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Cinco de Mayo, Community Highlights, and Local Faves

Cinco de Mayo, Community Highlights, and Local Faves

April 30, 2025

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner as we march closer to summer. Before we dive into the weekend festivities, there are some community highlights to go over. Douglas County continues to shine in education, with Castle Rock’s scavenger hunts and some stargazing on the agenda. I also had a wonderful cup of coffee this week from a new favorite spot of mine in Lone Tree. Plus, don’t miss out on local pets and events to check out before the weekend hits.

In today’s DougCo Download:

Douglas County Schools by the numbers
Scavenge the Rock!
Top notch coffee in Lone Tree
Cute dogs, fun events, and more

Here we go.

Community Spotlight

🎊Douglas County Schools Celebrate Record Success in 2024–2025🎊

The 2024–2025 school year was one of celebration and achievement for Douglas County School District. With top academic rankings, record graduation rates, and millions saved and earned in scholarships, DCSD continues to set the standard for excellence. Superintendent Erin Kane emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for a fast-changing world, with new strategic plans on the horizon. #ProudtoBeDCSD

Top Scoring District: DCSD ranked #1 in the Denver metro area for the second consecutive year.
Record Graduation Rate: 92.2% — the highest in 15 years.
Academic Excellence: Met or exceeded pre-pandemic (2019) scores across every subject and grade for two straight years.
Career & College Readiness:
- 76 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways offered.
- National leader in connecting PK-12 education with higher ed and industry.
Scholarship & Savings: Class of 2024 earned over $131 million in scholarships and saved nearly $20 million in college costs through AP and concurrent enrollment programs.
State Recognition:
- 32 schools received the John Irwin Award of Excellence.
- 9 schools received the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award.

📍Castle Rock 🕵️‍♂️ "Scavenge The Rock" Returns This May!

Looking for a fun way to dive into Castle Rock’s rich history? "Scavenge The Rock" is back! Starting May 1, pick up your clue sheet at the Castle Rock Museum and explore downtown Castle Rock on a self-guided scavenger hunt.

Complete tasks at various locations around town, then return your completed sheet to the museum to receive a gift and be entered into a prize drawing for Summer Concert Series tickets, golf certificates, and more!

🗓️ The scavenger hunt runs through May 31, with the final prize drawing happening at 3:00 PM on May 31 at the Castle Rock Museum (420 Elbert St.).

Happy hunting! Check out more at crgov.com.

📍Highlands Ranch 🌌 Wind Crest’s Astronomy Club Reaches New Heights

Residents at Wind Crest in Highlands Ranch are proving it’s never too late to reach for the stars. In just over a year, the Astronomy Club—founded by Rob Datsko and Win Pendleton in January 2024—has grown from 24 to over 100 members!

Club meetings, held monthly in the Red Rocks Room, feature everything from NASA’s best Hubble images to talks on black holes and high-energy astronomy. Club leaders are even proposing an on-campus observatory to bring the wonders of the universe even closer to home.

As Pendleton says, exploring the cosmos doesn't make us feel small—it expands our view of what humanity can achieve. 🌠

Read more at denverpost.com.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

This Giveaway ends next Saturday May 3 at noon MST.

You can send in a submission by doing the following:

Be a new subscriber in that week
Answer a poll hidden in one of the weeks issues (whisper: look in this issue)
Connect with our social accounts and submit your newsletter subscriber email to a a form I have posted on our instagram and facebook account!

All of these will count as individual submissions. And make sure the emails you submit on Facebook and Instagram forms are the same that are signed up here because this giveaway is just meant as a benefit to subscribers, not social media treasure hunters so any non subscriber emails submissions will not count.

Our Social Accounts: Instagram I Facebook

DougCo Brew

☕️ Monk & Mongoose Expands Lone Tree Coffee Culture
📍Lone Tree | 9580 Ridgegate Pkwy

The kids and I enjoyed Monk & Mongoose on Monday with plenty of other regulars. Great atmosphere and coffee. Since its inception in 2016, Monk & Mongoose Coffee Co. has become a cornerstone of the Lone Tree community, offering not just exceptional coffee but also a welcoming space for connection and collaboration. Founded by Jared and Lindsay Keiffer, the coffee shop was born out of a passion for bringing people together over high-quality brews.

The name "Monk & Mongoose" reflects a blend of tradition and excellence. "Monk" nods to the legendary brewing methods of Eastern African monks, while "Mongoose" references the Kopi Luwak, a member of the mongoose family known for producing some of the world's most exclusive coffee beans .

The Lone Tree location, situated on RidgeGate Parkway, offers a cozy yet modern ambiance, featuring urban design elements like chrome fixtures and garage door walls, complemented by warm wood accents and a fireplace . It is a great space, perfect for students or locals looking for a great shop to relax in.

Maybe getting better? I think the coffee isn’t even in focus

In response to growing demand, Monk & Mongoose is set to open a second Lone Tree location in August 2025. This new 3,000-square-foot space, located at 10920 High Note Ave., will be the largest yet, featuring a mezzanine and designed to accommodate the diverse needs of its clientele .

