2019 Winter Five Star Journal

Winter 2019 | Volume 19 | Issue No. 2
Elementary Feature Middle School Feature High School Feature
ON THE
HOMEFRONT
pg. 8
CULTURE AND
CONNECTION
pg. 10
www.adams12.org
THE BUSINESS
OF CARING
pg. 14

THERE’S A CREDIT
UNION FOR EVERYONE
IN Colorado
OPEN YOUR EYES TO A CREDIT UNION ®
YOURMONEYFURTHER.COM

Winter 2019 | Volume 19 | Issue No. 2
IN THIS ISSUE
5 Superintendent Message
8 Elementary School Feature:
On the Homefront
10 Middle School Feature:
Culture and Connection
12 Five Star Snapshots
14 High School Feature:
The Business of Caring
18 District Feature:
Choice Process Deadlines
21 Bond Update:
Looking Ahead
23 District Calendar
25 Exploring Bell Schedule Adjustments
26 ELEVATE: An Attitude of Gratitude
28 In the News
1500 E. 128th Ave.
Thornton, CO 80241
(720) 972-4156
www.adams12.org
Board of Education
Kathy Plomer
Laura Mitchell
Brian Batz
Lori Goldstein
Jamey Lockley
Superintendent
Chris Gdowski
Tracy Dorland, Deputy
Communications Services
Joe Ferdani
Christina Dahmen
Mark Poshak
Kevin Denke
Chris Brecht
Eric Smith
Raquel Williams
Bailey Doehler
Julie Foster
Official Sponsor of
the Five Star Journal
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is a caring,
inclusive and engaging district which
exists so the students it serves can attain
the knowledge and skills necessary to
pursue the future of their choosing and
are equipped to navigate and thrive in
our rapidly changing world.

Saturday, March 14, 2020 | The Westin Westminster
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING
THE FIVE STAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S
ANNUAL GALA!
This year’s gala is extra special as we integrate student talent
into the production of our gala through graphic design,
theater production, video production, entertainment and
more. Because of generous donors, the Foundation makes
an impact in students’ success by supporting career and
technical training programs in our Adams 12 Five Star
Schools, funding training conferences for our teachers,
and collaborating with educators on creating
sustainable programs. With our supporters, the
Foundation “Minds the Gap” between K-12
education and the greater community.
This year’s gala will help capacity
building, classroom innovation and
career readiness programs.
www.5starfoundation.org
4 | The Five Star Journal

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE
I’m #FiveStarProud with how
we’re elevating student success
By Chris Gdowski, Superintendent
The Five Star community has so many things to be thankful for as we head into winter break.
I recently attended a conference of school boards from districts across the state and, on multiple
occasions peers, in other districts recognized our recent successes and acknowledged the
innovative and focused work we’re doing to change outcomes for our students. They specifically
noted our safety work around Safe2Tell and threat assessments, how our focus on
social-emotional learning starts with supporting staff first so they can support students, and
how our ELEVATE strategic plan reflects the values of the entire Five Star community.
As we continue to raise the bar on outcomes in the Five Star District, I think it’s important to
recognize how far we’ve come. Here are a few of those milestones:
“Performance” District Four Years Running
For the fourth consecutive year, Adams 12 Five Star Schools has been accredited as a Performance
District, the second highest rating for school districts in the state of Colorado.
Based on the most recent state release of ratings for school districts, the Five Star District has
demonstrated the greatest sustained academic growth over the past five years as compared
to districts with similar demographics. In 2014, the Five Star District was rated an Improvement
Winter 2019 | 5

CENSUS 101: What You Need to Know
The 2020 Census is closer than you think!
Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential everyone is counted:
By law, we cannot share your
information with immigration
enforcement agencies,
law enforcement agencies,
or allow it to be used to
determine your eligibility for
government benefits.
EVERYONE COUNTS
Our goal is to count
people only once
and in the right place
according to where
they live on Census Day.
TAKING PART IS YOUR
CIVIC DUTY
Completing the census is
required: It’s a way to participate
in our democracy and say
“I COUNT!”
town of
Bennett
IT’S IN THE
CONSTITUTION
The U.S. Constitution
requires a census every 10
years. The census covers
the entire country and
everyone living here. The
first census was in 1790.
CENSUS
DATA IS USED
ALL AROUND
YOU
Residents use the census to
support community intiatives
involving legislation,
quality of life, and
consumer advocacy.
Businesses use census data
to decide where to build
factories, offices, and stores,
which create jobs.
Local governments use the
census for public safety and
emergency preparedness.
2020 WILL BE EASIER
THAN EVER
In 2020, you will be able to
respond to the census online.
IT’S ABOUT $675 BILLION
Census data determines
how more than $675
billion is spent-supporting
your state’s, county’s,
and community’s vital
programs.
YOUR DATA IS CONFIDENTIAL
Federal law protects your census
responses. Your answers can only
be used to produce statistics.
YOU CAN HELP
You are the expert. We need
your ideas on the best way to
make sure everyone in your
community gets counted.
U.S Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
census.gov
demography.dola.colorado.gov/census_2020/

