Our Government/Nuestro Gobierno

White House

President Barack Obama nominated Derek J. Mitchell to serve as ambassador to Burma. Mitchell would be the first U.S. ambassador to Burma in 22 years.

Casa Blanca

El presidente Barack Obama nominó a Derek J. Mitchell para servir como embajador en Birmania. Mitchell sería el primero embajador de EE.UU. en Birmania en 22 años.

Colorado’s Governor

A bipartisan bill revising the Colorado Basic Literacy Act was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper. This act is intended to help identify and address learning deficiencies early. There are 17,000 Colorado third graders annually who cannot read proficiently. HB12-1238, sponsored by Reps. Hamner and Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs), is intended to lower this number by focusing on providing better assessments and enhanced early intervention services for students in kindergarten through third grade to help children get back on track early so they can succeed. The bill would also allow districts the flexibility to determine which interventions will work best to get young students on track.

Gobernador de Colorado

Un proyecto de ley bipartidista haciendo revisión a la Ley de Alfabetización Básica de Colorado se convirtió en ley por el gobernador John Hickenlooper. Este acto está destinado a ayudar a identificar y abordar las deficiencias de aprendizaje temprano. Hay 17 mil estudiantes de tercer grado por año en Colorado que no saben leer con soltura. HB12-1238, patrocinado por los representantes Hamner y Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs), está destinado a reducir este número con centrandose en proporcionar una mejor evaluación y mejorar los servicios de intervención temprana para los estudiantes de kindergarten hasta el tercer grado para ayudar a los niños volver a la pista temprano para que puedan tener éxito. El proyecto de ley también permitiría a los distritos la flexibilidad para determinar qué intervenciones funcionan mejor para que los estudiantes jóvenes esten en buen camino.

Denver’s Mayor

Denver Civic Center was recommended by a U.S. Department of the Interior agency to become a National Historic Landmark – moving Denver one step closer to receiving the first designation of this kind in the city. On May 22 and 23, Civic Center’s recommendation went to the National Park Service Advisory Board for further consideration. The board will advance their recommendations to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who will officially designate the new National Historic Landmarks.

Alcalde de Denver

El Centro Cívico de Denver fue recomendado por un Departamento de EE.UU. de la agencia de Interior para convertirse en un monumento histórico nacional - Denver esta a un paso de recibir la primera designación de este tipo en la ciudad. El 22 y 23 de mayo, la recomendación del Centro Cívico fue a la Junta Nacional Asesora del Servicio de Parques para su consideración. La junta avanzará en sus recomendaciones al secretario del Departamento del Interior de los EE.UU., Ken Salazar, que oficialmente designe a los nuevos Monumentos Históricos Nacionales.

Reviews of test-score results

The leadership of the Denver Public Schools has consulted with the Colorado Department of Education on an analysis of all DPS test scores and materials from the 2011 Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). As a result of that analysis, DPS has asked the state for an independent review of test-score administering and handling of the 2011 CSAP in a very limited number of schools identified by this statistical analysis. The investigation will be overseen by the Colorado Department of Education. The state’s Attorney General’s Office, in its role as CDE’s legal advisor, will conduct the investigation with the assistance of a national firm that is experienced in assessment procedures and integrity.

During the course of the investigations, DPS officials will not publicly identify schools or classrooms involved. A full report on the findings of the investigation will be made public after it is completed.

Análisis de los resultados de exámenes

El liderazgo de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver ha consultado con el Departamento de Educación de Colorado sobre un análisis de todas las calificaciones y materiales de los exámenes de DPS del Programa de Evaluación Estudiantil de Colorado (CSAP) 2011. Como resultado de dicho análisis, DPS ha solicitado al estado que lleve a cabo un estudio independiente de la forma en que se administraron y manejaron los exámenes CSAP de 2011, en una muy pequeña cantidad de escuelas identificadas mediante este análisis estadístico. La investigación será supervisada por el Departamento de Educación de Colorado. La Oficina del Fiscal General del estado, en su función de asesor legal del Departamento de Educación de colorado, conducirá la investigación con la asistencia de una empresa nacional con experiencia en los procesos e integridad de las evaluaciones.

Durante el curso de las investigaciones, los funcionarios de DPS no identificarán públicamente a las escuelas o salones de clase involucrados. Se publicará un informe completo de la investigación, una vez que ésta finalice.

Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program

Applications are now being accepted for Class 11 of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Farmers, ranchers, growers and individuals working in allied businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply.

CALP is an intensive 18-month program composed of monthly seminars delivered by Colorado’s Agricultural industry. Fellows also participate in 10-days of national travel seminars and a 10-day international travel seminar. Seminars provide a comprehensive curriculum focusing on a variety of agricultural and leadership development subject matter.

Detailed program information and the application are online at coloagleaders.org. The application is due no later than July 31, but individuals are encouraged to complete it earlier.

“Find a Book, Colorado”

Colorado Commissioner of Education Robert Hammond and the Colorado State Library are urging educators and families to help students retain and develop academic skills by reading during summer vacation. The free online “Find a Book, Colorado” utility at www.lexile.com/fab/colorado provides a way for parents and children to quickly and easily search books that match a child’s reading level and interests as well as to locate the local library carrying each title.

For more information on “Find a Book, Colorado” and other summer reading programs, visit www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/index.htm.

Recreation pass program

The Boulder Parks and Recreation Department will offer a special recreation facility pass program for veterans, active duty and reservist military personnel beginning Monday, May 21.
The program includes a one-time, free, 90-day recreation facility pass for post-9/11 veterans who are City of Boulder residents. It also offers a 25 percent discount on annual passes for all military personnel and veterans who reside in the City of Boulder or Boulder County. The program is not retroactive for current pass holders. The passes provide entry to all three city recreation centers, two outdoor pools and the Boulder Reservoir.

For more information on the veterans and active duty military personnel facility pass program, visit
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org.

Colorado rafting season

Thanks to full reservoirs and lighter spring snowmelt, Colorado’s summer river runs will provide a perfect opportunity for families and beginners to get out on the water. This summer, rivers will be flowing steadily; providing a welcome change from last year’s adrenaline-filled whitewaters.

With Colorado reservoirs at capacity, and Colorado river levels running a little ahead of normal for this time of year, early season rafting offers ideal conditions for families and first-timers looking for some fun and excitement.

Whether a young family wanting to get the kids out on the water for the first time, or a multi-generational family reunion adventure, this summer is the perfect time to experience Colorado rafting together. Members of the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) collectively raft more than 30 distinct stretches of river across eight major water basins … customers can easily find an outfitter and a river that is a perfect match to their needs.

Visit www.croa.org.