2020 Summer Five Star Journal - Special Edition

Summer 2020 | Volume 19 | Issue No. 3
SPECIAL EDITION
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Summer 2020 | Volume 19 | Issue No. 3
IN THIS ISSUE
5 Superintendent Video Message
1500 E. 128th Ave.
Thornton, CO 80241
(720) 972-4156
www.adams12.org
7 Celebrating the Class of 2020
22 Five Star Snapshots
25 Remote Learning Triumphs
28 Summer Meal Program
29 Rallying to the Cause
32 Five Star Awards
34 Bond Update
37 District Calendar
38 Weekly Community Update
Board of Education
Kathy Plomer
Laura Mitchell
Brian Batz
Lori Goldstein
Jamey Lockley
Superintendent
Chris Gdowski
Tracy Dorland, Deputy
Communications Services
Joe Ferdani
Christina Dahmen
Mark Poshak
Kevin Denke
Alicia Stice
Eric Smith
Raquel Williams
Bailey Doehler
Julie Foster
Official Sponsor of
the Five Star Journal
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 3
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is a caring,
inclusive and engaging district which
exists so the students it serves can attain
the knowledge and skills necessary to
pursue the future of their choosing and
are equipped to navigate and thrive in
our rapidly changing world.

Five Star Schools.
Five Star Choices.
In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, we engage and inspire all students to innovate, achieve and succeed
in a safe environment by ensuring high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day.
Our community-created strategic plan, ELEVATE, completed in 2019, focuses on elevating student
success through continued increases in student achievement; building student, family and staff pride
in a positive climate and culture; and supporting the social-emotional well being of all students.
In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, we:
Care • Collaborate • Empower • Engage • Focus on Students
I became part of the Five Star community
over 10 years ago as both a teacher and a
parent. Education is constantly changing
for students, teachers and parents, and I am
lucky to be part of a district that strives to
move forward and provide what is needed in
meeting the needs of all students.
Christina Espino
Parent and Teacher
Join our family of high performing schools.
Enroll today! www.adams12.org/enroll

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE
Click to watch video
We did it! Congratulations on making it to the end of a good but challenging school year.
While this is not the way we hoped this year would end, I am thankful for our entire Five Star
community, staff, students, families and partners, for their hard work, resilience and patience
as we finish this unprecedented school year. Watch as other staff members join me in this
video to say thank you and wish you well as we head into summer. Have a great break!
Chris Gdowski, Superintendent
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 5

CONGRATS CLASS
OF 2020!
You have elevated
your education to
incredible heights -
but it doesn’t stop here.
Best of luck as you
continue to elevate
your success wherever
your path leads.
Many wishes from your Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Board of Education and staff.

Celebrating the Class of 2020
An unforgettable ending for an impressive graduating class
This spring has been like no other and the
Class of 2020 has endured an unprecedented
end to their K-12 education career. Although
different than most, one thing remains the
same in that high school graduation opens
the door for the next phase of each student’s
life. Whether that is college, an apprenticeship,
military enlistment or a career, each student is
headed for a bright future.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is proud to
celebrate the accomplishments of more
than 2,500 students graduating from our
five traditional high schools, two alternative
schools and four charter schools. Getting
to this day is a true testament of not only a
student’s hard work, but that of their families,
teachers and community members who
helped them gain the knowledge and skills
necessary to pursue a future of their choice.
This educational teamwork proved a success
for an impressive graduating class – among
the 2020 Five Star Schools’ graduates were
two Boettcher Scholars, two Daniels Scholars
and four military academy appointments. By
graduation, 87.6 percent of the graduating
class had decided on their post-secondary
plans. Our students were offered more than
$28.7 million in scholarships and more than 65
of our student athletes were signed by college
teams across the country.
Even though we were unable to come
together in-person to recognize the graduating
class in the traditional way during May, that will
not stop us from honoring and celebrating the
many accomplishments of the Class of 2020
through spring and summer. Flip through the
next couple of pages to see just a few of the
student honors from the Class of 2020 and
how each school celebrated their graduating
class through a variety of activities.
Congratulations to each and every
graduate for their accomplishments
during their time in the Five
Star District.
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 7

