2020 Education Guide

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E IDE AV U S NG & IO P AT E C E DU

K0 2 20

EDUCATION 2020

A comprehensive overview of education in the Pikes Peak region

Connecting lives, one story at a time.

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2020 EDUCATION

Welcome to the

2020 Education Guide Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent or prospective student can make in life, which is why we are so thrilled to bring you this 2020 Education Guide covering the Pikes Peak region and beyond.

Listing over 200 schools and higher education options, this year's guide covers everything from addressing student mental health to emerging education trends and "outside-the-box" programs. Simplify your search, explore different pathways of education and discover the best fit for your future!

Contents Welcome

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT ............................................................. 3

Poverty Rate in Education

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT ...................................................... 4-6

D20 is El Paso County's Largest School District

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT ....................................................... 7-8

Mental Health Care in El Paso County's Schools

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT .................................................... 9-11

El Paso County School List

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT ................................................ 12-13

Non-Traditional Schools Grow in Popularity

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT ................................................ 15,17

Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT ................................................ 18-19

Gym Class Without the Gym

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT ............................................... 21-22

President and Publisher - Chris Reen Editor - Vince Bzdek Managing Editor - John Boogert Newsroom Operations Director - Pula Davis Education Writer - Debbie Kelley Correspondent - Jakob Rodgers Vice President Advertising - Jim Broyles Director of Advertising - Operations - Karen Hogan Director of Retail Sales - Traci Conrad Advertising Sales Team - Michael Garner, Lori Curry JANUARY 26, 2020

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EDUCATION GUIDE

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2020 EDUCATION

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

Wide gaps in haves and have-nots among El Paso County school districts Debbie Kelley, The Gazette

Census Bureau data released last week show the overall poverty rate in El Paso County declined to a 10-year low of 9.9% in 2018, but there continue to be wide gaps between the “haves” and the “have nots,” notes a regional economic analyst.

“We are in the longest economic expansion we’ve ever had, with increases in income not just in the top 1% or 5% tiers but also middle- and lower-income levels. It raises everyone’s standard of living,” said Tatiana Bailey, director of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Economic Forum and an assistant professor in the College of Business.

“But the chasm between the top 5% and the bottom 50% is huge, and we are one of the most unequal developed countries, looking at that metric, of the industrialized world.”

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March 6

March 28

As has been the case historically, among the Pikes Peak region’s 17 public school districts, those in more affluent areas have the lowest rates of poverty as a percentage of enrollment, and vice versa, according to the new Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates data from the Census Bureau.

Academy D-20 in northern Colorado Springs has the lowest rate, at 5.1% of students ages 5-17 living in poverty. Lewis-Palmer D-38 in Monument has the second-lowest, with 5.8%.

At 26.3%, Harrison D-2 has the highest percentage in the region of enrolled students living in poverty. Colorado Springs D-11’s student poverty rate is 16.8% of enrollment, but the district has the most students — 6,177 — living in poverty.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who is in poverty, said Kristina Barrett, public affairs specialist.

If a family’s total income is less than the family’s threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty, she said.

For a family of two adults and two children, the annual income threshold before taxes and not including public housing, food stamps or Medicaid or capital gains was $25,465 for 2018.

The official poverty thresholds do not vary geographically, Barrett said, but are updated for inflation.

The decreasing federal poverty level is “really good news,” Bailey said.

El Paso County’s overall poverty rate has dropped nearly 4% from a high of 13.4% in 2010, according to the new data, which the agency says provides “the only up-to-date, single-year income and poverty statistics for the nation’s 3,141 counties and 13,19-7 school districts.”

But school districts reflect a different story, Bailey said.

Although statewide and regionally, the workforce is robust with an infusion of new employees and those reentering the job market, “The reality is there is still a large chasm between the haves and the have nots in the United States, and the most unfortunate part of that is when you start talking about kids, because it’s not their fault,” she said.

For all school districts, the median estimated poverty rate for school-age children was 14.9% in 2018.

El Paso and Teller counties fared a little better, with last year’s median estimated poverty rate for students ages 5-17 at 12.5%.

Another system of measuring poverty, the federal government’s free and reduced lunch program, shows the same pattern of children qualifying for free or low-cost meals at school living in poorer neighborhoods.

Thus, the range of students qualifying for the program runs from 10% in Lewis-Palmer D-38 and 12% in Academy D-20 to 73% in Harrison D-2 and 64% in Cripple Creek RE-1, according to Colorado Department of Education statistics.

“That tells you poverty is geographically highly concentrated, and there’s a vicious cycle implicit in that,” Bailey said. “When you have poorer people in a region, less is being generated in property taxes, and the schools are getting less money, so you have more teacher turnover, and the schools aren’t as good.

“It’s one of the many reasons poverty is generational.”

Income criteria differ for the free and reduced lunch program, with this school year’s threshold being $33,475 for a family of four for free meals and $47,638 for reduced prices. Some school districts, such as Harrison D-2, have such a high rate of students qualifying that every student receives free meals while at school.

The Census Bureau poverty data is used to determine Title 1 funding for schools, a program that funnels additional federal dollars to schools in low-income neighborhoods so they can hire extra staff to help bring struggling students up to grade level.

Teller County’s median household income in 2018 was $67,923, according to the new Census Bureau numbers. Teller County’s median household income last year was $64,850, where the poverty rate of the population was 7.4%.

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2020 EDUCATION

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Poverty Rate in Education

(cont. from page 5)

2018 SCHOOL DISTRICT POVERTY RATES in

El Paso County and Teller Counties

Academy D-20, 5.1%, or 1,174 students ages 5-17 out of 22,802 total Calhan RJ-1, 12.8%, or 85 students ages 5-17 Out of 662 total Cheyenne Mountain D-12, 7.1% 280 students ages 5-17 out of 3917 total

Colorado Springs D-11, 16.8% living in poverty 6,177 students ages 5-17 out of 36,803 total

Fifth graders at Soaring Eagles Elementary School walk past a Harrison School District 2 sign while making their way to a math lab.

Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1, 17.3% 88 students ages 5-17 out of 509 total Edison 54-JT, 22% living in poverty 18 students out of 82

El Paso County School District 49, 8.2% 1,437 students ages 5-17 out of 17,456 total

Ellicott D-22, 15.5%, or 155 students ages 5-17 out of 998 total Fountain D-8, 12.5%, or 1,044 students ages 5-17 out of 8,034 Passion for Excellence, Preparation for Life!

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Harrison D-2, 26.3%, or 3,444 students Ages 5-17 out of 13,117 total

Lewis-Palmer D-38, 5.8%, or 409 students Ages 5-17 out of 7,008 total

Manitou Springs D-14, 6.7%, or 81 students Ages 5-17 out of 81 total

Miami-Yoder 60-JT, 14%, or 63 students ages 5-17 out of 448 total Peyton 23-JT, 8.9% living in poverty 83 students ages 5-17 out of 83

idefield D-3, 12.3%, or 1,239 students W Ages 5-17 out of 10,043 total

Woodland Park RE-2, 10.5%, or 289 students Ages 5-17 out of 2,752 total

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Hanover School District 28, 18.2% 66 students ages 5-17 out of 362 total

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JANUARY 26, 2020

The decreasing federal poverty level is “really good news”

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Poverty D-20 IS EL Rate PASO in Education COUNTY'S LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT

District 20 is now El Paso

County's Largest School District Debbie Kelley, The Gazette

A neck-and-neck battle between Pikes Peak region school districts has ended.

Unofficially, Academy School District 20 has overtaken Colorado Springs School District 11 as El Paso County’s largest school district, though official enrollment figures for the year won’t be released until January.

As of Oct. 3 — the annual “count day,” when schools tally their students for the state’s per-pupil funding — Academy D-20 in northern Colorado Springs had 26,657 students, up by 402 from last year, said spokeswoman Allison Cortez.

Colorado Springs D-11, D-11,the theregion’s region’soldest oldestschool schooldistrict, district,was was established established in 1872 in 1872 andand until until now now reigned reigned as as thethe largest largest in in thethe area. area.

2020 EDUCATION

But now it’s down by about 300 students from last year’s fall enrollment of 26,395, said spokeswoman Devra Ashby.

That’s fewer lost students than the drop of 750 that D-11 officials projected, Ashby noted.

D-11 experienced its largest decline last school year, when it lost 1,032 students over the previous year. That led to layoffs and budget restructuring.

For Academy D-20, becoming the region’s largest district is exciting and daunting, said Superintendent Tom Gregory.

“Growth brings a lot of positives: exposure, awareness, reach and, of course, additional funding,” he said. “However, growing too fast can bring a host of challenges.”

Anticipating increased enrollment, D-20 officials succeeded in getting voter approval of a $230 million bond issue in 2016 to pay for two new elementary schools, one new middle school and upgrades at every existing school.

“Whether we are the smallest or largest district,” Gregory said, “our primary responsibility and focus are to the students, staff and taxpayers.”

Passing the enrollment baton has been projected for years, Ashby said.

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COLORADO SPRINGS

2020 EDUCATION

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// D-20

(cont. from page 7)

D-11’s enrollment has been steadily declining since 2011, when the count was 29,509 students, reports the Colorado Department of Education.

Over the past five years, D-11 has lost 1,937 students, or 6.84% of total enrollment.

Contributing factors include the district’s aging residents, few new homes built within its boundaries, the popularity of choice education — meaning students can attend schools outside their neighborhoods — and a declining birth rate.

In 2009, D-11 closed eight schools. It closed two more in 2013.

The district also repurposed a high school into a center for multiple alternative education programs. In 2016, D-11 closed one elementary school and reopened one that it had closed in 2009.

On the heels of releasing a new district master plan in August, leaders now will create an academic master plan, she said.

“We’re heading back out to the community to find out what people want to see in our schools: immersion, International Baccalaureate, busing for choice attendance, start times and scheduling,” Ashby said. Public sessions similar to those held last year to develop the master plan will start next week.

Academy D-20 will take its top-dog position seriously, Gregory said.

“The title of the largest district in the area means we will be looked upon to be leaders in the issues and trends facing K-12 education today,” he said. “If we lead well, we will create a road map of how all students can achieve and succeed academically, socially and emotionally.”

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Another fast-growing school district is in contention, too.

“We know after D-20 takes the lead, School District 49 will surpass them at some point,” Ashby said.

D-20 has less vacant land for construction than D-49, which stretches east of Colorado Springs and is now the region’s third-largest school district.

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Lifting high her diploma, newly graduated Mariah Lemuel (center) and other graduates from Pine Creek High School head up the stairs at Clune Arena at the Air Force Academy on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. School District 20 held two graduations at Clune Arena on Wednesday. Clune Arena will be the site for Air Academy, Liberty and Discovery Canyon High Schools on Thursday, May 16.

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Mental Health Care in El Paso County Schools // Mental Health Care in El Paso County Schools

A quarter of Colorado A quarter school districts of Colorado school districts lack sufficient lack sufficient MENTAL

Public school districts statewide and in the Pikes Peak region need to hire thousands of counPublicandschool statewide and in the selors other districts mental health professionals to Pikes Peak region need to hire thousands of counmeet national staffing standards, according to a selors otherofmental health professionals to Gazetteand analysis data from a 2019 Mental Health meet national staffing standards, according to a Colorado report.

Gazette analysis of data from a 2019 Mental Health report.