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE CONTINUED
district and ranked eighth out of nine comparable districts; in 2019 the Five Star District now
ranks second among those same districts.
We’ve now solidly arrived in the Performance category with peer districts and we’re doing
incredible work to serve our diverse group of kids, but we’re within two points of being at the top.
We will work together to build on a foundation of very good to even better to take the top spot.
Record Graduation Rate
The Class of 2018 achieved the highest graduation rate for our district high schools since 2010.
• The four-year on-time graduation rate rose to 84.5%, nearly 4% higher than the state.
• All five of the district’s comprehensive high schools exceeded the state average for the
second year in a row.
• Both of the district’s alternative schools saw their highest graduation rate to date.
Results for the Class of 2019 will be released in January and we expect to see another gain.
Home to World-Class Staff
We have outstanding staff as evidenced by the many state and national awards they have
earned recognizing their exemplary work. The Five Star District is home to the 2020 Colorado
Teacher of the Year, Hilary Wimmer, who is a Career and Technical Education Instructional
Leader, DECA Advisor and High School of Business coordinator at Mountain Range High School.
This latest honor comes on the heels of a string of honors for our staff, including Riverdale
Elementary principal, Kristin Powers, earning the 2018 Colorado Distinguished Principal of the
Year award and Northglenn High School principal, Sharee Blunt, being named the 2018 Colorado
High School Principal of the Year.
Unique Learning Experiences
December, which is when our Choice program opens, traditionally marks the beginning of the
enrollment period for the next school year. No matter what your child’s passions are or what
unique learning opportunity they’re looking for, there’s a home for them in the Five Star District.
If your child is just starting their journey with us or you’re making a transition from one
school to another in our district, I invite you to visit with our school leaders to learn more about
what our schools have to offer so you can make the best decision for their education.
Best wishes for a restful winter break spent with family and friends. We look forward to a great
second half of the school year!
Winter 2019 | 7

On the Homefront
Cotton Creek Comes Together to Support Military Family
What started as a simple request from a parent has rallied the entire community at Cotton
Creek Elementary School.
Staff Sgt. Dominic Panicucci, who is deployed to Qatar, asked if his son Eli’s kindergarten class
could send a few pictures and words of encouragement to his squadron to lift their spirits,
particularly while they’re serving overseas during the holidays.
“When I sent (his request) out the word spread so quickly,” Cotton Creek Principal Theresa
Gilbreath said. “And pretty soon it spread into almost every grade level.”
Kindergarten teacher Helena Johnson said Eli felt proud of his dad and being able to share what
he is doing with his school.
“Eli was so excited to have his class write letters to his dad and squadron,” Johnson said. “He lit
up when he was talking about all the important things his dad does for us.”
His classmates also read the book “Hero Dad,” where a boy compares his father, a U.S. soldier,
to a superhero.
“This really made it real to them,” Gilbreath said. “It was something we did right around that
week (of Veterans Day), and so kids had a better understanding of the sacrifices that some of
our parents make.”
8 | The Five Star Journal

Eli was so excited
to have his class
write letters to his
dad and squadron.
Helena Johnson, Kindergarten Teacher
Cotton Creek Elementary
Cotton Creek’s fifth graders, who serve as
buddies to kindergarteners, played a special
role by helping their younger classmates
outline and spell words for their letters to the
unit.
“Since kindergarteners are still learning to
write, the fifth graders were able to help
them get their ideas on paper,” Johnson said.
“Because of this they were able to create much
more meaningful and impactful letters.”
“It was very fun,” Eli added.
Jackson Lessing, Eli’s fifth-grade buddy, said
it also showed him that he and Eli have more
in common than he realized. Jackson has an
uncle in the Army.
“So I know what it’s like to have your family far
away,” he said.
Now he says he can continue to support Eli by
checking in on him and asking about his dad.
Ultimately, the school shipped three boxes,
filled not only with letters but also coffee,
gum and sunflower seeds as well as a link to
the recording of the “American Salute” by the
school’s third graders, performing songs such
as The National Anthem. It was all scheduled
to arrive just before Thanksgiving.
“It’s amazing what they’re doing. They’re
going above and beyond what he asked for,”
said Eli’s mom, Allie Panicucci. “It will be nice
for them to know that people are thinking
about them.”
The Cotton Creek community support didn’t
stop there. They have also adopted the
Panicucci family for the holiday season.
When a family is adopted, staff members
provide gifts and the fixings for a holiday
meal, school psychologist Donna Maksimuk
said. In the four years that she has worked at
the Cotton Creek, they have adopted more
than 40 families for the holidays.
“Family here at Cotton Creek is everyone here.
It’s the staff, it’s the teachers, it’s our families,
it’s the kids here,” Gilbreath said. “So, it’s a
really strong community, and they’re just part
of our community and we want to be here to
support them.”
Panicucci has deployed twice in two years.
Meanwhile, Allie is studying to become a
medical esthetician, in addition to caring for
Eli and younger sister, Grace.
“It’s a blessing for us to be able to serve them,
because they’re serving us,” Gilbreath said.
Winter 2019 | 9

