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Colorado School of Dance is celebrating turning 20. Take a look back at how this local phenom got its start.

RAISING THE BAR

Superintendent Erin Kane expounds on the Mill Levi Override (MLO) and how it will transform our childrens education.

E tceter

Take A Bow

The iconic dance studio, Colorado School of Dance, is celebrating 20 years and a million dreams.

Lisa Tuska grew up dancing. She has always loved it. Her passion carried her through college where she graduated from Ohio University in Dance Training. From there she opened her first dance studio in rural Ohio and grew it into a thriving business with over 400 dancers. Her husband's career dictated a move to Colorado and they landed here in Parker.

Lisa enrolled her children at local dance studios but was not content with the training that was available. Together with Amy Colwell and Karen Levine, the three mothers decided the best solution was to open their own studio that could give their students the instruction they all desired. And just like that, Colorado School of Dance was born.

The studio opened in 2002 as a one-room dance program in the Stroh

Ranch Community Center. Since that time, it has become one of the most iconic studios in the state and even garners national attention, having won several national titles. What began as a desire to provide dancers proper technique and a healthy, well-balanced dance training, has become the industry standard for all others to emulate.

One of the things Lisa and her studio are best known for is the Nutcracker. The annual tradition is as engrained in the community as the holiday season itself. Starting in 2003, the aim of the CSD (Colorado School of Dance) was to create a community Nutcracker, not just one for the studio. The event is sold out every year and often only days after tickets go on sale. This year, PACE made the contraversial decision to bring in a production from out of town. That decision that has been bemoaned by locals and an outcry from the community has caused Town officials to answer some tough questions. But Lisa and her staff handled it with class. They will still be putting on their annual show, just on different dates. And ticket sales have been as frantic ever.

Given the renoun, the prestige, and the reputation of such a studio, you might expect to find yourself in a very "sterile" business environment when you walk through the doors at CSD, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are welcoming, unassuming, and humble. The staff and dancers are a family.

Talking with Lisa and her staff it is easy to fall in love with this dance studio. They have created an environment that is steeped in excellence, yet family-friendly. They are truly an elite program, but still just our community studio. All because these three mothers just wanted to teach dance.

A former student summed up the influence that CSD has on its dancers, staff, parents and community.

I came to Colorado School of Dance in 2004 in search of a more serious dance education than I was getting elsewhere. I began half-way through the year and was instantly welcomed by Lisa Tuska and her staff. We would rehearse in a tiny, one-room studio and I think there may have been all of 40 students enrolled. In 2005, I was selected for CSD’s very first competition team and some of my best memories in high school were performing with that team. I remember in 2006 when Lisa opened up her new larger location a few blocks from the original and we were so excited to have three massive studios! Upon graduating in 2008, I remember feeling like I was leaving something more than a dance studio behind; I was leaving my family.

Three years ago, I returned to CSD to teach children’s classes on Saturdays. I now teach multiple days each week and I am the new Communications Manager! It is really special getting to work in my second home and pursue something I am so passionate about. It’s beyond incredible seeing how our studio has grown and flourished. CSD now enrolls close to 600 students and operates out of a 10,000 square-foot community center.

What is even more special than getting to work in such a meaningful place, is that my daughter is starting classes this year. She is only a year old, but will be taking our Mommy and Me class on Wednesday mornings. I cannot wait to see her walk through the doors as a student and build her own community at CSD.

-Hannah Fitzgerald (Former student, current instructor and parent)

What Additional Funding Would Mean for Castle Rock Schools

By Erin Kane, Superintendent, Douglas County School District

You’ve likely heard about the funding challenges our school district is facing. But what does that mean for our schools here in Castle Rock?

It’s easy to assume that when home prices are high, and many new homes are being built, that property taxes for our schools would go up. Unfortunately, that’s now how the School Finance Act works in Colorado. Think of school funding like a bucket – first, the bucket gets filled with local funding, then the state fills in the rest (when local funding goes up - the state contributes less to fill that bucket). However, we can change the size of our bucket with a Mill Levy Override (MLO) and Bond, which would provide more local funding to our schools.

