Colorado Department of Education

How did Garfield Re-2 School District cut its chronic absenteeism rate in half? Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova sits down with Garfield RE-2 Superintendent Heather Grumley to learn the secrets behind one of the state's biggest attendance turnarounds. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gBrBYFTx

Last week, students in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools PEAK Learning Centers program at Thornton Elementary School participated in Lights On After School, a national event to recognize and celebrate the high-quality afterschool programs that help keep students engaged in their school-day learning. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjkW7Vnq

The Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) HSMA Technical Advisory Workgroup wants to hear from you! The HSMA program provides free meals to Colorado students, and we are seeking feedback on potential approaches to balance its budget. The feedback form is open until Tuesday, Nov. 5. https://lnkd.in/gquTYF4k

Happy Farm to School Month! This month we've been celebrating Farm to School programs because they connect students with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, helping students build healthier eating habits. By supporting local farmers, we strengthen our communities and economies while teaching kids about gardening and cooking, helping them understand where their food comes from. Sourcing food locally can also reduce carbon emissions and supports sustainable farming practices. Learn more on the National Farm to School Network website: https://lnkd.in/dG4XkNzE

For this week's Teacher Tuesday, we’re spotlighting Battle Mountain High School English teacher Christopher Buono from Eagle County School District. After a career in the business world, Christopher transitioned to teaching just over a year ago. One of the most rewarding parts of his job is seeing his students confidently deliver their end-of-year oral presentations. Watching them grow from hesitant speakers to individuals who clearly express their knowledge gives him a great sense of pride. In addition to teaching, Christopher serves as the secretary of the Eagle County Education Association executive board and is a member of the district’s finance committee. He teaches because he believes in the transformative power of education. He told us that "Helping students overcome challenges and guiding them toward success is incredibly fulfilling." Outside of the classroom, Christopher enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, baking, and woodworking.

With just a few days left of National Principals Month, we're celebrating Mesa View Elementary Principal Stacey Cohen from Mesa County Valley School District 51. You might recognize her from recent news about her receiving the 2024 Terrel H. Bell Award by the U.S. Department of Education. Stacey is one of just nine principals in the country to earn this award! Stacey has been an educator for 21 years and says that it is rewarding to “[witness] the profound impact we have on children’s lives, whether it's being invited to celebrate a student’s adoption or hearing families in our FLYT club literacy program express how kind and caring our teachers are.” She is committed to "ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging, inclusion, and the opportunity to explore their unique interests.” When she's not at school, Stacey loves singing and "all things creative – from writing to DIY projects and upcycling.” She also loves to spend time with her family, friends and pets.

🎉🙌Congratulations to Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado kindergarten educator Lucia Reyes for being recognized as the Colorado Bilingual Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education! In Lucia's classroom at Lundberg Elementary, students spend 80% of their time learning in Spanish and 20% in English, fostering fluency and confidence in both languages. She told the Edgewater Echo that "Watching their progress from the beginning to the end of the year is amazing." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gKrNFMTs

For Family Engagement Friday, we're highlighting Mesa County Valley School District 51’s efforts to build strong partnerships with families and the community. The D51 Family and Community Partnership Roadmap is a five-year plan focused on creating authentic collaboration with families. This plan was developed by a bilingual task force of D51 staff, community leaders, and parents. The roadmap outlines three key goals to strengthen family and community involvement, with quarterly meetings to track progress and make improvements. Learn more about Family, School, and Community Partnerships in Colorado: https://lnkd.in/gGgQrFRh

After hearing her kids complain about school meals, Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado parent Azucena Rubio jumped at the opportunity to help the district develop healthier, culturally responsive recipes. This fall, Jeffco students are three schools are enjoying 15 new meals, including enchiladas and pork carnitas tacos - including some made with recipes submitted by parents. Rubio's recipes for enchiladas and fried rice are from a nutrition book she uses in a health class she teaches. Parents hope the familiar recipes will help more kids feel connected to and supported by their schools through nutritious, familiar meals. Read more in Chalkbeat Colorado: https://lnkd.in/em5-5pAD

It's National Principals Month, and we are celebrating Colorado school leaders like Principal Rochelle Williams from Freedom Elementary School in The Colorado Springs School District 11. Rochelle has been an educator for 17 years and became a principal because she believes that education can transform lives. She said: "I wanted to be in a position to create systems, structures, and cultures where every student has the opportunity to succeed, and every teacher feels empowered to inspire." She says it motivates her to "[see] students grow—academically, socially, and emotionally. Equally, I’m motivated by the ability to support teachers in their professional growth." When she's not in school, Rochelle enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with her family.