Culture and Connection
LIA program creating leaders of tomorrow
Empowering students was one of the strengths identified through Adams 12 Five Star Schools
recent ELEVATE strategic plan process. This is evident when one visits the Latinos in Action (LIA)
classroom at Northglenn Middle School. Through the LIA program, Latino students are being
empowered to be leaders in their school and in their community.
LIA is a nationwide program in more than 200 schools across eight states. Northglenn Middle
School and STEM Launch in Adams 12 Five Star Schools are two of only five schools in Colorado
with this program. Through this yearlong elective class, students engage in the development
of interpersonal and leadership skills, explore their own cultural heritage and identity and
participate in community involvement projects such as the tutoring of local elementary students.
Every other Tuesday, the students board a bus and head to nearby Leroy Elementary to tutor
kids in reading. Students agree it has been an empowering and fulfilling experience.
“Everything we’re learning here about being leaders we get to put into action,” eighth-grade
student Gilkah Argueta explained. “Not just in a way that you’re [tutoring elementary students]
but in a way that you’re speaking with them as friends, helping them have confidence in you
and trust you.”
10 | The Five Star Journal

Sometimes we don’t
bring up our culture or
speak Spanish because
we just try to blend in
to the environment
we’re already in.
Having this class lets
us actually dig in
and experience our
other culture.
Gilkah Argueta
Northglenn Middle, Eighth-Grader
comfortable expressing themselves. This
includes the ability to speak in whatever
language they feel comfortable in the
moment, whether it be Spanish or English.
“Sometimes we don’t bring up our culture or
speak Spanish because we just try to blend in
to the environment we’re already in,” Argueta
said. “Having this class lets us actually dig in
and experience our other culture.”
In this shared experience of learning more
about their cultural heritage and identity while
also developing their skills as leaders, they
have created a strong sense of community.
“It’s not just a class filled with students,”
Argueta said. “It’s a class filled with people
you feel really close to. Hopefully we can take
everything we’ve learned and take it out into
the world someday.”
Students credit Northglenn Middle School
Spanish teacher Adriana Cortés for the
creation of an open and caring environment
that empowers them to express themselves.
“It feels good that she sees each of us as
a leader,” said eighth grade student Juan
Martinez Valdez.
Valdez shared that, even though the students
in the class come from different backgrounds,
including various Latin American countries,
students born in the US from a Latino
background and students that learned
Spanish as a second language, they all feel
LIA students at Stem Launch receive an inspirational
visit from Latinos in Action founder and CEO, Dr.
José Enriquez.
Winter 2019 | 11

A collection of photos from events
happening around the district.
1 2
4 5
3
6
Tag us in your images on social media using #FiveStarProud.

7
10
8
11
9 12
Left page: (1) Malley Drive participating in a Guinness World Record on Nov. 14 by being part of the most people
sport stacking at multiple locations in one day. (2) Northglenn High School students heading off to the Samsung
Solve competition. (3) Silver Creek honoring veterans. (4) Skyview Elementary students and families painting
together (5) Arapahoe Ridge Elementary’s Donuts with Dads. (6) Silver Hills Middle Day of Awesome.
Right page: (7) Thornton High School Sources of Strength leaders made a Trojan Turkey. (8) North Mor Girls on
the Run 5K. (9) Coronado Hills Elementary students playing in the snow from the storm at the end of October.
(10) Westview Elementary principal about to get pied by students who sold the most during their fundraiser.
(11) Classified School Employees’ Association, District Twelve Educators’ Association and district staff delivered
cookies to every school building in the Five Star District - a total of 9,380 cookies!

