Hats off to the choirs at Vista PEAK Exploratory and Preparatory campuses, who shined recently at a national competition. 

The choirs competed in the “Old West Choir Fest” show choir competition in Scottsbluff, Neb. With more than 25 choirs from the Midwest, Vista PEAK students made quite the name for themselves.  The Exploratory Advanced Choir earned a silver rating and was four points shy of a gold rating.  Of the six performing middle schools, Vista PEAK's unit had the highest score. In addition, the Preparatory choir, Ascension, took home third place in their division.

Congratulations, Bison! 

Gateway and Rangeview high schools also participated in the competition. Click here to read about their performances.

APS 2020: Shaping the Future Strategic Plan - Core Belief:
-Every student has unique abilities that we must recognize and engage.

If you are a student or a parent of students in APS who are planning for college or careers after high school, you are welcome to attend the upcoming "How to Afford College and Career Training" Resource Fair sponsored by America's Promise. The resource fair and presentation is for middle and high school students and parents to prepare for life after high school.

America's Promise "How to Afford College and Career Training" Resource Fair
Tuesday, Jan. 26
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Community College of Aurora
16000 E. CentreTech Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80011 (view map)

Colleges and private and occupational schools will be available to answer questions and provide advice. Computers courtesy of KidsTek will also be available to search and review websites that offer financial resources.

High school juniors and seniors can enter to win a $300 scholarship donated by the Community College of Aurora!

To learn more, call 303-326-8708 or visit http://auroragov.org/oyd. 

Aurora Public Schools’ high school drama students are gearing up to bring live entertainment to the Aurora community. Beginning Feb. 25, the talented actors and actresses will hit the stage in full character to give their audience a night to remember. Join us at a show to support the arts!

Monty Python's Spamalot
Feb. 25-27, 7 p.m.
Rangeview High School
17599 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora 80013

Ragtime - The Musical
Feb. 25-27, 7 p.m.
Gateway High School
1300 S. Sable Blvd., Aurora 80012

Beauty and the Beast
March 3-5, 7 p.m.
Vista PEAK Preparatory
24500 E. 6th Ave., Aurora 80018

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
March 17-19, 7 p.m.
Hinkley High School
1250 Chambers Rd., Aurora 80011

The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree
April 15-16, 7 p.m.
Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
10100 E. 13th Ave., Aurora 80010

Submitted by Natalie Johnson and Michael Dougherty
Vista PEAK Preparatory

Vista PEAK Preparatory’s Business Pathway students recently took the bull by its horns at the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge. The event, sponsored by Charles Schwab, is a live, fast-paced stock market simulation where high schools compete against each other to see who can grow their initial investment over a 60 minute period each day for 60 days. The excitement mimics that of the stock exchange trading floor. Teams have to think fast and risk it all in the hopes of growing their portfolio’s net worth.

There were nine teams of Vista PEAK students who were divided into morning and afternoon sessions to compete against schools from across the state. Vista PEAK took first place in both sessions! Each student won a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 and a full Scholarship to attend JA Business Week in June.

Congratulations to the following students on an outstanding performance:
- Dacianna Brown
- Estephania Castillo
- Xavier Chism
- Casey Embury
- Joel Rowe
- Dilan Esparza 
- Brandon Turner-Fraizer
- Gabe Fuentes
- Carlos Gutierrez
- Hunter Kincaid
- Sade Scott

APS 2020: Shaping the Future - Goal 2:
-Every APS student will have a set of skills to implement his or her plan.

What do 32 Vista PEAK Preparatory students and 27 Rangeview High School students have in common? They each brought home a sparkling gold medal from the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District Leadership Conference!

This marks the first time Aurora Public Schools had nearly 60 FBLA gold medalists at a single competition.

Students qualified in events such as Accounting, Impromptu Speaking, Business Ethics and more as they went toe to toe against their peers from high schools across the state. The group advanced to compete in FBLA’s State Leadership Conference in Vail, Colo. in April.

FBLA is a non-profit organization that encourages students to pursue careers in the business world. Involvement in FBLA programs helps students build confidence, a deeper sense of community responsibility and leadership skills to implement their plans.

Bravo to our students for doing such a wonderful job representing APS and the Aurora community. We wish them the best of luck at state!

APS 2020: Shaping the Future - Goal 2:
-Every APS student will have a set of skills to implement his or her plan.

Vista PEAK Preparatory student Jeremiah Richard converses with other students during a break at the Colorado All State Choir Festival.

