanie Castaneda
TaraShea Castillo
Rael Castillo
Dan Castrejon-Reza
Sarahi Castro
Ulises Cebada-Cabrera
Diego Cervantes
Viridiana Cervantes-Ramirez
Josselyne Chacon-Rosales
Brenda Chairez-Moreno
DeAngelo Chavez
Adrian Chavez
Axel Chavez-Vazquez
Pablo Chihuahua-Tovar
Dawson Clark
Emely Contreras
Kallie Cook
Samantha Corbin
Elizabeth Cortez
Zyriah Crespin
Elias Deaguero
Vanessa DeLaRosa-Herrera
Janeth DelaTorre-Caldera
Nicolas Demos
Ophelia DeVaul
Oscar Diaz-Alba
Cristal Dominguez-Vasquez
Jose Duarte
Leslie Elias
Yanet Enriquez-Tlatenchi
Monica Escamilla-Flores
Samantha Esparza
Briant Esparza-Guillen
Mercedes Espinoza-Rivera
Edwin Flores
Flor Flores-Lazos
Christina Folsom
Paola Fonseca-Soto
Tyler Gallegos
Maria Gallegos-Ramirez
Luis Galvan-Acosta
Luz Galvan-Arzave
Gilberto Galvan-Lopez
Juan Gandarilla-Gutierrez
Bijan Ganji-Sereshki
Vioney Garcia
Nina Garcia
Marzela Garcia
Johanna Garcia-Contreras
Fernanda Garcia-Ramos
Michael Gaudio
Jennifer Gomez-Castillo
Nikolas Gonzales
Humberto Gonzalez
David Gonzalez-Rodriguez
Yasmin Gramillo-Porras
Denise Granillo
Vania Guerrero-Mendoza
Martha Guerrero-Segura
Neftali Guevara-Galvan
Elena Gutierrez-Alvarez
Nadia Guzman-Ortega
Jessica Hagen
David Heredia-Arostegui
Mauricio Hernandez
Angelica Hernandez
Jorge Hernandez-Escareno
Jose Hernandez-Soria
Marie Howard
Dewon Howard
Anahi Ibarra
Ever Ibarra-Perez
Breeanna Isakson
Gerardo Javier-Flores
Edgar Jimenez-DeLaCruz
Juwan Jones
Elizabeth Joy
Alejandro Juarez-Alonso
Cristobal Jurado-Magdaleno
Alexis Kaza
Aldin Kombic
Zachary Kuntz
Savannah Kutek
Isaac Landeros
Ivan Landeros
Javier Lazos
Rubi Lechuga-Medina
Steven Lippincott
Guadalupe Loera-Zamarripa
Graciela Lomeli
Anthony Lopez
Eric Lopez
Brianna Lopez
Oscar Lopez-Calderon
Neida Lopez-Carrizales
Cecilia Loya
Gerardo Luebano Jr.
Iridian Lujan-Munoz
Marisol Luna-Rodriguez
Amanda Ly
Christian Mack
Monica Marquez
Anarely Marquez-Gomez
Felix Marrufo-Munoz V
McKenzie Martin
Brandon Martin-Cloude
J Martinez Jr.
Gilbert Martinez Jr.
Christia Martinez
Irving Martinez
Roxana Martinez
Jessica Martinez-Pinedo
Anthony Matherson
Branden Maul
Ashley Maul
Remon Maxwell II
Elizabeth Mayen-Mansilla
Jozef McClure
Brendan McIntosh
Zulecia Medina
Christopher Melchor-Zamora
Katherine Menard
Ana Mena-Sotelo
Cathy Mendez-Gonzalez
Daniel Mendoza
Daisy Mendoza-Delgado
Lizbeth Mercado
Anastasia Montoya
Casey Montoya
Adrian Morales-Faudoa
Viridiana Morales-Munoz
Ruby Mora-Rojas
Selena Moreno-Ferrer
Hannah Morris
Abrahan Mota
Ana Mota-Rodriguez
Abraham Munoz-Fontes
Jasmine Murillo-Roldan
Jose Murillo-Soto
Jayson Neff
Raylene Newman
Luis Nino-Lucio
Jonathan Nuno-Mijangos
Adrian Olalde
Angel Olguin-Manriquez
Sandra Olivas-Molina
Jessica Ortiz
Ruben Ortiz
Mya Otero
Shampagne Padilla
Angel Padilla-Diaz
Jose Padilla-Espino
Magali Palacios-Herrera
Ivan Palacios-Martinez
Randy Palacios-Vazquez
Victor Palma-Vidal
Jordan Parham
John Payan
Jason Perez
Kasandra Perez
Jorge Perez-DeLaTorre
Alejandro Perez-Lopez
Bibiana Pina-Viurquez
Luis Pineda
Noemi PonceDeLeon-Miramontes
Joshua Poppenberg
Becky Prieto
Luis Pulido-Diaz Jr.