It had all the trappings of a normal high school assembly. Students were loud, the spirit squad
was leading cheers and the superintendent was volunteering to take a pie to the face in support
of a school fundraiser.
For Mountain Range High School Teacher Hilary Wimmer, this seemingly routine assembly was
about to become a morning to remember.
It was a well-planned rouse and the purpose quickly became clear when Colorado Education
Commissioner Katy Anthes stepped forward to make an important announcement.
“I’m honored to announce the 2020 Colorado Teacher of the Year, Hilary Wimmer!” Anthes said
as a handful of distinguished guests and media members watched.
The student body erupted in applause, the surprise worked and, for Wimmer, the news sunk in.
Starting from the Beginning
The Business of Caring
2020 Colorado Teacher of the Year supports students inside,
outside the classroom
Wimmer began teaching business in 2004 and was part of the inaugural staff at Mountain
Range High School in 2006. Over the past 12 years, Wimmer and her department have worked
together to form the largest DECA program in the state of Colorado, with hundreds of statequalifying
students. DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders
14 | The Five Star Journal

Mrs. Wimmer always
takes the time to care
about me in class,
but more importantly
as a person. This year,
she worked with
me through some
difficult issues. I truly
appreciate everything
she has done.
Riley
Mountain Range High School Student
and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance,
hospitality and management in high schools
and colleges around the globe.
Wimmer also leads the districtwide Career
and Technical Education professional learning
teams in curriculum development and is
building a common business curriculum for
students across Colorado. She was named
by the national Next Gen Personal Finance
Organization to be one of the Next Gen
Change Makers and was also named the
Colorado Junior Achievement Educator of the
Year in 2019.
Her accomplishments inside and outside
of the classroom have become a model for
teachers providing multiple pathways of
learning for all students. Her accolades also
earned her the Educator of the Year for Adams
12 Five Star Schools in May 2019.
From Accomplishments to Relationships
Being named Colorado Teacher of the Year
took more than just positive programming
for students. What stood out in Wimmer’s
nomination was her vision for improving
financial literacy and the relationships she
forms with her students.
Students are currently not required to take
financial literacy courses in Colorado and part
of Wimmer’s mission as Teacher of the Year is
to change the conversation.
“Most of what students learn on finances is
a small amount in fifth grade and some as
a freshman,” Wimmer said. “Students have
to learn by making mistakes or going into
debt. What if we better prepared students
with practical financial advice to ease their
transition into adulthood?”
Showing concern for students’ well-being
after high school is just one of the examples
of Wimmer’s care for her students. From
educating students on the effects of vaping
through a class project called “Escape the
Vape,” or starting a holiday giving campaign
to raise money to purchase a bed for a
students siblings, Wimmer’s care for students
extends far beyond the grade book.
Students appreciate her care and even call
her “Momma Wimms.”
“I like to think of Mrs. Wimmer as my
second mom,” said Fred, a recent graduate
of Mountain Range High School. “She has
Winter 2019 | 15

Career Lunches
Who
Any professional in any field
who has a passion for
what they do.
Where
We have a number of
Adams 12 Middle Schools
waiting to be matched with you!
When
Dates for each experience vary
based on your availability. They
are typically 30 minute sessions.
90 Minutes Could Change the Life of a
Student: What are YOU doing for lunch?
We invite YOU to speak at our schools and talk to students about your job and career journey.
Won’t you spend your lunch hour talking to students about career opportunities and professional fields
available to them?
Career Lunches are a chance to talk to our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students about what you do and what
education they’ll need to get there. Students spend their lunch time listening and learning about
a career or field that might interest them. Bonus points if you have hands-on materials!
As part of our mission to support career exploration and future readiness, you can have a special impact
on our diverse student population by coming to our schools to inspire kids to pursue their dreams and
future goals!
For more info and to be matched with a school, contact:
Shannon Hancock at 720-972-4342 or shannon.hancock@5starfoundation.org
www.5starfoundation.org
16 | The Five Star Journal

