Education

David Shannon was greeted by cheers, claps and the echo of hundreds of students at Mortensen Elementary School singing “Happy Birthday.”

The author — perhaps best known for books like “No, David” and “David Gets in Trouble” — visited the South Jeffco elementary school last Thursday. As the visit happened to fall on his birthday, Mortensen chose to celebrate, and the aroma of a birthday sheet cake wafted through the halls.

David Blair knew he wanted to organize a 5K to give back to the community, but he didn’t know what cause to support.

After some consideration and discussion with former Columbine High School student Steven Santaniello, Blair, a 17-year-old Columbine senior, decided to give the proceeds from the race to the challenge program at his school.

The inaugural Walk For All 5K was held at 9 a.m. Sunday. Runners and walkers of all ages began at Columbine High on the sunny October morning and completed a course through Clement Park, finishing at the school.

Jeffco Public Schools faced some staunch opposition last week to the bond and mill levy it hopes voters will approve on Election Day in November. 

At an election forum held at Center/Stage Theatre in Evergreen on Sept. 27, former school board member Laura Boggs highlighted what she sees as long-term financial ramifications of the proposed $535 million bond issue and $33 million property-tax increase intended to go toward facilities upgrades, compensation and other needs in the district.

Members of the Chatfield Senior High marching band agree that “shocking” would be the best word to describe their first-place finish at the Colorado West Invitational competition.

“These two, their mouth dropped on the front sideline,” said band director Andy Michaud, gesturing toward drum majors Sabrina de la Garza and Maggie Michaud, both of whom play the clarinet.