Here Is You Souvenir
The Colorado/Denver Rangers were a minor league hockey team in the late 1980s, and I had the joy of being their photographer. At the time, I was working at Woolworths and looking for a way to supplement my income. Photography was the perfect creative outlet.…
Hold Open The Door For Others
Relationships are complicated, and sometimes changes happen so gradually that we don’t even notice them. I had this experience with a friend at Rangeview.
Bobby was a custodian at Rangeview and had been there almost since the beginning in 1982. He was a fixture, the institutional memory of the school.…
Mommy, I’m Sorry
Most of my blog posts are fun, whimsical, or educational. This one is not.
This is the story of a five-year-old boy who lived with the feeling that his mother was mad at him. It is a story of sadness, grief, and longing.…
Firsts – Girls & Championships
Allen Elementary was a fun school to attend. I had great teachers, memorable experiences, and it was the place where I had my first crush and won my first championship. They may have been the victories of a second and third grader, but they were milestones nonetheless.…
Questionable Ethics – Doughnut Heaven
The years I spent working at the Royal Fork gave me a great opportunity to understand business and what it takes to be successful. We also got to see firsthand how businesses supported each other, strengthening the local economy. It was in this spirit that my fellow dishwashers and I started helping out at the doughnut shop across Colfax.…
4th Grade – Vaccinations & Arm Wrestling
School Vaccinations and the Fourth-Grade Arm Wrestling Championship
Back in the 1960s, some vaccinations happened at school. I have a vivid memory of my first experience with this. We were completely unsuspecting, unprepared for what was about to happen.
Miss Kenealy lined us up and marched us to the cafeteria.…
2021 - 2022 PLTW National Computer Science Teacher of the Year
PLTW recognizes outstanding teachers who inspire, engage, and empower their students by creating transformative learning experiences in their classrooms through PLTW programs
Aurora, Colorado - Rangeview High School teacher Randy Mills has earned the 2021-22 PLTW National Computer Science Teacher of the Year award, which recognizes educators who demonstrate a strong record of delivering an inspiring and empowering student experience, expanding access to PLTW programs, and transforming teaching. Randy was chosen from nominations received from across the U.S.
PLTW is honoring Randy for his work in the PLTW Computer Science pathway. Randy has been a teacher at Rangeview High School for twenty years and teaches Cybersecurity, Computer Science Essentials, and Introduction to Engineering Design. Randy Is also a Master Teacher for PLTW in Computer Science Essentials and Cybersecurity.
"Rangeview High School is proud of Randy Mills and his dedication to our students," said RyAnn Nelson-Jaiyesimi "Randy is inspiring and we feel honored to have him as a teacher at Rangeview."
Randy helped develop the Cybersecurity course and serves as one of the original Master Teachers for the course. He has been an advocate for underrepresented populations and has a passion for extending Computer Science and STEM to all students equally.
"Teachers and educational leaders perform one of the most critical functions in our society, and we are proud to work with these outstanding educators who are leaders in their classrooms and across the PLTW network," said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW President and CEO. "Congratulations and thank you for your partnership in a shared commitment to empower our students to thrive in our evolving world even amidst the most challenging and unprecedented of times."
2022 Aspirations in Computing Educator Award Winner
A thirty-year veteran of the Aurora Public Schools in Colorado. Randy has taught from 1st grade to postsecondary students. 20 Years at Rangeview has been highlighted by being a leading force for Computer Science and STEM. Randy has coached CyberPatriot teams for 12 years and taken 2 teams to the National Finals. Randy assisted with the PLTW development of the Cybersecurity course. Serving on the initial Advisory group and becoming a Master Teacher and teaching core training in 2018. Randy was awarded the National Computer Science Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022. Brought a Cybersecurity class to Rangeview five years ago and created a Technology Intern program for training students to move into internships in the industry. Randy has coordinated and taught a STEM camp at Rangeview for 8 years highlighted by cybersecurity classes. Randy has spent his career working to bring underrepresented populations into the Computer Science field.