A hefty ensemble of Aurora Public Schools students showed off their pipes recently at the annual Colorado All State Choir Festival. Students from several schools, including Columbia, Mrachek and South middle schools and Vista PEAK Exploratory, competed against those from other schools across the state inside the Belco Theatre at the Colorado Convention Center. 

APS 2020: Shaping the Future - Core Belief:
-Every student has unique abilities that we must recognize and engage.

The 2015-16 high school basketball season may be over, but the fun is just about to start for a talented group of Aurora student athletes.

The Aurora Sentinel will sponsor the first ever A-Town All-Stars Game on Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m. at Aurora Central High School. Two teams comprised of athletes from all of the Aurora high schools will face off in what is sure to be an exciting affair celebrating the city's excellence. Just recently, three Aurora schools, including APS' own Rangeview High School, advanced to the Class 5A Final Four. Rangeview also sported an undefeated record prior to their semifinal loss, and with Aurora Central, Hinkley and Vista PEAK each making an appearance in this year's tournament, the buzz surrounding the upcoming all-star game is certainly justified. 

Tickets are $5 per person. Come out and support Aurora's best!

APS' A-TOWN ALL-STAR PLAYERS & COACHES

• Elijah Blake, jr., Rangeview                               
• Elijah Coleman, sr., Aurora Central                
• Jalen Guidry, sr., Rangeview            
• Alex Hawkins, sr., Vista PEAK                                       
• Te'Rae Johnson, soph., Vista PEAK                                            
• Solomon Proctor, sr., Hinkley
• Tyrei Randall, sr., Rangeview
• Elijah (EJ) Reed, sr., Rangeview  
• Ladarius Thomas, sr., Aurora Central
• DeMario Williams, sr., Gateway

Coach: Shawn Palmer, Rangeview                    

Vista Peak Preparatory senior, Tristana Whetten, is headed to participate in Colorado's All-State Band for the second time. Whetten will spend several days at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley practicing with talented high school musicians from all across the state.

The trip culminates in an incredible concert at Monfort Concert Hall. Whetten is the only Aurora Public School student who is participating in All-State Band this year. 

To qualify, students prepare a live audition for a panel of esteemed judges who select the top performing students to participate in the three-day event. The event is hosted by the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado Music Educators Association and Colorado High School Activities Association.

Congratulations to Tristana Whetten on all of her amazing musical accomplishments!

APS 2020: Shaping the Future - Goal 3:
-Every student will have credentials that open doors. 

Aurora Public Schools students are serious about college and careers. Every day, they learn new skills and other important information to help mold their post-secondary vision. With guidance from the Postsecondary Workforce Readiness team, staff members are better equipped and even more prepared to steer students through the process.

April is College and Career Readiness Month in APS. Staff have organized a variety of activities to promote college and career awareness, inspire outstanding effort on the upcoming ACT exams and encourage students to start thinking about their post-secondary options. Throughout the month, staff will also help champion and support the completion of student iCAPS.

Special events range from staff wearing college gear on Fridays to schools engaging in college tours and a career dress-up day.  Schools and the PWR partners will document different elements of the process through photos, video, and writing.

April College and Career Awareness Events

Date & Time	Event
Every Friday	Staff wear college shirts on Fridays
April 1-30	Launch the Adopt a College program for elementary schools
April 4-8	Vista PEAK Exploratory eighth-grade PoWeR Session: college visits
April 4-8	Vista PEAK Preparatory and Pickens Technical College PoWeR sessions: cosmetology, automotive/Go Kart Academy, graphic design
April 4 and 8	Digital badging opportunity with PoWeR session students at Pickens
April 6	Rebound North Hinkley students visit Red Rocks Community College
April 6	Lighthouse team meeting for Leadership Day at Montview Elementary
April 7	Digital badging opportunity at Innovation Academy
April 8	Fifth-grade college experience discussion with multiple classes at  Edna and John W. Mosley P-8
April 9	College fair at Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
April 12	Family information night about digital badging at North Middle School
April 12	Digital badging mascot feedback - Classroom visits and student groups
April 12-14	Rangeview High School PoWeR Intersession programs and digital badging opportunities ranging from college visits to exploration of bio-med, game theory, yoga, etc.
April 13	East Middle School visit AMC School of Dental Medicine
April 13	Class visits to Paris Elementary for fifth-grade experience
April 14	College and Career Spring Fling at Hinkley High School
April 15	Innovation Academy - Tools of the Future final presentations at William Smith High School
April 15	Math and Careers Night at Park Lane Elementary
April 19	Culture Night at Paris Elementary
April 20	Family Fun Night at Kenton Elementary
April 21	Family Information Night about digital badging at Edna and John W. Mosley P-8
April 21	Spring showcase at Fletcher Community School
April 21	Elkhart Elementary fifth graders visit Colorado School of Mines
April 21	Mix & Mingle Social for Learning Community P parents at Hinkley High School
April 22	Find Your Future Friday - Healthcare options, medical school, etc.
April 22	East Middle School 50th anniversary
April 24	Rocky Mountain Association for College Admissions College Fair at University of Denver
April 25	Be! (Black Education Impact) Conference at CU Denver
April 25	Sable Elementary parent trip to CU Denver
April 26	Family Information Night about digital badging at Mrachek Middle School
April 25-29	College and Career Spirit Week
April 27	Elkhart Elementary parent trip to CU Denver
April 28	Vista PEAK Preparatory senior showcase
April 28	Family Information Night about digital badging at Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
April 29	College Goal Friday
April 29	ASCENT fall registration at Community College of Aurora

