The City of Aurora recently held a ceremony to recognize hundreds of Aurora Public Schools students as "Aurora Scholars" for the positive contributions they have made in their communities and schools. The annual event, now in its eighth year, was created to bring city officials, school district staff and families together to honor the achievements of Aurora’s future leaders.

One teacher-nominated student from each grade level (first through 12th) at every school in Aurora was recognized. Students received certificates and gifts donated by the community.

In APS, we believe every student has unique abilities that we must recognize and engage. Bravo to the 2017 APS Aurora Scholars listed below for being exemplary students!

Altura Elementary School
Danaye Pierce, 1st grade
Ashlen Salinas, 2nd grade
Samuel Escobar, 3rd grade
Daniel Conde, 4th grade
Leona Ferguson, 5th grade

Arkansas Elementary School
Braydon Little, 1st grade
Nanmuhong (Neil) Ye, 2nd grade
Kniyah Dumas, 3rd grade
Jesus (David) Llamas Trujillo, 4th grade
Ismael Zapien-Moran, 5th grade

Aurora Academy
Raphael Lopez-Fleming, 1st grade
Brook Hailu, 2nd grade
Fatoumata Dioubate, 3rd grade
Termaine Manuel, Jr., 4th grade
Solange Cordova Santamaria, 5th grade
Yohannes Zekarias, 6th grade
Laylah Rodriguez-Johnson, 7th grade
Gia Martell Mendez, 8th grade

Aurora Central High School
Apshara Siwakoti, 9th grade
Thaddeus Veasley, 10th grade
Christian Wells, 11th grade
Olivia Langley, 12th grade

Aurora Frontier P-8
Aiden Mercil, 1st grade
Neah Pagidigan, 2nd grade
Tyler Zook, 3rd grade
Jenny Vu, 4th grade
Julian Carrizales, 5th grade
Leigha Dimock, 6th grade
Jenelle Martin, 7th grade
Jason Ta, 8th grade

Aurora Hills Middle School
Manda Li, 6th grade
Leslie Flores Guerrero, 7th grade
Xotchil Olague, 8th grade

Aurora West college Preparatory Academy
Iesha Hollingsworth-Aguilar, 6th grade
Aung Sang, 7th grade
Andrea Ortiz, 8th grade
Aurora Lopez, 9th grade
Josh Cedillos, 10th grade
Nimo Mahamud, 11th grade
Pedro Bueno, 12th grade

Aurora Quest K-8
Josiah Fuller, 1st grade
Lisa Rai, 2nd grade
Isaac Bailey, 3rd grade
Ayon Hammond, 4th grade
Grant Reed, 5th grade
Ksenia Balabanova, 6th grade
Hannah Bonansinga, 7th grade
Zakary Nfaoui, 8th grade

Aurora Expeditionary Learning Academy
Kade Folds, 1st grade
Colton McDonald, 2nd grade
Meron Adumer, 3rd grade
Isaiah Krueger, 4th grade
Jose Ortega, 5th grade
Murayo Osman, 6th grade
Kanza Fakiri, 7th grade
Danie Mensah, 8th grade

Boston K-8
Jamie Gonzalez Medina, 1st grade
Evelyn Perez Acosta, 2nd grade
Anthony Moran, 3rd grade
Natalia Garcia Zamora, 4th grade
Candice Carillo, 5th grade
Ro Sar, 6th grade
David Meraz, 7th grade
Bishwa Adhikari, 8th grade

Clyde Miller P-8
Mayra Castanon Tellez, 1st grade
Camila Luevanos, 2nd grade
Abel Anteneh, 3rd grade
Mary Catherine (Kate) Gomez, 4th grade
Tihut Anteneh, 5th grade
Chyla Howard, 6th grade
Leilah Weathersby, 7th grade
Coltin Anderson, 8th grade

Century Elementary School
Jake Brock, 1st grade
Analay Oronna, 2nd grade
Yabsira Seyoum, 3rd grade
Allen "AJ" Anthony, 4th grade
Francisco "Frankie" Beltran, 5th grade

