Search Parker Magazine May 2025

MAY 2025
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720-974-7210
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2 SEARCHPARKER

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new clients first wax
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waxingthecity.com
17051 Lincoln Avenue
Parker, CO 80134
Next to King Soopers
MAY 2025 3

CONTENTS
12
Celebrating Mothers
"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose
place no one else can take." - Cardinal Mermillod
BY BRET TUELLER
6 | CALENDAR - Coming Events
8 | ICYMI - Around Town
15 | cuisine - The Guide
17 | cuisine - Chronicles: Stonegate Cafe
ON THE COVER
Amber and her girls
T
parker
colorado
t u e l l e r
p u b l i s h i n g
PARKER
SEARCH
Search Parker is published by
Tueller Publishing, LLC
IDEAS & SUBMISSIONS
contribute@tuellers.com
18 | FAMILY - The Family Table
20 | FAMILY - Family Tree
NO . 269 | MAY 2025
Search Parker ©2024 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Search Parker is mailed monthly to households and businesses in the greater
Parker area free of charge.

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MAY 2025 5

COMING EVENTS
PHOTOS: TOWN OF PARKER AND CASTLE ROCK
National Day Of Prayer
May 1 | Multiple locations and times
Parker residents will join the nation in this annual day of observance
designated by the United States Congress and held on the first
Thursday of May, when people are asked, "to turn to God in prayer
and meditation." There will be several events including those at
O'Brien and Discovery Parks.
Mother's Day 5K
May 10 | 12335 Canterberry Pkwy | 8:00 pm
Start your Mother's Day celebration with the Miles Over the Meadow
Mother's Day 5K and Family Fun Trek, a brand new family-friendly 5K
open to EVERYONE (not just moms!). Every participant will receive a
souvenir numbered bib to commemorate the day, and after crossing
the finish line, can refuel with a delicious breakfast.
H2O'Brien Pool Open for Season
May 24 | 10795 Victorian Dr. | All Day
H2O'Brien Pool and the Discovery Park Play Fountain open for the
season the end of this month. The kid-friendly water park offering 2
slides, a splash pad & lap pool, plus a snack bar & picnic areas is a
local favorite. For more information on both the pool and fountain
area please visit parkerrec.com.
High School Graduations
Celebrate the Class of 2025 during Graduation Week:
Chaparral - Tuesday, May 20,10:00 a.m. at Echo Park Stadium
Ponderosa - Wednesday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. at Echo Park Stadium
Lutheran - Wednesday, May 21, 6:00 p.m. at Mission Hills Church
Legend - Thursday, May 22, 10:00 a.m. at Echo Park Stadium
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6 SEARCHPARKER

®
®
PARKER’S
FREE ADMISSION
FAVORITE WEEKEND! JUNE 12-15, 2025
Shopping H FOOD H EXHIBITS H MUSIC H RIDES H FAMILY FUN
FUN THINGS TO DO:
• Live Music, Festival Food, Shopping
• Street Performers, Free Kids Crafts
• Carnival Rides, Water Bubbles
• Bungy, Nerf Terf, Inflatables
TURF PROS SOLUTION
EAST MUSIC Stage
Music All Day — Highlights
Friday
6:00 pm: BLINKER FLUID BAND
8:15 pm: HILLBILLY DEMONS
Saturday
5:30 pm: CHRIS DANIELS & THE KINGS
8:15 pm: THE WALKER WILLIAMS BAND
Sunday
3:30 pm: THE THREADBARONS
6:00 pm: JEWEL & THE ROUGH
CORE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Community Stage
Entertainment ALL Day
supported by Allegro Music
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Fri 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival
Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Festival
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm
MAIN STAGE – Music All Day — Highlights
Friday, June 13 presented by
6:30 pm: TEN YEARS GONE
8:30 pm: PATRICK & THE LVB
Saturday, June 14 presented by
6:00 pm: GLITTER IN THE AIR
8:30 pm: LAST MEN ON EARTH
Sunday, June 15 presented by
4:00 pm: DUEY & UNBROKEN
6:30 pm: THOSE CRAZY NIGHTS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
parkerdaysfestival.com
CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES:
presented by
BUY DISCOUNTED UNLIMITED
CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS ONLINE
Sold online through 12 noon Wed. June 11
Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides:
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Good any one day during the festival
4-Day MEGA Unlimited Carnival Rides:
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Good all 4 days of the festival
PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL
Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides:
$45 each
TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES
Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may
be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.
$139/Night*
*plus taxes and fees
Book your stay with
PARKER DAYS FESTIVAL attendee rate!
Call Hampton Inn & Suites Denver South
Ridgegate Hotel at (303) 790-4100.
Parker Days Festival is brought to you by the Parker Chamber Foundation
MAY 2025 7

