9/25/23 RCHS Newsletter

Dear Rock Canyon High Community,

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 $200 per year for a home valued at $1,000,000.

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!

Sincerely,

Andy Abner

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Important Dates

09/27/23 Post Grad Night / Information below

09/29/23 Late Start 8:20am

10/06/23 Late Start 8:20am

10/12/23 PSAT/NMSQT - Custom Schedule

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

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Jostens Will Be Onsite

9/26/23 Senior Meeting (during Seminar)

9/28/23 Sophomore Meeting (during Seminar)

10/3/23 Cap & Gown, Ring / Order during lunch.

10/4/23 Cap & Gown, Ring Order during lunch.

Rock Canyon High School Post-Grad Night

September 27, 2023 from 6pm-8:30pm at RCHS

During our fall post-grad night, we offer a wide variety of information and resources since every student’s postgraduate journey looks different. Please choose THREE presentations to

attend. All presentations will be offered during each breakout session.

Arrive at 6:00pm to get acquainted with the break out sessions and room numbers. Sessions will begin promptly at 6:15.

Breakout Sessions

Session 1: 6:15 pm to 6:45 pm
Session 2: 6:50 pm to 7:20 pm
Session 3: 7:25 pm to 7:55 pm

**5:30 - Multilingual Families Support Coffee Chat - Room: 5500

Introduction and resources for multilingual families ONLY in need to support during post-grad night or transition into post-graduate work. Please reach out to oyates@dcsdk12.org if you are in need of an interpreter.

Elite Colleges Admissions Room - Auditorium

What elite colleges/universities look for in your applications and what you need to know to stand out.

Insider Guide to College Admissions Testing - Room: 3800

Come learn about each of the college entrance exams and how they factor into college admissions and scholarships. Learn about the new SAT format and how it compares to the ACT.

Why a Two-Year College? - Room: 3700

This session will cover the information below and answer your questions about why starting at a community college can save you money and get you into the college and/or career you want. ACC offers: Bachelor’s degrees in a variety of Business, Software Development, and Applied Science areas, Guaranteed Transfer courses and degrees, and in-demand healthcare programs and apprenticeships

Naviance as a Resource - Room: 3600

This session will include a brief presentation on the importance of Naviance and how it will benefit your student in the college research and application process.

What to Know About Financial Aid, FAFSA & WUE - Room: Library

This session will review the ins and outs of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program as well as general information about the FAFSA, types of aid and scholarships, and helpful resources to utilize as you navigate the process of choosing and paying for college.

Legacy Campus - Room: 3550

DCSD Legacy Campus Connects Passion to Pathway. Our mission is to cultivate a Career and Technical Education environment where post-secondary and industry partnerships provide relevant learning opportunities for high school students and the Douglas County community

in order to ensure a competitive advantage and workforce readiness.

Military - Room: 3500

Learn more about the military options for your student. Learn about enlisting, ROTC, different avenues for the military, and what the ASVAB is and consists of.

If you are in need of additional resources and information, make sure to check out our counseling website RockCanyonJags.com/Counseling to find information including:

Academic Support

Registration & Credit Requirements
Test Prep & Tutoring Resources
Postgraduate Support
Applying to College
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Transcript Requests
Naviance

Social Emotional Support

Mental Health Information/Support
School Culture & Climate initiatives

Community Service

Helper Helper Instructions
How to letter in community service

Voter Registration Drive - Tuesday, September 26, 12:30 - 2:30 pm

Attention students! A Voter Registration drive will be occurring on Tuesday, September 26, 12:30 - 2:30 pm.

Stop by the table outside of the Commons. Bring your Colorado Driver's license or Colorado state-issued identification. Anybody over the age of 16 can register to vote!

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Rock Canyon High School is HIRING!

Campus Security Specialist - for more information or to apply, click HERE.

LAST CHANCE for Seniors to get a FREE photo taken for the yearbook.

The Black & Gold yearbook LAST CHANCE for seniors to get a free photo taken for the 2024 yearbook.

NOTE: If you already had your photo taken by Keepsake or Monty Nuss, you do NOT need to sign up for the free day.

Class of 2024 Senior Portrait Free Day - Sign Up HERE

The only date left is September 26. Any student who does not get their photo taken on one of these free days or at the Keepsake or Monty Nuss studios will not be in the senior portrait section of the 2024 yearbook. Questions? Email us at rcbgyearbook@gmail.com.