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Adams County School District 14

October 18, 2022 | News

Community Newsletter | Oct. 18, 2022

Illustration of Adams 14 newsletter being inserted into an envelope

A Message From Our Superintendent

Dear Adams 14 community, 

Our schools have parent-teacher conferences this week, and I could not be more excited. These meetings are so important for our students’ progress and a great way for our families to be engaged in their children’s learning. As a reminder, our teachers have been staying until nighttime this week to accommodate parents’ schedules, therefore, we will not have school on Friday to balance this week’s workload. 

On Monday we held the first community forum for a new charter school applicant. We have two more upcoming forums if you would like to learn more about Be The Change Community School. These meetings will be held at Educational Support Services (ESS) building on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 22 at 9 a.m. If you cannot attend but still want to give your feedback, click here to fill out our public survey. 

Finally, I would like to reiterate the importance of ensuring that every child in Adams 14 has access to a supportive and healthy learning environment. With October being Colorado Safe Schools Month, please take this time to speak with your child about maintaining a safe school setting. If anyone has information or questions about threats to our schools, please feel free to contact the district’s main office, the Commerce City Police Department, or Safe2Tell at 877-542-7233.

At your service, 

Superintendent Dr. Karla Loría


Upcoming Events

  • Oct. 17-20, 2022: Parent Teacher Conferences
    • Contact your child’s school for more information. 
  • Oct. 19, 2022: Charter School Applicant Community Forum
  • Oct. 21, 2022: Conference Compensation Day – Schools Closed
    • There will be no classes on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.
  • Oct. 22, 2022: Charter School Applicant Community Forum
  • Oct. 24, 2022: Schools Closed
    • There will be no classes on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. 
  • Oct. 25, 2022: Professional Development Day – No Classes
    • Adams 14 staff will have professional development on this day. Classes will resume for students on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. 
  • Oct. 25, 2022: Adams 14 Board of Education Study Session
  • Oct. 28, 2022: Trick-or-Treat Street at Adams City High School 
  • Nov. 2, 2022: District Accountability Committee Parent Engagement Subcommittee Meeting
  • Nov. 3, 2022: SPED Parent Meeting
    • More information coming soon
  • Nov. 8, 2022: Adams 14 Board of Education Meeting
  • Nov. 9, 2022: District Accountability Committee Meeting

Adams 14 Highlights

Blackhawk helicopter lands at Kemp for National Red Ribbon Week
The Colorado National Guard landed a Blackhawk helicopter today at Kemp Elementary School and spoke with students about the importance of staying away from illegal drugs.

“This is National Red Ribbon Week and Kemp teachers in every classroom have started the day by talking with students about the dangers of taking illegal drugs,” said Principal Robert Jurhs-Savage.

Each year our nation celebrates Red Ribbon Week, a national voluntary effort to increase awareness of the consequences of illegal drug use and the need for prevention efforts.

Kemp students smiling in front of Blackhawk helicopter

Hanson celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with dance

Hanson Elementary School students put on an amazing dance and celebration for the end of Hispanic Heritage Month last week. Watch the video highlights below!


Inclement Weather Protocols 

Adams 14 understands that the decision to close schools, delay school start times, or dismiss students early due to inclement weather has a significant impact on our families. Thus, the district takes careful consideration when making a determination regarding our inclement weather options and is committed to informing families as early as possible. 

Click here to learn more about the district’s inclement weather protocols and additional information to help you be prepare for upcoming weather conditions. 


Online Student Activities for School Break 

There will be no classes for students between Friday, Oct. 21 through Tuesday, Oct. 25. Click here for online activities for students during the break. Classes will resume for all students on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. 


Adams City High School Curriculum Transition and Surveys

The district is in the process of transitioning Adams City High School’s traditional curriculum into an academy approach, also known as a Linked Learning model. Adams 14 is partnering with ConnectED to develop an innovative curriculum that prepares its students for success in post-secondary education, careers, and civic life. 

The Academies at Adams City High School will combine rigorous academics, a demanding career and technical education, real-world experience, and integrated student support. The Academies will make learning exciting and challenging, by giving students an understanding of how to apply their academic knowledge in real-world situations and career pathways. 

The new Academies curriculum will be divided into themes or academies, in which students learn traditional subjects and how it relates to a career pathway of their choosing. To best serve our families and students, we are asking for the community’s feedback through the following surveys. 

These surveys will close on Oct. 31, 2022. We appreciate your support and value your input. 


COVID-19 Test-to-Know Program

Adams 14 is now participating in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Test-to-Know program. This program can help slow COVID-19 transmission and reduce disruptions to in-person learning by making it easy for students to test at home.

The Test-to-Know program complements the COVID-19 School Screening Testing program; however, at this time, the district is not participating in the School Screening Testing program as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer recommends routine screening testing in K-12 schools. Should guidance change or if there is an increase in COVID-19 cases, the district is prepared to move to the COVID-19 School Screening Testing program.

