The Board of Education will hold a Special Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Education Service Center (central office) This meeting will take the place of the May 22nd work session. The June regular Board of Education Meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Education Service Center (Central Office) As always, director contact information is available from BOE page.

The District 49 Board of Education directors want to hear from their community. Ahead of each meeting's action items, up to 10 members of the public are afforded a three-minute opportunity to address the directors about issues of concern or praise. When appropriate, they'll respond following each presentation. In the interest of productivity for the proceedings, no charges or complaints against individuals are allowed. Defamatory or abusive remarks, including profanity, are not tolerated. The open forum is always considered an important part of each board meeting.

Falcon School District 49 will soon have a new chief education officer. At its monthly meeting May 9, the board directors unanimously approved Peter Hilts as chief education officer.

“I am honored and eager to get to work for everyone who depends on Falcon School District 49,” said Hilts about the board’s decision. “The future of public education demands the kind of courage and innovation displayed in District 49. I look forward to joining the team and building on a promising foundation.”

The board commended Hilts for his experience with innovative education and vision for 21st century learning.

In his current position as director of academic services at The Classical Academy, Hilts coordinates efforts of school and instructional leaders. He is a founding director of the award-winning College Pathways blended school. He has also held leadership roles as a high school principal and director of instructional technology.

As District 49’s CEO, Hilts will oversee all educational strategies and functions for the district. He replaces acting CEO Don Begier, and joins the chief business officer and chief operations officer to round out the district’s leadership team.

The district will now begin the process of developing a contract with Hilts, including start date, salary and other contractual matters. Directors will approve a final contract before Hilts officially accepts the position.

The board held an executive session prior to the regular meeting to discuss the CEO finalists, Hits and Mary Vedra. Hilts said he will work closely with Begier, and his current colleagues at TCA to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

Board directors approved changes to the boundaries for Springs Ranch Elementary School and Remington Elementary School. The adjustments will increase operational efficiency at both schools, allowing Remington to enroll students up to its optimal capacity, and alleviating crowding at Springs Ranch.

The boundary between the two schools will now follow the natural boundary of North Carefree Circle, so students will not have to cross that major road to attend their neighborhood school. Families currently enrolled in either school will have the opportunity to choose whether to opt into the new boundary, which takes effect for the 2013-2014 school year.

Directors approved funding of a vocational program partnership with Pikes Peak Community College. The program provides District 49 high school students the opportunity to pursue career pathway education outside the traditional classroom environment.

The board established guidelines for how many students may participate, as the district funds their concurrent enrollment at the college. The directors also approved funding of a vocational program in cosmetology, providing similar guidelines for students enrolled at the International Salon and Spa Academy.

The board directors approved the Colorado Digital BOCES constitution and bylaws, moving forward with the formation of the program to provide a collaborative support network for online and blended learning. Colorado Digital BOCES is the first entity of its kind in the state, giving educators greater access to best practices and trainings for those educational models.

Jack Bay, chief operations officer, presented a proposed realignment of the facilities, operations and maintenance departments. Bay recommended implementing a structure for operational staff, so they are positioned as a unified team with the priority of developing a plan for cost-savings on the operational side of the district. The board approved the plan, which also establishes lines of reporting, accountability and leadership for the operational departments.

Directors approved a resolution to establish passing periods as educational time, an item annually addressed by the board. Directors approved revisions to board policies and regulations regarding relations with charter schools, staff absences and leave and staff ethics.

Directors approved revised meeting dates for the scheduled May work session, moving from May 22 to May 29, and June meeting, from June 13 to June 12. Also approved were food services for the Head Start program at Evans International and Falcon Elementary Schools for the upcoming school year.

The board received a legislative update from lobbyist Amy Attwood, addressing current and new school finance acts. Of 178 Colorado school districts, District 49 ranks 177 in the funding it receives from the state. Attwood has worked throughout the legislative session to ensure the district maintains a voice in the development of educational policy at the state level. She will continue building relationships with legislators, other school districts and educational stakeholders.

Board directors discussed restructuring of contracts for the district’s top administrators in order to establish a uniform contract for the chief and innovation leader positions. The board members expressed their desire to limit all contracts to one year.

 

The Falcon/Peyton Relay For Life will take place June 7-8 at Sand Creek High School and is estimated to raise $50,000 for the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives from cancer. The money raised by the Stetson Elementary School students will be donated to Relay For Life on behalf of their school.

 

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics selected her as the Rocky Mountain Section, K-12 Educator of the Year. In her nomination, an educator in Academy School District 20 explained her ability to inspire students as they explore, collaborate and learn.

Lamb will now be nominated by the section for the AIAA’s national education award. 

“The awards committee and I think that Sandy Lamb is a teacher we would want to have for our children,” said Jim Rendleman, AIAA Rocky Mountain Section chair, during the awards presentation May 2. "She knows how to make STEM fun."

 

The AIAA Rocky Mountain Section promotes the advancement of the arts, sciences and technology of aeronautics and astronautics in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. It supports STEM education from elementary school through university levels.

Sand Creek High School teacher Todd Matia and his team of engineering students are in the running for a national grant to invent technological solutions to real world problems.

Matia was selected as a recipient of the Lemelson-MIT Program Excite Award and is now a finalist for a 2013-2014 InvenTeam grant.

The InvenTeam initiative, created by the Lemelson-MIT Program, offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to cultivate their creativity and experience invention. InvenTeams are comprised of students, teachers and mentors and can receive grants up to $10,000.

Matia’s high school InvenTeam is working to improve bio-sand technology to provide clean water production in third world countries, an initiative started by Bio AuSable, a 4-H InvenTeam located in Canada and New York. Bio AuSable will serve as official mentors for the InvenTeam at Sand Creek High School.

Bio-sand filters are made of layers of sand and gravel with different coarseness that allow water to pass through, while capturing parasites and bacteria in the process.  Once water is passed through the filter, it is 98% clean.

The devices can be constructed with simple materials and tools. The operation of the system is designed to be easy and accessible, increasing the availability of clean drinking water for communities in third world countries.

The school submitted its application in April. “Our team of 25 are the most fantastic kids and the strongest class of juniors and seniors I have ever had in 13 years of teaching,” Matia said.

