APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2011

WHAT: APS BOE Executive Session
WHEN: September 20, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: 1085 Peoria Street, Aurora, CO 80011

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On October 4, 2011, the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is expected to recess into executive session  from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room A, ESC 4, at 1085 Peoria St., under the authority of C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) and (e), to discuss a personnel matter, specifically to negotiate and discuss the superintendent’s evaluation and contract.  If necessary, the Board will continue this executive session after the regular Board meeting is adjourned.

### 

 

 

William Smith High School Designated an Expeditionary Learning Mentor School

NEWS RELEASE # 19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2011

 

William Smith High School Designated an Expeditionary Learning Mentor School

William Smith High School has been designated an Expeditionary Learning Mentor School for the 2011-2012 academic year. The award recognizes William Smith High School as one of the top performing schools in Expeditionary Learning’s national network of 165 schools in 30 states. William Smith High School consistently exceeds district averages on all standard measures, including ACT and CSAP achievement and growth.

Scott Hartl, President and CEO of Expeditionary Learning, noted that “Expeditionary Learning’s Mentor Schools stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the highest performing schools in the nation because of their students’ academic achievement, college readiness skills and deep engagement in learning. They will be an invaluable resource for our entire network.”

As an Expeditionary Learning Mentor School, William Smith High School will host professional residencies, showcase best practices and play an active role in bringing all EL schools to the same high level of performance.

“We’re excited to join Expeditionary Learning’s national network of high achieving schools and contribute our voices to the dialogue on educational reform, both here locally and nationally,” said William Smith High School Principal Jane Shirley.

Expeditionary Learning partners with school districts and charter boards to open new schools and transform existing schools at all levels, preK-12, and in all settings – urban, rural, and suburban. The EL model challenges students to think critically and to take active roles in their classrooms and communities, resulting in higher achievement, greater engagement with school, and college readiness. The national network of EL schools and professional colleagues includes 165 schools, 4,000 teachers, and 45,000 students.

 

###

Interested media may contact William Smith High School
Expeditionary Development Specialist Lauren Victor at 303-364-8715 x27827,
or Expeditionary Learning Chief Advancement Officer Lili Brown at 212-239-4455.

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2011

WHAT: APS BOE Executive Session
WHEN: September 20, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: 1085 Peoria Street, Aurora, CO 80011

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On Tuesday, September 20, the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is expected to recess into executive session under the authority of C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) to discuss a personnel matter, specifically the preparation of the superintendent’s evaluation.

This session will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room A of Educational Services Center 4, located at 1085 Peoria Street, Aurora 80011.

### 

 

 

APS to Host Equity Education Conference

NEWS RELEASE # 17
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2011

WHAT: Equity Education Conference
WHEN: September 17, 8 a.m.
WHERE: Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12, 24500 East 6^th Avenue 80018 

 

APS to Host Equity Education Conference

 

Aurora Public Schools will host the “Educating a Rainbow of Children” equity and education conference this weekend.

This year’s topic is Culture, Community and Our Classrooms: Examining the Impact of Equity through Relevance, Rigor and Relationships. Gary R. Howard, who has 35 years of experience working with civil rights, social justice, equity, education and diversity issues, will serve as keynote speaker. Considered groundbreaking, his work regarding privilege, power and the role of white leaders in a multicultural society can be found in his most recent book, We Can’t Teach What We Don’t Know: White Teachers, Multicultural Schools.

The conference is open to all teachers, classified staff, parents, students and community members of Aurora Public Schools.

 

###

 

Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Paula Hans at 303-326-2755 for more information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superintendent Barry Appointed to Education Leadership Council by Governor Hickenlooper

NEWS RELEASE # 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2011

Superintendent Barry Appointed to Education Leadership Council by Governor Hickenlooper

APS Superintendent John L. Barry was recently appointed to the Education Leadership Council by Governor John Hickenlooper and Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia.

The Education Leadership Council was created by executive order on Hickenlooper’s first day in office. The council will provide a meaningful forum for educators, community members, business leaders and lawmakers to examine the current status of education policies and make recommendations to the governor, General Assembly and governing boards regarding long-term improvements.

“Education is key to our children’s success and to the success of Colorado,” Garcia said. “The Education Leadership Council will work to ensure our state helps deliver on the collective promise created by recent education reforms, like the Colorado Achievement Plan for Kids and the Educator Effectiveness bill.”

The council will meet for the first time on September 20. The appointed Education Leadership Council members will serve terms expiring June 30, 2013: 