AtColorado least two-thirds of the state’s public-

HEALTH MENTAL CARE HEALTH CARE in El Paso County

school attend districts fall At leastchildren two-thirds of the state’sthat publicfar short of nationally school children attendrecommended districts that fall student-to-staff ratios for school-based far short of nationally recommended psychologists, nurses student-to-staffsocial ratiosworkers, for school-based and counselors,social the examination shows. psychologists, workers, nurses

in El Paso County

Debbie Kelley, The Gazette Debbie Kelley, The Gazette

andOfcounselors, thedistricts examination the 33 school statewide shows. that did not meet the industry-suggested ratios for any of theprofessions, 33 school one-fourth districts statewide did theOffour of those, that or eight not meetare theinindustry-suggested districts, El Paso County. ratios for any of the four professions, one-fourth of those, or eight The disparities wide overall, said districts, are in El Pasoare County.

Sarah Davidon, director of research and child and The disparities wide adolescent strategy forare Mental Healthoverall, Colorado,said an Sarah Davidon, director of research and child and adolescent strategy for Mental Health Colorado, an

MEDICAL CAREER TRAINING

2020 EDUCATION 2020 EDUCATION organization that advocates for the more than 1 million Coloradans who have mental health and organization that advocates for the more than substance problems.

1 million Coloradans who have mental health and “School problems. districts in El Paso and Teller counties substance do reflect districts across the state, with some gaps “School in El Paso and said.

Teller counties being largerdistricts than others,” Davidon do reflect districts across the state, with some gaps It’s larger not that don’t want to being thanschool others,”districts Davidon said. follow what’s been identified as best practices, It’s not leaders say. that school districts don’t want to follow what’s been identified as best practices, “We say. have a tremendously hard time findleaders ing qualified people to fill those positions,” “WeSuperintendent have a tremendously hardof time findsaid Walt Cooper Cheyenne ing qualified people to fill those positions,” Mountain School District 12. said Superintendent Walt Cooper of Cheyenne Mountain “So it’s notSchool just aDistrict matter12. of not wanting to or having other priorities that lead schools to be “So it’s not justarena,” a matter not “You’ve wantinggot to or behind in that heofsaid. to having other priorities that lead schools to be find qualified people to fill the positions, and behinda in that arena,” he said. “You’ve got to that’s real challenge.” find qualified people to fill the positions, and that’s a real challenge.”

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2020 EDUCATION

Accesss to

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Mental Health Care in El Paso County Schools

Colorado has just two credentialing programs for school psychologists.

MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

According to the Gazette analysis, El Paso County school districts would need to hire 168 additional full-time counselors, 89 nurses, 90 psychologists and 404 social workers to be at nationally recommended student-to-staff ratios.

in El Paso County is getting worse

Since then, many local districts have hired more mental health professionals — but not enough to meet the standards.

A Colorado School Counselor Corps grant obtained last school year is funding two counselors for Edison School District 22, east of Colorado Springs.

Statewide, school districts would have to hire 1,658 more counselors, 536 nurses, 448 psychologists and 2,688 social workers.

Some districts like Woodland Park RE-2 are benefiting from the School Health Professional Grant Program, which is funded by marijuana taxes and managed by the Colorado Department of Education.

The salary discrepancy also hinders retaining mental health professionals in schools, Davidon said.

New challenges, greater demand

Grants totaling $5.2 million awarded this year and $9.1 million in 2017 pay for additional school counselors, psychologists, social workers and nurses and services such as screenings, counseling, therapy, referrals to community organizations and training for students and staff on behavioral health issues.

Though the Mental Health Colorado report was released in recent months, the data presented is from the 2017-18 school year, the most current statistics available from the

The Classical Academy, a charter school in Academy School District 20, was able to hire three full-time school counselors at elementary levels, up from one and a half

Another roadblock, Cooper said, is that mental health professionals can make more money working in the private sector in their own practice or a hospital or clinic setting.

Jakob Rodgers, The Gazette

Colorado Department of Education.

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2020 EDUCATION

// Mental Health Care in El Paso County Schools

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

across all elementary schools, increase counseling hours at the junior high and add a third psychologist at the high school, said spokeswoman Tisha Harris.

Funding also paid for suicide awareness and prevention programs, staff training, vaping education and groups to address various topics in student health and wellness.

RE-2 was awarded funding both times, to hire a social worker for the middle school and now to provide mental health workers at all three elementary schools.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Laura Magnuson, stationed at Woodland Park Middle School, said she’s busy all the time.

“There’s no shortage of families and students to work with,” she said. “There are significant mental health needs for student and families everywhere right now, and there seems to be a lack of services in every community.”

Magnuson has focused on providing social-emotional learning, ensuring evidence-based practices are being used, buying curriculum, doing substance-use prevention programs, and working with families.

“It certainly has filled some gaps and added a layer of support to families and students that didn’t exist in this robust capacity,” she said. “It’s a wholechild, whole-family model.”

‘Not the sole burden of schools’

students who need help, and 38% said providing or increasing mental health services in their school would increase their feelings of safety.

Students attending suburban, urban and larger schools were more likely than peers in rural and smaller schools to indicate that mental health services were readily available to those who needed them, according to the report, titled, “Creating Safe Schools, Examining High School Student Perceptions of Their Physical Safety at School.”

The report recommends increased federal and state funding to “expand and promote the Informational availability of school mental healthEvents: services.”

The lack of mental health workers for students hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Many high school students see the need for more mental health services, according to a new report from ACT, the nonprofit organization that operates the ACT college entrance exam.

Fewer than half of 10th through 12th graders surveyed in October 2018, or 44%, said their school offered adequate mental health services for

Jan. 9 & 14

“There needs to be an adequate supply of comFeb. 6 & 18 • Mar. 3 & 17 • Apr. 9 & 21, May 7 & 19 munity mental health professionals that. serve chil5:00-6:00 p.m dren. This is not the sole burden of schools.”

RSVP to infonight@cscharter.org

“While they can be part of the solution, schools can’t be the entire solution,” Davidon said.