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
April 13, 2016

WHAT:   Aurora Public Schools’ Top Ten Ceremony
WHEN:   Friday, April 15, 2016, 6 p.m.
WHERE:  City of Aurora Municipal Building, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora, CO 80012

 Community Partners Shine the Spotlight on Aurora Public Schools' Top Ten Ceremony

Aurora Public Schools is proud to partner with generous community organizations to celebrate Top Ten scholars from each of our high schools. Xcel Energy and the Medical Center of Aurora are lighting the way to help sponsor a special event at the City of Aurora’s Municipal Building.

Top ten scholars from Aurora Central, Aurora West College Preparatory Academy, Gateway, Hinkley, Rangeview and Vista PEAK Preparatory high schools will be honored for their outstanding academic achievements.

The City of Aurora, Falck Rocky Mountain, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, FirstBank Aurora, RBC Capital Markets and Colorado State University Global have also teamed up to help sponsor this event.

Thanks to these generous community partners, students will be escorted in stretch limousines from their schools to the event. A ceremony will be held outside (west of the building) as long as weather permits.

###

Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Patti Moon at 303.326.2755 for more information

In today’s 21^st century, teachers across the globe are discovering new ways to educate students.  Nowadays, there is not a one-size-fits-all mentality, and in fact, learning can and should take on different forms. Students from Vista PEAK Preparatory proved that theory true recently when they traded class time for more hands-on field experiences during the inaugural Vista PEAK-Pickens Technical College PoWeR Week.

Throughout the school year, Vista PEAK provides students with multiple learning opportunities – known as PoWeR Sessions – rooted in postsecondary and workforce readiness. These sessions allow students to grow in their areas of strength and passion through extensions and deep dives.  And while these PoWeR sessions are nothing new to the Vista PEAK community, they took on a new meaning as the Bison teamed up with Pickens Technical College to offer sessions in a variety of career and technical education disciplines, including cosmetology, graphic design and automotive technology.

Students like freshman Evelyn Vazquez spent most of each day at the Pickens campus learning some of today’s most sought after CTE skills. Vazquez dove head-first into the cosmetology session and realized there was a lot about the industry she had no clue about.

“I thought it was just hair and makeup,” she said, “but I found out that there’s aesthetics, nails, facials and all that stuff.”

When asked about her favorite part about the week, Vazquez said, unapologetically, “I found out my own potential.”

On the other side of campus, students participated in the Go Kart Academy, where they learned how to build and operate go karts. In the midst of that excitement, students spent time learning about the automotive industry, touching on key areas like safety, suspension, welding and hearing from local auto repair shop owners about the potential for rewarding careers in the field.

The week came to a head when students actually raced their go karts against each other, dubbed the Pickens 500. Although racing the go karts was the highlight of the week, students like Anthony Mata also enjoyed some of the more toned down components like “learning how to change oil” and “how to put on a tire and screw on a shock.”

“I felt proud!” Mata said.

The PoWeR Week was a success on all fronts and spoke directly to the importance of students learning 21^st century skills, personified in goal 2 of the APS 2020: Shaping the Future strategic plan.

The Aurora community recently took part in a unique celebration honoring Aurora Public Schools’ top graduates of 2016. APS partnered with the City of Aurora and a host of gracious sponsors to host the annual Top Ten Ceremony -- dubbed the 'Bright Lights Program' -- at the Aurora Municipal Center. Taking a page from the Academy Awards' Oscars, students from each high school arrived in limousines and were escorted to the city council chambers for an evening of laughter, cheer and admiration for their outstanding academic achievements.  

Thank you to our event sponsors: the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, City of Aurora, Colorado State University Global, Falck Rocky Mountain, FirstBank Aurora, the Medical Center of Aurora, RBC Capital Markets and Xcel Energy.

