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.

Aurora Public Schools Community,

Update: The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously (7-0) to officially approve Mr. Giles’ contract during their May 16 meeting. He will begin his role as Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools on July 1.

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on April 27 and voted 7-0 to select Mr. Michael Giles, Jr. as the sole finalist for our next Superintendent.

Mr. Michael Giles, Jr.

Mr. Michael Giles currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Culture and Community Engagement for Cherry Creek School District (CCSD). Prior to his current role, Mr. Giles was the Assistant Superintendent of Performance Improvement for CCSD. He has also served as a school counselor, dean of students, assistant principal, principal and Executive Director in CCSD. Prior to working in public education, Mr. Giles worked for a juvenile correction center. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Colorado Mesa University and his master's degree in educational counseling from University of Phoenix.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to sincerely thank the Aurora Public Schools community for your strong engagement throughout the Superintendent search process,” said Board President Debbie Gerkin. “Community input and feedback was a critical component in selecting our next leader, and we are thrilled that Mr. Giles embodies many of the leadership traits and competencies that our community identified as priorities.”

Students, staff, families and community members provided input through focus groups, surveys and meet and greets. Many highlighted the strengths of Aurora Public Schools including our diverse and supportive community as well as our dedicated and passionate staff. In addition, we identified the challenges that our next Superintendent must work to address with our community including effectively meeting the needs of our diverse student population, physical and psychological safety as well as working to address the impacts of trauma, poverty and language barriers.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve the Aurora Public Schools community,” said Michael Giles. “Throughout my day in the district, I had the opportunity to talk with students, staff, families and community members. What is clear is that we have important work ahead of us and each of us brings a strong passion and commitment to serving this community. I look forward to listening, engaging and working together to truly make Aurora Public Schools the destination school district where students, staff, and community members Power Their Potential.”

Board members also thanked Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, Mike Richie and his team members for successfully leading the Superintendent search and selection process. As one of the most diverse school districts in the state, it was important to include diverse voices throughout the process and the search firm went above and beyond to accommodate our community’s needs.

The Board’s announcement of a sole finalist for a new superintendent completes a four-month search and selection process. 

Aurora Public Schools Community:

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting last night to select three finalists to interview for the Aurora Public Schools Superintendent position.

In the initial stage of the selection process, a total of 28 candidates from across the country completed their applications on time and agreed to move forward in the process. Among those candidates, the Board selected six candidates to interview. One candidate withdrew prior to the interviews, so the Board conducted five interviews on March 26 and 27 in executive session. From those interviews, the Board selected three finalists to move forward in the process.

You can read a brief bio about each of the finalists below (listed in alphabetical order by last name). As always, please visit our Superintendent Search website for updated information.

Days In the District

Each finalist will spend a day in Aurora Public Schools interacting with students, staff, families and community members. Each finalist will also take a bus tour and visit a few schools throughout the district. Below is information about how you can meet each of the candidates in person during their days in the district. Community input will continue to be a critical component of the selection process. We look forward to seeing you at the meet and greets on April 11, 12 and 13!

Dr. Nia Campbell

Dr. Nia Campbell currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Aurora Public Schools. Prior to her current role, Dr. Campbell was the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education for The School Board of Highlands County in Florida. Throughout her career in public education, she has also served as a high school math teacher, assistant principal and principal. Dr. Campbell earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Wagner College and her master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University. She also earned her doctorate in educational leadership and educational specialist degree from Argosy University. 

Dr. Campbell’s Day in the District
Thursday, April 13, 2023

Meet and Greet for APS Staff from 4:30-6 p.m.
Meet and Greet for APS Families and Community Members from 6-7 p.m.

APS Professional Learning and Conference Center
15771 E. 1st Ave. 
Aurora, CO 80011
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Mr. Michael Giles

Mr. Michael Giles currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Culture and Community Engagement for Cherry Creek School District. Prior to his current role, Mr. Giles was the Assistant Superintendent of Performance Improvement for CCSD. He has also served as a school counselor, dean of students, assistant principal, principal and Executive Director in CCSD. Prior to working in public education, Mr. Giles worked for a juvenile correction center. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Colorado Mesa University and his master's degree in educational counseling from University of Phoenix.

Mr. Giles’ Day in the District
Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Meet and Greet for APS Staff from 4:30-6 p.m.
Meet and Greet for APS Families and Community Members from 6-7 p.m.

