APS to Host “Family Fitness Night”

NEWS RELEASE # 67
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2012

WHAT: APS Hosts “Family Fitness Night”
WHEN: May 1, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Central High School, 11700 East 11^th Avenue 80010

APS to Host “Family Fitness Night”

Aurora Public Schools will host a “Family Fitness Night” on May 1 at Aurora Central High School. The event is a competition between APS schools to motivate families to get in shape.

“Family Fitness Night” kicks off National Physical Education and Sports Week. The evening will include demonstrations by local professionals, youth fitness exhibitions, fitness activities and vendors. Emcee and motivational speaker, Mark MacIntosh of Mile High Sports Radio, will keep families moving as they compete to win prizes for their school.

Families will learn and participate in a variety of activities to encourage new fitness options such as Taekwondo, Boot Camp Fitness, Dance, Jump Rope, Tai Chi, Kung Fu and much more. This event supports the Quality Physical Education Standards, which can be viewed at www.aahperd.org/naspe/standards/nationalStandards/PEstandards.cfm.

“Physical education and physical activity provides students the skills, concepts and knowledge they need to live active, productive lives,” said Clayton Ellis, Aurora Central High School Physical Education Teacher and 2010 National High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. “Physical education energizes their brains so that they are ready to learn in their other content areas. Healthy students learn better!”

This event is supported by Aurora Public Schools, the Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness, the Colorado Sports Organization, Let’s Move in School Initiative and National Physical Education and Sport Week.

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

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 66
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2012

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: May 1, 2012
WHERE: 15771 E. 1^st Avenue, Aurora, 80011

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On Tuesday, May 1, 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)(e), to discuss strategy and guidance for negotiations.

This session will take place immediately following the board meeting in the “Blanca Peak” conference room at the Professional Learning and Conference Center, located at 15771 E. 1st Avenue, Aurora, 80011.

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APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 65
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2012

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: May 1, 2012
WHERE: 15701 East 1^st Avenue, Suite 206, Aurora, 80011

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On Tuesday, May 1, 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), to discuss personnel matters.

This session will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the support services conference room at Educational Services Center 1, located at 15701 East 1^st Avenue, Suite 206, Aurora, CO 80011.

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Announcing 5th Gear Kids

NEWS RELEASE # 64
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2012

 

WHAT: New Health Program Unveiled 
WHEN: April 30, 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Colorado Center for Health and Wellness, 12348 East Montview Boulevard 80045

Announcing "5th Gear Kids" Program
Colorado Center for Health and Wellness fights childhood obesity

The Colorado Center for Health and Wellness wants children in Colorado to make healthy lifestyle and nutrition choices, so it is partnering with Aurora Public Schools to empower students with the knowledge and skills to make those healthy choices.  A program called “5^th Gear Kids” is designed to reduce childhood obesity. Children’s Hospital Colorado and King Soopers also are part of the collaborative effort to design and develop the program. 

One out of three children in Colorado is considered overweight or obese. Most of them will fight obesity as adults. “5^th Gear Kids” focuses on developing 5^th graders as leaders who make good choices and set good examples for the younger children in their schools and families. The program is designed to teach kids life-long skills about nutrition and physical activity. 

King Soopers will provide a card to all “5^th Gear Kids” to serve as a reward and point system to further reinforce healthy choices.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technology Camp for Girls – Imagination, Creativity, Engineering

NEWS RELEASE # 63
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2012

 

WHAT: Tech Camp for Girls 
WHEN: April 30, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 East 1^st Avenue 80011

Technology Camp for Girls – Imagination, Creativity, Engineering

Hewlett-Packard, in partnership with the Aurora Public Schools Department of Information Technology, is excited to offer its 2^nd annual Technology Camp for Girls, open to APS middle school girls. This day-long camp at the APS Professional Learning Conference Center takes place on Monday, April 30. The purpose of this one-day camp is to:

