Denver Herald Dispatch November 16, 2023

Serving the community since 1926

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2023

VOLUME 96 | ISSUE 50

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Prohibition on ‘When you invest in a child, you’re also supporting the parents’ decorative grasses gains early support among legislators

BY SHANNON MULLANE THE COLORADO SUN

A preschool teacher reads to students.

Denver voters support access to preschool education

BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Denverites are overwhelmingly in support of giving all children access to preschool.

More than three-quarters of voters backed Ballot measure 2P on Election Day earlier this month. It

ing scale.

The program, which got its start in 2006 after voters approved it two years earlier, is funded through a sales and use tax. The first ballot initiative was passed as a 0.12% sales and use tax, and in 2014, voter reauthorization increased the amount to 0.15%. That vote authorized the program to remain in place until 2026, but the passage of 2P means it no longer needs reapproval from voters every 10 years.

Those grassy medians in roads around Colorado might add doses of green to streets, but state water watchers say the turf sucks up too much water and that needs to change.

State officials, legislators, water managers and conservation experts are searching for ways to cut water use in face of prolonged drought and concerns about future water supply insecurity. One much-discussed option for urban areas: Finding areas of thirsty turf, like Kentucky bluegrass, that are purely ornamental and removing it. Legislators have proposed a bill that takes that approach a step further by prohibiting new installations of this nonfunctional turf starting in 2025, and the idea got an early vote of support last week.

“This isn’t about ripping up turf that already exists,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Summit County Democrat, who is a prime sponsor of the draft bill. “If you have nonfunctional turf you’ll be allowed to keep it if you want. Hopefully you’ll replace it, but we’re not mandating you to.”

The proposal focuses on state and local governments, and homeowners associations. After Jan. 1, 2025, these entities would not be able to plant or install new nonfunctional turf, artificial turf or an invasive plant species on any commercial, institutional or industrial property.

Legislators on the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee voted 8-2 recently in favor of the proposal, a bipartisan vote and a preliminary signal of support. It will be introduced to the General Assembly in January.

The bill comes out of Colorado’s efforts to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the draft bill says.

SEE SUPPORT, P3

SEE LAWN BAN, P4

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DENVER PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

asked if the Denver Preschool Program should remain permanent.

“This is such an endorsement from the voters saying that we are a good investment and that they trust and support the Denver Preschool Program,” said Elsa Holguín, Denver Preschool Program’s president and CEO on Election Night.

The Denver Preschool Program provides funding assistance to help all residents afford to send their children to preschool. The program allows parents to apply for support on a need-based slid-

VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 14 | CALENDAR: 17

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2 Denver Herald

November 16, 2023

Loveland Ski Area ready for the season Heavy snow and snow-making at the Clear Creek County ski area means good powder for upcoming opening

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Although warm weather stretching into October prohibited snowmaking at Loveland Ski Area, a late snowstorm blanketed the 1,800 acres of mountains with more than 11 inches of snow, readying the slopes for the ski season ahead.

“It’s going to be a good year,” said Dustin Schaefer, Loveland Ski Area’s marketing manager.

With plenty of mountain ski areas such as Breckenridge, Vail, Copper Mountain and Keystone, competition for skier dollars is always a challenge, Schaefer said.

Arapahoe Basin in Dillon claimed the title of first chair of the season on Oct. 29 this year, but most resorts are announcing opening dates through November. Loveland Ski Area does not yet have an official open date, but it’s coming within the next few weeks, according to Schaefer.

A regular season lift ticket at Loveland is $149 this year for skiers or boarders 15 years and older.

For those up to 14 years old, a lift ticket will be $45 and anyone under 5 years old skis free, according to Schaefer.

“The special thing (at Loveland)

Loveland ski area in Clear Creek County prepares for the season as snow starts to fall Oct. 30.

Parker the Snow Dog and Mayor of Georgetown looks out at the new snow at Loveland Ski Area in Clear Creek County Oct. 30.

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN SCHAEFER LOVELAND SKI AREA

is we’re not a ski resort, we’re a ski area. When you go to Loveland, you feel like family, not a number at a regular resort, and we try to keep lift passes financially affordable,” Schaefer said.

A study by RRC Associates, a research company in Boulder, states that Colorado’s ski industry generates $4.8 billion in annual economic output and supports more than 46,000 year-round equivalent jobs.

Sun shines on new snow at Loveland Ski Area in Clear Creek County Oct. 30.

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SUPPORT FROM PAGE 1

The state’s recently-implemented universal preschool program (UPK Colorado) can act as a supplement for the Denver Preschool Program for some families. For example, UPK covers preschool for 15 hours a week. By using those hours as credits, the Denver Preschool Program can offer its tuition assistance to go toward a full-

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day opportunity, which can help working families.

“In this election, we all win,” Holguín said. “The children in Denver get a great start to their education, and families can confidently return to the workforce. When you invest in a child, you’re also supporting the parents.”

The Denver Preschool Program also provides some grants to help schools pay for teacher early childhood education college courses and classroom learning materials.

“We know that teachers are the

key,” Holguín said, adding that Denver Preschool Program also invests in teachers by providing stipends and retention- and signon bonuses to help address teacher shortages.

Schools in the Denver program must also meet a quality rating of three stars or higher from Colorado Shines — the state’s quality rating and improvement system provided by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

Children that have a high-quality preschool education are better

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prepared for kindergarten, Holguín said. They begin to read earlier, they graduate high school at higher rates and are more likely to go to college, she said.

“Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops by age 5,” Holguín said.

“Early investment is the most critical time to invest in their education.”

To learn more about the Denver Preschool Program, visit dpp.org.

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The Colorado River Basin, which provides 40% of Colorado’s water supply, lost an estimated 10 trillion gallons of water over two decades because of rising temperatures and a changing climate, according to recent research.

In Colorado, cities, towns and industries currently have enough water, but by 2050, municipalities statewide could be short a total of 230,000 acrefeet to 740,000 acre-feet in the worstcase scenario, according to the 2023 Colorado Water Plan.

Municipal water use accounts for just 7% of the state’s annual water use.

While that is a small percentage, Colorado needs to be worried about even the smallest amount of water these days, Roberts said.

The state has made progress in cutting down indoor water use, particularly as in-home appliances have become more efficient. But within municipalities, Coloradans use about half of their water on lawns and gardens, which means water managers are increasingly focused on outdoor use.

“We, as a state, need to look at all possible ways to conserve water within our state boundaries,” Roberts said, “and nonfunctional turf is one of those low-hanging fruits that seems like the very obvious next step in where we need to go in conserving water.”

Cities, towns and residents around Colorado have planted Kentucky bluegrass and other nonnative grasses around buildings, homes and ur-

Aurora homeowners planted water-efficient landscaping in their yard.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AURORA WATER

ban landscapes for decades.

But in some areas the grass is rarely, if ever, used. Instead, it is watered and maintained primarily for aesthetic purposes. This nonfunctional turf can be found in green patches next to streets, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, frontage areas and medians.

“This is the type of turf that I think, maybe after this hearing, you’ll see driving around all the time now,” Andrew Hill, government affairs manager for Denver Water, told legislators during the committee meeting. “It’s not used for anything. … Put simply, it only ever sees the bottom of a lawnmower, and it only ever gets watered.”

In other areas, grassy turf serves civic or recreational purposes: People picnic on it in parks, kick around balls on it at sports fields and play on it at playgrounds. This type of turf has a function and would not be impacted if the draft bill passes the legislature.

Nor would residential lawns, golf courses, sports fields or any existing areas with nonfunctional turf.

“It’s important to make that distinction because there are areas that serve a really valuable purpose to communities,” Hill said. “These urban green spaces, when used functionally, can combat urban heat island effects, it improves mental and physical health, and green spaces are also very important to disproportionately impacted communities.”

Artificial turf — which would also be prohibited in new landscaping under the proposed bill — resembles grass but is made out of synthetic materials.

It can exacerbate heat island effects and release harmful chemicals into the environment and watersheds, the bill says.

Many Colorado communities are already finding ways to reconfigure landscapes in more water-efficient ways.