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NOW ACCEPTING 9 & 14enthusiasm to craft bold APPLICANTS WeJan. kindle & 18 • Mar. 3 & 17 •effective Apr. 9 & 21, May 7 & 19 and citizen-scholars.

NOW ACCEPTING NOW ACCEPTING Informational Events: For the 2020-2021 APPLICATIONS School Year 5:00-6:00 p.m.academic standards NOW Rigorous APPLICANTS Informational Events: FOR THE 2020–2021 SCHOOL YEAR ACCEPTING TH RSVP to infonight@cscharter.org – KINDERGARTEN 8 GRADE and curriculum 2020-2021 School Year NOW ACCEPTING 5:00-6:00 p.m.

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RSVPRSVP to infonight@cscharter.org to infonight@cscharter.org Foreign language instruction No Common Core Focus on character COLORADO SPRINGS SportsACADEMY and student clubs CHARTER COLORADO SPRINGS EST. 2005 Musical theater, choir, and band CHARTER ACADEMY We 2005 kindle Fun, year-round family events EST. enthusiasm to craft bold Weand kindle effective enthusiasm citizen-scholars.

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Colorado Springs Charter Academy’s chosen curriculum exceeds the Common Core content standards.

Colorado Springs Charter Academy opposes assessments and content standards that have little or no input at the state or local level and impinge upon the innovative solutions provided by charter schools and local school districts.

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KINDERGARTEN 8 GRADE COLORADO SPRINGS academic standards and curriculum CHARTERRigorous ACADEMY TH

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THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

ACADEMY DIST. 20

Academy Calvert K-8 Online Academy Academy International Elementary Academy Online Air Academy High School Antelope Trails Elementary School Aspen Valley Campus Briargate Preschool Challenger Middle School Chinook Trail Elementary School Chinook Trail Middle School Discovery Canyon Campus Elem. School Discovery Canyon Campus High School Discovery Canyon Campus Middle School Douglass Valley Elementary School Eagleview Middle School Edith Wolford Elementary School Endeavour Elementary School Explorer Elementary School Foothills Elementary School Frontier Elementary School High Plains Elementary School Legacy Peak Elementary School Liberty High School Mountain Ridge Middle School Mountain View Elementary School New Horizons Charter Academy Pine Creek High School Pioneer Elementary School Prairie Hills Elementary School Rampart High School Ranch Creek Elementary Rockrimmon Elementary School TCA College Pathways The Classical Academy Charter Elementary The Classical Academy High School The Classical Academy Middle School The Da Vinci Academy School Timberview Middle School Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School

Calhan High School CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN DIST. 12

CALHAN RJ-1

Calhan Elementary School Calhan Middle School

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Broadmoor Elementary School Canon Elementary School Cheyenne Mountain Elem. School Cheyenne Mtn. Junior High School Cheyenne Mountain High School Gold Camp Elementary School Pinon Valley Elementary School Skyway Park Elementary School The Vanguard School (Charter, Elementary) The Vanguard School (Charter, Middle) The Vanguard School (Charter, High) COLORADO SPRINGS DIST. 11 Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning Achieve Online Adams Elementary School Audubon Elementary School Bristol Elementary School Buena Vista Elementary School Carver Elementary School Chipeta Elementary School CIVA Charter Academy Columbia Elementary School Community Prep Charter School Coronado High School Doherty High School East Lake High School Edison Elementary School Freedom Elementary School Fremont Elementary School Galileo School of Math and Science Globe Charter School Grant Elementary School Henry Elementary School Holmes Middle School Howbert Elementary School Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy Jackson Elementary School Jenkins Middle School Keller Elementary School

King Elementary School Life Skills Center of Colorado Springs Madison Elementary School Mann Middle School Martinez Elementary School McAuliffe Elementary Midland Elementary School Mitchell High School Monroe Elementary School Nikola Tesla Education Opportunity Center North Middle School Odyssey Early College & Career Options Palmer High School Penrose Elementary School Queen Palmer Elementary School Rogers Elementary School Roosevelt Charter Academy Rudy Elementary School Russell Middle School Sabin Middle School Scott Elementary School Steele Elementary School Stratton Elementary School Taylor Elementary School The Bijou School Trailblazer Elementary School Twain Elementary School West Elementary School West Middle School Wilson Elementary School EDISON 54 JT

Edison Elementary School Edison Junior-Senior High School Edison Prep ELLICOTT DIST. 22 Ellicott Elementary School Ellicott Middle School Ellicott Senior High School

FOUNTAIN-FORT CARSON DIST. 8

Abrams Elementary School Aragon Elementary School

// School List

Carson Middle School Conrad Early Learning Center Eagleside Elementary School Fountain-Fort Carson High School Fountain Middle School Jordahl Elementary School Mesa Elementary School Mountainside Elementary School Patriot Elementary School Weikel Elementary School Welte Education Center HANOVER DIST. 28

Hanover Junior-Senior High School Hanover Online Academy Prairie Heights Elementary School HARRISON DIST. 2

Atlas Preparatory High School Atlas Preparatory Middle School Bricker Elementary School Carmel Middle School Career Readiness Academy Centennial Elementary School Giberson Elementary School Fox Meadow Middle School Harrison High School James Irwin Charter Elem. School James Irwin Charter High School James Irwin Charter Middle School Monterey Elementary School Mountain Vista Community School Mountain Vista Homeschool Academy Oak Creek Elementary School Otero Elementary School Panorama Middle School Pikes Peak Elementary School Sand Creek International Elementary School Sierra High School Soaring Eagles Elementary School Stratmoor Hills Elementary School Stratton Meadows Elementary School Turman Elementary School Wildflower Elementary School LEWIS-PALMER

