Valerie Thompson, Director DCSD School Board, District F

Going above and beyond what is required is the space where you can make a difference. So happy to see Kelly receive such wonderful recognition from her peers. We are lucky to have her in DCSD.

School nurse honored with lifetime achievement award Throughout her college career, Kelly Driver took a variety of classes, not really knowing what direction she was going in until her mother suggested nursing.

Information for parents in Castle Rock.

UPDATE DEC. 8: The post has been updated to reflect the differences between electric scooters and low-powered scooters. Please see CRgov.com/Ebikes for more information.

Castle Rock Town Council enacted a new ordinance making changes to traffic regulations and laws. The revisions, made at Council’s Nov. 4 meeting and now in effect, address the use of electric and motorized vehicles within Castle Rock.

As part of the updated ordinance, Town Council sought to clarify all off-highway vehicles ― to include dirt bikes, unlicensed electric motorcycles and other similar recreational vehicles — are prohibited on Town of Castle Rock streets and roadways, paths, trails and sidewalks. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are currently the only e-bike classifications allowed on Castle Rock bike, pedestrian and multiuse paths. The new amendments increase penalties and fines for the unlawful use of these vehicles within Castle Rock, including a $250 fine for parents or guardians who knowingly allow their children to drive or ride an off-highway vehicle in Town limits. This applies to all children under 18 years old.

When purchasing an e-bike, it’s important to note the different classifications and rules associated with each to comply with local and State laws. All electric bicycles in Colorado are required to fall under one of three classifications. Each e-bike should have a label showing its classification and other relevant information to include top-assisted speed and motor wattage. Learn more about the differences in classifications, as well as with other electric and motorized vehicles, below:

Class 1 electric bike:
▪️ Pedal-assist only
▪️ 20 mph maximum speed
▪️ No minimum age requirement to operate
▪️ Allowed on Castle Rock sidewalks, paths and trails

Class 2 electric bike:
▪️ Pedal-assist and throttle
▪️ 20 mph maximum speed
▪️ No minimum age requirement to operate
▪️ Allowed on Castle Rock sidewalks, paths and trails

Class 3 electric bike:
▪️ Pedal-assist only
▪️ 28 mph maximum speed
▪️ Speedometer required
▪️ Rider must be 16 years or older to operate
▪️ Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet
▪️ NOT allowed on Castle Rock sidewalks, paths or trails

Electric scooter:
▪️ Weighs less than 100 pounds
▪️ Maximum speed of 20 mph
▪️ Has handlebars and an electric motor
▪️ NOT considered an electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, motorcycle or low-powered scooter
▪️ Allowed on Castle Rock sidewalks, paths or trails

Electric motorcycle
▪️ Over 4476 watts
▪️ No pedals (please note, installing pedal kits on e-motorcycles does not transition them into an e-bike and they will still be subject to penalties and fines)
▪️ Drivers must be 18 years or older
▪️ Driver’s license, motorcycle endorsement and motor vehicle registration required
▪️ Insurance required
▪️ NOT allowed on Castle Rock sidewalks, paths or trails
▪️ Parents / guardians of minors utilizing these vehicles in the Town are subject to a $250 penalty

Low-power scooters
▪️ Driver’s license and State of Colorado Low Power Scooter registration required
▪️ Insurance required
▪️ Can be electric (up to 4476 watts) or gas (up to 50cc)
▪️ NOT allowed on Castle Rock sidewalks, paths or trails

Golf Carts
▪️ Driver’s license required
▪️ Only allowed on golf courses
▪️ NOT allowed on Castle Rock roads, sidewalks, paths or trails

Castle Rock Town Council also adopted new regulations pertaining to golf carts. Under the updated Municipal Code, golf carts are prohibited from driving on Town streets and roadways, paths, trails and sidewalks. With the sole exception of Town usage for business purposes, the only place golf carts may legally operate in Castle Rock is on golf courses. Golf carts do not fall under the category of low-speed electric vehicles; vehicles in that category may be driven on Town streets with a maximum speed limit of 30 miles per hour.

As part of the new ordinance, Town Council also adopted the 2024 Model Traffic Code, a standardized code published by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Learn more about e-bike requirements and classifications at CRgov.com/Ebikes. To read the Municipal Code changes in full, please visit CRgov.com/MunicipalCode.

Thank you Douglas County Sheriff's Office for this great resource for parents.

The student spotlights this week were very special. If you are looking to fill your bucket this morning, below is the link that starts at the student recognition portion of the BOE meeting.

https://www.youtube.com/live/uvMXMZ3wrRY?si=g5MGLSEHKAzdcwj_&t=823

Reminder, elected officials are selected by those who vote. Drop off your ballot before 7pm, Tuesday 11/4.

If you’d like to see all of the exciting progress the district has made due to the bond/mlo please see link below. Additionally the MBOC (mill and bond oversight committee) meetings are always public.

https://funding.dcsdk12.org

Thank you Dougco for making this work possible!

Home - Funding Site - Douglas County School District Home - Funding Site - Douglas County School District

Devastating. My heart goes out to this family, their school community, and loved ones.

https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/teacher-detained-by-ice-during-immigration-appointment-school-says/73-7cb594ba-808b-48f3-be82-28e1ecdfb701

I'm aware there is a gofundme that is circulating to support the family and their legal fees, the gofundme was started by a current parent and former staff member of the school.

I’d like to share a resource that may be helpful to families in our community. The app linked below allows individuals to quickly send emergency alerts to trusted contacts (family, friends, or legal supports) with the push of a button. That way you can notify your network in an emergency, allowing them to know what happened to you, to respond quickly to keep your kids, home, or pets safe, and to speed up access to legal supports
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/readynow/id6744073026

A full statement to follow.

Parker teacher detained by ICE during immigration appointment, school says Global Village Academy - Douglas County said the teacher and her family were detained while she was completing a routine appointment related to her immigration case.