How the Test-to-Know program works    
Adams 14 will provide over-the-counter (OTC) rapid antigen tests to students, teachers, staff, and volunteers for testing at home. These tests can be administered by parents, guardians, caregivers, or students away from the school setting. Test results may be reported using the state’s reporting portal. Schools must report any positive COVID-19 test results for OTC tests from parents, teachers, students, and school staff to the local public health agency. 

In the case of an outbreak, we will alert parents, guardians, and other appropriate parties. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the school health clerk. Thank you for helping keep our kids, school, and community safe! 


Charter School Applicant Community Forums

Adams 14 has received a charter school application from Be The Change Community School. As part of the review process, the district is hosting three community forums. Please join us! 

  • Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at 9 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at 9 a.m.

The meetings will take place in the Board of Education room at the Educational Support Services (ESS) building located at 5291 E 60th Avenue, Commerce City, CO 80022. Child supervision will be provided by Adams 14 and Spanish interpretation will be provided by Be The Change Community School.

Community members can also provide their input through a public survey. The survey will close on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, at midnight. To learn more about Be The Change Community School, click here. 


Trick-or-Treat Street at Adams City High School

Adams City High School is inviting the community to celebrate Halloween with them on Friday, Oct. 28, for spooky treats, drinks and games. The celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. at the high school located at 7200 Quebec Parkway in Commerce City. Costumes are encouraged! Click here to view the flyer.


Colorado Department of Education BIPOC Listening Tour

The Colorado Department of Education wants to hear from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) parents/families across the state to gain a better understanding of their needs and how the state can better support their children. Below are the session dates and times. All sessions will be held virtually, and registration closes two weeks before the event.

  • Session 3: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 (noon-1 p.m.)
  • Session 4 (for Spanish Speakers): Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 (1-2 p.m.)

To view the flyer, click here, or to register, click here.


2022-2023 Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Policy

Adams County School District 14 announced its policy for determining the eligibility of children who may receive free and reduced-price meals served under the National School Lunch (NSLP), School Breakfast Programs (SBP), and the Afterschool Care Snack Program. Click here to read the policy.


Kids First Health Care

Kids First Health Care is thrilled to welcome all Adams 14 students back to school for the 2022-2023 school year!  

If your child needs high-quality primary, mental or dental health care services, please call our year-round Commerce City community clinic (7190 Colorado Blvd.) at 303-289-1086. For students who attend one of Adams 14’s secondary schools, you can call the school-based health center for appointments.  

  • Adams City High School – 303-405-3050  
  • Lester Arnold High School – 303-289-2983  
  • Adams City Middle School – 303-853-5410  
  • Kearney Middle School – 303-286-0566 

Anythink Commerce City: October Programs

Explore a variety of programs at your local Anythink and discover new opportunities for learning, fun, and creativity. To register for events that require registration, please visit the Anythink online calendar at events.anythinklibraries.org/events.

Kids Cafe (Tuesday-Friday in October | 3:30-4:30 p.m.)

Swing by for a free, nutritious snack sponsored by the Food Bank of the Rockies. Available for ages 18 and under, while supplies last. No advanced registration necessary.

Storytime (Wednesdays, Oct. 19, & 26 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.)

Join us for stories, songs and snacks. Appropriate for ages birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. Space is limited; registration recommended. Please visit our online calendar to register.

Arts & Crafts Salon (Thursdays, Oct. 20 | 4-5 p.m.)

Get creative each week with a new art and craft project, while supplies last. Appropriate for ages 5 to 12. No advanced registration necessary.

Pop-Up Studio at Anythink Commerce City (Friday, Oct. 21 | 1-5 p.m.)

The Studio at Anythink is guided by the philosophy that customers of all ages thrive when they discover and follow their passions, collaborate with others, and become creators. Join Anythink’s Studio team to explore and create using different technology and tools each month. Appropriate for all ages. No advanced registration necessary.

Nature Mandalas: 2022 BMoCA at Anythink Fall Artist Showcase (Saturday, Oct. 22 | 12-2 p.m.)

Join artist-in-residence Eileen Roscina to help install a natural mural depicting Commerce City and its landscape using pressed flowers, seeds, sticks, leaves and other naturally sourced materials. Appropriate for all ages; children under age 14 should be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; registration required. Please visit our online calendar to register.

Social Circus Workshop with Arts Caravan (Thursday, Oct. 27 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.)

Join us for a social circus workshop! It’s the perfect chance to try out juggling, hula­ hooping, clowning, acrobatics and much more. All skill levels welcome. Appropriate for all ages. No advanced registration necessary.

Music & Movement (Friday, Oct. 28 | 10:30-11 a.m.)

Sing, dance, play basic instruments and move. Appropriate for ages 2 to 6. No advanced registration necessary.

Trick-Or-Treat Street Community Event (Saturday, Oct. 29 | 2-4 p.m.)

Wear your costume and join us for a spooky good time at this family-friendly holiday event. Walk along our mini street, stop at tasty stations along the way, and discover the magic under our giant spooky tree – a live magic show from Erica the Enchantress! Free face painting and goodie bags will be provided, while supplies last.