News

Dear Adams 14 Community,

This message shares the enriching experience of Ms. Kayla Havens hosting the Career Cafe every Tuesday at Dupont Elementary with the exceptional 4th and 5th graders. The primary focus has been to expose the students to a variety of careers, and the journey thus far has been exceptionally rewarding.

Ms. Havens has had the privilege of welcoming outstanding presenters from the health science field, including the esteemed district nurse, Ms. Meg Moyer, and Ms. Stephanie from Platte Valley Hospital. The students have actively engaged in exploring various facets of nursing, gaining knowledge ranging from taking blood pressure to acquiring hands-on experience in initiating IVs.

Ms. Havens finds immense joy in every moment of this educational journey!

School Board Recognition Month

January 2024

January is School Board Recognition Month in Colorado. Adams County School District 14 students, staff, and community members are honoring the Adams County School District 14 School Board members who volunteer their time to oversee our public schools.

Celebrated across the state, the annual observance is designed to build awareness and understanding of the vital role an elected school plays in providing outstanding public schools. As citizen leaders, Board members face complex and demanding challenges. This recognition is a way of saying “thank you” to our board members who contribute countless volunteer hours to ensure a quality education for Adams' 14 children.

During 2023, the Adams County School District 14 Board stayed busy overseeing several initiatives for the school district including the addition of Academies to both high schools. Board members also approved Project 5B, a plan that addresses enrollment issues, attracts new students, retains existing students, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the district.  

Other Adams 14 achievements include:

• More than 5,000 students are receiving a well-planned education in a safe and secure school environment.

• At a 15:1 ratio, educators are giving students from all cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds a myriad of opportunities to experience success in a post-secondary path of their choosing.

• Several schools demonstrated significant improvement.

• The District formed a partnership with Footsteps2Brilliance to increase Bilingual Literacy in the schools and community.

• A grant of $45,600 was awarded to the district from Commerce City Parks and Recreation to benefit Adams City High School sports.

• Superintendent Dr. Karla Loría received an EdTech All-Star award, given to leaders who have demonstrated superlative care and dedication in helping students and educators succeed.

The Adams 14 Board of Education, along with Dr. Karla Loría, superintendent, represent a cohesive team dedicated to fostering high expectations for student learning.

Adams 14 is pleased to announce that this has been one of the best ThesCons EVER for Adams City Theatre's Thespian Troupe 284, under the guidance of our incredible Drama/Theatre Teacher and Theatrical Director, Mr. Brandon D. Phelps.

Some Quick Student Theatre Successes:

This year over 5,000 theatre students attended ThesCon, and over 1,000 of them were involved in the state competitions. The scoring goes from Fair, Good, Excellent, to Superior, with each performance meticulously assessed by highly qualified professionals throughout the field.

"We've only been competing there for 2 years," beamed Mr. Phelps, the enthusiastic force behind the scenes. "And I am proud to announce that this year student performances resulted in..."

The suspense hung in the air as the room filled with eager faces, each one holding their breath in anticipation.

"One overall Good rating," Mr. Phelps declared, and the room erupted in cheers. The culmination of hard work and dedication had paid off, and the elation was palpable.

Amidst the applause, two names resonated through the auditorium: Daniel Gutierrez and Denise Mendoza-Rosales. They had performed a scene from "El Nogalar" by Tanya Saracho, a duet that had captivated the judges and secured a Good rating. The dynamic duo had brought the characters to life, weaving a tale of emotion and skill that left an indelible mark on the audience and the judges alike.

But the success didn't stop there. Two scenes received an overall Excellent rating:

- Duet Scene: Mari Benitez-Rios & Leo Servin-Pena performed a scene from "Love Awkwardly" by John Rotondo and Maryann Carolann.
- Group Scene: Chanel Castorena, Linda Torres-Jimenez, & Ashley Torres-Ramirez performed a scene from "Enfrascada" by Tanya Saracho.

The room erupted in applause once again as the names were announced. The talent within Adams City Theatre was undeniable, and the Excellent ratings were a testament to the commitment and skill of these young performers.

And then, a historic moment for Adams City High School theatre—For the first time in its history, one of the student performance pieces scored an overall Superior, the highest accolade possible! Duet Scene: Emily Hernandez & Ken Rodriguez performed a scene from "Love Awkwardly" by John Rotondo and Maryann Carolann, leaving the audience in awe.

