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Welcome to the June 2024 Edition of the
APS Board of Education Newsletter!
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Out and About: Board Members in Our Schools and Community | |
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Congratulations, Class of 2024!
Nine graduation ceremonies. More than 1,700 graduates. Thousands of smiles and infinite reasons to celebrate!
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Left to right: APS Board members from left: Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin, Director Vicki Reinhard, Secretary Danielle Tomwing, President Dr. Anne Keke and Vice President Michael Carter. | |
We are incredibly proud of our students. They have already shown resilience and dedication and this is just the start of their journey as they continue to write their own story and make great things happen. | |
Clockwise from top left: Board President Dr. Anne Keke, Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker, Director Vicki Reinhard, Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin, and Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing attending Class of 2024 graduations. | |
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Notes and Events from Vicki Reinhard
So much to share, so little space! The last quarter of a school year typically flies by, and this one held true to that statement!
I was fortunate to visit a number of our schools during this time, including Laredo, Kenton, Pickens, Dalton and East (twice!), Hinkley, Vega, Gateway, Clyde Miller, Clara Brown, Side Creek and Vista PEAK. Each offers something unique and special to our students, and it is beyond amazing to see the work, learning and activities occurring across the district.
Special events included seeing parents engage with their students at Dalton’s Family Day, 4th-grade tech presentations at Clara Brown, a community engagement session at Clyde Miller, participation in “Leaders are Readers” at Side Creek, the plant sale and Design Showcase at Pickens, Channel 7 and BOK Financial’s free book fair at Kenton, a press conference promoting support of Gateway’s ConstrucTech program, a very enthusiastic and motivating Half Cap ceremony for sophomores at Vista PEAK who are on track to graduate, and Mr. Jimmy Day’s (Colorado Teacher of the Year) last band/choir performance at East. How impressive are the staff and students at Aurora Public Schools?!?
Celebrating staff and volunteers included attending the Affinity Group sessions in early February and in May, the Executive Internship Sponsorship Dinner at the PLCC and the district retirement dinner. Our district is overflowing with talented individuals who teach, support and encourage our students every day!
And then... it was graduation season! What an honor to sit on the stage and see all of the years of hard work result in being awarded certificates of completion and diplomas by so many whose smiles shone brightly as they proudly concluded their high school careers. Hinkley, William Smith, Rangeview, Pickens, Aurora Central, Vista PEAK, Gateway, Aurora West, Avenues and Crossroads completers and graduates – congratulations! Bright futures ahead!
What a year – I can’t wait to see what next year brings!☺
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Board Director Vicki Reinhard with a representative from BOK Financial who sponsored the Kenton Book Fair | |
Students attending the Kenton Book Fair | |
Vista PEAK Preparatory Half Cap Ceremony | |
Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. and Board Director Vicki Reinhard at the Vista PEAK Half Cap Ceremony | |
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Notes and Events from Dr. Debbie Gerkin
Hinkley IB Biology
I had the great pleasure of spending March 29 with Hinkley High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology students and their teacher, Alice Gerkin-Brauer, at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Students took notes, gathered water samples and tested them, and researched both the wildlife and the superfund cleanup site. On the following day, I listened to their final presentations, which included the biological, social, moral, economic, ethical and environmental implications of the Arsenal as it applies both locally and globally. What a great learning experience!
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Above left to right: Hinkley IB Biology students Bitania Sime, Aaliyah Loya Sanches and Dalila Perez Robinson present their findings.
| At right: Paula Ortiz Luna (left) helps Layla McNeal take a water sample. | |
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Vista PEAK Convocation
May 16 was the Vista PEAK Preparatory Convocation, where I had the pleasure of celebrating the honors and awards of Vista’s graduating seniors. I especially enjoyed awarding the Gerkin Family Expository Writing Scholarship to Hannah Young. Congratulations to Hannah and the rest of Vista PEAK’s Class of 2024!
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Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin (left) and Vista PEAK student Hannah Young | |
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Notes and Events from Michael Carter
I cannot believe another school year has come and gone. We've had so many events in the past few months, including student performances, leadership conferences and community events to advocate for our students. Our students have a lot to be proud of. Thank you to our teachers, staff and principals who continue to give their everything to support each of our students.
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Mrachek Choir Concert
It was wonderful to spend time at the Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus and observe these programs in action. The students were incredibly engaged and I enjoyed every minute of their performance.
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Gateway H.S. Partners with Aurora City Council
Board Director Vicki Reinhard and I attended an event that reinforced the partnership between Gateway High School, developers and the Aurora City Council to pass a bill that helps apprenticeship for our students.
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Student apprentices at Gateway High School working in the construction lab. | |
From left: Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr., Board Vice President Michael Carter, Director Vicki Reinhard, APS Foundation Chair Jill Ruiter and Gateway High School principal Dr. Scott Fiske | |
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Leadership Conference at University of Denver
Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker and I attended a leadership conference at the University of Denver.
| Board Vice President Michael Carter (from left), DU Assistant Professor Starla Sieveke-Pearson and Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker | |
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Community College of Aurora Conference
Community College of Aurora conference - “Beyond Walls” - showcased student excellence and innovation.
