May 15, 2014 Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 90, Issue 39 A publication of
lakewoodsentinel.com
‘It’s the greatest place on Earth’
Finalist named in super search Dougco’s McMinimee named in 3-2 vote By Crystal Anderson
canderson@ coloradocommunitymedia.com
Staff, family members and supporters of Fletcher Miller celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary. Photos by Clarke Reader
50th Jubilee for Fletcher Miller
Celebration looks back to school’s roots By Clarke Reader
creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com There were a lot of hugs at the celebration of Fletcher Miller’s 50th Jubilee. A lot of hugs. Students — both past and current — parents, teachers and supporters greeted each other like old friends at the Sheraton Denver West on May 7, catching up on what they’ve been doing since graduation from the school and what lies ahead. The school, 200 Kipling St., has been dedicated to serving students with special needs since 1963 and the celebration event honored the past and future with speakers who played integral roles in Fletcher’s development. There was also music and dancing for everyone after the speakers’ presentations. “When the school first started in 1963, it was the culmination of a dream and has been ever since,” said Bob Barrows, the current principal at Fletcher. “We currently have right around 110 students from ages 3 to 21, and have maintained and built a lot of programs over the years.” Barrows said that before starting to work at Fletcher, he thought that he understood what went on at the school, but it wasn’t until he started working there every day that he really understood how special the school is. “It’s the greatest place on Earth,” he told the crowd. Valerie Pollitt, principal at Fletcher from 2006 to 2013, said that she knew she had found a home from the moment she first walked in to the school. “I received the biggest gift of my career when I was working at this school,” she said. “Magic happens here, and my job was to not get in the way of any magic happening.” Dave Spinks, principal at the school from 1991 to 2006, brought tears to more than a few eyes in his speech, where he quoted Winston Churchill and spoke about the impact Fletcher has had on the community. “Over the years the building has changed, the staff has changed, and the students have changed, but our mission never has,” he said. “Like Churchill said, ‘Never, never, never give up.’” Dorthy Weiland, a former staff member who spoke on behalf of her husband, principal Bob Weiland who served from 1979 to 1991, recalled the incredible work done for the students at the school. Sherry Ramsey-Schulz, a former student and staff member, described the foundation of self-confidence being at Fletcher gave her. “I’ve experienced Fletcher in many ways, but the first was that it was my first experience with school,” she said. “The
Jefferson County Board of Education announced Douglas County Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Daniel McMinimee as the sole finalist in its superintendent search. By 3-2 vote by the board, McMinimee was chosen May 10, from more than 60 candidates as the most qualified candidate. “He is a strong leader who has exactly what Jeffco needs,” said board president Ken Witt. McMinimee, who has been employed by Douglas County School District for 12 years, said he is looking forward both professionally and personally to the opportunity to serve the district where he grew up and currently resides. “Professionally, it’s a great opportunity,” McMinimee said. “Jeffco schools is one of
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Police release information about shooting Former Fletcher Miller principal Dave Spinks meets with students and family members at the celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary.
Fletcher Miller has been working with students with special needs for 50 years. whole feel of the school is different than anywhere else.” The cap on the evening was Opal Sparks, Fletcher’s first principal, who recalled the journey of the special needs program at the Eiber School to getting its own school. “We had a lot of fun, and it was a great privilege to work with the children,” she said. “There are so many dedicated teachers, bus drivers and parents and it is so important we never sell these children short.” At the end of the presentations, Barrows thanked everyone for attending and said he looked forward to seeing everyone at the 100th celebration. And then the party started.
Lakewood Police have identified the man shot by officers on the morning of May 6 as 31-year-old Alex Robert Martines. Martines has also been known to use the last name spelling “Martinez” at times. At about 3:20 a.m. on May 6, a female acquaintance of Martines called 911 and told dispatchers she and Martines were involved in a domestic dispute while sitting in a vehicle outside the Wal-Mart at Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Blvd. Martines The female left the vehicle, went into the store and as police were responding, relayed information that Martines was in possession of a gun and was still in the vehicle, parked on the east side of the store. According to information released by police, when they arrived they located
Shooting continues on Page 17
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