Horizon
High
School

HHS
Social Media Shout- outs
Best wishes
class of 2020
Student Honors
Daniels Scholar:
Brianna Talmadge
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 9

Legacy
High
School
Student Honors
Boettcher Scholar:
Cameron Shelley
Daniels Scholar:
Nicholas Dawson
Jimmy Griffin
Memorial Scholarship:
Andrew Kue

LHS
Social Media Shout- outs
Best wishes
class of 2020
Chris Reagan
Memorial Scholarship:
Makayla Merlo and
Gary “Jake” Maurek
National Merit
Scholarship:
Colin England, Sophia Hendrix,
Faiza Shaik and Brynn Siles
DiCiero
Scholarship:
Keala Gero

Mountain
Range
High
School

MRHS
Social Media Shout- outs
Best wishes
class of 2020
Student Honors
Merchant Marine
Military Academy
Appointment:
Anna Oliver
United States Army
ROTC Scholarship:*
Edward Walton
*Full scholarship to ROTC program of choice
Early Admission to Brown University
on a Full Scholarship:
Saviannah Gonzales Wagner

Northglenn
High
School
Best wishes
class of 2020
Student Honors
United States Military
Academy Appointment:
Robert Collier
FCCLA Scholarship:
Juan Gonzalez
Horatio Alger
Scholarship:
Hannah McBride

Social Media Shout- outs
First graduating class from the
Early College at Northglenn
STEM program
These 17 students represent the first graduating
class from the Early College Program at Northglenn
High School STEM. Students graduate with both a
high school diploma and an industry-recognized
associate degree in Computer Information Systems.
Fifteen of the 17 students are headed to Front Range
Community College to do a free fifth year and complete
their associate degree.
Julisa Acevedo* (United States Navy)
Jacob Argueta Jimenez
Ruben Damian Romero
Delanie Davey
Sergio De La Torre Garcia
David Fransua
Xiomara Garcia Villa
Itzel Huerta Bonilla
Geoffrey Maya
Colin Morton
Zachariah Morton
Andrew Nguyen
Jaime Olivares Galeana
Nayeli Rodriguez
Jordan Snetzinger*(Arizona)
Tristin Souther
Corinne Tesoriero
NHS
*The two others - one is attending another university
and one is enlisting in the United States Navy.
Culinary Arts Institute
Scholarship to Colorado
Mountain College:
Matthew Kopala
First Seal of Biliteracy:
Nayeli Rodriguez
Gates Scholarship:
William Solorio Hernandez

thornton
High
School

THS
Social Media Shout- outs
Best wishes
class of 2020
Student Honors
Cooke Foundation Scholarship* and
a Full Scholarship to Harvard:
Ananda Birungi
Teaching Program Internship:
Prosperity Rosales and
Noelia Salazar Acosta
*Cooke Foundation Scholarship is only awarded to 50 seniors nationwide

Pathways Future
Center School
Student Honors
Mario Enriquez Sanchez
This is a student who came to Pathways and found a perfect home! He is
very well liked amongst the student body and teachers. Working at his own
academic pace allowed Mario to be successful and we know that he will bring
that same drive for success to the United States Army when he joins in January.
Yazmine Salgado
Yazmine Salgado will enlist in the United States Navy immediately upon
completing high school. Yazmine joined Pathways Future Center School in
fall of 2019. She has been very motivated to complete all of her requirements
while holding a full-time job in customer service. Her diligence and hard
work paid off as she has always wanted to join the military.
Best wishes
class of 2020
Pathways

Vantage Point
High School
Student Honors
Enlisting in the United States Army:
Tristan Larsen
vphs
Adams County Mayors and
Commissioners Youth Award:
Bailee Smith
Best wishes class of 2020

Prospect Ridge Academy
Student Honors
United States
Military Academy
Appointment:
Gabe Rueda
Stargate School
Student Honors
Boettcher Scholar
and National
Merit Scholarship:
Jacob Tow
United States
Naval Academy
Appointment:
Rachel Castro

Congratulations Graduates
Best Wishes
class of 2020
Student Honors
Business
Associate
of Arts:
Rachel Day
Associate
of Arts:
John Stubblefield
Business
Associate
of Arts:
Grace Wygant

A collection of photos from events
happening around the district.
1 2
4 5
3
6
Tag us in your images on social media using #FiveStarProud.

