Aurora Public Schools' eighth-grade students might be ready to jump out into the real world. Really. Well, almost.

Recently, all eighth graders from across the district traveled to the Professional Learning and Conference Center for the third annual CareerTrek where they met and chatted with employers and universities about the possibilities awaiting them once their K-12 education ends.  APS staff in the Postsecondary Workforce Readiness department collaborated with businesses and higher education institutions to develop relevant topics and a variety of hands-on activities to support students’ understanding of careers while reiterating the real world relevance of 21st Century Skills.  

This year's theme, aptly titled Roadmap to Your Successful Future, proved exciting and engaging for attendees and aligned with the three goals of the APS strategic plan. CareerTrek exposes students to various career fields and supports the expectation that all students will have the plans, skills and credentials that they need upon graduation to shape a successful future.

Taking it a step further, organizers used racetrack decorations -- including a model race car -- throughout the venue to help students relate to the message. In addition to the more rigid programming, students also learned some of the basics, including how to tie a necktie and craft a resume. 

South Middle School students reflect on their experience at CareerTrek

"I thought it was fun because I went around to all of these jobs, and I actually want to do them." – George West

"I got to discover jobs that I didn't know were out there, so I got interested in other jobs." – Aaliyah Jones

"I found out that I was interested in things I didn't expect to be interested in." – Jacqueline Bernal

 

 

APS:

I am happy to report that APS voters approved ballot measure 3C, our $300 million bond. On behalf of our Board of Education, students, parents and staff, I would like to thank voters for their support. Our bond program will fund facility, technology and security improvements at every APS school and benefit every student.

We could not have accomplished this victory without the hard work of staff, parents and community members. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Aurora Citizens for Excellent Schools campaign committee, led by William Stuart and John Britz, for their dedication to the success of Aurora Public Schools.   

We are planning to schedule some projects to begin this school year, including the start of construction on our new Mrachek Middle School. For a full list of projects please visit: http://bond.aurorak12.org/projects/. As we move forward with projects, we will provide regular status updates to community members and staff. 

The APS bond program will make a difference at every school and help us in achieving our mission to increase academic achievement and opportunities for all students.

Thank you again for your support and dedication.

Rico Munn
Superintendent
Aurora Public Schools
303-365-7800

“My job is to accelerate learning for every APS student, every day.  I do my job by making sure we have the right people, doing the right work, with the right resources in the right way.  My community needs me to do my job.”

Thanks to the support of Aurora voters who approved a $300 million bond measure in November, Aurora Public Schools students will soon learn in improved school facilities.

The $300 million bond measure was based on the recommendations of the APS Long Range Facilities Advisory Committee (LRFAC), a group comprised of community members, parents, City of Aurora planning staff, and school and administrative staff. One of the APS 2020 core beliefs is that all students must have equitable access to learning opportunities, technology and environments that support them in reaching their full potential. With that in mind, bond projects will benefit every student and every school in APS.

The first major bond project of 2017 will be the Mrachek Middle School rebuild. Below, a few Mrachek students shared their thoughts and excitement about the new school.

Clockwise from top left: Willow Otte - 6th Grade Student, Amelia Barajas - 6th Grade Student, Alex Thomas - 7th Grade Student, Anthony Harris - 7th Grade Student

What do you think about Mrachek’s current school design?

Willow Otte: The layout of our current school is really confusing. I don’t like that I have to walk through other classrooms to get to my class.

Amelia Barajas: I don’t like that the sixth graders have to have class in the mobiles. It makes us feel disconnected from the rest of the school.

What are you most excited about for the new building?

Otte: Most kids are excited about the new gym. I’m most excited to have a locker and a bigger cafeteria.

Barajas: I’m excited about the new mascot. I grew up with the Knights and I don’t like it. My mom went to school at Mrachek and so did my sister and they were the Knights. It is time to update the mascot.

Alex Thomas: I am excited about the new design of the building.

Anthony Harris: I won’t actually get to attend the new Mrachek Middle School. But I’m most excited about the school having more space and a bigger cafeteria, so hopefully students won’t have to squish together to find a seat.

Aurora Public Schools is excited to see the APS 2020: Shaping the Future strategic plan coming to life across the district. Students, parents, staff and community members are going above and beyond to ensure APS students have the plans, skills and credentials they need to shape successful futures.

