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LITTLETON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Discipline program deemed a success Options principals say grades up, suspensions down By Jennifer Smith jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com
department launched a public education campaign to prevent potential disasters. “This year, there are so many more remote-controlled toys and items out there — there are drones and hover boards and other items that use these lithium
New discipline paradigms are making a difference in the Littleton Public Schools alternative programs, say the principals. “We’re not lowering our expectations, we’re increasing our level of support,” said Ashley Broer, the middle school principal at the Options campus. In 2011, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill that did away with “zero tolerance” discipline and encouraged each school district in Colorado to replace it with restorative-justice practices that focus not on punishment, but on righting the wrong. To that end, the district garnered $865,470 from the state’s Expelled and At-Risk Student Services grant in 2012. Staff used it to implement a skillsbased curriculum designed to help kids make healthy decisions for themselves and learn to manage anger in nonviolent ways. It includes a parent program and peer-leadership groups, all with the goal of reducing truancy, increasing academic achievement and building a more positive environment. It’s working, according to Broer. Her
Battery continues on Page 6
LPS continues on Page 10
A South Metro Fire Rescue firefighter watches over a lithium-ion polymer battery during a demonstration Dec. 9. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Battery danger nothing to toy with Power sources used in drones, R/C cars can explode, cause fires, local officials say
TIPS TO PREVENT LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FIRES • Do not overcharge batteries • Do not leave them unattended while
By Chris Michlewicz cmichlewicz@coloradocommunitymedia.com South Metro Fire Rescue is warning consumers this holiday season about the danger of fires caused by lithium-ion polymer batteries, which can be found in drones, hover boards and remotecontrolled toys. At the department’s joint services facility in Parker, safety officer Jason Camper demonstrated how easy it is for a lithium-ion polymer battery to start a
• Use a charger recommended by manufacturer
charging
• Check batteries for outward signs of damage
• Use a fireproof container while charging
• Use adult supervision
fire. An overcharged battery was poked with a nail, and that was all it took for the battery to combust and burst into flames. South Metro Fire Rescue has responded to two recent fires ignited by the batteries. As the holidays approach, the
Legislators talk liquor laws at local brewery Democratic legislators expect changes to go to voters
By Jennifer Smith jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com Two Democratic state legislators came out against the proposal to allow liquor sales in Colorado grocery stores during a Dec. 10 town hall meeting at Locavore Beer Works in Littleton. “Grocery stores knew all along they couldn’t, but now they’re saying that’s
State Sen. Linda Newell invited Rep. Daniel Kagan and Sen. Lucia Guzman, the new minority leader, to her town hall at Locovore Beer Works in Littleton on Dec. 10. Photo by Jennifer Smith
not reasonable, that’s not fair,” said Rep. Daniel Kagan, who represents Sheridan, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, parts of Littleton and unincorporated Arapahoe County. “… There is a liquor store on every corner. Do we really need more outlets to get liquor? I don’t think so.” Sen. Lucia Guzman, of Denver, the new minority leader, agreed, saying the proposal would put small businesses at a disadvantage. “It’s good for the customer because it’s convenient, but my heart and soul Liquor continues on Page 10
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