But the achievements didn't end on the stage. Hugo Acevedo made history as ACT's first musical theatre performance competitor, representing the community with an all-Spanish mariachi-styled piece called "Un Acordeon" from their upcoming musical "Mariachi Girl." Hugo received an overall Good and a well-deserved round of applause.

Lastly, Gabriel (Sam) Ortiz made history as the first Adams City Theatre student to submit an original short film piece. His film received an overall Excellent rating and was showcased to over hundreds of students and adults. During the closing ceremony, Sam's video was featured in a highlight reel in front of an audience of over 5,000 attendees.

"The students can hold their heads up high! I am so proud of them. If you see any of our students today, please share the love with them. You can also share some messages with me, and I will get them back to the students.

Thank you to everyone who supports theatre and our Adams City Theatre students. We are the storytellers, and I'm so happy they get to share themselves and their talents with all of Colorado."

Brandon D. Phelps
Drama/Theatre Teacher and Theatrical Director

November. 15, 2023, COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — In an exciting development, Commerce City Parks, Recreation & Golf has approved a substantial program/project grant of $45,600 to benefit Adams City High School Sports, amplifying opportunities for Adams 14 youth.

The breakdown of the grant allocation is as follows:

• Facility Upgrades: $32,000

  • Turf tank, digital scoreboard, score table, golf cart

• Equipment: $13,600

  • Soccer goals, mats, jump trainer, hurdles, female golf clubs, tennis ball return

In addition to the sports-focused enhancements, a noteworthy $28,000 has been designated for a mariachi program, contributing to the cultural richness and diversity of experiences for Adams 14 youth.

"This grant signifies a tremendous leap forward in our commitment to providing quality sports facilities and cultural programs for the youth of Adams City High School. The support from Commerce City Parks, Recreation & Golf is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for their investment in our community's future," expressed Dr. Karla Loría, Superintendent of Adams 14.

This grant is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Adams City High School and Commerce City Parks, Recreation & Golf, reinforcing the community's dedication to enhancing educational and cultural opportunities for local families and students.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Three returning Adams County School District 14 school board members were sworn in during the school board meeting last night. Mr. James Amador, Ms. Luz Molina-Aguayo, and Ms. Reneé Lovato took the oath of office affirming their continued commitment to fostering educational excellence in our community. Judge Brian Bowen, presiding judge for the City of Commerce City, administered the oath of office to the board members. 

The returning school board members began their reelection campaigns in August 2023 and qualified as candidates for the November 2023 election. However, the election was canceled, as per state law, when no other individuals completed the candidate filing process with the Colorado Secretary of State. 

The election of these esteemed individuals highlights their contributions, dedication, and passion for advancing the District's mission of providing a high-quality education for all students. Each board member brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that collectively contribute to the success of our schools. With the reelection of the three board members, the District will maintain consistent leadership and continuity of governance.

"We are delighted to announce the return of President Reneé Lovato, Director Luz Molina-Aguayo, and Treasurer James Amador to the Adams County School District 14 Board of Education. Their unwavering dedication to improving our schools and District has positively impacted the lives of our students and the entire community. We look forward to their continued leadership and contributions to the District's success," said Dr. Karla Loría, Superintendent of Schools.

The returning board members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue their service and shared their commitment to working collaboratively with fellow board members, administrators, educators, parents, and community members to ensure the District's ongoing success.

The Adams County School District 14 Board of Education is confident that, with the reappointment of these distinguished members, the District will continue to thrive and provide a nurturing environment for students to excel academically, socially, and personally, as well as gain momentum with the consistency and continuity of leadership.    

Please visit our district's website for more information about Adams County School District 14 and the Board of Education.

About Adams County School District 14:

Adams 14 is proud to serve its more than 5,000 students in 12 schools and is committed to providing first-class and equitable instruction to all of its students. With a strong focus on language acquisition, all students in the district have the opportunity to become linguistically gifted. Adams 14 became known throughout the state as a model school district.

Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: National Western Complex – 4655 Humboldt St., Denver, CO 80216

FORMAT

5,000-6,000 8th graders from 8 school districts in Adams County will participate.  Students will arrive in three 60-minute waves throughout the day.  Students will be able to move around from exhibitor to exhibitor in an Open House style, visiting booths and speaking to representatives.  The event provides an engaging environment for companies/higher education intuitions to shape students’ career choices and position them for opportunity.

