Meet our Principal

A Message From Our Principal

Dear Northeast Elementary School Community,

My name is Lara Bennett and I am very excited to be starting my seventh year at Northeast, five years as assistant principal, and now beginning my second year as principal. I’m thrilled to be a part of this caring and dedicated community of students, parents, teachers and staff!

I live in Castle Rock and have worked for Douglas County School District as an intermediate classroom teacher, interventionist, instructional coach and administrator for the past 17 years. I have a BA in both communication studies and education and an MA in education and instructional leadership. Before moving to Colorado in 2007, I taught fourth grade for two years in a catholic school in Minnesota. After relocating to CO, I began teaching in the public schools and taught fourth grade for three years and then fifth grade for a year. I then worked as a math and reading interventionist for two years and four years as an instructional coach for grades K-6.

I have always sought out educational opportunities that allow me to have the greatest impact on student growth and achievement while also building positive relationships with students, parents, teachers and staff. I am a passionate educator who is committed to supporting high quality instruction to prepare students not only for academic success but to also help them to be responsible, compassionate and engaged citizens.

I grew up in Northern Michigan where I fell in love with the outdoors, especially skiing. I take any opportunity I can to hike, race 5Ks, and visit the mountains. In my spare time I like to read, garden, travel, attend ballets and concerts and spend time with my friends. I am also the proud parent of a 31-year-old son, Jack, who lives in New York City and I enjoy spending time with my extended family, who also reside in Colorado.

My goal this year is to empower our staff and build upon the strong foundation Northeast has established as a model Professional Learning Community school, to ensure ALL our students acquire the knowledge and skills essential to achieving their full potential. I will nurture the strong partnerships we have developed with our Northeast families and the community of Mountain View Elementary. I’m looking forward to an inspiring and successful year ahead.

admin 2425

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).