The school’s InvenTeam is partnering with local veterinarian clinics to test water and is looking to foster additional partnerships to incorporate scientific research.  Students will work on prototyping and redesigning of the filter based on research and testing.

 

If you are interested in partnering with Sand Creek High School’s InvenTeam, please contact Todd Matia at tmatia@d49.org. Find out more about Bio AuSable at http://www.bioausableproject.blogspot.com.

"Feeling empowered and capable to set goals and achieve them."

Those are the words one student used to describe the learning experience at Patriot Learning Center, an alternative middle and high school in Falcon School District 49.

Students and parents interested in learning about the range of programs offered at Patriot Learning Center are invited to an open house event April 29 from 6-7 p.m. School staff members will share a presentation about educational opportunities with prospective students and families.

Through a variety of educational programming, Patriot Learning Center provides a learning environment for students who may not have thrived in a more traditional educational setting.

The school prepares students for emotional, social and academic success through community service, small class sizes and individualized educational opportunities.

School staff members use a relationship-based approach to ensure educational relevance and academic rigor. 

Patriot Learning Center is located just south of the intersection at Woodmen Road and Highway 24 in Peyton at 11990 Swingline NE Road.

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The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education has selected two accomplished educators as finalists for the chief education officer position.

 

Mary Vedra, M. Ed., currently manages, monitors and evaluates accreditation and authorization of programing for all preK-12 campuses at Emirates National Schools in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as quality education auditor. Vedra has 26 years of educational leadership experience, including executive director of learning services in Arapahoe County Schools in Littleton, as well as principal and assistant superintendent roles.

 

Peter Hilts serves as director of academic services at The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs. Hilts, who coordinates efforts of school and instructional leaders, was the founding director of the award-winning College Pathways blended school. He has also held leadership roles as a high school principal and director of instructional technology.

 

District leaders are now inviting community members to a question-and-answer session, where they can provide feedback and learn more about each finalist. The board will hold a public meeting April 24 at 6:30-8:30 p.m., when finalists will make presentations to the board directors and their community, while answering questions.

 

Community members who may not be able to attend the public meeting may submit questions to the CEO finalists by emailing info@d49.org.

 

During a public meeting April 16, the directors interviewed five candidates for the role, which oversees all educational strategies and functions for the district. 

 

During the special meeting Thursday, the board directors entered into executive session to discuss the candidates’ background information. Afterward, the directors approved Vedra and Hilts as the top finalists. An immersive interview process will start April 22 with district leaders, staff and students, and school tours.

 

To accommodate the CEO selection process, the board has moved its regularly scheduled work session from April 24 to May 1 at 6:30 p.m. All meetings will be  held in the board room at the Education Service Center at 10850 E. Woodmen Road.

The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education unanimously approved continuation of the fee-for-service busing program for the 2013-2014 school year.  Gene Hammond, director of transportation, recommended the board extend the fee for service program with only a minor adjustment.

 

The proposal caps transportation fees at two students per household to make costs more manageable for families with multiple students. All other fees will remain the same. The fee-for-service program meets a portion of the financial obligation for transportation. Hammond’s recommendation comes after an assessment of the program, including community input, presented in a comprehensive report to the board at the March work session.

 

The directors approved proposed agreements to provide nutrition services to the district’s four charter schools for the 2013-2014 school year.

 

Also approved were the adoption and revisions of several board policies. Directors voted on a new policy and regulation to guide official contributions and engagement via school and district websites, as part of the district’s goal to proactively connect with community members. They also approved revisions to a policy and regulation addressing the new demands of online and blended learning environments.

 

The directors approved the proposed extended school year calendar, a federal- and state-mandated program. ESY supports students with significant developmental or behavioral needs by providing educational programming during school breaks to maintain or recover skills. The approved calendar will provide programming throughout the summer for students who qualify.

 

Board directors approved a resolution recognizing May 6-10 as National Teacher Appreciation Week, honoring the work of District 49 teacher. The resolution also encourages community members to thank educators for their commitment to student success.

 

The board approved a $135,000 contract for an updated district time and attendance. The district’s previous system was inefficient and unable to meet the district’s time tracking needs. A district committee recommended the proposed system as a long-term timing solution, after a request for proposal process and extensive interviews and equipment demonstrations. The new timing system will be fully implemented by July 1.

 

The board approved the transfer of district banking transactions and accounts. Brett Ridgway, chief business officer, proposed opening 11 new accounts at FirstBank, replacing 10 accounts held at a closing UMB branch, as well as opening a general fund account to help with cash management in the finance department.

 

Dave Knoche, Falcon Virtual Academy principal, shared an update abour the school’s online and blended learning model and discussed student progress and achievement, including a high graduation rate and increased state testing scores. Knoche discussed the school’s long range strategy, specifically managing a 400-percent increase in students since the school’s opening two years ago. Facilitating opportunities for stakeholder feedback and including the school community in curriculum decisions are key aspects of the schools culture.

 

Knoche also recognized Falcon Virtual Academy teacher Rochelle Kohlhouse. She was recognized by the Colorado Department of Education as Colorado Online Teacher of the Year for demonstrating outstanding service and dedication to online students in Colorado. Under Kohlhouse's leadership, the academy’s science program has shown tremendous growth and achievement. She'll be recognized at the state board meeting in May.

 

Board members discussed revisions to policies guiding conflicts of interest as a follow up to the March work session discussion on proposed changes. The revisions would reduce potential conflicts of interest and provide clarification regarding gifts offered to and accepted by staff. Board members discussed the necessity of educating staff and parents about changes, to ensure there is a set process for implementation. The recommendations will be moved to action items at the May meeting.

 

Ridgway provided commentary on the district’s 2013-2014 fiscal year outlook, addressing recommended budget priorities for the next fiscal year. The state’s fiscal forecast and projected growth in student count are factors impacting district funding.

 

A proposed step increase for all staff members, allocating dollars for increased utility costs and sending additional funding directly to schools via zones and departments, are options for using a funding surplus in the next fiscal year. District leadership will continue collaboration in balancing budgetary needs for 2013-2014.  