Juan Quezada
Roberto Quezada-Arellano
Gabriela Quintana-Reyes
Abrianna Quiroz
Myriam Quiroz
Harlie-Jo Rachel
Orlando Ramirez
Fatima Ramirez-Barrientos
Irvin Ramirez-Bermudez
Edwin Ramirez-Castillo
Gabriel Ramirez-Cervantes
Graciela Ramirez-Franco
Maria Ramirez-Hernandez
Cesar Ramirez-Rubio
Daisy Ramirez-Valdez
Victor Ramirez-Villalobos
Andrew Rangel
Jacob Renteria
Fredy Renteria-Talavera
Shannon Richardson
Alberto Rico
Gerardo Rivera
Nicolas Rivera-Garfio
Juan Rivera-Garnica
Nohemi Rivera-Torres
Alisha Rodgers
Yanet Rodriguez
Bianca Rodriguez
Tonya Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez-Gonzalez
Dominique Rodriguez-Morfin
Erick Rodriguez-Portillo
Mariya Romero
Josie Romero
Fernando Romero
David Romero-Cardoso
Arisbeth Romero-Gatica
Alejandro Rubio
Theresa Rufino
Orlando Ruiz
Ana Ruiz-Ortiz
Isaiah Sabala
Annalicia Salas
Anna Salazar-Lopez
Eva Salinas-Gonzalez
Israel Sanabria-Javier
Magaly Sanchez-DeLaCruz
Karen Sanchez-Gonzalez
Ismael Sandoval-Campuzano
Karely Santana-Morfin
Juan Santellano-Avila
Christopher Santiago
Martin Santiesteban-Gonzalez
Marisol Santos-Benitez
Vanessa Saucedo
Jesse Seale
Ramiro Servin-Melendez
Jacqueline Sianez-Parra
Marisol Sierra
Ana Silva
Isaiah Silvas
Jordan Solorzano-Pichardo
Sofia Sosa
Mocxis Soto-Cortes
Maria Soto-Flores
Jason Stahl
Rachel Starr
Jazmyne Tenorio
Rebeka Theorine
Amanda Theorine
Quartus Thomas
Juan Torres
Lorena Torres
Jennifer Torres-Sagredo
Vanesa Torres-Valiente
Julia Trejo-Luna
Ricardo Trevino
Richard Trevizo
Zakarias Trujillo
Laura Valenzuela
Jose Valenzuela
Alex Valenzuela
Suzette Valero
Antonio Vargas-Alvarado
Dalia Vargas-Limas
Monica Vargas-Mejia
Jesus Vazquez-Pallares
Jennifer Vazquez-Rangel
Ruben Vazquez-Valdez
Norma Vera-Chavez
Jimena Vera-Flores
Ivonne Vera-Vazquez
Fermin Verduzco
Josiah Vigil
Prisma Villalobos
Leticia Villa-Maciel
Beatriz Viurquez-Flores
Raymundo Viurquez-Rodriguez
Lorenz Walker
Josue Wence
Rameika Wesley
Daunte Williams
Chad Witt
Marisol Zaragoza-Dominguez
Perla Zarate
Denai Zaren
Yonatan Zazueta-Morales
*Graduate list is subject to change. Names provided were finalized as of April 29, 2015.
adams14.org
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M AY 2 015
Congratulations
Lester Arnold High School Graduating Class of 2015!