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House Bill 1448 Signing at Virginia Court
I had the privilege to attend the community event with Board President Dr. Anne Keke at Virginia Court Elementary to witness the signing of the bill that will provide much needed funding for our school district.
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From left: Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board President Dr. Anne Keke and Colorado State Senator Janet Buckner | |
Board Vice President Michael Carter speaking at the signing of the bill. | |
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Notes and Events from Dr. Anne Keke
APS Educator Emporium
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Board President Dr. Anne Keke (center) with two students at the APS Foundation Educator Emporium | |
Board President Dr. Anne Keke (center) with two teachers at the APS Foundation Educator Emporium | |
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APS Executive Internship Event
We spent the evening at APS Professional Learning and Conference Center celebrating students who have successfully completed their executive meeting internship program.
| Board President Dr. Anne Keke (top right) celebrating with our students and their families at the Executive Internship event | |
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Signing of House Bill 1448
I was excited to attend the signing of HB-1448 at Virginia Court Elementary School, which will provide additional funding for our schools and students.
| From left: Outgoing Colorado Education Association President Amy Baca Oleare, Board President Dr. Anne Keke and Aurora Education Association President Linnea Reed-Eillis | |
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Notes and Events from Tiffany Tasker
I am not sure where the time has gone but our students finished this school year strong! I was excited to attend school performances, field days and student presentations and of course ended the year celebrating with our graduation class of 2024!
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Aurora Frontier Field Day
Our Aurora Frontier P-8 students were all smiles as they spent time outside enjoying their field day.
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Hinkley H.S. Student Science Presentations
These students worked diligently on their school project: completing their research, observations and analysis of the results. I got to spend this time with them as they presented their findings to us. They did a great job and all of their hard work paid off!
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Hinkley High School students presenting their science projects | |
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Notes and Events from Danielle Tomwing
These last few months have been filled with school visits to Vista PEAK Exploratory, Vassar Elementary, Fulton Academy, Aurora Central High School and the Charles Burrell Campus. I had the opportunity not only to meet with the principals but to sit in on sessions with Learning Community Directors and Instructional Coaches. It was clear that our leadership teams, principals and teachers are working together to continuously build a strong culture and focus on understanding as well as meeting the needs of all our students.
It has been a busy few months but I thoroughly enjoyed attending events in our school district and seeing the impact we are making on our students. We have a lot to celebrate!
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Visit to Aurora Central H.S. and the Charles Burrell Campus | |
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From left: Principal Anne Ferris, Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing and Principal Kurtis Quig on a tour of the Charles Burrell Campus
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Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing listens to band practice on the Charles Burrell Campus. | |
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APS Resource Fair and Other Events at Gateway H.S.
There were several events held at Gateway High School on this Saturday morning: the APS Resource Fair, the 2024 Bond Community Open House and high school swimming competitions. Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker, Board Vice President Michael Carter and I had the pleasure of connecting with our community on that day... especially with our students!
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Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker (top left) and Board Vice President Michael Carter (top right) attend the APS Resource Fair at Gateway High School. | | |
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2024 Bond Community Open House at Gateway H.S. | From left: Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker, Board Vice President Michael Carter, Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing and Gateway Principal Dr. Scott Fiske | |
Visit to Vassar Elementary | Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing completed a tour at Vassar Elementary led by Principal Stacey Stuart and watched students participate in music class. | |
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Community College of Aurora Conference
The CCA Foundation Luncheon highlighted incredible students and the exciting new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics and Applied Technologies.
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From left: Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jesús Rodriquez, Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin, Board Treasurer Tiffany Tasker, Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing, Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. and Board President Dr. Anne Keke | |
AST Presentation, Students and Tour
The APS Foundation April meeting was held at Aurora Science and Tech. AST students hosted us that morning and led the school tour. They shared their passion for what they do and what this school means to them. | From left: Chief of Staff Mark Seglem, Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing, APS Foundation Director Michelle Washington and APS Foundation Director Jim Brauer receive a tour from two AST students. | |
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HBCU Presentation by Aurora Central H.S. Students
As part of their presentation on Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Aurora Central High School students shared their journey of organizing, planning and completing a trip for ten students to tour ten campuses across three states. A partnership that consists of APS Foundation, Google Gives, Black Google Network and the ACHS Black Student Union that made this possible.
This experience gave our students an opportunity to apply to these colleges while they were there! This trip made a lasting impression for these students and sparked something in them.
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ACHS student presents their HBCU trip visiting ten campuses. | |
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Pickens Tech Graphic Design Showcase
Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin and I attended the student showcase at Pickens Technical College. Students presented projects in photography and graphic design. It was evident that these students are talented and dedicated to their craft!
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Pickens Technical College students showcasing their photography portfolio | |
Second from left: Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing, Board Director Dr. Debbie Gerkin and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jesús Rodriguez with two staff members from Pickens Tech | |
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Aurora Public Schools Board of Education
Educational Services Center 1
15701 E. 1st. Ave., Suite 206
Aurora, CO 80011
aurorak12.org/boe
Aurora Public Schools Boardroom
APS Professional Learning & Conference Center
15771 E. 1st. Ave.
Aurora, CO 80011
Questions or comments? Email Board Assistant Claudia Paz-Blossick at cpaz@aurorak12.org or call 303-344-8060, extension 28988.
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