Congratulations to our Top Ten graduates!

Aurora Central High School

1. Jasmine C. Carr - V
2. Awah E. Tilong - S
3. Beatriz Avelar- T. 3
4. Isidro Perez- T. 3
5. David Guerrero Baez
6. Gabriela Vaquerano Erazo
7. Quincy Moreno Casas
8. Jesus Montano Gomez
9. Shaone Garcia Hernandez
10. Jaqueline Duron Hernandez
11. Daniel Garcia

Aurora West College Preparatory Academy

1. Samantha Lopez Alvarez - V
2. Chiemerie Ogbonnaya - S
3. Melissa Ortiz Valles
4. Aaron Landa
5. Amairany Orozco Parra
6. Iris Valdes Perea
7. Yovanna Gonzalez Bermudez
8. Mayra Valdez Mancinas
9. Wuillian Pineda Portillo
10. Aung Hah

 Gateway High School

1. Danny Nguyen – V
2. Kellie Lam – S
3. Johnson Ngo
4. Layla Abdulla
5. Emma Johnson
6. Megan Johnson
7. Tatiana Macupa
8. Elinor Nethery
9. Tess Collins
10. Juno Park

Hinkley High School

1. Anthony Lee – V
2. Marie-Elizabeth Ferdinand – S
3. Dylan Van
4. Eric Jiang
5. Benjamin Davis
6. Maegan Walker
7. Timothy Soeur
8. Benjamin Rhoton
9. Marissa Maldonado
10. Deisy Rosales Salazar - T. 10
11. Sandra Appiah- T. 10

Rangeview High School

1. Eric Roon - V
2. Kendra Cameron - S
3. Mikias Negussi
4. James Dinius
5. Michelle Hulongbayan
6. Alexis Wall
7. Morgan Petersen
8. Dominick Dunn
9. Joseph Graff
10. Austin Nguyen

 Vista PEAK Preparatory

1. Danielle Klem - V
2. Abdur Khan – S
3. Connor Anderson
4. Kevin To
5. Jordyn Probst
6. Suzu Warrior
7. Momina Khazi
8. Stephanie Pallares
9. Aaron Siu
10. Eric Artola

V – Valedictorian
S – Salutatorian
T. 3 - Tied for 3rd
T. 10 – Tied for 10th

As APS seniors prepare to wrap up their K-12 careers, many are also engaged in the process of securing scholarships and other forms of financial aid for college. With college tuition, books and fees on the rise, scholarships have never been more vital in helping students open doors to higher education.

The Aurora Public Schools Foundation is proud to lend a helping hand and they recently announced the 2016 APSF Scholarship recipients:

• Advantage Security Scholarship
  Kiefer Quinn – Gateway

• Richard Anderson and Anderson Family Autism Scholarship
  Kendall Knighten – Rangeview

• James Burns Memorial Scholarship
  Sydney Hunt – Rangeview
  
  
• Bob Caviness Scholarship
  Alan Rios – Hinkley
  
  
• Denise Davis Teen Parent Scholarship
  Mayra Avila – Aurora Central
  
  
• Gerkin Family Expository Writing Scholarship
  Layla Abdulla – Gateway
  Jesus Gandara – Aurora Central
  
  
• T. Matt Hirschfeld Scholarship
  Darrien Hammond – Gateway*
  
  
• Kristin D Hiza Memorial Scholarship
  Alexander Hawkins – Vista Peak
  
  
• Linn Hogue Memorial Scholarship
  Augustina Uwandu – Gateway
  
  
• Jack Knapp Memorial Scholarship
  Sydney Hunt – Rangeview
  
  
• Nora Jane Crocker Redding Scholarship
  Madaleen Newhouse – Rangeview
  
  
• Myrtle Replogle Travis and Russell Romayne Travis Memorial Scholarship
  Jesus Gandara – Aurora Central*
  
  
• Lore H. Wiggins Scholarship
  Esmeralda Campos – Gateway*
  
• Vista Peak Business Pathway Scholarship
  Esmeralda Campos – Vista Peak
  
  *The specific school is a requirement of the scholarship

Congratulations to these students on their outstanding accomplishment. Thanks to this financial aid, students will have a much easier time affording higher education and ultimately earning a college degree, which is a credential that will open doors in the future and aligns with goal 3 of the district's strategic plan, APS 2020: Shaping the Future. 

The City of Aurora recently honored numerous Aurora Public Schools students as Aurora Scholars!  These students are recognized as Aurora’s future leaders who have made noteworthy contributions to their schools.

