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WEEK OF JANUARY 9, 2025
VOLUME 118 | ISSUE 2
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Nine Colorado education stories to watch in 2025 BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT
For Colorado schools, 2024 was a year of big changes in funding, continued concerns about declining enrollment even amid the arrival of thousands of new immigrant students, and the growing popularity of a free preschool program that faces big legal challenges. Here are some of the issues we’re watching in 2025. How might Trump’s immigration policies affect migrant students?
towels, flares or other warning devices, booster cables and a first aid kit,” Colorado AAA said on its website. Additionally, drivers should bring items to help keep them warm, such as blankets, jackets, hats and gloves for themselves and passengers. People should also pack water and snacks, such as energy bars, and bring pet food if they’re traveling with their animals. “Finally, remember that an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure. Your battery likely tried to warn you it wasn’t up to the task of starting your engine in sub-zero temperatures, likely through dimming headlights or sluggish starts in warmer weather,” McKinley said.
In 2024, at least 85 Colorado school districts enrolled more than 8,000 migrant students combined. Many came from Venezuela and other South American countries. State lawmakers sent districts an additional $24 million to help serve new students who arrived mid-year. Migrant students boosted enrollment in districts where there had been declines, including Denver. Teachers scrambled to support them, both academically and with basic needs like housing. Some of those efforts were beautiful. Others were hard. And some were both. “The bright spots are the growth of our kids and our community,” Valdez Elementary Principal Jessica Buckley told Chalkbeat in February. “The challenge is resources.” It’s unclear how President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of increased immigration enforcement — and potential mass deportations — will impact migrant students, their families, and the schools that serve them. Some Colorado school district leaders are already preparing: The Colorado Association of School Boards recently invited a Nebraska superintendent who had experienced an immigration raid to talk to state leaders about his experience. His advice? “Be prepared,” former Superintendent Steve Joel told Colorado school officials. “Your community, your parents, your leaders, your state, they’ll appreciate you for it.”
SEE DRIVING, P5
SEE EDUCATION, P5
Driving in the snow can be scary if drivers don’t take precautions. PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
Expert tips for Colorado winter driving Preparation, driving techniques are key elements of staying safe BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With colder temperatures comes snow blanketing the streets, and roads can get slippery and dangerous for Colorado drivers — new and native to the state. Experts say it’s important to be prepared for the difficult task of driving in the winter, and Colorado AAA offers a few tips that can help keep drivers safe when traveling in the harsh winter climate. “The first sustained major weather event is always a useful reminder to Coloradans — regardless of whether
you grew up here or if you’re new to town — to brush up on winter driving fundamentals. Slow down, don’t tailgate and don’t slam on the gas or brakes,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs. Prepare the vehicle
Colorado AAA urges drivers to ensure their vehicles are ready for winter. This includes checking the battery and electrical systems, testing all fluid levels — such as antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid and engine oil — and making sure all lights are functioning properly. Additionally, drivers should inspect their tires, brakes, windshields and windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid. “Remember, too, that fourwheel drive does not mean
four-wheel stop. We’ve had to winch out many top-of-theline trucks and SUVs — many equipped with winter tires — simply because their drivers were going too fast for the conditions,” McKinley said. Mckinley continued to say most issues the Colorado AAA deals with are related to dead batteries, flat tires and engine issues. Keep an emergency kit
Ensuring the vehicle is prepared is another way drivers who may end up stranded, whether by sliding off the road or getting stuck in traffic during a closure, can help themselves. “Keep an emergency kit in your car with tire chains, abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, a small shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, ice scraper, rags or paper
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