1/12/16
From the Director
Let the construction begin! The PCK Board of Directors is moving forward with plans to build a 10,000 sq. ft. detached addition on the South side of our back field. The new building will feature a second gym (hopefully with a wood floor), six full size classrooms, a small classroom or meeting room, and other amenities…including bathrooms with access from both inside and outside the building. During Monday night’s State of the School address, Board President Keri Dermer laid out the Boards thought process leading up to this strategic decision. Keri discussed the many and varied options the Board considered before finally landing on the current solution to our space-constrained facility needs. The new one story building will provide valuable relief for our Specials classes, after school sporting events and PE classes, and go a long way towards reducing our lunchtime travel factor. Architectural renditions of the new building are on display in the main lobby area of the school, and construction is scheduled to begin later this month.
During the State of the School meeting, Keri Dermer also gave a summary of our school finances, including the results of our annual audit. I am happy to report that we are financially strong and stable. She also mentioned that this year our school charter is up for renewal.
Following Keri’s presentation on the State of the School, and before the detailed presentation by Nick Vuolo and Jeff Johnson on the new building, I spoke briefly about the State of Charter Schools in Douglas County. I encouraged all parents to pay close attention to DCSD Board of Education meetings, decisions, member elections/appointments, and communications about possible Bond and Mill Levy ballot measures (Fall 2017). We currently receive approximately $360K in Mill Levy proceeds annually, but as a charter school we do not share in the proceeds from any bonds passed in Douglas County. The Board of Education will need to decide in coming months whether or not to include charters, and to what degree, in future bond and/or Mill Levy proceeds. Should the district succeed in passing a new school bond measure or Mill Levy in November, we would hope to receive our pro rata share. To the extent the current Board of Education agrees, we will continue to maintain operations at our current level. Finally, I asked for parent volunteers who are willing to serve in a ‘watchdog’ capacity and monitor the discussions, motions and decisions of the DCSD Board of Education, and, if needed, to help organize parent support down the road to ensure equitable financing for charters. Once I have a small group of parent volunteers, I will schedule a meeting and get us organized. If you would like to help in this capacity, please send me a quick email at taplin@ckcs.net stating your interest. I hope to kick-off a group sometime later this month.
I am happy to close this summary of our State of the School meeting with the following comment: All is well at PCK, and we have exciting plans in the works for the future! We are a strong, dedicated team when we combine resources and work together in support of our school’s mission and vision! Thank you for partnering with us on this incredible educational journey.
17/18 School Calendar 
If the construction is delayed on the new building, the following calendar will be adopted Late Start due to Construction 17/18 Calendar (summer notification.)
In PCK’s Technology classes, we speak regularly with all grade levels about the importance of good digital citizenship. This includes responsible online activities, internet safety, technology care and maintenance, cyberbullying and online reputation. Middle school students will spend extra time going through these last two concepts, as they are emerging as their own individual online citizens at this age. PCK believes that it is very important for the students to understand the implications of cyberbullying. There is real trauma for those on the receiving end, and perpetrators will damage their futures by leading or participating in malicious online activities. We stress the importance of maintaining a limited, positive online reputation, and point them in the right direction for building a future on the internet.
DCEF Community Events
On Friday, June 2, Saturday, June 3 OR Sunday, June 4 the DCSD community can enjoy a fun-filled day of rides and attractions at Elitch Gardens for only $27.99 (reg. $49.99). *Purchase your ticket before 5/31 and receive a free return ticket to the park valid mid-August through mid-October!* Ticket ordering info will be available soon on our website.
PCK PTA Presents
Mother/Son 2017 Event
Parker Field House
18700 Plaza Drive
Sunday, January 22nd
11:00AM-2:00PM
Cost for : $10.00 per mother/son couple; $5.00 per additional child
Tickets must be purchased by January 20th through PTA Web Store
Admission Includes:
Flag Football (Advanced Sign-Up Required – see below)
Dodge Ball
Basketball/Knock Out
Board Games . . . . . AND MUCH MORE!!!
First Annual Mother/Son Flag Football Game!
Please contact Andrea Simmons to sign up! Spots will fill in fast! andreakir@yahoo.com
**Refreshments and Food will be available for purchase at the Parker Field House concession stand**
Hollywood Night Out
Father/Daughter Dance
Saturday, February 4th
6:30-8p.m.
PCK Gym
Tickets available now at PTA Webstore!
Notable Student
6th Annual Daniel Velasquez (4th) Stuffed Animal Collection 2017
Scholarship Opportunities
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers three of the largest national scholarship programs for high-achieving students with financial need. Students can apply to the foundation’s programs as 7th graders or during their senior year to receive academic and college counseling, financial support for academic and extracurricular enrichment, and access to a community of motivated peers. Learn how to apply to the $40,000 per year Cooke College Scholarship and other programs at: www.jkcf.org/apply