May 21, 2015
CONGRATULATIONS Class of
VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 7 | FREE
2015
SPECIAL TRIBUTE INSIDE CastleRockNewsPress.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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WHAT’S INSIDE
Business news: Castle Pines Safeway to close. See Page 2
Still got it: The Marshall Tucker Band rocked the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center. See Page 13
Isabala Krueck, 13, rides her bike May 17 during the Tri the Rock children’s triathlon in Castle Rock. Jaguars at state: Rock Canyon advances to next level. See Page 29
Amelia Moenster, 14, of Highlands Ranch, races toward the finish line May 17 during the Tri the Rock children’s triathlon in Castle Rock.
Children from across the metro area came to Castle Rock’s Buttefield Park May 17 for the Tri the Rock Children’s Triathlon. Kids between the ages of 5 and 14 swam, biked and raced their way around the park. For every Douglas County student who participated, $10 will go back to his or her school. Clear Sky Elementary is the new winner of the Tri the Rock Challenge for bringing the most students to the race. In doing so, Clear Sky broke Soaring Hawk Elementary’s eight-year win streak.
PHOTOS BY MIKE DIFERDINANDO
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PL E ASE R ECYC LE T HI S COPY
Miss Bobbi leaving ‘home’ after 31 years South Ridge elementary staffer known for nicknames, parties, passion for kids By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Sweet Cheeks, Miss Blueberry, Bumblebee, Sunflower and Beep-Beep. These are among the nicknames that educational assistant Bobbi Harper has bestowed on the students at South Ridge Elementary, terms of endearment the children treasure so much some insist on using them in place of their given names. After 31 years and innumerable nicknames, Harper is leaving the Castle Rock school. She is stepping down for a variety of reasons, but plans to continue as a volunteer. “To be honest, it only feels like two or three (years),” Harper said. “I love this job; I can’t say enough good about it. I always tell my friends, if you want to feel appreciated, be a volunteer in the school.” The blond-haired, blue-eyed veteran staff member known as Miss Bobbi is beloved for her annual schoolwide birthday celebration, willingness to fill any need at the school, her affection for bling and the color purple, and her love for the students. She and her husband, Wes, have no children of their own. “Just the 600 that live here,” Harper said. “These are my kids.” South Ridge is an anomaly in the Douglas
South Ridge Elementary first-grader River Rhees laughs with educational assistant Bobbi Harper as Rhees practices reading. Photo by Jane Reuter County School District, with lower family incomes, a higher percentage of free-and-reducedlunch students and lower test scores than most district schools. “The kids are challenging for sure, but it’s not Bobbi continues on Page 9
IF YOU GO A community party in Harper’s honor will be held at 4:15 p.m. May 27 at South Ridge Elementary School, 1100 South St., Castle Rock. Everybody who knows her is invited and encouraged to attend.