One teacher-nominated student from each grade level (first through 12th) at every school in Aurora is named an Aurora Scholar. The students obtained a certificate and gifts donated by community members.

Congratulations to the 2016 APS Aurora Scholars listed below for their hard work and dedication!

Altura Elementary

Evangeline Ford, 1st grade

Valyn Harwood, 2nd grade

Jazmin Garcia, 3rd grade

Lisbeth Flores, 4th grade

Aileen Mancilla, 5th grade

Arkansas Elementary

Olivia Zulkarnaen, 1st grade

Elisse Drummond, 2nd grade

Bryan Vallejo Villarreal, 3rd grade

Jazlynn Rolison, 4th grade

Sabrina Lahlali, 5th grade

Aurora Academy

Brock Martin, 1st grade

Ebenezer Bisrat, 2nd grade

Margo Owens, 3rd grade

Yebella Melaku, 4th grade

Nini Bruner-Yound, 5th grade

De'Maya High, 6th grade

Caesar Coss, 7th grade

Velveth Backhus, 8th grade

Aurora Central High School

Benjamin Zuniga, 9th grade

Maryam Tawfeq, 10th grade

Brandie Radilla Galicia, 11th grade

Jamal Abdulkadir, 12th grade

Aurora Frontier K-8

Mayte Barnes, 1st grade

Brooklyn Burke, 2nd grade

Nalaa Barnes, 3rd grade

Hannah Young, 4th grade

Rachel Labit, 5th grade

Timi Ola, 6th grade

Vy (Andy) Tran, 7th grade

Jonathan Loya Gonzales, 8th grade

Aurora Hills Middle School

Destiny Kande, 6th grade

Sedrick Dean, 7th grade

Jasmine Jule-Jimenez, 8th grade

Aurora Quest K-8

Olivia Gonzales, 1st grade

William O'Donnell, 2nd grade

Lauren Peavy, 3rd grade

Maya Braunstein, 4th grade

Ishita Agrawal, 5th grade

Breawnna Curry, 6th grade

Rylie Ward, 7th grade

Ariana Cuevas, 8th grade

Aurora West Preparatory Academy

Briana Lopez-Tena, 6th grade

Luis Alvarez-Aguirre, 7th grade

Victoria Castillo, 8th grade

Jose Flores, 9th grade

Hafsa Ali, 10th grade

Jorge Pelayo, 11th grade

Janeth Hernandez, 12th grade

AXL Learning Academy

Lyric Jackson, 1st grade

Mariah Worthy, 2nd grade

Alexander Hernandez-Lopez, 3rd grade

Lillian Hinneh, 4th grade

Andrew Gandara, 5th grade

Amanda Trujillo, 6th grade

Joyce Amy Lopis, 7th grade

Nicholas Rosenker, 8th grade

Boston K-8

Samuel Hernandez Jacobo, 1st grade

Kieara Pickle, 2nd grade

Betwel Eyasu, 3rd grade

Phar Reh, 4th grade

Patience Graves, 5th grade

Namen Hurd, 6th grade

Leslie Rodriguez Flores, 7th grade

Hei Wee Htoo, 8th grade

Century Elementary

Matthew Cuevas, 1st grade

Madison Callaway, 2nd grade

Makailah Williams, 3rd grade

Francisco Beltran, 4th grade

Isaiah Coumbia, 5th grade

Clyde Miller Elementary K-8

Nicholas Switzer, 1st grade

Walfred Santos Contreras, 2nd grade

Kassandra Rodriguez De La-Cruz, 3rd grade

Zephron Tobin, 4th grade

Carmiya Weathersby, 5th grade

Norberto Flores, 6th grade

Julia Mirita, 7th grade

Alexis Soto Vargas, 8th grade

Columbia Middle School

Montserrat Jimenez, 6th grade

Gelnda Chiang, 7th grade

Helen Do, 8th grade

Crawford Elementary

Beatryx Hill, 1st grade

Raul Espinoza Ortega, 2nd grade

Favio DeLaCruz Rivera, 3rd grade

Netayah Chum, 4th grade

Vicent Hakizimana, 5th grade

Dalton Elementary

Gerardo Flores Morales, 1st grade

Kristian Johnson, 2nd grade

Anna Jane Geddes, 3rd grade

Ayden Rosen-Gammel, 4th grade

Princess Pena, 5th grade

Dartmouth Elementary

Analia Mendoza, 1st grade

Shalom Yoseph, 2nd grade

Kyla Cordova, 3rd grade

Lydia Basterra, 4th grade

Ayden Quiroga, 4th grade

Edna & John Mosley P-8

Vinnie Somers, 1st grade

Natalia Serna, 2nd grade

