The Charles Burrell Visual and Performing Arts Campus (Burrell Arts), Aurora’s only rigorous, arts-integrated educational campus for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, launched last August and has recently completed a beautiful renovation. The Burrell Arts Campus students, families and staff recently came together with the Aurora Public Schools community to mark this special occasion and celebrate the campus’ namesake, Charles Burrell.

“My dad would always say that if you're going to be good, stick to it and practice, practice, practice,” said Charles Burrell’s daughter Joyce Burrell Garcia. She delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of her father and the Burrell family.

Mr. Burrell is commonly referred to as “the Jackie Robinson of Classical Music” for being the first Black person to be a member of a major American symphony orchestra. After performing for 50 years, Burrell retired from the orchestra in 1999. During that time, he also performed in the Colorado Opera Orchestra and the Central City Opera Orchestra.

He will turn 103 this year and was thrilled to join the celebration with the students that proudly carry on his creative legacy.

“The students and staff here at Burrell Arts are like family where we support and embrace each other’s creativity,” said Burrell Arts ninth-grade student Nilaja'nai Lloyd. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn and grow as an aspiring musician.”

At Burrell Arts K-8, students will enjoy a new music room along with new digital, STEAM and art labs. The school is excited for its students to take advantage of many state-of-the-art lab and learning spaces. At nearby Aurora Central High School, which houses the Burrell Arts 9-12 Pathway, students now have a new digital music lab and a newly-renovated media center and makerspace, a collaborative and creative space for hands-on learning.

The K-8 school is housed in the former Peoria Elementary School building. Both the K-8 building and Aurora Central High School were built in the 1950s. 

Aurora Public Schools is powering student potential through Blueprint APS, the district's long-term education and facilities plan. With magnet schools or programs like the Burrell Arts Campus, we equip students with the knowledge and unique skills to follow their dreams.

The APS Executive Internship Program recently hosted a EIP sponsor appreciation dinner and ceremony. This event is held twice each school year to highlight the work-based learning experiences of EIP students and show appreciation to the sponsors who hosted interns. Sponsors host unpaid interns for a minimum of 90 hours over an academic semester while EIP students learn critical skills related to their future career goals.

Five students were awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000 towards future post-secondary costs. Four scholarship recipients, Huyen Ho, Pukar Kafley, Nada Orabi, and Yarely Ramirez Vallez each received $500, and Cynara Turner received $1,000. Additionally, over 39 students were recognized for earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes citizens who volunteer a minimum of 100 hours. Five students, Dalia Alvarado, Anabelle Britt, Larissa Lara, Chimamaka Megafu, and Mike Salas Pasillas stood out by completing over 175 hours of volunteer time, earning the Silver PVSA. In addition, Millia Preap and Jasmine Salgado Simental earned the prestigious Gold PVSA by completing over 250 hours of service.

The dinner was well-attended by over 200 students, sponsors, family members, and advisory members. Former intern and Rangeview High School graduate Ms. Quanda Allen returned as a special guest speaker, sharing her experiences at her internship and where her career path has taken her. EIP students Lizbeth Barerra, Chimamaka Megafu, and Pukar Kafley served as hosts for the evening.

The EIP boasts partnerships with top-notch businesses, hospitals, schools, city services, veterinary services, and many more. EIP students have the opportunity to work with professionals in their desired career fields, completing work assignments, attending meetings, and developing special projects requested by the sponsor. Each intern has the opportunity to make contributions to their host organization while achieving personal, academic, and career growth and “test driving” career fields before committing time and money toward college preparation.

The program has great sponsors and is always looking for more! If you or a business you know is interested, visit the Executive Internship Program website or contact EIP Program Director and Coordinator Kim Wisneski at 303-344-4910, ext. 27745. Students interested in interning should contact their school counselor.

Aurora Public Schools Community,

On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to inform you that we have selected a sole finalist to serve as Interim Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools. The Board selected Mark Seglem who is currently serving as the Chief of Staff of Aurora Public Schools.

During its Tuesday, December 13 meeting, Board members approved moving forward with a sole finalist. There will now be a 14-day waiting period. Board members will take a final vote to approve the Interim Superintendent during their special meeting on Tuesday, January 3.

Mr. Seglem has served in many executive roles throughout his career including with the U.S. Navy, Advanced Distributed Sensor Systems and the Department of Interior's Office of Natural Resources Revenue. Before joining Aurora Public Schools, he was the Regional Vice President of Colorado Campuses for Colorado Technical University where he championed higher education programs for under-represented students and veterans.