treated me so well and done so much for me the past
four years. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity
to learn real-life money management skills in her
classroom.”
“Whether it’s caring for students by helping them
overcome obstacles or collaborating with business
partners to provide unprecedented learning
opportunities for students,” “Mrs. Wimmer exemplifies
our district strengths and is a model teacher for our
district and state,” Five Star Schools Superintendent
Chris Gdowski added in agreement.
From leading strong programs to believing in
students, Wimmer fits the bill and the Five Star
District is #FiveStarProud for her to represent our
community and state.
What’s Ahead
Wimmer is excited to represent the Five Star District
and Colorado, and most importantly her students,
as she does engagement events throughout the
next year talking about elevating financial literacy in
students. The award comes with a trip to the White
House alongside other state winners as well as a
summer experience at NASA’s space camp. Wimmer
will serve as Colorado’s nominee for the National
Teacher of the Year competition. She is the first
Colorado teacher of the year for Adams 12 Five Star
Schools since Michelle Pearson at Hulstrom K-8 in 2011.
I come from a hard background
and when I took Mrs. Wimmer’s class
my freshman year, she encouraged
me to join the Future Business
Leaders of America. As a result I was
able to go on a field trip to a college.
This was the only experience in my
entire educational career that
somebody exposed me to college
and encouraged me to participate in
school. Life works through people and
I am now a middle school history
teacher in Greeley, in part, of her
believing in me. I am sure that her
leadership during my time in school
played a role in my own teaching
career and style.
Acacia, Former Student
Mrs. Wimmer has endlessly
supported me through high school.
She deserves it all for everything
she has done for me and other
students. She is the reason I know
what I want to do with my life.
Nataly Diaz Ortega, Former Student
Winter 2019 | 17

2020-2021 Choice process deadlines
Submit application by Jan. 31 deadline for priority consideration
Last year, Adams 12 Five Star Schools received more than 4,500 Choice applications for
the 2019-2020 school year. In accordance with the state’s open enrollment law, the district’s
Choice program allows for students to apply to attend schools outside of their attendance area
boundary.
Both in-district and out-of-district students can apply for Choice. Out-of-district Choice requests
are considered after in-district requests. Acceptance to a Choice school is based on several
criteria: availability of space, sufficient teaching staff, appropriate programs and the necessary
facilities for special needs students.
The Choice application and list of open schools are available online at www.adams12.org/choice.
For families without computer access, a computer kiosk is available at all schools and at the
Educational Support Center located at 1500 E. 128th Avenue in Thornton.
The deadline for priority consideration is Jan. 31, 2020 and is not first-come, first-served. If the
number of requests exceeds the spaces available in a given school, the district will hold a lottery.
Parents and students submitting an application for priority consideration will be notified of the
results of their application no later than the third week of February.
The second deadline to submit a Choice application for the 2020-2021 school year is March
30, 2020. As with the first round, if the number of requests exceeds the spaces available in a
18 | The Five Star Journal

given school, the district will hold a lottery.
Notification of approval or denial will be
made no later than the third week of April.
In addition to the two deadlines above, in
some years a third round of Choice may be
held in August and September if space is
available. Schools open to the third round of
Choice will be posted online at www.adams12.
org/choice by Aug. 3, 2020.
While not a guarantee, when possible,
priority will be given to sibling applications
so that families will attend the same school.
The district encourages siblings to apply in
the priority consideration round (1st round)
as there are no guarantees that siblings
who apply in the 2nd and 3rd rounds will
be approved. Families with children already
attending schools that are not open to Choice
are eligible to submit an application for their
existing student to remain at the school or for
younger siblings to attend the school with
their older siblings.
The duration of a Choice placement is valid for
all grades served by the school. For example, if
a student attends a Choice elementary school,
the approval is valid to the end of fifth grade,
as long as there are no significant changes in
that school’s enrollment or facilities. When
a student transitions from elementary to
middle school or from middle to high school,
they must reapply for Choice. If they don’t, the
student’s placement automatically reverts to
their boundary school.
Students who receive approval of their Choice
application and attend schools outside their
assigned attendance area are responsible
for their own transportation to and from
the school. Participation in the district’s
Choice program will affect a student’s
right to transportation afforded under the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Families eligible for homeless assistance
services should consult with the Student and
Family Outreach Program before choosing to
participate in the Choice program by calling
720-972-6015.
Secondary programs
Admissions to high school programs with
specialized admissions criteria like Horizon
SOAR, Legacy 2000, Mountain Range High
School of Business, Northglenn High STEM
and EC@N-STEM Programs and Thornton High
International Baccalaureate (IB) are managed
directly by each school. In-district and outof-district
students wishing to attend high
school programs with specialized admissions
criteria must apply directly with the school’s
program and do not need to apply with the
Choice Program.
To learn more about Choice and find answers
to frequently asked questions, visit the district
website at www.adams12.org/choice. The
Five Star District Planning and Admissions
Department determines the acceptance of
Choice requests and can be contacted via
email at choice@adams12.org or by phone at
(720) 972-4055.
Winter 2019 | 19

Be the f irst to know.
Receive priority alerts on your cell phone.
Text “YES” to 67587
With this free service, you will receive text messages notifying you of safety alerts
or other important information impacting the Adams 12 Five Star Schools system.
You can opt-out from alerts at any time. Reply with HELP if you need assistance.
Message and/or data rates may apply. Your privacy is important. Your information
will not be sold or provided to third parties. Your cell phone number must be
up-to-date in your Infinite Campus profile.