Colorado water officials recently ended the first year of $1.5 million in local turf removal grants with nearly 40 applications for the money.

Broomfield, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Aurora and Castle Rock are just a few cities with efforts to restrict, remove or otherwise cut down on water used by thirsty landscaping.

In 2022, municipalities and water

providers across the Colorado River Basin committed to reduce nonfunctional turf grass by 30% while maintaining key urban landscapes and tree canopies that benefit communities, wildlife and the environment.

Lafayette residents may have recently spotted crews digging up turf at the local library. Or they can scope out a finished water-wise garden at Lafayette Fire Station 1 on North 111th Street.

Aurora has been working on removing thirsty turf as part of the city’s Grass Replacement Incentive Program, which had about 120 participants in 2023, a 50% increase compared with 2022.

Kentucky bluegrass in Aurora needs to be soaked with about 28 inches of water, on average per year, on top of natural precipitation, said Tim York, water conservation manager for Aurora Water.

That’s a little over 2 acre-feet of water per acre. One acre-foot of water equals about 326,000 gallons, or a yearlong supply of water for two or more typical urban households.

Replacing that nonfunctional turf with native grasses could save that full 2 acre-feet per acre, York said. Replanting with water-efficient shrubs or other types of nonnative turf grass could cut water use by 1 to 1.5 acrefeet per acre.

The cost of these projects is all over the board, he said. A project with minimal irrigation modifications could cost $16,000 per acre. To heavily modify a big irrigation system, like irrigation for a park, it can cost up to $60,000. The residential cost to replace turf depends on factors including contractors, labor and landscaping density.

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makes sense, is certainly the cheapest and gives us typically the largest (water) savings value.”

It’s not clear how much water could be conserved by replacing nonfunctional turf, or by prohibiting new installations. That is partially because communities like Aurora are still calculating their total acreage of nonfunctional turf, a process that requires aerial surveys and data analysis, York said.

In 2022, Aurora said it would stop building with new nonfunctional turf installations, which means it serves as an unofficial test-case for the recently

proposed draft bill.

“If we’re going to ask existing customers to remove it, we’re going to incentivize it, we sure as heck shouldn’t be allowing people to continue to put it in. We know it’s not right,” York said.

“We can keep taking it out, but if we continue to put it in, you’re just kind of chasing your tail.”

It’s too soon for many entities around the state to take a stance on the draft bill — they will once the legislative session starts — but some communities are already weighing the idea.

The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality and Quantity Committee, called QQ, keeps a close eye on water policies.

The committee does not take positions on legislation until the bill has been introduced during the legislative

session.

“One of QQ’s guiding policies — water conservation and efficiency measures in Colorado should be increased — does align with the bill. QQ has been supportive of efforts to reduce turf generally and previously,” Claire Carroll, the committee’s director, said in a written statement. “At the same time, many QQ members approach a bill impacting statewide land use decision-making with some concern because the group has worked together for over 40 years to protect local authority to regulate for water quality and quantity protection.”

Several water experts testified at last week’s committee meeting.

“We really do need to make this change, starting now,” Greg Fisher, manager of demand planning for

Denver Water, told legislators. “What we’re really talking about right now is not wanting to lose the investment we are making in replacing that turf grass.”

Denver, which committed to reducing its nonfunctional turf by 30%, worked on 750,000 square feet of landscapes in 2023, he said. At that pace, the city would complete its commitment in 100 years.

“We know we need to up that game,” Fisher said, “but we also know that if new turf continues to go into new developments, that’s really setting us back.”

This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver that covers the state.

6 Denver Herald

November 16, 2023

Ellingboe retires after decades of sharing love of arts with readers

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Sonya Ellingboe, a longtime voice in the Denver area’s art and entertainment world, never let age be an obstacle in the days preceding the 2020 pandemic shutdowns, as she made her way to her office in Englewood each weekday with her walking stick and bright-colored necklaces.

Ellingboe, with her signature bright laugh and engaging conversational style, would sit at her window-view

desk to write stories about whatever show or art exhibit she had recently seen and to put together a weekly column that brought readers into the world of culture around the Denver metro area.

From the time the pandemic shutdowns began, she continued her work from home as she shared her stories with readers of south metro newspapers.

Ellingboe, a Littleton resident since 1956, recently announced her retirement from Colorado Community

With a sleeping cat in her lap, Sonya Ellingboe looks back on a storied career filled PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES with respect from peers and colleagues.

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Media. She has played a part in her beloved art world through her articles since at least 1989, when she was with what was then a one-paper operation known as the Littleton Times.

“Sonya has been a treasure to the arts community,” said Linda Shapley, publisher of Colorado Community Media. “She will be missed, but none more than by the dedicated readers who for decades respected and trusted her articles to open their worlds to beauty and creativity.”

Ellingboe, 93, talked about her love of art, her writing career, and her devotion to the Littleton community

in a recent interview with Colorado Community Media. She recalled how she got into newspaper writing, starting with an editor who had been with the Littleton Independent but was not happy with the newspaper’s direction and decided to start the Littleton Times, bringing Ellingboe with her.

Ellingboe joked about having a problem with putting too many commas in her articles and having to adjust from writing academic papers to writing articles for the general public.

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November 16, 2023

travel is, Ellingboe, sticking with her love of Colorado, said she loves the western part of her state.

As she wraps up her writing career, Ellingboe said her hope is that someone else will take on the challenge and keep the art world alive as she has tried to do for so many years.

“I always wanted to help get the word out and just tell people about all these great shows,” she said. “The paper has always been supportive when I’ve worked to get people interested and caring about art. I hope Littleton and the area can stay supportive and connected in bringing art to people.”

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A painting done by Sonya Ellingboe.

ELLINGBOE FROM PAGE 6

Ellingboe said she loves the arts, wanted to ask questions and learn more about local government, and happily dived into the journalism world.

“When I was young, I went to summer drama classes and while I did not want to perform, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” she said. “I always enjoyed going to plays and the entertainment world.”

In her home on Oct. 27, with a black cat sleeping soundly on her lap, Ellingboe spoke fondly about her career and experiences, surrounded by paintings done by her family, herself, and a mountain of books in various spots showing her love of learning and academics.

Eventually, the Littleton Times was bought by Jerry and Ann Healey, who said they owe much of their success to Ellingboe because she was there to connect them throughout the community and even provided office space for them to use in her bookstore off Curtice Street.

Ellingboe managed the bookstore in Littleton for 16 years.

Ann recalled being new to Littleton as she attributed their success to Ellingboe’s willingness to help them.

The Healeys eventually purchased the Littleton Independent, growing into what became Colorado Community Media with 24 community newspapers along the Front Range.

In 2021, the couple sold

Colorado Community Media to the Colorado News Conservancy.

Ann said there was a key group of Littleton residents who loved their local newspaper and Ellingboe played a big role in connecting the Healeys with the right people.

“We quickly became involved in the community,” Ann said. “(Ellingboe’s) historical and background knowledge of Littleton was endless. She was involved in everything. She has always been kind, patient, and really fun. She was always so interested in culture.”

Besides thinking of Ellingboe for her bright-colored jewelry choices, many who have worked with her over the last few decades also treasure her as a matriarch of the Littleton community.

After hearing of her retirement, Peggy Dietz, head of the Depot Art Center in Littleton, said, “I think of Sonya as not only a lovely friend but Littleton’s own Google.

She retains the living history of our community, remembering the ‘famous’, the ‘infamous’, and the everyday events. As a devoted member of the Depot Art Gallery, we always had her input and devotion. A true lover of the arts and an excellent writer.”

Chris Rotar, a former editor for Colorado Community Media, worked with Ellingboe from 2007-2021.

“Sonya’s unwavering advocacy for the metro area arts scene and the community of Littleton will likely never be duplicated,” he said. “Sonya did more than write for the newspapers. She served as an invaluable resource for

PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES

her colleagues, whether it be passing along news tips or providing historical context.”

Rotar, a newcomer to Colorado in 2007, remembers his second day on the job as an editor of the south metro publications.

