By: Dr. Rob Bishop, Principal
Happy Holidays! As I reflect upon this past semester, I don’t have enough words to convey how impressed I am with all that is D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High. I feel very fortunate to be part of such an amazing school and the experience thus far has been tremendous. It seems so long ago that we opened our new academic wing and the anticipation the first day of classes on August 16th. I am thrilled that we have been able to complete this first semester without incident and that we have regained much of what we are familiar with in a typical school year. I expect this to continue into the second semester and look forward to more positive experiences and accomplishments in everything our students are involved in. I attribute this successful first semester to both our students and staff. I am grateful to our students for their hard work and dedication to returning to our traditional learning model. I appreciate the commitment of our teachers and staff to foster student learning and growth over this semester. Thank you to the parents and family members that provide our students & community such great support. As a school community, we could not have found success in continuing to educate our students without the steady, thoughtful support of our parents and families. Thank you for your steadfast support of your child(ren) and our school. I hope that the upcoming Winter Break and the holiday season will be a great chance for all of our community members to rest, relax, and recharge as we prepare for a great second semester. On behalf of our school faculty and staff, please accept my heartfelt best wishes for a very happy holiday season for you and your family! Upcoming Events:
Additional Links:
All lost and found items will be donated on Tuesday, December 20. Please stop by the lost and found table located near the front office to claim your items prior to donation day.
On Tuesday, December 20th, there will be a Boba Zone fundraiser all day, raising money for the Sophomore Class Project. Mention you are with D'Evelyn Junior Senior High School at the time of purchase. Boba Zone is located at 5005 S. Kipling Pkwy Unit A8, Littleton, CO 80127.
By: Jenna Spendlove, DEF Executive Director
Let’s kick off winter break by celebrating an incredible fall semester with a Hot Chocolate party Tuesday, December 20th at 12 pm in D’Evelyn East Parking Lot. It will be lots of fun and supports the D’Evelyn Education Foundation! Tickets can be purchased in the main office. The cost is $10. Hosted by: Scott and Jenna Spendlove
By: Brock Gustafson, Steering Committee Chair
The search for our permanent principal is underway! I want to start by saying thank you to the more than 200 community members, staff, and students who provided feedback on the survey we sent out in the late summer. The Steering Committee reviewed all survey responses, including more than 250 individually written feedback items. Based on your feedback, our next principal should understand the D'Evelyn program and be committed to continuing D'Evelyn's rigorous academic and behavioral standards. Our next principal should be focused on maintaining high-quality instruction and staff. Our community desires a principal who will model integrity and honor and be an excellent communicator and mentor to both teachers and students. Our goal is to hire a candidate who meets and exceeds these expectations. In October, Principal Hiring Committee (PHC) members were chosen or elected by the various groups which make up our D’Evelyn community: D’Evelyn staff and teachers, Dennison Accountability Committee and administration, D’Evelyn Accountability Committee, D’Evelyn Founders, and Jeffco Schools leadership. Current Steering Committee members round out the PHC to a total of 16 people. The PHC met formally in November to receive training for the upcoming hiring process. Also in November, I had the opportunity to meet with Tracy Dorland, the Jeffco Schools Superintendent, and her executive team. In that meeting, Jeffco Schools committed to providing the resources we requested to empower a successful search, including national advertising across a number of industry publications in addition to job placement websites. With the support of Jeffco Schools leadership, an early start on the hiring process, and the benefit of contacts we built while looking for an interim principal last spring, we are optimistic that we will find the right candidate for our school. The opening for the principal position will be posted online from 12/15/22 until 1/16/23, and Jeffco leadership agreed that this time period would draw the greatest number of highly qualified candidates. The link to the job posting can be found on the Jobs at Jeffco Website. It is also posted on LinkedIn among other national websites. Please help us cast a wide net by sharing the job on LinkedIn or other education-focused groups you may be a part of. I have also included a flyer that Jeffco recruiting created if you want to share that on other social media sites. The PHC will review candidate application materials as they are received, and on 1/18/23 we will meet to discuss all the candidates who fully completed their applications. Qualified candidates will be invited to Interview with the PHC, tentatively during the week of 1/23/23 and, assuming a highly qualified candidate or candidates emerge from those interviews, focus groups composed of community members, students, and staff will meet with the candidate(s) in the days afterward. After reviewing feedback from those focus groups, the PHC may vote to move a candidate forward for final approval by the Steering Committee, or, if no clear choice of a top candidate emerges, the PHC may conduct another round of interviews prior to seeking Steering Committee approval. Upon the consent of Steering, the completion of required district background checks and paperwork, and the final candidate’s acceptance of the offer, the name of the new principal will be announced to the D’Evelyn community. Please remember that this hiring process is a confidential personnel matter and PHC members are prohibited from sharing details about candidates until the focus group phase is reached. The PHC is bound by state and/or federal law as well as Jeffco Schools’ hiring policy which forbids discrimination in the hiring process on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, veteran status, or disability. Please look for upcoming articles in JagTracks and/or email communications from the Steering Committee in January with further updates. If you have additional questions about the process, you can review the hiring process documents (SF-02 policy and regulations) on the Steering Committee website or you may send an email to develynscchair@gmail.com. Thank you for your interest in the principal hiring process and your commitment to D’Evelyn. On behalf of the Steering Committee, I wish you all a happy holiday season! 