 

The board entered into executive session to facilitate the chief business officer job performance and evaluation. No action is taken in executive session.

By Marion Rhodes
Education, Travel and Culture

When one of the teenage girls from South Korea visited the Colorado State Capitol in Denver for the first time, she was in for a surprise. Ornate decorations, stained-glass windows and a golden dome were beyond the expectations of the foreign exchange student, who is spending a year as a student at District 49 high school.

"The building was so fancy, even the stairs and walls were fancy," she said after touring the capitol March 28 with other international students and their host families during a trip organized by the exchange organization Education, Travel and Culture. There are more than 20 exchange students from countries around the world currently attending high schools in the Colorado Springs area through the organization. Some of them stay for a full school year, others only for one semester. The international teens are here to learn about U.S. culture and lifestyle, and to serve as ambassadors for their own countries.

A German teenager also attended the outing in Denver. She was amazed to see the two chambers at the capitol, the senate and the house of representatives. Another aspect that caught her off guard was the sheer size of the structure. In her mind, she had imagined a setting similar to a "Rathaus," the seat of a city government in her home country - usually a demure, generic building of government offices.

Size is something that exchange students often notice very quickly when they come to the United States. "What I thought was a stereotype... actually, it's partly true: food portions are huge, the cars are big, roads are big, the sky is big, the houses are big," said another exchange student. However, she is quick to add: "People are not big - that's the cliché part about the United States."

The importance of religion, kindness toward strangers and the value of patriotism are some of the other cultural aspects about the United States that usually stand out to exchange students. The strong military presence in the Colorado Springs area doesn't go unnoticed. "Being in this city of military made me think about something I wasn't thinking about before," the teen said. "It opened my mind and my knowledge of what's going on in the rest of the world, why are they in war, and who are the people trying to stop it?"

This type of experience, and similar, enables the exchange student to grow, and often, opens the minds of their U.S. host families and friends to new perspectives. The cultural exchange happens both ways, which means there are only winners in programs such as this one sponsored by ETC.

After their time in the United States, the exchange student returns home with valuable and unique experiences that will last a lifetime, and the U.S. host family, extended family, and the entire community have gained an ‘international friend’ for life. The students already recognize the benefits of their time here.

"I think my behavior for myself and toward other people will change. I think I already changed a lot... I think I will treat foreigners very well, be nice to everyone, and respect others more."

If you are interested in our program or your family wishes to enrich their lives by hosting an exchange student for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year, please contact Dorit White at 719.930.4480 or by e-mail dwhite@edutrav.org, or online at www.edutrav.org.

 

Falcon School District 49 has the first high school in the area to be charted as a Junior Optimist Octagon International Club. The Academy Optimist Club, a branch of Optimist International, sponsors the club and delivered the school’s official chartering ceremony. It assisted in the installation of club members and distribution of membership cards and pins.

JOOI clubs are one of only a few service clubs certified by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The Sand Creek High School club already began the Optimist tradition of service through work on two school projects: a school community garden and a mural to enhance a hallway wall. In addition, some members assisted their parent club with the Santa Train on the Cog Railway during the holidays.

 

Sand Creek High School student Dhena Sundaram will serve as club president and student Anastasie Moise will be the club’s secretary and treasurer. Jill Spangenberg, social studies teacher, is volunteering as club advisor. The club invites students with a desire for school and community service to contact club officers for information about membership.

 

Optimist programs and service projects include the Bringing Up Grades program, Brain Bowl contests, a communication contest for the deaf and hard of hearing, safety day and internet safety.

 

The high school will host its next community engagement conference Saturday, April 13, from 9-11 a.m. in the commons area at Sand Creek High School, 7005 North Carefree Circle. The event is the school’s third community engagement conference of the school year.

 

Teams of students, parents, educators and community members will share progress made on the implementation of action plans developed at a conference in December.

 

Participants will celebrate the achievements they have experienced over the course of the year and will also discuss school goals for the 2013-2014 school year.  Parents, students, educators and members of the community are invited to contribute to discussions at the event.

Blakeley recently auditioned at the Joffery Ballet School of Dance in New York City, competing against other dancers from around the world for a spot in the training program. Only 5 percent of those who audition are accepted into the Joffrey trainee program. Blakeley is one of the few.

For six weeks this summer, Blakeley will live in New York City, where she’ll experience urban life before making her final decision about accepting the school’s offer.

Blakeley also volunteers for numerous charities including Make A Wish Foundation, The American Heart Association, Starlight Children's Foundation and Freedom Service Dogs. She is a founder of the Brandon Blakeley Foundation’s Bubba Walk, a walk dedicated in memory of her younger brother who passed away from heart-related issues in 2009.

She was awarded the Kohl's Kids Cares scholarship for the Colorado Region for helping to raise more than $60,000 for local charities.

 
There are several phases for examining this relationship: student learning, making connections and taking action. Students will be learning in the classroom over the course of several months by performing critical thinking activities. These include plotting rates of hospitalization of asthma patients on a Colorado map, plotting the path of radioactive air particles released from the Chernobyl blast, and playing Smog City, an interactive educational game, to learn the effect of weather conditions, population and emissions on ozone.

Finally, students will put their knowledge into action at Skyview Middle School by testing the outdoor air quality during peak pickup times of cars in the parking lot. They will use Vernier LabQuest probes and complete monthly recordings to examine data. If significant difference is indicated between pickup and non pickup times, then this information will be disseminated to families via newsletter to encourage conversations for change, such as reduction in idling.

 

Thirty-five students from the Falcon High School’s HOSA chapter competed at the conference. Twenty-six of them placed first, second or third in their event, qualifying for the national competition in Nashville, Tenn. in June.

 

“Our students spent many hours preparing for their competitive events and represented the school and their community well,” said Bonnie Roberts, Falcon High School HOSA advisor. “Although the FHS chapter had competitors qualify for nationals the last four years, this is by far a new record number of state finalists.”

 

Jen Staley-Girvin, Colorado HOSA advisor, said the students represent “the face of future health care professionals.”

 

“They competed in activities that showcased not only their health care knowledge, but their leadership skills,” said Staley-Girvin. “Congratulations to the students and their teachers for their hard work and preparation.”