AROUND TOWN
PHOTOS: TOWN OF PARKER
Egg Splash & Dash
This year, the Easter Bunny went swimming! Residents enjoyed this
twist on the traditional egg hunt as kiddos splashed and dashed
for tons of plastic, fun-filled eggs. Egg hunts took place in three
50-minute sessions. Children of all swimming abilities took part. This
annual tradiition is quickly becoming a local favorite. Splish, splash,
it was an Easter egg dash!
Local High School Proms
Local schools’ students donned their formal wear and danced
the night away at their high school proms. The promenade
dance (where "prom" comes from) is always one of the most
unforgettable experiences had by high school students. There
were groups all over town doing activities, group photo sessions,
dinners, and afterparties.
Mayor's Ball
The Mayor’s Ball raised nearly $33,000 for the Parker Task Force at
this fundraiser at Parker’s PACE Center. The sold-out Mardi Grasthemed
event had not been held since 2017 and was revived
by The Rotary Club of Parker as a way to bring the community
together to recognize Parker’s recently elected Mayor Joshua
Rivero and to raise funds for the Parker Task Force food bank.
Arbor Day
Arbor Day Celebration at Discovery Park was a fun, educational
event for the whole family and an important piece to keeping
Parker named as a Tree City USA (since 1994). This year the town
gave away free seedling trees and various perennial flowers, Arbor
Day goodies, educational information, and fun activities for the
kids.
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MAY 2025 9

Parker
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I trusted them to handle a very complicated, whole mouth
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They tackled my case with confidence and competence. They
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10 SEARCHPARKER

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303-805-9455
MAY 2025 11

CELEBRATING
MOTHERS
BY BRET TUELLER
It has been said that the highest and noblest
work in this life is that of a mother. Honestly, I
don't know if that gives mothers enough credit.
Think of the myriad roles a mother plays
in the life of her children: nurturer, doctor,
banker, chauffeur, chef, judge, coach, stylist,
housekeeper, manager, party planner, referee,
psychologist, repairman, teacher, waitress,
photographer ... the list can go on for a while.
I can think of no other venture, accomplishment,
or triumph that can have as far-reaching of an
impact as that of a mother. Mothers shape our
lives, our character, and the very fabric of our
reality. To be a mother is to sacrifice for others,
and there is no greater love than that. Even the
very act of becoming a mother by bringing a
child into this world is a miracle, and a true act
of sacrifice.
Abraham Lincoln said, "All that I am, or hope to
be, I owe to my angel mother." I feel the same
way about my mother and the mother of my
children. Never underestimate the impact a
mother can have.
My heart does go out to those who are not able
to be mothers. I cannot imagine their pain and
the courage they display to embrace those
around them who have the thing they covet
most. My admiration and respect is equal for
those in that situation.
To all the women out there, you are magnificent.
Thank you for your sacrifice, love, and tireless
example. Our community is great because of our
mothers.
A personal thank you to Cauleen, Connie, and
Amber! Happy Mother's Day.
12 SEARCHPARKER

MAY 2025 13

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• Spas • Chemicals • Filters • Billiards • Traeger Pellets • BBQ Accessories • Bull Grills
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14 SEARCHPARKER

