Yesterday I had the honor of spending my afternoon with the students at Douglass Valley Elementary. Together we celebrated Read Across America, an annual reading motivation and awareness program that advocates for every child in every community to celebrate reading.
Surrounded by our youngest learners, I was uplifted by their energy and eagerness to learn. If you are ever having a bad day, I promise you, there is no better place to be than an elementary school reading with students. It is the perfect reminder of why we work in education; to educate and inspire students to thrive!
Speaking of thriving, that is exactly what we are doing. In February our students won JROTC competitions, state DECA competitions, speech and debate contests, athletic championships and qualified for the state spelling bee. And our staff members won state-level teaching awards, and some were even recognized by the Rocky Mountain Space Foundation. Every day our teachers, staff, and students show us why Academy District 20 is the best of the best!
I’m excited to see what March has in store.
Superintendent Search Update
The Board of Education (BOE) selected four individuals as finalists in the district’s search for its next superintendent: Becky Allan, Jinger Haberer, Bill Siebers, and Brett Smith.
The community will have an opportunity to hear from and meet the candidates at two Community Presentations this month. There will also be an online form to provide feedback.
Because of the extremely limited seating of the second community presentation, which is in our board room (less than 75 seats), I encourage community members who seek to see the candidates in-person to attend the event at Liberty High School on March 15.
Read more about the candidates, and the community presentations on ASD20.ORG
ASD20 Family Resource Center
Did you know families experiencing hardship can access food and clothing through our district’s Family Resource Center? Additionally, those in a position to help other families can donate to the Resource Center, which was opened during the pandemic and funded by ESSER funding.
Read about our Family Resource Center and learn how to receive, and provide help on ASD20.ORG
March Parent Academies
This month we are holding two Parent Academies to help families best utilize trauma-informed practices. The sessions will cover topics such as: creating coping strategies, managing difficult emotions, and self-care for students and families.
Read more about our Parent Academies on ASD20.ORG.
Our People: Carina Raetz
Learn how Carina Raetz, an English as a Second Language Teacher at Academy International Elementary School, uses the power of relationships to help students speak, read, write, and listen in English.
Read Carina’s Our People story.
Be safe and be well.
Tom Gregory
Superintendent of Schools
Academy District 20