APS Professional Learning and Conference Center
15771 E. 1st Ave. 
Aurora, CO 80011
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Mr. Andre Wright

Mr. Andre Wright currently serves as Senior Vice President of Education Solutions for MGT Consulting. Prior to his current role, he served as Chief Academic Officer for Aurora Public Schools. Throughout his career in public education, he has also served as a paraprofessional, teacher, assistant principal, principal and Learning Community Director. Mr. Wright earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Covenant College and his master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. He also earned an education specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

Mr. Wright’s Day in the District
Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Meet and Greet for APS Staff from 4:30-6 p.m.
Meet and Greet for APS Families and Community Members from 6-7 p.m.

APS Professional Learning and Conference Center
15771 E. 1st Ave. 
Aurora, CO 80011
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El Consejo Directivo de Educación de APS selecciona a los finalistas en la búsqueda para el nuevo superintendente

Estimados miembros de la comunidad de APS:

El Consejo Directivo de Educación del Distrito de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora organizó una reunión especial anoche para seleccionar tres finalistas a entrevistar para el puesto de superintendente del Distrito de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora.

En la etapa inicial del proceso de selección, un total de 28 candidatos de todo el país llenaron sus solicitudes a tiempo y acordaron avanzar en el proceso. Entre esos candidatos, el Consejo Directivo seleccionó a seis candidatos para entrevistar. Un candidato se retiró antes de las entrevistas, entonces el Consejo Directivo llevó a cabo cinco entrevistas los días 26 y 27 de marzo en una sesión ejecutiva. Para esas entrevistas, el Consejo Directivo seleccionó a tres finalistas para avanzar en el proceso.

A continuación, puede leer una breve biografía sobre cada uno de los finalistas (listados en orden alfabético por apellido). Para obtener información actualizada, visite nuestro sitio web para la búsqueda del nuevo superintendente.

Days In the District

Cada finalista pasará un día en el Distrito de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora interactuando con los estudiantes, miembros del personal, familias y miembros de la comunidad. Cada finalista también realizará visitas guiadas en autobús de unas cuantas escuelas a lo largo del distrito. A continuación, se incluye información sobre cómo puede conocer en persona a cada uno de los candidatos durante sus fechas de visita en el distrito. La opinión de la comunidad continuará siendo un componente fundamental en el proceso de selección. ¡Esperamos verlos en uno de los eventos para conocer y socializar con los candidatos los días 11, 12 y 13 de abril!

Dra. Nia Campbell

La Dra. Nia Campbell actualmente sirve como Directora de Asuntos Académicos para el Distrito de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora. Antes de su función actual, la Dra. Campbell fue la asistente del superintendente de Educación Secundaria para el Consejo Directivo de Educación del condado de Highlands en Florida. A lo largo de su carrera en la educación pública, ella también ha servido como maestra de matemáticas en la preparatoria, subdirectora y directora de escuela. La Dra. Campbell obtuvo su título de licenciatura en matemáticas de Wagner College y su título de maestría en liderazgo educativo de National Louis University. Ella también obtuvo su doctorado en liderazgo educativo y un título como especialista educativa de Argosy University. 

Fecha de visita de la Dra. Campbell en el Distrito
Jueves, 13 de abril de 2023

Evento de conocer y socializar para los miembros del personal - 4:30 a 6 p. m.
Evento de conocer y socializar para las familias de APS y los miembros de la comunidad - 6 a 7 p. m.

APS Professional Learning and Conference Center
15771 E. 1st Ave.
Aurora, CO 80011
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Sr. Michael Giles

El Sr. Michael Giles sirve actualmente como asistente del superintendente de Equidad, Cultura y Participación Comunitaria para el Distrito Escolar de Cherry Creek (CCSD, en inglés).  Antes de su función actual, el Sr. Giles fue el asistente del superintendente de la mejora del rendimiento para CCSD. También ha servido como consejero escolar, decano de estudiantes, subdirector, director y director ejecutivo de CCSD. Antes de trabajar en la educación pública, el Sr. Giles trabajó para un centro correccional juvenil. Obtuvo su título de licenciatura en sociología y antropología en Colorado Mesa University y su título de maestría en consejería educativa en University of Phoenix.