THE GUIDE
THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
In the interest of providing
the 50 best dining options
in Douglas County, we
must be able to personally
recommend each listing.
The guide is subject to
change. If you have a
suggestion for inclusion
on the list, email us at
contribute@tuellers.com.
KEY
Based on a typical dinner
for one person, excluding
drinks, tax or tip.
$ ............................ Under $20
$$ ............................. $20-$30
$$$ ......................... Over $35
(EC) Editors Choice
(N) New
Asian fusion
FOGO DE CHÃO
Located in the Park Meadows Mall, off a beautiful outdoor courtyard setting. This Brazilian
steakhouse is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience. Try the full churrasco (shoo-hah-sko)
to enjoy delicious meat cuts brought right to your table! And don’t forget the guarana!
DANCING NOODLE
A small, family owned, dinein
and take-out restaurant
that serves authentic
homestyle Thai food.
10841 S. Crossroads Dr.,
Suite 10, Parker
303-805-3880 $$
INDOCHINE
A local go-to for quality
home-style cuisine. This
Parker fixture is known for a
fresh, creative menu.
19751 E Mainstreet, Parker
720-851-8559 $$
ITO SUSHI ASIAN BISTRO
Asian fusion restaurant
known for quality ingredients
and fresh fish daily.
2240 Mercantile St #100,
Castle Rock
720-749-6777 $$ (N)
JOHN HOLLY’S
Chinese and Thai dishes
that are nothing less than
the culinary equivalent of an
exotic adventure.
9232 Park Meadows Dr,
Lone Tree
303-768-9088 $$
JUNZ
A favorite sushi place in
town with a unique blend of
Japanese and French at its
very best.
11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd.,
Parker
720-851-1005 $$
BAKERY/DESSERTs
LA PETITE CREPERIE
The locals favorite spot to
grab made-to-order crepes.
Sweet or savory, you can’t go
wrong. Proudly serving farm
to table fresh.
19751 Mainstreet,
Parker
720-638-9722 $ (EC)
PARIS BAGUETTE
Popular Korean chain that
brings expertly crafted
baked goods through a
warm and welcoming
bakery cafe' experience that
delivers joy to everyone.
18374 Cottonwood Dr.,
Parker
720-500-5555 $ (N)
POULETTE BAKESHOP
New artisan bakers taking
Parker by storm. Order early,
they sell out every day!
19585 Hess Road, Parker
303-955-5647 $ (N)
BARBEQUE
BIG JIMS
Don’t be fooled by this being
a food truck; if you like
southern BBQ, this is your
place. 10685 S Parker Rd,
Parker $$$
GQUE BBQ
Award-winning food. Try the
wood-smoked ribs, brisket,
pork, or garlic potatoes.
8433 Park Meadows Center
Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree
303-729-2506 $$
HICKORY HOUSE
The Parker tradition. Known
for their baby back ribs, but
don’t miss the pulled pork
and barbeque chicken.
10335 S Parker Rd, Parker
303-805-9742 $$
OLD WEST BBQ
A hidden gem with familyfriendly
pricing. Don’t miss
out on their breakfast
burritos. 107 Wolfensberger
Rd., Castle Rock
303-660-6340 $
BREW PUB
20 MILE TAP HOUSE
Best known for their burgers
and wings. Make sure to
catch Trivia Tuesdays.
12543 N Hwy 83, Parker
303-841-6782 $$
GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY
& ROADHOUSE
Destination locale with an
informal ambiance offering
hearty comfort classics
215 Wilcox St Suite G,
Castle Rock
303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO.
Douglas County’s longest
running brew pub. Steaks,
burgers, pizza and soup!
880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock
303-814-9273 $$
MAY 2025 15

