DCSD Notebook

Douglas County School District
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Extended conversations with educators, leaders and students from Douglas County School District in Colorado -- which is the Number One public school district in the Denver area, serving 61,000 students at 92 schools.  Through DCSD Notebook, listeners will gain a greater understanding of the people, processes and programs in Colorado's third-largest district. Once a month, this feed will also feature Parent University. To learn more about what makes DCSD the Top of the Class, check out the Why DCSD page.

  1. How Therapy Dogs Help Students

    1D AGO

    How Therapy Dogs Help Students

    Magic happens when therapy dogs can help school staff members reach out to students who are struggling. DCSD’s pioneering Animal Assisted Interventions team is the largest and most advanced in Colorado. With 34 therapy dogs deployed all over the school district – and more preparing to join their ranks, the AAI team continues to prove its value and brighten the days of thousands of students all over Douglas County.  In this episode, we hear from three of the top innovators who established the AAI program and learn how specially trained, four-legged friends provide gentle, empathetic, tail-wagging support that keeps students in school, opening their hearts and then their minds to overcome many kinds of difficulties.  Our guests explain the research that supports their work, including close ties to University of Denver experts in human-animal connections, as well as a commitment to ethical support of therapy dogs and their interactions with students. Make sure to listen all the way to the end, when you’ll  hear a small sample of the many stories illustrating just how powerful a dog-to-student connection can be. These are literally life-changing relationships that allow students to succeed when they otherwise might not. Guests this episode:  Ellen Kerkhoff, DCSD Mental Health Team Lead. Dani Morrison, Social Worker at Plum Creek Academy and caretaker/partner of Betty the therapy dog. Laura Wilson, DCSD Behavior Specialist for the Ponderosa High School feeder and caretaker/partner of Daphne the therapy dog.   Pictured: From left, Laura Wilson with Daphne, Ellen Kerkhoff, and Dani Morrison with Betty. Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  Resources: DCSD Animal Assisted Interventions University of Denver - Institute for Human-Animal Connection 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 second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. 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 92 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?

    49 min
  2. Standout Seniors at State of DCSD

    MAY 6

    Standout Seniors at State of DCSD

    Supt. Erin Kane’s State of DCSD address on Monday, May 4, 2026, featured a Q&A panel with six outstanding seniors who represent a range of academic pursuits, goals and even the types of schools they attended. The students shared their future plans, how DCSD helped prepare them for those next steps, and how they have grown as people during their time in Douglas County Schools.  Supt. Kane’s full presentation was live-streamed and recorded on the DCSD YouTube channel. She also shared points of pride, numerous examples of how the district is stewarding taxpayer funds, and her vision for the district’s future in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.  Guests this episode:  Jessie Ramsey, Ponderosa High School Haden Hart, Highlands Ranch High School Ashley Schumacher, Eagle Academy Roman Perez, VALE Jake McClintock, eDCSD Piper Hannon, Castle View High School Host:  Erin Kane, Superintendent of Schools, DCSD  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 second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. 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 92 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?

    29 min
  3. Phones in Class? Not So Fast

    APR 29

    Phones in Class? Not So Fast

    Students’ use of smartphones in schools is a huge topic. Is it a distraction? Can they be helpful in an educational setting? When should they be used and when should they be put away?  On April 21, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education approved a new policy about the use of communication devices in schools. This was the culmination of nearly two years’ worth of district leaders’ examination of the challenges and benefits of smart phones and other high-tech devices being used by students during school hours. The policy adoption was also required by a new state law.  In this episode, DCSD Chief of Staff Steve Colella and ThunderRidge High School Principal Liz Walhof discuss the issue, the policy, and most importantly, the practices of students, teachers, parents and district leaders when it comes to communication devices – not just phones. Colella co-led an effort to speak with hundreds of people across the district over the last several months, as well as conducting deep research into the issue surrounding communication device use and helping craft the new policy. Walhof has years of experience as an ed-tech expert and administrator. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the in-class challenges that technology poses. To read the full policy, watch recent discussions at Board of Education meetings, and access the wide range of research, visit DCSD’s Digital Literacy webpage. Resources: Digital Literacy webpage (includes new policy in full) Video of DCSD Board of Education discussion from April 21 Presentation slides from April 21 BOE meeting (includes March 3 slides) Colorado Law regarding Communication Devices Guests this episode:  Steve Colella, DCSD Chief of Staff Liz Walhof, ThunderRidge High School Principal  Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  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 second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. 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 92 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?