7
9
10
8 11
Left page: (1) Cherry Drive’s student artwork thanking doctors and nurses. (2) Coronado Hills’ student shows
the fun side of wearing a mask. (3) Arapahoe Ridge’s parade. (4) Leroy student showing her PE activity.
(5) Rocky Mountain staff ready for curbside pick-up of student belongings. (6) North Mor celebrating their
fifth grade class.
Right page: (7) Century saying goodbye to their eighth grade class. (8) Hunters Glen students participating in
virtual spirit days. (9) Rocky Mountain Elementary celebrating their kindergartners. (10) Skyview student
gives a shout-out to her teacher at the parade. (11) Federal Heights staff neighborhood parade.
Photo credit: school social media pages.

The Five Star Education Foundation works closely with Adams 12 Five Star
Schools by forging partnerships and raising money to invest in student success.
We have halted all regular fundraising to address the immediate needs of
ive Star Education
our students
Foundation
and
works
our
closely
community
with the
as
Adams
we face
12 Five
COVID-19
Star Schools
together.
by forging
hips and raising money to invest in student success. We have halted all overhead fundraising
ess the immediate needs of our students and our community as we face COVID-19 together.
Today, we are supporting:
Today, we are supporting:
The Five Star Education Foundation works closely with the Adams 12 Five Star Schools by forging
The Five Star Education Foundation works closely with the Adams 12 Five Star Schools by forging
partnerships and raising money to invest in student success. We have halted all overhead fundraising
partnerships and raising money to invest in student success. We have halted all overhead fundraising
to address the immediate needs of our students and our community as we face COVID-19 together.
to address the immediate needs of our students and our community as we face COVID-19 together.
Today,
Today,
we are
we are
supporting:
supporting:
Nutrition Services
Technology Resources
Nutrition Services
Technology Resources
ition Nutrition Services Services Technology Technology Resources Resources
Currently serving more than 12,000 Chromebooks straight from
Currently serving over 1,500 people
11,000 Chromebooks straight from
erving Currently over serving 1,500 1,500 people over people 1,500 per day. people per day. 11,000 Chromebooks schools 11,000 schools Chromebooks to low-income straight to low-income from straight students.
students. from
per day. per day.
schools to low-income schools to low-income students. students.
Providing 12 meals per
Offset the loss of Chromebooks
Provides 12 meals per week for
Offset the loss of Chromebooks and
12 Provides meals per
week 12 week meals for
for people per people week in need. for in need.
Offset the loss Offset and
of
damage the Chromebooks loss damage of for Chromebooks for and
next
next
year.
year. and
eople in need. people in need.
damage for damage next year. for next year.
Resource hub hub for families for families who are
Assist Assist with with cost of of internet internet services for
who are
ub Resource for families hub for who families are struggling. struggling.
services for our
who are Assist with Assist cost of with internet cost of services students
internet for in in
services need. need.
for
struggling. struggling.
our students our in students need. in need.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach
Community Community Outreach Outreach
Coffee Chat webinars for online
Coffee Chat webinars for online
learning Coffee Chat and Coffee webinars career
learning Chat and for webinars training. online career for training. online
learning and learning career and training. career training.
Career focused resources
Career focused resources for
Career
for
focused Career students.
resources focused students. resources for for
students. students.
Hosting Hosting teacher teacher driven driven programs on
programs on our
Hosting teacher Hosting driven teacher programs our website.
driven website. programs on on
our website. our website.
Please consider donating to our Crisis Relief Fund.
www.5starfoundation.org
24 | The Five Star Journal

STEM Launch Zoom meeting.
Remote Learning
Elevating student success every day, now outside of the traditional classroom
Faced with the daunting task of shifting to remote learning almost overnight, the Five Star
community came together to meet the challenge. Educators shifted lesson plans and devised
creative ways to engage with students. Parents and families partnered with teachers to help their
children succeed. Students adapted to this new normal and worked hard to continue learning.
Here is a look at just some of the moments of triumph, compassion and community we’ve
seen over the past few months.
Working together to support students
Teachers have a lot on their plates right now,
which is why collaboration and teamwork are
more important than ever. Watch this video
for a behind-the-scenes look at how Riverdale
Elementary Instructional Coach Jennifer
Krautler helps educators plan enriching and
educational activities for their students.
“The amazing learning opportunities that
teachers have created are like no other,” she
said. “I am so proud to be a part of the team
and part of Adams 12.”
Click to watch video
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 25

