June 4, 2015 VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 43 | FREE
CastlePinesNewsPress.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
WHAT’S INSIDE
Challenge accepted: Runners went all in for the Castle Rock Half Marathon. See Page 5
A helping hand: Faith-based programs reach out locally and globally. See Page 14
Liz Lucero, a medical technologist at Castle Rock Adventist, prepares a patient for a mammogram. Flat-screen LED monitors on the wall display soothing videos and photos and project relaxing sounds while the air in the room is infused with a light, calming fragrance. Courtesy photo Rock Canyon rocks state: Jaguars get on a roll to capture their first state baseball title. See Page 23
Mammogram tech makes big step forward Castle Rock Adventist Hospital gets 3D imaging, Sensory Suite By Mike DiFerdinando
mdiferdinando@colorado communitymedia.com
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Castle Rock Adventist Hospital has introduced new mammogram technology that will allow patients to receive a more complete view of their body in a relaxed atmosphere. The hospital’s new tomosynthesis machine (also known as 3D
mammography) is a new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram. The new technology is being made available to the public June 4. During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over a breast, taking multiple images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of breast tissue in one-millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see detail. The 3D images make it possible for a radiologist to view
for in the past, such as small asymmetries, will now be able to be detected right away. According to Phillips, the typical callback rate after mammograms is 10 percent to 12 percent. Studies show a reduction in callbacks of up to 40 percent with the new technology. “That callback is an extreme anxiety-provoking moment for women,” she said. Castle Rock Adventist will also be unveiling its new Sensory Suite, which allows patients to choose Hospital continues on Page 11
Flagstone Elementary parents protest Larkspur High turnover, other issues prompt call for principal to resign By Jane Reuter
Castle Pines News-Press
jreuter@colorado communitymedia.com
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breast tissue during a screening and reduces the need for followup imaging. “When you open (the image) up and you can page through it, especially if the woman has really dense breast tissue, now you can see some of the masses and distortion and other things that can be signs of breast cancer,” said Dr. Jinnah Phillips, radiologist and women’s imaging specialist at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. The new machine will go a long way in increasing doctors’ diagnostic confidence. Things that doctors would call patients back
A parent and child walk past protesters outside Flagstone Elementary May 29. Photo by Jane Reuter
Flagstone Elementary parents and students, following the removal of a second-grade teacher from their school, protested outside the Castle Rock elementary during morning student drop-off May 29. The parents are calling for the resignation of Principal Kelli Smith, under whom they said numerous teachers have left and staff morale has fallen. Teacher Heather Heintz reportedly was escorted out of Flagstone on May 28 by school administrators during school hours. Her family members said it followed a dispute with the principal. Protesting parents said that was the latest in a long series of problems. Heintz’s husband Brett and daughter were among those protesting. Protest continues on Page 11
principal resigns Parents had expressed concerns over leadership By Jane Reuter
jreuter@colorado communitymedia.com Larkspur Elementary Principal Kory Moore resigned a week after a parent called for a vote of no confidence in the school’s leader. Moore wrote a May 27 letter announcing his resignation to the Larkspur Elementary community, saying he had accepted a position at another school. “The students at LES are truly exceptional and I am so proud of what they are accomplishing each day,” Moore wrote. “I will forever treasure the relationships that I have built and will miss everyone that I had the privilege of working with.” Moore will return to teaching in the Douglas County School District, Principal continues on Page 11