Each month, we celebrate great examples of this work in our P-20 Learning Communities. Following are highlights from Community E.

Dan Brassfield
Side Creek Elementary School parent Dan Brassfield (pictured right) is an incredible asset to the school. Mr. Brassfield volunteered every single week as a Watch D.O.G.S. dad during the first semester. He helped students gain reading, math and language skills.

Mr. Brassfield helped teach students teamwork, cooperation and social skills. He also organized football games for students during recess. He leaves a lasting impression on Side Creek students, staff, parents and community members.

Melissa Higgins
Murphy Creek P-8 seventh-grade math teacher Melissa Higgins piloted APS’ first middle school math program this year. She paired the digitally-based Pearson system with a Culture of Thinking.

What truly stands out is Ms. Higgins’ attitude during the whole process. She never balked at the extended hours she invested and was delighted to open her classroom to teachers and district leaders during learning walks.

Jessica Massie
Although Vassar Elementary School’s Community Corps Liaison Jessica Massie has only served in her role for two years, she has founded and facilitated various student programs. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, students can now enjoy a fitness club, a leadership and philanthropic club, connect with mentors and more.

In addition, Ms. Massie volunteers her time after school to lend a helping hand at school events and attends every PTO meeting. Outside of school, she volunteers in the community, raising funds and giving of her talents to help disadvantaged families.

Dr. Diardra Gascon
Mrachek Middle School STEM teacher Dr. Diardra Gascon is the glue that binds the Mrachek family. She makes it a point every day to truly connect with students. Dr. Gascon understands students’ unique abilities and is able to engage and challenge them.

She also pours the same amount of energy into building relationships among staff. She encourages her colleagues to embrace teamwork and create synergy to have a positive impact on student achievement. Dr. Gascon has helped foster a collaborative school culture that puts students’ needs first and encourages staff to support each other.

We thank each individual for making a difference in our students’ lives by dedicating their time, talents and resources.

Submitted by Paula Keyes Kun
SHAPE America

The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) recently announced that Clayton Ellis, a Mrachek Middle School health and physical education teacher, is the new SHAPE America Central District president. His one-year term started on March 17.

As Central District president, Ellis will provide leadership in conducting the business, programs and activities for the nine-state district, which includes Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Ellis has been with Aurora Public Schools for the past 17 years, teaching health and physical education at both the middle school and high school levels. He also has extensive experience coaching football, basketball, baseball, volleyball and swimming. He began his career 32 years ago in Houston, TX, teaching at the elementary school level.

A past president of SHAPE Colorado (formerly COAHPERD), Ellis has also served as the SHAPE America Nominations Committee chair and is currently past president of the Colorado Governor’s Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles. He has participated with Physical Best and served on the PE Metrics Task Force and President’s Youth Fitness Program Professional Development Task Force. He is also a champion trainer and a Let's Move! Active Schools physical activity leader trainer. Ellis is one of only seven individuals to have participated in all of SHAPE America’s SPEAK Out! Day advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

In 2009, Ellis was named COAHPERD High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year and in 2010, he was named both Central District and National High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. He also received the 2010 Aurora Sentinel Newspaper - Best Teacher Award, 2013 AAHPERD (now SHAPE America) Honor Award, 2014 SHAPE Colorado Honor Award, 2014 and 2015 SHAPE Colorado Presidential Citation Award, and the 2015 SHAPE America Central District Honor Award.

About SHAPE America

SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators is the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and our National Standards for K-12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country. We provide programs, resources and advocacy to support health and physical educators at every level, from preschool to university graduate programs.

SHAPE America has 50 state affiliates and is a founding partner of national initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, Let’s Move! Active Schools and the Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart programs. “50 Million Strong by 2029” is our commitment to empower all children to lead healthy and active lives through health and physical education programs. For more information, visit http://www.shapeamerica.org.

Thanks to the support of Aurora voters who approved a $300 million bond measure in November, students at Mrachek Middle School will soon learn in a new school. The new building will be funded in part by a $16
million Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant from the Colorado Department of Education. The remaining $24 million of the project costs will be paid from the APS bond funds.