Looking Ahead
District unveils FutureForward logo as new campus construction continues
A logo has been unveiled for FutureForward, the new brand for Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming.
The logo was the latest step in a year-long engagement process to unify CTE programming at
district comprehensive high schools and stand-alone CTE campuses through the development of
a new brand. Throughout the process, nearly 10,000 district stakeholders including community
leaders, industry partners, students, parents and staff provided input.
The name FutureForward was unveiled in Spring 2019 and encompasses all CTE programming
districtwide. FutureForward gives all students a competitive advantage as they enter college,
career or the military. Students in FutureForward: Explore opportunities that prepare them for
high-demand careers and give them an edge entering college; Engage in authentic, hands-on
learning; and Equip themselves with relevant, rigorous and practical skills.
The new look coincides with a large expansion of district CTE learning opportunities.
The new FutureForward at Washington Square campus is currently under construction in
Thornton and scheduled to open in the 2020-21 school year. Programming at the 49,500-squarefoot
facility will include diesel, welding and construction programs as well as criminal science,
forensic science, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and fire science programs.
The district’s existing CTE campus, which will be known as FutureForward at Bollman, is in the
midst of a two-year, $15 million renovation, with updated space for the automotive technology
and engineering programs along with new student commons space and updated building
safety features.
Learn more about FutureForward programming
at www.adams12.org/futureforward.
Winter 2019 | 21

New look, same exceptional CTE opportunities!
AT BOLLMAN, 9451 N. WASHINGTON ST., THORNTON, CO
Event parking is behind building off Grant Street.
*ProStart and Baking and Pastry Applications Open House is held at the Educational Support Center.
Learn about our Career and Technical Education programs offered at Bollman and Washington
Square campuses in the 2020-2021 school year and meet the instructors.
Crime Scene Investigation
Emergency Medical Technician - EMT
Firefighting
Law Enforcement
Introduction to Behavioral and Mental Health Care
Medical Sciences I
Advanced Medical Sciences II - CNA
Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
Automotive Technology
Principles of Construction, Mechanical,
Electrical, and Plumbing
Diesel Automotive Technology
Welding Technology
Introduction to Computer Science
AP Computer Science
CyberSecurity
Computer Science Projects
Principles of Engineering - PLTW ®
Aerospace Engineering - PLTW ®
Engineering Design and Development - PLTW ®
Computer Integrated Manufacturing - PLTW ®
ProStart*
Baking and Pastry Applications*
Teacher Cadet
Graphic Design
Video Production
www.adams12.org/FutureForward

