2015 School Supply Drive 
As the school year comes to an end and summer begins, please remember that the DCEF will be working on the 2015 Douglas County School Supply Donation and Distribution program. As we begin our 7th year of providing supplies, we are projecting the need will be sizable, serving up up to 1,000 children. This program would not be possible without the generous support of the many organizations and individuals in Douglas County, and beyond. Please go to our website for information, to make a donation or to learn about volunteer opportunities; or call 303-387-0504.
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Chapter Workshops Recap
Last month DCEF held a series of Chapter Trainings for new and incoming Chapter officers. Meetings were held at Douglas County H.S., Sand Creek Elementary, Chaparral H.S., and at the District's Administration Building.
DCEF Finance Manager, Alyson Plummer, and Bookkeeper, Vivian Halberg, walked through the roles and responsibilities of the Chapter treasurers and requirements of the Chapters themselves. Their presentations went through an array of services DCEF provides including bookkeeping, credit card processing, e-commerce, insurance coverage for property and liability issues and coverage for Chapter officers. In addition to these services, Chapters also operate under DCEF's 501(c)(3) status making them tax exempt.
"It's really good to be in front of the Chapters -- especially the new officers. There's a great deal of institutional knowledge on deposit with the Foundation and we enjoy being able to pass that on as officers come and go over the years," said Plummer.
DCEF Executive Director, Jason Christensen, also spoke at the Chapter meeting regarding a soon-to-be implemented dues structure for the Chapters. With an increase in the number of Chapters (up 50% in the last three years) and an increase in insurance premiums, DCEF's ability to provide services to the Chapters for free is no longer possible. Beginning in Academic Year 2015-16, Chapters will be assessed 1.5% of their annual revenue to help cover a portion of the administrative costs absorbed by the Foundation.
"This was not a decision we took lightly; however, the current model was not sustainable and it was a tough decision that needed to be made ," said Christensen who explained dues assessments would cover about $70,000 of the $83,000 in costs affiliated with Chapter-related work.
The slide presentation is now available on our website.
DCEF Executive Director, Jason Christensen, is also available to visit your Chapter to answer any questions they may have.
Every year the DCEF likes to get a summary of what our Chapters are doing to raise money and support their school. Please fill out this short report so we can track data to better serve our Chapters.
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Congratulations! 
And HIGH FIVE to Aaron Long of Douglas County High School! Aaron is this year's winner of the "For Rent by Owner Scholarship for the Physical and Life Sciences". Applicants submit an 600 word essay on the question: "How do you envision yourself contributing to the physical and life sciences in the future?" Aaron will be attending Notre Dame in the fall.
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Partner Spotlight: JDW Cotillion
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Lesley Gibson presents check to Jason Christensen for the DCEF's
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For the third year in a row, JDW Cotillion partnered with DCEF to give students instruction on social skills and to raise monies for local schools and DCEF's "Fill the Gap" Fund.
Earlier this year Lesley Gibson, Chair of Douglas County Cotillions, announced JDWC would donate $5 to DCEF for each student enrolled and an additional $5 for each participating student's school. "This is a wonderful service JDW Cotillions provides for our young people and for our district. Classrooms will not only benefit from having students who understand the importance of social skills and etiquette, they'll also benefit from the charitable dollars going for new equipment and technology," said DCEF Executive Director, Jason Christensen. In addition to their charitable giving, JDW Cotillion provides discounts for District employees and scholarships for students in need. For more information, please visit www.cotillion.com. |
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Spring 2015 Career Connect
Thank you to the 33 companies and organizations that hosted our Career Connect sessions for the District's high school students this year. Close to 250 students participated, with the average student attending two of the 36 career exploration sessions held during the month of April.
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Students learn to make pasta by hand at the "Culinary Apprenticeships" session hosted by the American Culinary Federation at Metro State last month.
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Board Member Spotlight
Occupation: General Manager, Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA)
Member since: September 2013. Also serves as Board Secretary
Hobbies: Biking, hiking, oil painting, grandchildren.
DCEF: What do you like most about the Douglas County School District?
Patrick: The District has moved toward a more business-like model of education, in which market realities and the development and use of metrics to measure performance are valued.
DCEF: Why did you join the Board of Trustees?
Patrick: To help the Foundation achieve its potential to raise funds, assist teachers and students, and connect with the community it serves.
DCEF: What do you hope to see the Foundation accomplish in the next ten (10) years?
Patrick: Establish enduring connections with business and community leaders within the county, with the shared goal of working together to assist the School District in its efforts to provide new opportunities to students.
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Final 2014-15
Community Events!
Colorado Rockies Community Day
Come on out and enjoy the Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on Sunday, May 24 at 2:10 p.m. Purchase tickets here. Elitch Gardens
Community Days
Students, parents, staff and community members can enjoy fun-filled days including 54 rides and attractions on Fri., June 5, Sat., June 6 or Sunday, June 7. Purchase tickets here. Look out for these events coming in 2015-16!
Saturday, Sept. 19, 5:00 p.m.
CU Buffs vs. CSU
Community Event Sports Authority Field Sunday, Oct. 4, 5:00 p.m. Colorado Rapids
Community Night Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Thursday, Dec. 3 and
Tuesday, Dec. 8
"A Christmas Carol"
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Always popular, community events with the Avalanche, Nuggets and Mammoth continue...and more!
Visit our website for more community event information as it becomes available!
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Treasurer's
Tips
The school year is quickly coming to an end... please remember to get all of your pay vouchers in to us by mid June (remind your parents to get their reimbursement requests in NOW) and make sure all deposits for FY15 are made no later than June 30. The final check run for FY15 will be June 29!
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