This afternoon, Deer Creek Middle School in Littleton experienced tragedy.

A man in his 20s or 30s approached the school just as students were being let out of classes and shot two students. One has been identified as Regan Weber, a seventh grade student at the school. The other is a male eighth grader who has yet to be identified. Both students were transfered to Littleton Hospital.

Before the shooter (who has yet to be identified) could fire a third shot, math teacher Dr. David Benke tackled him. The suspect was disarmed and taken into custody by school teachers and administrators before Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies could arrive on the scene.

Students were transfered to nearby Stony Creek Elementary School, where parents could pick them up.

Coincidentally, Deer Creek is located just three miles from Columbine High School, which is, of course, the location of the devastating 1999 shooting that caused schools across the country, but especially within Jefferson County to take a serious look at student and teacher safety. Because of the tragedy 11 years ago, both Jefferson County Public Schools and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are well equipped and prepared for similar events.

More information can be found online at http://jeffcopublicschools.org and on the district’s Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/jeffcoschoolsco

The Acalanes Blueprint high school newspaper faces the chopping block of district budget cuts. In response, the California paper, which is this year celebrating its 70th anniversary, has been imploring the community to help them in any way possible, so that they may not lose what the student reporters and editors believe to be an invaluable cornerstone of the school and community. Photo courtesy of http://acalanesblueprint.webs.com

The Acalanes High School Blueprint is begging for help. In a time when print journalism is on its way out, high school journalists too are feeling the pressure of budget cuts. Such is the case at Acalanes.
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I am pleased to announce that tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 5) a new issue of the Xpress will hit our one newsstand! Look out for lots of great content, hard-hitting issues, a head-to-head about Tiger Woods and more! Don’t forget to let us know what you think of it here or via email, Twitter or Facebook. The online version should be available early next week.

Happy reading!

It’s no secret that the Jefferson County Public School District is in a budget crisis. Two weeks ago, the Board of Education voted to close down Russell Elementary School in Arvada and last year the Board made cuts that included a decrease in custodial and facilities services staffing, elimination of staffing at the district’s costume room (for plays and the like) and decreased funding for the Warren Tech Galleria.

Now that it’s budget season once again, the district must identify those services that may no longer be necessary. Here are the cuts that affect RVHS most directly.
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This Thursday and Friday, students and parents can support the Arvada Food Bank and the 2010 Veterans’ Wheelchair Games just by eating Chipotle and going to the basketball game.

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As usual, Monday, Dec. 14’s, choir concert did not disappoint.

The show, which included RVHS’s Concert, Women’s, Men’s, Heaven Sent and Shades of Blue choirs featured holiday favorites and new tunes which delighted the audience.

The highlight of the show was the tenth anniversary alumni song, which featured current and alumni choir members and the symphonic orchestra.

As per tradition, the show ended with “Peace, Peace,” and “Silent Night,” which the audience joined in on.

If you weren’t there for the standing-room-only show, you missed out. Way to go Ralston Valley choir and orchestra!

Ralston Valley Marching Band at a football game during the 2009 season. Photo by Tyler Glenn

Channel 9 news featured the Ralston Valley Marching Band on Nov. 24. The story, by Kim Christensen, was about freshman Derek Reimer and junior Melissa McNally, as well as director Ken Sawyer.

For those who don’t know, Reimer is a mellophone player in the marching band. He also happens to be blind.
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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.), pictured. Pelosi, as a leading Democrat, was one of the Affordable Health Care for America Act's most vehement supporters and advocates. Photo from LA Times, originally by Mark Williams/Getty Images.

At 11:16 p.m. EST on Nov. 7, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 3962: Affordable Health Care for America Act with a 220-215 vote.
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UPDATE: Trick or Treat Street, which was initially scheduled for tonight, Thursday, October 29, will not occur. It may or may not be rescheduled.

Jefferson County Public School District announced tonight that school will be closed due to snow and inclement weather on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Keep checking back here and on the Xpress Facebook and Twitter accounts for more news on this as it develops.

I would like to preface by saying that this is an editorial. Usually we use this site to publish breaking news and sports coverage, but I’m changing the rules, if only for a moment.

To the referees of the October 7 football game and select RV and Monarch football players:

RE: Your inexcusable actions towards the Ralston Valley Marching Band

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