Mrachek Middle School students and staff etched their names into history by signing a steel beam, which will become part of the school’s new building. The beam will act as a time capsule in honor of all Mrachek students and staff present during construction.
The new school is possible thanks to voter support of the November 2016 bond measure. Bond funds will make improvements at every school and benefit every student. The new building is scheduled to open in fall 2018.
Watch the event below!
Exciting improvements will take place at APS this school year as design and construction begins on more bond-funded projects.
Security vestibules will be constructed at 11 schools throughout the district this year. These will provide an added measure of safety at each building’s entrance. Security vestibules will be added at 10 additional schools in future phases of this project.
Rangeview High School will receive a six-classroom addition and a two-classroom remodel, which will add capacity and provide space for new programs. In addition, construction on the Vista PEAK Preparatory additions and Mrachek building replacement is underway and will continue throughout the school year. Both projects are expected to be complete in summer 2018.
Other upcoming bond-funded projects include:
Thank you to Aurora voters for approving the $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
One of the goals in our strategic plan, APS 2020, is to ensure every student has a plan for his or her future. Students are encouraged to map out their career and college paths as early as kindergarten.
APS eighth graders enjoyed making the connection from classroom to college and career during the international Solar Decathlon competition in Denver. At the event, our students toured sustainable homes built by university students from across the globe, competing in areas of innovation and smart energy use.
One Mrachek Middle School eighth-grade group prepared for the experience by creating innovative mini-versions of sustainable solar houses in class. During the decathlon, the middle schoolers explored bringing their classroom ideas to life. Afterwards, university students shared with them how to gain skills and credentials for college and careers in science and sustainable energy.
We are exited to watch our students shape their plans as they celebrate College and Career Success Month!
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
1st place: Noemi Lacunza, Mrachek Middle School, for Appreciating Life
Grades 9-12
1st place: Kristina Khuu, Hinkley High School, for Her Hidden Strength
Photography
1st place: Hernan Arellano, Aurora Central High School, for Bee of the Flower
2nd 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
Anticipation is building for students and staff at Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12 and the new Mrachek Middle School as contractors complete project exteriors and start on interior construction at both sites.
At Vista PEAK Preparatory, students and staff are excited to see the building's new additions continue to take shape with roofing and brickwork appearing along the exterior of the northwest classroom addition. As construction continues on the school’s exterior, workers inside the building are starting interior renovations by installing new walls in the music room and beginning renovation work for the weight room.
At Mrachek, students and staff are starting to see where their future classrooms will be as walls and roofing are installed in the new building’s grade-level wings. Exterior work for the school’s gymnasium, media center and music room is nearing completion with brickwork and window installations. Framing for the main entrance is underway.
Construction for both sites is possible thanks to voter support of the 2016 bond and is expected to be complete in summer 2018. To learn more about APS bond projects, visit bond.aurorak12.org.
Take a look at the progress below!
Click to view slideshow.
In APS, we believe that student and staff safety is essential to our vision that every student shapes a successful future. We also encourage students to share their views on important issues as part of their learning and school culture. Mrachek Middle School staff recently exemplified this by providing their students with a positive and equitable platform on campus to comfortably express their views on school safety.
Mrachek faculty and staff collaborated with students to organize an assembly called “Voices for Change” in honor of the victims of the shooting in Parkland, Florida. A diverse group of students shared their passionate views about school safety and the need to show kindness and respect to others.
Click to view slideshow.
Aurora Public Schools will have a student non-contact day on April 27 due to a teacher shortage. This means that all classes will be cancelled. However, extracurricular activities will take place as scheduled unless parents and guardians hear differently from school staff.
As a district, we strongly value instructional time and act in every possible way to protect it. However, due to the number of APS teachers who have reported absences on Friday, we will not be able to maintain productive learning environments for our students.
A large number of APS teachers are taking leave time this Friday to rally with colleagues from across the state at the capitol to call for increased K-12 education funding. The Colorado Education Association organized the rally because despite a booming economy, our state ranks near the bottom in per pupil spending.
