BakerHostetler Announces “First Generation” Scholarship

NEWS RELEASE # 22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2013

 

BakerHostetler Announces “First Generation” Scholarship

 

BakerHostetler, a national law firm with an office in Denver, has joined with the Community College of Aurora Foundation to offer a $2,500 per semester scholarship for qualifying Aurora Public Schools graduates.

The BakerHostetler/APS Superintendent's Merit Scholars Award was established with a $25,000 grant from BakerHostetler and is intended for high performing students who are the first in their families to attend college. This five-year commitment supports qualifying Aurora Public Schools graduates to attend the Community College of Aurora (CCA) for two years, with the hope of then transferring to Metropolitan State University of Denver to complete their studies.

"BakerHostetler has a longstanding commitment to improving opportunity by supporting higher education," said Ray Sutton, managing partner of the BakerHostetler Denver office. "This scholarship was the perfect way to continue that commitment and show our support for former BakerHostetler partner, Rico Munn, the newly appointment superintendent of Aurora Public Schools."

In addition to the financial support this grant provides, BakerHostetler partner A. Jeremy Atencio serves on the CCA Foundation board and Ray Sutton has been a member of the Metropolitan State University of Denver Foundation Board since 1995 (having also served as its chairman).

Mike Quirk, president of Community College of Aurora Foundation, called it an "incredible opportunity for students to benefit from BakerHostetler's commitment to education."

Award recipients will be selected through an application and interview process and can receive the scholarship for up to two years, as long as they continue to meet the criteria. The scholarship selection committee will include members from the CCA Foundation, BakerHostetler and Aurora Public Schools Education Foundation (APSEF). Final selection will be made by APS Superintendent Munn.

"APS is excited to be part of this creative partnership between the business community, higher education and K-12 to accelerate learning for APS students," said Superintendent Munn. "On a personal note, I am honored that my former colleagues have chosen to extend their history of community partnerships to my work here in APS."

"For every dollar a community college graduate invests in their education, they will earn a significant increase in their future income over the life of their careers," said Wendy Mitchell, president and CEO of the Aurora Economic Development Council. "Additionally, these students are learning skills that will contribute to vital sectors of our economy, such as health care and homeland security. The Community College of Aurora provides a pipeline of workers to the advances industries in our community ensuring an available and reliable workforce."

Winners will be announced at the Community College of Aurora Foundation's Annual Scholarship Luncheon in the spring and the APSEF Gala in the fall of each year. Opportunities for additional financial contributions will be offered at both events.

About BakerHostetler

BakerHostetler is among the nation's 100 largest law firms with nearly 800 attorneys coast to coast, delivering the highest quality legal counsel on the most complex and critical issues facing clients today. The firm has offices in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Costa Mesa, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando and Washington, D.C. Its five primary practice groups are Business, Employment, Intellectual Property, Litigation and Tax. For more information, visit www.bakerlaw.com.

About Community College of Aurora Foundation

Our mission is to build financial and public support for the Community College of Aurora. Goals: Provide financial support to the College and its students through effective fundraising. Build public and business awareness of the College and the benefits it provides the community. Provide community input and counsel to the College.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

Tollgate Showcases Building Remodel

NEWS RELEASE # 21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2013

WHAT: Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning Grand Opening
WHEN: September 30, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tollgate Elementary School, 701 South Kalispell Way 80011

 

Tollgate Showcases Building Remodel

 

Aurora Public Schools will host a grand opening to spotlight the building remodel at Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning on Monday, September 30. Superintendent Rico Munn, the APS Board of Education and Tollgate staff members will host a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. The event will include an open house and free food.

The bond-funded remodel, which expands the school’s capacity from 538 to 732 students, includes a new classroom addition, a new kitchen and cafeteria, and a secure front entrance.

The project was funded with bond dollars approved by Aurora voters in 2008.

