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An independent study recently presented to the Front Porch suggests that some Stapleton schools have a lower than expected percentage of kids who have had all of their appropriate vaccinations. The study indicates that not only do some local schools fall below the preferred vaccination percentages, but the average percentages across all Colorado schools also falls short. “These recommended percentages are put in place for a reason,” says Dr. Craig Sifers. “Not all vaccinations are 100% effective, so if you have a child where the vaccination didn’t work, you want them surrounded by people where the vaccination did work, so they do not get one of these terrible diseases. There is no proof of long term side effects, so EVERY child should get their vaccinations. When you choose to not get vaccinations for your child, you are not just putting your child at risk, you are putting many others at risk as well.” [Read more…] about Stapleton to Build “No Immunization” School for 2016-17

Many families spent months researching the school their four year old may attend. They talked to other parents, spoke with principals, reviewed test scores, had conversations with teachers, and made long Excel spreadsheets with checklists. Then, there was the Lauterbach family who used less than three minutes to make their decision. [Read more…] about Year Long School Choice Decision Concludes in 2.5 Minute Discussion

The February Front Porch has an article intended to inform residents on “What are those big mounds in Stapleton north of 56th?”. The article is helpful in explaining that the area is remnants of the old Stapleton airport which were intended to be recycled and eventually sold. There are several of these types of questions around Stapleton which need to be addressed, the biggest of which is, “what is that empty space in Eastbridge near Havana and MLK? [Read more…] about What is that Empty Space in Eastbridge Near Havana and MLK?

In a recent report, it was mentioned that Stapleton may need more seats, which would be accommodated by adding more space to existing schools, or quite possibly, building another new school. “I know it seems like we keep building schools in Stapleton,” said DPS Board Member Amber Jones. “But, people out there keep having kids. So, they have to go to school somewhere.” [Read more…] about All Public Schools to be Located in Stapleton by 2024

With a reported five robberies and two aggravated assaults, the Denver Police Department wanted to help Stapleton residents understand what they can do to not be a victim. Below are some of their tips:

• Don’t shop at the Stapleton King Soopers late at night. Just don’t do it. Did you really need those Double-Stuffed Oreos at 10PM? Okay, maybe you did, but go to a 711 where the lighting is better and it is significantly safer.
• When you are walking late at night, keep your hand inside your waistband to give the impression that you are packing heat. Don’t actually carry a gun, however.
• Take jiu jitsu classes. If things come to hand to hand fighting, no one wants to be choked out or have their elbow busted. Knowing you can do these things will also make you feel safer.
• Travel around with crossfit chicks. These chicks can kick people’s asses, and perpetrators know this. Just buy them each a paleo dinner and you are good to go.
• If you are threatened, yell loudly, “I’m from Black Hawk County, bitch!” They will know what’s up and slowly back away. Trust me; don’t mess with people from Black Hawk County.
• If someone pulls up close to you, run wildly at them screaming and yelling. They want you to run. But, when they see a psycho running at them, they usually pull away pretty quickly.

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On the heels of a recent armed robbery, Forest City and Blackwater Security have inked a deal to make Stapleton much safer. “Immediately below making money for our stockholders, is the safety of our residents here in Stapleton,” says Forest City President Phil Dargossi. “As residents know, things are getting out of hand. We need to stop this train before it gets going. People need to know that Stapleton is committed to being the best urban neighborhood, and that means making it the safest.” Blackwater won the bid on an undisclosed cost to Forest City. “This group has been around for a long time, and knows how to do things right,” said Dargossi. Except for that one little incident, of course.” Blackwater (Academi) CEO Craig Nixon promises that his organization will be able to clean things up and make Stapleton safe. “We specialize in rough, urban terrains like this,” said Nixon. “Part of what we do is peacekeeping, but we do it through fear. We want any potential criminals to get the idea that hey, ‘you burgle here, you’re going to die here.’ We have the utmost confidence that things will be handled to residents’ satisfaction. What could go wrong with a Nixon in charge?” Nixon says that his organization plans to do several things, but would only disclose some of them. “Obviously, a lot of it is surveillance,” says Nixon. “But, we will have boots on the ground. However, the bad guys just won’t know who they are.” Nixon went on to say that his people will be posing as contractors, parcel carriers, and even school bus drivers. “We want potential criminals to be suspicious of everything, to the point where the paranoia simply removes Stapleton as the easy target it has been.” Resident Mike Leonhart is excited about the extra help. “It’s nice to see Forest City stepping up,” says Leonhart. “It seems like the local police aren’t doing enough for us. They keep saying they have a whole other part of the city to patrol, but I’m not buying that. Bring on Blackwater.” Sarah Rudee agrees. “It will be nice to be able to send my kids to the park without having to worry about them being robbed,” says Rudee. “It’s about the kids, and if Blackwater can make a safer environment for my kids, than I am all for it.” Not all residents are enthused about the extra security. “I guess I always just think that fewer guns are safer,” says Ken Ray. “How trigger happy are these guys? I am certainly not comfortable with collateral damage. Way too many kids here to have a bunch of assassin’s walking around. This is another crazy idea from Forest City.” Susan Hoffman agrees. “I don’t want a bunch of crazy guys walking around with guns,” says Hoffman. “That is what we are trying to get rid of.” Nixon has assured Forest City that they have very strict rules on when they are allowed to initiate a firefight. “Our guys are trained in hand to hand combat as well,” says Nixon. “From the research and numbers we have run, we don’t see more than two circumstances a week where our people will be firing their weapons.” Stapleton residents will soon be sleeping much easier with Blackwater on our side. ]]>

Forest City has recently been promoting the newest and ninth Stapleton neighborhood, Willow Park East. Just north of the Conservatory Green neighborhood, Willow Park East will have 700 homes. The new neighborhood is described as having “a modern aesthetic and an organic vibe” and “a neighborhood that weaves nature on a grand scale into a friendly urban pattern.” Furthermore, “It’s a mix of purposeful new parks, sweeping green spaces, innovative new schools and next-generation homes.” [Read more…] about Compare & Contrast; Forest City Neighborhood Visions Versus Reality

Northfield High School continues to prepare for its inaugural year next fall. Teachers and administrators are being hired, and of course, construction on the building continues to take place. School officials are also working hard to make sure there are clubs and activities for the freshman class. One of the biggest challenges for a new school is integrating an athletics department. [Read more…] about Northfield High School to Have Smartest, Least Athletic Sports Teams