Transition students celebrated Patriot's Day and "Never Forget 10–year anniversary of 9/11" at ESC on Friday, September 9, 2011. Their invited guests and speakers included the VFW Post 102 Honor Guard, Littleton Fire Rescue, Heritage High "Taps" players, and Littleton High Choir.
Guy Grace, director of security, contributed to the "9/11 Anniversary" article in the September issue of Security Magazine.
The Food Services department has initiated, for the first time, "breakfast in the classroom" at East and Field. The program ensures that all children start their school day with the fuel they need to do their best academically.
Hurray for our LPS Volunteers! During the 2010–2011 school year, our parents, senior citizens, and community members volunteered approximately 182,728 hours that in turn calculates to $1,809,000 of in-kind contributions. Community involvement is essential for the continued success of our school district! Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers!
Heritage High recently welcomed back the Rachel's Challenge Program with a series of one-hour assemblies. Parents and community members were invited to see the original presentation in the evening to share this enlightening and powerful experience. The assembly program was developed after the Columbine High tragedy and is named for Rachel Scott, one of the victims.
Don Emmons, Littleton instrumental music teacher, has been nominated and selected for membership in the American School Band Directors Association. Members of this organization have achieved a consistent record of high-achieving bands recognized by their peers.
David Hilliard, Twain principal, has been named the 2011 Administrator of the Year by the Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented. David will be recognized at the Association's state conference in October.
Littleton High's Lions Pride Marching Band marched in the opening day parade at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.
Some 50 LPS middle and high school students, along with six teachers and TSA advisors, attended the National Technology Student Association conference and competition held in Dallas in June. Students from Euclid, Goddard, Arapahoe, Heritage, and Littleton participated and represented LPS very well:
- Goddard TSA students were in the top 10 finals six times including one 2nd place.
- Euclid TSA students were in the top 10 finals three times including one 3rd place.
- Heritage and Littleton were also in the top 10 finals.
- Chip Bollendonk, Littleton student, was selected as the National TSA Treasurer for the 2011–2012 school year.
Carissa Ortega, Heritage 2011 graduate, has been recognized as one of the 2011 Nestle Very Best in Youth winners. She was selected from over 3,500 students in the competition. Every two years, Nestle USA selects 25 students ages 13–18 to nationally recognize for their academic excellence and exceptional community service. Carissa plays for the Colorado State goalball team (a sport for the visually impaired), swims, runs cross-country, and was a member of National Honor Society. Additionally, on a mission trip to Sierra Leone in West Africa, she provided materials and moral support to the Kabala School for the Blind. Carissa is attending CU this fall.
Powell has been recognized as a "No Place for Hate" by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Powell earned this designation by going through a process that included student and staff development, school activities, and workshops. Nathan Frasier, assistant principal, coordinated Powell's efforts of researching the program, forming a student and staff team, and following through with the school community at large.
Meredith Winnefeld, Arapahoe senior, was recently crowned Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen 2011. She received a $1,000 scholarship and will compete in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant in Orlando. Meredith will serve one year and her main platform is preventing teen suicide. Arapahoe senior, Ashley Schuett was named the first runner-up.
Littleton High yearbook students won Best Overall Yearbook Concept at the Rocky Mountain Journalism Camp in July. The concept derived at camp will be used to produce the 2011–2012 Cor lionis yearbook.
Kevin Keena, Heritage band teacher, was recognized at the 2011 Boettcher Foundation Teacher Recognition Awards Program. Willie Payne, 2011 Boettcher Scholar, nominated Kevin as a teacher who made a significant contribution to his growth and education, and impacted his life. Kevin received a $1,000 grant which he may use toward a program or project at Heritage.
Katie Ahlgren, Twain 3rd grade teacher, was selected as a finalist for the KBCO Teacher of the Year. She was interviewed by the KBCO Morning Show.
Littleton High Girls Basketball team will continue to focus on community service projects such as last year's book drive to gather donated children's books for students at East and Field, and sending Valentines to the troops in Afghanistan. A car wash was was held in July to raise money for the Denver Rescue Mission and area homeless.
East Elementary has developed business partnerships with Qwest and its Pioneers program, Norgren, and Designs by Sundown.
Last year Newton participated in the Penny Harvest, a year-long service learning program designed to teach kids about their value as contributors to society. Newton students donated $250 to the Safe House of Denver, $750 to Smile Train, and $250 to Wild Animal Sanctuary.
Heather Greenwood, Arapahoe business teacher, was selected by the Great West Great Teachers Program as one of 25 award-winners for a $5,000 personal literacy grant. Heather says she plans to use the grant award to develop a semester-long Financial Independence Challenge in her personal finance course at Arapahoe.
Heritage High School Marketing Class held the grand opening of the brand new DECA store in the student center earlier this week. The store sells Heritage clothing and spirit items, and the proceeds help fund student participation in DECA competitions.