Columbia Middle School
Luis Tinajero-Areola, 6th grade
Manuel Lopez Vega, 7th grade
Soloman Jameson, 8th grade

Crawford Elementary School
Alan Bravo Hernandez, 1st grade
Wuilson Cruz Lopez, 2nd grade
Victor Avila, 3rd grade
Gennesis Renteria Giron, 4th grade
Mary Sing, 5th grade

Dalton Elementary School
Briana Zarei, 1st grade
Graci Hyatt, 2nd grade
Elliana Wright, 3rd grade
Paulina Hernandez Gutierrez, 4th grade
Allyson Bohn, 5th grade

Dartmouth Elementary School
Eliana Jones, 1st grade
Faith Cervantes, 2nd grade
Fatimatou Balde, 3rd grade
Zakary Hoenshell, 4th grade
McKenzie Lyninger, 5th grade

East Middle School
Issac Osei, 6th grade
Courtney Wilborn, 7th grade
Arlet Munoz, 8th grade

Edna & John W. Mosley P-8
Adriel Yoshimura, 1st grade
Mikell Givan, 2nd grade
Yahaira Cadena Galaviz, 3rd grade
Alivia Hunley, 4th grad
Dominic Varela, 5th grade
Yoselin De La Torre-Perez, 6th grade
Bre'nae Thomas, 7th grade
Sierra Shake, 8th grade

Elkhart Elementary School
Yasira Hernandez, 1st grade
Joseph Hernandez Chable, 2nd grade
Melany Rios, 3rd grade
Daniela Lupercio, 4th grade
Hai Ling Zhang, 5th grade

Fletcher Commununity School
Josiah Clark, 1st grade
Alexandra Fuentes, 2nd grade
Esmeralda Arteaga Hernandez, 3rd grade
Brian Montiel, 4th grade
Alexa Ramos Santos. 5th grade

Fulton Academy of Excellence
Kohn Sorn, 1st grade
Ashley Vera Garcia, 2nd grade
Emma Warnick, 3rd grade
Kevin Salas, 4th grade
Diego Ruelas, 5th grade

Gateway High School
Estrella Soto Salas, 9th grade
Kameran Howard Parrish, 10th grade
Michkaleke Baker, 11th grade
Maria Aguero Marroquin, 12th grade

Global Village Academy
Anna "Belen" Arana, 1st grade
Max Joslin, 2nd grade
Zane Tindell, 3rd grade
Mauricio Luevano, 4th grade
Sakari Mackey, 5th grade
Andre Osuchukwu, 6th grade
Dayanira Gallegos, 7th grade
Yasab Zurisadai Salvatierra, 8th grade

Hinkley High School
Dorian James Fox, 9th grade
Kasizn Kasheem Smith, 10th grade
Kimberly Noemi Munoz Murillo, 11th grade
Maryan Issack, 12th grade

Iowa Elementary School
Moise Daou, 1st grade
Mi'Kell Smith, 2nd grade
Adam El Oudni, 3rd grade
Andrew Villamil, 4th grade
Haylie Martin, 5th grade

Jewell Elementary School
Andalyn Heller, 1st grade
Maximiliano Hernandez, 2nd grade
Jarvis Murray, 3rd grade
Timothy Austin, 4th grade
Erman Adam, 5th grade

Kenton Elementary School
Benjamin Andrade, 1st grade
Alexa Hernandez Ibarra, 2nd grade
Gabriel Macias Herrera, 3rd grade
Asael Sarinana, 4th grade
Marco Castillo Delgado, 5th grade

Lansing Elementary School
Diego Tenorio Sanchez, 1st grade
Adrienne Ortega, 2nd grade
Amira Ouazrane, 3rd grade
Eva Sanchez, 4th grade
Haiden Ortega, 5th grade