On Friday morning, Adams 14 announced its official partnership with Footsteps2Brilliance to offer a free literacy app for our youngest learners in the community! The award-winning app contains a comprehensive range of digital resources, such as interactive books, games and activities in Spanish and English. 

Parents, students, staff members, district board members, and stakeholders attended the event at Alsup Elementary School to learn more about our Trails to Literacy initiative and how our students learn through the app in the classroom and at home. Adams 14 students also participated during the event with musical performances and a presentation of the U.S. flag by our JROTC Color Guard. 

So far, the Adams 14 community has spent 4,422 hours using the app, and our students have read more than 8,275,000 words! In recognition of these achievements, Footsteps2Brilliance honored Superintendent Dr. Karla Loría with the Lifetime Leader in Latino Education Award.

“Trails to Literacy is a multifaceted approach that leverages collaboration among community organizations, schools, parents, and other stakeholders to make bilingual literacy resources more accessible,” says Dr. Loría. “Our goal is to break down barriers and create a cohesive network of support for learners of all ages.”

We thank Colorado Commissioner of Education Susana Cordova and Colorado Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet for attending and celebrating this incredible partnership with us. 

Click here to learn more about Footsteps2Brilliance and register today!

 To watch the Telemundo Colorado interview with Dr. Loria about this initiative click here. 

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Adams City High School Marching Band, led by Brendan Parker, secured second place in the A Division of the Ascend Performing Arts Friendship Cup Marching Band Competition. Additionally, the ACHS Marching Band earned an outstanding performance award for General Effect in the Visual category.

We extend our gratitude to Brendan and all his dedicated colleagues: Miranda Carlson, Brian Degitz and Cristian Donis. Congratulations to the ACHS Marching Band!

We want to highlight the incredible work of Adrian Olalde, a 2015 graduate and a current graduation coordinator for Adams City High School and Lester Arnold High School. Over the last few weeks, Adrian has teamed up with the Adams 14 Education Foundation to visit the presidents of Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado University, and Adams State University to discuss new opportunities for Adams 14 graduates.

Adrian discussed how talented and resilient our students are while facing challenges when pursuing post-secondary education. All three universities were receptive to potentially forming new scholarships for the 2024 graduating class.

We find it inspiring that even after graduation, some of our students continue working to make Adams 14 a district of opportunity and excellence. Adrian’s story is a testament to the incredible work of our teachers, our community partners, and of course, the parents and guardians supporting our students every day. Thank you Adrian and the Adams 14 Education Foundation!

This October, Adams 14 Superintendent Dr. Karla Loría received an EdTech All-Star Award. This award is given to select leaders in the industry who have demonstrated superlative care and dedication to helping students and educators succeed. Many worthwhile members of the education community work hard to improve their organizations and continue their own professional development. All-Stars go further. All-Stars selflessly contribute to the ongoing improvement of the education industry. They help make a difference in schools everywhere.

On Tuesday morning, some of our Adams 14 leaders and state representatives gathered at Kemp Elementary School to learn more about the district’s partnership with Playworks. 

Playworks is a nonprofit that supports learning and physical health by providing safe and inclusive play to students nationwide. Their staff works with schools like Kemp to design curriculum and activities that offer play opportunities during recess, lunch, and after-school programs. Through these activities, our students develop life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and social-emotional skills. 

During the meeting, three of our student coaches read why they enjoyed leading their grades through different activities during recess.

“I love Playworks,” said one of our 4th graders. “I enjoy being a junior coach because we get to do fun stuff, such as playing with younger kids and being creative with games. I like to help others during recess to help them play safe and make friends.” 

We want to thank Playworks CEO Elizabeth Cushing, Colorado Senator Dafna Michaelsen-Jenet, and all state representatives and stakeholders who came to learn more about this program and even played with us! 

On Monday, Oct. 16, the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously abandoned the political subdivision doctrine known as the Rule of Martin. For more than half a century, the Rule of Martin has been used by state departments, state agencies, and the Colorado State Board of Education to escape from lawsuits — filed by municipalities, counties, school districts and other political subdivisions — for harm caused by state action. The Rule of Martin has been wielded by the State Board against school districts with the State Board claiming “superiority” over local boards of education, but that power ended today. The Supreme Court’s decision to abandon the Rule of Martin doctrine now allows any political subdivision (e.g., counties, municipalities and school districts) to hold the state accountable for its actions, and specifically allows school districts to challenge the State Board for statutory or constitutional violations upon a showing of standing.

