News
from Sheridan School District No. 2
Contact:
Mark Stevens
[email protected]
303-495-8699 (mobile) • 720-328-5488 (office)
News
Release
Aug.
16, 2018
Sheridan High School in the Spotlight; 2018-2019 School Year off
to a Smooth Start
Sheridan High School was in the spotlight at the Board of Education meeting this week (Aug. 14) as the board heard from a teacher who has raised the bar for bilingual students, a student who represented the Rams at an international soccer tournament, and from school leadership promoting a new “fish philosophy” to build camaraderie.
Advanced
Placement Spanish teacher Christen Rogers De Reyes, a Sheridan teacher since
2004, said students in her AP Spanish class tackle rigorous college-level
content and develop college-level skills in reading, writing, speaking and
thinking. Successfully passing AP tests leads to college credit, she
pointed out, and a significant savings in college costs.
The
AP coursework leads to many themes and subthemes, she said, including global
challenges, personal and public identities, science and technology, families
and communities, contemporary life, and beauty and aesthetics.
Sheridan
students may also pursue a Seal of Biliteracy, which includes achieving certain
benchmarks on college entrance exams. The classes explore topics in depth through
projects and assignments that involve critical thinking, analysis, and
gathering evidence from multiple perspectives. In 2018, five students
achieved the Seal of Biliteracy and ten are on track this year, she said.
Superintendent Pat Sandos lauded De Reyes’ teaching style. “Your kids are so engaged in your classroom,” he said. “We are so appreciative that you are part of our community.”
Sheridan
High School co-principal Shirley Miles noted that De Reyes gave up some of her
summer vacation to be trained to teach the AP courses.
Student Maurico “Puga” Ramos recapped his three-week trip to Denmark and Norway, representing the United States and Sheridan High School in a tournament that also included a team from Ghana. Ramos called the trip “a once in a lifetime thing” and thanked his coach, parents, and Sheridan staff for their support. “I see soccer from a different view now,” he said.
Sheridan High School co-principal Eileen Doolan said the school is off to a “terrific” start. “Kids have communicated that they feel like they never left,” she said, “so that’s a good thing. We didn’t skip a beat.”
The new “fish philosophy” is designed to “Catch the Energy and Release the Potential.” Staff and teacher orientation was built around the theme, which will carry through the school year to build teacher teamwork and trust. The school welcomed 88 students at freshman orientation, reviewed safety and discipline procedures with all students, and started parent meetings to review the school’s code of conduct and to cover graduation requirements, which will be higher beginning for the class of 2021.
Doolan pointed out that tardies are down, the attendance rate is up, and the number of D’s and F’s has diminished.
“Culture building pays dividends,” said Superintendent Sandos. “I applaud the energy and focus on rigor. I am really excited for you.”
Mill
Levy Update
Superintendent Sandos told the board that the district is working with Arapahoe County on the board’s $3 million mill levy ballot question, which will go to voters in November. The ballot title and number have not yet been completed, he said. The board unanimously supported placing the question on the ballot at a meeting in July. The resolution states that the money will address four priorities:
- Improve
safety and security infrastructure and operations to be able to maintain safer
buildings for students and staff;
- Repair
leaking roofs and other district facilities and provide general maintenance in
school buildings;
- Improve
and upgrade technology infrastructure and operations in schools to support 21st
Century learning opportunities and achievement for Sheridan students; and
- Make
salaries and wages of district personnel competitive with those of other school
districts in the metropolitan area.
School
Year Start
Superintendent Sandos reported that the start of the school year has been “great.” He noted that teachers, students and families all seemed excited. He also praised the cordial nature of the front office staff in all the school buildings, who welcome familiar faces and new ones every day.
Sheridan
High School - History
Sheridan
Historical Society secretary/treasurer Roger Rowland presented the first of a
four-part report regarding the history of Sheridan High School.
Consent Agenda
All
consent items were approved.
About
Sheridan School District 2
Located
southwest of Denver, Sheridan School District 2 seeks high-level post-secondary
options for all students through continuous improvement of quality instruction.
More: www.ssd2.org