A note from Superintendent Jinger Haberer
In the spirit of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the contributions and expertise of every member of our Academy District 20 Team One.
Our D-20 teachers, administrators, support staff and beyond, consistently go the extra mile to provide a quality education and positive learning environment for every student. When I visit schools, I see our educators light up when students enter each building and classroom.
Your commitment to multiple hours of planning, collaborating, and implementing world-class programming inspires our children to learn and thrive. We are a district of distinction because of your dedication to the education of every student.
Great things happen here in D20! Please take time today to thank somebody in our D-20 community who has positively impacted your life or the life of a child.
Together, as Team One, we are unstoppable!
What’s New in D20
Board of Education Update | May 9, 2024
Kicking off graduation season, the Board of Education attended the D20 Bridges graduation, where students with special needs will transition from school to the adult world, equipped with skills to lead a fulfilling life. During the meeting, the 2024-25 proposed budget was presented to the board who later approved next year’s compensation package, including a 6% recurring pay increase for all current staff. The board also learned about the ongoing Public Schools on Military Installations Program (PSMIP) Update & Opportunity, and proposed options to finance these projects. Finally, several schools were celebrated for being named John Irwin Schools of Excellence and Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award. Learn more on asd20.org.
Budget Memo
At the May 9, 2024 Board of Education meeting, members of the D20 team shared updates on the 2024-2025 budget and provided recommendations on compensation for the upcoming school year. The newly-passed School Finance Act is set to increase D20’s per pupil revenue by 6.98% next year. During tonight’s Board of Education meeting, the 2024-25 proposed budget was presented, and the board adopted and approved next year’s compensation package.
All current staff returning next year will receive a recurring 6% raise. The cost of this increase, including benefits, is $11,887,692. In addition, the district is absorbing a 7% increase in Kaiser premiums, equivalent to $1,208,474, to maintain staff health insurance premium rates at the current level.
The structure of this compensation adjustment is designed to recognize, honor and thank every member of the D20 team for the dedication shown to our students and their success. With this shift, our licensed staff will have earned a 25% pay increase in a three-year span.
Bus Transportation Requests
The window is now open for Bus Transportation Requests. Families interested in using D20 Transportation services, please visit the Extended Parent Portal to submit a bus request. Requests are due Sunday, June 30, 2024. Learn more on asd20.org.
DTAC Update
The District Technology Advisory Committee (DTAC) has nearly finished their work exploring the four pillars of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Topics included:
AI Literacy
Professional Learning
Ethical Considerations
Policy integration within the district Collaborative Input Model
Subcommittees representing each pillar drafted recommendations, action steps, exchanged feedback, reviewed content, and provided input for the “Recommendations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Teaching and Learning Report” for presentation to the Superintendent. The conversations, discussions, input, and insights from this collaborative work will help cultivate a shared understanding of AI for teaching and learning in D20.
New School Choice Management System
Starting April 1, 2024, D20 families and staff have begun using the new School Choice Management System. The new system simplifies the overall process for students and staff, using easy and intuitive applications. Since the app was launched, the D20 Central Registry and the Information Technology Departments introduced Phase I of the new system. Phase II and III, coming in the 2024-25 school year, will incorporate new features included upgraded interactions and creating a self-guided workflow.
Great Happens in D20
2024 Special Education Staff Appreciation Night
This year, 35 students and their families recognized D20 staff at the 2024 Special Education Staff Appreciation night. This unique event celebrates the exceptional partnership between our staff and families to bring lasting change to the lives of so many students. Special education staff members are nominated by students and families as having had an exceptional impact on student development. Find pictures and read more about the event on asd20.org.
DCC Field House Groundbreaking
A new indoor practice facility for Discovery Canyon Campus and Academy District 20 students is underway, scheduled to open in August 2024. Powered by a generous donation, Discovery Canyon Campus High School (DCCHS) will be home to Academy District 20’s (D20) newest indoor practice facility. Field House construction began in April, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the addition, and will continue through the end of the school year and summer break. Learn more on asd20.org.
Encompass Heights student named a National Finalist in Future Chefs Competition
Adhvita Gowravaram, a fourth grader at Encompass Heights Elementary School is one of five students vying for the top spot in the Sodexo Future Chef’s Competition. Using a homemade recipe with healthy alternatives, Adhvita is hopeful her Masala Waffle Bites earn enough votes to have her recipe shared across the country. Vote for Adhvita and learn more about her recipe on asd20.org.
The D20 Reach
Parent Academy Success
This school year, a record number of parents and community members attended our Parent Academies. More than 2,100 attendees participated in this year’s education sessions either in-person, virtually through Microsoft Teams, or watched later on D20’s YouTube channel. Throughout the school year, the Parent Academy sessions address current issues impacting students and families. Through partnerships, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, experts present relevant information for free.
This year, topics included recreational drug use, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), understanding dyslexia, navigating Financial Aid, D20 college and career opportunities and more. watch previous Parent Academy sessions and keep watch for 2024-25 topics, visit asd20.org/parent-academy.
School Counselors trained to serve D20 military families
This Spring, school counselors were trained how to better serve D20 military families. In coordination with the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, counselors learned about Applicability, Educational Records & Enrollment, Placement & Attendance, Eligibility, and Graduation. The training was led by D20’s assigned School Liaison Program Manager, Megan Garland-Evelo.
Opportunities for Students and Staff
Reminder: Summer School Registration is Open
Thank you to all our parents who signed their students up for Summer School! On our opening day, we launched Summer School registration with an exceeding 1200 enrollments within a 24-hour period.
Currently, outdoor education classes and lower grades at the elementary level are full, but there a few fourth and fifth grade classes with a few seats during the June and July sessions.
High school registration is steady, with most students enrolling in advanced course work.
Find information and course catalogs on asd20.org/summer-school.
Reminder: Summer Institute Registration is Open
Don’t forget to register for Summer Institute, now through Friday, May 17! Learn from local and national experts, improve your craft, and even earn credits to increase your salary and renew your license. From AI tools for teachers to dynamic professional development sessions, Summer Institute is your passport to an enriching summer adventure. Read the full program guide and register now on 20Net.