DCSD Notebook

Douglas County School District

Extended conversations with educators, leaders and students from Douglas County School District in Colorado - the Number One public school district in the Denver area.

  1. 1d ago

    Preschool How-To: Welcoming the Class of 2041(!)

    As incredible as it seems, Douglas County School District and dozens of outside preschools in the county are already preparing the Class of 2041 for educational success. In this episode, we hear from a pair of early childhood education experts on the benefits of preschool for three- and four-year-old children. Diane Smith, executive director of the Douglas County Early Childhood Council and Kerra Robinson, director of Early Childhood Education for DCSD, provide a jam-packed information session: They talk about Colorado’s Universal Preschool, or UPK, program which provides free preschool hours to all four-year-olds in the state, as well as all the details necessary to register for UPK. They also talk about specialized services that are available to parents of preschoolers to help achieve developmental milestones and prepare for kindergarten and beyond.  Guests this episode:  Diane Smith, Executive Director of the Douglas County Early Childhood Council Kerra Robinson, Director of Early Childhood Education for the school district.  Host: Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  Resources: Douglas County Early Childhood Council Universal Preschool Web: DCSD Preschool; Email: preschool@dcsdk12.org; Phone: 720-433-0025 Colorado Universal Preschool Colorado Department of Early Childhood About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row. Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $26 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

    Preschool How-To: Welcoming the Class of 2041(!)

  2. Oct 21

    Parent University: What Parents Wish They Knew Before the Next Chapter

    When our kids get ready for life after high school, there’s plenty to think about — from choosing their next step to helping them become more independent. But what about the things we may not know to ask? In this episode, we’re joined by community advocate and former DCSD parent Connie Ingram, a 23-year Highlands Ranch resident and the mother of two DCSD graduates from the classes of 2014 and 2017. A longtime advocate for public education, Connie became dedicated to raising awareness of meningitis B after her younger son nearly died from the illness in 2017. Before his diagnosis, she was unaware of meningitis B or the vaccine available to help protect against it. Today, Connie shares her family’s experience to empower others with the information she wishes she had, helping parents and young adults ask informed questions about their health. She is an active volunteer with the American Society for Meningitis Prevention and has shared her story through interviews with several organizations to broaden awareness. Note: This conversation shares one parent’s perspective; individual medical questions are best discussed with your family’s healthcare provider. Guest this episode:  Connie Ingram, former DCSD parent and community advocate Host: Amy Pfister, DCSD community relations coordinator Resources: Douglas County Health Department  Meningitis prevention About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.

    Parent University: What Parents Wish They Knew Before the Next Chapter

  3. Oct 7

    Two New Schools and Their Principals’ Prep Year

    Julie Crawford and Doug Humphreys have a unique assignment this year: They are founding principals of two elementary schools currently under construction – in Sterling Ranch and Lone Tree, respectively – and as their buildings are being built, they are laying the foundations for the education that will be provided when their schools open in August of 2027.  They are both long-time principals in DCSD and even though they are both currently without a building, a staff or a student body to lead, this year has a monumental amount of preparation as each day brings them closer to school leadership as they have always known it.  As this episode is released, eight days have passed since the DCSD Board of Education formally approved the names of their schools – and this interview was conducted when work was being done to decide on those names. Until last week, Doug’s school was temporarily known as Elementary School 50 and Julie’s was Elementary School 51.  Now, Elementary School 50 will be called Echo Bluffs Elementary – and their mascot is the River Otters. Elementary School 51 is now Blue Sky Elementary – and they will be the Blue Sky Bears. In this episode, Julie and Doug talk about the process of preparing a school’s physical footprint as well as everything necessary to build a staff and educational foundation – and the decision-making required at every turn.  Guests this episode:  Julie Crawford, Founding Principal of Blue Sky Elementary School Doug Humphreys, Founding Principal of Echo Bluffs Elementary School Host: Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  Resources: Blue Sky Elementary on Instagram Blue Sky’s construction update page Echo Bluffs Elementary on Instagram Echo Bluffs’ construction update page DCSD Interactive Bond Update Map Julie’s and Doug’s school-naming presentation to the Board of Education from September 29, 2026 About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row. Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $25 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