As a Navy Officer, Mr. Seglem’s career included a tour in the Secretary of Defense’s office. He served at the highest levels of the Department of the Navy as Administrative Aide to the Secretary where he led civilian and military personnel and prepared briefings for the President and Secretary of Defense. While on sea duty, Mr. Seglem made several overseas deployments and took command of the Aegis destroyer, USS Barry DDG-52. His 380-person crew was awarded the Battenberg Cup, an honor given to the finest ship or submarine in the Atlantic Fleet. 

Mr. Seglem is a former member of the National Board of Directors of the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA). He earned degrees from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a Senior Executive Fellow of the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. 

We would like to thank Mr. Seglem for his willingness to serve as Interim Superintendent. Please know that the Board of Education has scheduled a training on December 18 to begin our efforts to conduct a robust Superintendent search process. We will continue to share more information as it becomes available. Thank you and we wish you all a happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Debbie Gerkin
President, Aurora Public Schools Board of Education 

Aurora Public Schools Community,

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is planning to begin the search for a new Superintendent for the Aurora Public Schools later this month.

During its December 6 meeting, Board members will be voting on a transition agreement and plan. After more than nine years of service, Superintendent Rico Munn’s current contract expires at the end of this school year. 

“I am incredibly proud of the difficult and crucially important work that we have done together to accelerate learning for every APS student every day,” Superintendent Munn shared. “I thank the community for allowing me to serve our diverse and dynamic students.”

The Board of Education and Superintendent Munn are committed to working together to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Under the agreement, Superintendent Munn would begin transitioning to a support role on December 31. He would continue to serve the district on a modified schedule through the end of the 2022-23 school year. In the coming weeks, we are planning to name an Acting Superintendent to serve for the second semester. For the first semester of the 2023-24 school year, Superintendent Munn has agreed to serve and support APS in the orientation and onboarding of a new Superintendent.

Community input will be a critical component of the upcoming Superintendent search. More information about the search will be shared as soon as it is available.

On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to sincerely thank Superintendent Munn for his many years of service to the Aurora Public Schools and his continued dedication to this community.

Sincerely,

Debbie Gerkin
President, Aurora Public Schools Board of Education 

By Adamari Ruelas, Vista PEAK Preparatory Senior, and APS Communications Intern

APS Bond Program Accelerates Learning for Every APS Student

In November 2016, Aurora voters approved a $300 million bond measure to make improvements at every school in the district. The program provides approximately $280 million for building improvements and nearly $20 million for technology enhancements.

Year over year, Aurora Public Schools has been reaching new levels of success and we are proud of the momentum that is building districtwide. In partnership with our community, we work to provide equitable access to learning opportunities, technology, and environments that support students in reaching their full potential.

To learn more about these projects and other bond-related news, visit bond.aurorak12.org.

_{Written by Adamari Ruelas, Vista PEAK Preparatory Senior, and APS Communication Intern}

APS Students Work Dream Jobs through Pickens Program
Vista PEAK Preparatory senior Adamari Ruelas envisions life as an author. To gain experience in a professional
setting, she is serving the APS Communication Department as an intern through the Pickens Technical
College Executive Internship Program. The program allows students to explore career fields in businesses
across Aurora. Students interested in interning should contact their school counselors. Businesses interested
in hosting APS interns may contact Kim Wisneski at 303-344-4910, ext. 27745.

Aurora Public Schools is pleased to announce that the application for our two new magnet schools is now OPEN! The deadline to apply is through February 11, 2022. Please read the application instructions carefully.

To learn more on how to apply, please visit magnet.aurorak12.org/apply-now.

ABOUT OUR NEW MAGNET SCHOOLS

The Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy
The Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy is a NEW K-8 magnet school serving students throughout Aurora Public Schools and the metropolitan area. The school will focus on promoting an entrepreneurial mindset through project-based learning, opportunities to innovate, developing strong emotional intelligence and resilience, and provide opportunities to engage with local and national entrepreneurs and community partners.

The school will open in August 2022 for the following grade levels:

• Kindergarten through 3rd grade

The school will add a grade level each year, ultimately serving students in grades K-8.

If you are interested in learning more about the Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy, please join us for one of our upcoming virtual open houses.

Thursday, January 20
5 p.m.

Friday, January 28
9 a.m.

Thursday, February 3
5 p.m.

For more information on how to access these virtual open houses, please visit cbea.aurorak12.org.

The Charles Burrell Visual and Performing Arts Campus
The Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus is a NEW K-12 magnet school pathway serving students in grades K-12 throughout Aurora Public Schools and the metropolitan area. The campus will focus on arts-related disciplines including dance, music, theater, digital and visual arts.