Laredo Elementary School
Brandon Johnson, Jr., 1st grade
Naomi Tamajong, 2nd grade
Luis Banuelos Moreno, 3rd grade
Desire Arreola, 4th grade
Joshua Virvez, 5th grade

Lotus School for Excellence
Laziza Allayorova, 1st grade
Malakhi Freeman, 2nd grade
Ryan Okolie, 3rd grade
Hafeezat Ghaffar, 4th grade
Melgen Burciaga Buhaya, 5th grade
Demir Mikulin, 6th grade
Nour El Houda Goucem, 7th grade
Hermon Beluts, 8th grade
Peniel Ansah, 9th grade
Francisco Pina Pasillas, 10th grade
Naliya Noonnak-Sanitkhum, 11th grade
Huda Hussain, 12th grade

Lyn Knoll Elementary School
Kyven Rodriguez, 1st grade
Adrian Lara, 2nd grade
Cadence Paul, 3rd grad
Jonathan Narvaez, 4th grade
Levi Wilson-Kistner, 5th grade

Mrachek Middle School
Abdul Taj, 6th grade
Bayan Al Shaer, 7th grade
Marial Navarro Corona, 8th grade

Murphy Creek P-8
Kai Tercero, 1st grade
Levi Sargent, 2nd grade
Brooklynn Colbert, 3rd grade
Emery Bender, 4th grade
Tristin Danielson, 5th grade
Brenda Flores-Gonzalez, 6th grade
Ashley Fontes, 7th grade
Marbella Romero-Soto, 8th grade

Montview Math & Health Sciences Elementary School
Gabriel Sebastian Lopez, 1st grade
Patricia Martinez, 2nd grade
Evelyn Castellano, 3rd grade
Jade Wood, 4th grade
Alejandra Quiroz Covarrubias, 5th grade

North Middle School
Christian Carrillo, 6th grade
Jacqueline Chacon, 7th grade
Daisy Chavez, 8th grade

Paris Elementary School
Uriel Ortiz Romero, 1st grade
Diana Urbina Matamoros 2nd grade
Haly Rodarte Vasquez, 3rd grade
Branden Bonilla, 4th grade
Carol Jean Logan, 5th grade

Park Lane Elementary School
Aiden Miranda, 1st grade
Samantha Pacheco, 2nd grade
Savanna Yarbrough, 3rd grade
Yadira De Leon, 4th grade
Yazmin Chavez, 5th grade

Peoria Elementary School
Michael Fierro, Jr., 1st grade
Ellary Larson, 2nd grade
Jesus Garcia, 3rd grade
Hadasa Burgos, 4th grade
Saul Garcia, 5th grade

Rangeview High School
Ryan Slocum, 9th grade
Donovan Strouse, 10th grade
Connor Rodenbeck, 11th grade
Milad Husayni, 12th grade

Sable Elementary School
Alex Miranda Sanchez, 1st grade
Josias Biniam Bekele, 2nd grade
Amy Rachelle Orozco, 3rd grade
Psalm Niya Akiang Jackson, 4th grade
Ryan Joseph Bieber, 5th grade

Side Creek Elementary School
Ingrid Garcia-Fonseca, 1st grade
Mia Orozco, 2nd grade
Tatiana Holguin, 3rd grade
Evalise Zuniga, 4th grade
Adelle Hazelhurst, 5th grade

Sixth Avenue Elementary School
Savanna Rogers, 1st grade
Seleah Reeves-Miller, 2nd grade
Zelise Stewart, 3rd grade
Aiden Petty, 4th grade
Mia Segura Ruizesparza, 5th grade

South Middle School
Afsaneh Fagherzadah, 6th grade
Brandon Moreno Serrano, 7th grade
Alejandro Estrada, 8th grade

Tollgate Elementary School
Maya Gray, 1st grade
Alanis Cruz, 2nd grade
Elaf Al-Nuami, 3rd grade
Daniela Flores, 4th grade
Ikram Chichou, 5th grade

