Dear D51 Families and Colleagues,

As we wrapped up the final week before winter break, it was a great moment to pause and reflect on the semester behind us. Since August, we’ve welcomed students back to school, settled into new and updated spaces made possible by our community passing bonds, and watched steady growth across classrooms, activities, and programs. The work happening each day is a direct result of the commitment of our students, staff, and families, and it’s been meaningful to see that effort take shape this fall.

This week, I wrapped up the Performance banner presentations with our final two schools…Chipeta Elementary and Taylor Elementary. Chipeta earned the Performance rating for the 4th year in a row, grew by almost 5 points on their SPF, and scored in the top 10 of D51 elementary schools. Taylor earned the Performance rating for the 9th year in a row, grew by over 4 points on their SPF, and they were the second highest scoring school out of all of our D51 schools! Shoutout to Principals Chiaro and Wilson and their students and staff for their hard work and for welcoming me into such meaningful celebrations. While I was at the schools, I also had the opportunity to play a reindeer in a skit at Chipeta, and I got to compete in a cup stacking contest at Taylor! I got completely destroyed by the students at Taylor, but both assemblies were a fun way to start the day! Also, thanks to newly elected Board of Education Vice President Woods for joining the celebration at Taylor!

I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, and districtwide supports that have helped more than 80% of our schools earn Performance status, the highest academic rating a school can receive from the state. 31 schools received a Performance banner this year (the most ever in D51), and it was so much fun getting out to all 31 assemblies or staff meetings to celebrate with the schools. Moments like these are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when strong school leadership is paired with dedicated educators and supportive central office teams along with a supportive community.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS WEEK'S SUPERINTENDENT WEEKLY UPDATE