 

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

APS Board of Education Meeting - Location and Time Change

NEWS RELEASE # 20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2013

WHAT: APS Board of Education Meeting Location and Time Change
WHEN: September 17, 6:45 p.m.
WHERE: 15701 East 1^st Avenue, Suite #206, 80011

 

APS Board of Education Meeting
***Location and Time Change***

 

The September 17 Aurora Public Schools Board of Education meeting has been moved to the Superintendent Conference Room, ESC 1,  located at 15701 East 1^st Avenue, Suite #206, 80011. The meeting will now begin at 6:45 p.m. and is open to the public.

 

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

AXL Academy Open to Grades 3-8 on Tuesday, September 17

NEWS RELEASE # 19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2013

 

AXL Academy Open to Grades 3-8 on Tuesday, September 17
P-2 Students Return September 23

 

AXL Academy will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, September 17 for grades 3-8 only. Classrooms for scholars in grades PK-2 suffered water damage and will undergo repairs this week. P-2 classes will resume on Monday, September 23.  Please check AXL's website, http://www.axlacademy.org/,  for regular updates on building repairs.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

Columbia Middle School Closing at 10:45 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE # 18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2013

 

Columbia Middle School Closing at 10:45 a.m.

 

Due to a power line break near Columbia Middle School, we are releasing students at 10:45 a.m. today. We are releasing students and closing school because Xcel Energy will need to turn off the power to make repairs, which will affect all of the classrooms and alarms.

Columbia students who walk home will be dismissed at 10:45 a.m. Those who ride the bus will be picked up at 10:45 a.m. and dropped off at their regular bus stops. If parents wish to pick up their child, please do so at the early dismissal time of 10:45 a.m.

The girls’ track meet scheduled for this afternoon will still take place, and we will bus students from Columbia at 4 p.m., to Hinkley High School. Swim practice and other after school events are canceled.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

Aurora Public Schools Closed Friday, September 13

NEWS RELEASE # 17
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2013

 

Aurora Public Schools Closed Friday, September 13

 

The Aurora Police Department, Aurora Public Schools and the Cherry Creek School District have agreed to close all schools on Friday, September 13 in the interest of public safety due to conditions caused by the heavy rains. This closure also includes Pickens Technical College. In the interest of safety, staff and students should stay home.

All APS day and evening events and activities are also cancelled for September 13.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

CANCELLED: Tollgate Showcases Building Remodel

NEWS RELEASE # 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2013

WHAT: Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning Grand Opening
WHEN: September 12, 5:30 p.m. (cancelled due to weather conditions)
WHERE: Tollgate Elementary School, 701 South Kalispell Way 80011

 

CANCELLED: Tollgate Showcases Building Remodel

 

Aurora Public Schools will host a grand opening to spotlight the building remodel at Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning on Thursday, September 12(cancelled due to weather conditions – will be rescheduled at a later date). Superintendent Rico Munn, the APS Board of Education and Tollgate staff members will host a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. The event will include an open house and free food.

The bond-funded remodel, which expands the school’s capacity from 538 to 732 students, includes a new classroom addition, a new kitchen and cafeteria, and a secure front entrance.

The project was funded with bond dollars approved by Aurora voters in 2008.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

Weather Conditions Prompt Closures, Cancellations

NEWS RELEASE # 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2013

Weather Conditions Prompt Closures, Cancellations
Updated at 1:08 p.m.

 

Due to weather conditions, the following schools/classes are cancelled for Thursday, September 12:

UPDATE: 1:08 p.m.

Due to expected additional rain and flooding, we are encouraging all Aurora Public Schools parents and guardians to pick up their children as soon as possible today.

We will not let any elementary or K-8 students walk home without parent permission. Staff members will remain at the school until all students have been released to their parents or guardians.

If students who ride the bus are not picked up by dismissal time, we will transport students to their regular bus stops at their normal times. If parents cannot pick their child up from school, we encourage them to pick them up at their bus stops.

All afternoon and evening athletic and school activities, including after school care, are canceled at all schools today.

UPDATE: 11:57 a.m.