TAILGATE TAVERN
& GRILL
Your neighborhood tavern
for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Sports bar with live music
not to miss on the weekends.
19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker
303-841-7179 $$
THE LIBRARY CO.
BAR & KITCHEN
Offering great food &
amazing drinks in a relaxed
and warm atmosphere. Clear
and simple menu options.
3911 Ambrosia St.,
Suite 101, Castle Rock
720-389-5986 $$
ITalian
CRANELLI’S
Comfort Italian food in a
rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented
format.
10047 Park Meadows Dr.,
Lone Tree
303-799-3661 $$
DANIELLE’S
SCRATCH KITCHEN
Stylish, energetic eatery
offering elevated Italian fare
with an emphasis on great
customer service.
872 Happy Canyon Rd.
Suite 100, Castle Rock
303-524-9788 $$$
PORTOFINO
Authentic Italian eatery
featuring pizza, pasta,
calzones and heros. The local
“go-to” for fresh Italian.
10920 S Parker Rd, Parker
303-841-9900 $$
SCILEPPI’S
A modern Italian restaurant
focused on family recipes
and premium ingredients.
210 Third St., Castle Rock
303-688-9000 $$
VIA BACI
Neapolitan pizzas join
modern Italian fare at this
casual eatery featuring a full
bar & patio. 10005 Commons
St, Lone Tree
303-790-0828 $$
MEXICAN
ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for
authentic cuisine in a relaxed
ambiance. Great for parties.
7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown
303-663-7800 $$
CASA MARIACHI
Unassuming local joint
serving up straight-forward
Mexican plates.
9771 S Parker Rd, Parker
720-842-5105 $$
LA LOMA
Upscale-rustic atmosphere
known for traditional Mexican
meals.
6361 Promenade Pkw,
Castle Rock
303-632-9900 $$ (N)
LAS POTRANCES
Casual Mexican restaurant
full of real Mexican culture,
Mexican Food, Fresh Drinks,
and Friendly Hospitality.
19600 Solar Cir, Parker
303-840-0325 $$ (N)
LOS DOS POTRILLOS
Elegant family-owned eatery.
There’s a combo dish to
please everyone.
6370 Promenade Pkwy.,
Castle Rock
720-769-5474 $$
LOS VOLCANES
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And
bring your appetite for the
large portions.
10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker
303-841-0160 $$
new american
CASTLE CAFE
Set in a former 1890s hotel.
Plating hearty American
fare like pan-fried chicken &
burgers.
403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock
303-814-2233 $$
VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE
Uniquely fun sports bar with
a creative menu of brats and
dogs.
971 Park St., Castle Rock
303-660-2399 $
CRAVE
A favorite gourmet burger
joint. Imaginative menu with
amazing handcrafted shakes.
3982 Limelight Ave,
Castle Rock
303-814-2829 $$
DOUG'S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe
where everything is made
from scratch.
18595 Mainstreet,
Parker
720-476-7162 $$
MANNA
A casual sit-down destination
with a menu that reflects
Colorado’s growing season.
2350 Meadows Blvd.,
Castle Rock
720-455-3664 $
PARKER GARAGE
The Parker landmark located
right downtown offers a
locally-sourced menu. Great
service and large portions.
19420 Mainstreet, Parker
720-389-8105 $$ (EC)
PEGASUS
A local favorite for breakfast
or lunch. American, Greek or
Mexican dishes.
313 Jerry St., Castle Rock
303-688-6746 $$
RORY’S
Comfort food and baked
goods at their finest.
Don’t see it on the menu?
Ask for it!
11020 S Pikes Peak Dr.,
Parker
720-708-2889 $$
SIERRA
High-end, wood-fired
kitchen with a warm
ambiance, preparing
select American dishes.
10680 Cabela Dr.,
Lone Tree
303-662-8800 $$
TRIBE AT RIVERWALK
Upscale, yet casual dining
experience with a one-of-akind
menu. Don't miss the
brunch.
115 Wilcox Street,
Castle Rock
303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
WEST MAIN TAPROOM
A modern and open venue
that boasts thoughtful and
honest cuisine. A haven for
the gluten-free crowd.
18595 Mainstreet, Parker
720-826-3689 $$
PIZZA
ANTONIO’S
A traditional family-style
Italian pizza restaurant with
a Brooklyn flair.
12947 S Parker Rd., Parker
720-851-5300 $
ARTISAN
Delicious Neapolitan-style
pizza that makes each dish
an individual work of art! And
don’t forget dessert.
12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker
303-840-0518 $
COLORADOUGH
A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch
pizza. So fresh
they don’t even have a
freezer! 17860 Cottonwood
Dr., Parker
303-386-3333 $$
LIL’ RICCI’S
New York pizzas & other red
sauce staples in a low-key
setting. Can’t miss the garlic
knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd,
Parker
303-220-7422 $$
PARRY’S
NY-style pizza, wings, &
casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly
quarters.
5650 Allen Way,
Castle Rock
303-814-8686 $$
16 SEARCHPARKER

