With fall quickly approaching, Jefferson County Public Schools would like to inform all students, faculty, staff and families as to what to expect in the coming weeks in anticipation of a new semester. We look forward to having a sense of community through learning and engagement with all of you, from student to superintendent. On
In response to Colorado House Bill 25-1135, Jeffco Public Schools has developed a districtwide policy on student use of personal technology devices (e.g. cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds) during the school day. On June 11, 2026, the Jeffco Board of Education voted to approve the Student Use of Personal Technology Devices Policy (JSA) and its
Parents, teachers, taxpayers and students across Colorado are watching a level of school district drama that feels less like educational leadership and more like a political survival show. In district after district, superintendents are resigning, administrators are being suspended, school board members are stepping down, investigations are being launched, and confidence in leadership is being
Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School has spent a decade on Colorado’s list of lowest-performing schools. Now, for the first time in 10 years, it’s close to leaving that list: a milestone that would have to happen if the school wants to save its future. Jefferson Jr./Sr. High, a 7-12-grade school of about 600 students, has faced
When Marc Gallivan’s parents were looking for an alternative to traditional schooling in 1998, they made a bold decision: moving from New Mexico to Wheat Ridge. They did this so their children could attend a school where students set their schedules, choose their subjects, and help make big decisions. Twenty-seven years later, Gallivan still hasn’t
Gathering during lunchtimes, school breaks and weekends, a group of high school students hope to bring a new program to their school. Students at Wheat Ridge High School, with the support of two teachers, are drumming up money and support to bring the Gone Boarding educational program to their school. The program teaches students to
This year, students at Wheat Ridge High School are journeying to the past with their spring musical, Anastasia. Performances will take place March 5–7 at 7 p.m. each evening. Students with a wide range of interests have come together to make this production possible, including members of the cast, crew, and pit orchestra. Musicals are
Wheat Ridge High School put together one of the seven feature gardens at the Colorado Garden & Home Show. There are currently around 100 students in the agriculture program, 8 of which are second year students in the landscape construction and urban farming class. They anticipate having around 40 in the second year class next
When Burke Edgar was in high school, he cut classes to skateboard with his friends. Now the drawing and painting teacher at Wheat Ridge High School, Burke hopes to launch a program that will bring board sports into the classroom. When Edgar was a student, he struggled to learn from textbooks and lectures. “That was
More than 1.4 million American students left traditional public schools between 2019 and 2023. Wheat Ridge has been no exception to this trend, as evidenced by closing schools and declining enrollment in recent years. Across Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County, families are increasingly choosing charter schools, homeschooling, and private education over traditional public schools. Susan
Close to 140 full-time Jefferson County School District employees will be unemployed when summer arrives. Ninety of those eliminated positions will be due to vacancies and current or pending retirements, according to a Dec. 18 community update from the district. Between December 15-17, approximately 50 central service employees learned they were among those to be
Prospect Valley Elementary School celebrated its annual Veterans Day Flag Ceremony with an impressive turnout from local veterans and community members. The event brought students, staff, and families together to honor those who have served, creating a memorable moment for the entire school community. During the ceremony, students proudly performed the military medley, singing the
Every once in a while we meet someone who reminds us what quiet, everyday heroism looks like. For us in Wheat Ridge, that person was Louis Olivera. Lou was a longtime neighbor, a devoted husband, and the proud father of a Wheat Ridge High School graduate. He carried himself with a mix of humility, humor,
With the end of Fall sports and activities upon us, I spoke with Jason Campbell, Athletic Director at Wheat Ridge High School, regarding results from all our Farmer athletes, musicians and the team that keeps the dream alive, Marching Band! The results are, as always, impressive. Boys’ Soccer Finished with a ranking of 21st in the
Wheat Ridge High School PTSA, with support from TikTok and in collaboration with National PTA, invites you to the upcoming free workshop, “Create with Kindness”. High school families will come together for an open and interactive discussion with teens and provide families with information and resources to enhance online safety. This special dinner and discussion
I was a high school senior when I watched the Columbine shooting unfold on TV. Like many parents, it and subsequent events have left a lasting mark, and I sometimes feel a flash of panic when I drop my kids off at school. I’m fortunate, though. My children live in a community and attend schools
Over the past few decades in America, participation in youth sports and activities have had a steady decline. This begs the question, why are so many young people choosing gaming (playing video games) over physical activities? For those who choose to participate in physical activities, what’s their drive and motivation? There are many key factors
District budget cuts aren’t new to this Jefferson County School District outdoor enrichment program. Beginning in 1957, the Outdoor Lab program offers a mountain learning experience for Jeffco students. About 5,000 sixth graders and 1,000 high school students attend the 55, week-long Outdoor Labs every year. The program ties into the academic curriculum of the
With the constant progression and advancement of technology in the modern world, it is difficult to predict what life will look like in the near future. Just ten years ago, the limited capabilities of Siri and Alexa were considered revolutionary, Roomba vacuum robots were new and exciting, and self-driving cars were viewed as futuristic. Fast
Members of the Jefferson County Education Association’s opposition to the District’s superintendent caused concerns among former Jeffco School Board members. During the May 29 Jeffco Board of Education meeting the Jefferson County Education Association’s executive team presented a letter detailing reasons for their vote of no confidence in the District’s superintendent Tracy Dorland, requesting her
Cursive writing is often referred to as a form of art and is considered more elegant and efficient than basic handwriting. While many believe this to be true, it seems as though this form of “art” is fading into the past. As a senior in high school, I can confidently say that cursive has no
Construction is officially underway for Primrose School of Wheat Ridge at Applewood, the first of its kind in the city. Slated to open in Winter 2025/2026, the school will offer high-quality early education and child care to local families. Franchise owners Emily and Bryce Durke, inspired by their own search for quality care for their
The Wheat Ridge High School choir program needs a new piano. Choir teacher Ryan Plakorus and the parent-led booster program welcome choir program alumni to sing alongside current choir students for a May 10 concert to raise funds for a new piano to replace the current piano, which has been in the choir room since
Wheat Ridge High School can welcome many students who now attend Jefferson Junior/Senior High School — when and if the Edgewater school closes, according to WRHS Principal Lisa Mahannah. Jefferson County School District officials recently decided to delay a planned 2026-27 school year closure of Jefferson due to low enrollment for one or two school