 

For more information on Colorado HOSA, visit www.hosa.cccs.edu.

 

The Falcon School District 49 Board unanimously approved the formation of a digital board of cooperative educational services March 14 during its regular meeting.

 

The formation of Colorado Digital BOCES will provide a collaborative support network for online and blended learning, giving educators greater access to best practices and trainings for those educational models. Digital BOCES will require no financial commitment from the district. This will be the first entity of its kind in the state.

 

Directors unanimously approved the Unified Improvement Plans for all district schools. Every Colorado school is required to develop a Unified Improvement Plan, identifying improvement strategies specific to student needs. The UIPs will advance to the Colorado Department of Education for public viewing.

 

Board directors approved a contract for information technology services. The contract with Colorado Computer Support will provide services for the 2013-2014 school year at the cost of $1.2 million.

Board members approved modifications to contracting procedures with special services providers. The change aligns special service provider contracts with statute and will result in the special service provider contracts being reviewed and renewed annually.

 

Board members unanimously approved a strategic plan for the district. Don Begier, acting chief education officer, presented the plan to guide District 49 over the next 15 years with key strategies, performance indicators and measureable outcomes. Begier highlighted an addition to the plan, to intentionally develop an adaptable IT infrastructure across educational, operational and business facets of the district.

 

He also discussed the inclusion of a plan to create all district curriculum in soft copy format, so educational materials are dynamic, in order to meet the changing needs of students and subject matter. Those two highlights addressed priorities expressed by board directors in previous discussions.

Directors approved modifications to salary ranges for the district’s top leadership roles, including innovation leaders and CEO, and some administrative positions. The changes provide consistency and reflect the district’s organizational structure and philosophy regarding compensation.

 

Kim McClelland, iConnect zone innovation leader, along with iConnect Zone administrators, shared an update on happenings in the zone’s schools. The Falcon Homeschool Enrichment Program discussed its commitment to lifelong learning. Jessica McAllister, FHEP program manager discussed projects the school has initiated in support of its mission to grow social innovators, making an impact on the greater community.  

 

FHEP students have also launched a community-wise project to fund and build a school playground. McAllister says the program will continue to grow its Tuesday and Thursday participation format and will expand collaborative learning opportunities in core subjects.

 

Nicole Paxton, assistant principal at Patriot Learning Center, shared the successes of the GED program, with 100% of program participants passing the GED exam. PLC has also launched a women development program to support and empower young women and promote global citizenry. Paxton noted that PLC is ranked second out of 17 alternative middle schools and 12th out of 60 alternative high schools in the state.

 

Nikki Lester, director of the career and technical education program, shared information on the past, present and future of CTE in the district, with the goal of increasing awareness about the program’s offerings for students. Currently, about 71% of high school students are enrolled in a CTE course or program. Lester says the program offerings will continue to grow as student and community needs dictate.

 

Brett Ridgway, chief business officer, provided commentary on the district’s 2013-2014 fiscal year outlook, including an assessment of increased funding proposals and increased student count, which combine to show an additional $3.5 million in the district’s budget. Absorbing run rate commitments made in the 2012-2013 and considerations for increased staff compensation will be part of the discussion.

Begier provided the board with an update on the district’s exploratory teams process.  In November, Begier was directed to form four exploratory teams to determine what needs, if any, the district had in four specific areas: micro-innovation, teacher induction, professional development and meaningful evaluation. Begier explained how the teams prioritized needs and is now handing off that input to the board for next steps. Teacher induction and micro-innovation were the two primary areas of interest 

 

Stephanie Wurtz, public information officer, presented a proposed policy adoption providing purpose and use recommendations for leveraging district and school websites. The proposed policy and regulation will guide official contributions and engagement via school and district websites, as part of the district’s goal to proactively connect with community members. This item will be considered for action at an upcoming meeting.

 

Dave Watson, safety and emergency coordinator, provided information on the district’s security initiatives and addressed future plans to strengthen current safety procedures. Adding and updating buzz-in front door systems, implementing staff safety training for specific incidents and a district security vehicle are possible enhancements to the security program. Board members discussed the ultimate priority of protecting students while in the care of our schools, and addressing the needs of the security program to ensure that safe environment.

 

The board discussed a revised POWER Zone innovation plan presented by Mike Pickering, curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development coordinator for the zone. The zone community added three components to the current plan: curriculum, evaluation and a zone wide proposal process.

 

The curriculum component builds upon the concept of a digital database for educators to access state standards, effective practices and collaborate with other teachers on content areas. Revisions to the evaluation piece focus on teacher performance elements linked most directly with increased student achievement.

 

The additions stem from a collaborative effort between zone leaders, staff members, parents and community members. District legal counsel also advised how the proposed revisions would impact the district’s alignment with state law. Discussion involved developing a standardized process for proposing and revising innovation plans moving forward. Board members directed Pickering to gather additional information and return with clarification at the March 27 work session.

 

Jack Bay, chief operations officer, presented a summary of the departmental review of operational aspects of the district: nutrition services, transportation, facilities, grounds and maintenance.  The review informed recommendations on the most effective and efficient methods for departmental management. Bay proposed realignment of the district’s facilities, grounds and maintenance operations departments.

 

Key performance indicators and performance monitoring will be implemented as the departments strive to conduct business efficiently in a team-oriented format. Bay will bring additional details about realigning the operational departments at the April meeting.

The Early Childhood Center Preschool Lottery takes place Friday, March 15. The district’s tuition-based program enrolls children using a lottery placement. To participate, bring the following items to the Early Childhood Office at 7545 Mohawk Road between Feb. 25 and March 14:

“The ultimate goal of this event is to stop bullying before it starts,” said concert organizer Mindy Quinn, District 49 marketing and communications specialist. “Stand Up. Speak Out. is designed to bring children and families together from all areas of Colorado Springs to raise awareness, empower and educate the community.

“Our schools have individually and collaboratively brought in guest speakers to address bullying at the elementary, middle and high school levels,” Quinn said, “but it is time to organize a community-wide event, featuring public figures who can speak to students in a different way. We hope to approach this effort using the power of music.”