While instructional time is incredibly important, we also know that we need appropriate resources to make sure our students shape successful futures. At present, our limited resources constrain our ability to pay competitive wages, provide appropriate instructional and behavioral supports and maintain a well-rounded educational environment.
Although we are cancelling classes on Friday, it will remain a work day for APS staff members. Any staff member who is not planning to come to work will need to use the appropriate leave time.
We apologize for any inconvenience that our student non-contact day may have on our families and we thank them for their patience and understanding.
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!
Altura Elementary
Leule Seyoum, 1st grade
Kenya Alarcon Madrid, 2nd grade
Meredith "Dayana" Salas Bailon, 3rd grade
Chris Lopez Rodriguez, 4th grade
Karen Martinez Granados, 5th grade
Arkansas Elementary
Treasure Mimiola, 1st grade
Kaze Dumas, 2nd grade
Amayah Echavarria, 3rd grade
Elizybeth Shaw, 4th grade
Daniel Villareal, 5th grade
Aurora Frontier P-8
Paisley Graham, 1st grade
Alexis Mossontte, 2nd grade
Autumn Larsen, 3rd grade
Jaya Gray, 4th grade
Jeremiah Helfrich, 5th grade
Ezra Muluken, 6th grade
Anicka De La Cruz, 7th grade
Sebla Abbady, 8th grade
Aurora Central High School
Jesus Torres-Ledezma, 9th grade
Sarah Ling, 10th grade
Lorena Munoz, 11th grade
Lemi Muleta, 12th grade
Aurora Hills Middle School
Fenix Z'Dorne, 6th grade
Ismael Cisse, 7th grade
Anitta Gomez, 8th grade
Aurora Quest K-8
Bhavya Maddali, 1st grade
Elaine Sudibyo, 2nd grade
Maya Calendar, 3rd grade
Zoe Middleton, 4th grade
Allison Bidlingmaier, 5th grade
John Bubb, 6th grade
Melany Villena de los Santos, 7th grade
Aurora West Preparatory Academy
Marco Castillo Delgado, 6th grade
Bersabeh Zewdie, 7th grade
Yessinia Hernandez Cordova, 8th grade
Maggy Kundlas, 9th grade
Shukri Mahamud, 10th grade
Joshua Cedillos, 11th grade
Nimo Mahamud, 12th grade
Ricardo Hernandez, 8th grade
Boston K-8
Kevin Puentes-Garcia, 1st grade
Alexander Jimenez Chino, 2nd grade
Sakil Pradham, 3rd grade
Lizzett Mireles-Dominguez, 4th grade
Nathaly Flores Rodriguez, 5th grade
Persais DeHaro, 6th grade
Michelle Carreta, 7th grade
Wah Kya, 8th grade
Century Elementary
Hadley Chamberlain, 1st grade
Leanndra Gonzalez, 2nd grade
J-Lest Namelo, 3rd grade
Ramon Lopez Arteaga, 4th grade
Lidia Mulugeta, 5th grade
Clyde Miller Elementary K-8
Analeigh Snyder, 1st grade
Lauren McNulty, 2nd grade
Delilah Dunehew-Nieves, 3rd grade
Sophia Perez, 4th grade
Karl Matthew Gomez, 5th grade
Michel Madera Ontiveros, 6th grade
Angel Serrano Vidales, 7th grade
Nana Akua Adu Owusu, 8th grade
Columbia Middle School
Asia Wilhelm, 6th grade
Arabella Coker, 7th grade
Nevaeh Sanford, 8th grade
Crawford Elementary
Neline Shemi, 1st grade
Erika Elias Contreras, 2nd grade
Dylan Suarez Mendez, 3rd grade
Alexis Rivas Guerra, 4th grade
Emmanuel Valdez, 5th grade