“We got in Sonya’s car, and she took me on a tour around Littleton,” he said. “I quickly learned how important the community and its history are to her. Since the city isn’t geographically very big, the drive didn’t last long, but it left a lasting impression on me.”

For the Healeys, from the time they were a couple in their early 30s trying to get started, Ann said her relationship with Ellingboe developed into a strong, meaningful friendship built on admiration and respect.

“She’s had challenges at times but has always persevered,” Anne said. “She’s an amazing woman. She is a true community pillar. It’s hard to find the words to describe how much I think of her and admire her. I am just glad our paths crossed. I just hope I can be like her when I am in my 90s.”

Former Littleton Mayor Susan Thornton said Ellingboe’s notices and reviews have strengthened both the art community and the community at large over the years.

“She has been the go-to voice for residents who don’t want to miss the latest show, opening, event, or play,” Thornton said. “Her impact on the community has been profound.”

Ellingboe said she just wanted to bring art into the communities across the

Denver metro area. Looking back to when she was 7, Ellingboe said her mother, an artist, encouraged creativity and allowed young Sonya to paint and decorate her walls.

From an early age, Ellingboe was immersed in culture, traveling Europe, seeing plays, and loving all of it.

As a writer, Ellingboe said she has loved seeing the arts, culture, and entertainment world grow up around her.

She said Lone Tree, Parker, and many other communities have invested in the arts, giving her more to write about as the years went on.

“As I wrote, it made me constantly on the lookout for ideas over the years,” Ellingboe said. “You gain this curiosity. You want to know how they do that. How do they make that? It spreads in all directions.”

At 93, Ellingboe said she is not able to attend shows as often as she wants but still tries to get out with her daughter when she can.

With four children, numerous grandchildren, and a growing number of greatgrandchildren, Ellingboe proudly talked about instilling her love of the arts into her children, bragging about her son who currently travels the world.

While health has prevented her from traveling as much as she would like in recent years, Ellingboe followed the example of her parents in traveling with her own children to some of her favorite places in Europe and Asia.

“I’m glad I have been lucky enough to do things like that,” she said.

However, when asked where her favorite place to

Call first: c/o The Colorado Sun Buell Public Media Center 2101 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO 80205 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: DenverHerald.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100 LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Thousands of Venezuelan migrants want to work but can’t afford application fee

BY JENNIFER BROWN THE COLORADO SUN

About 5,500 of the more than 26,000 Venezuelan migrants who’ve come through Denver in the past several months are still here and the adults want to apply for federal work permits, according to outreach workers helping them start new lives in Colorado.

The problem is that many migrants don’t have a computer to access the applications, the forms are complicated and confusing, especially when English is not the applicant’s first language, and the process comes with an often out-of-reach cost of about $545.

Colorado nonprofits celebrated when the federal government announced in September that Venezuelans could apply for temporary pro-

tected status and work permits, but in reality, the process is so daunting that few have actually applied.

“There are thousands of people in our community that we know want to work, but first they have to submit these applications,” said Sarah Kurz, chief impact officer for Rose Community Foundation, which is leading an effort to help migrants enroll at scale.

Neither the Denver Department of Human Services nor the state’s Office of New Americans could say how many Venezuelans living in Colorado have applied for work permits.

Meanwhile, the city is running out of resources to move migrants from temporary shelters to more permanent housing, and some have moved to encampments along sidewalks and in public parks. One camp that was home to Venezeulans was cleaned up

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by the city last week.

Gov. Jared Polis has requested “blanket fee waivers” so that Venezuelans can legally work in Colorado as soon as possible. “The fee is extremely costly for new arrivals,” said Conor Cahill, the governor’s spokesman.

While they wait for a federal response, Rose Community Foundation is using a $500,000 anonymous gift to set up a series of legal clinics where migrants could fill out the application and receive financial assistance.

The foundation has plans to cover fees if the federal government does not waive them.

“It’s complicated for those of us who are first English speakers and have the resources,” Kurz said. “It’s much more complicated if you just moved somewhere new.”

Temporary protected status pro-

vides people who are already in the United States protection from being deported and makes it easier for them to get authorization to work.

The Biden administration granted the status to an estimated 472,000 people from Venezuela and vowed to accelerate work permits, but the migrants still have to apply. And while the announcement came in September, the applications were not immediately available, Kutz said.

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furniture estimate that there are about 4,500 adults and 1,000 children who have stayed in Denver and need to fill out applications for temporary protected status or work permits. They are among the 26,422 men, women and children arriving in Denver since Christmas, when Venezeulans began crossing the U.S. southern border from Mexico to flee extreme poverty and political turmoil.

Once in Denver, about 7,000 people were given bus tickets to requested destinations, mainly New York City and Chicago, while others were provided shelter in Denver recreation centers lined with cots, or in shelters set up by community organizations and churches. They were allowed to stay in city shelters for a maximum of 14 days, and some left to live outside.

“Some are living on the street, living on couches and they might not realize the opportunity exists much less have a computer and the English skills and the financial capacity to submit the application,” Kurz said.

The 5,500 number includes only Venezuelans who are eligible for temporary protected status because they arrived in Denver before July 31, which is the federal government’s cutoff date.

There is no official count of how many people in all have stayed in Colorado. “The city and state have been careful not to ask too many questions of folks and their plan to stay here because people are understandably nervous about that,” Kurz said.

And while city officials previously have said that the influx of migrants was not adding to the city’s homeless population, the line between the two groups has started to blur as the migrant crisis continues 11 months

after it began. According to the city’s migrant dashboard, 61 more migrants arrived on one Sunday in early November. The city has spent about $30 million in support so far, with $9 million promised from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and $3.5 million from the state.

Rose Community Foundation, which was created after the sale of Rose Medical Center in 1995, began helping Venezuelan migrants in December. Since then, it has collected more than $830,000 from thousands of individual donors to what’s called the Newcomers Fund. Grants from the fund have helped nonprofits set up housing and helped migrants talk to landlords, complete rental agreements and find food and furniture.

After President Joe Biden announced Venezuelans could get work permits, an anonymous donor gave Rose $500,000, and the foundation started the Newcomers Workforce Fund.

Based on the estimate of 4,500 adults and 1,000 children who’ve stayed in the Denver area, it will cost $2.5 million to cover application fees for temporary protected status and work permits, she said. And that’s only the paperwork — migrants need longer-term help with housing, job training and other services in order to build new lives, Kurz said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and it’s very much a Band-Aid approach,” she said.

Colorado’s governor first asked the White House in December to grant temporary protective status and employment authorization for the newly arrived migrants. It came nine months later.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston this month joined the mayors of Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York City in urging the Biden administration to provide more financial support for cities sheltering and feeding mi-

grants. They asked for broader work authorization policy, and a coordinated entry response so that migrants make it to their final destinations.

“We are requesting an urgent meeting with you to directly discuss ways we can work with your administration to avoid large numbers of additional asylum seekers being brought to our cities with little to no coordination, support or resources,” the letter said.

The Denver nonprofit Organización Papagayo has helped thousands of Venezuelans get cell phones, find apartments and apply for jobs, thanks to funding from Rose Community Foundation. They’ve linked migrants with vaccine clinics and helped them enroll in schools. Some were signed up for mental health counseling.

“They have gone through tremendous trauma,” said Marielena Suarez, the group’s CEO. “Horrible things. Not

just adults, but children, which is inhumane.”

Papagayo, with seven staff members, has helped find housing for about 2,000 migrant families since December. The group also collects donated furniture and kitchen supplies in a storage unit, then delivers them to families.

As of this week, there were more than 2,000 people in Denver-area temporary shelters, all of whom need to move to more permanent options, Suarez said.

“To be honest, the need is greater than the resources,” she said. “We are not going to be able to support all of those families.”

This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver that covers the state.

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10 Denver Herald

November 16, 2023

Test scores say COVID was especially rough on English learners

BY YESENIA ROBLES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

English learners might have been hit especially hard during the pandemic and need extra targeted support, experts and advocates say. But some school district leaders aren’t yet concerned about the data.