400,000
MEALS SERVED TO FAMILIES
through grab-n-go meal distribution
12,000+
REMOTE LEARNING DEVICES
distributed to students
and
3,000
TECH SUPPORT
requests resolved
700
NEARLY
REQUESTS FROM FAMILIES FOR BASIC NEEDS
fulfilled by our Student & Family Outreach Program

Click to watch video
percent more e-books than they did last
school year? Or that our Instructional
Technology and Library Services (ITLS) team
has made more than 600 additional e-books
available to students during this time?
Remote learning success: Third-grade
student makes great strides during
remote learning
Educators and students across the district
have spent this time finding creative ways
to continue deep learning and developing
skills, even outside of a traditional classroom.
Arapahoe Ridge Elementary English
Language Development teacher Siobhan
Holland recently shared how she and one of
her third-grade students spent two weeks
practicing the language of analyzing and
drawing conclusions. With support from
Mrs. Holland and her mom, Najla, who is an
English language learner, recorded videos of
herself practicing her language skills. In these
videos, she explained the difference between
pennies and nickels, why people use maps
and much more.
“The success of all students, like Najla, during
remote learning improves significantly when
parents and teachers work collectively,”
Holland said.
Instructional Technology and Library
Services provides students, families
with resources to succeed
Did you know that during remote learning,
Five Star students have checked out 1,000
Watch this video to learn how the ITLS team
helped students get high-quality learning
with maximum flexibility over the past few
months.
Coming together to sing and smile
Music teachers from across the district
worked together to create a rendition of the
classic ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ — with their
own playful spin on it, of course. Their creative
new lyrics gave students the chance to feel
connected to their teachers and have a laugh.
Click to watch video
Click to watch video
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 27

FREE SUMMER MEALS
FOR YOUTH AGES 1-18
Breakfast and lunch will be available for pick-up through
walk up or drive-thru meal service for children ages 1 to 18.
Drive-up/curbside pick-up only locations:
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY | 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
Horizon High School
5321 E 136th Avenue
Thornton , CO
Legacy High School
2701 W 136th Avenue
Broomfield, CO
Mountain Range
High School
12500 Huron Street
Westminster, CO
Northglenn High School
601 W 100th Place
Northglenn, CO
Thornton High School
9351 N Washington St
Thornton, CO
Walk-up only locations:
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
Coronado Hills Elementary
8300 Downing Dr, Denver
10:15 - 10:45 A.M.
Federal Heights Elementary
2500 W 96th Ave, Federal Heights
11:15 - 11:45 A.M.
Creekside Apartments
9189 Gale Blvd, Thornton
Woodland Hills
1500 W Thornton Pkwy, Thornton
Arapahoe Ridge Elementary*
13095 Pecos St, Westminster
Stukey Elementary*
11080 Grant Dr, Northglenn
Centennial Elementary*
13200 Westlake Dr, Broomfield
Westview Elementary*
1300 Roseanna Dr, Northglenn
Shadow Ridge Middle School*
12551 Holly St, Thornton
Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center*
11151 Colorado Blvd, Thornton
*Begins Wednesday, May 27
There will be no service on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day and July 3 for Independence Day.
Families will be provided with four days worth of meals on the service day prior to holiday.
All families will receive two lunches and two breakfasts per child, regardless of what school they attend.
No paperwork or ID is required. Meals will be provided to families even if children are not present.
If you are sick, please send another family member to pick up meals.
This program will only be for the pick up of meals, and meals will not be consumed on site.
For menu information >
https://adams12.nutrislice.com/menu
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, we take pride in our calling to elevate student success through
serving the whole child. From school meals and transportation to counseling and after-school
care, public education is far more than math and science.
When the district shifted to remote learning due to COVID-19 health precautions, our teams
rallied to the cause. Learn more about how we adapted to our new learning environment to
ensure that all students succeed in every classroom (or home), every day.
Distributing Meals
Rallying to the Cause
Shifting to remote learning by adapting operations
One major component of serving every
child is providing meals while at school. Since
mid-March, Nutrition Services quickly and
efficiently provided grab-n-go meals at each
of our five comprehensive high schools for
families across the district. To date, they have
served nearly 400,000 meals and will continue
meal service every Monday, Wednesday and
Friday throughout the summer.
Click to watch video
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 29