Mrachek Middle School was constructed in 1975 with an open classroom concept design without windows and interior walls. The current design creates a noisy classroom environment and does not provide students with an optimal learning experience.

The new Mrachek Middle School will be a two-story 133,000-square foot building with separate learning communities for each grade level. The school plans were developed in consultation with a design advisory group that included parents, community members and school staff. The new school building will open in the fall of 2018 and serve up to 1,000 students.

APS will share regular updates with the community on bond projects, including on-time and on-budget status. For a full list of bond projects, please visit bond.aurorak12.org/projects.

To learn more about the Mrachek Middle School project, visit bond.aurorak12.org/mrachek.

Mrachek Proposed Building Interior Renderings

The APS Construction Management and Support Department has released the master project schedule and bond implementation timeline for the 2016 bond. The $300 million bond measure was approved by voters in November 2016.

Plans are underway for bond-funded construction projects at the below APS schools during spring 2017:

Mrachek Middle School:

Replacement Building

Vista Peak Preparatory:

Additions and Building Renewal

Vista PEAK Preparatory Building Addition

Did you know?

• The 2008 bond created approximately 1,584 local jobs during the seven years of the construction program. The 2016 bond will continue to support Aurora’s economic
• growth.
• The 2016 bond is funding $300 million in construction and technology improvements that will benefit every school in the district.
• Bond funds will provide technology improvements including new computers, computer network and telephone system upgrades and cutting-edge classroom technology.
• The Colorado Department of Education has awarded APS a Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant to partially fund the rebuilding of Mrachek Middle School, with bond funds covering the remaining cost.
• Bond projects support academic success because students learn best in modern, comfortable learning environments.
• Bond funds can only be used for capital construction or technology improvements. They cannot be used for any school district costs such as staffing, educational programs, materials or operations.

Plans are well underway for several bond-funded construction projects. Below are some of the projects starting this year:

• A new building for Mrachek Middle School
• Classroom additions at Vista PEAK Preparatory and Rangeview high schools
• Mechanical repairs at Aurora Central High School
• Site improvements at Side Creek Elementary School
• Security vestibules at multiple sites

In addition to construction projects, the bond is funding technology improvements including cyber security, data center upgrades and wireless network upgrades.

Thank you to Aurora voters for approving a $300 million bond measure in 2016. Bond funds will make improvements at every school and benefit every student. To learn more about APS bond projects visit bond.aurorak12.org.

Please join Aurora Public Schools to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Mrachek Middle School.

Wednesday, April 26 - 5 p.m.
Mrachek Middle School
1955 South Telluride St.
Aurora, CO 80013

We are grateful to our community for supporting the 2016 bond measure that made this construction project possible. In addition to bond funds, APS will receive a grant of up to $16 million toward the construction of the school from the Colorado Department of Education’s Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Program.

Bond funds will also make improvements at every school and benefit every student. To learn more about APS bond projects visit bond.aurorak12.org.

Aurora Public Schools is excited to host the 2017 Festival of the Arts at the Town Center at Aurora. This free event, which is open to the public now through April 22, features original works of art created by talented students from every school in the district!

During mall hours, we invite guests to browse the large collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. Be sure to stop by the art gallery on the upper level by JCPenney to see students’ amazing 3D pieces!

In addition to visual arts, guests can also enjoy the performing arts as students host a live performance. The showcase takes place Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lower-level by Dillard’s.

Thank you for supporting the arts!

In addition to the physical changes Mrachek Middle School will soon undergo, the school has embraced a few changes to its instructional practices and it’s paying off! Learn how the implementation of instructional rounds and educational equity is impacting student achievement across the school.

Mrachek assistant principal Colin Hynes and APS partner Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge recently co-authored a piece that was published HERE on MiddleWeb.com (an online resource hub for educators) to highlight the process and provide insight into this trailblazing work. Check it out!

Aurora Public Schools recently hosted the seventh annual Girls Technology Camp! This day-long event linked sixth-grade female students from across the district with one another to engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experiences.

In addition to sessions on coding, 3-D design and snap circuits, the girls enjoyed taking apart and reconstructing Netbooks. As an added treat, they had an opportunity to tinker with robots, a 3D printer and a green screen photo booth. Powerful women in STEM fields led the workshops and reminded students that females can do anything they put their minds to.

