Dear D51 Families and Colleagues,

It’s hard to believe how quickly the fall semester has flown by! This week was the final week before we head into winter break, and I am constantly reminded of all of the great things we have accomplished together over the past months. From welcoming students back to school and into new buildings in August thanks to our voters, to celebrating milestones in academics, athletics, and the arts, this semester has shown the incredible hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. 

This week, I continued my visits to schools to celebrate the hard work of our students and staff by presenting their Performance School banners. These banners represent the achievements of our schools in fostering excellence, growth, and a commitment to academic success. A few weeks ago I shared the exciting news that two-thirds of our schools earned the highest possible academic rating of a Performance School from the Colorado Department of Education—an accomplishment made possible through the dedication and collaboration of our schools, students, staff, and families. I was able to celebrate with Mesa Valley Community School, Wingate Elementary School, Shelledy Elementary School, Redlands Middle School, Mesa View Elementary School (also a National Blue Ribbon Award winner), Chatfield Elementary School, and Pomona Elementary School. I look forward to visiting the remaining Performance Schools in the spring. Each visit has been a fun opportunity to showcase the unique strengths of our schools and to personally congratulate our educators, students, and families for their contributions to these successes. It wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you! Thank you to everyone who continues to work tirelessly to make these successes a reality.

This week, we held a Support Staff Council meeting to give updates and recognize their invaluable contributions to our district. Our support staff are essential to keeping our schools running smoothly and ensuring that students and staff have what they need to thrive. From managing school operations and maintaining facilities, to providing transportation and supporting in many other ways, they put in the work day-in and day-out, and it does not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for their commitment to our schools and community and enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate and thank them this week!

I was also able to make it out to Fruita Monument High School for their Fall Semester Art Show! I loved seeing the creativity from our students, and it was great to see the turnout at the event. Shoutout to Ms. Sturrock & Mr. Johnson for highlighting fine arts in D51! I also was able to attend the Student of the Quarter Luncheon at CMU this week. This quarterly meeting is an opportunity for each of our middle schools and high schools to celebrate two students from their schools for their academic achievements and character traits. I always love hearing the school staff share about each student, and it’s great to see the smiles on the faces of the family members as they celebrate their students. Shoutout to CMU and Alpine Bank for always sponsoring this event and for being great Engaged & Supportive Community Partners.

Lastly, I was able to make it out to some of our D51 basketball games this week. I love seeing our student athletes in action, and I would encourage y’all to get out today and tomorrow to support our students before they go on break. There will be plenty of basketball and wrestling action going on, and you can find out the details in the link at the bottom of this update.

As we close the semester, I want to remind everyone that Winter Break will run from December 21 through January 7. We hope this time provides a chance to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. Staff returns on Monday, January 6, and schools will resume on Wednesday, January 8.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a new semester filled with new opportunities and continued growth. Thank you for making this semester such a success, and enjoy a well-deserved break! #TogetherWeThrive

Athlete & Team Shoutouts
We’ve officially wrapped up the final athletic competitions of the fall season, and I wanted to share some exciting highlights from both Girls Volleyball and Spirit State! Read more here.

Fruita Student Fall Art Show
On Monday night, I had the opportunity to swing by Fruita Monument High School and catch their Student Fall Art Show. Read more here.

December Student of the Quarter
On Tuesday, we hosted our December Student of the Quarter Luncheon, honoring some of our awesome 8th and 12th-grade students from across the district. This quarterly tradition celebrates students who not only achieve academic excellence but also stand out as leaders within their schools and among their peers. Read more here.

Holiday Happenings Across D51
The holiday season was in full swing this week across District 51, and our schools celebrated with a variety of festive events that bring joy, community, and creativity to students and families. From book giveaways to multicultural celebrations, these events highlight the unique ways our schools come together to make the season special. Read more here.

Panorama Family-School Relationship Survey
District 51 values our family's voices, and we invite you to participate in the Panorama Family-School Relationship Survey to share your experience with your student’s school. This survey provides D51 with insight into family attitudes on key topics and helps us ensure we are effectively partnering with you to provide high-quality learning experiences. The survey will be open from January 6 to January 17 and can be completed online or at your child’s school. Your input is important in helping us continue to meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for future success. Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for more information. 

Boundary Change Update - Mesa County GIS
The recent boundary changes, prompted by our upcoming school closures, are now live. Families directly impacted by these changes will receive personalized mailings with detailed information about their updated school assignments. For those who would like to explore the new boundaries, our School Locator has been updated with the new boundary lines and provides our families with an easy-to-use tool. Enter your residential address, and you’ll be able to view your school’s updated school feeder pattern based on the attendance area. We encourage our families to take advantage of this resource to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming transitions.

MLK Poster Contest
We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Contest is now open. This opportunity allows our D51 students, from kindergarten to high school, to showcase their artistic talents while gaining a deeper understanding of one of the most impactful periods in our nation's history. This year's theme is: “Tough Mind, Tender Heart.” Check out these flyers for more information. 

School of Choice Opens mid-January
School of Choice will open on January 10, giving families the opportunity to select the school that best fits their student’s needs and aspirations. At D51, we value providing families with the flexibility to choose how and where their children are educated. Please note that School of Choice applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are dependent on available space. We encourage families to submit their applications early to ensure the best chance of placement in their preferred school. For more information on School of Choice, visit our website.

Strat Plan Steering Committee
Make your voice heard! As we near the end of Year 3 of our current 3-Year Strategic Plan, we are beginning the process of developing a 5-Year Strategic Plan that will begin in the 2025-26 school year and take our district through the 2029-30 school year. As part of the planning process, we aim to identify the district’s strengths and challenges by bringing together diverse stakeholders from across our community. Your input will help shape the goals and actions that will guide our efforts to support our students, families, staff, and schools in the years ahead. 

The committee will meet five times between January and April, providing a valuable opportunity for you to collaborate and give input in shaping this strategic plan. We hope you’ll join us in this important work to help define the future of our district! If you’re interested in becoming involved, please complete the interest survey here by January 5. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Warrior Classic Wrestling Tournament
  December 20-21 at Central High School
• Winter Break
  December 21, 2024, through January 7, 2025

For more events happening across the district, visit:

• Winter Athletics Schedule
• District Upcoming Events

If you have good news to share with us, we'd love to highlight your program, event, story, and more. Please share it with our communications department by emailing communicate@d51schools.org.

 

Dr. Brian Hill
District 51 Superintendent