How Therapy Dogs Help Students

Fostering a Positive Work Climate and Culture

In the business world, company leaders set standards through mission and vision statements and by listing their values. In the education world, it’s all about setting examples and teaching what are called Norms. Here are DCSD’s norms for Culture and Climate:  * Presume Positive Intent * Exude and Expect Optimism * Address Concerns the Right Way * Create a Culture of Safe Mistakes * Communicate Kindly and Respectfully These five norms are the topic for this episode – our season finale as the school year comes to a close. We’re bookending the season by welcoming back our very first guest: Supt. Erin Kane. And this time we’ve got two more guests to make a great conversation about the district’s Culture and Climate Norms. Alicia Elmore is the director of our Before and After School Enterprise, or BASE, program, and Dion Killingsworth is director of Human Resources.  This episode complements Episode 20 with the brilliant Jolee Jones, who talked about Organizational Development. While Supt. Kane gives us the 30,000-foot perspective of the ideals behind the norms, Alicia and Dion talk about how those are applied and lived at the department level and even person to person. Guests this episode:  * Erin Kane, Superintendent of Douglas County School District * Alicia Elmore, Director of Before and After School Enterprise (BASE) * Dion Killingsworth, Director of Human Resources Host:  * Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  Resources: * Culture and Climate Norms [https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/superintendent] (on Supt. Kane’s webpage) About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. * DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). * Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). * We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. * The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. * DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry.   With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD? [https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/why-dcsd]

How Therapy Dogs Help Students

Magic happens when therapy dogs can help school staff members reach out to students who are struggling. DCSD’s pioneering Animal Assisted Interventions team is the largest and most advanced in Colorado. With 34 therapy dogs deployed all over the school district – and more preparing to join their ranks, the AAI team continues to prove its value and brighten the days of thousands of students all over Douglas County.  In this episode, we hear from three of the top innovators who established the AAI program and learn how specially trained, four-legged friends provide gentle, empathetic, tail-wagging support that keeps students in school, opening their hearts and then their minds to overcome many kinds of difficulties.  Our guests explain the research that supports their work, including close ties to University of Denver experts in human-animal connections, as well as a commitment to ethical support of therapy dogs and their interactions with students. Make sure to listen all the way to the end, when you’ll  hear a small sample of the many stories illustrating just how powerful a dog-to-student connection can be. These are literally life-changing relationships that allow students to succeed when they otherwise might not. Guests this episode:  * Ellen Kerkhoff, DCSD Mental Health Team Lead. * Dani Morrison, Social Worker at Plum Creek Academy and caretaker/partner of Betty the therapy dog. * Laura Wilson, DCSD Behavior Specialist for the Ponderosa High School feeder and caretaker/partner of Daphne the therapy dog.   Pictured: From left, Laura Wilson with Daphne, Ellen Kerkhoff, and Dani Morrison with Betty. Host:  * Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  Resources: * DCSD Animal Assisted Interventions [https://sites.google.com/dcsdk12.org/dcsd-aai/home] * University of Denver - Institute for Human-Animal Connection [https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection] * Follow Betty on Instagram: @therapydog.betty * Follow Daphne on Instagram: @therapydog.daphne About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. * DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). * Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). * We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. * The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. * DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD? [https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/why-dcsd]

Standout Seniors at State of DCSD

Supt. Erin Kane’s State of DCSD address on Monday, May 4, 2026, featured a Q&A panel with six outstanding seniors who represent a range of academic pursuits, goals and even the types of schools they attended. The students shared their future plans, how DCSD helped prepare them for those next steps, and how they have grown as people during their time in Douglas County Schools.  Supt. Kane’s full presentation was live-streamed and recorded on the DCSD YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/live/62UAHxOTwos?si=e7jUMAPNnmH3Wd3I]. She also shared points of pride, numerous examples of how the district is stewarding taxpayer funds, and her vision for the district’s future in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.  Guests this episode:  * Jessie Ramsey, Ponderosa High School [https://phs.dcsdk12.org/] * Haden Hart, Highlands Ranch High School [https://hrhs.dcsdk12.org/] * Ashley Schumacher, Eagle Academy [https://ea.dcsdk12.org/] * Roman Perez, VALE [https://vale.dcsdk12.org/] * Jake McClintock, eDCSD [https://edcsd.dcsdk12.org/] * Piper Hannon, Castle View High School [https://cvhs.dcsdk12.org/] Host:  * Erin Kane, Superintendent of Schools, DCSD  About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. * DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). * Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). * We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. * The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. * DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD? [https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/why-dcsd]