Nathan Coronado, 3rd grade

Mia Lopez, 4th grade

Luisa Quintana, 5th grade

Megan Reno, 6th grade

Erika Villarreal Hernandez, 7th grade

Giovano Luna Guzman, 8th grade

East Middle School

Serena Gouverneur Torres, 6th grade

Ahtumn Rains, 7th grade

Luis Lupercio, 8th grade

Elkhart Elementary

Adrian Stewart, 1st grade

Jared Chavez, 2nd grade

Reagan Clark, 3rd grade

Jorge Pacheco, 4th grade

Issac Osei, 5th grade

Fletcher Community School

Valeria Villagran, 1st grade

Federico Amezquita-Lara, 2nd grade

Angel Jaramillo Ramirez, 3rd grade

Nellie Sherwood, 4th grade

Juan Gonzalez, 5th grade

Fulton Academy of Excellence

Benjamin Stonebraker, 1st grade

Anthony Hernandez, 2nd grade

Alize Ramirez, 3rd grade

Edwin Luna, 4th grade

Sher Ku Moo, 5th grade

Gateway High School

Jonatan Solomon, 9th grade

Irinia Amouzou, 10th grade

Keelan Altman, 11th grade

Brianna Favela, 12th grade

Global Village Academy

Lovely Tilon, 1st grade

Lilia Benavides, 2nd grade

Maggie Shi, 3rd grade

Ian Gair, 4th grade

Emari Terry, 5th grade

Josue Gardie, 6th grade

Justin Altman, 7th grade

Austin Murphy, 8th grade

Hinkley High School

Poleth Valdez, 9th grade

Seiloni Sanft, 10th grade

Teaggan Ilela, 11th grade

Isaiah Jackson, 12th grade

Jewell Elementary

Gavin Friend, 1st grade

Chanel Mayhew, 2nd grade

Aubrianna Carpenter-Torres, 3rd grade

Madyson Newton, 4th grade

Riley Oehring, 5th grade

Kenton Elementary

Jitzel Hernandez, 1st grade

Gabi Lagunes, 2nd grade

Jacquelin Valencia, 3rd grade

Alexis Salas Guerrero, 4th grade

Cesar Pacheco, 5th grade

Lansing Elementary

Cesar Galaviz Ojeda, 1st grade

Ryan Lyle, 2nd grade

Adhieh Redgebol, 3rd grade

Ashley Soriano, 4th grade

Lamarana Balde, 5th grade

Laredo Elementary

Israel Bulto, 1st grade

Mackailyn Hensley, 2nd grade

Ananda Vargas Holguin, 3rd grade

Emily Padilla Martinez, 4th grade

Caroline Flores, 5th grade

Lotus School for Excellence

Ebeneezer Yiman, 1st grade

Nyallay-Christina Ngebkome, 2nd grade

Andrea Caballero, 3rd grade

Neiyat Temelso, 4th grade

Hlina Kahsai, 5th grade

Elijah Rodriguez, 6th grade

Gissele Bueno Casteneda, 7th grade

Ruth Hundie, 8th grade

Daratu Kadir Mohammed, 9th grade

Bra'a Mahur Huer Al Durien, 10th grade

Camilo Vazquez, 11th grade

Leah Noemi Galvez Valencia, 12th grade

Lyn Knoll Elementary

Gustavo Miranda, 1st grade

Ayse Kalem, 2nd grade

Luis Toro, 3rd grade

Mohand Allami, 4th grade

Maella Lemon, 5th grade

Montview Elementary

Yaole Amanuel, 1st grade

Lluvia Martinez, 2nd grade

Andruw Gonzalea, 3rd grade

Cesar Giron, 4th grade

Evelyn Torres Lopez, 5th grade

Mrachek Middle School

Douglas Solano, 6th grade

Rachel Etter, 7th grade

Mataniya Bikis, 8th grade

Murphy Creek K-8

Jeremiah Schmeling, 1st grade

Ian Chavez, 2nd grade

Xavier Allulli, 3rd grade

Jack Higgins, 4th grade

Kristabelle Dutton, 5th grade

Daniel Campbell, 6th grade

Maria Rosales, 7th grade

Issac Gardberg, 8th grade

North Middle School

Jason Hoang, 6th grade

Breanna Remigio, 7th grade

Alexandra Reyes, 8th grade

Paris Elementary

Kelson Merino Orellana, 1st grade

Maurice O'Roy, 2nd grade

Daisy Moran, 3rd grade

Amairani Penaloza Arriaga, 4th grade

Zulue Jimenez, 5th grade

Park Lane Elementary

Tayanna Gomez, 1st grade

Joshua Mavinga, 2nd grade

Michael Ramos, 3rd grade

Bryan Ramos, 4th grade

Brian Gutierrez, 5th grade

