APS Joins Community in Celebrating the Grand Opening of New College & Career Center

MEDIA ADVISORY                        

For Aug. 23, 2019

Press Contact:

Corey Christiansen, APS Public Information Officer

cpchristiansen@aurorak12.org | C: 720-591-0140

        

AURORA, CO – The vision of Aurora Public Schools (APS) is that every student shapes a successful future. APS is creating College & Career Centers across the district to ensure high school students can successfully graduate and have a plan to thrive in the post-secondary world. APS is excited to announce the grand opening of its 5th College & Career Center which will be located at Vista PEAK Preparatory.

College & Career Centers provide students with critical information and guidance on everything from high school graduation requirements to filling out college applications and essays. The centers also teach students how to apply for financial aid, pursue internship opportunities and navigate the boundless variety of potential career options. Since the first center opened in 2014, they have served more than 8,500 APS students and helped them secure more than $56 million in scholarships. The district’s 4-year graduation rates have also increased nearly 25% in the last five years.

The College & Career Centers are run by the Aurora Public Schools Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to secure funding to open one additional center so it can serve all APS high school students.

 

WHAT: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the New Vista PEAK Preparatory College & Career Center

WHEN: Friday, August 23rd / 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Vista PEAK Preparatory / 24500 E 6th Ave, Aurora, CO 80018

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Rico Munn, APS Superintendent / Jason Maclin, Vista PEAK Preparatory Principal / Caleb Blackmon, Vista PEAK Preparatory Senior Class President

About Aurora Public Schools

Aurora Public Schools is the fifth largest school district in Colorado. APS serves approximately 40,000 students and includes over 60 schools. It is one of the most diverse districts in the state with students from more than 130 countries who speak over 160 languages. Over the past several years, APS has made noteworthy improvements in graduation rates, dropout rates and overall student growth and achievement. In fact, since 2013, APS graduation rates have increased by nearly 25%. During that same period of time, its dropout rate has sharply declined from 4.8% to 2.6%. APS 2020 is the district's strategic plan, which includes three strategic goals: 1) Every APS student will have a plan for his or her future, 2) Every student will have a set of skills to implement his or her plan and 3) Every student will have credentials that open doors. It is the district's vision that every student shapes a successful future.

 

About Aurora Public Schools Foundation

The Aurora Public Schools Foundation was created in 1987 and serves to foster support of education within the Aurora Public School District by bringing together teachers, business people, parents, alumni and community leaders. The APS Foundation advances private, non-profit, public and philanthropic partnerships to develop and leverage resources for projects and programs that drive innovation and excellence for approximately 40,000 students, 5,000 teachers and staff and over 60 schools.

Equity Drives Improvements in Aurora Public Schools

NEWS RELEASE                    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   

Aug. 15, 2019

Press Contact:

Corey Christiansen, APS Public Information Officer

cpchristiansen@aurorak12.org | C: 720-591-0140

 

AURORA, CO – With the Colorado Department of Education’s recent release of achievement data, Aurora Public Schools shows noteworthy momentum by using equity to drive improvements. Students continue to grow and achieve at higher rates year after year. This includes students who are English language learners, minority students, students with disabilities and those who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

APS increased achievement in both English language arts (ELA) and math in 2019, which marks the fifth straight year of improvement for the district. Over the past five years, APS has improved 5.8% in ELA and 5.8% in math. 

A highlight of the 2019 data is the strong growth APS achieved in math. Overall, APS had a median growth percentile of 51 (state average is 50). English language learners had a median growth percentile of 52 in math, the highest ever for this group and an increase of 4% from 2018. Most other disaggregated groups also saw improvements in math growth scores.

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are a district that has proven year after year that we will not accept the status quo and continue the hard work of improving student outcomes,” said Superintendent Rico Munn. “I am especially proud that equity is at the heart of our work every day and am honored to work with staff members who recognize the strengths that all of our students bring to our classrooms.”

In addition, APS has closed the graduation gap meaning that our black, white and Hispanic students are all graduating at the same rates. In fact, for the class of 2018, the graduation rate for our black students was 76.7%. The graduation rate for our white students was 76.5% and the graduation rate for our Hispanic students was 76.3%.

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About Aurora Public Schools

Aurora Public Schools is the fifth largest school district in Colorado. APS serves approximately 40,000 students and includes over 60 schools. It is one of the most diverse districts in the state with students from more than 130 countries who speak over 160 languages. Over the past several years, APS has made noteworthy improvements in graduation rates, dropout rates and overall student growth and achievement. In fact, since 2013, APS graduation rates have increased by nearly 25%. During that same period of time, its dropout rate has sharply declined from 4.8% to 2.6%. APS 2020 is the district's strategic plan, which includes three strategic goals: 1) Every APS student will have a plan for his or her future, 2) Every student will have a set of skills to implement his or her plan and 3) Every student will have credentials that open doors. It is the district's vision that every student shapes a successful future.

APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2019

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2019
WHERE: Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 East 1st Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011

Aurora Public Schools Board of Education Executive Session

On Tuesday, August 20, 2019, 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 related to the Superintendent’s Contract.

The executive session will be held from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in the Annex conference room at the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 E. 1^st Ave., Aurora, CO 80011.