More Competitive Pay for Our Teachers and Staff DCSD’s MLO is currently significantly less than other school districts. For example, DCSD receives nearly $2,000 less per student compared to Cherry Creek School District. This greatly impacts our ability to pay our teachers and staff competitively. Additional funding via an MLO would make it possible for us to pay our amazing teachers and staff more competitively – that includes teachers, bus drivers, custodians, educational assistants and more right here in our Castle Rock schools. One of our neighboring school districts is paying teachers, on average, upwards of $18,000 more per year. As you can imagine, that pay increase is difficult to ignore, especially during tough economic times.

A New School for Crystal Valley Ranch / An Expansion for Mesa Middle School

It seems anywhere you look around Castle Rock new homes are being built. And that means more students are attending our schools in the area. However, this can lead to crowding - and some of our schools are already near or at capacity. Additional funding through a Bond would enable DCSD to construct a new school in Crystal Valley Ranch – and also add an expansion to Mesa Middle School. That would help alleviate crowding in our other schools.

Cost to Residents

If DCSD were to pass a $60 Million Mill Levy Override and a $450 Million Bond, it would cost homeowners $1 per week per $100,000 of home value (assessed actual value). For a home with an assessed actual value of $500,000 that would be $5 per week. For a home with an assessed actual value of $1,000,000, that would be $10 per week.

The MLO and Bond would be fixed dollar amounts, meaning the cost per homeowner would not increase as home valuations rise. In fact, the cost would diminish over time as more homes and businesses are created (more people would ultimately be sharing the cost).

I hope we can count on you to learn more about how our schools are funded. Visit our website at www.dcsdk12.org/ funding.

Why Our Schools Matter

By Erin Kane, Superintendent, Douglas County School District

Schools are an integral part of our neighborhoods, our economies, and our lives. As Douglas County residents, we want our amazing community to always be an attractive place to live, work and play. But, believe it or not, approximately 70 percent of Douglas County residents do not currently have school-aged children in their household. Yet our schools continue to play an important role in many ways.

High-Quality Education

First and foremost, our schools provide Douglas County children with a high-quality education as well as post-secondary readiness so that each student is prepared for life after high school whether that be college, military or career.

Employment

The Douglas County School District is the largest employer in our county with 8,600 staff – and 72% of those employees live right here in Douglas County.

Home Values

A high-quality school system, which requires high-quality teachers and staff, attracts businesses and residents to our thriving community. And this helps keep our home values strong. An analysis by the National Association of REALTORS® confirms a positive correlation between thriving school districts with strong enrollment and increased home values.

Future Workforce

High-quality education provides a pipeline of future skilled employees for our community’s workforce. DCSD schools currently offer a variety of career and technical education opportunities that provide our students with real-world experience and certifications in industries such as culinary, healthcare, robotics, construction, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, culinary, automotive, welding, cosmetology, fire sciences, biotechnology, and more. These offerings continue to grow and evolve with high-demand careers.

College Savings

DCSD offers concurrent enrollment opportunities; students can earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. In the 2021-2022 school year this saved Douglas County families nearly $3.7 million in college tuition!

Attract Businesses

High-quality schools attract businesses to relocate to our community, providing jobs and economic growth for our county.

Community Events and Gatherings

Our schools serve as a hub for many important community events and gatherings.

As you can see, our schools benefit our communities in so many ways. And, this is why here in DCSD we are continuously engaging with our community to learn more about how we can meet the needs of each of our 64,000 students. Coming in the 2023-2024 school year, we will be opening a new Alternative Education Campus (VALEVenture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship) next to Chaparral High School in Parker. In addition, we will be offering expanded Career and Technical education opportunities at the new Legacy Campus (former Wildlife Experience building) in Lone Tree. The new CTE programs at the Legacy Campus will not replace or relocate any of the current CTE courses offered at DCSD high schools, but will expand and complement them.