"Over the past several years, Adams 14 has tried to work with the Colorado State Board of Education to improve on how the Accountability Act has been applied to school districts, particularly to districts in economically disadvantaged areas and with high student-of-color populations," said Adams 14 Board of Education President Reneé Lovato. "Instead of respectful government-to-government collaboration, the State Board unilaterally handed down punitive decisions while completely disregarding the negative impact those decisions had on our students, staff and community," said Lovato. "This Supreme Court decision is not only a win for Adams 14, but for all Colorado school districts experiencing a heavy-handed State Board. My hope is that we can now move forward and continue thoughtful and compassionate collaboration with state education officials in ways that benefit our students."

"For over 50 years, the political subdivision doctrine has been wielded by state departments and the Colorado State Board of Education to stop counties, municipalities, and school districts from suing for harm caused by state action," said Adams 14 Chief Legal Counsel Joseph Salazar. "Today, because of the efforts of Adams 14, the political subdivision doctrine no longer exists. The gravity of this decision means that the State Board can no longer lord over school districts with impunity, and state departments can now be sued by local governments for harm caused by state action. Every decision the State Board makes from here on out that violates a school district's statutory or constitutional right can now be challenged,” Salazar said.

As part of its ruling, the Supreme Court still found that the trial court was correct in dismissing Adams 14’s suit for lack of standing. However, this part of the Supreme Court’s decision has no bearing on Adams 14, as the district was already successful in defeating the State Board’s May 2022 Order. The end result is that Adams 14’s accreditation was reinstated and Adams 14 defeated the State Board’s reorganization order. Today, Adams 14 is accredited and its recent student achievement scores demonstrate that the district is making positive gains that meet or surpassed the state’s in a few categories, specifically Student Growth Percentile and student participation. 

“As it now stands, Adams 14 has won the overall war against the State Board, and we enabled school districts across Colorado to pursue justice for all students,” said Salazar. 

October is National Principals Month!

In October, we invite you to join us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of principals from across the state during National Principals Month.

More than administrators, our Adams 14 principals are mentors, role models, and advocates for our children’s future. Their passion for education and support of staff fosters a sense of unity and purpose within our community.

Thank you, principals, for your tireless commitment and the genuine care you bring to your roles. We are honored to have you lead our schools! 

The Adams 14 superintendent and two board members presented at the 2023 summit for the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. 

ALAS is a national organization whose mission is founded on the need for Latino leadership representation in schools across the country. ALAS cultivates all leaders committed to ensuring equitable outcomes for all students with an emphasis on Latino youth.

The 20th-anniversary ALAS Education Summit was held between Oct. 4 and 6 in San Antonio, Texas. During this year's event, Superintendent Karla Loría gave a presentation outlining how Adams 14 was able to defeat the State Board of Education's reorganization order while increasing its student achievement.

Adams 14 Board President Renee Lovato and Vice President Janet Estrada shared their stories about the duty of governing through equitable questioning, transformational policy-making, and the passing of resolutions that put students first. 

School attendance matters! Support school funding by ensuring that your child attends school every day.

This funding helps ensure that students have access to:

• Special enrichment classes and programs
• Free and reduced-price school meals
• Counselors
• Physical and mental health services
• Facility enhancements and upgrades
• And more!

October Count day is Oct. 2, 2023

What is October Count Day? October Count Day is a statewide initiative that determines the amount of funding our school receives from the state government. On this specific day, we record the number of students who are in attendance. This count directly impacts our school's budget for the entire academic year.

Why Your Child's Attendance Matters? The number of students present on October Count Day directly affects the financial resources we receive. This funding supports various aspects of your child's education, including classroom materials, technology, extracurricular activities, and more.

Adequate funding allows us to maintain a high standard of education. It enables us to provide quality teachers, smaller class sizes, and a wide range of educational opportunities to benefit your child's learning experience.

What You Can Do?

• Mark Your Calendar: Please mark Oct. 2 on your calendar as a day of high importance. Ensure that your child attends school on this date unless they are ill or facing extenuating circumstances.
• Promote Attendance: Encourage your child to attend school regularly, not only on October Count Day but throughout the entire academic year. Consistent attendance is vital for their academic progress.
• Spread the Word: Inform fellow parents and guardians about the significance of October Count Day and the impact it has on our school. Together, we can maximize our funding potential.
   

