Education

A recent, seemingly minor change in the way the school district handles public comments at school board meetings has helped the board become more efficient, board president Lesley Dahlkemper says.

However, a longtime board critic contends the change discourages community involvement.

In August, the school board began allowing only public comments that pertain to that day’s agenda at the beginning of the meeting. General public comment is still allowed, but not until nearly the end of the meeting.

The Christmas stocking is a simple holiday tradition that can get lost in the grandeur and excess of modern holidays. In the mad dash to stack presents under the tree, stockings can be little more than an afterthought.

Yet for the 253 servicemen and women who are arriving at Fort Carson this month from deployment in Afghanistan and Kuwait, getting one of the stockings stuffed by students at Chatfield High School means they’re not alone on Christmas.

 It’s my fortunate opportunity to introduce Dakota Ridge High School senior Jake Iannella. People who know Jake quickly come to appreciate his cheerful disposition, integrity, leadership qualities, and willingness to learn. Jake has been an outstanding student body leader, including key roles in Leadership Council and on the football and track and field teams. When I speak to my children about my hopes and dreams for whom I would like them to become, I easily picture the accomplishments and actions of Jake.

The Jefferson Foundation recognized the exceptional work of four outstanding teachers in Jeffco Public Schools on Saturday in a ceremony at Southwest Plaza Mall.

About 50 people turned out for the 10th annual My Teacher My Hero awards presentation, which was conceived as a way to recognize public school teachers as everyday heroes. Honorees are selected from nominations submitted by their principals and represent high school, middle school and elementary school teachers.