Littleton

Public

Schools

Dear Littleton Public Schools Community Members:

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and that our families and employees are enjoying some much needed rest with their loved ones.

Over the course of my first year as your superintendent, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting classrooms in every school and in every program several times. I have met many of you during community events, and I look forward to meeting so many more of our dedicated community members in the year to come. I continue to be truly impressed by our students, families, employees, and community.  Littleton Public Schools is a remarkable district, and I look forward to another great year together.

We firmly believe that the work of teaching and learning is sacred, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Every day our teachers are doing their best to provide each student with what they need when they need it academically, socially, and emotionally. We are always looking for ways to improve, and we have some exciting work ahead of us this year. Our dedicated staff is the backbone of our district, and their passion for education makes a significant difference. We are excited to welcome a group of talented new educators to LPS who will join us in our mission to inspire and educate.

The improvements voters made possible through the passage of the $298 million bond in 2018 are wrapping up this summer. Over the course of the last five years, LPS has been transformed by this bond in so many ways. Thank you for your investment in your schools and for leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Your trust and support mean the world to us. We cannot do this sacred work without you.

Enjoy the rest of your summer; we will see you soon!

Sincerely,

Todd Lambert
Superintendent

Healthy Hearts and Minds: Helping Your Child Have a Great Start to the School Year

In Littleton Public Schools, we believe in a “whole child” philosophy that places value on the academic and the social-emotional factors involved in children’s growth and development. Students’ social-emotional wellbeing and sense of safety at school contribute to their success. We encourage you to have ongoing conversations with your child and work closely with your child’s school to understand the many resources and professionals available to support you.

LPS offers a variety of mental health programs for students and families. We provide guides for talking to your students about tough topics, coping mechanisms, and essential skills. We have also curated a collection of helpful community resources. If you need support navigating these resources or want to make your school aware of your needs, find the mental health professionals in your school. 

Students (and adults) are constantly surrounded by and immersed in technology, and in an effort to increase digital awarness, please take some time to check out our district's cyber safety page, and look for our annual Cyber Savvy Parent Night and the Screen Sanity Parent Night, both of which are designed to help parents create new cultural norms around digital health. 

If you have immediate concerns for the welfare of your student or someone else you know, please report your concerns to the appropriate resource. Remember, we are a community. We are stronger together. 

Have a great school year!

The Board began its budget development discussions in January 2024. Board members and staff members spent the spring months monitoring legislative activity and advocating to protect LPS funding during a roller coaster legislative session with many competing interests for limited dollars. The LPS budget continues to be sound thanks to careful and purposeful practices over time.

For the second year in a row, LPS was able to prioritize providing significant pay increases for all employees and increased starting salaries for teachers and classified employees. The starting salary for teachers increased to $56,789; the starting hourly wage for classified staff increased to $18.41. This commitment addresses one of the Board’s highest priorities, which is to stay competitive with compensation, especially in the ongoing environment of worker shortages. 

The LPS finance team wins national awards every year for its outstanding budgeting and accounting practices. This team prioritizes budgeting in order to provide the things our community values most: excellent teachers, quality programs, and a variety of support systems for all students. Learn more about the budgeting process on the Financial Transparency page of the district’s website.

Where does the money come from? (see page 16 of the Adopted Budget)

• 42.1 percent from state revenue
• 15.0 percent from voter-approved mill levy overrides
• 35.7 percent from property taxes
• 4.4 percent from specific ownership taxes
• 2.6 percent from other local and interest income
• 0.2 percent from federal grants

Where does the money go? (see page 18 of the Adopted Budget)

• 84.1 percent to instructional programs
• 4.1 percent to student athletics and facility projects insurance
• 1.9 percent to information and technology
• 0.9 percent to safety and security operations
• 1.3 percent to governance
• 1.7 percent to financial services
• 2.4 percent to human resources
• 3.6 percent to pupil transportation

In Littleton Public Schools, community involvement is not just a phrase; it’s the foundation of our district’s success. LPS’s commitment to educational excellence is reinforced by the active participation of local citizens who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to our various advisory committees. These committees are essential in shaping the future of our schools and ensuring that we meet the needs of every student.