Phones in Class? Not So Fast

Students’ use of smartphones in schools is a huge topic. Is it a distraction? Can they be helpful in an educational setting? When should they be used and when should they be put away?  On April 21, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education approved a new policy about the use of communication devices in schools. This was the culmination of nearly two years’ worth of district leaders’ examination of the challenges and benefits of smart phones and other high-tech devices being used by students during school hours. The policy adoption was also required by a new state law.  In this episode, DCSD Chief of Staff Steve Colella and ThunderRidge High School Principal Liz Walhof discuss the issue, the policy, and most importantly, the practices of students, teachers, parents and district leaders when it comes to communication devices – not just phones. Colella co-led an effort to speak with hundreds of people across the district over the last several months, as well as conducting deep research into the issue surrounding communication device use and helping craft the new policy. Walhof has years of experience as an ed-tech expert and administrator. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the in-class challenges that technology poses. To read the full policy, watch recent discussions at Board of Education meetings, and access the wide range of research, visit DCSD’s Digital Literacy webpage [https://www.dcsdk12.org/schools-academics/academics/digital-literacy]. Resources: * Digital Literacy webpage (includes new policy in full) [https://www.dcsdk12.org/schools-academics/academics/digital-literacy] * Video of DCSD Board of Education discussion from April 21 [https://www.youtube.com/live/ZgTj87mWhek?si=k49cprEzr9qvGCuX] * Presentation slides from April 21 BOE meeting (includes March 3 slides) [https://dcsdk12.community.highbond.com/document/0187b1ff-6ea1-453a-9036-b5f10f61888e/] * Colorado Law regarding Communication Devices [https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1135] Guests this episode:  * Steve Colella, DCSD Chief of Staff * Liz Walhof, ThunderRidge High School Principal  Host:  * Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications  About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. * DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade). * Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). * We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row. * The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. * DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered.  Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD? [https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/why-dcsd]

PARENT UNIVERSITY: The Happy Crew - Gathering to Support Teens

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide, which may be triggering for some individuals. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self harm, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. From the Happy Crew website: “Colorado ranks 41st in the US for youth mental health treatment access, with 26% of teens reporting persistent hopelessness. These aren't just statistics — they're stories waiting to be rewritten. Since 2007, Happy Crew has been showing teens they matter and belong, creating spaces where feeling alone transforms into finding community.” Amy Mays is founder of Happy Crew, a Douglas County nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally and socially. Amy brings a thoughtful and uplifting approach to this work, and in this episode, she talks about the mission behind Happy Crew, how they’re supporting students in our community, and some simple, practical ways families can reinforce these skills at home. Happy Crew Events:  Sunday, April 19 Do you have a teenager in your life who is looking for community and a little pre-final exams fun? Join the Lone Tree Youth Commission and Happy Crew [https://www.facebook.com/HappyCampaign?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb_mAjQRWADMhJk_lwNHSol2eWIPqng-83L3xOfnypntLgTwdvpsX6AvFtUH-m48Vhav_ahopBSXn0wLDiZZJln_pNTj3RWLLokRAm5HAVZbK8gAe3L0AhEks3B52afagm5dM4GbgDUi-2E2-wiwmot3w41RMMsgSftbkafpQyM4g&__tn__=-%5DK-R] for Real Talk, an event for local teens to connect with their community and focus on mental health. When: 2-6 p.m. Where: Prairie Sky Park in Lone Tree, 9381 Crossington Way What: Local teenagers can spend time with friends at Prairie Sky Park with yard games, music, and relaxing before the end of the school year. Hear from former Nuggets player Mark Randall about mental health and the importance of strong community. Grab a snack from Mile High Tikka Express food truck – the first 100 attendees get a ticket for a free item! RSVP: https://go.cityoflonetree.com/realtalk-RSVP [https://go.cityoflonetree.com/realtalk-RSVP] Monday, April 20 End of Year Celebration at the Happy Crew Coffee House [https://www.happycrewcoffeehouse.com/]All High Schoolers are welcome to Happy Crew. Dinner will be provided. When: 7-8 p.m. Where: 9044 Forsstrom Dr., Lone Tree, CO Guest this episode  Amy Mays Host  Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD Resources * The Happy Crew [https://thehappycrew.org/] * Text Amy Mays: 303-916-1515 * 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline * Email: Amy@TheHappyCrew.org * Instagram: @TheHappyCrew [https://www.instagram.com/happycrewco/] About Parent University Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.  Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge [https://www.healthonecares.com/locations/sky-ridge] for their continued support and partnership.