How is Nutrition Services consistently
meeting the needs of our community through
weekly grab and go meal distribution? Watch
as Molly Brandt, Director of Nutrition and
BASE, shows how it all works.
Distributing Remote Learning Devices
Students cannot learn at home if they do
not have appropriate devices and technology.
The Information Technology (IT) department
organized and distributed nearly 12,000
devices to families across the district so
students had equal opportunities to success.
How have they done it? Watch as Joel from
IT takes you through the steps to provide a
device for a family.
Ensuring Proper Internet Connectivity
Devices only work properly when paired
with adequate internet connectivity. When
the shift to remote learning happened,
our IT department partnered with internet
companies to ensure that students had
access to remote learning resources. IT helped
connect qualifying families with Comcast
Internet Essentials services across the district.
This service provided two months of free
internet connectivity to support remote
learning. Additionally, the district is helping
extend service an extra four months for
families in need. For students in situations
where wired connections to the home will not
work, IT is working with T-Mobile to deliver
mobile hotspots. Using the handheld hotspot,
the student can connect their device to the
internet through the cell phone network. The
district continues to research additional ways
to help students connect, ensuring equal
opportunity to education resources no matter
their home situation.
Click to watch video
30 | The Five Star Journal

Support from Our Community
Supporting Our Most Impacted Families
While we held mass distribution days for
remote learning devices in March, not all
families were able to attend. In order to help
these families obtain the devices they need,
Transportation Services worked closely with
IT to deliver devices to families. Watch as Igor
Petrovic, Director of Transportation, explains
how they delivered devices to homes.
In this time of need in our greater Five Star
community, Student Engagement Initiatives
partnered with community partners such as
A Precious Child, Food For Hope, Dentaquest,
We Don’t Waste, Conscious Alliance, the
Broomfield Salvation Army, North Metro Fire
District, Sparkling Kindness and dozens of
private donors. Together, with the help of staff
from the PEAK program, they have distributed
fresh food, hygiene, feminine hygiene kits,
dental kits, cleaning supplies, books, and fun
activities to hundreds of families at Northglenn
and Thornton High School on Fridays during
district meal distribution.
Many organizations and companies in our
community rallied to the cause. A Five Star
thank you to all!
Thank you
to our community partners for supporting
our families by providing resources during
our food distribution.
Click to watch video
In addition to delivering learning devices,
transportation also began delivering grabn-go
meals to the district’s walk-up meal
distribution sites, intended for students and
families that do not have the ability to get to
one of the five regular distribution sites.
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 31

Five Star Awards
Celebrating our outstanding employees
In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, we believe our staff is world class and we are committed to
recognizing and honoring the work each employee does to elevate student success. Through
various recognitions, we celebrate our fantastic staff members who exemplify our district
strengths of care, collaborate, empower, engage and focus on students.
From teachers to custodians, principals to counselors, the many different roles and
responsibilities of Five Star employees ELEVATE student success in every classroom, every day.
Read about all the awards, nominees and winners: www.adams12.org/2019-20EOTY
Classified Employee
of the Year:
Casey Sauer, Registration
Specialist at Century Middle
Read why Casey won and watch the video of
her surprise video chat. Classified employees
are operational staff such as office staff,
custodians, nutritional services, etc.
Certified Employee
of the Year:
Teresa Biller, School Counselor
at Northglenn Middle
Read why Teresa won and watch the video
of her surprise video chat. Certified staff are
those who are licensed in their field such as
teachers and counselors, etc.
Administrative Employee
of the Year:
Lisa Salazar-Hart, Nutrition &
BASE Resource Manager
Read why Lisa won and watch the video
of her surprise video chat. Administrators
are school and district leadership such as
principals and district leaders, etc.
Diversity and Equity
Award:
Susana Cabrera, Fifth Grade
Teacher at McElwain Elementary
Read why Susana won. This award goes to
a staff member who provides exceptional
leadership and outstanding commitment
to the advancement of excellence through
diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
32 | The Five Star Journal

