Elbert County
News
November 29, 2012
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourelbertcountynews.com
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 117, Issue 44
Schools respond to survey Individualized instruction, boosts in technology urged By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com
Two-year-old Anna Deering of Elizabeth enjoys the last bite of cherry pie at the 20th annual Frontier HIgh School Thanksgiving meal. The event, held Nov.20, served about 300 local residents. The meal is the school’s way of thanking the community for its continued support. Photos by Deborah Grigsby
Serving up some holiday spirit Community meal draws hundreds of celebrants
Survey continues on Page 12
HOW PARENTS VIEW SCHOOLS The Elizabeth School District asked parents to respond to this statement: “I believe the three greatest needs for the district are:” Defined need Responses • Improved technology 356 • More individualized instruction 330 • Diverse educational opportunity 324 • Better leadership 208 • Better teachers 203 • Improved facilities 199 • More ways for parent involvement 166 • Don’t know 79 Source: 2012-2013 Elizabeth DAC study
By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com Last week, lunch at Frontier High School looked a lot like a family Thanksgiving meal, except with about 300 extra relatives. Now in its 20th year, the Elizabeth-based alternative school prepared, cooked and served a traditional Thanksgiving meal Nov. 20, free of charge, to anyone who was hungry. “We really try to create a family atmosphere, here in the school,” said Robert McMullen, director. “The kids are very close and take care of one another, and this meal simply lets us extend that philosophy to the rest of the community, which we consider family, as well.” Students, faculty and staff spent three days in the school’s cafeteria preparing 25 turkeys and hundreds of potatoes. “I’m just happy to be here, and happy to help,” said freshman Katie Holub as she sliced and served pies at the dessert table. “When I see a smile on someone’s face, it makes me feel so good for the rest of the day.” According to McMullen, the meal, which serves close to 300 people each year, including many elderly and home-bound residents, also provides students with an
Elizabeth schools will look for ways to improve instruction, technology, communication and parent satisfaction, according to an annual districtwide survey conducted by the District Accountability Committee. Each spring, the DAC polls parents, looking for feedback and constructive criticism on areas they feel need district attention. Results of the 2012-13 survey and DAC’s recommendations were presented at the Nov. 12 meeting of the school board, according to a school district memo, and principals responded that they were making “a concerted effort to improve.” Among the DAC’s top three recommendations were improvements in individualized instruction, technology and curriculum choices in all schools; improved parent satisfaction; and the development of a school-specific communication plan. An action plan submitted by Elizabeth High School indicated it plans to make scheduling adjustments for some at-risk students, assign peer tutors and include iPad labs for science and math classes. Frontier High School responded to the recommendations by stating “individual instructions is central” to the school’s philosophy and that class size is intentionally
Frontier High School students work the serving line at the school’s 20th annual Thanksgiving meal. Each year, the small alternative school in Elizabeth prepares, cooks and serves a meal for the community, free of charge.
‘When I see a smile on someone’s face, it makes me feel so good for the rest of the day.’ Katie Holub opportunity to learn job skills needed after graduation. “Everything you see here today was done, in some way, by a student,” he added. “We’ve got students who are cooking, serving, cleaning and even directing traffic in the school’s parking lot.”
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Frontier High School got its start as Elizabeth Alternative High School in 1995 after the school district determined some students in the general education population could benefit from more individualized learning opportunities. The school has 55 students and employs four teachers. However, alternative schools are often misunderstood, particularly in a small community like Elizabeth, said science teacher Amanda Goehry. “People tend to have the impression alternative schools are associated with a tougher crowd, which isn’t always the case,” she said. “These are just kids, that when given the chance, they can really rise to the occasion, much like what you’re seeing here today.” The meal was made possible through donations from residents and local merchants.
Tax cheat handed 10-year sentence Elizabeth man faces nearly $2 million in restitution Staff report
An Elizabeth man will serve 10 years in prison for tax fraud. Judge Robert E. Blackburn, of the U.S. District Court in Denver, sentenced Curtis L. Morris on Nov. 19 in Denver to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service announced. Morris must also pay nearly $2 million in restitution to the IRS. On April 30, Morris, 43, was found guilty on of three counts of mail fraud, seventeen counts of filing false claims against the United States, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. According to the testimony at trial, Morris and others conspired to file false federal income tax returns claiming large tax refunds based on fictitious federal income tax withholdings. Cheat continues on Page 12