27J Schools

School Perimeters Secured

District officials responded to reports that crews completely sealed the perimeter of West Ridge Elementary. Similar reports from Pennock, Second Creek, Thimmig and Turnberry elementary schools revealed this line of defense was being used throughout the district.

Upon investigation, officials discovered workers applying a block sealer to the exterior masonry of these schools. The operation appeared intentional and was carried out to help prevent moisture from infiltrating the building.

Officials confirmed the secured perimeter was authorized as part of the district's summer improvement projects, funded through the voter-supported 2021 Bond.

First impressions matter.

Rocky Vista High School in Commerce City made a great first impression on members of our Bond Oversight Committee who came out to tour the building for the first time since construction began. The high school is being funded through the voter-supported 2021 Bond.

“It’s not only going to be a space that elevates students' education where they see something so grand and they believe in themselves that they can do even more, but it’s brings value to the community because of the way it looks, because of the design, the intentionality behind everything," said Danielle Jayne, a Bond Oversight Committee member.

Rocky Vista High School is scheduled to open in fall 2027. Sign up for construction updates here https://bit.ly/RVHSupdates

Cover-Ups Uncovered!

District officials responded to reports of several transportation employees acting shady. When they arrived at the North Transportation Terminal, they saw multiple people sitting under a new structure. But when approached for questioning, the workers looked away and even tried to cover their faces.

Officials were then alerted to similar cover-ups at Northeast and Henderson playgrounds. Further investigation revealed no one was hiding from the law, they were hiding from the sun under brand-new shade structures purchased with 2021 Bond funds.

After realizing the only thing being covered was grateful staff from the recent hot temperatures, investigators convinced this group to smile for the camera.

Well, that was fun!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our tent at the Brighton BBQ to play our "Bond or MLO?" co****le game, test their knowledge on how those funds are used across the district and win some great prizes.

Voters approved the bond in 2021, followed by the mill levy override in 2022. That support from the community has made it possible for us to expand the opportunities available to our students districtwide. We'll be sharing more details on the impact of the bond and MLO in our next edition of the Community Investments Report which will be published next month, so be on the lookout!

Property damage report sparks investigation at Prairie View High School.

Maintenance staff responded to reports of hundreds of missing floor tiles throughout Prairie View High School. Upon arrival, they discovered mostly bare concrete. They quickly got to work, marking what little evidence remained on the scene.

After a thorough investigation, the maintenance crew determined the missing tiles weren't stolen. They had simply reached the end of their service after years of faithfully carrying thousands of students and staff through the halls.

The usual suspects were brought in for questioning: time, heavy foot traffic, and everyday wear and tear. The resolution? A fresh installation of durable new flooring, funded through the voter-approved 2021 Bond.

Case Closed. Students may resume normal traffic when the new school year begins.

Summer bond improvements aren’t always about flashy upgrades. Sometimes it’s about helping friends in need.

Our Facilities Department responded to Brighton High School where a pair of large dumpsters had been making the best of a temporary living arrangement on a patch of grass on the east side of the school campus. Following a careful assessment, it was determined that a nearby section of concrete needed to be expanded to create a more suitable, permanent home.

New concrete has been poured and both dumpsters will soon be escorted to the new location where they'll be more useful and more accessible.

It’s a fresh start in a place they can truly call home.

Major pileup reported at Henderson Elementary’s new PreK playground

Authorities are advising alternate routes around the location of a new preschool playground until the start of the school year, after a demolition project led to a playground equipment pileup. The collision left swing sets, monkey bars, see-saws and other playground equipment in a tangled mess of metal scattered across the scene.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Crews are removing the wreckage. Once the scene is cleared, crews will pour new concrete to repair the surface before installing brand-new playground equipment. Investigators say the playground's replacement is being funded through the district's 2021 Bond program. They expect traffic on the preschool playground to flow more freely once the new equipment is in place.

Suspect school HVAC units nabbed in costly energy wasting scheme!

This one gives us shivers. Thanks to the diligent work of our district’s Energy Management bureau, we were recently tipped off to multiple school heating and cooling systems conspiring to not only cost the district thousands in increased utility bills, but also leave students and staff hot and bothered.

These clunky culprits were hauled off from their cushy rooftop perches at Brighton High School, South Elementary and Henderson Elementary. New units are being installed this summer. If you’re one of our other building systems and making plans to disrupt education, we’ve got a message for you: We’re turning up the heat.

Second Creek Elementary: Case closed.

After multiple teachers reported mysterious classroom leaks, the district’s Facilities Department launched an investigation to track down the culprit.

Suspects were narrowed quickly, and evidence pointed to cracks in the school’s original roof. During this investigation, Facilities learned of other cases at Thimmig and Turnberry elementary schools and quickly identified the same suspect was responsible for all the roof problems.

These aging roofs not only cause costly associated damages but they are key perpetrators in ruining quality learning environments for kids. With the offender identified, crews moved swiftly to execute repair plans.

Roof improvements are now underway at all three schools, funded by the district’s 2021 Bond program. The suspect roofs are cooperating with repair efforts. The only thing left leaking now is their credibility.