Peoria Elementary

Valeria Martin Sainz, 1st grade

Sophia Paola Ochoa, 2nd grade

Selmah O'Bryant, 3rd grade

Lizeth Bustamante, 4th grade

Alondra Patricia Garcia Villpando, 5th grade

Rangeview High School

Maia Sandoval, 9th grade

DeJuan Chapa, 10th grade

Hannah Brown, 11th grade

Eric Roon, 12th grade

Sable Elementary

Markell Cox, 1st grade

Kandes Abreha, 2nd grade

Valencia Hudgins, 3rd grade

Cynthia Barlow, 4th grade

Lily Bade, 5th grade

Side Creek Elementary

Angeliqué Sharpe, 1st grade

Felipe Prieto Suarez, 2nd grade

Leila Tadesse, 3rd grade

Marco (Tony) Rodriguez, 4th grade

Melanie Ternlund, 5th grade

Sixth Avenue Elementary

Aminata (Amy) Thiam, 1st grade

Elise Mitchell, 2nd grade

Edwin Quintero Campa, 3rd grade

Melissa Saenz, 4th grade

Jacob Brennan, 5th grade

South Middle School

Christian Arguetta, 6th grade

Jayden Lavigne, 7th grade

Katiana Williams, 8th grade

Tollgate Elementary

Robert Martinez, 1st grade

Devin Blanton, 2nd grade

Daniel Orozco Sanchez, 2rd grade

Junior Chino Perez, 4th grade

Thyler Endita, 5th grade

Vanguard Classical School - East K-12

Elena Gott, 1st grade

Delilah Rodriguez, 2nd grade

Kiefer Scott, 3rd grade

Aliya Hendricks, 4th grade

Jayden Marquez, 5th grade

Anastasia Chuklanov, 6th grade

Olivia Martinez, 7th grade

Lauren Stuck, 8th grade

Emily Maughan, 9th grade

Jessica Pau, 10th grade

Meghan McFerren, 11th grade

Vanguard Classical School - West K-8

Elizondo Carbajal, 1st grade

Selena Amaro Franci, 2nd grade

Jullian Niceta, 3rd grade

Newal Nasir, 4th grade

Dania Garcia, 5th grade

Sofia Staley, 6th grade

Devion Morey, 7th grade

Eneida Solis, 8th grade

Vassar Elementary

Aleysa Cortez, 1st grade

Jaylene Soto, 2nd grade

Bailey Kaskalavich, 3rd grade

Jayden Aguirre, 4th grade

Adison Johnson, 5th grade

Vaughn Elementary

Kai'ani Garrido, 1st grade

Melany Estevez Vences, 2nd grade

Viviana Metthews, 3rd grade

Tiffany Pham, 4th grade

Andrea Castillo, 5th grade

Virginia Court Elementary

Angel Cruz Frausto, 1st grade

Alexis (Sophie) Curry, 2nd grade

Johan Cruz Frausto, 3rd grade

Nakeya Poole-Abrams, 4th grade

Ariana Sanchez, 5th grade

Vista PEAK Exploratory P-8

Michaela Miller, 1st grade

Gabriella Warren, 2nd grade

Zachary Woodbury, 3rd grad

Irvin M. Gutierrez, 4th grade

Leah Hall. 5th grade

Kameron Elliott, 6th grade

Sarayeah Baez Little, 7th grade

Ethan Buckner, 8th grade

Vista PEAK Preparatory 9-12

Nicole Minikus, 9th grade

DaXiana Windom, 10th grade

Niles Gilmore, 11th grade

Carla Rey Diaz, 12th grade

Wheeling Elementary

Dresden White, 1st grade

Maria Cayabyeb, 2nd grade

Arielle Freeman, 3rd grade

Carla Vasquez Avana, 4th grade

Angel Montoya, 5th grade

William Smith HighSchool

Greg Rodriguez, 9th grade

Cecia Reyes, 10th grade

Evelyn Vickers, 11th grade

Christopher Godoy, 12th grade

Yale Elementary

Ashkey Romero Zelaya, 1st grade

Berenice Roman Ramirez, 2nd grade

Yahir Moreno Sanchez, 3rd grade

Duc-Tri Do, 4th grade

Darline Washington, 5th grade

Nearly 20 Rangeview High School and Vista PEAK Preparatory students will represent Colorado this summer in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference! The nation’s brightest FBLA students will convene in Atlanta, Georgia to go toe-to-toe in leadership events, share their success and discover new ways to shape successful futures at workshops and exhibits.

