After three failed attempts, Colorado has finally landed a Race to the Top grant.
“We’re extremely happy,” said state Education Commissioner Robert Hammond. “Obviously there’s been a lot of hard work and disappointment in the past. Even though this is a reduced amount, we believe it will be extremely helpful.”
Colorado was one of seven states that [...]

The Martini Shot Dance Party at Stargazers
Dec. 31: Dance music by The Martini Shot, hors d’oeuvres buffet, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and party favors. Doors open at 8 p.m. Table seating starts at $35, general admission $25. 10 S. Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs, 719-476-2200
Children’s Museum of Denver
Dec. 31: Join us when we transform

Why do kids believe a chubby guy in a flying sleigh can deliver joy across America? Because their parents do. A whopping 84 percent of grown-ups were once children who trusted in Santa’s magic, and lots cling to it still.
Things are changing fast these days, with toddlers wishing for iPads and grade schoolers e-mailing their [...]

Like so much in life, maybe you don’t pick your Christmas tree — it picks you.
I’m not sure why our evergreen reached out and grabbed us during our tree-cutting excursion in Park County a couple of weeks ago.
At the time, I was certain of the answer. My husband and I were standing just outside [...]

This year, charter schools across the country logged the largest enrollment increase ever recorded.
Colorado, among the top five states in the country for charter school enrollment, added 13 new charter schools and enrolled more than 8,500 additional students in the autonomous schools.
The data was released yesterday by

Through Dec. 31. Enjoy Christmas in the city during LoDo Aglow. Along with local art students and designers, nearly two dozen Lower Downtown businesses have decorated their windows in sparkling seasonal style. Holiday revelers can wander the streets and take in the displays, including stops at historic landmarks like Rockmount Ranch Wear (1626 Wazee St.) [...]

Jefferson County schools are getting their first look at what a potential $68 million in cuts over the next two years might look like.
The possible reductions include the elimination of 590 full-time-equivalent positions, including 175 high school posts, 65 at middle schools and 226 at elementary schools.
The remaining 124 layoffs would affect administrators, business staff, [...]

There are many local, public Hanukkah celebrations:
Boulder Community Menorah Lighting
This festive, public Menorah lighting on the Pearl Street Mall features entertainment by Boulder musician Steve Brodsky. The celebration will be completed with fresh doughnuts, hot drinks and Hanukkah games. It all takes place on Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. on the Courthouse lawn on the 1300 block [...]

Four-year-old Payton DeBelle is one discerning customer of toys, and she considers the Hoot Owl Hoot game one of the best she’s encountered.
“You get owls, and you get to move the owl, and then you get to pick another card,” said Payton, eyes gleaming over the paper owl heads staring back at her. “I want [...]

So, here it is, the beginning of 2.5 weeks with the kids out of school.
The holiday break is so restful and sweet, isn’t it?
Heck no. We stress out, rushing around town trying to get everything done. Our cortisol levels soar as we struggle to adapt to a temporary new routine, deal with amped [...]