    53 min
  4. PARENT UNIVERSITY: The Happy Crew - Gathering to Support Teens

    APR 15

    PARENT UNIVERSITY: The Happy Crew - Gathering to Support Teens

    CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide, which may be triggering for some individuals. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self harm, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. From the Happy Crew website: “Colorado ranks 41st in the US for youth mental health treatment access, with 26% of teens reporting persistent hopelessness. These aren't just statistics — they're stories waiting to be rewritten. Since 2007, Happy Crew has been showing teens they matter and belong, creating spaces where feeling alone transforms into finding community.” Amy Mays is founder of Happy Crew, a Douglas County nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally and socially. Amy brings a thoughtful and uplifting approach to this work, and in this episode, she talks about the mission behind Happy Crew, how they’re supporting students in our community, and some simple, practical ways families can reinforce these skills at home. Happy Crew Events:  Sunday, April 19 Do you have a teenager in your life who is looking for community and a little pre-final exams fun? Join the Lone Tree Youth Commission and Happy Crew for Real Talk, an event for local teens to connect with their community and focus on mental health. When: 2-6 p.m. Where: Prairie Sky Park in Lone Tree, 9381 Crossington Way What: Local teenagers can spend time with friends at Prairie Sky Park with yard games, music, and relaxing before the end of the school year. Hear from former Nuggets player Mark Randall about mental health and the importance of strong community. Grab a snack from Mile High Tikka Express food truck – the first 100 attendees get a ticket for a free item! RSVP: https://go.cityoflonetree.com/realtalk-RSVP Monday, April 20 End of Year Celebration at the Happy Crew Coffee House All High Schoolers are welcome to Happy Crew. Dinner will be provided. When: 7-8 p.m. Where: 9044 Forsstrom Dr., Lone Tree, CO Guest this episode  Amy Mays Host  Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD Resources The Happy Crew Text Amy Mays: 303-916-1515 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Email: Amy@TheHappyCrew.org Instagram: @TheHappyCrew 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.

    37 min
  5. Career Discovery Camp for Middle Schoolers

    APR 8

    Career Discovery Camp for Middle Schoolers

    Career and Technical Education is a hot topic in schools these days – and not just high schools where most of the classes take place. Cimarron Middle School Principal Chris Zimmerman piloted CTE classes at his school this year and helped plan the inaugural Career Discovery Camp taking place this June 3-5 at Legacy Campus. It’s a three-day camp to introduce middle school students to CTE options available to them in DCSD. As this episode is released, registration is open – and limited. Registration information is below. Career Discovery Camp: A three-day, hands-on summer experience designed to introduce students to Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Students explore multiple career areas, try real activities, and learn about future high school pathway options. Students attend three different pathways sessions each day. Sessions are interactive, hands-on, and led by experienced CTE teachers. This camp is open to students entering grades 6, 7, or 8 for the 2026-2027 school year. DCSD students only, including district middle schools and approved charter schools. Guest this episode  Chris Zimmerman, principal of Cimarron Middle School  Host  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources Career Discovery Camp registration (MySchoolBucks page) Flyer with details DCSD’s Postsecondary Readiness website with career pathway information Legacy Campus website 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 second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. 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 92 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?