A diverse line up of six artists will perform during the event in support of the cause, joining with national anti-bullying and educational organizations. Vertical Horizon, an American alternative rock band, will headline the festivities.

The BottomLine, is an indie-country singing duo from Colorado Springs featuring Bree Bremser, a 12th-grader at Sand Creek High School, and Nathan Noblit.

Brian Jarvis, New England-based singer and songwriter; Taylor Watson, recording artist from Nashville; and Devyn Rush, American Idol contestant and national spokesperson for Hey UGLY, non-profit anti-bullying organization will perform.

Brendan James, singer and songwriter of “The New Plan,” a song recently released for the victims and families of the Newtown, Conn., shooting will be in the lineup. He will join speakers from Rachel’s Challenge, Hey UGLY and Safe2Tell, who will take the stage to educate students and families about resources available within in the community.

District students and staff will to take to the streets, volunteering their time to canvass the community with posters, concert information and invitations to school districts in El Paso County.

The event is funded through sponsors and partnerships with local and national businesses, along with ticket sales. Tickets will be available in April at the Security Service Field box office and online: $13 for youth 12 years and under and military, or $15 for adults.

Businesses or organizations interested in donating to help fund this event may contact the district communications team at 719-491-2902. For more information, visit the Stand Up. Speak Out. page.

To sign up for emails, text keyword District49 to 33233.

 

El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, television news anchor Joe Cole and celebrity mascots will join in the assembly to motivate students to achieve to their greatest potential in academic pursuits. The guests will talk with students about trying hard, setting goals and doing their best.

 

Brian Smith, Falcon Middle School principal, said it’s important to support students so they aren’t stressed or overwhelmed by the testing.  Smith took over as principal at the start of the 2011-2012 year, along with his new administrative team. He said school leadership focuses on positive behavior support strategies to celebrate students’ successes and recognize achievements

 

Subsequently, Falcon Middle School saw huge gains across nearly all content areas in the 2011-2012 TCAP testing.

 

“They were amazing,” Smith said of the scores, “I was so proud of how our students and staff did.”

 

The assembly starts at 1:55 p.m. on Friday, March 1, at Falcon Middle School, located at 9755 Towner Ave.

 

Every year, Colorado students participate in a state testing period to provide the Colorado Department of Education with education data on student performance and growth in key subject areas. Falcon Middle School will also hold a post-TCAP celebration to reward students for their efforts when testing wraps up March 8.

The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education unanimously approved the innovation plan presented by Sand Creek High School’s leadership, Feb. 14, at its monthly meeting. The plan will now be submitted to the Colorado State Board of Education for approval as a school of innovation as outlined in the Innovation Act of 2008.

 

The school’s innovation plan was developed with input from school stakeholders to meet the needs of students, parents, community and staff. With implementation of the plan, the school’s leaders aim to increase student achievement, better engage the community and operate more efficient and effective school teams, to meet the needs of all learners.

 

New educational pathways will provide students with specialized, immersive learning opportunities. A media and communications pathway will focus on developing career-ready skills in the tech, graphic design and marketing industries and will include dual credit options with area universities. A visual and performing arts pathway will include courses on the business of arts, as well as skill-based training, encouraging student participation in internships. The engineering and technology pathway incorporates local industry partnerships with an entrepreneurial focus in the field of engineering.

 

Also included in the plan is implementation of a freshmen academy model, centered upon core subjects of language arts, social studies, science and design technology. The plan requests state and local waivers to establish scheduling and hours, appropriate curriculum development and implementation and programming alignment as deemed fit at the school level.

The board tabled an item regarding a strategic plan for the district pending the selection of the new chief education officer.

 

Board members approved a charter contract with GOAL Academy. This follows the board’s previous vote to authorize an agreement with the online charter school, enabling the district to broaden its portfolio of educational options.

Directors approved the appointment of members to the District Accountability Advisory Committee, which reviews school improvement plans, makes expenditure recommendations and review’s district reports on educational and safety performance.

 

Board members approved a revised contract with Trillion for Voice Over IP phone service. Directors tabled a contract at a previous meeting to allow for further legal review of contract terms. A committee of technology, finance and purchasing staff members reviewed bids and evaluated providers based on a stringent rubric prior to recommending contract approval. The approval process ensured the district appropriately followed the federal E-Rate guidelines to qualify for partial reimbursement of funding

 

Also approved were revisions to the district’s organizational chart to better align the chain of command and responsibilities. The board discussed proposed revisions at a retreat last month.

 

The directors approved revisions to board policy guiding the powers and duties of its officers. The directors discussed the need to conduct district business in a transparent and responsible manner. The revisions modify communication processes and agenda-setting duties.

 

Don Begier, chief education officer, provided information on the district’s information technology services, including an assessment of IT service provider Colorado Computer Support, and discussed future IT needs and expectations. District leadership recommends continuing its contract with CCS, in major part because of the success the district experienced throughout the significant districtwide changes to instructional technology strategy and internet connectivity. Begier will bring a new contract as an action item at an upcoming meeting.

 

Paul Andersen, personnel director, discussed the addition of a new board policy prohibiting unauthorized recordings of conversations and communications. The proposed policy enforces the district’s desire to maintain a healthy workplace climate, and promotes open communication between students, parents, employees and others by preventing breaches in confidentiality. It will be brought forward, pending additional clarification, at the next meeting.

 

Andersen will also discuss modifications to the way special services providers are contracted with the district. The change will clarify service providers’ requirements under Senate Bill 191 and establish appropriate evaluation measures.

 

Directors discussed legislative and policy matters to identify appropriate solutions for best influencing legislation and communicating district needs to lawmakers. Board members asked for a complete analysis on how proposed legislation regarding school finance may directly impact the district at the next work session.

Hybrid rocket firing, bridge building and solar powered cars are on the schedule for students Feb. 22 at Evans International Elementary School.

During Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Day, 60 cadets and faculty members from the Air Force Academy’s STEM Club will teach and demonstrate applications of science, technology, engineering and math to students in kindergarten-fifth grade.  

 

“Our students will be able to connect with real life scientists, engineers, and mathematicians and begin to make real life connections between what they are learning in the classroom and the real world,” said Kathryn Poulsen, a fourth grade teacher coordinating the event.