Results from 2023 state tests show English learners are further behind their peers from 2019 compared with other student groups, and they’re struggling more to get back on track.

On the main state tests in English language arts and math, the biggest falloff in proficiency between 2019 and this year is for English learners. They also showed less growth.

Of those taking the SAT and PSAT for example, only students with disabilities showed less growth.

Helping English learners recover from the pandemic has been a complex problem nationwide. And test scores aren’t the only warning sign about how English learners in Colorado schools are faring: While nearly a third of Colorado students were chronically absent last year, for example, 40% of English learners missed enough school to get that

label. In Colorado, English learners make up 12% of all K-12 students.

Some districts have much higher concentrations than others.

There have been two notable approaches to English learners in COVID’s wake when it comes to academics.

A handful of school districts where English learners made up more ground than the average, or had better growth than non-English learners, said they prioritized co-teaching instead of pulling students out of mainstream classes to receive specific instruction on English language development. At least one district used federal COVID aid to give those students tutoring. And some district leaders also said they’ve noticed more teachers are now interested in learning strategies that specifically help English learners.

But in other districts, leaders say they haven’t devoted specific resources or strategies to help English learners. In fact, regardless of recent data and what state analysts say about it, they deny that the pandemic had an outsized impact on these students. They point to the changing makeup of English learners, among other factors.

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Results from Colorado’s 2023 state tests show English learners are further behind their peers from 2019, and they’re struggling more to get back on track than other PHOTO BY NATHAN W. ARMES FOR CHALKBEAT groups of students.

“There are districts that don’t seem to be very concerned with emerging bilingual students,” said Cynthia Trinidad-Sheahan, president of the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education, Whether these students get extra resources and support could depend on Colorado politics. After the Colorado Department of Education published the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) scores in August, Associate Commissioner Floyd Cobb answered a question about how the agency would help close the gap between English learners and their peers by saying: “That’ll need to be answered by the General

Assembly.”

When schools instituted remote learning at the start of the pandemic, some schools struggled to keep offering English language development. Students didn’t have an environment in which to practice their new language, and at home many of their families struggled to support them in accessing remote learning. And when schools resumed inperson instruction, some families of English learners were more reluctant than others to immediately send their children back to classrooms.

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November 16, 2023

Test score disparities between English learners and native English speakers aren’t new. One reason is that the vast majority of English learners are testing in English before they have a full grasp of the language.

A limited number of students can take the test in Spanish for a couple of years. But results show those students did much worse than their 2019 counterparts, while native English speakers in the same grade levels have nearly recovered.

This year’s scores on the ACCESS test, which measures students’ English fluency, show that a smaller share of students are proficient in 2023 than in 2019. And four years ago, 9.4% of first graders scored at a level 1, the lowest level. But in 2023, 23.3% of first graders scored at the lowest level.

In some cases, the decline in the share of English learners achieving proficiency is just a handful of percentage points. But that doesn’t necessarily capture the pandemic’s impact.

For example, out of every 100 English learners in the fourth grade who took the CMAS language arts test for reading and writing, roughly eight met expectations, down from about 12 out of 100 in 2019. For every 100 students who aren’t English learners, about 49 met expectations this year, where 54 out of 100 met expectations in 2019.

Both groups’ proficiency rates dropped by around four to five percentage points. But four fewer English learners achieving proficiency means their share of who met expectations has dropped by roughly a third — far more proportionally than the decline for non-English learners.

Separately, CMAS growth scores, in which students’ performance is compared to peers who performed similarly in the past, also show English learners aren’t making the same growth as other student groups now, or as English learners did in the past.

Students who are behind need a growth score above 50, on a scale of 0-100, to catch up.

When the state released CMAS scores in August, state officials said that groups of historically disadvan-

English proficiency have held steady at 53. Students remain monitored as former English learners for two years after they stop receiving language services. Seeing that these students do well on state tests, and that the percentage of students exiting services is still high, Porter said, is additional reassurance that students are getting the English instruction they need to do well in school after they stop getting services.

Porter said the district isn’t necessarily doing anything to target the recovery of English learners, though 350 newcomer students are getting tutoring through a grant.

“We found that a lot of students were behind, not just multilingual learners,” she said.

SEE LEARNERS, P16

2023

in

FROM PAGE 10

starting from a point of knowing no English. Porter said excluding these students made data for English learners look worse.

But that change was already in effect before the pandemic struck.

Still, for Porter, when comparing the pre-pandemic environment to what followed, she says “it’s just not the same kids, not the same data, not the same experiences. For me there’s too many variables there to say this is a definite issue until I can look at it for a couple years out of COVID.” From 2019 to 2023, the growth score of Cherry Creek’s English learners fell from 48 to 45. Growth scores for non-English learners went up from 46 to 50 over the same time span.

Porter said, however, that growth scores for students who have reached

Photo by Rich Luck

LEARNERS

taged students were back to growth levels from before the pandemic, except for multilingual learners on English language arts. They said that without accelerating their learning, those students “will continue to fall further behind.”

“I believe we have a credible amount of evidence to be able to say that our English learners were impacted by COVID — and impacted disproportionately,” said Joyce Zurkowski, chief assessment officer for the Colorado Department of Education.

Despite what the data tells people like Zurkwoski, some district leaders think that the data for English learners in 2019 isn’t comparable to data for English learners in 2023 because of the recent waves of immigrants from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and South America, changing the demographics and make up of those groups.

State officials say that while that has impacted many districts, the numbers of new arrivals aren’t enough to completely account for all of the drops in achievement data.

District leaders have had access to state test data for months but have focused on different data points.

In Cherry Creek, district leaders say they’re monitoring how many students are becoming proficient in English. In Colorado, to move a student out of the English learner designation, teachers use ACCESS scores and state test score data. But they can also use their own observations and internal data to make the case that a student no longer requires specific English classes and services.

Holly Porter, director of language supports for Cherry Creek, said that typically about 85% of students are deemed English proficient within three years of entering the district, and 95% reach that status within five years.

Although the most recent numbers aren’t available yet, Porter said that trend has remained consistent.

When she looks at CMAS scores and other state data, Porter points out that participation dropped, including among English learners.

One reason is that in 2018, the federal government asked states to allow some newcomer students to not take state language arts tests for the first year they’re enrolled.

These students tended to show very high growth because they were

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12 Denver Herald

LOCAL

November 16, 2023

VOICES

Amid the holiday season comes Colorado’s day to give

I

can’t imagine a world without nonprofits. While they need our support all year, my favorite time to give to them is now.

Colorado Gives Day is always the first Tuesday in December. This year the 24-hour online giving campaign meant to increase philanthropy across the state falls on Dec. 5.

There are two reasons why I participate every year.

First, any donation amount is valuable. So a donation of $5 from someone means as much as one that’s $500. Because on Colorado Gives Day, nonprofits that receive a donation can receive a boost from the Community First Foundation’s Incentive Fund. The catch is that the donation has to be made specifically on the day. But, beginning on Nov. 1, you can schedule a donation to go through on Dec. 5.

The second reason I like Colorado Gives Day is that every registered nonprofit is eligible to receive donations through the program.

Therefore, you will be able to donate to whatever cause you are passionChristy Steadman ate about. According to the website, there are more than 3,400 participating nonprofits. The website allows you to browse by location, cause and keyword. Or, you can type in a specific name of a nonprofit if you already know which one you want to donate to.

You can look into it at coloradogives.org.

FROM THE EDITOR

National Career Development Month: Empowering students for success

I

n a world where the value of a

college education is increasingly being questioned, the importance of recognizing National Career Development Month in November cannot be overstated.

As the newly appointed Career and Applied Pathways manager for the Denver Scholarship Foundation, I believe that this month serves as a crucial reminder of the evolving landscape of career choices and pathways available to today’s students.

At DSF, our goal is to guide students towards a wide array of choices, encouraging them to explore various career avenues and discover what truly resonates with their passions and strengths. My role is to serve as their expert on careers and post-secondary pathways at our partner colleges, and one of my primary objectives is to facilitate training for DSF college and campus advisors who guide students on a holistic journey with the most up-to-date findings and strategies.

