This week, a Jefferson County school has been awarded a Blue Ribbon, Bear Creek Lake Park is scheduled to burn, the sheriff's office is looking for animal control officers and more.

Congrats Dennison Elementary, a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education recently recognized Dennison Elementary in Lakewood as a National Blue Ribbon School.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. He cited the positive school culture, and the school’s support systems for all students of all backgrounds as a few of the reasons for the award.

“National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation,” the award announcement said.  A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.   

Dennison Elementary is one of 353 U.S. schools to be recognized and one of four Colorado schools. The other four are Cederedge Middle School in Cedersedge, McClave Elementary School in McClave and Parker Core Knowledge Charter School, K-8 in Parker.

For more information on the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award, go to NationalBlueRibbonSchools.ed.gov.

It’s time for the Bear Creek Lake Controlled Burn

There will be smoke around Bear Creek Lake Park asWest Metro Fire Rescue announced a planned, controlled, burn at the park during the week of Sept. 25. So, if younotice smoke, don’t be alarmed. This fire will be lit with purpose and with the cooperation of the City of Lakewood and Bear Creek Lake Park.

According to the announcement, West Metro Fire Rescue will perform a “prescribed burn.” These are planned and controlled use of fire to clear weeds and debris that can become fire hazards. These burns also encourage the growth of natural plant species while improving the park habitat for both plants and insects. The fire rescue team also uses the burns as a training tool.

“Firefighters will first establish control lines around the burn area perimeter by blacklining (burning off small widths of vegetation) and/or using man-made features such as regional trails and park service roads,” the announcement stated. “Then, the interior of the area will be burned, with the goal of completing an estimated 100 acres.”

West Metro Fire Rescue does want residents around the park to know that smoke may affect the neighborhoods. They suggest the following steps to protect against health issues from the smoke:

• Close your windows and doors.
• Stay inside.
• Avoid exercise or other strenuous outdoor activities.

People at risk for breathing issues — young children under age seven, older people and people with respiratory and circulatory conditions will need to take further precautions. You can find more information on those steps at the Colorado Dept. of Health and Environment website’s “wood and smoke health” page.

Get more information on the burn on the West Metro Fire Rescue website

•  Apex Youth Commission needs teen volunteers. The Apex Park and Recreation District is seeking volunteers for its Youth Commission. According to the announcement, the Apex Youth Commission was designed to work with the park district and the youth of the community while also helping to “support and service” the parks programs.  You can get more information by contacting the park district’s Recreation Coordinator Viola (Vee) Duran at 303-467-7119 or ViolaD@ApexPRD.org
• Jeffco Sheriff is hiring new officers for animal control. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is looking for new faces to add to its Animal Control Division. “A big part of this job is education as well as enforcement,” the announcement for the position read. “You will help ensure that humans and animals are safe in their environments.” The salary offered ranges from $49,150 to $73, 715 or a starting hourly wage of $23.63. To apply or for more information, check out the job posting on the Jefferson County website.