 

The day will include the disciplines of aerospace, astrophysics, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering and civil engineering.

 

As an International Baccalaureate school, community connections and inquiry-based learning are priorities at Evans International Elementary School. The event also aligns with schoolwide goals to increase science inquiry and achievement.  

 

“This event will give our students a jump start on an interest in science that will hopefully carry through middle and high school,” Poulsen said.

 

 

The roundup provides an opportunity to submit preschool enrollment and Colorado Preschool Program applications, as well as complete developmental screenings for the 2013-2014 school year. It's open to children aged 3 and 4. Families must be residents of District 49 to qualify for the preschool program.

Preschool is offered in all nine of the district’s elementary schools. Curriculum is linked to the Colorado Academic Standards, and is research-based and individualized to student needs. A list of required registration documents is available from the D49.org Preschool Information page.

 

Friday, Feb. 8
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Springs Ranch Elementary School

For more information, contact the Early Childhood Education office at 719.494.8840.

"Our K-12 faculty and staff are implementing proven strategies that work," said Begier. "District 49's innovation initiative has given educators the autonomy and flexibility to create and identify programs and curriculum to directly meet students' needs. We know keeping students in school increases their earning potential, builds confidence and opens up exponentially more doors of opportunity than for students who drop out. It is our goal to empower every student to reach his or her greatest potential."

Twelfth grader Nikita Schubert, 18, won a $1,000 scholarship by writing a short story for "Don't Get Mad; Get Knowledge." Twelfth grader Desiree Burdick, 18, won a $500 education scholarship. Eleventh grader Nick Pasley, 17, won a laptop.

The Educating Children of Color Summit is a day-long program with speakers and breakout sessions. Students compete for scholarships by demonstrating their passion for equal opportunities in education. The summit awarded $10,000 in scholarship money and 18 laptops. All students under 21 were eligible for laptop drawings.

Schubert's story for the "Don't Get Mad; Get Knowledge" scholarship is posted at Sand Creek High School.

Flipped learning happens when the teacher’s lecture is delivered outside of the traditional class time, via a video students view on his or her own as homework. Time in the classroom is devoted to active problem solving by students and one-to-one or small group tutoring with the teacher. Students can watch the short lectures as many times as they wish to grasp the content, then come to class ready to jump into the lesson, answer questions, work on collaborative projects, and explore the content further. 

The event is being held in coordination with Digital Learning Day and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in teacher Jen Gray’s chemistry and advanced placement chemistry classes. Vista Ridge High School is located at 6888 Black Forest Road in Colorado Springs. Space is limited, reserve your seat at http://goo.gl/VdJTp.

 

Jen Gray is an educator with more than 16 years of classroom experience. She's used the flipped classroom concepts for three years. During the past five years, she has taught chemistry, advanced placement chemistry, and advanced physics in District 49. To learn more, visit her website at www.missgrayscience.weebly.com.

 

Flipped Learning Network board members Jon Bergmann and Aaron Sams, high school science teachers, are considered the pioneers in the Flipped Class and are available for interviews. They are co-authors of "Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day."

For more information about this event, including a list of additional locations, visit https://sites.google.com/site/flippedlearningopenhouse/sites-available

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The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education directors received a round of applause from a room filled with parents and staff members after approving charter renewals for two schools Jan. 23 during a special meeting.

 

The board approved the renewal of charters for Imagine Indigo Ranch and Rocky Mountain Classical Academy, two of the district’s four charter schools. Tina Leone, principal at Imagine Indigo Ranch, discussed measures of excellence guiding the school’s classical education model, along with the schools plans to grow in the coming years. Christianna Fogler, chief administrative officer for Rocky Mountain Classical Academy, provided an update on the school’s solid financial status and addressed its sustainable plan for student success. The schools’ performance and operational status were evaluated to determine feasibility and desirability of renewed charters. The district will now enter into negotiations for a five-year contract with each school.

 

Board members approved a contract with Falcon Broadband for district-wide telecommunication network services (wide area network and internet) for the 2013-2014 school year. The board tabled a proposed contract with Trillion for Voice Over IP phone service, awaiting final legal approval of contract terms. A committee of technology, finance and purchasing staff members reviewed bids on both accounts and evaluated providers based on a stringent rubric prior to recommending contract approval. The approval process ensured the district appropriately followed the federal E-Rate guidelines to qualify for partial reimbursement of funding.

 

Board directors approved the addition of new courses at Sand Creek High School for the 2013-20ß14 school year. The course additions include Advanced Digital Video and Audio Production I and II, International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems and Societies and International Baccalaureate Design Technology. The advanced courses do not require additional funding. 

 

The board also approved a weighted grading system for three Project Lead The Way engineering courses, which will allow students to participate in an Engineering Design and Development college credit partnership with University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Board directors approved the 2012-2013 fiscal year amended budget. Brett Ridgway, chief business officer, provided information about the amended budget and the expense and fund balance projections for the remainder of the fiscal year. The amended budget process assists in managing the remaining portion of the current school year’s funding and lays the groundwork for the subsequent fiscal year.

The board members also approved 2012-2013 amended budgets for three district charter schools.

Board members moved an action item regarding the district’s organizational chart to the agenda for the regular meeting in February, to encompass feedback from additional district staff. Also tabled until the next meeting was an item involving revisions to the board policy guiding the powers and duties of its officers. Proposed revisions would modify some of the board’s communication processes and agenda-setting duties.

Don Begier, acting chief education officer, provided an update on the exploratory teams initiative and laid out the next steps for the project. Begier was directed in November to form four exploratory teams to determine what needs, if any, the district had in the specific areas: micro-innovation, teacher induction, professional development and meaningful evaluation.

While Begier says there was an encouraging response from about 30 staff and community members, ideally, the district is hoping to include 60-80 individuals in this process. The teams’ first meeting assessed work and programs underway district-wide within each category. The next step will focus on identifying areas of need in those categories. The teams will meet again Feb. 6 to collaborate about information team members are gathering to identify relevant needs.

At the Feb. 14 meeting, Begier is scheduled to present a proposed strategic plan, which guide the exploratory teams initiative as part of the district’s broader vision. Begier says implementing the strategic plan will ensure the district’s action steps and initiatives, like the exploratory teams, are congruent with the district’s long-term goals and will assist in prioritizing needs and key strategies.