Dalton Elementary
Jaylene Barron, 1st grade
Kirti Prakash, 2nd grade
Ella Maestas, 3rd grade
Andrea Lopez-Vega, 4th grade
Rachel Moreno, 5th grade
Dartmouth Elementary
Isabella Pantuliano, 1st grade
Traevaun Wells, 2nd grade
Ava Freeman, 3rd grade
Madisyn Lyninger, 4th grade
Leandro Jimenez, 5th grade
East Middle School
Russell Patton, 6th grade
Jacob Brennan, 7th grade
Darreal Wess, Jr., 8th grade
Fletcher Community School
Allan Duong, 3rd grade
Federico Amezquita-Iara, 4th grade
Arlinne Rojas Garcia, 5th grade
Edna & John Mosley P-8
Juliet Thompson, 1st grade
Elizabeth Weibling, 2nd grade
Kaelee Anderson, 3rd grade
Chelsea Amaya, 4th grade
Dayanara Lopez Ramirez, 5th grade
Ixcel Soto Gonzalez, 6th grade
Isaiah Doumbia, 7th grade
Mamoudou Sissoko, 8th grade
Elkhart Elementary
Mi Eem Khamorm Mon, 1st grade
Sterling Pryor, 2nd grade
Leslie Ramos Salazar, 3rd grade
Stephanie Solis, 4th grade
Zoe Ramirez, 5th grade
Fulton Academy of Excellence
Gabriel Arredondo Ramos, 1st grade
Earlean Munoz, 2nd grade
Kevin Santos Lopez, 3rd grade
Meryem Amhouti, 4th grade
Penda Sy, 5th grade
Gateway High School
Zamaria Hill, 9th grade
Jariah Mathews, 10th grade
Mama Bangoura, 11th grade
Brandon Vashti, 12th grade
Global Village Academy
Prince Li, 1st grade
Stephanye Pina Hernandez, 2nd grade
Conner Xu, 3rd grade
Ayanna Mackey, 4th grade
Macy Burns, 5th grade
Trystan Skinner, 6th grade
Nikolai Ziska, 7th grade
Aldahir Andrade, 8th grade
Iowa Elementary
Dylan Lu, 1st grade
Moise Daou, 2nd grade
Romeo Rickmann, 3rd grade
Sherlyn Hernandez, 4th grade
Roxane Flores, 5th grade
Hinkley High School
Sarah Aldulaimi, 9th grade
Thomas Taylor, 10th grade
Fatima Prieto, 11th grade
Oscar Sarabia, 12th grade
Kenton Elementary
Jose Villareal, Jr., 1st grade
Mi Htaw, 2nd grade
Oscar Castro, 3rd grade
Gabi Lagunes, 4th grade
Eric Payan, 5th grade
Lansing Elementary
Celina Arroyo Guerrero, 1st grade
Cyjuan Hale, 2nd grade
Latayvia Chandler, 3rd grade
Goundo Diarra, 4th grade
Joselyn Dominguez, 5th grade
Laredo Elementary
Evelyn Hernandez, 1st grade
Bernardo Trejo, 2nd grade
Keblyn Johnson, 3rd grade
Delilah Scales, 4th grade
Evan Martinez, 5th grade
Lyn Knoll Elementary
Blain Kassa, 1st grade
Ali Brhili, 2nd grade
William Munoz, 3rd grade
Bruklynn Farrell, 4th grade
Eladio Chavez, 5th grade
North Middle School
Brenda Martinez Lopez, 6th grade
Alondra Torres Castillo, 7th grade
Michelle (Vanessa) Torres Lima, 8th grade
Montview Elementary
Lesly Paz Ochoa, 1st grade
Lyndell Busby, 2nd grade
Angel Paredes-Villareal, 3rd grade
Yaritza Cordova-Vera, 4th grade
Adriana Morales Chacon, 5th grade
Mrachek Middle School
Marco Rodriguez, 6th grade
Magaly Romero Tellez, 7th grade
Jared Chinyere, 8th grade
Murphy Creek P-8
Ellie Blaylock, 1st grade
Joseph Higgins, 2nd grade
Ameya Garcia, 3rd grade
Fenan Wayessa, 4th grade
Camille Serna, 5th grade
Alliyah Hernandez-Mejia, 6th grade
Reece Kloberdanz, 7th grade
Breanna Jefferson, 8th grade
Paris Elementary