Vanguard Classical School - East Campus
Azlaan Ali, 1st grade
Kenley Martinez, 2nd grade
Ellis Cook, 3rd grade
Darcy Allshouse, 4th grade
Daelyn Bingham, 5th grade
Dennis Ancheta, 6th grade
Isabella Walsh, 7th grade
Bonsitu Kebeto, 8th grade
Eneida Solis, 9th grade
Mikias Mengistu, 10th grade
Keith Mlinek, Jr. 11th grade
Nikole Holtz, 12th grade

Vanguard Classical School - West Campus
Melany Gutierrez, 1st grade
Genesis Landa-Posas, 2nd grade
Cristal Parra-Ruiz, 3rd grade
Yaretzi Bustillos Rodriguez, 4th grade
Lorenzo Carpio, 5th grade
Zita Kinney, 6th grade
Asanti Michell, 7th grade
Jessica Hernandez Solis, 8th grade

Vassar Elementary School
Mia Stanton, 1st grade
Ethan Hodges, 2nd grade
Kaeden Labelle, 3rd grade
Matthew Prudek, 4th
Daniela Alvarez, 5th grade

Vaughn Elementary School
Triana Torres-Ramirez, 1st grade
Saung Zin, 2nd grade
Su Myat Khine, 3rd grade
Eunice Briones, 4th grade
Kassandra Herrera, 5th grade

Virginia Court Elementary School
Aubruanna Kuntz, 1st grade
Zamzam Mohamed, 2nd grade
Duong Do, 3rd grade
Anneliese Nevarez, 4th grade
Karamba Diaby, 5th grade

Vista PEAK Exploratory P-8
Makena Hieb, 1st grade
Serena Hakim, 2nd grade
Dimpna Castaneda, 3rd grade
Aniya Turner, 4th grade
Jordan Loria, 5th grade
Nathan Gutierrez, 6th grade
Annabelle Gray, 7th grade
Ben Spengler, 8th grade

Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12
Keyshawn Grigsby, 9th grade
Tachina Cruz, 10th grade
Patricia Ruiz, 11th grade
Amanda Farrar, 12th grade

Wheeling Elementary School
Soraya Rebeles Martinez, 1st grade
Hunter Martinez, 2nd grade
Aaron Griffin, 3rd grade
Theresa Amouzou, 4th grade
Vincent Lucero, 5th grade

William Smith High School
Azucena Hernandez, 9th grade
Jackeline Montes, 10th grade
Gilbert Maldonado, 11th grade
Maurice Hawes, 12th grade

Yale Elementary School
Kimberly Castro, 1st grade
Ashley Romero Zelaya, 2nd grade
Josiah Seyoum, 3rd grade
Luis Blanco, 4th grade
Layla Goshorn, 5th grade

The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services department presented multiple Aurora Public Schools with the HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms award!

Congratulations to staff members at the following schools for changing their nutrition environment, improving the quality of the foods they serve and enhancing their physical activity programs:

- Arkansas Elementary School (Bronze)
- Boston K-8 (Bronze)
- Clyde Miller P-8 (Silver)
- Crawford Elementary School (Bronze)
- Elkhart Elementary School (Bronze)
- Iowa Elementary School (Silver)
- Kenton Elementary School (Silver)
- Laredo Elementary School (Silver)
- Montview Elementary School (Silver)
- Paris Elementary School (Silver)
- Park Lane Elementary School (Bronze)
- Peoria Elementary School (Bronze)
- Sable Elementary School (Bronze)
- Side Creek Elementary School (Bronze)
- Tollgate Elementary School (Silver)
- Vassar Elementary School (Bronze)

In honor of their achievement, each school received a plaque, certificate, banner and monetary incentive award. Bronze award winners earned $500 and silver award winners earned $1,000.

The schools will hold their “Smarter Lunchroom” titles until 2021.

In APS, we believe student achievement and growth are driven by a highly-effective and respected staff working as a team. We commend staff members at each “Smarter Lunchroom” school for providing students with quality nutrition that helps them remain ready and able to learn.