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

DIST. 38

Bear Creek Elementary School Lewis-Palmer Combined Online Program Lewis-Palmer Elementary School Lewis-Palmer Middle School Lewis-Palmer High School Monument Charter Academy Palmer Lake Elementary School Palmer Ridge High School Prairie Winds Elementary School Ray E Kilmer Elementary School MANITOU SPRINGS DIST. 14

Manitou Springs Elementary School Manitou Springs High School Manitou Springs Middle School Manitou Springs Online Program Ute Pass Elementary School MIAMI-YODER 60 JT Miami-Yoder Elementary School Miami-Yoder Middle/High School PEYTON 23 JT

Peyton Elementary School Peyton Junior High School Peyton Online Academy Peyton Senior High School SCHOOL DIST. 49

2020 EDUCATION

// School List

Allies Banning Lewis Ranch Academy Evans International Elementary School Falcon Elementary School of Technology Falcon Middle School Falcon High School GOAL Academy Grand Peak Academy Horizon Middle School Inspiration View Elementary School Liberty Tree Academy Meridian Ranch Elementary School Odyssey Elementary School

Patriot High School Pikes Peak Early College Pikes Peak School Power Technical Early College Expeditionary Learning Remington Elementary School Ridgeview Elementary School Rocky Mountain Classical Academy Sand Creek High School Skyview Middle School Springs Ranch Elementary School Springs Studio for Academic Excellence Stetson Elementary School Vista Ridge High School Woodmen Hills Elementary School WIDEFIELD DIST. 3 D3 My Way Discovery High School French Elementary School Grand Mountain School Janitell Junior High School James Madison Charter Academy School Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Mesa Ridge High School Pinello Elementary School Sproul Junior High School Sunrise Elementary School Talbott Steam Innovation School Venetucci Elementary School Watson Junior High School Widefield District 3 Preschool Webster Elementary School Widefield Elementary School Widefield High School

COLORADO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND TELLER COUNTY CRIPPLE CREEKVICTOR RE-1

Cresson Elementary

Cripple Creek-Victor Middle-Senior High School WOODLAND PARK RE-2 *(Teller County)

Columbine Elementary School Gateway Elementary School Summit Elementary School Woodland Park Middle School Woodland Park High School Woodland Park Online Program ONLINE

Colorado Connections Academy Colorado Preparatory Academy Destinations Career Academy of Colorado Pikes Peak Online School STATE-AUTHORIZED CHARTER SCHOOLS

Colorado Military Academy Colorado Springs Charter Academy Colorado Springs Early Colleges Coperni 2 Charter School Coperni 3 Charter School Frontier Charter Academy Global Village Academy Colorado Springs James Irwin Charter Academy Launch High School Mountain Song Community School Thomas MacLaren School PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Born to the Golden Mtn. Montessori Colorado Springs Christian Schools Cornerstone Baptist Academy Corpus Christi School Divine Redeemer Catholic School Evangelical Christian Academy Evangelical Christian Academy Secondary

Fountain Valley School of Colorado Giving Tree Montessori School Griffith Centers for Children Hilltop Baptist School Holy Apostles Preschool Holy Cross Christian Development Center & Day School Hope Montessori Academy Junior Academy New Directions Education Program Pikes Peak Academy Pikes Peak Christian School Rocky Mountain Montessori Academy St. Mary's High School St. Paul Catholic School St. Peter Catholic School Salem Lutheran School Sidewalk's End Montessori School Springs Adventist Academy The Colorado Springs School The Hillsprings Learning Center The University School Trinity Christian School COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES

Colorado College College America Colorado Springs Colorado Christian University College of Adult and Graduate Studies Colorado Technical University of Colorado Springs Colorado Technical University Online IntelliTec College National American University Colorado Springs National American University of Colorado Springs South Nazarene Bible College Pikes Peak Community College Pima Medical Institute Regis University United States Air Force Academy University of Colorado at Colorado Springs JANUARY 26, 2020

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CHOOSE AIR ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL. CHOOSE DOUGLASS VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE EDITH WOLFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE ROCKRIMMON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE FOOTHILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE HIGH PLAINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. YOUR STUDENT. YOUR CHOICE. CHOOSE RAMPART HIGH SCHOOL. CHOOSE WOODMENROBERTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE FRONTIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE CHALLENGER MIDDLE SCHOOL. CHOOSE EAGLEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL. CHOOSE LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL. CHOOSE PIONEER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE TIMBERVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL. CHOOSE EXPLORER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE ANTELOPE TRAILS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE PRAIRIE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE ASPEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL. CHOOSE ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE MOUNTAIN RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL. CHOOSE PINE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL. CHOOSE SCHOOL IN THE WOODS. CHOOSE ACADEMY ENDEAVOUR ELEMENTARY. CHOOSE THE DA VINCI ACADEMY. CHOOSE DISCOVERY CANYON CAMPUS. CHOOSE RANCH CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE EXCELLENCE. CHOOSE CHINOOK TRAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE VILLAGE HIGH SCHOOL. CHOOSE ASPEN VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL. CHOOSE HOME SCHOOL ACADEMY. CHOOSE LEGACY PEAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. CHOOSE CHINOOK TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL. asd20.org 14 EDUCATION GUIDE

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THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Outside-the-Box-High School Education

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

// Outside-the-Box- High School Education

Non-traditional schools GROW Non-traditional in popularity schools GROW Debbie Kelley, The Gazette

in popularity Debbie Kelley, The Gazette

A scenic shot of Pikes Peak Early College.

2020 EDUCATION 2020 EDUCATION

The growing popularity of outside-the-box high school education is leading two Pikes Peak region school districts to expand programming.