Substitute of the Year:
Nathanial Lygrisse, Thornton
High School
Read why Nathaniel won
Read why Ana won
Volunteer of the Year:
Ana Karina Gúzman Reyes,
STEM Launch parent
Strengths in Action Award:
These awards are given to employees, family or community members who exemplify one of
our ELEVATE strengths in an extraordinary way: care, collaborate, empower, engage or focus
on students. Read why each awardee won.
Care:
Julia Franklin, English Language
Development (ELD) Teacher,
McElwain Elementary
Empower:
Cathy Zensen, Third Grade
Teacher, Stellar Elementary
Collaborate:
Shannon Oliver, Energy &
Sustainability Manager,
Educational Support Center
Engage:
Darren Oliver, Principal,
Silver Creek Elementary
Focus on students:
Ian Simpson, English Teacher,
Mountain Range High School
Five star employees and community members are nominated by
Five Star staff members only. Winners are chosen by committee.
Congratulations to our retirees!
From teachers to paras, bus drivers to
cooks, the work you did helped elevate
student success for every student,
every day. Watch the retiree video.
Click to watch video
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 33

Bond work continues as planned
Construction, school and facility bond improvements move forward amid changes
The presence of COVID-19 this spring across the state and metro area presented a number of
challenges and changes including the end of in-person learning for students in Five Star Schools.
While the district’s ongoing bond improvement program wasn’t free of the challenges presented
by this new reality, construction and planning work was able to move forward.
“It’s been a collaborative effort between our Construction and Facilities Design team and our
architects and contractors to keep these important school improvements moving forward during
these uncertain times,” said Adams 12 Five Star Schools Construction Manager Tim Dolezal. “I’m
proud of our entire team for doing the necessary work to ensure the continued success of the
district bond program.”
Some of the new realities in construction projects include contractors wearing additional
protective gear such as face coverings and maintaining adequate social distancing. The district has
also closely monitored the potential for labor shortages and delays in the delivery of materials.
FutureForward at Washington Square
Construction on the new FutureForward at Washington Square career and technical education
campus, which began in Summer 2019, continued at a steady pace in Spring 2020 with substantial
completion of the nearly 50,000-square-foot building planned for early August.
The new campus, located near 126th Avenue and Washington Street in Thornton, is scheduled to
open in Fall 2020 and is expected to increase career and technical education (CTE) opportunities
for district students by as much as 80 percent. More than 500 students were enrolled in programs
at the new campus as of early May.
The campus will offer existing district CTE programs such as construction trades, welding, an
introductory diesel mechanic course and EMT training. Programming will expand to include
criminal justice, forensic science and fire science programs as well as an advanced diesel mechanic
program.
34 | The Five Star Journal

FutureForward encompasses all CTE programming
districtwide. FutureForward gives all
students a competitive advantage as they
enter college, career or the military. Students
in FutureForward: Explore opportunities that
prepare them for high-demand careers and
give them an edge entering college; Engage
in authentic, hands-on learning; and Equip
themselves with relevant, rigorous and practical
skills. There are two FutureForward campuses
offering unique career-oriented programming:
FutureForward at Bollman and FutureForward
at Washington Square. Programs are also
available at each of the district’s five
comprehensive high schools.
North Stadium Turf Field Replacement
The replacement of the original artificial
turf field at the district’s North Stadium got
underway in February and was completed
in early April. The replacement project also
allowed for the safety upgrade of new netting
to protective pole vaulters from errant soccer
and lacrosse balls during spring practices. The
stadium will receive additional structural and
concrete replacement work during the summer.
Five Star Stadium is scheduled to receive its
own substantial renovation in Summer 2021.
The Five Star District has embraced the
installation of synthetic play and practice
surfaces at other school and facility locations
through the 2016 Bond Program because
of their durability and lower maintenance.
Artificial practice fields have already replaced
sod at Northglenn, Legacy and Thornton high
schools with similar projects on the way for
Horizon and Mountain Range high schools this
summer. Cherry Drive Elementary also received
a new artificial outdoor play surface.
Summer 2020 Projects
While the absence of students and staff
from buildings was an unfortunate reality of
COVID-19, it did provide an opportunity for
extensive plumbing improvement work at a
handful of schools to get an earlier start.
Ongoing Projects
Phase 2 of the Bollman career and technical
education center renovation project includes
the renovation of the former welding area into
an auto collision and repair lab.
School/Facility Renovation Projects
Renovation and repair projects were
scheduled to start or are already underway at
Legacy High School (auditorium renovations),
Vantage Point Campus; Hulstrom K-8;
International School at Thornton Middle;
Century Middle; The Studio School; McElwain,
Hunters Glen, Leroy, Tarver, Hillcrest and Rocky
Mountain elementary schools.
Roof Replacement Projects
The International School at Thornton Middle
as well as Mountain View and Woodglen
elementary schools were scheduled to receive
full or partial roof replacements in Summer 2020.
Learn more about the 2016 Bond
Program and individual school projects
at www.adams12.org/bond.
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 35