Fecha de visita del Sr. Giles en el Distrito
Martes, 11 de abril de 2023 

Evento de conocer y socializar para los miembros del personal - 4:30 a 6 p. m.
Evento de conocer y socializar para las familias de APS y los miembros de la comunidad - 6 a 7 p. m.

APS Professional Learning and Conference Center
15771 E. 1st Ave.
Aurora, CO 80011
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Sr. Andre Wright

El Sr. Andre Wright actualmente sirve como vicepresidente de Education Solutions para GT Consulting. Antes de su función actual, sirvió como Director de Asuntos Académicos para el Distrito de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora. A lo largo de su carrera en la educación pública, también ha servido como auxiliar de maestro, maestro, subdirector, director y director de la comunidad de aprendizaje. El Sr. Wright obtuvo su título de licenciatura en administración y gestión empresarial de Covenant College y su título de maestría en administración y supervisión educativa de Lincoln Memorial University.  Él también obtuvo un título en especialista educativo de Lincoln Memorial University.

Fecha de visita del Sr. Wright en el Distrito
Miércoles, 12 de abril de 2023

Evento de conocer y socializar para los miembros del personal - 4:30 a 6 p. m.
Evento de conocer y socializar para las familias de APS y los miembros de la comunidad - 6 a 7 p. m.

APS Professional Learning and Conference Center
15771 E. 1st Ave.
Aurora, CO 80011
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Dear APS Community, 

Earlier today, Nashville Police reported that at least three students and three adults were killed at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. We are saddened, angry and grieving along with school communities across the country. In times of tragedy that especially impact school communities, we want to reach out and remind you of the important mental health resources that are available to support our students, staff and families.

Any report of violence at a school is heartbreaking and we know that many of you and your student(s) may be struggling with news of this attack. As we all process our emotions stemming from this event, please know that Aurora Public Schools is here to support our students, staff and families.

As a reminder, please know that we have counseling and mental health supports available for our students and staff. If a student or staff member is struggling, please reach out and connect them to a mental health professional at school.

We also want to remind you that the mental health resources listed below are always available to you, your student(s) and your family.

• All APS students have access to mental health resources through Hazel Health.  
• If you or a loved one is in imminent danger, please call 9-1-1.
• For urgent counseling, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255), or text “Talk” to 38255. This service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 
• One of our main partners, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, operates centers throughout Aurora. Visit their website for details.
• All APS employees have free, 24-hour access to counseling and other services through our Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-324-2631 or visit hr.aurorak12.org/eap. APS has also partnered with Meru Health, which offers support to all APS staff through a free and 100% confidential 12-week program accessible via smartphone. Click here for more information. Additional mental health resources for staff are available here. 

We also want to share the following resource on how to speak with your student(s) after an act of violence like this. The following is a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists on talking to children about violence:

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

As always, you can find more information about our mental health resources by visiting mentalhealth.aurorak12.org.

We also want to remind you that when it comes to health and safety, we use a comprehensive approach in Aurora Public Schools that we call APS CARES. CARES stands for: Communication, Awareness, Relationships, Engagement and Security.

As a community, we all must reach out during tragic times like these and support each other. Please know that we support you and will continue to care for you.

- Interim Superintendent Mark Seglem

Dear APS Community, 

You have likely heard the Denver Police Department reported that a student shot two staff members at East High School in Denver Public Schools earlier today. We are deeply saddened to learn of this shooting especially as the East High School community is still grieving the recent loss of a student to gun violence. While we wait for more details about the condition of the staff members, we wanted to reach out with some important mental health resources to support you.

Any report of violence at a school is heartbreaking and we know that many of you and your student(s) may be struggling with news of this attack. As we all process our emotions stemming from this event, please know that Aurora Public Schools is here to support our students, staff and families.

As a reminder, please know that we have counseling and mental health supports available for our students and staff. If a student or staff member is struggling, please reach out and connect them to a mental health professional at school.

We also want to remind you that the mental health resources listed below are always available to you, your student(s) and your family.

• All APS students have access to mental health resources through Hazel Health.  
• If you or a loved one is in imminent danger, please call 9-1-1.
• For urgent counseling, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255), or text “Talk” to 38255. This service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 
• One of our main partners, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, operates centers throughout Aurora. Visit their website for details.
• All APS employees have free, 24-hour access to counseling and other services through our Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-324-2631 or visit hr.aurorak12.org/eap. APS has also partnered with Meru Health, which offers support to all APS staff through a free and 100% confidential 12-week program accessible via smartphone. Click here for more information. Additional mental health resources for staff are available here. 