SENIOR SONG: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth SENIOR SPEAKERS: Jessica Rocha and Jared Beck
SENIOR QUOTE: “Sometimes you just have to die a little inside in order to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you.” Unknown
Jordan S. Aerts
Ania F. Alarid
Xael R. Baca
Rose M. Ballegeer
Nicole S. Ballegeer
Destiny M. Barraza
Ashley M. Baughman
Jerrod W. Beck
Samuel A. Boldt
Lisette Cabrera
Roger I. Cardona
Jonathan Castaneda
Alma F. Castillo-Mozqueda
Joshua J. Castor
Rayanna R. Cisneros
Danielle D. Cisneros
Rodrigo Contreras
Monica M. Contreras-Ruiz
Selena A. Cordova
Karely Corral-Salazar
Kaylie J. Ducker
Quinn M. England
Ricardo E. Escoto
Elenna L. Espinosa
Raynaldo S. Fisher-Cano
Jordan U. Gallegos-Solorio
Adina R. Garcia-Guzman
Heaven L. Griffin
Victor A. Guerrero-Cervantes
Adrian Hernandez
Alexandria L. Jensen
Omar Juarez-Cuevas
Maria G. Juarez-Marquez
Zachary A. Lara
Jesus A. Loya
Adan A. Lozano
Karely Madrid-Trevizo
Amaraily Maldonado
Armando Marquez
Christian Marquez
Morgan A. Martinez
Maricruz Martinez-Plascencia
Connie N. Martinez-Villalobos
Donavan J. Masby
Lucero V. Mendoza-Gonzales
Adam Mercado
Fatima Mercado-Sanchez
Ivonne B. Miramontes
Jaime S. Montano
Marlene Moran-Gonzalez
Cassandra Z. Moran-Hernandez
Michael Myers
Magali Parra-Ramirez
Myriam S. Portillo-Flores
Christopher L. Quintana
Richard A. Rebeterano Jr.
Jessica G. Rocha
David Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez-Gonzalez
Gilberto Rodriguez-Morales
Vanessa Rojas-Hernandez
Austin T. Rollison
Gabrielle L. Romero
Vanessa C. Rosales-Loera
Gabriel A. Salas-Dominguez
Angela S. Sanchez
Dusty A. Schmidt
Nathaly Serrano
Nelly V. Servin-Gomez
Anahi Soto-Avila
Nubia M. Suarez-Jaimes
Felix Tinoco
Breana Lee D. Tobias
Jessica Toledo-Rojas
Joel Valadez Jr.
Stephanie M. Velazquez-Mendoza
Baltazar Vera
Victor H. Villegas-Madera
*Graduate list is subject to change. Names provided were finalized as of April 29, 2015.
Denver Post Documentary Review
Adams 14 is fortunate to be nestled
in the historic community of Commerce City. The District is proud to
educate more than 7,500 students each
year, and we would like to express our
sincere gratitude that you allow us the
opportunity to serve your child, and
your family. Thank you.
A large part of Commerce City’s history is the pride and excitement around
high school athletics. Football games
have historically served as community
events, and we are excited to see more
involvement from the community with
all of our high school athletic events!
As you might know, at the beginning of our school year, the Adams City
High School football team was featured
in a documentary film through the
Denver Post.
While there was initial excitement
about the prospect of a football documentary film, upon further reflection,
the District has realized that not all of
the stories and depictions from the film
accurately reflect our students, our District and our community.
While we certainly understand the
freedom of the press clause protected
by the First Amendment, we have had
time to contemplate, and make an intentional decision that any future documentary type films will undergo more
extensive scrutiny before we agree to
participate.
As always, we appreciate your partnership and support as we continue our
work to inspire, educate and empower
all students to succeed. If you have any
follow-up questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Adams 14 General
Counsel at 303-853-3258.
Adams 14 School District
Saves Taxpayers Over
$1.585 Million
On April 1, 2015, Adams 14 School
District refinanced their series 2007 and
2008 general obligation bonds at record
low interest rates to reduce the District’s
general obligation bond payments by
over $1,585,826. On February 24, the
Adams 14 School Board of Education
approved a $11,590,000 refinancing of
the District’s Series 2007 and 2008 General Obligation Bonds. The Series 2007
and 2008 bond issue carried an average
interest rate of 4.29%. The Series 2015
refinancing bonds were rated A+ underlying to reflect the district’s strong credit
as well as “State Enhanced AA-” by Standard and Poor’s.
The refunding bonds sold with a true
interest cost of only 2.82%. The refinancing results in a reduction of total interest
cost of $1.585 million. RBC Capital Markets of Denver served as the underwriter
for the bond issue and Butler Snow LLP
served as bond counsel, drafting the
documentation necessary to complete
the transaction which closes later this
month.
CONTACT:
Sandy Rotella
Chief Finance Operations Officer
303-853-3252
[email protected]
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M AY 2 015
adams14.org
Kids’
Adams 14 is thrilled to recognize its outstanding
students, including some of our littlest learners!
Welcome to the Adams 14 Kids’ Corner, where we
will get to hear from our community’s impressive
preschoolers.
