School is back in session. The hustle and bustle of the Holidays is over. The quiet cold of January has set in, with the promise of spring right around the corner. As 2008 dawns, we look forward to the challenges of a New Year, along with the promise of many great things to come.

Town Hall Meetings

The Board of Education, along with Superintendent Barry, continued our tradition of Town Hall Meetings with our community in November. These meetings are open to any and all member of the community and provide a great opportunity for you to have your questions answered on just about any aspect of the Aurora Public Schools. Please visit the Board of Education web page for information on upcoming town halls.

http://www.aps.k12.co.us/boe . 

Two for One

The entire Board of Education was on hand to witness the signing of a new agreement between APS and the Community College of Aurora to allow more high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students will be able to take classes at the CCA campus and from adjunct college professors at their home high school. The Board looks forward to the day in the near future when our graduates will simultaneously be able to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Interested parents and students should contact their guidance counselor or principal for more information.

Let’s put on a Show!

The arts are alive and well in Aurora Public Schools. Our schools offer parents the opportunity at hear thrilling vocal and instrumental music, along with top quality dramatic and musical productions. Dedicated staff and students put countless hours into the pursuit of their art. The hard work pays off as Aurora Public Schools continue to offer some of the best performances to be found anywhere. Please visit the Aurora Public School web page where our calendar lists upcoming events.

http://www.aps.k12.co.us .

What is in a name?

The Board of Education recognized the many years of service to Aurora Public School by Dr. Ed Lord and Mrs. Patrica Lord by renaming the board chambers in their honor. The Lords have 30 years of combined service on the Board of Education. A beautiful new plaque outside of the chambers highlights the Lord’s work on the Board of Education. The Board also honored out-going Board members Susan Tabachek and Debbie Barton.

Pilot Schools Take Off

The Board of Education along with the Aurora Education Associate gave final approval for our “Pilot School” program. So what may you ask is a Pilot School? Well we won’t be training the next generations or airline pilots. Pilot schools offer staff and administrators at a particular school the opportunity to explore new ideas and methods of educating students. These schools have been highly successful in other school districts, most notably in the Boston Public Schools. This is another example of the Aurora Public Schools doing all we can to make sure every student is able to grow and learn to their full potential. For more information please visit http://www.aps.k12.co.us/schools/pilot .

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

The Board of Education usually meets the first and third Tuesday of each month. Time is set aside at the beginning and end of each meeting for the public to address the Board. If you have issues, questions, or concerns, please join us at one of the meetings. For the complete schedule of Board of Education meetings, go to http://www.aps.k12.co.us/boe/calendar.html or contact the Aurora Public Schools at 303-344-8060 ext. 28988.

Look for the third quarter update from the Board of Education in March 2008.

Sincerely,
Matt Cook
President
Aurora Public Schools
Board of Education