dcseac.org - Shining Star

What Are Shining Stars?

Shining Stars are DCSD staff member/s and schools nominated for outstanding service by the parents and/or caregivers of students receiving special education services.

How Are Shining Stars Recognized?

All nominees will receive a notification of their nomination/s, a Shining Star certificate, and recognition via district communications, school communications (where possible), on the DCSEAC website, and DCSEAC Facebook page.
Staff: Staff nominations will be entered into a drawing for 1 of 10 gift prizes

(sponsored by Developmental Pathways).

There is no limit to the number of staff members that you can nominate. Certificates and baskets will be delivered to staff members with your special words.

Donations Accepted:

If you are interested in supporting our Shining Star gift baskets, you can donate directly to our fundraising account through CheddarUp link here.

DCSEAC is a non-profit with 501c status. All donations are tax deductible.

Photos coming soon!

School Inclusion Award Winners

The School Inclusion Award is rooted in merit and nominations given by professional peers. We believe the insight of the Special Education Coordinators and Directors is an invaluable look into the character and culture of our schools! Thank you to the winners that demonstrate outstanding inclusion of special education students within the school-wide community.

Sand Creek Pre-School

Iron Horse Elementary

Mesa Middle School

Rock Canyon High School

2024/2025 Shining Star

There were 520 nominations!!

Because of generous donations and sponsor Developmental Pathways,

baskets were delivered to:

Alfred Dawson - Sierra Middle School

Amy Bracken - Clear Sky Preschool

Amy Kaylor - Rock Canyon High School

Brittany Pennell - Cougar Run Elementary

Gina Stovall - Rock Ridge Elementary

Natalie Sendelbach - South Ridge Elementary

Nicole Grady - Wildcat Mountain Elementary

Ru Jennings - Frontier Valley Elementary

Taylor Risner - Cimarron Middle School

Trevor Jones - Cherokee Trail Elementary

Video of 2023/2024 basket delivery

2023/2024 Shining Star

There were 418 nominations!!

Because of generous donations and sponsor Developmental Pathways,

baskets were delivered to:

Becky Archunde, Ben Franklin Academy

Breanna Arnold, Castle Rock Elementary

Sharon Haworth, Castle Rock Middle School

Chuck Kramer, Castle Rock Middle School

Kimberly Hiebert, Castle Rock Middle School

Jennifer Dore, Cimarron Middle School

Abbey Butcher, EDCSD/Vale

Marcie Salter, Mammoth Heights Elementary

Kris Hennig, Mesa Middle School

Shawnette Maidens, Plum Creek Academy

Kristin Acker, Rock Canyon High School

Julie Pedersen, Rock Canyon High School

Melissa Campbell, Sand Creek Elementary

Elizabeth (Liz) Smith, Sand Creek Elementary

Harold Anderson, Sedalia Elementary

2022/23 Shining Star

There were 374 individual nominations

and 52 school site nominations!!

Because of generous donations, 22 baskets were delivered to these 2022/23 Shining Stars:

Katie Mitchell, Cresthill Middle School

Dustin Pfeiffer, Chaparral High School

Katie Kitselman, Ponderosa High School

Sunny Herron, Franktown Elementary

Suzette Remy, Sagewood Middle School

Scott Karcz, Rock Canyon High School

Jennifer Morris, Mammoth Heights Elementary

Valerie Armstrong, Redstone Elementary

Jenny Perricon, Skyview Academy

Kylee Duren , Stone Mountain Elementary

David Yetter, Skyview Academy

Diane Green, Highlands Ranch Transportation

Kerry Pirk, Trailblazer Elementary

Anne Dawson, Trailblazer Elementary

Kim English, Northeast Elementary

Tess Simpson, Renaissance Secondary

Rebecca Jones, Cherokee Trail Elementary

Breanna Arnold, Castle Rock Elementary

Cassandra Bartlett, Flagstone Elementary

Noelle Dennis, Pine Grove Elementary

Diana Ely, Saddle Ranch Elementary

Sarah Zabor, Rock Canyon High School