Leslie Reyes Valles, 1st grade
Yaritza Jimenez Garcia, 2nd grade
Maryin Hernandez Moreno, 3rd grade
Haly Rodarte Vasquez, 4th grade
Esmeralda Flores, 5th grade
Park Lane Elementary
Rodrigo Gallardo Hipolito, 1st grade
Dylan Nuñez Gutierrez, 2nd grade
Samantha Pacheco, 3rd grade
Joshua Mavinga, 4th grade
Estrella Saucedo, 5th grade
Peoria Elementary
Jeffrey Diosdado Duron, 1st grade
Diana Colotl Gonzalez, 2nd grade
Kimberly Rios Perez, 3rd grade
Kenia Bolanos Deras, 4th grade
Micole "Mikey" Gentry, Jr., 5th grade
Rangeview High School
Kenny Jimenez, 9th grade
Myriam Alcala, 10th grade
Katharina Weigand, 11th grade
Jazmin Pena Uc, 12th grade
Sable Elementary
Faye Woods, 1st grade
Anna Burson, 2nd grade
Maite Arreola Araujo, 3rd grade
Annie Tamla, 4th grade
Brianna Gonzalez, 5th grade
Side Creek Elementary
Malia Ashley, 1st grade
Aeryn Peters, 2nd grade
Adelle Schara, 3rd grade
Eden Dawit, 4th grade
Thalia Parada Mahecha, 5th grade
Sixth Avenue Elementary
Joanna Lerma Moncada, 1st grade
Brayan Dominguez Cornelio, 2nd grade
Luis Flores Gonzalez, 3rd grade
Allexa Bustamante Bordonave, 4th grade
Dayra Paredes Plazola, 5th grade
South Middle School
Geraldine Garcia Castellanos, 6th grade
Karim Brhili, 7th grade
Zane McCune, 8th grade
Tollgate Elementary
Olivia Le, 1st grade
Carlos Sit Santos, 2nd grade
Alexis Lopez Aleman, 3rd grade
Wissal Chichou, 4th grade
Diamond Williams, 5th grade
Vassar Elementary
Zariah Powell, 1st grade
James Busack, 2nd grade
Valeria Magallanes, 3rd grade
Syrus Sweetwine-Trask, 4th grade
Emma Ishoda, 5th grade
Vaughn Elementary
Leonardo Aldana, 1st grade
Ilse Sanchez, 2nd grade
Anasophia Castellanos Ledesma, 3rd grade
Christian Gonzalez, 4th grade
Julie Munguia-Ramos, 5th grade
Virginia Court Elementary
Annale Figueroa, 1st grade
Marilena Romero, 2nd grade
Calista Fairchild, 3rd grade
Abrianna Rada-Scales, 4th grade
Anneliese Nevarez, 5th grade
Vista PEAK Exploratory P-8
Julia Wasiak, 1st grade
Jozlynn Martinez, 2nd grade
Lexani Mora Carrera, 3rd grade
Aliyah Miller, 4th grade
Lyric Lewis, 5th grade
Madinatou Kouanda, 6th grade
Cynara Turner, 7th grade
Alondra Villalobos Vargas, 8th grade
Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12
Saryeah Baez Little, 9th grade
Melanie A. Agsam, 10th grade
Jessica Garcia, 11th grade
Julianna Luce, 12th grade
Wheeling Elementary
Abdullah Al-Adhamee, 1st grade
Juliciah Garcia, 2nd grade
Love Lucero, 3rd grade
Richie Nguyen, 4th grade
Logan Bauer, 5th grade
William Smith High School
Gabriel Vasquez, 9th grade
Azucena Hernandez, 10th grade
Maria Lopez, 11th grade
Gilbert Maldonado, 12th grade
Yale Elementary
Oliver Thomas Hursh, 1st grade
Alaina Brei Collier, 2nd grade
Brandi Maria Wuerz, 3rd grade
Ryan Soukson Chounlamany, 4th grade
Rolando Said Ferrufino Terrazas, 5th grade
With construction scheduled to wrap up over the summer months, Mrachek Middle School teachers got an up close look at the school’s new replacement building during a recent tour.
