Selected News

For the second year in a row, Discovery High School (DHS) has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Education for Promising Practices in Education. This recognition highlights school districts on how they partner with families and the community for student success.

Here is the excerpt from DHS:

A Hub of Family Engagement and Student Success Discovery High School, Widefield School District 3, submitted by Dr. Albert Wiggins

During the 2024–2025 school year, Discovery High School (DHS), part of Widefield School District 3, set a goal to strengthen student outcomes through increased family and community engagement. DHS aimed to host at least six major engagement events throughout the year. These events were aligned with the district’s Unified Improvement Plan and supported by the Connect with Widefield Family, School, and Community Partnership (FSCP) initiative to foster student success and build a positive school climate.

Planning and implementation efforts were led by DHS leadership in collaboration with teachers, support staff, students, and parent volunteers. Community partners and district representatives also contributed to event logistics, promotion, and execution. DHS launched the year with “Let’s Taco ’Bout Discovery,” an event where families met staff, learned about programs, and shared a meal. This was followed by a festive, student-led Haunted House, which showcased creativity and leadership while providing a safe, family-friendly celebration.

Later, DHS hosted a Movie Night and a Bowling Night, both designed to foster community spirit and informal school-family interaction. The school year culminated in a powerful Community Emergency Preparedness Fair, led by students who earned their CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) certifications, connecting learning with real-world impact. These events contributed to measurable increases in family participation, student attendance, academic engagement, and the overall school climate.

Evaluation of these practices was primarily qualitative, based on attendance counts, feedback surveys, and observed increases in family communication and student engagement. The school also tracked improvement in student attendance and course completion rates. One challenge was coordinating scheduling to accommodate diverse family availability, which DHS addressed by varying the timing and format of events. Future evaluations will include structured surveys and student outcome data linked to engagement metrics.

For schools looking to replicate this practice, start by building strong internal collaboration and involving families early in the planning process. “When families feel welcomed and heard, they become true partners in student success,” shared a DHS staff member. The key is creating events that are inclusive, meaningful, and connected to learning outcomes.