DISTRICT CALENDAR
2019-2020 School Year
Printable versions of the 2019-2020 Year-at-a-Glance are available in both English and Spanish.
*Dates may not apply to district charter schools; please check each school’s calendar for school-specific information.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
1500 East 128 th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80241
SCHOOL CALENDAR – 2019 – 2020*
JULY 2019 F First Day of School for Students
JANUARY 2020
S M T W T F S FS-August 14, 2019 6 th morning; 7 th -8 th afternoon; 9 th ONLY
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
FE-August 14, 2019 ALL Elementary K-5 and K-8 Report
1 2 3 4
FS-August 15, 2019 ALL Students K-12 Report
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 B 7 8 9 10 11
L Last Day of School for All Students
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 A 18
May 21, 2020
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
A Elementary Assessment Days
28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31
September 3, 2019; January 17, 2020
May 1, 2020
S M
AUGUST 2019 FEBRUARY 2020
W Elementary School Work Days (No School for K-5 Students)
T W T F S
October 9, 2019
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 February 12, 2020; May 8, 2020* potential snow day make up
1
4 5 6 D I D 10 D Teacher Duty Days (No School for All Students)
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
11 I D FS/FE FS 16 17 August 7, 9, and 13, 2019
9 10 11 W B I 15
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 December 20, 2019
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 May 22, 2020
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
C Teacher Comp Day – All Schools (No School for All Students)
SEPTEMBER 2019 October 11, 2019
MARCH 2020
S M T W T F S I District In-service Days – All Schools (No School for All Students) S M T W T F S
1 2 A 4 5 6 7 August 8, and 12, 2019; February 14, 2020
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 B In-Common Release Days – K-8 (No School for K-8 Students)
8 9 10 11 12 Q 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 October 10, 2019
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
January 6, 2020; February 13, 2020; March 30, 2020
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 Q Quarters Days
Oct. 10, 2019 41 days
29 B 31
Dec. 19, 2019 43 days
Mar. 13, 2020 47 days
OCTOBER 2019 May 21, 2020 44 days
APRIL 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
Pupil Count Window ............................ September 25 – October 9, 2019
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4
Calendar Information
6 7 8 W B/Q C 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Registration of New Students .............. Please Contact Your Local School
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
School Year Starts, K-9 .................................................... August 14, 2019
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
School Year Starts, All Students Report .......................... August 15, 2019
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30 31 Labor Day .................................................................. September 2, 2019 26 27 28 29 30
Fall Break/Teacher Comp Day-No School ..................... October 11, 2019
NOVEMBER 2019 Veterans’ Day .......................................................... November 11 , 2019
MAY 2020
S M T W T F S Thanksgiving Break .............................................. November 25-29, 2019 S M T W T F S
1 2
End of First Semester ............................................... December 19, 2019
A 2
Teacher Duty Day-No School-All Students ................ December 20, 2019
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 W* 9
Winter Break .................................. December 23, 2019-January 3, 2020
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 High School In-Common Release Day ..............................January 6, 2020 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 All Students Return..........................................................January 7, 2020 17 18 19 20 Q/L D 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Martin Luther King Day..................................................January 20, 2020 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Presidents’ Day ............................................................February 17, 2020 31
Spring Break .............................................................. March 23-27, 2020
DECEMBER 2019 JUNE 2020
Last Day for Students.......................................................... May 21, 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
Teacher Duty Day ............................................................... May 22, 2020
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Memorial Day ..................................................................... May 25, 2020
1 2 3 4 5 6
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
BASE CLOSED ............................................................ August 5-9, 2019
15 16 17 18 Q D 21 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
SUMMER BASE OPEN ...................................... May 30–August 2, 2019
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 FALL BASE OPEN .............................. August 12-13, 2019 Full Day Care 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
29 30 31 28 29 30
**BASE Locations undergoing Bond construction will open on the
first day of school. See school website for more information.
*Subject to Revision
Approved January 11, 2019
Winter 2019 | 23

All roles play a
part in elevating
student success.
Are you looking to give back to your
community? Want to help support your
child’s school? Everyone plays a crucial
role within the Five Star District and
we are looking for you to help elevate
student success. Apply today!
Find your role.
www.adams12.org/careers
24 | The Five Star Journal

Exploring alternative bell schedules
in the Five Star District
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is considering potential adjustments to bell schedules at all school
levels as soon as the 2020-21 school year.
At the start of the current school year, the district committed to identifying stakeholder
interests in adjusting the current schedules through a districtwide survey. The initial interest
survey indicated the majority of the Five Star community had a desire to adjust the current bell
schedules. The results of the initial survey can be found at www.adams12.org along with an
overview of the community engagement process.
As a result of the survey data that indicated a deeper interest in potential adjustments, multiple
bell schedule scenarios were developed and presented to staff, students and parents in early
December 2019.
Studies regarding insufficient amounts of sleep in adolescents have caused many school districts
across the country to consider adjusting bell schedules in recent years. The research suggests
later start times for students in grades 6-12 could result in healthier adolescent students and
increased academic performance over time. While the Five Star District acknowledges this
research, the goal is to first understand the perspectives of parents, students and staff by
allowing all stakeholders the opportunity to provide input on the decision.
Before making a final decision, the district will present bell schedule scenarios to all stakeholders
electronically and ask that they identify their preferred scenario. After reviewing all feedback
and identifying the preferred scenario for staff, parents and students, a recommendation is
expected to be made to the superintendent and Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education
in early 2020.
Winter 2019 | 25

An Attitude of Gratitude
Join us as we celebrate #ThankfulThursdays where we thank those
in our community who are living out our district strengths.
Through our ELEVATE strategic planning process, we determined that at Adams 12
Five Star Schools, we:
• Care • Collaborate • Empower • Engage • Focus on Students
In order to continue to live out our district strengths, we need to recognize those
leading by example by saying thank you!
Where do you see others living out our district strengths? Write your own thank
you notes to show some love! Find printable thank you notes or submit online by
going to www.adams12.org/ThankYou. Or submit a thank you for us to recognize
at thankyou@adams12.org.
To see updated thank yous, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
26 | The Five Star Journal