CORNER
Adams 14
Summer Food Service Program
Adams County School District 14 (Adams 14) is participating in the United States
Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, which fills nutritional
gaps throughout the summer months to ensure children get the nutritious meals they
need.
Adams 14 is committed to supporting the health and wellness of students, and is
participating in the Summer Food Service Program to enhance summer nutrition for
all children. Nutritious meals will be provided Monday through Friday at no charge
to all children ages one to 18, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Additionally, adults living in the District can purchase breakfast for $1.50 and lunch
for $2.50 throughout the Summer Food Service Program.
The following sites will provide meals at the designated times below:
Adams City High School
6/8 – 7/30
Breakfast from 7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
7200 Quebec Parkway
Lester Arnold High School
6500 East 72nd Avenue
Adams City Middle School
4451 East 72nd Avenue
Kearney Middle Schools
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
6900 East 58th Avenue
What are you looking forward to
most about kindergarten?
Getting to color pictures and painting!
What will you have to do
to become a nurse?
Study a lot of hands and feet.
What do you think your teachers
do after work?
They always play with us.
What is your closing message
to your friends?
I hope I can bring you flowers.
2015-16 Registration in Adams 14
The Process for Returning Students (Kindergarten – 8th Grade):
All new and returning students who will be attending Adams City High School
(ACHS) or Lester Arnold High School (LAHS) in the 2015-16 school year are
required to participate in school-based registration. The dates for registration are as
follows:
• July 27 – Adams City High School Freshmen
• July 28 – Adams City High School/Lester Arnold High School Sophomores
• July 29 – Adams City High School/Lester Arnold High School Juniors
• July 30 – Adams City High School/Lester Arnold High School Seniors
The Process for New Students (Kindergarten – 8th Grade):
If you plan to have your child attend Adams 14 (kindergarten through 8th grade), you
are required to complete the new student registration process. If you have a
preschool-aged child, please contact Child Find for a screening and registration
appointment at 720-322-8130. Parents/guardians can access registration forms on
the District’s website (www.adams14.org), at your child’s school or at the District
Registrar Office (5291 East 60th Avenue, Commerce City, 80022).
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
•
April 6 – May 29: Parents/guardians should visit their child’s school to complete
registration. Registration paperwork can also be picked up at the District Registrar
Office.
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
•
June 1 – July 17: Parents/guardians who were unable to visit their child’s school
to complete registration can come to the District Registrar Office to pick up and
complete the paperwork.
•
6/8 – 7/2
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
July 20 – July 24: Parents/guardians can visit their child’s school to complete
the registration process. A calendar with dates and times for registration at each
school will be available on the District website in May.
7631 Monaco Street
Rose Hill Elementary
What do you want to be
when you grow up?
A nurse who takes care of kids.
The Process for New and Returning Students (entering 9th – 12th Grade):
6775 Oneida Street
Monaco Elementary
What is your favorite food?
Strawberries, pineapple and watermelon.
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
7133 East 73rd Avenue
Kemp Elementary
Where do you think your teachers live?
They live in a castle…all together. And
they go camping on the weekends.
6/8 – 7/30
7970 Kimberly Street
Hanson Elementary
What is your favorite part of the day
at Hanson preschool?
Breakfast snack time, because we get to
eat muffins, applesauce and apples.
For the 2015-16 school year, returning students in grades K-8 do not need to
re-register at the beginning of the year. If you need to update information on file for
your child, please visit your child’s school or request changes through the Infinite
Campus Parent Portal. If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please contact the
District Registrar by email at [email protected] to request an activation
key to gain access to your child’s information.
6450 Holly Street
Dupont Elementary
What is your favorite thing about school?
Talking about animals.
Breakfast from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
7101 Birch Street
Central Elementary
Where do you go to school?
Hanson Preschool. I have three teachers,
and they are awesome because we sometimes get treats!
6/8 – 7/30
6160 Kearney Street
Alsup Elementary
Meet Cameron!
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at
any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the
information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington,
D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected]. Individuals who are deaf,
hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Please bring documentation of your child’s birth date (such as a birth certificate),
proof of residency (such as a utility bill with service address, lease agreement, or
mortgage statement) and a current immunization record. Please bring a transcript
from your previous school, if one is available.
adams14.org
M AY 2 015
7
Words from our
Celebrate the Beat in Adams 14
Adams 14 Students
The following poem was submitted by Adams City High
School junior Mario Noriega.
Let’s take a walk...