Aurora Public Schools is excited to start the 2017-18 school year off on a high note with our 10th annual Back to School Kickoff! APS students and families will receive free goodies, food and entertainment. This is an event you won’t want to miss.

Join us Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Town Center at Aurora.

Free backpacks and school supplies will be provided to APS students while supplies last. The event is also a great opportunity to meet school staff, explore tons of resources and register your child for school.

Low or no-cost immunizations will be available for children two months to 18 years old. Please be sure to bring your child’s shot records.

Holding strong to the belief that families are our partners in education, we can’t wait to connect with families from every school across the district.

We hope to see you there!

Please note that the first day of school for most students in grades 6-12 is on Aug. 8. The first day of school for most students in grades 1-5 is Aug. 10. Preschool and kindergarten students start school on Aug. 14. Please contact your child’s school regarding the exact start date.

• View district and school calendars for 2017-18.

It’s almost time for students to return to school for the 2017-18 school year!

The first day of school for most students in grades 6-12 is Aug. 8. The first day of school for most students in grades 1-5 is Aug. 10. Preschool and kindergarten students start school on Aug. 14.

Please contact your child’s school regarding the exact start date.

• View individual school calendars.
• View individual school start and end times.

The Aurora Mental Health Center recently held its annual student art contest and show, bringing the community together for the 11th year. The creative talents of students were highlighted through this event.

Students from 28 schools and educational organizations submitted their best art pieces representing this years’ theme: What Warms Your Heart or Makes You Smile? Prizes were awarded to students in various categories.

Of the 11 winning students, four were honored from Aurora Public Schools for their highly creative art pieces. Additionally, two APS students earned the Director’s Choice Award, selected by Executive Director Randy Stith of the Aurora Mental Health Center.

Thank you Aurora Mental Health Center for bringing the community together and showcasing the wonderful talents of our students. We greatly value partnerships such as yours.

Congratulations to the following APS students:

Grades 7-8 

1^st place: Noemi Lacunza, Mrachek Middle School, for Appreciating Life

Grades 9-12      

1^st place: Kristina Khuu, Hinkley High School, for Her Hidden Strength

Photography     

1^st place: Hernan Arellano, Aurora Central High School, for Bee of the Flower

2^nd place: Manuela Vidales Pasillas, Aurora Central High School, for Flowers of Relief

Director’s Choice Awards

Grades K-3: 

Annabel Jones, Vassar Elementary School, for My Toy Store

Grades 4-6: 

Amira Grace Pinnt, AXL Academy, for Look Inside Yourself

The Colorado Department of Education recently recognized seven APS schools with its annual academic recognition awards. 

“We are proud to be a district of momentum where our students, staff and families are being recognized for growth and continuous improvement. Year over year, APS is making significant gains and we are excited to build on our momentum with these top awards from the Colorado Department of Education.” - Superintendent Rico Munn

Congratulations to the staff and students at the following schools.

2017 Centers of Excellence Award

The CDE distributes this award to schools with the highest rates of student academic growth, as measured by the Colorado Growth Model, and a student population that is at least 75 percent at risk.

• East Middle School
• Elkhart Elementary School
• Fulton Academy of Excellence
• Laredo Elementary School
• Vassar Elementary School

Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award

This award is presented to schools that demonstrate exceptional student growth by exceeding expectations related to longitudinal academic growth and by meeting or exceeding expectations related to academic growth gaps.

• Dartmouth Elementary School

 John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award

CDE awards this distinction to schools that demonstrate excellent academic achievement by exceeding expectations on the academic achievement indicator and by meeting or exceeding expectations related to academic growth gaps.

• Aurora Quest K-8

The City of Aurora recently held a ceremony to recognize hundreds of Aurora Public Schools students as "Aurora Scholars” for the positive contributions they have made in their communities and schools. The annual event, now in its ninth year, was created to bring city officials, school district staff and families together to honor the achievements of Aurora’s future leaders.