Read a few submissions:
When Ben, who happens to have Down syndrome, was crowned
senior Homecoming King at Mountain Range High School’s football
game...the cheers from the crowd - and especially the student section
- that erupted in that stadium made us cheer, laugh out loud, and
nearly brought us to our knees with pride, joy, and faith in humanity.
Mountain Range High School has been a phenomenal community of
caring inclusion and acceptance. The staff, students and administration should be proud to know
that they don’t perpetuate negative stereotypes. Instead they have normalized the high school
experience for Ben and other special needs students due to amazing teachers who work with him
each day, who push him to be his best, and who don’t expect anything less from him because of
a diagnosis. It’s also thanks to the general ed staff who welcome him into their classrooms and
modify work for him, but don’t lower expectations of him. And the administration supports all of
these teachers and their inclusive endeavors while promoting people-first language and behavior
throughout the entire school.
Thank you for being that space for Ben. And thank you for lifting him up. He wears the MRHS
homecoming king crown with pride (and maybe too much confidence!) and these memories of
an awesome high school experience will stay with him forever.
Chris and Kylee Coleman
Ben’s parents
In all of my years with this district I don’t know that I have ever
witnessed a principal like Tim Griffin at Glacier Peak. He is great
with the kids and is always outside greeting families at dropoff and
pickup. These things are a given. But it was during a recent snow
storm where I saw what kind of person and leader he is. While
walking up the sidewalk, I noticed that the head custodian was
shoveling snow and I heard Mr. Griffin say to him, “You just warm
up and take a break. I got this.” It certainly was not for a show, there was no one around. It was
truly just two employees trying to get the job done on a very cold day. Then the next day, I saw
him out spreading ice melt on the steps during drop off. He did not delegate the job, he just took
care of it. Very few principals shovel walks, act as a crossing guard or dress as a Ghostbuster for
Halloween to entertain their students, but Mr. Griffin is not just any principal. Thank you for
caring for students like no other, Mr. Griffin!
Callie Elder
Grandparent

IN THE NEWS
Governor shares his proposed budget and interim safety
committee settles on bills to introduce
With the second regular session of the 72nd General Assembly on the horizon and scheduled
to convene on Jan. 8, 2020, legislative interim committees have settled on the bills they will
introduce in January. Additionally, Gov. Jared Polis unveiled his proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21
state budget Nov. 1, kicking off the long process that will end with the passage of the long
bill, which is the budget bill, next April. This is the first budget proposal that belongs entirely
to the governor and his staff, given that the groundwork for the current 2019-20 budget was
laid by the Hickenlooper administration before Polis was elected a year ago. Read more >
Five Star Schools named to Immunity
Community Honor Roll
Five Star Schools has been named to the Immunity Community Honor Roll in recognition of
achieving exceptional vaccination coverage. The award, bestowed by the non-profit Colorado
Children’s Immunization Coalition, is based on 2018-19 school year data provided by the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment, and recognizes schools and districts that
receive “gold status” with vaccination rates at or above goals established by the Centers for
Disease Control and Preventions Healthy People 2020 prevention agenda. Five Star Schools
was one of 31 Colorado school districts to receive the recognition. Read more >
Family Engagement Programs honored
The Colorado Department of Education recognized three Five Star Schools family engagement
programs as “promising partnership practices” during its Family and School Partnership
in Education Month in October. The Five Star District was recognized for an adult education
partnership with Adams 14 and Metro State University, Coronado Hills was acknowledged
for their special dessert practice and the district’s Five Star Leadership Academy for parents
and community members was also recognized. Read more >
28 | The Five Star Journal

Staff Highlights
STEM Lab teacher honored with national award
Jina Bradford, a teacher at STEM Lab in Northglenn, was honored this fall with a Presidential
Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Bradford has been an educator
for 15 years and has spent the past eight years teaching all subjects for kindergarten at STEM
Lab. Previously, she taught second grade and kindergarten at Cherry Drive Elementary for
seven years. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are
the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science,
technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teaching. The Awards were
established by Congress in 1983 and the President may recognize as many as 108 exemplary
teachers each year.
Frankish honored with state library award
Tiah Frankish, Five Star Schools Library Services Coordinator, was awarded the Colorado Association
of Libraries President’s Award this fall. The award honored Frankish for outstanding
contributions to school libraries, coworkers and students but also for her selfless services
to the entire Colorado library community. The Colorado Association of Libraries President
hand selects the annual honoree from a group of librarians from schools, academic, public
and special libraries across the state. Frankish has served as Library Services Coordinator in
the Five Star District since 2015.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Help Adams 12 Five Star Schools spread the word about the great things
happening across the district. With nearly 39,000 students across five cities
in 54 schools, we need your help in sharing the exciting events, initiatives
and success stories happening at your child’s school. Submit your good
news story: www.adams12.org/share-your-news.
Winter 2019 | 29

1500 E. 128th Ave., Thornton, CO 80241 | (720) 972-4000
www.adams12.org