Congratulations to the Aurora Public Schools students below who proved to be some of the best in state!

Rangeview High School
- Edwin Chiang
- Cassie Kochman
- Grace Kochman
- Savana Kovacs
- Alyana Marleton
- Tzigane Martin
- Jorion Marshall
- Brayan Melendez
- Abel Negussie
- Nadya Nfaoui
- Lam Nguyen
- Ester Nguyen
- Kayla Putsche
- Raymond Simanjuntak
- Alex Tizon

Vista PEAK Preparatory
- Xavier Chism
- Gabriel Fuentes
- Cassy Miller
- Jacob Rothrock

APS is extremely proud of these students for their hard work and perseverance. We are rooting for them all in the national competition!

APS 2020: Shaping the Future - Goal 2:
-Every APS student will have a set of skills to implement his or her plan.

When it comes to creativity and innovation, Aurora Public Schools students continue to make a name for themselves. Many of those highly sought-after attributes will be on display at the May 11 Aurora Borealis Film Festival. 

The event, which will showcase and recognize students' film production talent, is a first for APS. The project allowed students to tap into their 21st century skills – reading, writing, critical thinking and problem solving – to create short films, videos, PSAs and commercials. 

"Film gives students a platform to share their ideas, opinions, and thoughts about the world in which they live," said APS Technology Coach and project organizer Nicholas Steinmetz. "Many students seek to address issues such as social or world problems, and they love to tell stories through film."

The film festival will feature 15 submissions by students from Hinkley and William Smith high schools, Vista Peak Exploratory and Vista Peak Preparatory. 

Aurora Borealis Film Festival
Date: Wednesday, May 11 
Time: 6 p.m. 
Location: Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15751 E. 1st Ave., Aurora, CO 80011

Vista PEAK Preparatory student Trinell Samuel, left, and Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Partner Jenise Rosa take a selfie during their visit to Opera Colorado .

Story and photos submitted by Jenise Rosa
Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Partner

By earning her Collaboration Summit Badge, Vista PEAK Prepartory sophomore Trinell Samuel earned a trip to visit the Opera Colorado. This experience included viewing a live rehearsal, practicing stage combat, hearing about the creative process of costume design, and discussing the importance hair and makeup. The most significant aspect of this experience for Samuel was being able to learn about the critical role of technical theater as she heard from assistant stage managers and took part in an exclusive backstage tour.

Through the APS Digital Badging program, Trinell was able to learn about a variety of industry partners who value the 21st Century Skills that she has demonstrated in class and then select an experience that matched her interests!

To learn more about APS Digital Badging, visit badge.aurorak12.org/.

Graduation is around the corner, but seniors at Gateway High School and Vista PEAK Preparatory already slipped into their caps and gowns to shine as role models for young, aspiring students. The seniors kicked off a wonderful tradition of walking elementary and middle school hallways to serve as living examples of hard work, perseverance and dedication to education.

Gateway seniors visited Wheeling Elementary School while Vista PEAK seniors strolled over to Vista PEAK Exploratory. Young students lined the halls, bursting with excitement to welcome the seniors with hand-made signs and contagious smiles. As the seniors passed by, loud cheers echoed through the schools and the soon-to-be graduates exchanged high fives and hugs with their admirers.

Bravo to the seniors for dedicating their time to a great cause and wrapping up their high school careers in an impactful way. It’s a day the young students won’t soon forget.

APS 2020: Shaping the Future - Core Belief:
Students, families, staff and community members share the responsibility for student achievement.

Vista PEAK Preparatory seniors recently placed their 21st Century skills in the spotlight at the school’s inaugural Pathway Showcase. Parents, industry partners, community members and more filled the school to enjoy the students’ presentations and provided valuable feedback.

Pathways provide students rigorous curricula, hands-on learning and credentials to execute their postsecondary and workforce plans. This work backs the APS 2020: Shaping the Future strategic plan goals to ensure every student has a plan for his or her future, a set of skills to implement his or her plan and credentials that open doors.

The Health Science and STEM students collaborated to develop biomedical innovations, including a cane with sensors for the visually impaired and a modified wheelchair for the paralyzed. Business students pitched businesses ranging from a food delivery service to a school campus ATM. Meanwhile, the Fine Arts and Visual and Design Arts students entertained the crowd with live art demos, an art exhibit, 3D animations and more.

APS wishes the seniors well as they continue to explore these exciting career paths after graduation.