A Variety of Committees for Broad Involvement

Whether you have expertise in finance, technology, wellness, or special education, there is a place for you to make an impact. Some advisory committees receive a charge from the Board of Education.  Others serve as a support system for specific groups and also as a sounding board for the superintendent and Board of Education. This structure ensures that committee members’ contributions directly impact district initiatives.

Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) plays a critical role in overseeing the district’s use of bond funds, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to maintain and improve LPS’s schools and facilities.

District Accountability Committee (DAC) includes representatives from each district school as well as community members at-large. DAC operates under a specific charge from the Board of Education and meets monthly to discuss district issues, activities, and programs. DAC representatives serve as key communicators in their school community.

Educational Technology Advisory Committee (ETAC) guides the integration of technology into curricula and classrooms. Digital learning is increasingly integral to education, and this committee ensures that LPS is a leader in educational technology. Membership is composed of parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and students.

Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) provides expertise and oversight in the district’s financial health, advising on budgetary allocations and financial planning to maximize resources for student success. This committee also monitors education legislation and state referendums that could have a financial impact on the district.

Gifted and Talented Advisory Council (GTAC) supports the development of specialized programs for gifted students, advocating for curriculum adjustments and enrichment opportunities that meet their unique needs.

Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC) advises the Board on a wide range of topics, from school start times to boundaries and transportation efficiency. LRPC helps the district anticipate growth and change, ensuring that facilities and resources evolve to meet the needs of the community.

PTO Presidents Council (PPC) is a collective of PTO leaders from across the district. PPC fosters communication between schools and the district, and members hear directly from a Board member liaison, the superintendent, and other district leaders throughout the year to keep their school communities apprised of the latest happenings in LPS.

Special Services Advisory Committee (SSAC) believes that parents are key partners in their child’s education, and this committee is made up mostly of parents of students with disabilities. This committee addresses the priorities of special education, providing training and workshops to other parents and community members, and disseminating information regarding special education programs and community resources.

Special Transportation Task Force studies the district’s transportation policies and procedures in order to make recommendations for improvements to LPS staff. This group also serves as a conduit for input on behalf of families and students who need special transportation.

Wellness Committee (WC) advises on recommended policies, practices, and programs that support and improve the overall health of the school community, including goals for nutrition education, physical activity, school activities, and nutrition standards.

Participation in an advisory committee offers a chance to understand educational policies, advocate for community needs, and ensure a bright future for all LPS students. It’s a great way to stay informed about district business and developments.

LPS invites all members of the community to consider joining an advisory committee. Your insights and enthusiasm can help LPS maintain the tradition of excellence and adapt to the evolving educational landscape, ensuring the continued work of building a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative educational environment for students and staff.

Littleton Public Schools Foundation: Making a Difference for ALL Students at ALL Schools

With the help of Littleton Public Schools parents, community members, businesses, and grantmakers, the Littleton Public Schools Foundation raises funds to support each student’s unique path to success. Even in a thriving school district like ours, school budgets have gaps. The LPS Foundation helps to fill these gaps by funding thoughtful opportunities that foster students’ academic, physical, and emotional development. Learn more and give here. 

The LPS Foundation focuses on six strategic areas that directly impact student learning:

• Career exploration
• Educational technology
• Mental health
• Educator support
• Health & wellness
• Crisis relief 

During the 2023–2024 school year, the LPS Foundation raised more than $1.4 million.  

Funding supported initiatives as varied as industry certifications for EPIC Campus students, to start-up costs for East Community Center, to emergency counseling for students through the Legacy Fund for Mental Health, to a culinary program that taught LPS Nutrition Services employees new skills, and much more. The LPS Foundation also awarded $67,000 in grants to educators at nearly all LPS schools.  You can read about these projects on the Stories of Impact page of the LPS Foundation’s website.

