School Spotlight: Discovery Canyon Campus

Discovery Canyon Campus administrators, Stephen Scott, Veronica Layman and Matt Mitchell joined the ASD20 Board of Education meeting representing their K-12 campus as a whole. First showcasing a video that showcased school spirit, academic excellence and the unity of standing as one campus. Through hundreds of pictures featuring students and staff at all levels, Thunder spirit was evident.

Through a student testimonial, Quinn, a DCC High School senior said, “I love being part of Thunder country. It’s given me community, family and people I can be role models for. It set me up for a lot to come in my life.”

Watch the spotlight on the ASD20 YouTube.

Key Items 

Key Item 1: District Enhances Writing Instruction Through Research-Based Focus  

At the October 9 Board of Education meeting, Academy District 20 leaders shared a comprehensive update on the district’s K–12 writing instruction practices. The discussion emphasized the district’s commitment to bolstering writing across all grade levels. This renewed focus stems from districtwide learnings through the Results Now 2.0 book study, which sparked a goal of ensuring students write for at least 40 minutes each day. 

Elementary schools are implementing targeted supports to build foundational writing skills, with an emphasis on structured frameworks, sentence development, and consistent writing routines. Teachers are encouraged to embed writing into content instruction using strategies like modeled writing, shared writing, and writing to learn. Across middle and high schools, the focus shifts to disciplinary writing, encouraging students to synthesize ideas, construct arguments, and communicate across content areas. Schools are using district rubrics aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards, as well as tools like graphic organizers and peer editing routines to help students grow as writers. 

To support this districtwide writing goal, school leaders and instructional coaches have received training aligned to research-based practices. Throughout the presentation, district leadership highlighted promising examples of Liberty High School and Chinook Trail Middle School, where writing instruction has become a visible and routine part of student learning. 

Key Item 2: Updates Discussed for Governance Policy 4.4 Board Meetings 

During the October 9, 2025 meeting, the Board of Education reviewed proposed updates to Governance Policy 4.4 — the policy that outlines how Board meetings are structured, scheduled, and facilitated, including how the Board conducts public comment.  

The proposed revisions reflect a mix of clarifications and operational updates designed to align procedures with current best practices and community expectations, while ensuring full compliance with open meeting laws and sound governance principles.  

Some of the suggested updates include extending the time available for public comment sign-ups, protecting the ability for community members to read from library materials during public comment, and considering the addition of public comment opportunities at special meetings. The Board also discussed establishing clearer expectations around maintaining civility — including prohibiting threatening gestures or body language during comments.  

This review reflects an ongoing commitment to effective, transparent, and respectful governance. The discussion sets the stage for potential formal updates to be considered at a future meeting. 

Key Item 3: Updated and Consistent Security Measures for Board Meetings 

During the Oct. 9 Study Session, Academy District 20’s Security Team shared recommendations to strengthen safety and consistency at Board of Education meetings. While these measures fall under administrative authority through the Safe Schools Act, the presentation allowed for thoughtful discussion and alignment with districtwide safety practices.  

As part of these enhancements, the Security Team will begin using the Raptor Technologies visitor management system for all non-students attending Board meetings. This update brings Board meeting access procedures in line with those already in place across every ASD20 school and facility.  

In addition, the team outlined a flexible security framework that allows adjustments based on local or national events. Depending on circumstances, security levels may be temporarily elevated — such as through the use of handheld magnetometers — when recommended by the Security Team in coordination with local law enforcement and safety partners.  

The Board expressed appreciation for the team’s proactive approach, noting that these updates help ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment for everyone in attendance. 

Superintendent Celebrations and Shoutouts 

Congratulations to Rampart’s KRAM: 2025 Broadcast Pacemaker Finalist 

Congratulations to Rampart High School’s KRAM, recognized by the National Scholastic Press Association as a finalist for the 2025 Broadcast Pacemaker. KRAM is the only Colorado program among 17 high school news broadcasts selected nationwide. This distinction reflects the excellence of Rampart’s student journalists and advisers in storytelling, production, and newsroom leadership. Winners will be announced in November. 

Air Academy Mountain Bike Team Wins Division 1 Title 

Congratulations to the Air Academy Mountain Bike Team, which captured the Division 1 trophy in the Colorado High School Cycling League. The roster includes students from Air Academy, Rampart, and Village High Schools, competing against teams from across Colorado and neighboring states. And thank you to D20 parent, Shae Lorigan, for sharing competition photos. 

Military Family Resource Night Strengthens Community Partnerships 

Academy District 20 welcomed more than 500 attendees and 27 vendors at the recent Military Family Resource Night, sponsored by Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLCs). Events like this are vital to connecting military-connected families with timely resources, easing school and duty-station transitions, and fostering a strong sense of belonging in our community.  

To see more updates from Superintendent Haberer, please view the Superintendent Update in full on BoardDocs.