“New” not only describes the state-of-the-art structure itself, but also many of the faces within. Specifically, a trio of Aurora-born educators are beginning their careers with APS here.

“I’m excited for a new building, new colleagues and a new opportunity,” said kindergarten teacher Sachiko Hills.

Looking back on her time as an elementary student, the fourth-year educator praised the lifelong impact a teacher can have on a young learner.

“I struggled with reading early on, but I had a really good reading teacher who helped me improve,” said Hills. “That’s what inspired me to become a teacher.”

That education inspiration similarly struck Naomi St. Hill, a former private school teacher of five years. She joins the Del Mar community with a heartfelt goal.

“I want to be a role model,” said St. Hill. “It’s so important to be there for kids, especially if they might not have strong relationships outside of school.”

In that same spirit of being a source of support, both St. Hill and Hills are excited to be side by side with their friend, Sara Juarez. Previously a paraprofessional, Juarez is entering her first year as a preschool teacher. She admits that it’s a nerve-wracking experience, but that only motivates her more.

“I’m super nervous because I’m new, but my coworkers have years of experience,” said Juarez. “I need to catch up, and I’m ready to do it.”

Juarez speaks for the group when she talks about the pride she feels teaching in her hometown.

“I was born and raised in Aurora. All of my schooling was in Aurora Public Schools, so I’m excited to be teaching here,” said Juarez. “I love my community, and I want to be an important part of it.”

Please contact your child’s school regarding the exact start dates or view official school calendars here.

Below are a few highlights for the upcoming 2023-24 school year:

• First Days of School: Students in grades 1-12 will have a simultaneous start on Aug. 8. As we have done in the past, preschool and kindergarten students will start school the following week on Aug. 14.
• Full-Day Professional Release: APS eliminated the half-day student early release to ensure uninterrupted learning. There are eight full professional release days that will be held Sept 1, Oct. 12, Nov. 27, Jan. 2, Feb 16, Mar 18, April 1, Apr 26.
• Fall Break: APS will continue to have a full-week Fall Break held Oct. 16-20 with Oct. 12 and 13 slated as student non-contact days.
• Thanksgiving Break: APS will maintain a three-day Thanksgiving Break for students. It will be held Nov. 23-24 with Nov. 22 slated as a student non-contact day.
• Winter Break: APS will maintain a two-week Winter Break to be held Dec. 18 through Jan. 1 with Dec. 15 and Jan. 2 slated as student non-contact days.
• Spring Break: APS will hold a week-long Spring Break March 11-15 with March 8 and 18 slated as student non-contact days.

During the camp, the teachers performed simulated missions to the International Space Station and to Mars. They also simulated a crash landing in the water and got to see what it would be like to walk on the Moon!

Mr. Day said he was definitely out of his comfort zone (he tried zip lining for the first time), but loved being challenged at the camp. He said he also enjoyed the team-building activities he did with his fellow Teachers of the Year and plans to use some of those ideas to help his students build their teamwork.

We look forward to an equally-exciting school year with Mr. Day, the Instrumental Music Teacher and Band Director at East Middle School.

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will have three director seats open this year for the Nov. 7 election. APS will hold a special open meeting pursuant to C.R.S. 22-32-108 to provide information on the upcoming board candidate election. The session will be held:

Tuesday, July 25 • 6-7 p.m.
IN-PERSON ONLY
APS Professional Learning and Conference Center
Board Room
15771 E. 1st Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011

Citizens will have an opportunity to ask questions about the election process and learn more about the responsibilities of being a board member. Please note that this special open meeting will be IN-PERSON ONLY. Livestreaming will NOT be available for this meeting.

For additional information, please call 303-344-8060, extension 28009.

¿Está interesado en servir como Director del Consejo Directivo de Educación del Distrito de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora?

El Consejo Directivo de Educación del Distrito de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora tendrá tres plazas de director disponibles este año en las elecciones del 7 de noviembre. APS organizará una reunión especial de manera abierta y de conformidad con los Estatutos de Colorado C.R.S. 22-32-108 para brindar información sobre las próximas elecciones para candidatos del Consejo Directivo. La sesión tendrá lugar:

Martes, 25 de julio • 6-7 p. m.
SOLAMENTE
Centro de conferencias y aprendizaje profesional de APS
Sala del Consejo Directivo
15771 E. 1st Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011

Los ciudadanos tendrán una oportunidad de hacer preguntas sobre el proceso de elección y conocer más sobre las responsabilidades de ser un miembro del Consejo Directivo.

Para información adicional, por favor, llame al 303-344-8060, extensión 28009.

Thank you to the incredible community of parents, teachers, mentors and friends that has supported our students through it all. Together, we can look to the future with confidence that this generation has many more accomplishments to come.

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

You can view recordings of many of the graduation ceremonies below. Share with your friends and family from around the world!

• Hinkley High School
• Rangeview High School
• Pickens Technical College
• Gateway High School
• Aurora Central High School
• Vista PEAK Preparatory
• Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
• APS Avenues

Aurora Public Schools is excited to host our 15th annual Back to School Kickoff to celebrate the beginning of the 2023-24 school year! APS students and families will enjoy free goodies, food, entertainment and more. 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 and explore the many resources we provide to students and families. If you are new to the district, you can also register your child for school.

Low- or no-cost immunizations and vaccinations will also be available. Please be sure to bring your child’s shot records.

We hope to see you there!

Aurora Public Schools Community, 

We want to inform you about an important change for all graduation ceremonies taking place on May 22 and 23. For all graduates, their families and guests planning to attend graduation at the Ritchie Center, the University of Denver has enacted a no bag policy for these events. This applies to the graduations for the following schools:

• Aurora Central High School
• Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
• Gateway High School
• Hinkley High School
• Rangeview High School
• Vista PEAK Preparatory
• Pickens Technical College

Again, no bags will be allowed at these events with the exception of wallets, wristlets, required medical bags and diaper bags. Feminine hygiene products will be considered a medical necessity. If they are in a bag, that will be considered a medical bag. All medical bags and diaper bags will be subject to a visual screening upon entry. These bags must also be no larger than 12 inches wide by 12 inches high and 6 inches deep.

There is no bag check available at The Ritchie Center. Anyone who arrives with an unapproved bag will not be allowed to enter. You will need to return any unapproved bags to your vehicle or leave them at home. The university says implementing a no bag policy will help speed up the entry process to all graduation ceremonies while also maintaining the safest possible environment for all guests entering the facility.

We realize this new policy may cause an inconvenience for many of our graduates and families. We ask for your partnership in abiding by the university’s policy and planning accordingly so that you can attend and enjoy this important event with your graduate.

Thank you,

Mark Seglem
Interim Superintendent