Culinary Chronicles
PHOTO FROM STONEGATE CAFE
Stonegate Café | 10920 S Parker Rd, Parker
My family loves, loves, loves breakfast! The only problem
is that we each have different tastes, so cooking for
everyone in the morning is a big chore. To make things
easier, we have a family tradition of eating breakfast
out on Saturday or Sunday when our schedules allow.
We have tried a few places in Parker, and you should
know about our favorite so far: Stonegate Café.
The restaurant is tucked into the corner of a strip mall
off Lincoln Ave. and Keystone Blvd. It is always buzzing
on weekend mornings. However, with their efficient
service, we never have to wait long for a table.
STEAKHOUSE
DUKE’S
Rustic restaurant featuring
beef & seafood dishes, plus
a sports tavern with an Irish
vibe.
363 Village Square Lane,
Castle Pines
303-814-2487 $$$
FOGO DE CHAO
Upscale Brasilian steakhouse
with all-you-can-eat meat
carved tableside. Guaraná is
a must, and try the Creme de
Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows
Center Dr., Lone Tree
303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)
PERRY’S
Chops, seafood, wine, &
cocktails served in an upscale
setting with a lounge & live
jazz. 8433 Park Meadows
Center Dr., Lone Tree
303-792-2571 $$$
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
Texas-themed steakhouse
with a great menu and
wonderful atmosphere.
11205 S. Parker Rd,
Parker
303-805-5848 $$
TRAPPER’S
CHOP HOUSE
Upscale hideaway local
favorite featuring their
signature Volcanic Hot Rock
sear-it-yourself experience.
19308 Cottonwood Dr.,
Parker
303-248-2132 $$$
UNIQUE
VISTAVINO MODERN
Quaint Tuscan grill made
fresh from local fare. Every
dish is a winner!
611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock
303-814-2487 $$
The restaurant is lined on each side by booths with a
row of tables in the middle. The décor has a country
feel, and my youngest has fun testing his burgeoning
reading skills with the signs on the walls (my favorite
was when he sounded out “Coffee, Anyone?”).
The kids each got their favorites: pancakes and bacon
for my youngest, and scrambled eggs, sausage, and
toast for my oldest. My husband and I went for omelets
served with hashbrowns that are perfectly golden,
crispy, and salted every single time. Their green chile
dishes and chile rellenos are also great - if you don’t
mind a bit of heat in the morning.
The service is always friendly and prompt, and drinks
are always topped off. We all left with full bellies and
ready for our weekend activities.
We saw on social media that the owners of the
restaurant recently changed. However, on our last visit,
the food quality and service were
the same as we are used to. We
hope that Stonegate Café
can remain our weekend
breakfast go-to for years to
come.
Denise Woods is a
freelance writer.
MAY 2025 17

The Family Table
From bonding to education,
regular family dinner time
contributes to positive results
for everyone involved.
BY AMBER TUELLER
18 SEARCHPARKER

The kitchen table is a well-used place. It may be a little bit
scratched or worn. Throughout the day and week, it serves
many purposes. In our home it is a place where homework is
done, papers are sorted, projects are created, groceries are unloaded,
games are played, and books are read.
But at the end of each day, it becomes a treasured place – a place
to gather, a place where people come together. For a few moments
a day it is a place to stop. Sitting around the table enjoying a meal,
conversation, and laughter is a blessed event. It is a necessary ritual that
binds us together and fills our bodies and spirits. Our daily time together
celebrates everything the table represents: food, family, fun, and home.
The table is also a place to share with neighbors, friends, and loved ones.
The familydinnerproject.org is a website dedicated to furthering this
practice. It notes some amazing research about how this one daily
practice can impact our families and each person individually. The
website states, “Over three decades of research have shown that regular
family meals offer a wide variety of physical, social-emotional and
academic benefits. While some of these benefits can be gained through
other activities, eating together is the only single activity that is known to
provide all of them at the same time.” These benefits range from higher
self-esteem and lower risk of obesity to bigger vocabulary and better
academic performance, among many others. Visit the website to learn
more.
I remember my grandpa describing how a neighbor once told him that
they saw their family sitting up to dinner together each night and it was
evident that habit contributed to their strong family bonds. That was
when my dad was growing up in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The importance
of cementing family bonds continues still and can be harder than ever in
our busy and distracted world.
Coming together as a family each day can give ourselves and our
children a boost to life! It is often where we plan our calendar or discuss
chores and notes of family business. It can also become a prolonged and
hilarious event when we sit around talking long after the food is gone. It
is definitely a cherished time for us each day, necessary for our success.
MAY 2025 19

