10 3 13 villager combo

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Volume 31 • Number 45 • October 3, 2013

What’s Inside Page 3

Depot sale dominates Englewood candidates forum

303-773-8313 • Published every Thursday

www.villagerpublishing.com

Bennett touts ‘transformative’ Douglas County schools Former education secretary is district consultant

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Le Bal de Ballet introduces 2014 Debs & Young Men of Distinction

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Arapahoe High School celebrates 50 years

Don’t Miss:

Annual Women of • 5thLeadership Conference inspires Page 9 Global Down Syndrome • Fashion Show raises funds Page 16 on Business • Spotlight Dependable Lifestyle Management

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Index

Pages 5-6.............................Opinion Page 8............................ Classifieds Pages 11-17........................Fleurish Pages 20-23..........................Legals Page 24......................................digs

TheVillagerNewspaper @VillagerDenver

pendent-minded district has also eschewed state-designed teacher evaluations and assessments in favor of its own versions. For the most part, Bennett, a By Peter Jones two-time Republican presidenIn September, the conserva- tial appointee, likes what he sees tive American Enterprise Institute in the GOP-dominated county – suggested that Douglas County though he says he is not as cermight just be the “most interest- tain about the district’s decision to trade Common Core standards ing school district in America.” William Bennett, a former for a kind of “student-centered” U.S. Secretary of Education, instruction more associated with the left. tends to agree. “I’m not sure whether I agree “This is one of the most promising set of reforms in the with this or not. I’m pretty much whole United States,” he told an a traditionalist when it comes to audience of business leaders at curriculum,” the sometime CNN pundit said. the Lone Tree Whatever Arts Center last This is one of the the case, Benweek. “I promnett stressed the ise you, I will most promising set importance of watch it very of reforms in the “good schools” closely.” He is be- whole United States. daring to be I promise you, I will “great schools,” ing paid to do so. Bennett is a watch it very closely. conceding that experimentaconsultant to the - Former Secretary of tion with the Douglas County Education William Bennett, formula and Educational consultant to Douglas honest dispute Foundation, the County School District will be part of nonprofit funthe process if draising arm of the Douglas County School the country hopes to compete District. So is Rick Hess, the co- globally. “This is America. We disagree author of the American Enterprise Institute’s recent paper praising all the time. There are no closed the district’s efforts. According questions. We are an open socito the school board, Bennett has ety,” said the writer and radio talk been paid about $50,000, a sum host. “As long as you get a conthat includes his recent speaking sensus – the school board [can] fee. vote 4-3.” Douglas, the third largest Bennett, a passionate spokesschool district and among the man for the connections between most affluent in Colorado, has education, social issues and ecobeen in the news and in the court- nomic prosperity, shared his mesroom with its controversial plans sage with several hundred memfor a voucher program. The inde- bers of the South Metro Denver

William Bennett, former U.S. secretary of education under President Reagan, addresses members of the South Metro Denver Chamber on Sept. 25 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Bennett also served as President George H.W. Bush’s “drug czar.” Photo by Peter Jones Chamber on Sept. 25. He told the room of entrepreneurs that the sheer value of an education has never been greater, but said the United States is falling behind. Bennett cited test scores that show U.S. students actually be-

coming less competitive with their international peers as they make their way through the U.S. educational system – even after accounting for class and racial variables. Continued on page 2

Heritage High has ‘super’ homecoming Heritage High School students take their superhero pride up, up and away during the assembly Friday. Photo by Heritage High School staff

Submitted by Heritage Pioneer staff he Heritage School 2013 Homecoming Spirit Week’s superhero theme brought out “superheroic” participation efforts from all the classes during events held Sept. 23-28. Organized by Heritage Student Government, the dress up days this year proved to be highly popular with daily themes of Captain America Day, Nemesis Day, Favorite Superhero Day, Dynamic Duo Day and Heritage Spirit Day. “They’re a really good way to get school spirit up and it’s fun to see what others can come up with. It’s sort of a creative outlet,” junior Matthew Lee said. Another highlight for students was watching teachers get involved. “I felt like this homecoming week was really successful in terms of dress up days. A ton of people participated every day! My overall favorite dress up day though was probably Thursday (Dynamic Duos) because people got so into it and really thought outside the box. The best dynamic duo I saw was two girls who were Russel and Kevin from Up! I also really liked

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