We also want to share the following resource on how to speak with your student(s) after an act of violence like this. The following is a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists on talking to children about violence:

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

As always, you can find more information about our mental health resources by visiting mentalhealth.aurorak12.org.

We also want to remind you that when it comes to health and safety, we use a comprehensive approach in Aurora Public Schools that we call APS CARES. CARES stands for: Communication, Awareness, Relationships, Engagement and Security.

As a community, we all must reach out during challenging times like these and support each other. Please know that we support you and will continue to care for you.

- Interim Superintendent Mark Seglem

In order to hear from as many students, staff, families and community members as possible, Hazard, Young, Attea, and Associates (HYA) has extended the Superintendent Search survey window for one more week. Click here to take the online survey, which will now close on Friday, Mar. 3. This feedback will be used to develop a leadership profile that will include desirable characteristics of the next superintendent.

In addition, we would like to thank those of you who attended a focus group over the past several weeks to provide your input. Your feedback is critical in the superintendent search process and we thank you for your participation.

Aurora Public Schools

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education has selected a search firm to support its superintendent search process. During its Jan. 10 meeting, the Board selected Hazard, Young, Attea, and Associates (HYA), which is a nationally-recognized, collaborative and experienced executive search firm.

HYA is leading various focus groups over the coming weeks and conducting an online survey to gather feedback from students, teachers, staff, families and community members. The online survey is now open and will close on February 24. Click here to take the online survey. This feedback will be used to develop a leadership profile that will include desirable characteristics of the next superintendent.

Thank your for attending the focus groups HYA has hosted so far. We ask that you attend one of the final focus groups on Thursday, Feb. 23 and complete the online survey. Below is information on the focus groups. Please note that HYA has added an additional focus group for staff members with a later dismissal time on February 23. All focus groups will now meet virtually via Zoom.

For Aurora Public Schools Staff:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4-5 p.m. via Zoom
• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 5-6 p.m. via Zoom

For Aurora Public Schools Parents, Guardians and Families:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 8-9 a.m. via Zoom

For Aurora Public Schools Community Members:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. via Zoom

Zoom Link and password for all focus groups above: https://zoom.us/j/97057630819?pwd=cmtDK3dnb2JVcjJHUERpckcwL3d0QT09 
Meeting ID: 970 5763 0819
Passcode: 950226

Please note that HYA will also be hosting 11 additional focus groups by invitation only. These include focus groups for students (one at every high school), principals, district leadership and city and business leaders. 

Your feedback is critical in the superintendent search process and we thank you in advance for your participation.

Aurora Public Schools

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education has selected a search firm to support its superintendent search process. During its Jan. 10 meeting, the Board selected Hazard, Young, Attea, and Associates (HYA), which is a nationally-recognized, collaborative and experienced executive search firm.

HYA is leading various focus groups over the coming weeks and conducting an online survey to gather feedback from students, teachers, staff, families and community members. The online survey is now open and will close on February 24. We will send out the link to the survey when it is live, and it will also be available on the Superintendent Search website. This feedback will be used to develop a leadership profile that will include desirable characteristics of the next superintendent.

Thank your for attending the focus groups HYA has hosted so far. We ask that you attend one of the final focus groups on Thursday, Feb. 23 and complete the online survey. Below is information on the focus groups. Please note that HYA has added an additional focus group for staff members with a later dismissal time on February 23.  All focus groups will now meet virtually via Zoom.

For Aurora Public Schools Staff:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4-5 p.m. via Zoom
• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 5-6 p.m. via Zoom

For Aurora Public Schools Parents, Guardians and Families:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 8-9 a.m. via Zoom

For Aurora Public Schools Community Members:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. via Zoom

Zoom Link and password for all focus groups above: https://zoom.us/j/97057630819?pwd=cmtDK3dnb2JVcjJHUERpckcwL3d0QT09 
Meeting ID: 970 5763 0819
Passcode: 950226

Please note that HYA will also be hosting 11 additional focus groups by invitation only. These include focus groups for students (one at every high school), principals, district leadership and city and business leaders. 