• Joseph A. Garcia of Pueblo, as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and as Chair.
• Robert K. Hammond of Erie, as Commissioner of Education.
• Charles Hereford Percy of Arvada, as Chairman of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
• Jane Goff of Arvada, as designee of the State Board of Education.
• Bob Bacon of Fort Collins, as designee of the Colorado Senate Education Committee.
• Tom Massey of Poncha Springs, as designee of the Colorado House of Representatives House Education Committee.
• Jennifer Merva Stedron of Denver, as Executive Director of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission.
• Reggie Bicha of Denver, as Executive Director of Health and Human Services.
• Nathaniel “Nate” Easley, Jr. of Denver, as a member of a local school board of education.
• John L. Barry of Aurora, as a school superintendent or principal.
• Mark A. DeVoti of Pagosa Springs, as a school superintendent or principal.
• Floyd Mike Miles of Colorado Springs, as a school superintendent or principal.
• Michelle Line Pearson of Broomfield, as a classroom teacher.
• David Ethan Greenberg of Cherry Hills Village, as a board member of or administrator at a public charter school.
• Nancy J. McCallin of Parker, as a postsecondary administrator representing the two-year sector.
• Stephen M. Jordan of Lafayette, as a postsecondary administrator representing the four-year sector.
• Jay W. Helman of Gunnison, as a postsecondary administrator or instructor representing the four-year sector.
• Judi Diaz Bonacquisti of Denver, as a postsecondary administrator representing the four-year sector.
• Bruce Davey Benson of Denver, as a postsecondary administrator or instructor representing the four-year sector.
• Joseph Bradley Blake of Denver, as a postsecondary administrator or instructor representing the four-year sector.
• Barbara Barnes Grogan of Denver, representing private businesses or industries in Colorado.
• Michael Craig Gass of Littleton, representing private businesses or industries in Colorado.
• Sue Elizabeth Renner of Denver, representing an organization that supports or has expertise in infant health and development.
• Kelly J. Brough of Denver, as a public member.
• Bruce H. Caughey of Centennial, as a public member.
• Kenneth A. DeLay of Longmont, as a public member.
• Richard L. Garcia of Boulder, as a public member.
• Ellen Golombeck of Denver, as a public member.
• Ernest Domingo House of Aurora, as a public member.
• Michael C. Johnston of Denver, as a public member.
• Helayne B. Jones of Boulder, as a public member.
• Dale McCall of Longmont, as a public member.
• Carole R. Murray of Castle Rock, as a public member.
• Daniel L. Ritchie of Denver, as a public member.
• Anthony Darren Salazar of Denver, as a public member.
• Christine Marie Scanlan of Dillon, as a public member.
• Brenda Kay Smith of Highlands Ranch, as a public member.
• Chris J. Watney of Denver, as a public member.

For more information on Boards and Commissions, visit colorado.gov/governor.

###

Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Paula Hans at 303-326-2755 for more information

 

 

 

 

 

APS to Hold Grand Opening for Vista PEAK Preparatory

NEWS RELEASE # 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2011

WHAT: Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12 Grand Opening Celebration
WHEN: September 8, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12, 24500 East 6^th Avenue 80018

APS to Hold Grand Opening for Vista PEAK Preparatory

 Aurora Public Schools will hold a grand opening celebration for Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12 on Thursday, September 8 at 6:30 pm. Vista PEAK Preparatory is the second school to open on the Vista PEAK campus.

Vista PEAK is the first P-20 campus in Colorado. The campus includes Vista PEAK Exploratory P-8 and Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12, and offers students learning opportunities from preschool through postsecondary education. Students at Vista PEAK are benefitting from a variety of academic and career pathways in partnership with local colleges and businesses.

The campus was funded as part of the $215 million bond approved by Aurora voters in November 2008. The bond is also funding improvements at every APS school.

Members of the media are welcome to attend the dedication of the newest APS school. The event will also include free food, activities and building tours.

Thursday, September 8
6:30 p.m.
Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12
24500 East 6^th Avenue
Aurora, Colorado 80018

Prior to the grand opening celebration, the Vista PEAK junior varsity football team will host D’Evelyn. The game begins at 4:30 p.m.

For information on Vista PEAK Campus, go to vistapeak.aurorak12.org. APS bond information is posted at aurorak12.org/bond.

###

Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Paula Hans at 303-326-2755 for more information

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board of Education Special Open Meeting

NEWS RELEASE # 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2011

WHAT: APS Board of Education Special Open Meeting
WHEN: September 8, 2011
WHERE: 15253 E. Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, CO  80012

APS Board of Education Special Open Meeting

On Thursday, September 8, the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold a special open meeting, pursuant to C.R.S. 22-32-108, to review and discuss the Rebound Ombudsman program.

The meting will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Rebound Ombudsman South Facility located at 15253 E. Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, CO  80012.

###

APS Board Cancels November Election

NEWS RELEASE # 13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2011

APS Board Cancels November Election

 Pursuant to state law, C.R.S. 1-5-208 (1.5), the APS Board of Education has canceled its November 1 election. 

Three candidates who were verified by the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder, Cathy Wildman, Mary Lewis and Dan Jorgensen, have been declared elected. No petitions were filed with Adams County.

The Board made this decision because there were not more candidates than vacant seats and no one filed an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate.

Wildman, Lewis and Jorgensen will be sworn into office at the November 8, 2011, board meeting.

 ###

Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Paula Hans at 303-326-2755 for more information

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board May Cancel November Election

NEWS RELEASE # 12
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2011

APS Board May Cancel November Election

Aurora Public Schools learned yesterday that we have three certified candidates for the three vacant offices on the Board of Education as a result of a candidate’s decision to withdraw from the election on November 1, 2011.

Pursuant to state law, C.R.S. 1-5-208 (1.5), the Board of Education by resolution may vote to cancel the election and declare the candidates elected. The Board will consider this because there were not more candidates than vacant seats and no one filed an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate.

Current board members will vote on this resolution during a special open meeting:

 

APS Board of Education
Special Open Meeting
September 1
5:00 p.m.
Educational Services Center 4
1085 Peoria Street
Aurora, Colorado 80011

 The three candidates who have been certified to run are Cathy Wildman, Mary Lewis and Dan Jorgensen.

 Mary Lewis is an incumbent. 

###

Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Paula Hans at 303-326-2755 for more information