A discussion item regarding board training and expenditures was tabled to allow for all board members to participate in the dialogue. Board vice president Chris Wright was absent. Additionally, the board requested development of a procedure for expectations, including approval of training and appropriate expenditures, as an item at the February meeting.

Board members discussed board membership into state and regional organizations and the benefits of paying associated dues. Specifically, the board evaluated participation in the Colorado Association of School Boards and the value of that membership.

Directors discussed legal representation for the board, including limiting legal fees and identify appropriate legal matters to employ counsel. The board expressed the need to avoid involving legal counsel on items regarding the district’s strategic issues, now that a new organizational format and leadership team are in place. A proposal identifying various obligations of district-employed legal counsel will be presented at the February meeting.

The board will hold its regular February meeting Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

 

The Wizards event will benefit the Falcon High School basketball team, contributing to summer camp and new uniform and equipment costs.

 

Prior to the big game, Wizards players will visit several schools to interact with students and give kids a chance to watch the players’ showmanship and ball-handling skills. During the assemblies, the players will share the dynamics of being a Wizard, including healthy eating, fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Falcon Middle School 10:50 a.m.-1 p.m.

Meridian Ranch Elementary School 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Falcon High School 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Patriot Learning Center 2-2:45 p.m.

Falcon Elementary School 2-2:45 p.m.

Woodmen Hills Elementary School 3-4 p.m.

Doors Open at 6 p.m., Game Time at 7 p.m.

Falcon High School Gymnasium

Order tickets and learn more about the Harlem Wizards at www.harlemwizards.com. 

The event is aimed at creating a better, more peaceful world through cultural understanding and respect.

The assemblies will be held at Evans International Elementary School located at 1675 Winnebago Drive in Colorado Springs. The kindergarten through second grade event starts at 1:15 p.m., followed by third through fifth grade at 2:15 p.m.

 

This year’s rally will feature cancer survivor Suzy Ancell, assistant principal at Remington Elementary School. Ancell was diagnosed with stage III melanoma almost seven years ago in her abdomen and lymph nodes. She will share the story of her battle with cancer.

“Take a stand, fight together, we can make a difference in the lives of many,” says Ancell.

 

Relay for Life is a 12-hour fundraising event where team members take shifts walking laps at a track to raise awareness and dollars for cancer research. District 49 is hosting Relay for Life for its second year at Sand Creek High School’s track, opening the school facilities to support the community-wide event.

 

In addition to hosting the Relay for Life, several District 49 elementary schools will join in the efforts this spring to raise funds for the American Cancer Society by participating in Relay Recess.

Relay Recess brings students, educators and community members together for a special assembly and kick-off to the schools’ field day events. Everyone has an opportunity to meet cancer survivors, participate in a mini relay event, and raise funds through coin wars and other school activities.

Community members interested in starting a team, joining a team or sponsoring this event are invited to attend the kick-off rally.

When: Jan 14, 5:30 -7:30 p.m.

Where: Sand Creek High School, 7005 N. Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO

Contact: Mindy Quinn, event chair, falconpeytonrfl@yahoo.com or 719-491-2902

 

Relay ForLife began in 1985 with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, Relay For Lifewill take place in nearly 5,100 communities in the United States and 20 other countries and will raise funds to support the Society’s mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and fighting back.

For more information about Relay for Life visit www.relayforlife.org.

At its regular monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 10, the Falcon School District 49 Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s Unified Improvement Plan.

 

The UIP is developed with input from each of the four innovation zones, as well as the members of the District Accountability Advisory Committee. The plan lays out specific action steps as the district works toward continued improvement in student achievement.

 

Additionally, the board approved Falcon Virtual Academy’s improvement plan, which strategically addresses the needs of its unique student population. The development and approval of a UIP is a state requirement that aligns resources around the educational priorities.

 

The board also introduced Jack Bay, the district’s first chief operations officer. Bay brings extensive experience in the public and private sectors. He will manage the district’s operations and maintenance departments, striving to be cost effective and operationally efficient.

 

Board members approved revisions to a long list of board policies. The changes address the district’s new organizational structure, including the chief education officer, chief business officer, chief operations officer and innovation leader roles.

 

Board members approved a measure to permit the district’s safety and emergency coordinator to obtain certification to carry a concealed weapon for district safety and security. District administrators will further research policy and procedures involving placing armed staff inside schools. An item will be brought before the board at the regular meeting Feb. 14.

 

Removed from the agenda was a vote on the contract for school resource officer services with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Tammy Harold, board president, shared with the community the commitment from the sheriff’s office to fund the next 18 months of SRO duties for the district. The funding of the program was made possible by the approval of a tax measure for the county last November.

 

Directors approved the purchase of a ten-classroom pod to alleviate crowding and upgrade the current facility at Evans International Elementary.

The board received an extensive update on the POWER Zone’s one-to-one iPad initiative from Mike Pickering, the zone’s curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development administrator, along with educators from the zone.

“These devices open up avenues for collaboration and creativity,” Pickering says of the iPads. Educators have gathered student performance data since the launch of the pilot program in August.

 

The program has boosted collaboration, engagement and achievement in the classroom. Pickering explained that fundamental changes are happening in the classroom; teachers are able to obtain immediate feedback and differentiate instruction based on a student’s learning pace.

 

The integration of the iPad initiative is increasing student engagement and teamwork, motivating students to go above and beyond the required assignments. Educators John Sabell and Gabe Hammel illustrated how the iPad pilot is enabling an innovative classroom with examples and applications they are using effectively with their students. Pickering also laid out needs for the expanded implementation of the one-to-one initiative on a broader scale, including educator development and increased bandwidth.

The board is scheduled to vote on the 2012-13 amended budget at a special meeting on Jan. 23. The amended budget process assists in managing the remaining portion of the current school year’s funding and lays the groundwork for the subsequent fiscal year.