One teacher-nominated student from each grade level (first through 12th) at every school in Aurora was recognized. Students received certificates and gifts donated by the community.

In APS, we believe every student has unique abilities that we must recognize and engage. Congratulations to the 2018 APS Aurora Scholars listed below for being incredible students!

Aurora Public Schools is excited to host our 11th annual Back to School Kickoff to celebrate the beginning of the 2018-19 school year! APS students and families will receive free goodies, food and entertainment. This is an event you won’t want to miss.

Join us Saturday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Town Center at Aurora.

Free backpacks and school supplies will be provided to APS students while supplies last. The event is also a great opportunity to meet school staff, explore tons of resources and register your child for school.

Low- or no-cost immunizations will be available for children two months to 18 years old. Please be sure to bring your child’s shot records.

We are looking for volunteers to help from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.! If you are interested in supporting this important event and sharing in the fun, please contact Barbara Chapman at  bgchapman@aurorak12.org or 303.365.5819 ext. 28948.

Holding strong to the belief that families are our partners in education, we can’t wait to connect with families from every school across the district.

We hope to see you there!

Please note that the first day of school for most students in grades 6-12 is on Aug. 7. The first day of school for most students in grades 1-5 is Aug. 9. Preschool and kindergarten students start school on Aug. 13. Please contact your child’s school regarding the exact start date.

• View district and school calendars for 2018-19.

Aurora Public Schools is a district of momentum, opportunity and impact. As we build on our momentum, we have an exciting opportunity to look to the future together. All of us want to ensure that our students have the educational opportunities and school facilities necessary to shape successful futures. We also recognize that Aurora is changing and growing in a way that will impact our schools and community.

It’s going to take all of us putting together great ideas to imagine and design our new comprehensive, long-term educational and facilities plan: Blueprint APS.

As part of the initial development of Blueprint APS, we are excited to hear the voices of our students, families, staff and community members as we think about the opportunities our schools and district should provide. Please join us at one of our Blueprint APS Community Forums listed below:

Wednesday, Sept. 5
4:30 p.m.
Gateway High School
1300 South Sable Blvd.
Aurora 80012

Thursday, Sept. 6
6 p.m.
Vista PEAK Preparatory
24500 E. 6th Ave.
Aurora 80018

Saturday, Sept. 15
10 a.m.
Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
10100 E. 13th Ave.
Aurora 80010

Monday, Sept. 17
6 p.m.
Mrachek Middle School
1955 S. Telluride St.
Aurora 80013

Childcare for children toilet-trained and older will be available. Younger children who are not yet toilet-trained are welcome to attend the forums with their families. Older children are encouraged to participate in the forums. 

Language services will be provided. If you require interpretation in a language other than Spanish, please call 303-365-7805.

To learn more about Blueprint APS, visit aurorak12.org/blueprint. Beginning late next week, you may also provide input via an online survey. If you are unable to attend a community forum, please be sure to complete the survey before Sept. 24.

All registered voters who reside in the APS district will have a chance to vote on ballot measure 5A to fund safety and educational programs in Aurora Public Schools. If approved, ballot measure 5A, a mill levy override, will provide $35 million annually to invest in key areas that support student health, safety and learning. The mill levy would cost APS homeowners about $8 per month for every $100,000 of home value.

Registered voters can send in a mail-in ballot or vote at a polling center on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6. Voter registration can be completed online at GoVoteColorado.com or at the Adams or Arapahoe county clerk’s office by Oct.  29. After this date, you can still register and vote in person at a voter service and polling center.

To learn more about ballot measure 5A, visit aurorak12.org/mill-levy.

Aurora Public Schools is developing conventional school calendars for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. As part of the APS 2020: Shaping the Future strategic plan, APS is proposing calendars that will help every student shape a successful future.

A committee made up of parents, teachers and other APS staff members has been formed to develop calendar scenarios to present to the public for feedback. Parents, staff and community members are invited to attend either of the open houses listed below to provide input on the calendar scenarios.Not able to attend? You may view the scenarios online and take the online survey by Nov. 19!

