In reflecting on our journey thus far, I am filled with immense pride in the accomplishments we have achieved together. From innovative teaching methods to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, your collective efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of our students.
I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some of our recent successes. Whether it's the outstanding performance of our students in academic competitions, the creative endeavors showcased in our arts programs, or the numerous community outreach initiatives undertaken by our staff and students, each success story is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. Here are a few recent successes that we want to make sure our entire community is aware of:
- Our district is now in the top 20% in ELA and math in the state
- One of only three districts statewide (over 1,000 students) that had gains in math and ELA since pre-pandemic
- Increased salaries 20%+ over the last three years
- MOY data showing great gains across several schools and grades (and groups) in math and ELA
- Many teachers trying out new technology tools, including using AI
- 64% of students involved in 80+ extracurricular opportunities and growing
- 93% of high school students have taken an AP or concurrent enrollment course or both
- 86% of high school students and 43% of middle school students are engaged in CTE (career and technical education); this is a 31% increase since 21/22
- We have increased our Niche.com rankings 77 places in the state of Colorado over the last few years, and rising
In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, here are some updates regarding upcoming initiatives and plans for the district. We are continually striving to enhance the educational experience for our students, and your input and feedback are invaluable in shaping the future direction of our district.
- Elementary Class Sizes
- We continue to make it a priority to have lower cap sizes than other districts in order to serve our students and staff, even though the state of Colorado does not have class cap size limits. Our staffing allocation to schools is the following. Once student enrollment exceeds these amounts in a grade level, the school is offered an additional teacher.
- K=18 (with a para provided for classes from 18-22)
- 1st grade=22
- 2nd and 3rd grade=24
- 4th and 5th grade=2
(in contrast, the Boulder Valley SD class size limits are K and 1st=26, 2nd and 3rd=29, and 4th and 5th=31
- We continue to make it a priority to have lower cap sizes than other districts in order to serve our students and staff, even though the state of Colorado does not have class cap size limits. Our staffing allocation to schools is the following. Once student enrollment exceeds these amounts in a grade level, the school is offered an additional teacher.
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- We are also allocating a full-time counselor to each elementary as well as either 4 full or 4 half-time teachers (depending on school size) for electives/ specials (music, PE, art and an additional offering of school choice).
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- Long-Range Planning Committee Recommendations:
- The Board heard the Long-Range Planning Committee’s recommendations last month. We will be gathering input on these recommendations from schools, families and the greater community. Please let me know if you have any ideas or feedback as well. The recommendations are:
- Replace FME with a new school at Three Springs
- Convert FME into either a location for other departments, such as facilities and IT, or into housing for employees (Facilities and IT are currently in leased buildings)
- Renovate Escalante
- Replace furniture throughout the district
- Buildings for Big Picture HS and The Hub (these are currently in leased buildings)
- Address the $120 million deferred maintenance need that the district has (such as boilers, HVAC, and roofs that need to be replaced)
- Address the energy mandate by the state, approximately $20 million
- The Board heard the Long-Range Planning Committee’s recommendations last month. We will be gathering input on these recommendations from schools, families and the greater community. Please let me know if you have any ideas or feedback as well. The recommendations are:
- District Office Move
- District offices (except for facilities and IT) are still currently housed at 201 E. 12th and will be moving into the space at 281 Sawyer Dr. (formerly one of the Axis Health buildings) in mid-April
- Professional Development
- We are working on a menu of options for professional development this summer and fall so that teachers can work with their principals in possibly planning for waived professional development days. In addition, due to the positive response to all of the choices on our opening day from last year, we will once again reach out for teachers and staff to submit ideas for a PD Academy Day on August 14. It is great to learn from each other. More info soon!
Listening sessions will take place during lunch times (11:00-1:00) and we will bring dessert! Here are the dates and locations:
- March 8 – Florida Mesa ES
- March 11 – Escalante MS
- March 13 – Miller MS
- March 15– Needham ES
- March 25 – Sunnyside ES
- March 26 – Fort Lewis Mesa ES
- March 27 – Big Picture HS
- March 29 – Durango HS
- April 4 – Park ES
- April 5 – Animas Valley ES
- April 12 – Riverview ES
Thank you once again for all that you do.
With sincere appreciation,
Karen