The Family Tree
FIND YOUR FAMILY. DISCOVER YOURSELF.
20 SEARCHPARKER

Our story. Finding out about our
past is something intriguing and
exciting! Who came before us? Where are
my people from? Who is my great, great
grandmother? Am I related to a famous
person in history?
There has been a recent surge of interest
in each individual’s heritage. Technology
and quarantining have contributed to
this surge. A Wall Street Journal Article,
from July 2020, told how the number of
amateur genealogists grew during the
pandemic while people had extra hours
at home. There have even been reality
TV shows centered around finding facts
and information leading to confirmation
of someone's family history details. It is very
impactful to see how much finding their
family meant to those people.
A recent article on selecthealth.org by
Chakell Wardleigh, called "5 Benefits of Knowing Your Family History," conveys some of the reasons why we should
learn about who we are.
1. It gives you a sense of identity: “Nothing is more eye-opening than learning about who you are. Learning about
your ancestors, celebrating family traditions, embracing your culture, and understanding where you came from can
open your eyes to how beautiful and unique you are. It can also give your sense of self-worth and belonging a boost.”
2. It makes you more resilient when learning what generations before you suffered and how they fought through their
challenges.
3. It helps you connect with others — people from your family tree in the past, present, and future.
4. It makes you a better human. Hearing the stories that helped shape others can inspire you and help you show more
gratitude and empathy.
5. It helps you make good health choices. Knowing some of the health concerns that may be present in your family
can educate you and help you prioritize a healthy lifestyle.
A Wall Street Journal article from November 2019, “The Secret Benefits of Retelling Family Stories,” talks about how
family stories help people psychologically. They feel connected to the stories and feel that sense of belonging,
while also internalizing the morals and lessons from stories. According to this article, 90% of teenagers and young
adults can retell family stories when asked, even if they seemed uninterested when the story was told. Telling family
stories face to face is especially impactful. Family stories that illustrate working
through feelings of sorrow, fear, or stress can help children cope with their own
emotions.
Start working on your own family tree through a variety of options. Begin with
birth and marriage certificates, military and naturalization records; search
census records, religious records and newspapers to find out more about those
who came before you. Ancestry.com, familysearch.org, Access Geneology,
RootsWeb, and Heritage Quest are some of the many online tools to help you.
Use these tools to track and record names and dates, upload photos, record
family stories, attach historical records, and connect with relatives.
Share information and stories with other members of your family. Teach your
children who and where they come from. Establish a focus to carry on family
stories, along with special recipes or traditions. If you don’t know any of your
family history details, begin with your own story and information, then work
from there. Learning who we are can impact us significantly. Who we are is
worth sharing and celebrating!
MAY 2025 21

Proud to Be DCSD - A Look Back at 2024-2025
Here in the Douglas County School District (DCSD), we have some of the most
dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff who give their all each and
every day to ensure that our students receive the best possible education.
Because of their efforts, the 2024-2025 school year was full of celebrations!
Did You Know?
• For the second year in a row, DCSD is the TOP scoring district in the
Denver/Metro area!
• Our graduation rate is 92.2 percent! The highest it’s been in 15 years.
• DCSD is 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.
• DCSD offers 76 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.
• The Class of 2024 earned more than $131 million in scholarships and saved nearly $20 million in college
expenses through DCSD’s concurrent enrollment partnerships and AP programming!
Award-Winning Academic Success
• 32 of our schools received the 2024 John Irwin Award of Excellence from the Colorado Department of
Education (CDE).
• 9 of our schools received the 2024 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award from CDE.
The Future is Bright!
What’s Next for DCSD?
DCSD is developing a roadmap for our school district that will prepare students to not only adapt to the pace of our
ever-changing world, but to lead the change! More information will be coming your way in the coming months!
Thank you for an incredible 2024-2025 school year. We are very grateful for our students, families, teachers, staff and
community members. #ProudtoBeDCSD
Erin Kane is the Superintendent of the Douglas County School District
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