10/9/23 RCHS Newsletter

Wishing all of our RCHS families a wonderful Fall Break (October 16th-20th). We look forward to seeing everyone on October 23rd; our first day back to school and the start of 2nd quarter.

Important Dates

10/12/23 Testing *Only Juniors & Invited Sophomores Attend School*

All other students - No School

10/12/23 Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30pm - 7:30pm

10/16/23 - 10/20/23 School Closed / Fall Break

10/23/23 Start of Second Quarter

10/27/23 Late Start 8:20am

10/30/23 Trunk or Treat (5 - 7pm) at RCHS

11/03/23 PD Day / No School

11/20/23 - 11/24/23 School Closed / Thanksgiving Break

PSAT Testing 10/12/23

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Juniors & Invited Sophomores / All other students have the day off.

Session A: 7:40 am - 10:40 am
Session B: 11:40 am - 2:40 pm

Fall Parent Teacher Conferences

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Where: Rock Canyon High School Gym & Commons

When: October 12, 2023 from 3:30-7:30 pm

Join us for in-person, Parent &Teacher Conferences. We ask that you try to limit conversations at PTC to around 10 minutes per teacher. We hope to see you there!

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Message from the RCHS Student Accountability Committee Regarding 5A & 5B

The Rock Canyon High School SAC whose responsibility it is to review our schools’ annual budgets, we understand that the urgency of funding is critical. There are capital needs that, if not met, could threaten the physical safety and/or interrupt the education of students in our community. DCSD currently has no dedicated funds to address these issues. Furthermore, district wages are well below those of our neighboring districts, resulting in a loss of personnel to other school districts. This is not good for our students, and turnover and teacher and staffing shortages put an undue burden on our entire system.

Collectively, we believe it is time again for Douglas County to unite in support of our students and community by voting YES on both 5A (MLO) and 5B (Bond) this November.

To view the Joint Resolution, click HERE.

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On August 8, the Douglas County School District Board of Education unanimously voted 7-0 to place a $66 million Mill Levy Override (MLO) and $484 million Bond on the November 2023 ballot.

If passed by voters, these new funds would be used at our school to: Increase teacher and staff pay, Enhance safety and security, Refresh student and staff technology, Make much needed repairs and upgrades to our building:

Replace heating/cooling systems and components
Replace flooring
Replace generator
Recaulk concrete joints
Reseal exterior walls
Replace bathroom countertops
Upgrade lighting and sound systems
Resurface track and field
Install new intercom system

Teachers in the Douglas County School District earn, on average, $19,000 less compared to a neighboring school district. Additional MLO funding, if passed by voters, would enable DCSD to pay teachers and staff more competitively and to increase security staffing support for our schools.

DCSD teachers, on average, would receive a 9% pay increase, as reflected in these salary schedules
Support staff, such as bus drivers, educational assistants, custodians, etc., would receive a 9% pay increase
Other staff would receive a 7% pay increase

A $484 million Bond, if passed by voters, would be used to expand trade, career and technical education opportunities; perform safety and security upgrades; and ensure safe and adequate learning environments for students and staff. The Bond would provide for three new elementary schools in growing areas of our county, as well as the expansion of two middle schools.

If the MLO and Bond are approved by voters, Douglas County homeowners can expect to pay approximately $12 per month for an average Douglas County home.

You can read more about DCSD’s funding challenges and arguments for and against the ballot initiatives on our website. Thank you for being an engaged and informed member of our school community!

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The 2024 Apple Award Nomination Link is now LIVE!!

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is proud to honor exceptional educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in students and are trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools.

October 2, 2023 - November 12, 2023

Nomination Window Open!

Nominate HERE

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Registration for Winter Sports will open on Tuesday, October 24th.

Winter Sports include: Boys and Girls Basketball, Girls Swim & Dive, and Wrestling

All registrants must have a current physical on file (the physical must be dated after November 16, 2022) and pay the Participation Fee in MSB to be cleared for tryouts on November 13th.

Registration will be found on rchsjags.com under the Athletic Registration tab.

Colorado Avalanche - Most Valuable Teacher Nominations

The Colorado Avalanche are proud to honor teachers and school administrators in Colorado through the Colorado Avalanche Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) program, presented by Ford. The MVT program encourages teachers and school administrators to continually strive for excellency and leadership in their schools by offering a unique experience. Once a month for six (6) months of the year, the Colorado Avalanche will recognize a Colorado teacher or school administrator for their outstanding work in empowering youth in our community.

Selected teachers will receive the following:

Classroom Improvement Grant
Four (4) tickets to an Avalanche game
Pre-game dinner at Ball Arena
Pre-game Ball Arena tour
Recognition at the game
Avalanche gift bag
Classroom celebration hosted by Avalanche Celebrities

To nominate a Colorado teacher or school administrator for the Colorado Avalanche Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) award, please complete the form below. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominate a RCHS Teacher HERE.