News-Press DCCR 7.18.13
Castle Rock
Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 11, Issue 17
July 18, 2013
Free
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourcastlerocknews.com
Public pot smoking prohibited Castle Rock will handle violations like alcohol By Virginia Grantier
vgrantier@ourcoloradonews.com
Kids always seem to be on the cutting edge of technology. The Douglas County School District is making sure its teachers aren’t left behind. The number of technological advancements in the classroom over the last decade is astounding. The advent of interactive class lessons and online homework assignments has teachers receiving continuing education on the latest gadgets and apps being incorporated into the classroom. An annual “Geek Camp” run by the Douglas County School District equips teachers with the tools and know-how needed to guide the next generation into
Smoking marijuana in public in Castle Rock will be dealt with similarly to how police deal with open consumption of alcohol. Castle Rock Town Clerk Sally Misare informed the Castle Rock City Council July 2 that one of the major issues the Colorado Legislature recently failed to address, regarding the state’s new law legalizing marijuana, was open and public consumption of pot — and so the town police’s department has decided to deal with such violations using standards similar to what’s in the town’s liquor code. Any incidents of possible public consumption will be handled on a case-by-case basis by police officers, using “case-specific facts,” Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley said in a recent interview. But, “you couldn’t smoke a marijuana cigarette in public. That would be prohibited,” Cauley said. Any person who violates that prohibition, which is considered a Class 2 petty offense, would upon conviction receive up to a $100 fine and/or 15 days in jail, according to the town’s municipal code. The town is also heading the way of some others in not allowing the licensing of marijuana clubs where people would be allowed to congregate to smoke pot. Misare told the council the town hasn’t had any applications for such a club. But when she asked if the town council wanted staff to draft a proposed ordinance prohibiting those, councilmembers indicated they wanted that done. “That’s absolutely something I would like us to take action on …,” said Castle Rock Mayor Paul Donahue. “We do not want these clubs in Castle Rock.” That action would be the latest in the town’s effort to shield itself from the effects
Geek continues on Page 15
Pot continues on Page 15
Kim McMonagle, left, director of educational technology for the Douglas County School District, shows Soaring Hawk Elementary School teacher Sue McTigue how to use the iPhoto booth in a classroom setting. Photos by Chris Michlewicz
Teachers learn at ‘Geek Camp’
DCSD personnel attend four-day session at charter By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com
A group of Douglas County School District teachers follows along during a “geek camp” session, which is meant to get them up to speed on technologies used in the classroom.
‘Spa for a Cause’ to aid Castle Rock girl Event will help medical fund for child with Marfan syndrome By Virginia Grantier
vgrantier@ourcoloradonews. com She’s only 10, but looks like she has soldiered through some war. She’s long-limbed and bony, and her eyes are red and tired after multiple surgeries for detached retinas. “I play by myself at recess all the time,” said Maddy Collins about experiences at South Ridge Elementary School in Castle Rock.
fundraiser for maddy collins What: Spa for a Cause When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20 Where: 7550 Soapstone Way, Castle Rock Tickets: $15 For more information: 720-854-8737 Some kids call her “alien” and she sits alone at lunch, because they worry if their trays touch hers, they’ll have to throw their food away. That’s what Maddy, who was born with Marfan syndrome, faces from many classmates. And then there’s what she and her family face every day. There is a long list of things she can’t do. So that she can live.
“If she takes a sharp blow to the chest, that could be the end to Maddy,” said Maddy Collins’ mother, Tara McGuire, 30, of Castle Rock. Maddy has an enlarged aorta that can tear easily because of the fragile way it’s constructed. And that’s only one of many physical issues. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder in which the “glue” that hold the body’s connective tissue together is defective and so causes a myriad of problems — everything from heart problems to skeletal and visions issues. Maddy has had surgeries for all of that. Spa continues on Page 15
Maddy Collins, 10, right, and her mom, Tara McGuire, 30, of Castle Rock, talk about the challenges of Maddy living with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that weakens multiple body systems including, most seriously, the aorta. Photo by Virginia Grantier