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DISTRICT CALENDAR
2020-2021 School Year
Printable versions of the 2020-2021 Year-at-a-Glance are available in both English and Spanish.
*Dates may not apply to district charter schools; please check each school’s calendar for school-specific information.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
1500 East 128 th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80241
SCHOOL CALENDAR – 2020 – 2021*
JULY 2020 F First Day of School for Students
JANUARY 2021
S M T W T F S FS-August 19, 2020 6 th morning; 7 th -8 th afternoon; 9 th ONLY
S M T W T F S
FE-August 19, 2020 ALL Elementary K-5 and K-8 Report
1 2 3 4 1 2
FS-August 20, 2020 ALL Students K-12 Report
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 B 5 6 7 8 9
L Last Day of School for All Students
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 A 16
May 27, 2021
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
A Elementary Assessment Days
26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
September 8, 2020; January 15, 2021
May 7, 2021
31
AUGUST 2020
W Elementary School Work Days (No School for K-5 Students)
FEBRUARY 2021
S M T W T F S October 15, 2020
S M T W T F S
1 February 10, 2021; May 14, 2021* potential snow day make up
1 2 3 4 5 6
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 D Teacher Duty Days (No School for All Students)
7 8 9 W B I 13
9 10 11 D I D 15 August 12, 14, 18, 2020
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
16 I D FS/FE FS 21 22 December 18, 2020
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 May 28, 2021
28
30 31
C Teacher Comp Day – All Schools (No School for All Students)
SEPTEMBER 2020
November 23, 2020
MARCH 2021
S M T W T F S I District In-service Days – All Schools (No School for All Students) S M T W T F S
August 13, and 17, 2020; February 12, 2021
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6
6 7 A 9 10 11 12 B In-Common Release Days – K-8 (No School for K-8 Students)
7 8 9 10 11 Q 13
October 16, 2020
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
January 4, 2021; February 11, 2021; March 29, 2021
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Q Quarters Days
27 28 29 30 28 B 30 31
Oct. 16, 2020 42 days
Dec. 17, 2020 38 days
Mar. 12, 2021 46 days
OCTOBER 2020 May 27, 2021 49 days
APRIL 2021
S M T W T F S Pupil Count Window ............................ September 24 – October 8, 2020 S M T W T F S
1 2 3 Calendar Information
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Registration of New Students .............. Please Contact Your Local School
11 12 13 14 W B/Q 17 School Year Starts, K-9 .................................................... August 19, 2020 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 School Year Starts, All Students Report .......................... August 20, 2020 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Labor Day .................................................................. September 7, 2020 25 26 27 28 29 30
Veterans’ Day ........................................................... November 11, 2020
NOVEMBER 2020
Thanksgiving Break .............................................. November 23-27, 2020
MAY 2021
End of First Semester ............................................... December 17, 2020
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
Teacher Duty Day-No School-All Students ................ December 18, 2020
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Winter Break .................................. December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021
1
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 High School In-Common Release Day ..............................January 4, 2021 2 3 4 5 6 A 8
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 All Students Return..........................................................January 5, 2021 9 10 11 12 13 W* 15
22 C 24 25 26 27 28 Martin Luther King Day..................................................January 18, 2021 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Presidents’ Day ............................................................February 15, 2021
29 30 23 24 25 26 Q/L D 29
Spring Break .............................................................. March 22-26, 2021
Last Day for Students.......................................................... May 27, 2021
30 31
DECEMBER 2020 Teacher Duty Day ............................................................... May 28, 2021
JUNE 2021
S M T W T F S Memorial Day ..................................................................... May 31, 2021 S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
BASE CLOSED ........................................................ August 10-14, 2020
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
SUMMER BASE OPEN .................................... May 27 – August 7, 2020
13 14 15 16 Q D 19 FALL BASE OPEN .............................. August 17-18, 2020 Full Day Care 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30
**BASE Locations undergoing construction will open on the
first day of school. See school website for more information.
*Subject to Revision
Approved November 15, 2019
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 37