• Energize girls to continue learning about math and science
• Inspire 6th grade girls in the community to learn more about engineering
• Show girls that technology is fun and allow them to try new things
• Help instill a sense of imagination, creativity and confidence about technology

During the camp, girls will break into small groups and experiment, invent, be creative and have fun. They will also meet many female engineers, including some high-level female managers at HP who will share what it was that got them hooked on and excited about math, science and technology. More importantly, the girls will discover that being an engineer and working with technology is cool and that many of our female engineers at HP are also moms, Girl Scout leaders, athletes and artists leading very exciting lives. The girls will come away with more enthusiasm and confidence in pursuing math and science, and realize that they can do anything they want.  

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please join us! Pathways to Results Celebration

NEWS RELEASE # 62
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2012

 

WHAT: Pathways to Results Celebration
WHEN: April 26, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 East 1^st Avenue 80011

Please join us! Pathways to Results Celebration

A simulated hospital room, a 21^st century classroom and anatomy sculptures molded from clay – just a few of the Aurora Public Schools student demonstrations headlining a special celebration on April 26.

Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia will join APS Superintendent John L. Barry, APS Board of Education members and community partners to see first-hand how APS Academic and Career Pathways are impacting student learning.

There are four Academic and Career Pathways in Aurora Public Schools:

• Arts and Communication
• Business
• Health Sciences
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Visual demonstrations from each pathway – plus other learning related to business/community/workforce partners – will give students the opportunity to showcase what they are learning in the classroom.

From participation in focus groups to creating hands-on learning for students, APS partners have had a significant impact on the development of Academic and Career Pathways and student success.

 

Pathways to Results Celebration
Thursday, April 26
9:30 a.m.
Professional Learning & Conference Center
15771 East 1^st Avenue
Aurora, Colorado 80011

 

Please join us for this special event to see the results of the community’s contributions to APS student learning.

 

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

William Smith High School Students to Dedicate a Day to Service for the Community

NEWS RELEASE #61
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
April 18, 2012

 

William Smith High School Students to Dedicate a Day to Service for the Community
Students coming together to make a difference

Students from William Smith High School are looking to exceed expectations by organizing and participating in what they call a “Day of Service.” Taking place on Saturday, April 21, students will go above and beyond for a selfless occasion: they are not only volunteering for a full day at one of several opportunities, but many students have been a part of the planning process.

These opportunities – set up by the students themselves – will allow for the participants to experience the challenging, though rewarding, work that goes into keeping a community strong.

With some hard work and dedication, students in Rudder, our school leadership group, coordinated service opportunities reaching out to ten community organizations, including Bluff Lake Nature Center, the Ronald McDonald House and Ellis Elementary School. While every student will partake in this day, the small – but effective – groups partnering with each location will allow for each student to make a unique contribution to the community.

Our students are looking forward to this opportunity. “The day of service is great for William Smith students to be able to get to know and be a part of their community,” said WSHS junior Stefanus Tampubolon. “It’s a great idea because it’s a planned out day for all students at our school to serve our community and we get the chance to work together with our classmates from all grades.”

As team unity is a big part of the William Smith High School experience, new pathways are constantly being opened up for current students. In-school programs, such as Rudder, allow for the pupils to plan out volunteer work, school functions and fundraisers on their own, all the while developing the very skills that they’ll need as adults.

To these students, April 21 isn’t about volunteering because they have to. It’s about supporting the local community and being an active part of a bigger picture. With the vision and dedication, perhaps more schools around the country could be inspired to do the same.

William Smith High School is an Expeditionary Learning high school in the Aurora Public School District, where all members of our school community are “crew, not passengers.” For more information on this event please contact WSHS junior Samantha Aylward, one of our Day of Service student coordinators and author of this release, at samanthaa@dubsmith.org. Or, for more information on this event and other innovative programs happening at our school, please contact Expeditionary Development Director Lauren Victor at levictor@aps.k12.co.us or 303-364-8715.