    24 min
  6. “Project Hail Mary” As Seen by Middle School Teachers

    APR 1

    “Project Hail Mary” As Seen by Middle School Teachers

    Name a high-concept, action-adventure story with a middle-school teacher as the main character. Has there ever been one …? In this episode we’re tying education to current pop culture, specifically the new movie “Project Hail Mary.” It stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who has to save the entire world on a deep-space mission. Throughout the movie – and even more if you’ve read or listened to the Andy Weir novel it’s based on – Grace has to solve problem after problem with his knowledge of science. It truly puts teachers front and center as the intelligent heroes they are.  In its first two weeks of release, the film made more than $300 million worldwide. The novel was a finalist for the top science fiction award, the Hugo, in 2022, and the audiobook version won the Audie award for best audiobook of 2022.  In this episode, two Rocky Heights Middle School teachers, Erika Hamlin and Sarah Lochmiller, talk about teaching science at the middle school level and how good of a job “Project Hail Mary” does in portraying their reality, how accurately the science was presented, and what they thought about stretching real science into speculative fiction. SPOILER WARNING: If you have not read the book or seen the movie, you might want to wait to listen to this episode. Plot points and details are mentioned throughout the conversation.  Guests this episode:  Erika Hamlin, 7th grade science teacher, Rocky Heights Middle School  Sarah Lochmiller, 8th grade science teacher, Rocky Heights Middle School  Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  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 second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. 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 92 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?

    42 min
  7. Understanding School District Funding -- Yes, It's Possible!

    MAR 25

    Understanding School District Funding -- Yes, It's Possible!

    Great schools make great communities, primarily by equipping young people with the education they need to grow and succeed. They also serve as community resources and contribute to property values. That’s part of the symbiotic relationship thriving schools and communities have – and at the core of that relationship is community investment through taxes that fund school districts. That’s where the relationship gets complicated. State laws and annually adjusted funding formulas, plus extra elections for supplemental tax funds, can make it difficult to understand how and why school districts are financed the way they are.  All that complexity is why Douglas County School District’s Chief Financial Officer Jana Schleusner is our guest for this episode. As an expert who regularly goes to the state capitol to advocate for school funding on behalf of DCSD, she understands this subject as well as anyone.  Guest this week:  Jana Schleusner, DCSD chief financial officer Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources DCSD Board of Education webpage Fiscal Oversight Committee Mill Bond Oversight Committee Long Range Planning Committee DCSD Funding Website 2024 Bond Activity Interactive Map  Growth and Decline webpage (school consolidations) 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 second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. 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 92 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?

    1h 8m
  8. Bike Safety Event This Summer, Led by SROs

    MAR 11

    Bike Safety Event This Summer, Led by SROs

    As this episode is released, registration is now open for a pair of important bike safety events coming up this summer. Sgt. Mark Mithuen, a School Resource Officer supervisor in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, tells us all about the second annual, free Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety events. Even with twice the capacity as last year, space is limited, so parents are encouraged to register their kids early.  Sgt. Mithuen also talks about a number of the Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Academy programs for elementary, middle and high school students this coming summer and gives us an overview of the unique training and disposition it takes to be an SRO – along with why he appreciates getting to be one! Eye Five: To teach school-age children and teens bicycle safety – for beginners all the way to advanced riders – the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, DCSD, and several other community partners are sponsoring the second annual, FREE Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety event. This year, it will take place on two dates and in two locations: June 13 at Chaparral High School: 8 - 11 a.m. and noon - 3 p.m. July 11 at Castle View High School: 8 - 11 a.m. and noon - 3 p.m. Bring your helmet, bike, e-bike, scooter, electric scooter, or whatever you use to get around and get ready to have some fun learning from your DCSO school resource officers. Food trucks, local bike shops, and informational tables will be set up with information about trail and road safety around the county.  Guest this week:  Sgt. Mark Mithuen, a School Resource Officer supervisor in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Host:  Jason Hackett, DCSD director of communications  Resources Eye Five Transportation and Road Safety event signup  Eye Five event flyer E-bike safety flyer Summertime DCSO elementary, middle and high school Youth Academy sessions  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 second year in a row (first time in a decade). Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. 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 92 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?

    47 min
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About

Extended conversations with educators, leaders and students from Douglas County School District in Colorado -- which is the Number One public school district in the Denver area, serving 61,000 students at 92 schools.  Through DCSD Notebook, listeners will gain a greater understanding of the people, processes and programs in Colorado's third-largest district. Once a month, this feed will also feature Parent University. To learn more about what makes DCSD the Top of the Class, check out the Why DCSD page.

Information

  • Creator
    Douglas County School District
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    DCSD Notebook

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