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.

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

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. 

Even though the end of the school year is near, teaching and learning continues. The last day of school for most APS students is May 25. Students, be present and ready to learn every day so you can finish the school year strong!

STRIVE for the highest grades
and PREPARE for the next grade level! 

  Finish the school year strong... Our victory lap begins AFTER we cross the finish line! Don't get passed before you finish!

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
<map>

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
<map>

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
<map>

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
<mapa>

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
<mapa>

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
<mapa>