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October 6, 2016 VO LUM E 29 | IS S U E 46 | FREE
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HighlandsRanchHerald.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS
Autistic student’s case goes to top court Parents seeking reimbursement for expenses of sending their son to private school By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com
A group of women participate in a barre class, a ballet-inspired workout practiced on a wall bar, hosted by the Highlands Ranch Community Association. Courtesy Sarah Neumann/fitness instructor
Highlands Ranch tops ‘healthiest’ list Money magazine recognizes community in its list of ‘Top Cities in America’ By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com Randy Dobo walks four miles around the Highlands Ranch Mansion property every morning and does yoga for his lower back. Sandy Brown has lost about 35 pounds since February. She runs four or five days a week and lifts weights. Jessica Katz does Pilates two to three times a week and cardio three to four times a week. She doesn’t drink or smoke and she eats healthy foods — most of the time. That focus on good health reflects Money magazine’s recent choice of Highlands Ranch as the No. 1 Healthiest Place to Live in America, noting the lowest adult obesity rate in the country and a relatively low rate of childhood obesity. In its Sept. 18 list of top 10 healthiest cities in America, the well-known financial magazine also looked at the number of doctors and hospitals within
Fitness classes offered by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, such as Zumba, a dance-themed workout, tailor to all “ages and stages of life,” said Dru Connolly, HRCA fitness coordinator. “You really do feel here that you are keeping your community healthy,” she said.
TOP 10 HEALTHIEST CITIES 1. Highlands Ranch
5. Quincy, Massachusetts
9. San Rafael, California
2. Koolaupoko, Hawaii
6. Nashua, New Hampshire
10. St. Augustine, Florida
3. Greenwich, Connecticut
7. Cheyenne, Wyoming
4. Woodbury, Minnesota
8. Provo, Utah
The United States Supreme Court has announced it will hear the case of an autistic Douglas County School District student whose parents say he wasn’t provided with the level of public education required by federal law. They are seeking reimbursement for the child’s tuition and related expenses at a private school. The question centers on what educational benefits are guaranteed to a child with disabilities by a public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The case, which dates to 2010, will likely not be heard by the Supreme Court until at least 2017. The student involved is identified only as Endrew F. in court documents. He attended Summit View Elementary School in Highlands Ranch. The suit was filed through his parents, Joseph F. and Jennifer F., according to the documents. The attorney for the family is listed as Jack D. Robinson, with Spies, Powers and Robinson, P.C., of Denver. Robinson said the case would prove that the standard of a “free appropriate public education” is set too low, and that students with disabilities deserve a meaningful education. Court continues on Page 20
PUMPKIN TIME
Source: Money magazine
Healthy continues on Page 8
Residents must apply for new member cards HRCA implements new software to streamline membership process By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunity The Highlands Ranch Community Association is implementing a technology upgrade that will streamline processes and payments and give residents a more user-friendly experience. Beginning Dec. 1, residents will need to pick up new membership cards at one of the four recreation centers. The
HRCA asks residents to start filling out membership forms now to make the transition process smoother. “The more people transitioning in the beginning, the better,” said Jamie Noebel, community relations manager. The new technology will replace the current software, which is more than 20 years old, with state-of-the-art recreation and finance software, according to the HRCA. The software will take fewer steps and less time for registration needs, including access to registering for classes, renting rooms and reserving tennis and racquetball courts. To register, HRCA members will need
to fill out a membership form along with a renter or homeowner form, all of which can be done online. Hard copy forms are available at the four recreation centers. Beginning Dec. 1, members will need to show proof of residency at the recreation center, have their photo taken and pick up the new membership card. HRCA officials said they understand the transition is substantial and ask for patience from members. “We aim to make this a smooth transition and are very excited to offer this upgrade to all residents in Highlands Ranch,” HRCA’s website says.
It isn’t autumn without the popular flavoring added to just about everything. PAGE 12
IN FOR THE WIN
Highlands Ranch golfer takes state title. PAGE 25