    Two New Schools and Their Principals’ Prep Year

  4. Sep 23

    Colorado Teacher of the Year Finalist Jason Cochrane - and students

    In early September, Mountain Vista High School science and cybersecurity teacher Jason Cochrane received a surprise visit from state and district leaders informing him that he is among eight finalists for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year. While he waits to find out who the winner is, he continues teaching high-level classes grounded in career preparation and relevance. Along with featuring Cochrane, this episode also has three students to share their experiences in his classes: Charlie Smyth, a junior, and seniors Nathan Samuel and Cooper Casanova. Cochrane holds a bachelor’s degree in science education and a master’s degree in principalship from the University of Northern Iowa. A respected teacher of everything from chemistry to data analysis and technology integration, he is passionate about building community, student achievement and teacher effectiveness.    As a finalist, Cochrane received a $1,000 check from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation, and $500 from the Boettcher Foundation for MVHS.   The 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in October. This year, there were 297 applicants from 76 districts. The winner will receive $10,000 from CDE and the Boettcher Foundation, represent the state as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program and serve as a teaching ambassador to communities and organizations around the state and nation. Guests this episode:  Jason Cochrane, chemistry and cybersecurity teacher at MVHS Cooper Casanova, MVHS senior Nathan Samuel, MVHS senior Charlie Smyth, MVHS junior   Host: Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  Resources: 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year website Teacher of the Year sponsors and partners: Boettcher Foundation Colorado Education Association Adams State University Blue Bell Ice Cream. About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row. Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $25 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

    Colorado Teacher of the Year Finalist Jason Cochrane - and students

  5. Sep 9

    Parent University: e-bikes and ERs

    From e-bikes to e-motorcycles, easy mobility for school-aged children and teens has changed significantly in just the last couple of years. Related to that shift, hospital emergency departments have also seen major changes in the kinds and severity of injuries they treat on a daily basis. To explain in greater detail, Dr. Garrett Prince, emergency room physician with HCA HealthONE Skyridge, tackles the subject with host Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD. Dr. Prince talks about how e-bikes different from the bicycles many of us grew up riding; the roles that speed, weight, and rider experience have in crashes; misconceptions that parents may have about e-bikes (for instance, did you know many can be modified to go faster than the built-in limit?) and much more.  Cities and towns in Douglas County partnered with county officials and the Sheriff’s Office to create this resource.  Many e-bikes are not street legal under Colorado Law, and some local jurisdictions have local ordinances that add fines to violations of state law. Three jurisdictions in Douglas County have adopted ordinances regulating the operation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and low-powered scooters to improve public safety: Castle Pines Castle Rock Unincorporated Douglas County (including Highlands Ranch) Visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office e-bike resource page to learn more.   About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.

    Parent University: e-bikes and ERs

  6. Aug 26

    Mill Levy Override Explained by Supt. Erin Kane

    On August 25, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education voted to add a Mill Levy Override option for taxpayers on the November ballot. In this episode, DCSD Superintendent Erin Kane provides information about the reasons staff recommended the MLO to the Board, measures of transparency and return-on-investment the district provides for the benefit of students, and specifics regarding the needs to increase funding for:  Retaining and attracting top-quality teachers and staff by providing salaries that are more competitive with neighboring school districts and better keep pace with inflation. Supporting the increasing cost of school security, including school resource officers. Reducing student waitlists for Career and Technical Education programming, including the trades. Restoring student programming such as instrumental music in elementary schools. Guest this episode:  Erin Kane, Superintendent of Douglas County School District Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  Resources: DCSD Funding Site with information, FAQs and more regarding the MLO. Board of Education meeting from August 25, 2026, which includes presentations and the Board’s vote to support the MLO. About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row. Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $25 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?

    Mill Levy Override Explained by Supt. Erin Kane

  7. Aug 5 ·  Bonus

    Parent University Archive: Bullying Awareness and Prevention

    As we prepare for Season 2 and the new school year, we are reaching back into the archives, when Parent University was a live Zoom session, to re-share via this podcast feed some of the episodes that remain timely and pertinent. This episode was originally shared in December 2024 and focuses on bullying awareness and prevention for DCSD students.  Our featured presenter, Dr. Kelli Smith, DCSD Director of Health, Wellness and Prevention, shared information about the developing adolescent brain, the effect external influences can have — and the role DCSD schools play. The intent was to leave listeners with a better understanding and awareness of the term bullying and how we can all work to prevent it.  Original episode on YouTube   About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.

    Parent University Archive: Bullying Awareness and Prevention

  8. Jul 22 ·  Bonus

    Parent University Archive: Empowering Student Athletes

    As we prepare for Season 2 and the new school year, we are reaching back into the archives, when Parent University was a live Zoom session, to re-share via this podcast feed some of the episodes that remain timely and pertinent.   This episode was originally shared in March 2025 and focuses on helping student athletes navigate burnout.   Our featured presenter, Stacy Ingram from Cultivate Your Courage, shared warning signs to look for and strategies for success.   Stacy specializes in empowering young athletes and performers to overcome the invisible barriers that often hinder their performance. With a focus on the mental side of the game, her programs are designed to equip athletes and performers with the cognitive tools and resilience needed for success both in sports/the arts and in everyday life.   Here are resources from the presentation:   UnderstandingAthleteBurnout.pdf CultivateYourCourage.pdf   About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for their continued support and partnership.

    Parent University Archive: Empowering Student Athletes
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About

Extended conversations with educators, leaders and students from Douglas County School District in Colorado - the Number One public school district in the Denver area.

Information

  • Creator
    Douglas County School District
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    DCSD Notebook