Ahhh, summer. Soon thoughts of swimming pools, part-time jobs and relaxing time with family and friends will be replaced with class schedules, homework and locker combinations as our Douglas County students return to another new school year this month.

While summer is the well-needed break that all students, staff and parents need, as a community we can’t help but be excited for the beginning of a brand new school year to focus on learning, relationships and opportunities for growth. Bringing back education, and the well-being of students and staff as our primary focus is exactly what our school district needs. When we think about all we have to be thankful for — at the top of the list is the fact that we have the privilege of living, working and playing in Douglas County! We are excited to have our students (all 64,000 of them!) back in the classroom learning and taking part in activities and milestones our school district has to offer across our 89 schools.

Here in the Douglas County School District (DCSD) we have much to celebrate. We have one of the highest graduation rates in the Denver metro area at 90.7%. The Class of 2021 earned more than $116 million in scholarships and our students and parents saved $3.7 million in college expenses through DCSD’s concurrent enrollment partnerships in the 2021-2022 school year.

Currently, over 70% of residents in Douglas County do not have school-aged children. We know that much of that population includes older adults. We also know that there are many residents in Douglas County who are grandparents with grandchildren attending our schools — many of you have active and special relationships in your grandchildren’s lives. Grandparents, along with parents, have many concerns about school safety as well as the mental and physical health of students following the pandemic. As a district, we want nothing more than for each and every student to be able to focus on learning and education while we continue to provide safe and healthy environments for all students and staff.

A meeting is planned for Thursday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. in the Event Room at the Castle Pines Library. Your input and suggestions are very important to our school community, as are the relationships between all grandparents and grandchildren. Superintendent Erin Kane is looking forward to an interactive dialogue and the opportunity to answer your questions and address your concerns regarding our students.

Erin Kane is the superintendent of the Douglas County School District.

This column is hosted by the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County. For more information please visit www.MyDougCoSeniorLife.com, email DCSeniorLIfe@douglas.co.us or call 303-663-7681.