The ongoing debate surrounding college education, apprenticeships and direct employment underscores the imperative for students to possess a comprehensive understanding of their options. The one-size-fits-all approach is no longer tenable. While college may be the suitable choice for some, apprenticeships, trade schools and two-year colleges provide equally viable paths to success.

In recognition of this diversity, one of my main goals is to increase the enrollment of DSF Scholar graduates in technical and community colleges from 10% to 26% within the next two years.

Presently, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is di-

recting substantial investments toward workforce development and postsecondary education, with federal funds to broaden the scope of earn-and-learn programs.

Consequently, part of DSF’s work also revolves around the creation of education-to-work advising resources specifically crafted for Colorado’s leading industries. These resources will enable students to shape their lives in alignment with their unique strengths, passions and principles.

According to the Colorado 2022 Talent Pipeline Report, a staggering 91.4% of jobs in the state that offer a liveable wage require an education beyond high school. Moreover, within the past year, job listings that require a bachelor’s degree have increased by 22%. The report further underscores the clear connection between higher education and enhanced employment opportunities.

It’s essential that we avoid tracking students into predefined pathways based on stereotypes. Every option should be considered equally valuable, irrespective of a student’s background or circumstances.

On National Career Development Month, let’s celebrate the diversity of career paths available to students and understand the importance of guiding them towards fulfilling, sustainable careers. Let’s embrace selfdiscovery, counseling and exposure to a wide range of possibilities as we at DSF help to empower the next generation to design their lives on their terms.

GUEST COLUMN Kevin McNulty

Kevin McNulty is the Career and Applied Pathways manager for the Denver Scholarship Foundation.

Colorado Gives Day aims to make a difference in our communities.

If you are a numbers person, here are some stats. Colorado Gives Day got its start in 2010. That first year, 20,119 donations were made for $8 million. Last year, 251,126 donations were made, bringing the total donations amount through the years to $415 million.

There are also tangible examples of the impact. Sometimes nonprofits will write a personal thank you letter. I got one from an animal shelter that I once donated to.

I also give to the Parkinson Association of the Rockies in honor of my father. In the edition of the “Parkinson Voice” magazine that follows Colorado Gives Day, it gives a shout out to both me and my dad — by name — on its donation pages.

Even though I get my byline pub-

lished every month in the newspaper, there’s just something extra special about seeing my name next to my dad’s in that magazine every year.

Speaking of publications, this is also the time of year that Colorado Community Media does its annual giving campaign. Your voluntary reader contribution helps us to continue to deliver unique and interesting stories that matter. You can access our giving page from the homepage on any of our sites. Or, from this link: coloradocommunitymedia.com/give-to-ccm/.

Another way to support us is to become a member. We have a couple different options for monthly and annual subscriptions. Plus, we offer discounts for older adults.

Learn more about our membership options at coloradocommunityme-

Talent without effort breeds mediocrity

I

n the grand theater of life, tal-

ent is the spotlight that shines brightly on a chosen few. It’s that inexplicable, innate ability that can make one person’s journey appear effortless while others toil in obscurity. Talent, undeniably, is a precious gift that should be celebrated. However, the often-overlooked truth is that talent alone, without effort, can lead to mediocrity.

Imagine a young musician who can effortlessly pick up a guitar and strum a beautiful melody without ever having taken a lesson. Or think of the math prodigy who solves complex equations in seconds, seemingly without breaking a sweat.

These individuals are often hailed as geniuses, and rightfully so. Their talents are undeniable, but what happens when they coast on their natural abilities without putting in the effort to hone their craft?

Mediocrity happens.

Last week I wrote about the human-to-human engagement and interaction that successful salespeople leverage to meet with sales success.

The world of business-to-business selling is becoming increasingly more complex. This requires today’s modern seller to never settle for mediocrity. Many sellers feel they have been born with those natural abilities to sell, but the truth is that the top-performing sellers today put in the extra effort to avoid becoming a mediocre performer. It is that drive that overcomes sloppiness, laziness, and complacency.

Talent when left unattended can become a double-edged sword.

Without the dedication, hard work and perseverance that effort brings, talented individual risk squandering their potential. They might become complacent, relying solely on their God-given gifts to carry them

forward. They may even grow bored or disillusioned with their talents, never realizing the heights they could have achieved with effort.

Effort is the bridge between potential and achievement.

It’s the sweat, the Michael Norton tears, and the late nights spent perfecting one’s craft. It’s the willingness to learn, to fail, and to pick oneself up and try again. It’s the difference between merely having potential and fulfilling it.

Consider the world of sports.

We’ve all witnessed athletes with immense natural talent who never reached their full potential because they failed to put in the work. In contrast, those who combine talent with relentless effort often become legends. Michael Jordan, for instance, is celebrated not just for his talent but for his unparalleled work ethic.

His desire to improve and succeed pushed him beyond the limits of his natural ability.

The same principle applies to intellectual pursuits. History is replete with stories of brilliant minds who, through diligent effort, transformed their innate gifts into groundbreaking discoveries and inventions.

Thomas Edison didn’t invent the light bulb overnight; it took him countless attempts and a relentless work ethic.

Effort is not the enemy of talent; it is its greatest ally. When talent meets effort, it’s like adding fuel to a fire.

The result is exponential growth and achievement beyond what anyone, including the talented individual,

WINNING WORDS

SEE NORTON, P13

Denver Herald 13

November 16, 2023

Trusted and reliable, local newspapers matter to their communities

However, Americans feel differently when it comes to their local newspaper. According to a 2023 national survey of 5,000 adults, local newspapers are the most relied on and trusted media source of original reporting: more than television and radio, and significantly more than social media. Trust in local newspapers extends across age groups and demographics, as adults of all segments recognize the value of reliable local reporting that newspapers deliver.

And, beyond just trusting the reporting local newspapers provide, Americans recognize how important it is to have a healthy local newspaper in their community. In fact, 74% of all Americans stated that having a newspaper in their community is important for providing them with much needed local news and information.

It’s hard to get Americans to agree on anything, but they agree that local newspapers are important.

Local newspapers shine a light on important issues

American’s trust in their local newspaper is not surprising. A lo-

NORTON FROM PAGE 12

thought possible.

Effort also fosters resiliency and adaptability. Talent alone can make someone fragile because they may never learn to overcome challenges or deal with failure. On the other hand, those who put in the effort develop the mental fortitude to face adversity head-on and adapt to changing circumstances.

So, what’s the take-away from all of

Local newspapers are a trusted advertising source

The trust in local newspapers goes beyond just traditional news. It applies to local advertising, as well. The same national study of 5,000 adults found that 60% of Americans use newspaper advertising to help them decide what brands, products and local services to buy. That’s about the same as local television and much higher than radio, direct mail and social media ads. this? It’s simple: talent is a wonderful starting point, but it’s effort that takes us to the finish line. As individuals, we should never rest solely on our talents. Instead, we should cultivate a hunger for self-improvement and an unwavering commitment to working diligently toward our goals.

For parents, educators, and mentors, the message is clear: praise the effort as much as, if not more than, talent. Encourage the next generation not only to recognize their gifts but to invest the time and energy needed to nurture and refine them.

In a world where instant gratifica-

Supporting newspapers makes a difference s

Despite the high levels of trust in local newspapers, the business model continues to face challenges. The way people consume news has changed, but Big Tech’s continued use of local newspapers’ content without paying for it puts even more strain on the newspaper business model.

There are easy ways for you to support your local newspaper — and ensure that quality local journalism remains in your community. In addition to subscribing or advertising, ask your congressional representatives to support the Community News and Small Business Support Act (HR 4756) that has recently been introduced in Congress.

This bipartisan bill provides muchneeded support to local newspapers that invest in their journalists. For every local journalist who is employed

Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers and can be reached at dridings@newspapers.org.

tion often overshadows the value of hard work, let’s remember that talent without effort may shine briefly, but it is effort that illuminates the path to enduring greatness.

