August 25, 2016 VOLUME 93 | ISSUE 2
SEE SPECIAL CENTER SPREAD INSIDE THIS PAPER!
LakewoodSentinel.com A publication of
J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
SEEING THE BEST OF MURALFEST Teacher Natalie Applegate works with Keira Snell on filling out a sticky note. Photo by Christy Steadman
School year off to quick start Lakewood, Golden students return as school resumes The second annual event brought fresh artistic scenes to Lakewood Aug. 20. Pictured is the work of Yulia Avgustinovich — the only Lakewood muralist on display in this year’s festival. She said her works are inspired by the impact art has on the community. For more about the event, and the muralists, turn to PAGES 4 and 5. Photo by Clarke Reader
RRCC offers master’s in health science Community college’s Arvada campus hosts ribbon-cutting for new facility By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com History was made at the Arvada Campus of Red Rocks Community College recently, when the newly rebuilt facility became the first community college in the nation to offer a master’s degree program. Ed Perlmutter recognized the significance and presented the college with a congressional record of the second session of the 114th Congress. Congressional records are given to individuals or organizations in the district to “forever recognize” events and achievements, said. Ashley Verville, Perlmutter’s office’s communications director It specifically recognizes the expansion, she said, “but certainly applauded Red Rocks Community College as a whole.” Classes began Aug. 22, but to celebrate the opening of the campus’ new health sciences department — where the master’s program is offered — a ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Aug. 16. Excitement filled the air among the hundreds of people attending the ceremony. “The campus is tremendous for the opportunities it offers for the future,” said Duncan Smith, president pro tem of student government. “It’s remarkable that a community college hosts not only a health science campus but also a master’s program. This makes an education in healthcare affordable for the community.” The campus renovation and expansion, which took exactly one year and
Saba Sadaquat, a student ambassador at Red Rocks Community College’s Lakewood campus, gives Brad Rupert, right, who sits on the Jefferson County board of education, a tour of the new health sciences building at the Arvada Campus of Red Rocks Community College on Aug. 16. The new department will offer students training on high-tech, up-to-date equipment for those pursuing a career in the health sciences. Photo by Christy Steadman one month to complete, triples the size of the campus adding approximately 54,000 square feet. The project cost $22.5 million and is the largest building campaign in the history of Red Rocks for either the Arvada or Lakewood campus. A number of community organizations contributed — the State of Colorado invested $10 million, Red Rocks Community College Reserves invested $7.5 million, Community First Foundation and the City of Arvada both provided $1 million, $250,000 came from the Red Rocks Community College Foundation Board and $50,000 came from the Caring for Colorado Foundation. The school is expected to serve an ad-
ditional 800 students seeking a career in the health sciences. With the expansion, the college now boasts the latest technology in its various labs — including exam and X-ray rooms, ultrasound devices and simulation labs, among others. “The school,” said Saba Sadaquat, a student at the Lakewood campus and a student ambassador, “is kind of set up like a small hospital.” She mentioned it’s one of the best campuses in the state. Even the student areas, such as the commons, study rooms and lecture hall, College continues on Page 17
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com The first day of school at Welchester Elementary went smoothly. “So far, so good,” said Principal Bethany Robinson shortly after 8 a.m. when students were accounted for and in their appropriate classrooms. About 275 children from Lakewood and Golden showed up to Welchester for their first day of school on Aug. 18. “This is the day we’ve been working toward,” Robinson said. “This is why we’re here.” While teachers were working with their students on get-to-know each other exercises — passing out nametags or discussing what everybody did during summer break — a group of parents were meeting in the school’s library. The parent group is called Second Cup of Coffee and they will get together once a month throughout the school year to talk about parent involvement, according to Robinson. Discussions include different ways the school can support the parents of students. And as for the students, the first two weeks will be spent teaching expectations. The expectations are to help each student be successful, Robinson said, and include appropriate behavior in the cafeteria, for example. Back-to-school is always a good time for all, Robinson said. After the summer break, teachers and faculty enjoy reconnecting with students and their families. And the students like to see their friends and teachers again, she said. It’s “energizing to see the kids walk through the door” on the first day, Robinson said. “Everybody’s happy to come back to school.”
UNSUNG HEROES Long snappers for area football teams take their role seriously. Check out this story and others as we continue our fall sports previews on PAGE 20.