The committee will use feedback to develop a draft calendar for the next two school years. The Board will review the 2019-20 and 2020-21 proposed calendars on Jan. 8 and will likely make a final decision on Jan. 22.

Please check with your child’s school as individual school calendars may vary.

We are pleased that Aurora voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Measure 5A, a $35 million mill levy that will support student health, safety and learning.

The mill levy will ensure student success by investing in the following key areas:

• Expanding staff and training dedicated to student mental health
• Increasing pay to recruit and retain high quality teachers
• Expanding after-school learning programs for K-5 elementary students
• Adding seat belts on school buses

We are grateful to our community for their continued support to ensure that every student shapes a successful future. 

Please visit our mill levy page to learn more about the 2018 mill levy. 

Read the full message about passage of the Mill Levy Override from Superintendent Rico Munn.

Lights! Camera! Action!

A day-long theatre festival recently highlighted the incredible talents of our gifted students. The event – which celebrates the performing arts – brought their dramatic talents center stage.

The APS Theater Festival brought together more than 60 students from across the district. Students prepared solo-pieces, participated in interviews about themselves and their characters, and performed together in an improvisational game.

“It was a lot of fun and it was a great way to meet other kids who have similar interests,” said Vista PEAK Preparatory Sophomore Kennedy Isaac. “Performing allows you to express yourself and escape from whatever is going on in your life.”

While some students plan to pursue careers in the performing arts, others simply embrace the stage as a creative outlet. In both cases, students gain important skills that help them implement their plans for the future.

"All of our students sounded amazing and looked fantastic in every step and every number they performed,” said APS Gifted and Talented teacher Whitney Allen. “Our group performers worked together seamlessly, complementing each other and bringing out the best in everyone. They were fantastic from start to finish."

“We are seeing students really resonate in their talent areas because it’s all rooted in their passions,” said APS Gifted and Talented Coordinator Carol Dallas. “Their passions will drive them to shape successful futures.”

APS identifies gifted and high potential students not only in traditional academic areas, but also in visual arts, performing arts, music and dance as well as creative thinking and leadership. Our gifted and talented programming has been recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative and inclusive programs in the country. To learn more, visit aurorak12.org/gifted.


Spotlight on Gifted and Talented: Did you know?

• Every APS school offers gifted and talented educational opportunities.
• Aurora Quest K-8 is APS’ gifted and talented magnet school. It consistently ranks as one of the top-performing schools in Colorado.
• APS serves over 1,700 gifted and talented students.
  
  
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The City of Aurora recently held a ceremony to recognize hundreds of Aurora Public Schools students as "Aurora Scholars” for the positive contributions they have made in their communities and schools. The annual event, now in its tenth year, was created to bring city officials, school district staff and families together to honor the achievements of Aurora’s future leaders.

One teacher-nominated student from each grade level (first through 12th) at every school in Aurora was recognized. Students received certificates and gifts donated by the community.

Congratulations to the 2019 APS Aurora Scholars listed below for being spectacular students!

In a matter of days, students, families and staff will begin a new school year in Aurora Public Schools. For most schools, the first day of school is Aug. 6 for grades 1-12. Preschool and kindergarten students start school on Aug. 12.

Please contact your child’s school regarding the exact start date.

Below are a few highlights for the upcoming 2019-20 school year:

• First Days of School: Students in grades 1-12 will have a simultaneous start on Aug. 6. As we have done in the past, preschool and kindergarten students will start school the following week on Aug. 12.
• Full-Day Professional Release: APS eliminated the half-day student early release to ensure uninterrupted learning. There are now five full professional release days held Sept. 27, Oct. 21, Dec. 6, Jan. 6 and Feb. 28, in addition to the district in-service day on Jan. 31.
• Fall Break: APS will continue to have a full-week Fall Break held Oct. 14-18 with Oct. 11 and 21 slated as student non-contact days. It occurs at the end of first quarter to ensure uninterrupted learning.
• Thanksgiving Break: APS will maintain a three-day Thanksgiving Break for students. It will be held Nov. 28-29 with Nov. 27 slated as a student non-contact day.
• Winter Break: APS will continue to hold Winter Break at the end of December and the beginning of January. It will be held Dec. 23 through Jan. 3 with Dec. 20 and Jan. 6 slated as student non-contact days.
• Spring Break: APS moved Spring Break from the last week of March to the third week of March. It will be held March 16-20.