 

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APS Hosts Colossal Community Party & Backpack Giveaway to Welcome Students Back for New School Year

MEDIA ADVISORY                         

For Aug. 3, 2019

Press Contact:

Corey Christiansen, APS Public Information Officer

cpchristiansen@aurorak12.org | C: 720-591-0140

AURORA, CO – The end of summer is the start of the biggest party of the year in Aurora. More than 20,000 Aurora Public Schools (APS) students, family members and staff will take over the Town Center of Aurora for the 12th annual APS Back to School Kickoff. APS will give away 4,500 backpacks filled with school supplies* plus provide free food and entertainment. Students can race through an inflatable obstacle course, get their face painted and enjoy a variety of music and talent performances.

The Back to School Kickoff is a celebration of the diverse APS community. It’s also the perfect opportunity for students and families to meet school staff and ensure they’re prepared for a successful school year. Leaders from every APS school will be present to answer questions and assist with student registration. Parents can also obtain low- or no-cost immunizations at the event for their children. 

*Free backpacks will be provided only to APS students while supplies last

WHAT: 12th Annual APS Back to School Kickoff

WHEN: Saturday, August 3rd / 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Town Center at Aurora / 14200 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

APS Board of Education Executive Session

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2019

WHAT: APS Board of Education Executive Session
WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
WHERE: Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 East 1st Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011

Aurora Public Schools Board of Education Executive Session

On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, 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 the Superintendent’s Contract.

The executive session will be held immediately following the Board Retreat and is expected to be held from 7:00-7:45 p.m. in the Annex conference room at the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 E. 1^st Ave., Aurora, CO 80011.

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APS Board of Education Retreat

 

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2019

WHAT: APS Board of Education Retreat
WHEN: August 6, 2019, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 East 1st Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011

Aurora Public Schools Board of Education Retreat

On Tuesday, August 6, 2019 the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold a Board Retreat to discuss agenda planning.

The Retreat will be held from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 E. 1^st Ave., Aurora, CO 80011

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Wells Fargo Invests $75,000 Grant in APS College & Career Centers, Makes College Dreams Come True for Aurora Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2019

Media Contacts:

APS: Corey Christiansen| cpchristiansen@aurorak12.org | 720-591-0140

Wells Fargo: Nicole Schwab| nicole.schwab@wellsfargo.com | 303-863-4781

AURORA, CO – As a first-generation college student and an aspiring international health worker, Hana Fentahun has big goals for her education and career. Those goals come with a big cost though in the form of college tuition. After recently graduating from Rangeview High School in Aurora Public Schools, Fentahun is now preparing to attend the prestigious George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her cost of tuition is steep at more than $70,000 for just the first year. Fortunately, Rangeview’s College and Career Center has helped her find enough scholarship money to nearly erase her tuition bill.

“I’ve had a lot of support to make college more affordable,” said Fentahun. “It’s made me more confident in my future and helped me go to my dream school.” Fentahun is just one of thousands of APS students who have benefitted from working with their high school College and Career Centers. The centers are run by the Aurora Public Schools Foundation and will now be able to help even more students with a new $75,000 grant from Wells Fargo.

College and Career Centers provide high school students with critical information on post-secondary options and tools to help them find and pursue their goals after graduation. For just a $100 investment, the APS Foundation is able to research and identify scholarship opportunities that can turn into more than $10,000 in scholarships for a single student. This new grant shows a significant and ongoing commitment by Wells Fargo to support the education and success of local students.

“Since 2018, Wells Fargo has donated to and partnered with the Aurora Public Schools Foundation to help build College and Career Centers across the city, and we are proud to have donated a total of $150,000 over the last year,” said Derrick Fuller, Wells Fargo district manager for Aurora. “Higher education costs are a large burden on today’s students, and Wells Fargo believes in APS Foundation’s mission to help them afford their college dreams.” 

The APS Foundation created its first College and Career Center in 2014. It now operates centers at four APS high schools and has a goal to build centers at two additional high schools. The centers have played an essential role in boosting APS graduation rates and helping students earn scholarships. Through the 2017-18 school year, the centers helped students secure more than $56 million in scholarship funds.

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About Aurora Public Schools

Aurora Public Schools is the fifth largest school district in Colorado. APS serves approximately 40,000 students and includes over 60 schools. It is one of the most diverse districts in the state with students from more than 130 countries who speak over 160 languages. Over the past several years, APS has made noteworthy improvements in graduation rates, dropout rates and overall student growth and achievement. In fact, since 2013, APS graduation rates have increased by nearly 25%. During that same period of time, its dropout rate has sharply declined from 4.8% to 2.5%. APS 2020 is the district's strategic plan, which includes three strategic goals: 1) Every APS student will have a plan for his or her future, 2) Every student will have a set of skills to implement his or her plan and 3) Every student will have credentials that open doors. It is the district's vision that every student shapes a successful future.

 

About Aurora Public Schools Foundation

The Aurora Public Schools Foundation was created in 1987 and serves to foster support of education within the Aurora Public School District by bringing together teachers, business people, parents, alumni and community leaders. The APS Foundation advances private, non-profit, public and philanthropic partnerships to develop and leverage resources for projects and programs that drive innovation and excellence for more than 40,000 students, 5,000 teachers and staff, and over 60 schools.

 

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,950 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 262,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2018 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.