We thank the APS Information Technology and Educational Technology departments for organizing such a lively event to empower our girls! Students left energized and motivated to pursue STEM careers. Some students even earned Digital Badges, credentials that will bring them one step closer to their dreams.

More than 150 parents, staff and community members gathered recently to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Mrachek Middle School. 

During the celebration, Principal Michelle Davis unveiled a new logo and mascot for the school.  When the new building opens in the fall of 2018, students will be members of the Mrachek Middle School Titans community.

In November 2016, Aurora voters approved a $300 million bond program that includes funding to replace the existing school with a new building. In addition to bond funds, APS will receive a grant of up to $16 million toward the construction of Mrachek from the Colorado Department of Education's Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Program.

• Learn more about the new Mrachek building.
• Learn more about the 2016 Bond Program.

The Colorado Rockies and Aurora Public Schools Foundation invite students, families and staff to celebration the annual APS Appreciation Day at Coors Field this Sunday, May 7 at 1:10 p.m.!

Enjoy an exciting game as the Colorado Rockies face off with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Purchase discounted fundraiser tickets at rockies.com/APS.  

Students from Side Creek, Vassar, Montview and Iowa elementary schools are scheduled to sing the National Anthem.

Visit our Facebook event page to let your friends know you are attending!  Check out more Coors Field theme days at rockies.com/themedates.

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

Surprise! You are a published author and you are about to read your book to a classroom full of excited students before handing out signed copies.

This is what former Mrachek Middle School student Kai Aptidon experienced near the end of the 2016-17 school year. She had no idea that the short children’s story she wrote during her senior year at Rangeview High School would come to life that day in such a special way.

Her intent behind the story, titled Nigel’s Imagination Saves the Day, was to simply express her growing love for children, something she would read for her own enjoyment.

But her mother, Mrachek technology assistant Donna Aptidon, knew the story could have a bigger impact on youth. While Kai studies English and Creative Writing at the University of Colorado Boulder, Donna took it upon herself to self-publish the book.

“I wanted to do something that would continue to encourage Kai on her journey towards becoming a teacher,” she said.

To make it more captivating, Donna appointed Sydnee Masias, Mrachek dean's daughter, to provide colorful illustrations.  

Check out preview pages of the book HERE!  The story introduces a child named Nigel who has such a big imagination that he is often teased.  So he decides to watch television instead. One day, an astronaut appears out of the screen and takes Nigel on an adventure that's dependent on his imagination.

Aurora Public Schools is proud to see our core belief that every student has unique abilities we must recognize and engage demonstrated in such an amazing way.  We wish Kai the best in her pursuit to work with children!

Click to view slideshow.

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.

Exciting changes are taking place across Mrachek Middle School’s landscape! The new bond-funded replacement school is beginning to take shape as construction continued through the summer. The foundation has been poured and walls are starting to go up.

Mrachek’s new two-story design includes separate learning areas for each grade level and will create an optimal learning environment for students. The design for the 130,000-square foot building was created with input from parents, staff and community members working together to create a learning environment that helps students reach their full potential.

Check out the project’s progress in the video below!

Work at Mrachek will continue throughout the school year, with the new building expected to open to students in fall 2018. To learn more about APS bond projects, visit bond.aurorak12.org

Aurora Public Schools offers athletic programs for all middle and high school students. These programs include basketball, track and field, soccer, wrestling and more.

Participation in athletics is designed to promote school spirit, provide a healthy outlet for energy, improve student morale and increase community involvement and support.

If you are a high school student and would like to sign up for a fall sport, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to your high school’s athletics page
2. Click on “Register for Sports”
3. Create a profile
4. Pick your sport and fill in all of your information
5. All documents must be read and agreed to
6. Bring your current medical physical and participation fee to the athletic office
7. That’s it! You are registered for a fall sport!

If you are a middle school student and would like to get involved in a fall sport, please contact your school to fill out any necessary paperwork.

Did You Know?

More than 3,000 APS students participated in high school athletics during the 2016-17 school year. More than 4,000 middle school students participated in an athletic activity. This includes a record number of female athletes at the middle school level.

For information about APS athletics and activities and a complete list of middle and high school programs, visit athletics.aurorak12.org.