It is your duty (dooty)!

Picking up after your dog goes further than making your neighbors happy. When you are out walking your dog, it is your duty to collect their waste. Often, the trails and parks we enjoy with our dogs are adjacent to creeks and reservoirs. Dog waste that is not collected gets carried away during rainstorms to nearby waterways and can be a significant source of pollution. Unlike one might think, dog waste is not a fertilizer. Rather, it carries harmful bacteria like E. coli, which poses serious health risks if allowed to come in contact with water.

Local stormwater agencies are teaming together to bring you this message. We take this so seriously that we posted this ad rather than send you more garbage in the mail. One thing is clear: our creeks, rivers and lakes depend on you.

THIS STORMWATER MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY room for the 2023-2024 school year. PEBC is a Denver-based nonpro t organization that collaborates with teachers, schools and districts to help educate teachers and create an uplifting classroom environment for students. PEBC o ers teacher preparation programs for those holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

PEBC o ers two pathways to certi cation for those interested in entering the eld of education.

1. Teacher residency pathway e PEBC teacher residency program prepares future educators for an exceptional career as an early childhood, elementary, or secondary teacher through a hands-on licensure program. is program is for those who have little to no experience in the classroom but are interested in entering the eld of education. eir residency experiences are o ered in public, private and charter schools in rural, urban and suburban schools across Colorado. ey welcome culturally diverse candidates including multilingual learners.

As a PEBC teacher resident, future educators will be trained over the course of one year and be supported by expert instructors and coaches who are committed to success. Residents will not be the sole teacher in the classroom and can learn about the eld over the course of the program.

“ e teacher residency program is unique,” said John Kearny, PEBC senior director of residency, growth and innovation, in an interview from July 11. “ e best way to learn a new craft is to embed yourself in it. With the residency program, future educators can take on more responsibility as the year goes on.” e only out-of-pocket cost for the program is a $500 deposit. Residents also receive a stipend with the school district for around $30,000. On top of that stipend, teacher residents are eligible for an additional $20,750 depending on nancial need. ese stipends largely come from State of Colorado grants. e Elizabeth School District is currently working to provide health bene ts to candidates in partnership with their health care insurance broker. is will be con rmed in the coming weeks.

“Not everyone feels like they can enter the classroom tomorrow and start teaching,” said Snowberger. “Residency is something I’m trying to promote here in Elbert County.”

“People are worried that with the teacher shortage we will put anyone in the classroom,” commented Snowberger. “We want to make sure teachers have the training and skills to succeed in the classroom. PEBC is a great program to help with that.” e Elizabeth School District will hold an information session for interested PEBC candidates at their July 25 job fair. e session will begin at 5 p.m.

2. Teacher of record pathway is pathway is for those people who already have signi cant experience working with students in an educational setting. ey will serve as the sole teacher in the classroom with support from a mentor teacher in the building. Teachers of record and hired and paid by the school district rather than compensated through grants.

Along with teaching in the classroom, PEBC will help candidates maneuver through the teacher certi cation process. Like the teacher residency pathway, this program lasts one year.

Your Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is just around the corner

Looking for unique food options, starstudded country music and vintage cars all in the same place this summer?

Visit the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28 to Aug. 6. To purchase tickets and view the schedule, visit FairandRodeoFun.com

Questions about road projects in your area?

Roads are a necessity and they have to be maintained. Here’s where you’ll find everything you need to know about them all. Visit DouglasRoadWork.com to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Hire

“We see fewer and fewer young people choosing to become teachers today. e PEBC residency program is a great opportunity for those who have pursued di erent degrees and now wish to serve their community to do so,” explained Snowberger. “As a resident, one works with a master teacher for the year alongside them in the classroom learning the craft of teaching. ey earn their alternative licensure and can accept a full-time position with con dence and training.”

PEBC is still accepting applications for their teacher preparation programs. e Elizabeth School District hopes for applicants to apply ahead of the rst day of school, but they may apply through mid-

September.

“We are unique in that we are a nonpro t organization that focuses in three di erent areas: teacher preparation, professional learning, and policy that advocates for the needs of teachers and administrators at the state level,” said Kearny.

“We are the only alternative teacher prep program that puts such an emphasis on teacher wellness. It is the most rewarding profession out there, but also one of the most dicult. Teachers need explicit wellness support. All of our residents have the support from their larger cohorts and are involved in professional learning communities.”

For more information about the Public Education & Business Coalition, visit pebc.org

To see all available positions with the Elizabeth School District, please visit elizabethschooldistrict.org/ Page/997.

Strive To Thrive

Resource & Service Fair Tuesday, July 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. in Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Douglas County families who are struggling financially can receive backto-school items for the kids, a hot meal and access resources from more than 20 different organizations. Attendees in need of school supplies must preregister at https://tinyurl.com/4jafend For more information visit douglas.co.us and search for Strive to Thrive

Funds available to veterans

Emergency assistance is available for veterans struggling with housing (mortgage/rent), transportation, employment, healthcare or other emergency needs. To apply for the veteran assistance funds, visit douglasveterans.org or call 303-663-6200

Are you prepared for Wildfire?

you can take today to reduce the risk to your family and property by visiting douglas.co.us and searching ProtectYour Home. And sign up for free emergency notifications at DouglasCountyCodered.com to ensure you are aware if a wildfire or other emergency is happening near you. Visit