Community Weekly Update
Families encouraged to provide feedback on remote learning
We want your feedback on how remote learning went for you and your family. Please consider
taking this brief, two-minute remote learning survey to share your thoughts with us.
Report cards now available online for elementary and K-8 schools
Student report cards are now available online in Infinite Campus (IC) for students in
elementary and K-8 schools. For those schools that normally offer paper report cards, paper
copies will be available only when we return to in-building learning next school year.
High schools will follow their normal process and timeline for end of semester student grades.
Middle schools will send their families additional communication with information regarding end
of the year grades and timeline.
Viewing Report Cards for Students in Elementary and K-8 Schools
To view your child’s report card, log into the Campus Portal, select a student (if you have more
than one child enrolled in Adams 12 Five Star Schools), click the “Reports” tab on the left side
of the screen and then click “Standards Based Report-Progress Card”. More information on how
to navigate the Campus Portal is available here. Please contact your child’s school directly if
you have questions or need support.
Summer Learning Resources
As we head into summer break, we want to share some learning resources that your family
might choose to use to keep your students engaged in learning over the summer. These
resources can be sources of academic enrichment and reinforcement during the summer
months. Though the resources are sorted by age ranges, students may find resources at various
levels that align to their interests and abilities. Read more >
2020-2021 Budget
Over the past several weeks we’ve provided updates on the impact that the economic
slowdown related to COVID-19 is having on the State of Colorado budget. The total shortfall
for this year and the fiscal year that begins July 1 is about $3.3 billion (July 1, 2020 - June
30, 2021). K-12 makes up a significant portion of the state’s general fund at 36% of expenditures,
so the shortfall will have an impact on education funding. Check the district’s website
for the latest on the 2020-2021 state budget process and how it may affect funding in
Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
38 | The Five Star Journal

2020-2021 School Year Scenarios
The landscape for the normally scheduled start to the 2020-2021 school year in mid-August
is still unpredictable given the evolving situation with COVID-19. We will continue to work with
public health officials over the summer in determining the best plan to provide a safe environment
for staff, students and families.
Staff has begun researching and considering different scenarios for next school year ranging
from in-person learning to a hybrid approach to remote learning. A planning committee that
includes members of district leadership, our teachers’ association (District Twelve Educators’
Association - DTEA) and our support staff association (Classified School Employees’ Association
- CSEA) will move this work forward in the weeks ahead.
Look for opportunities in June to provide input on potential operational plans for the 2020-
2021 school year. As of now, we are following our existing academic calendar for 2020-2021.
Bell Time Change for the 2020-2021 School Year
Before mid-March, when COVID-19 changed how we go about our business, we were nearing
the end of a year-long planning and engagement process that contemplated changing
bell times at our elementary, middle and high schools. One thing became clear through this
process - there is no perfect solution and any decision comes with tradeoffs. The goal was to
find the solution that creates the most benefit for the entire Five Star District, which is why
Superintendent Chris Gdowski has accepted the recommendation of the Bell Schedule Steering
Committee to push bell times 30 minutes later pending the resumption of normal operations
for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Read more about the decision >
Online Check-in process open from June 22 to August 16
The online check-in process is the district’s check-in process for all families with returning
K-12 students enrolled in any district school. The check-in process is open this summer
from June 22 through Aug. 16. In order to receive class schedules and teacher assignments
before school starts, all parents/guardians of returning students must complete the online
process. Schedules will be available in the parent portal starting on Aug. 7 for those who
have completed the process.
Special Edition: Summer 2020 | 39

1500 E. 128th Ave., Thornton, CO 80241 | (720) 972-4000
www.adams12.org