By: Greg Kottcamp, Assistant Principal
Volunteers Needed We are so thankful for all of the parent volunteers that have helped out so far this school year. We are still in need of volunteers for the counseling center to help with supervising students that have extended test times or quiet testing location accommodations. We also need parents to help with staffing the front desk at the new vestibule area to buzz parents and visitors into the building and check them in. If you are available and willing to volunteer please contact Crystal Frigo at crystal.frigo@jeffcoschool.us. Paraprofessional Position We posted a part-time position on the Jeffco jobs board for a Paraprofessional to work the front door and help with other tasks around the office as needed, but as of yet have been unable to fill the position. Therefore, we are taking this request straight to you, the parents. If you are interested in a part-time job, working at D’Evelyn four hours a day from 10:30-2:30, please visit the Jeffco jobs board and look for job posting/ID 20059. If you have questions about the position please contact Jan Skelton at jan.skelton@jeffcoschools.us.
By: Jenna Spendlove, DEF Executive Director
On behalf of the D'Evelyn Education Foundation, we would like to say thank you to our D'Evelyn community for their continued generosity and support! We genuinely wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 
By: Eric McCaslin-Hahn, Assistant Principal, Athletics and Activities Director
Congratulations to the Scholar of the Month winners for the month of December. They were chosen by the Social Studies Department. Adam Sias - 7th grade Adam in class asks amazing questions and is the driver of many discussions that push us toward deeper levels of learning and understanding. He is not afraid to give his viewpoint on multiple topics even when it is an opinion that not everyone shares. We are lucky to have Adam as a student at D'Evelyn because he models for others what a curious mind looks like in a classroom. -Mr. Boswell: Social Studies Teacher 
Doan Lau - 8th grade
Doan is remarkable. She is new to D'Evelyn this year, but you'd never know it. Every day, she walks through the halls and into class with a smile on her face. She is witty and has a fresh perspective on all the topics we discuss in U.S. History. Her writing is out of this world; hands down she is one of the most thoughtful and creative students I've had the pleasure of teaching. Doan extends her kindness to her peers & is the embodiment of sunshine. -Ms. Paske: Social Studies Teacher 
Giselle Wipper & Reid Benfield - 12th grade
Both Giselle and Reid are currently taking Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics but through all of their history classes, they have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Both Giselle and Reid offer insights into class discussions and demonstrate an aptitude for research and argumentation in their superb term papers and essay writing. Overall, both Reid and Giselle are exemplary students whom we have been continuously impressed by in our classrooms. Both were nominated by all of their history teachers, past and present. -Mrs. McSkimin: Social Studies Teacher 
By: Eric McCaslin-Hahn, Assistant Principal, Athletics and Activities Director
Congratulations to the Heart of D’Evelyn winners for December. The Heart of D’Evelyn Award is intended to recognize students who exemplify the core values that we find in D’Evelyn’s Founding Document. These core values are Responsibility, Honesty, Self-Control, Kindness, and Fairness. These winners were chosen by their teachers based on their actions and behaviors in class, the lunchroom, and the hallways. Charlotte Collard - 7th Grade Charlotte is one of the kindest students I have ever met. If there ever was a student in need for any reason, Charlotte would be the first to step up and help them out, even if she did not know them. The high standard of kindness towards all she demonstrates for the other students at the school deserves to be recognized. -Mr. Boswell, Social Studies Teacher 
Gysette Gonzalez - 10th Grade
I can always count on Gysette to be honest and kind. She takes responsibility for her actions and shows a lot of maturity for her age. I've also noticed that no matter who I sit her near in class, she is always smiling, patient and kind with her peers. She really epitomizes the ideals of the Heart of D'Evelyn and I enjoy having her in class. -Ms. Bender, Spanish Teacher 
By: Eric McCaslin-Hahn, Assistant Principal, Athletics and Activities Director