• New America School
• Aurora Academy
• Aurora Central High – dismissing at 12:30 p.m. due to heavy rains and flooding concerns
• Peoria Elementary – dismissing at 2 p.m. due to heavy rains and flooding concerns
• All afternoon and evening activities, including athletics

UPDATE: 11:25 a.m.

• All afternoon preschool classes
• Lyn Knoll Elementary – dismissing immediately due to heavy rains and flooding concerns
• South Middle – dismissing at 12 p.m. due to heavy rains and flooding concerns, parent/teacher conferences also cancelled

UPDATE: 10:06 a.m.

• Global Village Academy
• Lotus School for Excellence
• Preschool only at Vaughn Elementary (other grade levels are in session)

The grand opening celebration scheduled later today at Tollgate Elementary School is cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

Tollgate Showcases Building Remodel

NEWS RELEASE # 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2013

WHAT: Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning Grand Opening
WHEN: September 12, 5:30 p.m. (cancelled due to weather conditions)
WHERE: Tollgate Elementary School, 701 South Kalispell Way 80011

 

Tollgate Showcases Building Remodel

 

Aurora Public Schools will host a grand opening to spotlight the building remodel at Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning on Thursday, September 12(cancelled due to weather conditions - will be rescheduled at a later date). Superintendent Rico Munn, the APS Board of Education and Tollgate staff members will host a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. The event will include an open house and free food.

The bond-funded remodel, which expands the school’s capacity from 538 to 732 students, includes a new classroom addition, a new kitchen and cafeteria, and a secure front entrance.

The project was funded with bond dollars approved by Aurora voters in 2008.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

Free/Reduced Price Meal Guidelines

NEWS RELEASE # 13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2013

 

Free/Reduced Price Meal Guidelines 

Aurora Public Schools announces its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Local school officials will use the following household size and income criteria for determining eligibility:

Family size  -  FREE MEALS  -  REDUCED PRICE MEALS               Size                             Yearly                                                Yearly         1                                $14,937                                            $21,257                  2                                $20,163                                            $28,694         3                                $25,389                                            $36,131         4                                $30,615                                            $43,568         5                                $35,841                                            $51,005         6                                $41,067                                            $58,442         7                                $46,293                                            $65,879         8                                $51,519                                            $73,316 For each additional family member add:           $5,226                                              $7,437

 

Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals.

Application forms are being provided to all homes with a letter to parents. Only one application is required for all children in the household. Additional copies are available in each school. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility and verifying data.

Applications from families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly the Food Stamp Program) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits need only to list the children’s names, name of the person receiving the program benefits, respective case number, and the signature of an adult household member. Eligibility for free meals is extended to all children in the household when the application lists a case number for any household member.

All other households that would qualify based upon income must show the names of all household members related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends), the amount of gross income each person receives, the frequency and source of pay, the signature of an adult household member, and the last four digits of that adult’s social security number – or check the box if the adult does not have a social security number. The information on the application may be verified by the school or other program officials at any time during the school year.

Households with children who are eligible under the homeless, migrant, or runaway programs should contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits. To complete an application, they must mark the relevant box to indicate their appropriate eligibility.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income. If a family has just foster children in the home and wishes to apply for meals, they should complete the application using the instructions for households with foster children only. If a family has foster and non-foster children living with them and wishes to apply for meals, they should complete the application using the instructions for households that have foster and non-foster children residing in the home. Including foster children as household members may help other children in the household qualify for meal benefits. 

An application cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.

When known to the school district, households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals if they are members of household receiving assistance from SNAP or FDPIR. If the household receives such a notice, no application is required for free meal benefits. If any children in the household were not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district to have benefits extended to that child(ren).

When known to the school district, households will be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is categorized as homeless, migrant, or runaway or is enrolled in an eligible Head Start or Even Start program. For any child not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district about any child also eligible under one of these programs or should submit an application for other children.

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the district if they choose to decline meal benefits.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please contact your school.