The growing of outside-the-box school education is on Pikes Peak popularity Early College in School Districthigh 49 recently broke ground leading two Pikes Peak region school districts to expand a $5 million, 20,000-square-foot addition on the campusprogramming. it shares with Springs Studio for Academic Excellence at 6113 Constitution Ave. Pikes Peak Early College in School District 49 recently broke ground on “With our rapid enrollment growth, all of our schools in D-49 are a $5 million, 20,000-square-foot addition on the campus it shares with overcrowded, and expanding blended learning means we’re able to serve kids at a Springs Studio for Academic Excellence at 6113 Constitution Ave. fraction of what it would cost to build new buildings,” said Dave Knoche, “With our rapid for enrollment growth, all and of our in D-49 are executive principal the Springs Studio Pikesschools Peak Early College overcrowded, and expanding blended learning means we’re able to serve kids at a campus. fraction of what it would cost to build new buildings,” said Dave Knoche, Blended learning combines at-home online lessons and assignments with executive principal for the Springs Studio and Pikes Peak Early College on-site classes and perhaps community college or voc-tech classes thrown into campus. the mix.

Blended learning combines at-home online lessons and assignments with “People love the flexibility,” Knoche said. on-site classes and perhaps community college or voc-tech classes thrown into theNine mix. additional classrooms will open for the 2020 fall semester, duplicating the existing school building, which accommodates 430 Springs “People love the flexibility,” Knoche said.

Studio students.

Nine additional classrooms will open for the 2020 fall semester, Pikes Peak Early College relocated this year to the site and has 185 students duplicating the existing school building, which accommodates 430 Springs but can’t increase enrollment without more space, Knoche said.

Studio students.

Pikes Peak Early College relocated this year to the site and has 185 students but can’t increase enrollment without more space, Knoche said.

A scenic shot of Pikes Peak Early College.

ACCESSIBLE. AFFORDABLE. ACHIEVABLE. Accesible.

Al Alcance.

Realizable.

Explore our new programs!

Visit

CSUPueblo.edu to learn more

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JANUARY 26, 2020

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Emphasis on the Visual and Performing Arts Art Music Theatre

Featured in the Colorado Department of Education’s documentary series, “Stories of Promising Practice”

Advanced Placement Courses

Dance

Earn College Credit

Governor’s Distinguished Award 2016, 2017 & 2019 WWW.CIVACHARTERSCHOOL.ORG • 719-633-1306 16 EDUCATION GUIDE

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JANUARY 26, 2020

Small, safe school

(cont. from page 15)

Students also are embracing nontraditional learning in Colorado Springs School District 11. While enrollment has been declining districtwide (cont.for from page 15) years, the Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus is bursting seams, said Executive learnDirector Students alsoatarethe embracing nontraditional Hoff. ingDan in Colorado Springs School District 11. While

enrollment been declining districtwide In the old has Wasson High School building at 2110 Afton forWay, years, the Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus is the repurposed school that houses 10 programs is bursting the seams, Director operating at 160% capacity,said HoffExecutive said.

Dan Hoff.

Up to 1,500 students use the campus daily, he said, Inupthe old900 Wasson High in School at district 2110 Afton from students 2013,building when the closed Way, the repurposed schoolhigh thatschool housesunder 10 programs is Wasson as a traditional a restructuroperating ing plan.at 160% capacity, Hoff said.

UpAs to a1,500 students use the daily,Opportunity he said, result, the Nikola Teslacampus Education up School from 900 2013, when districtLongfellow closed willstudents move byinAugust to thetheformer Wasson as a traditional high school a restructurElementary School, 1.3 miles awayunder at 3302 Alpine Place. ingThat plan.building has housed Globe Charter School, which is looking for athe newNikola facility.Tesla Education Opportunity As a result, School will move August to thetoformer Longfellow Moving Tesla’sby239 students Longfellow will alow Elementary at 3302 Tesla to School, increase1.3tomiles 280 away students andAlpine also Place. will enThatable building housed Globe which is otherhas programs stayingCharter at theSchool, Wasson campus looking for a new facility. to spread out and add more students, Hoff said. Tesla will vacate 22 classrooms at Wasson.

Moving Tesla’s 239 students to Longfellow will alow

Tesla to increase to 280 students and also will en“Think little likestaying a charter a little able othera programs at theschool Wassonand campus a junior college” you’ve theTesla tolike spread out and add moreand students, Hoffgot said. will 22 classrooms at Wasson.

Royvacate J. Wasson Academic Campus, he said.

“ThinkThe a little a charter andoffers a little site islike open 14 hoursschool a day and four school diplomaand programs like high a junior college” you’veand gotsixtheprograms Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus, he said.

The site is open 14 hours a day and offers four high school diploma programs and six programs

encompassing adult and family education, digital school, night school, literacy and early childhood development.

“It’s boutique schooling, and kids are like, ‘Absolutely,’” encompassing adult and family education, digital Hoff said. school, night school, and childhood School District 49’sliteracy expansion alsoearly will make room for development. the Falcon Homeschool program, Knoche said, which is “It’s boutique and kids arealso like,provides ‘Absolutely,’” at the Falconschooling, Legacy Campus and on-site Hofflearning. said. About 100 home-school students will join the campus in August, for 750 students the for three School District 49’s expansion also willspanning make room theprograms.

Falcon Homeschool program, Knoche said, which is

at the“We’re Falcongoing LegacytoCampus provides on-site be oneand big,also happy, inclusive envilearning.

About home-school will join ronment that100 provides tons of students opportunities for the kids,” campus in August, for 750reached studentsa spanning the three Knoche said. “We’ve place where we are programs. stagnant based on our space, so doubling our space will allow us to get bigger,” he happy, said, and whittleenvidown “We’re going to be one big, inclusive waitingthat lists.provides tons of opportunities for kids,” ronment Knoche said.

“We’ve a place where we arehas In six years, the reached redesigned Wasson campus stagnant based on our space, so doubling our space become known for tailoring education to will meet allow us to get bigger,” he said, and whittle down students’ needs, Hoff said. waiting lists.

“This second choice or campus a replacement In six isn’t years,students’ the redesigned Wasson has choice; this is their first choice,” he said. also become known for tailoring education “It’s to meet not credit recovery, but credit acceleration.” students’ needs, Hoff said.