Beyond serving exceptional coffee, Monk & Mongoose offers a rentable conference room, making it an ideal spot for remote workers and private events. Their commitment to community and quality has solidified their reputation as a beloved local establishment. Make sure to check them out!

🕰️ Open daily | monkandmongoose.com I 6:30 am - 6:30 pm

DougCo Pet of the Week

Everyones favorite segment! We all love our pets and they are part of the family! So email me at [email protected] with your best pet pics and we can feature them as part of the DougCo community!

This week’s featured pups are Ulrich and Dalinar, bringing all the beef! Shoutout to Paige B from Highlands Ranch for sending them in and supporting the newsletter!

Local Events: Wednesday-Friday

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check the Weekend Lineup later in the issue for some help planning out your weekend!

Family Fun

Family Media Wellness Book Club
📅 Wednesday, April 30 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Kids Corner

Families with kids in grades 6–8 are invited to join a discussion on digital safety and smart media use. Registration required (one per family). Pick up the book from staff before the meeting.

Questions? Call 📞 303-791-7323.

Page Twisters Book Club
🗓️ Thursday, May 1 | 🕟 4:30pm–5:30pm
📍 Lone Tree Library – Kids Corner

For kids in grades 4–6! Even months = book discussions from the reading list; odd months = share what you're reading and loving.

The Mind Reader: A Night of Magic & Mystery
🗓️ Thursday, May 1 | 🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Arts Center

Step into a night of mind-blowing illusions as world-class mentalist Kent brings his electrifying, interactive show from Las Vegas to Lone Tree for one night only!

The Emperor’s Groovy New Threads
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕡 6:30pm–8:30pm | 💵 $20
📍 PACE Center, Parker

A colorful, musical retelling of the classic tale—full of 1960s flair! Follow ten-year-old Kid as she challenges the fashion-obsessed Emperor and uncovers more than just his wardrobe choices.

Adult Community Events

Community Blood Drive
📅 Wednesday, April 30 | 🕚 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Arts Center

Donate blood and help save lives! Schedule at 877-258-4825 or donors.vitalant.org with code 1353. ❤️

Active Minds: Understanding Syria
📅 Wednesday, April 30 | 🕑 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library – Event Hall

Explore Syria’s complex history, civil war, and its impact on global affairs with Active Minds.

Readers' Roost Book Club
🗓️ Thursday, May 1 | 🕦 11:30am–1:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Library – Event Hall

Join fellow readers to discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction each month. Adults welcome!

Mystery Loves Company Book Club
📅 Thursday, May 1 | 🕡 6:30–8:00pm
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Event Hall A

Join fellow mystery fans on the first Thursday of each month to discuss a thrilling new read!

An Evening with Sandra Dallas
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕡 6:30–8:00pm
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Event Halls A & B

Meet NYT bestselling author Sandra Dallas as she discusses her latest novel Tough Luck. Book sales by Books Are Awesome. Adults only — [registration required, on waitlist now].

Adult Events

Trivia Night
📅 Wednesday, April 30 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company — Parker

Join us for a fun evening of trivia! Test your knowledge and enjoy great company. Prizes for top teams!

Trails N' Ales (Mountain Bike)
📅 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Meet at Bison Park

Join the group for a fun mountain bike trail ride, and then head back to 105 West Brewing for $1 off beers!

Wednesday Night Dart League
📅 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 🕕 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Max Taps, Highlands Ranch

Join us for some friendly dart competition every Wednesday!

Teams welcome
House darts available, but feel free to bring your own
Season length based on number of teams
Gift cards for top teams at the end of the season

Trivia
🗓️ Thursday, May 1 | 🕕 6:00–8:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company

Join the weekly trivia showdown for a chance to win free crowlers of beer in each round. Cheers and brains encouraged!

Trivia Night
🗓️ Thursday, May 1 | 🕕 6:00pm
📍 Lansdowne Arms, Highlands Ranch

Test your knowledge and enjoy great food and drinks during Trivia Night every Thursday at 6 PM! Come out for a fun, competitive evening!

Music Bingo
🗓️ Thursday, May 1 | 🕡 6:30–8:30pm
📍 Living the Dream Brewing

Free to play, fun to win! Enjoy themed rounds of bingo with a musical twist, good vibes, and chances to win great prizes!

Live Music with Mark May
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕕 6:00–9:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company - Parker, 18425 Pony Express Dr #125, Parker, CO

Enjoy an evening of Folk-Grass tunes from talented singer-songwriter Mark May, a staple of the Colorado music scene!

Live Music: DJ Dance Party
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕖 7:00–9:30pm
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Dance the night away to electrifying beats from a live DJ! Enjoy great music and an amazing atmosphere!

Weather

Weekend Lineup

Got something to share? We’re always eager to hear from you! Whether it’s a community event, a local business, or a great story, drop us a note at [email protected].

Your insights keep DougCo vibrant, connected, and thriving. Let’s keep the momentum going!

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Cinco de Mayo, Community Highlights, and Local Faves

Weekend Lineup

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