Under the provision of the Policy, Liz Romero and/or Robin Pagliasotti will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the decision, a request may be made to discuss it with the determining official. A formal appeal may be made either orally or in writing to Mona Martinez-Brosh for a hearing to appeal the decision. The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure.

Each school has a copy of the complete policy which may be reviewed by any interested party. Applications may be submitted any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now but have a decrease in income, become unemployed, have an increase in family size, or become eligible for SNAP or FDPIR benefits, you may fill out an application at that time.

Non-discrimination statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.  “In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired 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.”

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

9/11 Tradition Continues at APS Schools

NEWS RELEASE # 12
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2013

WHAT: APS schools remember 9/11
WHEN: September 11 (see below)
WHERE: Various schools (see below)

 

9/11 Tradition Continues at APS Schools

 

The tradition of honoring those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001 continues at Aurora Public Schools. Students at Century Elementary and North Middle schools will celebrate the lives of the everyday heroes who protect them and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The Daughters of the American Revolution are joining the Aurora Fire Department and the Aurora Police Department to bring the special ceremony to the schools. Each ceremony will include an impressive flag presentation, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Every student will hold a small American flag during the ceremony, donated by Graebel Companies.

Media are welcome to attend one of the special ceremonies at either of these APS locations:

• 8:30 am – Century Elementary School, 2500 South Granby Way 80014
• 10:30 am – North Middle School, 12095 Montview Boulevard 80010

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

APS Presents Poetry @ Play

NEWS RELEASE # 11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2013 

WHAT: Poetry @ Play
WHEN: September 20, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora West College Preparatory Academy, 10100 East 13th Street 80010

 

APS Presents Poetry @ Play

A new signature poetry event for the Aurora Cultural Arts District focuses on local poetry. The event will include area poets, students, educators, artists and the general public celebrating the spoken word. 

On Friday, September 20th, Aurora high school students will read original poems at Aurora West College Preparatory Academy. Community College of Aurora Faculty will participate and encourage the students at the event. Students can sign up with their school principal.

Partners include Aurora Public Schools, Aurora City Councilperson Debi Hunter-Holen, Community College of Aurora,  and various area artists and poets from the Aurora Cultural Arts District.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

 

Students Create Healthy Habits through School-Based Program

NEWS RELEASE # 10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2013 

WHAT: 5^th Gear Kids Celebration
WHEN: September 6, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Hills Middle School, 1009 South Uvalda Street 80012

 

Students create healthy habits through school-based wellness program

 

Fifth graders have the chance to learn about making healthy choices through the “5^th Gear Kids” program. It’s the second year of the wellness program in Aurora Public Schools (APS).

Families of all 5^th grade students are invited to attend the kickoff celebration and sign up for the program. Miles, the mascot of the Denver Broncos will be at the event. McDonald’s is one of 5^th Gear’s community partners and Ronald McDonald also will attend.

The goal of “5^th Gear Kids” is to prevent obesity, improve academic performance and enhance lifelong health. It teaches 5^th graders about energy balance and healthy habits by offering incentives and prizes when they make healthy choices with participating community partners.

Families who attend will have the chance to win four club level tickets and field passes to a Broncos game.

5^th Gear Kids is a partnership between the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora Public Schools and the Cherry Creek School District. “5^th Gear” is funded by a grant from the Colorado Health Foundation. 

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755

 

 

 

 

  

Mrachek Middle School Classes Canceled for Students on Wednesday, September 4

NEWS RELEASE # 9
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2013 

 

Mrachek Middle School Classes Canceled for Students on Wednesday, September 4

Classes at Mrachek Middle School will be cancelled for students on Wednesday, September 4, due to a cooling system malfunction. This made the school extremely uncomfortable today, which was not conducive to healthy learning. Please note that Mrachek staff members are expected to report to school on Wednesday, September 4 at 8 a.m. APS maintenance staff expect to complete the repairs by Thursday, September 5.

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist 
Paula Hans at 303.326.2755