The future is bright here in DCSD and we are proud to be an important part of our community!

To learn more about how DCSD schools are funded visit www.dcsdk12.org/funding.

THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

In the interest of providing

best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

KEY

Based

a typical dinner

one person, excluding

tax

tip.

Asian fusion

CHERRY VILLAGE

ASIAN GRILL

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088

HICKORY HOUSE

With the claim, “Best Ribs in Colorado,” Hickory House is a must-try. Delicious, traditional BBQ is served in a mountain lodge surrounding. You’ll go home full and happy. To bring the BBQ to you, Hickory House offers take-out, catering, and even on-site pig roasts!

JUNZ

A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best.

11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$

BAKERY/DESSERTs

HAVANA'S BAKERY AND CAFÉ

A family owned latin eatery who specializes in Cuban cuisine. They hand make all their flaky pasteries and try to bring a tropical escape.

19757 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker 303-660-1935 $

LA BAGUETTE DE

NORMANDY

Certified master chef and chocolatier Michael Dupont serves a little piece of France right here in Colorado.

16524 Keystone Blvd, Unit C, Parker 303-805-9130 $

LA PETITE CREPERIE

The spot to grab madeto-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong.

19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)

BARBEQUE

BIG JIMS

Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$

GQUE BBQ

Award-winning roadhouse doles out wood-smoked ribs, brisket, & pork. Don’t miss the garlic mashed potatoes. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$

HANGRY OHANA

Hawaiian BBQ with a Texas twist. A local favorite and family friendly. 10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 720-287-2516 $

HICKORY HOUSE

The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken. 10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$ (EC)

OLD WEST BBQ

A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $

BREW PUB

20 MILE TAP HOUSE

Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays. 12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$

ROCKYARD BREWING CO.

Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and Cream of Jalapeño soup! 880 Castleton Road, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$

TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL

Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends.

19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$

THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN

Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options.

3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$

ITalian

CRANELLI’S

Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format.

10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$

DANIELLE’S

SCRATCH KITCHEN

Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service.

872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$

PORTOFINO

Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian.

10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$

SCILEPPI’S

A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients.

210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$

VIA BACI

Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$

MEXICAN

ADRIANNA’S

Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$

CASA MARIACHI

Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.

9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$

LA CASITA

Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$

LAS DELICIAS

Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.

19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$

LOS VOLCANES

Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.

10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$ (EC)

new american

CASTLE CAFE

Set in a former 1890s hotel.

Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers. 403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$

COLORADO

CORK & KEG

Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs. 971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $

CRAVE

A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes. 3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$

DOUG'S DAY DINER

American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.

3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$

MANNA

A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season. 2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $

PARKER GARAGE

The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions. 19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

PEGASUS

A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes. 313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$ (N)

RORY’S

Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it! 11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$ (EC)

SIERRA

High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes. 10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$

THE CHICKEN SHACK

Chicken wings, fingers, fries, and burgers. Great owners that always make you feel welcome. 11211 S Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-504-5044 $

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$ (N)

PIZZA

ANTONIO’S

A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair. 12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $

ARTISAN

Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert. 12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $

COLORADOUGH

A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$

LIL’ RICCI’S

New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$

PARRY’S

NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters. 5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$

STEAKHOUSE

DUKE’S

Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe. 363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines 303-814-2487

FOGO DE CHAO

Upscale Brasilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. Guaraná is a must, and try the Creme de Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-481-4001

(EC)

PERRY’S

Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere. 11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848

TRAPPER’S CHOP HOUSE

Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience. 19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132

UNIQUE

VISTAVINO MODERN

Quaint Tuscan grill made fresh from local fare. Every dish is a winner! 611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock 303-814-2487

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