During its regular meeting on Sept. 12, the Adams 14 Board of Education celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The annual celebration takes place between Sept. 15-Oct.15 each year. During this time, we honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. 

Adams 14 leadership recognizes the importance of preserving the linguistic and cultural assets of students through bilingual and dual language instruction, and our Seal of Biliteracy program, as well as honoring the backgrounds of our students from Spanish-speaking households. 

Click here to read the board's full proclamation.

Did you already sign up for the Adams 14 Second Annual Soccer World Cup?

Registration for players, volunteers and sponsors opened on Friday, July 14, 2023, and will close on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at midnight. The games will be played during the weekend of May 4-5, 2024. Click here to sign up!

The Adams 14 Second Annual Soccer World Cup is open to student players of all ages in PK-12, as well as to parents, employees, and alumni.

For questions and/or comments about the Adams 14 Second Annual Soccer World Cup, please contact Mario Márquez at mcmarquez@adams14.org or 281-235-5203.

Get ready for the 2023 Homecoming Parade and events!

We are preparing for our Homecoming festivities, and we hope you’ll join us in the
celebration. Let’s show our Adams 14 and Eagle Pride!

The annual homecoming parade is the first of many events on Saturday, September
9th, 2023. The parade will begin at 9:00 am, starting at 64th and Olive and will end at
ACHS. The celebration will then continue at the high school with a barbecue and car show! We want it to be a fun-filled community event.

Here is a complete list of ACHS Homecoming activities:
 

Friday, September 8th, 2023
   Juniors VS Seniors Powderpuff Game: 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm @ ACHS Football Field

Saturday, September 9th, 2023  
   Participants in parade line up will begin at 8:00 am 64th and Olive
   Homecoming Parade: 09:00 am @ 64th and Olive St. to ACHS
 

   Homecoming Barbecue: 10:00 a.m @ outside D wing/ACHS Bus Loop   

 
   Car Show - after parade during BBQ in the staff parking lot

   Homecoming Football Game: 2:00 p.m ACHS vs Skyview High

   School Homecoming Dance: 7:00 p.m @ ACHS Small Gym

Please consider participating in the parade. If you are interested in getting involved,
complete the parade entry form and return it to Andrew LaCrue at ACHS
alacrue@adams14.org.

We are pleased to announce that Adams 14 has defeated the Colorado State Board of Education's attempt to reorganize the district.

Click the link to read the full story: https://bit.ly/3qOmwCB

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Nos complace anunciar que Adams 14 ha derrotado el intento de la Junta de Educación del Estado de Colorado de reorganizar el distrito.

Haga clic en el enlace para leer la historia completa: https://bit.ly/3qOmwCB

DID YOU KNOW: students in our School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) grow vegetables year-round to learn about horticulture and the culinary industry. They also donate fresh produce to the district’s Hope Family Resource Center to support local families.

The nonprofits Kaiser Permanente and Alliance for a Healthier Generation have partnered to donate more than $20,000 each year since the 2021-2022 school year to support Adams 14’s initiative. SWAP has so far used the funds to purchase an all-season outdoor greenhouse, 15 portable greenhouses, raised beds, soil, seeds, a shed, and gardening equipment for all five community gardens in the district.

Melissa Crawford, the SWAP coordinator, said this project allows students with special needs to engage in work-based learning experiences while contributing to their community. Students learn about food preservation, healthy cooking, and careers in the culinary industry.

“A lot of students never knew that they were good at gardening or had culinary skills,” Crawford said. “After exploring these tracks, they learn about the future possibilities for them. Everybody is eligible for work.”

On Friday, Aug. 18, staff members from Kaiser Permanente and Healthier Generation visited the district’s greenhouse and community gardens in person for the first time.

“It’s been a great project,” said Emma Wahlen, a regional program manager with Healthier Generation. “It’s so nice to see the gardens in action. To actually be here and see it being used is great.”

Wahlen says their nonprofit has supported Adams 14 projects over the last five years.

“Overall at Adams 14, I’ve seen so much growth and opportunity around health and wellness the past few years,” she said. “I’m just very impressed with the district and everyone supporting these efforts.”

Curtis Robbins, a community health program manager for Kaiser Permanente, said it’s “amazing” to see how funding these initiatives can have positive ripple effects for the community.

“We’re just really thrilled with the way Adams 14 has been able to utilize the funding in so many different ways to support the students, staff, and families here,” Robbins said.