APS is committed to creating safe and welcoming learning environments so that our students can shape successful futures. Each year, we invite parents, students and staff to share their thoughts and feedback about the safety, wellness and learning supports that exist in our schools through a series of climate surveys: one for parents, one for staff and one for students. This is a reminder to let your voice be heard!

Information on the Parent Survey
All APS parents and guardians are encouraged to provide important feedback on this survey to help us understand their satisfaction, needs and communication with their children’s school. The surveys are anonymous and answers will be kept strictly confidential. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. The survey now closes on Feb. 24, 2023. Thank you in advance for your participation!

You may:

• Take the survey online: aurorak12.org/survey

APS believes that families are our partners in education, and we hope that our students, staff, and parents will help us strengthen our community by providing invaluable feedback on these surveys. If you have any questions about the parent survey, please contact the APS Accountability and Research Department at research@aurorak12.org. 

Sincerely,

Mark Seglem
Interim Superintendent
Aurora Public Schools  

The foundation of our district’s strategic plan, APS 2026: Faces of the Future, is our community’s core beliefs. As we begin second semester, I would like to reflect on some of these core beliefs:

• Families are our partners in education.
• Students, families, staff and community members share the responsibility for student achievement.
• Students take an active and ongoing responsibility for their learning.

These core beliefs highlight the importance of why our partnership with you is vital in achieving our community’s vision that every student shapes a successful future. With this in mind, I would like to remind you that many of our students will participate in state testing this spring.

Participation is important because results help students, parents and teachers understand whether students have mastered the content they need to know by the end of the school year to be on track for college and career success. We are asking for your help in preparing our students to do their very best on these upcoming assessments.

Please check individual school calendars for specific assessment schedules.

Special Note for APS Avenues Fully-Remote Learners (9th - 12th grades): If your student is a “fully-remote” learner of APS Avenues this school year, you will be contacted by your home school regarding participation in the assessments listed below. As these assessments cannot be delivered in a virtual environment, your student will need to take them in person at the APS Avenues site.

WIDA ACCESS

Beginning January 9, 2023, all English Language Learner (ELL) students who have a designation of NEP (Non-English Proficient) or LEP (Limited-English Proficient) will take the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Summative Assessment. WIDA ACCESS measures a student’s progress in acquiring academic English. Please note that there is no opt-out option for these assessments.

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening (all NEP and LEP students in grades K-12)

• Jan. 9 - Feb. 10, 2023

CMAS

Colorado’s assessment system is called the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS). In 2009, Colorado implemented more rigorous academic standards known as the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS). The new standards set clear, consistent guidelines for what students should know and be able to do at all grade levels. To accurately measure student mastery of these skills and expectations, Colorado adopted CMAS.

English Language Arts and Math (grades 3-8)

• April 10 - April 28, 2023

Science (grades 5, 8 and 11)

• April 10 - April 28, 2023

PSAT and SAT Exams
APS freshmen and sophomores will take the Colorado Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and juniors will take the Colorado Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). College Board partners use information from these test scores to expand access to various scholarships. We encourage students and parents to explore Khan Academy, an online tool that helps students prepare for these tests. Khan Academy gives students free personalized practice, including study and test-taking tips, six official full-length practice tests and a tailored practice plan. Please visit khanacademy.org.

PSAT - English Language Arts and Math (grades 9-10)

• April 12, 13, or 14, 2023 (Your school will inform you of which date.)
• Accommodation Window: April 12-19, 2023
• Make-Up Testing Dates: April 25, 26, or 27, 2023

SAT - Reading, Writing, and Math (grade 11)

• April 12, 2023
• Accommodation Window: April 12-14, 2023
• Make-Up Testing Date: April 25, 2023

Participation Guidelines
While we encourage participation from all students in state assessments, state law allows parents and guardians to excuse their students from taking all state assessments, except WIDA ACCESS. If a parent or guardian would like to excuse their student from participating in an assessment, the parent or guardian must do so on behalf of the student. Please contact your child’s school for a District Opt-Out form.

Below, you will find the State Assessments Guide and an FAQ that contains useful information. I encourage you to read through them carefully.

Thank you for your support in helping every APS student shape a successful future.

Mark Seglem, Acting Superintendent
Aurora Public Schools

• View the State Assessments Guide.
• View the State Assessments Frequently Asked Questions.