How is your effort these days? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can remember that mediocrity is the cost of squandering talent and ex-

cellence is the reward for embracing effort, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple inCLOG-FREE GUTTERS

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to work on local news, the newspaper will receive a tax credit. The act is a cost-effective way for local newspapers to keep professional journalists covering their communities. It’s a win for everyone. Visit www.supportcommunitynews.com for more info, and thanks for reading this newspaper!

On behalf of its approximately 1,700 newspaper and Solutions Partner companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses. Learn more at newspapers.org.

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Americans trust local newspapers

cal newspaper’s commitment to reporting the news is different than the national mass media. Local newspapers are just that, local, and are staffed with dedicated professional journalists who live and work in the communiDean Ridings ties they cover. The issues that are important to the community are also important to local reporters, and that creates a deep accountability to delivering trusted, unbiased news.

Readers and non-readers alike rely on their local newspaper to shine a spotlight on the issues that matter most to them. From holding local institutions accountable, to reporting on local schools, sports or entertainment for the weekend, local journalists often uncover stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. That local connection instills confidence that the information being delivered is coming from a source that is invested in the health of the community and committed to high standards of journalistic integrity.

GUEST COLUMN

D

that America’s confidence in the national mass media has reached a near-record low.

While that’s disturbing, it’s not unexpected. The digital age has brought a barrage of national news sources that are focused on sound bites, opinions, partisan views and a race to push out breaking news, even if it hasn’t been properly fact-checked or vetted. The problem has been exacerbated by social media channels that allow disinformation to be distributed virtually unchecked.

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14 Denver Herald

November 16, 2023

LOCAL

LIFE

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

he self-guided audio tour has been common in the art world since the 1950s, but like many other virtual tools, there has been a rise in the popularity of audio tours in other industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Audio tours can add extra elements that visitors do not get when walking the areas alone, according to Luna Hernandez, who works in the Dinosaur Ridge welcome center.

“The audio tour definitely gives you more information than if you were to just walk the trail on your own,” Hernandez said. “We do have those outdoor plaques and stuff like that on the trail. So you still get some information when you’re walking it. But with the audio tour, there is a resident geologist who guides you up the ridge and gives you a lot of information.”

Today, it’s not uncommon to plan a full-day trip complete with a tour of any place around the globe. This includes communities in the Denver metro region.

Self-guided tours in the region cover art, like the 40 West ArtLine; local landmarks, like Dinosaur Ridge; and whole natural regions, like the I-70 Audio Tour. The key to finding these tours is deciding what to see, the level of planned involvement and time allotment.

What to see

Art was the original self-guided audio tour and is a popular selfguided tour focus. In Lakewood, the 40 West ArtLine audio tours take participants through the growing arts district. There are three tour options, all narrated by “art advocate and tour guide” Corrine Anderson.

The Grit and Glitter tour is a primer on the importance and legacy of West Colfax. The tour takes listeners through the neighborhoods going toward Aviation Park in Lakewood. The tour gives history and a sort of mini art lecture on the outdoor art, murals and more along the busiest part of the 40 West Art District.

The Art and Leisure Tour begins at Lamar Street Light Rail Station and follows the track through some of Lakewood’s outdoor art, architecture and more. The Art and Leisure Tour also touches on Lakewood’s agricultural heritage before ending at Mountain Air Park.

The Transportation and Art Tour also begins at the Lamar Street Rail Station. It runs along Lamar Street to the 40 West Art District headquarters.

The tour takes a historic slant and guides listeners through the history of the area in addition to highlighting the murals and outdoor art along the way.

However, art is not the only focus of guided tours in the area. Take an urban stroll through the history of the Five Points neighborhood with the Five Points Business District Walking Tour. It takes listeners on a reverent tour of Denver’s historic Black neighborhood.

The kids will love the blast to prehistoric Colorado in

the Dinosaur Ridge Audio Tour. The tour is packed with dinosaur facts that will almost make the listener forget about the steepness of the 2.5mile ridge climb.

The Wild I-70 Audio Tour is more of a natural Front Range focus that takes listeners from Golden to Glenwood. This tour is best done by car, bike or motorized vehicle. It’s 144 miles long and talks about wildlife, including historic animal migration facts, in addition to other natural history and environmental facts.

There are other tours like the State Capitol Audio Tours which concentrates on the Capitol building in Denver. The Story Line Audio Tour touches on 15 sites integral to the history of the city of Aurora and Arapahoe County.

What to consider

Choosing a tour can be a chore.

There are a few things to consider before deciding, so a little research is required.

Pricing is one issue to consider.

Some apps that offer a slew of guided tours also charge up to $50 per person. However, many of the self-guided tours are free to the public. The 40 West ArtsLine Tours are free, but the Dinosaurs Ridge Tours cost $7 per streaming device.

Also, consider the activity level and time commitment. It can take about 3 hours to complete the Dinosaur Ridge Audio Tour, but there are actual fossils and tracks along the hike. Parts of the ridge itself is a drag mark from beasts that roamed the area millions of years ago, according to the tour.

Only bikes and feet are allowed on the tour, so taking the Dinosaur Ridge tour is much more intense than some other options. There is also the weather and seasons to consider for any outdoor tour.

The Wild I70 Tour is a brilliant idea for fall foliage. Also consider the drive in May or June, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the baby animals are about.

Some of the tours, like the ArtLine tours, have chapters so that listeners can schedule accordingly. Be sure to factor in the time of day. Sitting in traffic after an intense hiking tour is tougher than it seems at the beginning of the trip.

Where to go

The research before you go is key. To find the tours, look at the sites for places you wish to visit. Chances are, there is an audio tour that you can preview before embarking.

Several apps exist that compile the audio tours in the area in one place. However, sometimes the information on the apps is inaccurate and the price higher than the original site requires, so always go to direct websites.

November 16, 2023

Denver Herald 15

Highlands Ranch Mansion’s audio tour takes you through the history of the building. It’s self-guided, so visitors can follow along at their own pace.

COURTESY OF HIGHLANDS RANCH MANSION

Highlands Ranch Mansion has a self-guided audio tour option that is free to the public.

It’s available when the mansion is open.

LIZ OSBAN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Dinosaur Ridge tour begins with dinosaur statues PHOTO BY JO DAVIS located near the visitor’s center.

16 Denver Herald

November 16, 2023

Smaller class sizes in Colorado’s latest draft of universal preschool rules

ting tuition-free preschool through the program.

Some children attend preschools with top scores on the state’s child care and preschool rating system, Colorado Shines, while others attend low-rated programs. Research shows that high-quality preschool produces positive shortand long-term outcomes for children.

Colorado’s rules on preschool quality, which will spell out requirements around curriculum, staff training, and child health screenings,

will eventually bring more consistency to the universal preschool program, but it could take till 2026 or after to fully phase in all the requirements.

Aside from the lower class sizes and staff-student ratios, the new draft is largely similar to the first one. As in the original, it generally requires providers to use a curriculum from a resource bank approved by the state. In addition, preschool providers would be subject to on-site evaluations every three years. It also specifically states that faith-based preschools can’t include religious instruction in hours funded by universal preschool — a rule that is not in place this year, according to a spokesman for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

Training requirements for preschool staff are a bit different in the new draft, with employees only required to have completed four hours of training on some topics next year, down from eight in the previous draft rules. The new draft institutes the 8-hour training requirement in either 2025 or 2026 — either the third or fourth year of the program — depending on the training topic.

The new draft also delays requirements for providers to offer or coordinate health and developmental screenings for preschoolers until the 2025-26 school year.

The new draft rules don’t address preschool teacher qualifications. A separate set of rules that will take effect in the fall of 2025 will set those requirements.

The state is collecting feedback on the latest draft of the universal preschool quality rules through at least Nov. 22.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

Laufer said Harrison prioritized bringing back groups like English learners and students with disabilities to in-person classes. But when the district used hybrid learning and parents could decide whether to send their children to school, English learners were more likely to stay home.

“It was a bigger concern for them,” Laufer said. “I think you could connect that to some of the data.”

There are a few Colorado districts where some of the data was more positive for English learners.

In Pueblo 60, for example, the growth score this year for English learners on the CMAS language arts test is now higher than it is for non-English learners. In Weld County 3J, their growth score in math improved from 2019 to 2023.