There are many opportunities to support students and educators through the LPS Foundation.

You can attend fundraising events like The Stride, the Tee Up for LPS Golf Tournament, or the Spirit Celebration. You can give online or participate in Colorado Gives Day efforts. The LPS Foundation also needs volunteers to assist at events throughout the year. Learn more about ways to get involved. 

You Invest. We Connect. Students Thrive.

Follow the LPS Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, in addition to visiting the Foundation’s website.

Follow the LPS Foundation on social media!

For more information and to learn about how you can get involved, visit the LPS Foundation's website or email LPSFInfo[at]lps.k12.co[dot]us.

Student Voice workshops, held at each LPS high school and involving multiple high school stakeholder groups, exemplify the Board’s and the district’s commitment to placing students’ values at the heart of decision-making processes.

A Platform for Direct Dialogue

Launched in the 2022–2023 school year, the Student Voice workshops provide a platform for Board members to engage directly with students, gaining valuable insights and perspectives on a range of critical topics. The workshops continued to gain momentum in the 2023–2024 school year, with sessions held with students from Arapahoe, Heritage, and Littleton high schools as well as alternative programs including Options, Phoenix, Transition Services, NOVA, Voyager, and NEXT.

Each workshop, held during lunchtime to minimize disruptions to instructional time, brought together 15–20 students representative of their school’s or program’s diverse population. These students, selected by principals and program leaders, engaged in facilitated small group discussions covering themes such as learning and teaching, culture and climate, school safety and security, mental health, and post-secondary readiness.

Meaningful Conversations and Constructive Feedback

The structure of these workshops was carefully designed to foster meaningful conversations. Prior to each session, students were briefed on civil discourse protocols to ensure a productive dialogue. 

Key feedback from the 2023–2024 workshops included:

1. Learning and teaching: Students expressed appreciation for their teachers’ dedication and care; however, they highlighted challenges with block scheduling and a desire for more practical, life skills instruction.
2. Culture and climate: Students noted the positive impact of programs that enhance a sense of belonging. Students said they supported the district’s plans to minimize personal electronic device distractions in the classroom.
3. School safety and security: Safety drills were seen as beneficial, and students shared their general feelings that drills are successful in maintaining a safe school environment.
4. Mental health: Students appreciate the mental health support available but emphasized the need for greater awareness and accessibility.
5. Post-secondary readiness: There was a clear call for more support and options to prepare for life beyond high school.

Steering the Work of the Board and the District

These workshops are more than just conversations; they are a critical tool in steering the work of the Board and the district. The feedback collected from students directly informs policy decisions and strategic planning, ensuring that LPS’s educational environment evolves in ways that truly meet the needs of students.

Looking ahead, the Board of Education plans to continue these workshops in the 2024–2025 school year. This ongoing commitment underscores the belief that when we listen to our students, we empower them to take ownership of and help shape their educational journey. The Board’s desire to continue the Student Voice workshops reaffirms their dedication to fostering an inclusive and responsive educational community and their belief that every student voice matters.

We are proud to announce the graduation of the Class of 2024 across Littleton Public Schools. This year, a total of 419 students graduated from Arapahoe High School, 427 from Heritage High School, 275 from Littleton High School, 25 from Options High School, 2 from NOVA, and 9 from Transition Services. Each ceremony was infused with a genuine sense of pride and achievement, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. Together, the Class of 2024 has secured over $70 million in scholarships, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors. Their remarkable achievements include:

• 1 Boettcher Scholar Finalists
• 4 Daniels Fund Scholars
• 5 National Merit Scholar Finalists
• 13 National Merit Commended Scholars 
• 9 National Merit Hispanic Recognition Scholars
• 1 National Merit African American Recognition Scholars
• 5 US Military Academy Appointments Offered
• 26 International Baccalaureate Diploma Graduates
• 305 AP Scholars
• 23 STEM Certificate Recipients
• 161 Seal of Biliteracy Endorsements 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! May your futures be bright and filled with wonderful opportunities!