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Vista PEAK to be Designated as No Place for Hate®

NEWS RELEASE #60
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
April 17, 2012

 

Vista PEAK to be Designation as No Place for Hate^{®
School affirms commitment to promoting respect for diversity and continuing anti-bias efforts} 

In a school-wide ceremony at 9:30 am on April 18, the students and faculty at the Vista PEAK P-20 campus will celebrate the school’s designation as a No Place for Hate® School, having completed a year of anti-bias and anti-bullying programs. The official designation banner will be presented at the ceremony.

To earn this distinction, Vista PEAK formed a No Place for Hate® coalition, adopted a resolution pledging to create a more inclusive school and implemented a number of projects promoting respect for differences. Projects completed this year include guest speakers who shared information about their culture.  These speakers represented Asian, Polynesian, Irish, African, Mexican and Italian heritages.  Students completed several activities around identity, culture, anti-bullying and civic responsibility.  As a result of this work, the school has also implemented an intercultural studies class for students who are interested in social justice.

This is the first year of Vista PEAK’s participation in this program.  This is the beginning of what is anticipated to be a spring filled with No Place for Hate® designations in Aurora Public Schools, following Vista PEAK administrative team’s endorsement of the program last fall. Vista PEAK is one of approximately 45 schools across Colorado and Wyoming participating in the No Place for Hate® program.

The Anti-Defamation League, in partnership with many organizations, created No Place for Hate^®. This groundbreaking program empowers communities, schools and college campuses to challenge intolerance, bullying, and indifference through action and education. Participating institutions make a public commitment to fostering respectful environments for all citizens. Upon completion of three new projects created to facilitate inter-group dialogue, inhibit tensions and promote harmony, a community, school or campuses is publicly designated No Place for Hate^®

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Students and attorneys help to create positive school culture through firm’s “Great Minds Great Hearts” program to combat anti-bullying

NEWS RELEASE # 59
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
April 16, 2012

Students and attorneys help to create positive school culture through firm’s “Great Minds Great Hearts” program to combat anti-bullying
Rangeview High School celebrates the No Place for Hate initiative’s success on April 17 at 9:30 a.m.

A community partnership has formed between attorneys at international law firm Greenberg Traurig and students at Rangeview High School to promote a positive culture in today’s schools. On Tuesday, April 17, at 9:30 a.m., Rangeview High School,  17599 E. Iliff Ave. in Aurora, will host a Designation Ceremony to highlight the strides the students have made in changing the environment at their school for the better.

Rangeview’s program was made possible in part by Greenberg Traurig Great Minds Great Hearts contribution to the Mountain States Region of the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) No Place for Hate® initiative.

“ADL is making a significant difference in the lives of school-age children in our community,” said Greenberg Traurig Shareholder Sam Levy, who is a volunteer liaison for the initiative. “The No Place for Hate® initiative is an integral part of that effort, and Greenberg Traurig is pleased to help support the launch of the program in two additional schools in Colorado for one year. We are honored to help foster a positive culture in today’s schools.”

Following Rangeview’s all-school assembly at 10:30 a.m., the school’s final No Place for Hate Diversity Lesson will be conducted in the classroom on the topic “Resolution of Respect,” in which students are presented with various scenarios for discussion, and support is provided for positive outcomes to the situations.

“We are grateful for Greenburg Traurig’s commitment and support to help create a school culture that is inclusive and a safe environment for learning and teaching,” said Scott Levin, executive director of the ADL Mountain States Region. “We greatly appreciate the leadership of Sam Levy.”

Through its Great Minds Great Hearts Diversity program, Greenberg Traurig’s Denver office supports the work of local non-profits. Contributions are made in the areas of Arts, Diversity, Education, Leadership and People in Need. Greenberg Traurig shareholders are also actively involved with the non-profit organizations the firm support.