To the future of our world
With one hand on the moon and one
hand on the sun
This walk will be difficult and a
journey of emotions
But you must take this walk.
Leaving may be tough… but you must
take this walk
Life is different on greener grass… but
you must take this walk
You will find your bad reflection… but
you must take this walk
Love might not be simple… but you
must take this walk
To the future of our world
And on this walk your feet might turn
into stones and your smile will sink
to the bottom of the ocean but never
stop walking…
And on this walk you might lose your
heart but remember there are always
people looking…
And on this walk be excited because
you will go everywhere and nobody
is ever sad walking on Saturn’s rings
And on this walk… you will learn
things and see things you have
never learned or seen before
And though the struggles of leaving
are now in your heart and have
yanked your tears
All will be fine
For on this walk
You will find you
And you will be different
But you will be great
You will be strong
You will be smart
And don’t be scared to find you...
And all will be ok in the end
And if it’s not ok...It’s not the end
So let’s take a walk
This May, Celebrate the Beat will host its largest, year-end
events ever in Adams County School District 14 (Adams 14).
The Adams City High School Theater will come alive for four
separate Celebrate the Beat performances, culminations of
full- and half-year programs at Central, Rose Hill, Dupont
and Hanson Elementary Schools, as well Adams City Middle
School and Kearney Middle School.
These performances are free and open to the public. Kearney
Middle School performs May 12, with Hanson Elementary the
very next night, on May 13. All shows start at 6 p.m. and take
place in the ACHS Theater. ACMS, Rose Hill, and Central Elementary will combine forces as they take the stage on May 18.
The final zenith of a very successful school year for Celebrate
the Beat in Adams 14 will be the Dupont Elementary performance on May 20, which will be followed by an invitation-only
party to thank school staff, community members and supporters for helping make CTB the best it can be.
For the past three years, Celebrate the Beat has been a thriving presence in Adams 14. Celebrate the Beat is a non-profit
organization, an affiliate of National Dance Institute in New
York. Their mission is to provide the highest quality in-school
and after-school dance programs for all children that improves
their physical health and well-being, inspires them to believe
in themselves, and establishes a standard of excellence that impacts all aspects of their lives.
Celebrate the Beat offers a variety of different programs,
ranging from three-week residencies to full-year (30-week)
programs. They also offer summer programming in Commerce City and on the western slope. Currently Celebrate the
Beat serves more than 4,000 students in 30 schools and communities throughout Colorado and Mexico.
In the 2012-13 school year, CTB served four schools in
Adams 14 as a pilot program. Last year, the program grew to
serve nine schools, including all seven elementary schools and
both middle schools. In 2014-15 the program continued to
expand within the schools with even more classes and students
reached! Celebrate the Beat is also very excited to announce
that they will continue working in Adams 14 in the upcoming
2015-16 school year. For more information on CTB, check out
their website at www.ctbeat.org.
Adams 14 Preschool Programs
Available to all three and four-year-olds
who live in Adams 14.
Children of all abilities are welcome!
Preschool is free for families.
Your child must have an appointment for a preschool
screening in order to be eligible for preschool.
Call Child Find at 720-322-8130 to make an
appointment for a preschool screening.
Space is limited, so call today!
8
M AY 2 015
adams14.org
Superintendent Sánchez Named Latino
Superintendent of the Year
WASHINGTON, D.C.—April 24, 2015—The Association of
Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) will host
more than 200 education professionals, Congressional representatives, and business leaders at its inaugural ALAS Leaders in
Education Awards Gala at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at
the historic Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, in Washington, D.C.
Several school district superintendents and administrators
demonstrating best practices in public education, especially
those serving large Hispanic populations, were nominated by
ALAS state affiliate members in several categories.