The improvement isn’t uniform within districts.

In 3J, for example, despite the significant growth improvements on CMAS math tests, growth scores for ACCESS tests dropped from 56 in 2019 to 41.5 in 2023.

Adams 14 students, meanwhile, showed significant growth on ACCESS tests for English fluency — the highest among large districts — but they didn’t show improvement on other state tests.

In Pueblo, district leaders said that they were working on revamping education for English learners even before the pandemic.

The high school opened a center for newcomer students seven years ago. For the last five years, the district has worked on its philosophy of teaching and on aligning instruction to content standards.

Both Pueblo and 3J have also worked to reduce the extent to which students are pulled out of classes to receive English language instruction, a strategy also happening in other districts like Harrison and Boulder where the data is less positive.

In Pueblo 60 elementary schools, pull-out instruction no longer occurs during math or reading classes. In middle school, teachers are going into students’ classes instead of pulling them out.

That was a change suggested by teachers themselves.

“They really were in tune with what their students needed and so we took a cue from them and said ‘well lets go ahead and try that and see if that made a difference,’” said Lisa Casarez, Pueblo’s English language acquisition specialist. Now, for the middle schools, she thinks it has.

State data show English learners in Pueblo 60 middle schools had higher growth scores on language arts CMAS tests than elementary students or non-English learner middle school peers.

In both 3J and Pueblo, leaders said they’ve seen more enthusiasm from all teachers to learn how to help their English learners.

3J leaders traced that shift to a few years ago when the district rolled out state-mandated rules requiring many teachers to receive training in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education when they renewed their licenses.

That meant that learning how to help these students didn’t just fall to the dedicated staff member licensed to work with English learners.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest from general education teachers to support multilingual learners,” said Jenny Wakeman, assistant superintendent for 3J. “That’s something they’ve done naturally.”

Additional funding also helped. Wakeman said her district used some federal pandemic aid — known as Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER — to provide additional interventions specifically for English learners, including before- and after-school tutoring.

In the meantime, she said teachers started a book club to learn even more about how to help students who are learning English. That’s the kind of attitude that Zurkowski of the Colorado education department says is necessary to help those students catch up.

“We know that those gaps were large pre-pandemic, they are large post-pandemic,” Zurkowski said. “They warrant intensive intervention efforts.”

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Colorado officials want to cap preschool class sizes in the state’s new universal preschool program at 20 students next year and require at least one staff member for every 10 children in the room.

These proposed limits represent a notable change from an earlier plan that allowed classes sizes of 24 preschoolers and staff-student ratios of 1 to 12. Both are higher than what leading early childhood groups recommend.

National experts panned the earlier draft of Colorado’s universal preschool quality rules, saying that the state’s proposal set a low bar and could lead to bad outcomes for kids. The new draft rules are set to be finalized next spring and will take effect in the fall of 2024. A state advisory committee will weigh in, but Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, will make the final decision.

The new draft rules reflect the balance state officials are trying to strike between ensuring the high-quality program they promised and making the requirements attainable to a wide range of providers in a low-wage, high-turnover field. Universal preschool is available in lots of settings: school district classrooms, private child care centers, faith-based preschools, and licensed home-based programs.

State officials launched the $322 million universal preschool program in August without establishing rules on quality in part because they ran out of time. State preschool leaders told providers last spring to “keep doing what you’re doing.” That means wide variations in quality this year for the more than 48,000 children get-

LEARNERS FROM PAGE 11

In the Harrison school district, leaders also are slightly skeptical about comparing this year’s data with pre-pandemic scores. English learners in Harrison showed above average growth on ACCESS tests in 2019, with a score of 61, but that dropped rapidly to 51 in 2023. On CMAS language arts and math tests, student growth scores showed that English learners made less progress than other students.

While Cherry Creek attributes lower scores to excluding data from newcomer students, leaders in Harrison say a large influx of newcomers has contributed to lower scores. Both say the population of students has changed from from 2019 to 2023.

District leaders say that’s because starting in January 2021, they saw a dramatic increase in the number of refugees from Afghanistan, Guatemala, and Honduras who aren’t native English speakers.

Rachel Laufer, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, said the challenges that come with more newcomers is that “schools are working to support not only the language and academic needs of families, but also the other barriers that exist for families that are new to the county.” That includes helping with transportation, housing, and other resources.

While they aren’t worried about the data, Harrison district leaders said they have made some changes to how they help English learners and newcomers in particular.

In the last few years, the district has tried to increase staffing to ensure there is at least one licensed teacher working with English learners at each school, instead of having to have them split their time across sites. The district is also slowly trying more co-teaching.

Colorado officials are in the process of developing rules governing universal preschool quality.

PHOTO BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT

Denver Herald 17

November 16, 2023

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November 16, 2023

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Solution

TRIVIA 1. LITERATURE: What is Dorothy’s last name in “The Wizard of Oz”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which U.S. states share a border with Mexico?

3. MOVIES: What are Indiana Jones and his father searching for in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”?

4. TELEVISION: Which TV dramedy is set on Wisteria Lane?

5. LANGUAGE: What is a common Latin phrase meaning “something for something”?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the fastest fish?

7. INVENTIONS: Where was the first compass invented?

8. SCIENCE: How long does it take for the sun’s light to reach Earth?

9. U.S. STATES: Which state is the smallest in land size?

10. MEDICAL: What is a common name for aphthous stomatitis?

Answers 1. Gale.

2. Four: California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

3. The Holy Grail.

4. “Desperate Housewives.”

5. Quid pro quo.

6. Sailfish.

7. China.

8. Eight minutes.

9. Rhode Island.

10. Canker sore. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword Solution

CLASSIFIEDS

November 16, 2023

Denver Herald 19

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November 16, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call 303-566-4123 Legals Misc. Private Legals Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, DENVER COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO Court Address: Denver County District Court 1437 Bannock St Denver, CO 80202 Plaintiff: WINDSOR GARDENS ASSOCIATION, a Colorado nonprofit corporation v.

Defendants: WG APARTMENT ONEA LLC; VECTRA BANK COLORADO, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; DENVER COUNTY PUBLIC TRUSTEE Case No.: 2023CV031014 Division: 203 Attorneys for Plaintiff: Orten Cavanagh Holmes & Hunt, LLC Hal R. Kyles, #23891 1445 Market Street, Suite 350 Denver, CO 80202 Phone Number: (720) 221-9780 Matter ID #1031.0561 SUMMONS [BY PUBLICATION] THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This is an action of foreclosure pursuant to Rule 105, C.R.C.P. to the real property situate in Denver, Colorado more particularly described as Block Eighteen, Windsor Gardens East, Filing No. 2, City and County of Denver, State of Colorado.

Dated: November 3, 2023.

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ORTEN CAVANAGH HOLMES & HUNT, LLC By: /s/Hal R. Kyles Hal R. Kyles, #23891

publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

This is an action involving a claim for an ownership interest in real property and a request that the Court order that the real property be sold and that the Plaintiff be paid amounts to him. The amount claimed by the Plaintiff is 18% of the gross sales price of the real property known as 1135 S. Harrison Street, Denver, Colorado.”

That price has not yet been established.

Subtracted from that sales price prior to payment to the Plaintiff shall be the amounts of the two deeds of trust paid

by Defendant Maldonado that were in existence at the time that Defendant Maldonado extended his credit to the Defendant Human. Maldonado shall then be entitled to the remaining balance up to the amounts recited in his Human Deed of Trust and Promissory Note.

Legal Notice No. DHD162 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF DENVER, STATE OF COLORADO Court Address: 1437 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202 THOMAS R. RIPP Plaintiff, vs.