Congratulations to the Activities Member of the Month winners for the month of December. These winners were chosen by their Activities Sponsors based on their leadership qualities, work ethic, and other traits that represent what D’Evelyn wants to see in all of their Activities Members. They were chosen out of all the Activities Members that participate in outside-of-school events. Elizabeth Nhan - 8th Grade Elizabeth Nhan exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding NJHS student. Elizabeth was nominated by her peers to be one of the four NJHS officers/treasure. As an officer, Elizabeth is excellent at collaborating with the other officers to help organize informative yet creative ideas to share during the NJHS monthly meetings. NJHS students conduct a monthly fundraiser and as a group, students decide at the end of the year where to donate the money raised. A major fundraiser that NJHS hosts is the monthly Dairy Queen Blizzard sale and Elizabeth has been more than willing to help organize the sale. She even stays late to help count money and clean up. After the Blizzard sale, Elizabeth offers to help me to my car, as there are containers that need to be returned to Dairy Queen. Because of these actions, what stands out the most to me regarding Elizabeth is her selflessness. Every time I see her, she asks if she can help me with anything and as you can tell, I put her work. Elizabeth is kind, generous, helpful, hardworking and overall a wonderful student. -Ms. Writz, Counselor and NJHS Sponsor 
Corvina Graham, 12th Grade
Corvina played the Flute Solo on Fantasia - Variations on Greensleeve in the concert and recently was selected as Principal Flute in the Colorado All-State Orchestra. Corvina is an incredible member of our Instrumental Music program, we are lucky to have her. -Dr. Theis, Instrumental Music Director 
By: Eric McCaslin-Hahn, Assistant Principal, Athletics and Activities Director
Congratulations to the Athlete of the Month winners for the month of December. These winners were chosen by their coaches based on their leadership qualities, work ethic, and other traits that represent what D’Evelyn wants to see in all of their Student-Athletes. They were chosen out of all the Student-Athletes at D’Evelyn. Shealah Van Wazer, 10th Grade Shealah embodies what it means to be a student-athlete at D’Evelyn. Shealah prioritizes her academics while also balancing cheerleading, student council, and other responsibilities. Shealah is a great mentor to our younger athletes and is always willing to help people out. We are grateful for Shealah’s involvement in the cheer program and are always impressed by her strive for excellence, on and off the mat. -Coach Jiron and Coach Holmes, Cheer Coaches 
Nick Vacanti, 12th Grade
Nick has been an incredible Senior leader for our program this year. Although he is quiet, he leads by example. Everyone in the program can count on him to work hard and set a good example on and off the court. We are fortunate to have Nick in our program, he makes everyone better every day. Congratulations Nick on a well-deserved award! -Coach Gosch, Head Boys Basketball Coach 
By: Eric McCaslin-Hahn, Assistant Principal, Athletics and Activities Director
Please join us in congratulating the December Teacher of the Month, Emily Mozingo. Emily is an outstanding member of our community and is dedicated to the school. She was nominated by students, staff, and parents. Emily is in her 2nd year teaching at D’Evelyn as a Spanish Teacher. Below is what people nominating her said:
December 19
December 20
December 21 - January 4 - No School, Winter Break January 4 - Finals Make-Up Day by arrangement with teachers January 5 - Students return from Winter Break January 9 - Steering Committee Meeting, 4:30 pm January 10 - Accountability Meeting, 5:30 pm January 11 - Prospective Student Information Night, 7 pm in the Auditorium January 13 - Round 1 Open Enrollment closes for the 2023-24 school year January 16 - No School Martin Luther King Day January 17 - DEF Board Meeting, in the Library 6:00 - 8:00 pm January 19 - High School Indoor Track Meet @ Mines January 20 - Dennison and D’Evelyn Night at the Denver Nuggets Game, 7 pm 
The D'Evelyn Education Foundation initiatives are supported by generous contributions from the community. The Foundation thanks the businesses that support our school by sponsoring the D'Evelyn DASH, our School Directory, and/or our Annual Auction. A full list of all DEF sponsors can be found on the DEF Website. Over the next few months, we will highlight our most recent D'Evelyn DASH business sponsors.