The campus will open in August 2022 for the following grade levels:

• Kindergarten through 3rd grade
• 6th grade
• 9th grade

The campus will add a grade level each year, ultimately serving students in grades K-12.

If you are interested in learning more about the Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus, please join us for one of our upcoming virtual open houses.

Wednesday, January 19
6 p.m.

Wednesday, January 26
6 p.m.

Wednesday, February 2
12 p.m.

Monday, February 7
6 p.m.

For more information on how to access these virtual open houses, please visit burrellarts.aurorak12.org.

To learn more about these opportunities, visit magnet.aurorak12.org.

Did You Know? Magnet Schools in APS

• A magnet school has a special academic focus or program where students can engage in real-world experiences.
• Magnet schools do not typically serve students from one area, but rather draw students like magnets from many different boundaries.
• Magnet schools are ideal for students with interest in a particular area of study or way of learning. They create dynamic settings with an academic focus that fosters life skills.
• APS already has a couple magnet schools including Aurora Quest K-8 (Gifted & Talented) and William Smith High School (Expeditionary Learning).
• Learn more about Magnet Schools in APS!

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized and singled out as a leader among thousands of PLTW teachers nationwide,” Mills said. “It is a very nice honor and one I never expected. In all that we have faced in the last 18 months, it is nice to see some positive things going on.”

PLTW is an organization dedicated to helping P-12 students across the U.S. develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through computer science, engineering, and biomedical science pathways.

“Thank you for your partnership in a shared commitment to empower our students to thrive in our evolving world even amidst the most challenging and unprecedented of times,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW President and CEO.

Mills has made a positive impact as a Rangeview Raider for the last 20 years. He teaches Introduction to Engineering Design and is hailed as a PLTW Computer Science Essentials and Cybersecurity Master Teacher. His CyberPatriot Team has competed at the National Finals and won the Digital Crime Scene challenge in 2015. Mills is passionate about extending STEM to all students and advocating for underrepresented populations.

The PLTW team traveled over 1,000 miles from Indiana to surprise Mr. Mills with a physical award during a recent Rangeview assembly. Students and staff were thrilled for the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate their beloved teacher and colleague.

“We are proud of Mr. Mills and his dedication to our students,” said Rangeview Assistant Principal RyAnn Nelson-Jaiyesimi. “He is inspiring and we feel honored to have him as a teacher at our school.”

APS is equally proud to have Mills on our team! His leadership and impact inside and outside of the classroom upholds the APS 2026: Faces of the Future strategic plan vision to help every student shape a successful future, as well as Rangeview’s “Commitment to Excellence.” It’s the Raider way!

As we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, we want to highlight one specific avenue that prepares our students for jobs of the future - and that is the renowned Pickens Technical College!

As one of only three technical colleges in Colorado, Pickens offers 30 certificate programs for high school students and adults. The school’s career and technical programs are robust and prepare students for a wide range of high-skill, high-demand careers. It also offers short-term credentials and customized training to meet the demands of an ever-changing workforce.

At Pickens, two such programs have a history of working together to develop these skills while exploring current trends in the food industry. Students in the Urban Horticulture and Landscape Management Program learn how to grow a wide variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables that are then utilized by students in the Culinary Arts Program to create delicious meals. This collaborative farm-to-table partnership has existed for many years, and is one of Pickens’ best kept secrets - until now!

“We grew and harvested oyster mushrooms in Fall 2019 and collaborated with the culinary students to make a delicious mushroom risotto,” said Pickens Urban Horticulture and Landscape Adjunct Instructor Donna Nading. “We all enjoyed the food and it’s great to have the two programs working together.”

"Growing the mushrooms with the horticulture class gave students the opportunity to meet new people and show off their skills in the commercial kitchen," said Pickens Culinary Arts Instructor Tiffani Schans. "It really is a win-win working with the horticulture program."

Both programs offer unique opportunities to learn valuable skills through hands-on instruction, one inside the kitchen and the other outside in nature.

To learn more about the incredible career and technical programs at Pickens, visit pickenstech.org.

February is Career and Technical Education Month!

Spotlight on Pickens Technical College: Did you know?

• Pickens was named Best Community College in Colorado in 2017 and 2018 by bestcolleges.com and ranked the #1 community college in Colorado by niche.com for 2020 and 2021.
• APS high school students receive free tuition for any Pickens Technical College program.
• Pickens serves more than 1,100 high school and adult students.
• Pickens is offering top-tier career and technical education through virtual, hybrid and face-to-face cohort learning during the pandemic to fulfill high industry demands and needs.