The following superintendents and administrators have been
selected as the recipients of the 2015 ALAS Leaders in Education
Awards:
• Latino Superintendent of the Year
Patrick Sánchez, Superintendent
Adams County School District 14, Commerce City, Colorado
2015-2016 Student Calendar
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Holiday - School Closed
Important Dates
August 5, 2015-Welcome Back All-Employee Kickoff
August 7, 2015-First Day of School for Students (K, 6, 9)
August 10, 2015-First Day of School for Students (All)
November 23-27, 2015-Fall Break
December 21, 2015-January 1, 2016-Winter Break
March 28-April 1, 2016-Spring Break
May 24, 2016-Last Day of School for Students-1/2 Day
Graduation
May 14, 2016-High School Graduation
Early Release Dates/Times
September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2,
January 6, February 3, March 2, April 6, May 4
1:55 p.m.-Elementary School
1:15 p.m.-Middle School
12:34 p.m.-High School
Non-Student Contact Days
Student Conferences- October 29, February 26
Vertical Articulation-Adams 14 Professional Development
August 28 , January 4, April 11
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February 19, April 8
Teacher Work Day - August 3, 4, 5, 6, December 18
End of Quarter
1st Quarter: August 7- October 9
2nd Quarter: October 12 - December 16
3rd Quarter: January 5 - March 11
4th Quarter: March 14 - May 24
5th Quarter: June 6 - July 22 - Optional Summer Enrichment
or Summer School
NOTE: Teachers will work extended hours during
parent/teacher conferences in October and February. As a
result, teachers will have two compensation days on
October 30th and April 29th.
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• Latino Administrator of the Year
Dr. Almudena “Almi” G. Abeyta, Deputy Superintendent of
Teaching and Learning
Sante Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Hispanic-Serving School District Superintendent of the Year
Robert W. Runcie, Superintendent
Broward County Public Schools, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Hispanic-Serving School District Administrator of the Year
Dr. Samuel D. Sarabia, Chief School Officer
Houston Independent School District, Houston, Texas
“These educators represent the finest example of successfully implementing programs that meet the academic and social
needs of all students, especially Latino students, as well as engaging parents and their communities in the process,” said Veronica
Rivera, ALAS executive director.
Jackie Puente, Executive Director of External Affairs, Comcast Corporation said, “Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo
is proud to support the Association of Latino Administrators
and Superintendents inaugural gala in Washington, DC, and
we salute the honorees for their outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to education. We are deeply committed
to supporting these leaders, especially through our collaboration to close the digital divide and promote digital literacy with
Comcast Internet Essentials program. When we connect lowincome families with K-12 children to high-speed Internet at
home, we promote opportunity for educational excellence and
economic advancement for all Americans.”
Nominees for the Hispanic-Serving School District Superintendent of the Year also included: Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell,
CEO, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Upper Marlboro,
Maryland
Nominees for the Hispanic-Serving School District Administrator of the Year also included: Gonzalo S. La Cava, Area Superintendent, Fulton County Schools, Atlanta, Georgia; Todd
J. LaPace, Principal, McArthur High School, Sunrise, Florida
Nominees for Latino Administrator of the Year also included:
Michael J. Ramirez, Director, Office of School Performance &
Accountability, Broward County Public Schools, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Dr. Eddie Ruiz, Principal, North Springs Charter
High School, Fulton County Schools, Sandy Springs, Georgia;
Victor Vergara, Principal, Woodburn School District, Woodburn, Oregon
Nominees for the Latino Superintendent of the Year also included: Antonio A. Sanchez, Superintendent, Wilson School
District #7, Phoenix, Arizona; Adan Delgado, Superintendent,
Pojoaque Valley School District, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Juan
Cabrera, Superintendent, El Paso ISD, El Paso, Texas
The selection committee included representatives from some
of the most prestigious National organizations. They are Tom
Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican
American Legal Defense and Education Fund); Mary Ann
Gomez, executive director of CHLI (Congressional Hispanic
Leadership Institute); Dennis “Denny” Dearden, associate executive director, AASA, The School Superintendents Association; and Jeanette Morales, director for Pre-K Initiatives, HACU
(Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities).
Assisting ALAS with the event is the Honorary Host Committee, including U.S. Sen. Michael F. Bennett (Colorado) and
Sen. Patty Murray (Washington), and Rep. Pete Aguilar (California, 31st District), Rep. Katherine Clark (Massachusetts, 5th
District), Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (Ohio, 11th District), Rep. Raul
Grijalva (Arizona, 3rd District), Rep. Joseph Heck (Nevada,
3rd District), Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (Texas, 15th District), Rep.
Lucille Roybal-Allard (California, 40th District), Rep. Loretta
Sanchez (California, 46th District), Rep. Albio Sires (New Jersey, 8th District), Rep. Mark Takano (California, 41st District),
Rep. Juan Vargas (California, 51st District), Rep. Filemon Vela,
Jr. (Texas, 34th District).
About the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS)
The ALAS mission is to provide leadership at the national
level that assures every school in America effectively serves
the educational needs of all students, with an emphasis on Latino youth, by building capacity, promoting best practices, and
transforming educational institutions. ALAS was established in
2003 in response to a lack of national advocacy and representation of Latino students.