Staff members wore hard hats and safety vests as they walked through the gymnasium, media center and new learning spaces. When asked what they were most excited about after seeing the new school, the overwhelming response was the new classrooms with windows and walls, and updated technology.
Mrachek’s old building design featured an open classroom concept. There were no windows or interior walls to separate rooms. This created noisy classroom environments that prevented students from having optimal learning experiences. The design of Mrachek’s replacement building, however, aligns with our APS 2020: Shaping the Future strategic plan core belief that all students have equitable access to learning environments that support them in reaching their full potential
Construction on the new building will be ongoing throughout the summer with work expected to be completed in time for the 2018-19 school year.
The new school is made possible thanks to Aurora voters who approved our bond measure in November 2016. Bond funds are making improvements at every school and benefiting every student. To learn more about bond projects in APS, visit bond.aurorak12.org.
Take a look at the event below!
Click to view slideshow.
APS utilizes bond dollars to ensure every student has equitable access to learning environments that support them in reaching their full potential. Over the next year, two APS schools will be receiving major bond-funded improvements.
A replacement building at Mrachek Middle School will be completed in summer 2018. Montview Elementary School is receiving a whole building remodel in 2019. Because of these major construction projects, both schools will use a modified calendar for the 2018-19 school year.
Mrachek students and staff are excited to start school in their new building this fall. The new building will feature a two-story 130,000 square foot school with separate learning communities for each grade level and serve up to 1,000 students. All students will begin school on September 10 and finish the school year on June 6, 2019.
Montview’s project will include a two-classroom addition, replacement of the school’s HVAC system and updates to flooring and fixtures throughout all learning spaces in the building. These improvements will not only increase capacity, but will ensure that the building design aligns with the school’s curriculum.
Montview students in grades 1-5 will begin school on Aug. 6 while Pre K and Kindergarten will begin on Aug. 13. All students will end their school year early on April 24, 2019.
For more specific information about the 2018-19 calendars for Mrachek and Montview visit aurorak12.org/schools/calendars.
These projects are possible thanks to Aurora voters who approved a $300 million bond measure in 2016. To learn more about APS bond projects, visit bond.aurorak12.org.
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.
Rangeview High School Addition
In APS, we believe all students must have equitable access to technology and learning environments. One way that we ensure this is through bond-funded improvements to classrooms and technology. This fall, many students and staff will return to exciting changes in their buildings.
From security enhancements to classroom additions and remodels, dozens of our schools are receiving bond-funded improvements this summer. Below are just a few of the many projects underway.
Safety and Security Projects:
Technology Upgrades:
New Buildings, Building Additions and Classroom Remodels:
These projects are possible thanks to Aurora voters who passed our $300 million bond measure in November 2016. Bond funds are used to make improvements at each school and benefit every student. To learn more about APS bond projects, visit bond.aurorak12.org
Jamaica Child Development Center Security Vestibule Addition
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.
Thanks to bond funds, many students and staff members returned this school year to see dramatic improvements in their buildings. Take a look below at just a few of the many projects APS students are excited about.
Gateway High School - New Prostart kitchen
Students in Gateway High School’s Prostart Culinary Arts Program will receive hands-on learning in the school’s newly renovated Prostart kitchen. The updated learning space will have state-of-the-art cooking and baking facilities for students to hone their skills as they gain real-world industry experience.
