Elevate Education

In this special episode of Elevate Education, we discuss school safety with two of Jeffco Public Schools' top leaders: Chief Human Resources Officer Amanda Pierorazio and Executive Director of School Safety Jeff Pierson.

Join Superintendent Tracy Dorland and her guests as they share the district's multi-layered approach to keeping students and staff safe, from proactive security measures to emergency preparedness and community partnerships. Learn about the role of Jeffco's 145-member safety and security team, the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety, and how rigorous hiring and training practices ensure that only the best educators and staff work with students.

Resources from Episode:

• Policy on Staff Conduct
• Regulation on Staff Conduct
• Safe2Tell

In this first episode of our "State of Our District" series, Superintendent Tracy Dorland and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc Esparza reflect on the state of the district. They share compelling gains in early literacy, the efforts to prepare students for both college and careers through durable skills, and the work being done to support students in both traditional and alternative education environments. Tracy and Kym also discuss how the middle school experience is being tailored to support adolescents as they prepare for their future. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the state of education in Jeffco, also available as a video on YouTube!

References from the episode:

1. View Monitoring Report 1.1 on this webpage.
2. View Jeffco's Graduation Rate News Story on this webpage.
3. View the SkillsUSA website.

In this episode, we dive into the world of artificial intelligence in education with Victor Lee, a Professor at Stanford University and a leading voice in AI research. Victor takes us on a journey through the myths and realities of AI in schools, from concerns about cheating to its potential as a teaching tool. Whether you're an educator or a parent, this conversation will provide clarity on how AI can empower both students and teachers. Tune in to learn how embracing AI, when used ethically, can open up new doors for personalized learning and future-ready classrooms.

Resources From this Episode:

• Stanford Accelerator for Learning: A platform for AI research and initiatives in education. Website: acceleratelearning.stanford.edu
• Teach AI: A partner group focused on teaching AI in schools and providing resources for districts and teachers. Website: TeachAI.org
• C.R.A.F.T. (Crafting Relevant, Authentic, Future-Facing Technology in Education): This is a project where educators co-develop short lessons that integrate AI into various subject areas. Website: Craft.stanford.edu
• Cheating in the age of generative AI: A high school survey study of cheating behaviors before and after the release of ChatGPT. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence.

In the continuation of our conversation with Dr. Jessica Hawks, a child psychology expert from Children's Hospital Colorado, we go deeper into the critical topic of emotional regulation. Tara and Dr. Hawks explore how adolescence manage stress and anxiety, how they should be managing these emotions, and the role parents play in modeling and teaching these skills.

Dr. Hawkes shares invaluable insights into:

• The natural process of learning emotional regulation and how parents can scaffold this skill.
• The difference between stress and anxiety.
• How avoidance behaviors reinforce anxiety and depression in children and teens.
• Practical strategies for parents to start meaningful conversations about emotions and mental health with their kids.

This episode emphasizes the importance of showing up for children with presence, patience, and grace, while also highlighting the need for parents to maintain their own emotional regulation.

We are joined by Dr. Jessica Hawkes, a leading child and adolescent psychologist from Children's Hospital Colorado and Associate Professor at the University of Colorado. Together, we explore the critical role mental health plays in students' overall development, academic success and well-being from early childhood through adolescence. This is part one of a two part series on mental health in K-12 education.

Dr. Hawkes shares her professional journey and provides practical advice for parents and educators to recognize the early signs of mental health challenges, foster resilience and support children in navigating life's emotional ups and downs. We discuss key strategies, from strengthening the parent-child relationship through presence and play in early years, to finding the balance between guiding and granting independence to teens.

Whether you're a parent seeking to better support your child or an educator aiming to enhance classroom dynamics, this episode offers invaluable insights for promoting mental health and well-being at every stage of a student's journey.

Tune in to learn how mental health is integral to education—and how we can all work together to create a healthier future for our students. Come back next week as we continue the conversation about emotional regulation and resilience.

In this special edition of the Elevate Education Podcast, we bring the magic of music into focus with our Tiny Desk Concert series! Join us as we visit Creighton Middle School and experience the incredible talent of their 8th-grade performers. From instrumental duets and ensembles, these young artists share their passion and creativity through music, showcasing the vibrant arts culture thriving in Jeffco Public Schools. Tune in to celebrate the power of music education and the students who make it shine! Learn more about the performing arts at Creighton Middle School on this webpage.

Musical pieces:

• Sailors' Song by Mark Williams, Publisher Alfred Musice Publishing.
• Deer in the Headlights by Andy Carlson, arranged by Amy Sue Barston.
• Star-Crossed Warriors by Deborah Baker Monday.

As the world changes rapidly, traditional high school education remains largely the same. In this episode, host Jason Firestone sits down with John Thanos, a forward-thinking leader, to discuss how high schools can evolve to better prepare students for the future.

From personalized learning and real-world skills development to navigating challenges like curriculum innovation, John shares his insights on transforming education to meet the demands of modern society. Tune in to explore how high schools can foster adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong success in students, ensuring they're not just ready for graduation but for life beyond the classroom.

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Matt Palaoro sits down with Brenna Copeland, Chief Financial Officer for Jeffco Public Schools to break down school finances.

Brenna's expertise and sense of humor make navigating school funding and budgets manageable! In this episode you will learn:

• How public school districts like Jeffco are funded
• How schools develop their budgets and decide where to allocate funds
• Ways that you, as a parent or student, can get involved in budgeting decisions by voicing what matters most to your school community
• And more!

If you've ever wondered how schools get funded and how that impacts your community, don't miss this episode. It's not just numbers—it's about shaping the future of education in a way that makes sense for everyone.

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In this episode of Elevate Education, we are thrilled to have Crisanta Duran, a trailblazer in public service and a passionate advocate for education and social justice. Join us as we dive into the critical topic of empowering communities through education and civic engagement. Crisanta shares her journey from growing up in Jefferson County to becoming the first Latina Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives.

We explore education system challenges, how schools can foster greater civic participation and the importance of equitable opportunities for all students. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership and advocacy.

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In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, cell phones are a constant companion—but what happens when schools hit the brakes and say, "No phones allowed?" On this episode of the Elevate Education Podcast, host Matt Palaoro talks with Chris Hagel, Chief Information Officer at Peninsula School District in Washington. With over two decades of experience in K-12 technology, Chris shares how his district navigated restricting cellphones in classrooms.

Are these restrictions actually helping students focus, or are they creating new challenges? The results might surprise you! From improved student focus to a stronger sense of community and even a drop in cyberbullying, Chris reveals how the decision to curb phone use has led to some unexpected benefits. Chris also shares the hurdles, pushback, and lessons learned along the way.

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