Paul Andersen, personnel director, presented a draft for the proposed chief education officer position. Board members engaged in extensive discussion to refine specifics regarding expectations, requirements and duties for the district’s educational leader. The discussion included defining the CEO’s responsibilities involving innovation, educational, strategic, people and community and business leadership components. The board amended the agenda to move the job description to an action item and approved the revised description. The modified CEO job description will be published after the completion of final legal review and will be posted for 30 days.

Board members removed a discussion item on the role and responsibilities of the innovation leader position from the agenda. The item will be revisited once a CEO candidate is selected.

Directors discussed the board policy guiding the powers and duties of its officers. Proposed revisions would modify some of the board’s communication processes and agenda-setting duties. The policy will be moved to an action item at the next meeting.

Board members postponed discussion on the relevance of an operational audit to provide the recently hired chief operations officer to develop an operational strategic plan and assess operational needs.

The board will change the work session scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m. to a special meeting. 

 

Support from the PTA, Culver’s and Brian Shelton of Front Range Climbing made the addition to the gymnasium, and its installation, possible.

 

The ceremony will take place Jan. 10 at 8:45 a.m. in Falcon Elementary School, located at 12050 Falcon Highway.

 

“The ribbon cutting gives us an opportunity to bring the entire student body together, along with administration and staff, to show off our school pride and sense of community,” said Autumn Sereno, assistant principal and athletic director at SCHS.

 

The ceremony will take place Jan. 9, at 10:30 a.m. in SCHS, located at 7005 N. Carefree Circle. Community and business sponsorship opportunities are available to help support the project, totaling $20,000 in improvements.

 

The ribbon cutting event is made possible thanks to support from the Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce and Colorado Baseball Academy.

 

The 2012 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement awards are earned by schools that exceed expectations on the three-year school performance framework’s indicator related to academic growth. These award-winning schools also meet or exceed expectations on the indicator related to academic growth gaps. 

 

Banning Lewis Ranch Academy has demonstrated the highest levels of growth for not just some students, but all student groups. The Colorado Department of Education presented awards to recognized schools Dec. 18.

 

“This award is representative of hard work on the part of our students, parents and staff,” says Andy Franko, principal at Banning Lewis Ranch Academy. “Students in our classrooms learn new things and apply skills in creative and innovative ways.”

 

“Our humanities based instructional approach, along with a clear understanding of our students’ strengths and challenges, has allowed us to best meet the needs of our learners," said Franko.

"This level of improvement and success would not be possible without the support of highly involved families who value and support the education of their children. We are extremely proud of our students, teachers, support staff, and families who continue to work to improve Banning Lewis Ranch Academy.”

 

The academy is a kindergarten-eighth grade elementary and middle charter school providing a college preparatory program, and is one of the district’s four charter schools.

Dear District 49 Community,   I have spent a great deal of time over the weekend, as many of you have, learning more details and having more discussion about the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Conn., last Friday. I want to take this opportunity to share with you additional resources that may help in supporting you, your family and your student as we work together in our own school community to cope with this tragic event.   If your student has any reason to be concerned for his or her safety in one of our school facilities, advise him or her to contact a school administrator. If there is an immediate concern for safety, contact emergency responders by calling 911.   We take every rumor and claim seriously, and investigate every report we receive. You will be notified if there is ever a situation where the safety of students or staff is in question. A solid security program is enforced in every school and facility, and while we take this opportunity to reevaluate the systems in place, I ensure you that the well-being of our students is our most important priority.   According to the National Association of School Psychologists, parents should consider the following tips when talking to their children about traumatic events: Be reassuring.  Be a good listener and observer.  Monitor the news.  Emphasize people’s resiliency.  Highlight people’s compassion and humanity.  Maintain as much continuity and normalcy as possible.  Spend family time.  Do something positive with your children to help others in need.  Ask for help if you or your children need it. Communicate with your school. Understand the grief process. Be aware of your own needs. For more information about these tips, visit this webpage: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/Tips-Supporting-Children-Youth.aspx   For additional information about talking to kids about the loss of life, follow these links: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/childeath.pdf http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF9628-1372-4D20-C884BF860DEF0A67 http://www.hospicenet.org/html/talking.html   I commit to being proactive in my communication with you.  School safety is a community-wide issue and a responsibility we share with staff, students, parents and community members.   I look forward to working with you to protect the safe and caring learning environment we have put in place for our students. Feel free to call or email Dave Watson, District 49 safety and emergency coordinator, with questions or concerns at dwatson@d49.org or 719-494-8916. Don Begier Chief Education Officer dbegier@d49.org

On behalf of Falcon School District 49, I’d like to offer our deepest concern for the victims of the shooting this morning in Newtown, Conn., where a gunman killed 27 people, 20 of them young children, about 70 miles northeast of New York City.   While the shooting occurred at an elementary school 1,800 miles east of our district, we know its impact is felt here, too. Our community contains many residents who’ve moved from western Connecticut or nearby New York. Many of us have friends and family there today.   During a month of holiday celebrations, this morning’s news has carried a sudden sense of sadness across our nation. Few events are more heartbreaking than a school shooting. It’s natural for children and families to worry about the safety of their own schools. I assure you, student safety remains a top priority in District 49.   Our safety and emergency coordinator always maintains contact with principals, district security officers and local law enforcement agencies. After the shooting, our security officers increased their visibility in school hallways, and our school resource officers increased their patrols around facilities.   Even when there’s no imminent threat, we maintain locked perimeter doors. While most buildings use a buzz-in entry system, all visitors must check in at main offices. Faculty members are remaining vigilant and observant of their school’s property.   I encourage you to talk honestly with your kids about school violence. Make school safety a frequent family discussion topic. Keep the dialogue going, rather than limited to times of crisis. Tell your kids about the safety procedures in place at their school, and why visitors must sign in or certain doors must remain locked.   The troubling news of a school shooting presents an important opportunity to talk and listen to your children, according to trauma and recovery psychologists. They advise parents to reassure children that many people are working to keep them safe, including their parents, teachers and local police.   For more information about talking to your children in the aftermath of a school shooting, visit the American Psychological Association website’s help center: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx.   District 49 will support community initiatives meant to provide assistance to the victims of today’s awful event. We’ll keep you informed of any coordinated opportunities to actively participate.   Donald Begier Acting Chief Education Officer Download this message here