December D'Evelyn DASH Finish Line Sponsor Highlight Finish line sponsors supported the D'Evelyn DASH with a contribution of $1000 or more. 
Summit Family Dentistry is thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and wishes D’Evelyn students the very best as they strive to make a difference in the world!
By: Dr. Rob Bishop, Principal
December is always an exciting and challenging time in our school year. The winter athletic season is well underway -- the D’Evelyn basketball teams, and girls swimming and diving teams are off to fantastic early-season success. This past week we enjoyed two outstanding combined holiday season performances from our high school vocal and instrumental music groups and the week prior our junior high music students kicked off the end-of-semester concert series. Additionally, December signals the close of the first semester and I know that the last few weeks are hectic and challenging in the classroom for our students. Our fall semester final exams are scheduled for Monday, December 19th, and Tuesday, December 20th. In addition, many final essays and work products will be due in the coming week for students. Please join the faculty and staff in encouraging students to set up for a successful conclusion to the semester, which will require preparation for exams and completion of major assignments prior to the end of the semester. I encourage students to organize notes and materials and prepare incrementally for their upcoming final exams, and to work with teachers and peers to review challenging material during 7th hour, before or after school. It is important that we support students in the development of productive and healthy learning habits. I understand final exams can be stressful, but with good preparation, I have great confidence our students will be successful in navigating the final weeks of the semester. I wish our students all the best for a successful conclusion to this first semester. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of both our students and teachers. I know that this hard work will pay off for our students in their final exams and as they continue on into the second semester. I also appreciate the continuing support and engagement of D’Evelyn families, as you have done so much to encourage your students to succeed this fall semester. The final exam schedule is unique from our typical bell schedule. Please note the following schedule in your planning for December 19th and 20th. Monday, December 19th
Note: There will be no lunch period during the final exam days, so students are encouraged to have snacks available during passing periods and as appropriate once testing is complete in a class period. Breakfast will be available in the cafeteria from 7 - 7:30 am on both days of final exams.
By: Jennifer Lillibridge, D'Evelyn Registrar
The Jeffco Schools 1st Round Choice Enrollment window is open and will run through Friday, January 13th, 2023. This is an important time in our school system, as the families of prospective students need to register for the schools they are interested in attending in 2023-2024. It is also important for current D’Evelyn students and their families as this is the window to declare intentions to return to D’Evelyn in 2023-2024. School choice is an important opportunity for students and their families. In the open enrollment model, we encourage all families to research school programs to ensure they are finding the best possible fit for their child(ren). The first-round enrollment window is critical for students and families, as this presents the best opportunity for families to have a chance to enroll in the school(s) of their choice. What Does This Mean For Current Students? For current students that intend to stay enrolled at D’Evelyn in 2023-2024, we need families to enter Enroll Jeffco and declare intentions for the future school year. You can also refer to the following quick cheat sheet on how to enroll for the 2023/24 school year. What I Need to Do in EJ Cheat Sheet It is our sincere hope that all of our current students intend to return next year. If you are having trouble accessing your Enroll Jeffco account, please visit the Jeffco Personal Account Manager website to retrieve your username or reset your password. If you have questions about the enrollment process, please reach out to our registrar, Jennifer Lillibridge at 303-982-0873, or the D’Evelyn Main Office at 303-982-2600. If you have questions about whether D’Evelyn is still a good fit for your student please reach out to your student’s counselor or assigned administrator. Thank you! 