“ThisDistrict isn’t students’ second choice or to a replacement 11 will use district funds pay for minimal choice; this is their first choice,” he said. alsooff the remodeling at Wasson, and District 49 is“It’s paying notexisting credit recovery, acceleration.” building atbut thecredit Springs Studio campus and will apply the savings to payments for the new building, officials11 said.

District will use district funds to pay for minimal

remodeling at Wasson, and District 49 is paying off the existing building at the Springs Studio campus and will apply the savings to payments for the new building, officials said.

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX JANUARY 26, 2020

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EXTENDED CAMPUS extended.unco.edu

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX JANUARY 26, 2020

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2020 EDUCATION 2020 EDUCATION

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

The mental The mental health crisis health crisis on campus onand campus how and how COLLEGES COLLEGES can fix it can fixSwanbrow it Marty Becker,

The American College Health Association found in 2019 that College over theHealth past year, 87% offound college The American Association overwhelmed by all they to do, in students 2019 thatfelt over the past year, 87% of had college 66% felt 56% felt students feltoverwhelming overwhelmed anxiety, by all they had to things do, were and 13% seriously considered 66% felthopeless overwhelming anxiety, 56% felt thingssuicide.

Contributing factors include distressing and were hopeless and 13% seriously considered suitraumatic circumstances duringdistressing college, such cide.

Contributing factors include and as assaults,circumstances in addition to academic performance traumatic during college, such as demands. assaults, in addition to academic performance demands.

The college experience is not the only factor, however. Students are also

Florida State University Marty Swanbrow Becker, Florida State University

When college students seek help for a mental health issue on campus — something they areseek doinghelp more — thehealth place issue they usually go is—the When college students foroften a mental on campus college counseling center. something they are doing more often — the place they usually go is the

collegeWhile counseling center. the stigma of seeking mental health support has gone down, it has created a problem: College counseling centers aresupport struggling meetdown, the increased demand.

While the stigma of seeking mental health hastogone it has created

a problem: CollegeBEHIND counseling centers are struggling to meet the increased demand.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM

WHAT’S BEHIND PROBLEM Student mentalTHE health distress has escalated to high levels nationally.

Student mental health distress has escalated to high levels nationally.

Preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s responsibilities

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 is proud to serve the children and families of our community.

Our commitment to diversity and student support helps young people achieve a sense of accomplishment and civic responsibility.

Learn more at www.FFC8.org

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// MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES // MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

JANUARY 26, 2020

JANUARY 26, 2020

coming toexperience college withispreexisting challenges.

The college not the onlymental factor,health however.

StudentsFor areinstance, also over 80% of students who think about suicide during college had first coming to college with preexisting mental health challenges. For instance, suicide before over thought 80% of about students who think college. about suicide during college had first thought about suicide beforemay college.

Some college campuses add counseling staff to try to meet the increased demand for campuses counselingmay centers, but not all campuses afford do this. Even Some college add counseling staff to try can to meet thetoincreased if they do, it still might not be enough.

Students need alternate ways beyond demand for counseling centers, but not all campuses can afford to do this. Even college counseling centers to address their mental health needs. if they do, it still might not be enough. Students need alternate ways beyond collegeBycounseling centers to address their mental healthtoneeds. being more proactive and equipping students deal with mental health issues before they become too large to manage, fewer will need By being more proactive and equipping students to deal withstudents mental health crisis services and those need will fewer be ablestudents to get them sooner — issues before they— become toowho large to them manage, will need

crisis services — and those who need them will be able to get them sooner —

because more students will have the tools to work through their problems earlier on more their own. because students will have the tools to work through their problems earlier on their own.

To improve the overall health of their population of students, here are four

Tuition Free Public Charter School

areas where I think colleges should To improve the overall health of focus. their population of students, here are four areas where I think colleges should focus.

1. EMPOWER STUDENTS 1. EMPOWER STUDENTS Colleges must help students assess their strengths and overall resilience. By empowering students with increased self-knowledge, they can more adeptly Colleges must help students assess their strengths and overall resilience.

By identify problems early with and access supportive resources.they can more adeptly empowering students increased self-knowledge, identify problems early and access supportive resources.

2. PROVIDE STRESS-MANAGEMENT RESOURCES 2. PROVIDE STRESS-MANAGEMENT RESOURCES Colleges and universities should create processes and tools for students to improve their to manage stress.

Forprocesses example, and the campus create Colleges andability universities should create tools for could students to a decisiontheir treeability that helps studentsstress. identify and where to reach out create to get improve to manage Forwhen example, the campus could with their concerns. ahelp decision tree specific that helps students identify when and where to reach out to get help with their specific concerns.

3. TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES 3. TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES Research shows that helping many people lower their risk improves the benefit forResearch the largershows population more than on those theimproves highest risk. that helping manyfocusing people lower theiratrisk the benefit for the larger population more than focusing on those at the highest risk.

4. LAUNCH WELLNESS CAMPAIGNS 4. LAUNCH WELLNESS CAMPAIGNS Colleges should create a wellness campaign. Students, faculty and staff should beColleges trained should in how create to work togethercampaign. to improveStudents, the mental health everyone a wellness faculty and of staff should on campus, identifying others in distress, with and be trained inincluding how to work together to improve the intervening mental health of them everyone referring them to help.identifying others in distress, intervening with them and on campus, including referring them to help.

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 values supporting this community with innovative and relevant programming for every student.

LPSD 38 is Accredited with Distinction by the State of Colorado (719) 488-4700 www.lewispalmer.org

Enrolling K - 11 Growing to 12 in Fall 2021

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FEES FREE

Enroll today online at www.hsd2.org 20 EDUCATION GUIDE | JANUARY 26, 2020 20 EDUCATION GUIDE | JANUARY 26, 2020

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

2020 EDUCATION

// GYM CLASS WITHOUT THE GYM

Gym Class without the gym?