According to Levin, ADL has 45 elementary, middle and high schools that are participating in the 2011-2012 initiative. The initiative is free to schools. In addition to being a volunteer liaison at a school, Levy has enlisted Greenberg Traurig litigation associate Jeff Lippa to volunteer to be a No Place for Hate® liaison at one of the new schools that the contribution will make possible.

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

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 58
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2012

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: April 13, 2012

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On April 13, 2012, the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education recessed into an emergency executive session under the authority of C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f), to receive information regarding a personnel matter.

This session took place at 3:00 p.m. via telephone conference.

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Discovery Education and Aurora Public Schools to Host Interactive Conference for Area Educators

NEWS RELEASE # 57
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
April 13, 2012

WHAT: APS Hosts Discovery Education Interactive Conference
WHEN: April 14, 8 am-3 pm
WHERE: Vista PEAK Preparatory School, 24500 East 6^th Avenue 80018

 

Discovery Education and Aurora Public Schools to Host Interactive Conference for Area Educators

Featured speakers to discuss strategies to incorporate digital media and technology into classrooms to make learning come alive and improve student engagement and achievement

 

On Saturday, April 14, Aurora Public Schools and Discovery Education will host an interactive “Day of Discovery” professional development event for more than 175 area educators. During the event, attendees will learn strategies and techniques to leverage digital media and technology in the classroom to inspire and engage students and improve achievement.

The Obama administration recently released a plan for schools to get digital resources in students’ hands within five years. Digital resources provide interactive learning experiences, save districts money, are updated in real-time, and improve student engagement and achievement. Aurora Public Schools is leading the national shift to utilize digital media and technology to enrich classroom learning experiences, empower teachers and captivate students.  

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education transforms classrooms, empowers teachers and captivates students by providing high quality, dynamic, digital content for grades K-12 and community colleges. Powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital media, professional development, assessment tools and a passionate educator network to support districts in accelerating student achievement. Discovery Education services like Discovery Education streaming, Discovery Education Techbook and Discovery Education Higher Ed, are in more than half of all US schools and 35 countries around the world.  Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

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

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 56
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2012

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: April 17, 2012
WHERE: 15771 E. 1^st Avenue, Aurora, 80011

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On Tuesday, April 17, 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)(e), to discuss strategy and guidance for negotiations, and C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) to discuss personnel matters.

This session will take place from 8:30-9:30 p.m. in the “Blanca Peak” conference room at the Professional Learning and Conference Center, located at 15771 E. 1st Avenue, Aurora, 80011.

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APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 55
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2012

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: April 11, 2012
WHERE: 15771 E. 1^st Avenue, Aurora, 80011

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On Wednesday, April 11, 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), to discuss personnel matters.

This session will take place from 7-9 p.m. in “VIP Conference Room” at the Professional Learning and Conference Center, located at 15771 E. 1st Avenue, Aurora, 80011.

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APS Promethean Build-Off Challenge

NEWS RELEASE # 54
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
April 6, 2012

WHAT: APS Shows Off Promethean Skills
WHEN: April 7, 10 am
WHERE: Professional Learning & Conference Center, 15771 East 1^st Avenue, 80011

 

APS Promethean Build-Off Challenge

 

Picture it, two teachers, two Activboards – racing to complete or create activities the fastest. The Promethean Build-Off is a chance for those with novice to advanced Promethean skills to team up with a partner and face off against colleagues.

 

Winners are eligible for door prizes including an iPad, Promethean Board, Promethean ActivExpressions, Promethean ActivWand, Discovery Planet Earth DVD game, Intel Snuggie and Atomic Learning bags and shirts.

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

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE # 53
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2012

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: April 3, 2012
WHERE: 15771 E. 1^st Avenue, Aurora, 80011

APS Board of Education Executive Session

On April 3, 2012, 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)(b), to receive legal advice regarding the possibility of scheduling future Board work sessions.

This session will take place immediately following the regular Board meeting in the Professional Learning and Conference Center, located at 15771 E. 1^st Avenue, Aurora, 80011.

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