Rangeview High School - Six-Classroom Addition
Rangeview High School students are excited to use their newly remodeled journalism and broadcast media classroom for cutting-edge broadcasting. Staff and students are also thrilled about the many other upgrades and enhancements the building received over the summer months. Thanks to the school’s bond-funded six-classroom addition, the building now has new special education classrooms to support student learning, updates to the art department and renovations to the school’s weight and speeding training rooms.
Vista PEAK Preparatory - New STEM Wing Addition
Flying drones and 3-dimensional printing are just a few of the many unique learning opportunities Vista PEAK Preparatory students now have in their new STEM wing at the school. Learning spaces in the building’s two-story classroom addition provide support to the school’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pathway where students will gain real-world experience in the classroom.
Kenton Elementary - Cafeteria Expansion
Kenton Elementary students can now enjoy lunch together with a little more room than before. The school’s cafeteria expansion increased seating and allows for a more functional space within the building for students.
Mrachek Middle School - New replacement building
The much anticipated new Mrachek Middle School will be open to students on their first day beginning Sept. 10. The new building will feature separate learning communities for each grade level. Classrooms will have real-world environments that provide creative, differentiated, and challenging opportunities. Students are excited to celebrate the grand opening of their school with the community on September 27.
APS and CSU-Global Partnership
Construction has just begun on a building that will support recent APS graduates and staff who choose to pursue online post secondary education programs and certificates. Both students and staff are already excitedly taking advantage of the huge discounts on tuition and convenient online programs. To learn more about this new innovative partnership between our district and CSU-Global and tuition discount eligibility, visit aurorak12.org/csu-global
To learn more about bond-funded projects in APS, visit bond.aurorak12.org.
The much anticipated new Mrachek Middle School is now open to students!
Thanks to bond dollars, Mrachek’s new building aligns with our APS core belief that all students have equitable access to learning environments that support them in reaching their full potential. The new school features a two-story 130,000 square foot building with separate learning communities for each grade level and serves up to 1,000 students.
Aurora Public Schools invites the entire community to celebrate the school’s grand opening at the new building:
When: Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
Ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
FREE BBQ and Building Tours to Follow!
Where: Mrachek Middle School
1955 S Telluride St.
Aurora, CO 80013
It’s September and that means winter sports is right around the corner at Aurora Public Schools. APS offers athletic programs for all middle and high school students. These programs include basketball, swimming, 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 middle school student and would like to get involved in a winter sport, please contact your school to fill out any necessary paperwork.
If you are a high school student and would like to sign up for a winter sport, follow these simple steps:
Did You Know?
More than 2,000 APS students participated in high school athletics during the 2017-18 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.
Hundreds of APS staff, students and community members recently gathered to witness the grand opening of the new Mrachek Middle School.
The new school features a 130,000-square foot building with separate learning communities for each grade level and serves up to 1,000 students.
“As soon as I took the role of being a Mrachek Titan and walking into our new Titan territory, I knew this came along with new opportunities and new adventures,” said Isabella, Mrachek M.S. 7th grade student. “We can now achieve more for our futures because of our new atmosphere that fosters a better tomorrow.”
Mrachek was originally built in 1975 as an open classroom concept design without windows and interior walls to separate rooms. This design had been a challenge for the school community.
In addition to bond funds, APS received a $16 million grant toward the school’s construction from the Colorado Department of Education’s Building Excellent Schools Today Program. Mrachek’s new building aligns with our APS core belief that all students have equitable access to learning environments that support them in reaching their full potential.
We look forward to this exciting new chapter, as we continue to accelerate learning for every APS student, every day.
To learn more about bond projects, visit bond.aurorak12.org.
Click to view slideshow.
Story excerpt:
"Mrachek Middle School this month moved into a new, two-story 130,000-square-foot building with separate learning communities for each grade level.
Construction on the $40 million building, which serves 1,000 students, began in spring 2017. A Building Excellence in Schools grant of up to $16 million and a bond passed by voters in fall 2016 funded the project."
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.