Another summer vacation has come and gone, and for the students of Aurora Public Schools, the new school year began with smiles all around.

Hundreds of community members, representing many businesses and organizations across Aurora, have been helping us greet students and offer them a warm welcome. We thank all of our volunteers for taking time out of their busy schedules to connect with our students.

We would like to welcome more than 40,000 students back to school and look forward to yet another wonderful year of accelerating learning for every APS student, every day.

Story excerpt:

"When students in Aurora Public Schools (APS) head back to class on Tuesday morning, many of them will notice changes to their school buildings. All summer, crews have been working on various projects paid for through a $300 million bond voters approved in 2016.

'We have capacity projects, we have repair projects, and one of the biggest needs in schools is mechanical repairs,' said Amy Spatz, director of construction management and support for APS.

At Hinkley High School, students will start class amid ongoing construction on a new addition. The addition will bring eight new classrooms, space for STEM and bio-tech labs, and a new enclosed courtyard area. Hinkley, one of the district’s smaller high schools, will now have increased capacity for about 2,000 students."

• Watch the Denver7 story

Story excerpt:

"What's the fun of going back to class if you can't have one more party?

Nearly 20,000 people came out for Aurora Public Schools' 12th annual Back to School Kickoff. Students, families and APS staff hit the Town Center at Aurora for live music, free food and fun.

But here's the best part - 4,500 backpacks and school supplies were given away. This event is designed to be a celebration and get students excited to head back to class. But it's also a great chance for the APS community to come together."

• Watch the AuroraTV story (story starts at 7:14)

Latest SBHC Newsletter

Flu Season is Here! Learn How to Protect Your Child

Every year thousands of children contract the flu. Illness can last 3-7 days and cause multiple days of being out of school. In more severe cases, hospitalization and even death can occur. Prevention is the best method to avoid the flu. Cleaning surfaces and toys, plus regular hand washing are great methods. However, children are more likely to avoid becoming ill and are able to remain school if they receive a flu shot. The School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) of APS are here to provide access to this preventative care for all students and their siblings. APS has four SBHCs with a variety of days and operating hours available. Please contact any SBHC to schedule an appointment for your flu shot today! 

• Learn more.

Download the Kids Clinic flier in English and Spanish.
Descarga el folleto Clínica Kids en Español y Inglés.

Thanks to Aurora voters who passed the APS 2018 mill levy override, we are expanding our after-school system! We are excited to increase the number of students in grades K-5 who have access to safe spaces after school during the 2019-20 school year and beyond.

To ensure the new system meets the needs of our students, families and schools, we ask that the Aurora community participate in our After-School Program Expansion Survey. The survey will help us understand our community’s vision, goals, needs, and perceptions of after-school programming in APS.

The survey is available to all members of our community, including:

• Parents or family members with APS students in grades K–5
• After-school program directors (the Executive Directors/CEOs/leaders of after-school providers)
• After-school site coordinators (those who manage an after-school program/site)
• School principals
• Community members (anyone who was not identified previously in this list, including parents of non-APS K-5 students, after-school staff, APS central office staff, business leaders and more)

Please share with your networks!
It is essential that we hear from as many of our community members as possible, even if they are not directly involved in the new after-school system. Each response will inform us about how programs are currently operating, how they can improve, and how APS can continue to support after-school programming.

• Take the APS After-School Program Expansion Survey (English)
• To take the survey in languages other than English, please click on your desired language below:

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