With Technology, it's catching on

She has an app on her computer that screenshots her activity so she can turn it in for credit While online physical education classes have been around for well over a decade, often as part of virtual or online schools, the technology has made possible a new level of accountability, its users say.

“We’re asking kids to wear this while they do an activity of their choice, and they can change the activity as they desire, as long as it’s something that they understand is probably going to get their heart rate up," said Elizabeth Edwards, department head for online physical education at Fairfax County Public Schools, which includes Grace’s high school

Carolyn Thompson, The Associated Press

Though a physical education instructor isn’t shouting from the sidelines, teachers do guide assignments by setting goals such as fat burn, cardio or peak, relying on the technology to be their eyes and ears.

Widefield School District 3

To Learn, Grow, Achieve: Every Child, Every Classroom, Every Day

Grace Brown’s schedule at West Potomac High School in northern Virginia is filled with all the usual academics, and she has packed in Latin, chorus and piano as extras. What she can’t cram into the 8:10 a.m.-2:55 p.m. school day is gym class

NOW Enrolling for the 2020-2021 school year

So she’s taking that one minus the gym and on her own time The 14-year-old freshman is getting school credit for virtual physical education, a concept that, as strange as it may sound, is being helped along by availability of wearable fitness trackers For students whose tests and textbooks have migrated to screens, technology as gym equipment may have been only a matter of time Grace, who lives in Alexandria, wears a school-issued Fitbit on her wrist while getting in at least three 30-minute workouts a week outside of school hours.

* Award-Winning Music & Arts * Manufacturing & Construction * STEAM, Robotics, Coding Programs * Widefield Parks & Recreation

wsd3.org

719.391.3000

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2020 EDUCATION

THE GAZETTE SPOTLIGHT

(cont. from page 21)

A Catholic, college-prep family since 1885

ppening a h e r a s g in h t Great ! at St. Mary’s

Students also are required to sign in for a weekly 60-minute to 90-minute classroom session with the teacher.

Teenagers who play soccer, swim or dance all year may satisfy the workout requirements without doing anything extra. Grace has been adding bike rides and jogs to her days.

For her, online PE freed her up to take three elective courses, instead of two in school. For others, it’s a welcome way to take a required class that students otherwise may find socially or physically challenging

“We definitely exercise more in online PE,” Grace said.

“There’s a lot of standing around in regular PE. Online, I do much harder workouts.”

A survey of more than 3,000 fitness professionals by the American College of Sports Medicine named wearable technology the top trend in fitness for 2020 It's not clear how many schools are embracing the trend. It comes with some cautions

Faith fuels all we do.

1

Instruction steeped in the Catholic tradition, four years of theology and class retreats allow students to grow their faith.

Students ready for life.

2

In the last three years, 100 percent of St. Mary’s graduates have been accepted into either a two-year or four-year college. More than 80% of our graduating seniors received college merit scholarships.

3

Steeped in tradition.

Since 1885, St. Mary’s has provided a safe, nurturing environment, where we develop the whole student in mind, body, and spirit as part of our Pirate family.

Learn more at www.smhscs.org 22 EDUCATION GUIDE

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Technology and the collection of any student data always raises the specter of student privacy concerns. And some worry that students exercising on their own may miss out on important social concepts such as teamwork

“There is a difference between physical activity and physical education," said Chris Hersl, former vice president for programs and professional development at SHAPE America, which wrote national standards for K-12 physical education

// GYM CLASS WITHOUT THE GYM

“We’re trying to give them an opportunity to see what post-secondary might look like,” Guseman said, “when you don’t meet every day but you’re still expected to do work for a course or preparation between class periods.”

“They may not be working out at 10 p.m., but that’s when they’re turning in their workout. The notion that education now runs 7:30-4, 8-3, is really antiquated,” Lemmon said, “and our students are begging to be able to have more flexibility in the time of day they learn.”

Teachers help students set up their fitness devices, entering the student’s height, weight and age, and coming up with a target heart rate. As an added layer of instruction and accountability, Launch students are required to send video back to the teacher, who checks their technique as they stretch or lift weights, for example.

“They work with their PE instructor to set a fitness goal and then they get their workout however they want to,” Lemmon said. Ït really does promote lifelong fitness because it’s about working out the way they want to, not they’re required to do a particular activity in gym. ... We have a lot of kids — a locker room is their worst nightmare.

It’s not where they want to be.”

“We’re so stuck in the traditional classroom setting. These kids are burning 2,000 calories during a practice and more at every game," she said. "I wish the schools would catch up with the times.”

“Physical activity is great for the body. We want everybody to move,” he said, “but physical education is a class where students are taught how to move their body and the social context in which to do that.”

Joliet Township schools in Illinois uses fitness trackers as part of a blended learning conditioning program that has students who sign up for it work out two to three times a week in the gym with an instructor and the other days on their own

“It’s a flexible schedule where they still have in-person physical education classes and there’s still instruction happening, but they’re able to use the Fitbit to monitor how students are working outside thclassroom,” the district’s associate superintendent for educational services.

JANUARY 26, 2020

Grace Brown, 14, poses for a portrait at the park where she does her jogging workouts for her "online PE" class in Alexandria, Va. Brown chose to take "online PE," using a fitness tracker, so that she could take a piano lab as an extra elective.

School District 11 Provides Fantastic Educational Opportunities

At District 11, we dare to empower the whole student to profoundly impact our world.

District 11 provides classes and programs to meet the unique needs of all students.

• Stimulating STEM/STEAM Programs • IB Programs at Elementary, Middle, and High School Levels • A Public Montessori School • Early College High School • Automotive Maintenance Program • Agricultural Design Program • Civil Engineering Program • Biomedical Science Program • Arts-Focused Programs • And Much More!

Inspire every mind.

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