February 11, 2016 VO LUM E 1 1 | IS S UE 37
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Blended education on the rise Jefferson Virtual Academy merging into Two Roads Charter School By Crystal Anderson Canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com A mix of individualized, online and face-to-face instruction classes — known as blended-learning classrooms — are giving Jeffco students more options to help them succeed. “We want to be a place where we can give families a lot of options,” said Blended learning is a Wendy Noel, mix of online and faceprincipal of Two to-face instruction that Roads Charter gives students a deep, School about engaging and personalthe district’s ized education. Jefferson Virtual VIDEO: https://vimeoAcademy, which pro.com/edelements/ is moving into blendedlearning the Two Roads charter after seeing low enrollment in its K-6 courses. “We typically specialize in the unique and this is something different.” On Feb. 4, the Jeffco Board of Education approved the academy’s move after finding that the school — a blended-learning system of online and in-person instructional time — cost the district $700,000 for the two years the elementary education was running, and did not meet enrollment expectations. This move allows the district to save money by utilizing a current Jeffco facility, while giving more students the opportunity to enroll in a blended learning environment. According to district staff, the academy’s enrollment numbers fluctuated from 30-40 students, which is roughly one third of the 120 it could host. Two Roads Online, the new option in their charter available fall 2016 is a program for second through fifth graders that combines four days of online instruction with one day or more of traditional teaching at the charter’s Arvada campus, 6980 Pierce St. On traditional teaching days, students will interact with their teacher and classmates and have the ability to take electives such as robotics, music and ceramics — something they didn’t have through the academy, which offered the traditional electives of art, music and physical education. “Blended-learning programs are important because the teachers video themselves, interact with the students — even if they’re at home,” Noel said. “Then, seeing them one day a week strengthens that relationship, it’s not just all online.” While a new program to Two Roads, and a relatively new concept for Jeffco, district staff said blended learning has been imple-
BLENDED LEARNING
In 2015, the Arvada police department awarded 11 scholarships totaling $18,000 through the foundation. Courtesy Photo
Northey Foundation keeps giving Police entity helps students, families of hurt or fallen officers By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com In a time of need, the police department is always there. And one organization, the Arvada Police Department’s Northey Foundation, a nonprofit created by members of the department, is celebrating that fact as 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of service for the families of deceased or injured officers and Arvada students. “We want to honor our fallen officers. It comes back to the concept of ‘never forgotten,’” said Jill McGranahan, public relations coordinator for the Arvada Police Department.
TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP http://arvada.org/residents/crime-prevention/northey-foundation
Michael Northey, an officer with the department, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while responding to a drunk driving call in 1973. The department gave money to his family to help cover any costs they incurred and serve them during their time of need. In 1996, money still remained, and former Police Chief Ron Sloan decided the best way to honor Northey’s memory was to create a foundation that would honor and take care of families of officers in need while serving Arvada’s youth with money for
college. “Northey was a great officer and he cared deeply about youth, and it’s important for us to carry on his legacy,” McGranahan added, talking about the growth of the scholarship program. “We used to give three or four scholarships out each year; last year we gave out 11. We continue to grow that year after year so we can help more kids.” Scholarships are available to any high school senior looking to enroll in college in the fall. The application process is open now through March 16, and will be awarded at the city’s Police Awards in May. “The Micheal Northey Foundaiton helped me a lot, it helped me strive for greatness in school because I knew that they had my back, so I wanted to show them that I can do well as they paved Northey continues on Page 9
Bill aims to change concealed carry rules Measure in state Senate would eliminate need for gun owners to get permits By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com A bill making its way through the state Senate would eliminate the requirement for concealed carry permits for gun owners. Senate Bill 16-017 is sponsored by state Sen. Tim Neville — a Republican from south Jefferson County who recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate — and his son, state Rep. Patrick Neville, a Castle Rock Republican. The measure
would allow a person who legally possesses a handgun under state and federal law to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado without applying for additional permits. If the bill were to pass both chambers and be signed into law, a person who carries a concealed handgun would have the Patrick same carrying rights and be subject to the same Neville limitations that apply to a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun under current law. That includes the prohibition on the carrying of a concealed
handgun on the grounds of public schools. “This is an ability for people to defend themselves without paying a tax,” said Tim Neville of his bill, which has been referred to as “constitutional carry.” “No other constitutional right requires Tim a fee to practice,” he Neville said. “There is no fee for free speech and there shouldn’t be for the Second Amendment.” Gun continues on Page 15
Charter continues on Page 8
CHOCOLATE 14th annual Chocolate Fair had something sweet for everyone PAGE 5.