Dated: October 25, 2023

PATRICIA AMBER HUMAN, aka AMBER HUMAN, GUSTAVO MALDONADO, the PUBLIC TRUSTEE OF DENVER, and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN 1135 S. Harrison St., Denver, Colorado Defendants Case Number: 2023CV31033 Division/Courtroom: 414

/s/ Thomas R. Ripp Plaintiff Pursuant to Rule 121 Original Signature on file Legal Notice No. DHD155 First Publication: November 9, 2023 Last Publication: December 7, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

2006 Hummer H3 black V:325827 1993 Saturn white V: 234840 Legal Notice No. DHD142 First Publication: October 26, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Frances Arlene Jacobs, aka Frances A. Jacobs, aka Frances Jacobs, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31023

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Public Notice

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35* days after the date of the last

Broncos Towing, 303-722-3555 ( Office ) will be applying for title to the following vehicles, Abandoned.

Legal Notice No. DHD145 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35* days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

Public Notice

Jeanette Goodwin, Special Administrator P.O. Box 200850 Denver, CO 80220

Thomas R. Ripp 13079 Boatright, Ripp & Lusk, LLC 4315 Wadsworth Boulevard.

Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 Telephone: 303-423-7131 Facsimile: 303-423-7131 Email: tomripp@brlattorneys.com

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT(S):

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Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of PAUL M. MURPHY, a/k/a PAUL MARTIN MURPHY, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31192

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 9, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

For Local News Anytime of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com

Christopher M. Murphy Personal Representative 3131 E. Alameda Avenue, Unit 1608 Denver, CO 80209 Legal Notice No. DHD158 First Publication: November 9, 2023 Last Publication: November 23, 2023

Denver Herald Dispatch November 16, 2023 * 1

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November 16, 2023

Public Notices

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

First Publication: November 9, 2023 Last Publication: November 23, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of HARRY RICHARD SIMMONDS JR, aka DICK SIMMONDS, aka HARRY R. SIMMONDS, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31245

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of NANCY L. BLAIR, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 30980

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Vivian Heggie, also known as Vivian J. Heggie, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31222

Catherine J. Simmonds Personal Representative 6500 W. Mansfield Ave., #36 Denver CO 80235

Elizabeth L. Jamison Personal Representative(PR) c/o David F. Steinhoff, attorney for PR Solem Woodward & McKinley, PC 750 W. Hampden Ave, Suite 505 Englewood, CO 80110

Legal Notice No. DHD168 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Iona Arlene Curling a/k/a Iona A. Curling a/k/a Iona Curling, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 031269 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Holly M. Nixon Personal Representative c/o Davis Schilken, PC 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 820 Denver, CO 80111 Legal Notice No. DHD166 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

Legal Notice No. DHD161 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of J. LANDIS MARTIN, a/k/a JAMES LANDIS MARTIN, a/k/a LANNY MARTIN , Deceased Case Number: 2023PR31166 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 9, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Sharon S. Martin, Personal Representative 150 Vine Street Denver, CO 80206 Legal Notice No. DHD159 First Publication: November 9, 2023 Last Publication: November 23, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Phyllis Jensen Personal Representative c/o Warren, Carlson & Moore, LLP PO Box 610 Niwot, Colorado 80544-0610 Legal Notice No. DHD149 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JOHN P. LANGAN, also known as JOHN PAUL LANGAN, and PAUL LANGAN, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31229 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 9, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Sarah Langan Personal Representative 1149 Josephine Street Denver, Colorado 80206 Legal Notice No. DHD157 First Publication: November 9, 2023 Last Publication: November 23, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of ELIZABETH A. DUNFEE, A.K.A. ELIZABETH ANNE DUNFEE, A.K.A. ELIZABETH ANN DUNFEE, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31129

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Richard Lee Norton, a/k/a Richard L. Norton, a/k/a Richard Norton, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31214

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of MICHAEL J. DURLIAT, a/k/a MICHAEL DURLIAT, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31296

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 9, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Shari Elaine Bradley and Marjorie Peterson Co-Personal Representatives % Werth Law LLC, P.O. Box 808 Brighton, Colorado 80601

Sherryl L. Destefano Personal Representative c/o Linda Sommers, Esq. Sommers Law Group 390 Union Blvd., #280, Lakewood, CO 80228

Carol M. Aniello Personal Representative 421 S. Lincoln Street

Legal Notice No. DHD153

Legal Notice No. DHD156

Public Notice

Denver, Colorado 80209 Legal Notice No. DHD164 First Publication: November 16, 2023

Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Larry W. Nolin, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 573

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Shannon N. Simoneau Personal Representative 5942 S Vivian Ct, Littleton, CO 80127 Legal Notice No. DHD167 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of ANISSA D. CUELLAR, also known as ANNISSA CUELLAR, ANISSA DANIELLE CUELLAR SCHERRER, ANISSA SCHERRER, ANISSA DANIELLE SCHERRER CUELLAR, ANISSA D. SCHERRER, ANISSA CUELLAR, ANISSA CUELLAR-SCHERRER and ANISSA D. CUELLAR-SCHERRER, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31179

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Aunjene Erica Scherrer Personal Representative 3775 W. 25th St. #F204 Greeley, CO 80634 Legal Notice No. DHD152 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of FREDERICK G. GUGGENHEIM, a/k/a FREDERICK GIBSON GUGGENHEIM, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31226

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 9, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jennifer Nicole Guggenheim Personal Representative 1440 Ash Street

Denver Herald Dispatch November 16, 2023 * 2

Denver Herald 23

November 16, 2023

Public Notices Denver, CO 80220 Legal Notice No. DHD154 First Publication: November 9, 2023 Last Publication: November 23, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of KENNETH MICHAEL HAMBIDGE, a/k/a K. MICHAEL HAMBIDGE, a/k/a MICHAEL HAMBIDGE, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31189 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Carolyn Hambidge Personal Representative c/o Carl H. Hutchins, Esq. HUTCHINS & ASSOCIATES LLC 1999 Broadway, Suite 1400 Denver, Colorado 80202 Legal Notice No. DHD151 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Jeffrey J. Campbell a/k/a Jeffrey Jay Campbell a/k/a Jeff J. Campbell a/k/a Jeff Campbell a/k/a J.J. Campbell, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31271 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Angelina M. Meyer Personal Representative C/O Jennifer R. Bailey, Esq. ROBINSON BAILEY PC 7100 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 101 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Legal Notice No. DHD160 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Timothy R. Brown and Robert J. Brown, Jr. Co-Personal Representative c/o Katz, Look & Onorato, P.C. 1120 Lincoln St., #1100 Denver, CO 80203

Jennifer Lynn MacKeage Personal Representative c/o Warren, Carlson & Moore, LLP PO Box 610 Niwot, Colorado 80544-0610

Legal Notice No. DHD144 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Virginia T. Chavez, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31185 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before April 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Salavador Manzanares, Jr Personal Representative 1837 Yale Drive Clearwater, FL 33765 Legal Notice No. DHD163 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Donald Robert Wynn a/k/a Donald R. Wynn, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31146 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jennifer Ravenell Personal Representative 755 Polk Drive #2G Arlington. Texas 76011 Legal Notice No. DHD150 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of ROBERT JOHN BROWN, SR., a/k/a ROBERT JOHN BROWN, a/k/a ROBERT J. BROWN, a/k/a ROBERT BROWN, a/k/a BOB BROWN, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 031205

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JAMES LAWRENCE HODGE, also known as JAMES L. HODGE, JAMES HODGE, and JIM HODGE, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31286

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and

Legal Notice No. DHD165 First Publication: November 16, 2023 Last Publication: November 30, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of WILLIE WARD HOWARD aka WARD HOWARD aka WILLIE HOWARD aka WILLIE W HOWARD, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 501

Have you seen how Classifieds can work for you?

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

HELEN R ROBINSON Personal Representative 1541 MARION STREET #18097 DENVER, CO 80218 Legal Notice No. DHD147 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Cheryl A. Loveless, a/k/a Cheryl Loveless, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31231 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before March 4, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Patrick R. Thiessen Attorney for Personal Representative Joe V. Loveless Frie Arndt Danbom & Thiessen, P.C. 7400 Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 201 Arvada, CO 80003 Legal Notice No. DHD148 First Publication: November 2, 2023 Last Publication: November 16, 2023 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch ###

Denver Herald Dispatch November 16, 2023 * 3

24 Denver Herald

November 16, 2023

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