By: Kelly Morris
We would like to invite D’Evelyn families to consider participating in the D’Evelyn Giving Tree Gift Drive. If you would like to provide a gift to support a local family, you or your student can stop by the Jags Giving Tree display in the office. Each of the ornaments on the tree has a gift or age on the front as well as instructions on the back. Feel free to take an ornament or two and bring the gift(s) back before December 20th. This is a great opportunity for D’Evelyn students to care for families and friends in our community! In addition, if you know of a family that needs assistance this Holiday Season…or if your family could use a helping hand, please contact Mr. Wille at Daniel.wille@jeffco.k12.co.us or 303-982-2600. If you have any questions about the Jags Giving Tree, please contact Kelly Morris at morris.kellya@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your generosity!
By: Jenna Spendlove, DEF Executive Director
The D’Evelyn Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) which raises funds to support the school. Our mission is as follows: The primary charitable and educational purpose of this non-profit corporation is to support and enhance the opportunities and resources available to D’Evelyn students and to encourage the development of a community that fosters learning and achievement inside and outside the classroom. You should receive our annual appeal in the mail where we highlight what school needs have not yet been fulfilled. We have an aggressive goal and hope that you, your family, and your business will consider donating via this appeal to (1) help us achieve this year’s financial objective and (2) to receive a tax write-off before the end of the calendar year. You can now dedicate your tax-deductible contribution to one of six options: Athletics, Performing Arts, Scholarships, Textbooks & Supplies, Technology, and Capital Improvements. If you do not have a preference, your donation will go into the general fund which supports Junior High Social Committee, Mock Trial, Counseling Department, After Prom, and numerous other activities. Please help us finish the year off strong with a successful annual appeal. YOU can make a huge difference! THANK YOU! develyneducationfoundation.com
By: Jenna Spendlove, DEF Executive Director
Each year, numerous individuals give their time and energy to make a difference for our students and staff. We’d like to take a moment to acknowledge them and say THANK YOU for all you do! Your efforts are greatly appreciated! DEF would not be able to support the school without you! DEF Management Team
D’Evelyn DASH Team Donna Montgomery, Katrina Millette, Jen Bountry, Robin Acree, Bumaa Clark, Julie Glynn, Michelle Linder, Mishan Pils, Kristi Gulley, and Lorraine Barnes Junior High Social Committee Back-to-School BBQ Jen Story, Mike & Leslie Kibbee, Soumita Datta, Norma Mayes, Josh & Kelly Benninghoff, Rita Dale, Liang Chen, Kelly & Nora Brooks, and Dan Jones
Does your student participate in activities sponsored outside of D’Evelyn? If so, we would like to highlight your student’s accomplishments. For consideration, submit your article to the Jaguar Tracks Editor.
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December 17
December 19
December 20
December 21 - January 4 - No School, Winter Break January 5 - Students return from Winter Break January 9 - Steering Committee Meeting, 4:30 pm January 10 - Accountability Meeting, 5:30 pm January 11 - Prospective Student Information Night, 7 pm in the Auditorium January 13 - Round 1 Open Enrollment closes for the 2023-24 school year January 16 - No School Martin Luther King Day January 17 - DEF Board Meeting, in the Library 6:00 - 8:00 pm January 20 - Dennison and D’Evelyn Night at the Denver Nuggets Game, 7 pm
The D'Evelyn Education Foundation initiatives are supported by generous contributions from the community. The Foundation thanks the businesses that support our school by sponsoring the D'Evelyn DASH, our School Directory, and/or our Annual Auction. A full list of all DEF sponsors can be found on the DEF Website. Over the next few months, we will highlight our most recent D'Evelyn DASH business sponsors.
December D'Evelyn DASH Finish Line Sponsor Highlight Finish line sponsors supported the D'Evelyn DASH with a contribution of $1000 or more. 
Summit Family Dentistry is thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and wishes D’Evelyn students the very best as they strive to make a difference in the world!
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