Message from the Principal
Dear Ryan Families,
Welcome to the 23-24 school year! It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Ryan Elementary School and to join this extraordinary school community. I can assure you that I share in this school community’s commitment to caring for your children each and every day while providing them a world-class learning environment.
Last year, when I decided it was time to explore a change, there were many principal openings available; however, I only applied to and interviewed for one school, Ryan Elementary. This is where I feel my talents will be put to the best use. I’m thrilled to continue being part of the Angevine Middle School and Centaurus High School feeder system and to become a member of this amazing school community.
The 2023–24 school year will mark my 28th year in education and begin my 19th year as an elementary school principal. Since graduating from Rutgers College in New Jersey in 1995, I have served in many different roles including classroom teacher, Literacy Specialist, District Title I Coordinator, and Elementary School Principal. I have worked in three other school districts besides Boulder Valley School District and spent the past thirteen years at Lafayette Elementary School, only a few miles away from Ryan. I am committed to the Boulder Valley School District and to many years ahead at Ryan Elementary. Personally, I believe change is good and a wonderful way to grow. I know that my strengths as a leader will fit extremely well with what the Ryan community needs, and for me being “new” again is so energizing and exciting.
In addition to my role as an educator, I am first and foremost a mother, wife, daughter and runner. I have a 13-year-old daughter, a 16-year-old son, an 80-year-old mom who lives in Lafayette, a very supportive husband, and a loyal dog named Oz. I was raised by a single mom with very limited means and am the only one in my family to graduate from college and graduate school. Over the years, I have run 14 marathons and a ton of other running races. I still run for fun, love going to Orangetheory twice a week and am enjoying watching my own children discover the joy of running and pushing through the hard moments that come with long-distance training. I look forward to sharing more about myself in the near future, and introducing my family to the many wonderful people who call Ryan Elementary home.
It is in my position as an elementary principal where I have felt most fulfilled in my life’s work. The elementary principal role provides me the chance to work collaboratively with teachers on a daily basis, while also remaining connected to young students’ learning and growth in the classroom. I firmly believe that every child can excel and that the partnership between home and school builds confidence in students to use their powers to shape their future and the future of our community and our nation.
Please know that my leadership style means my door is always open to you. I heartily welcome students, parents and staff reaching out and sharing how things are going, and I will do the same. I may not always have an immediate solution, but I promise to listen, reflect, and strive for continuous improvement. Let us always keep our students the primary focus of our work.
One minute with Ms. Jackman. I enjoy making quick videos as part of messages. These videos will be a one-take without any editing, so know that you may see or hear mistakes. I see mistakes that students and adults make as part of the learning process and proof that someone is trying.
In this newsletter you will find details on the following:
Letter from new Principal, Stephanie Jackman
BVSD Calendars Link
Welcome Back to School Events
Ryan’s School Hours
School Supplies Donation
Kindergarten Updates and Communication
Please note that more detailed information will be coming with staff updates, arrival and dismissal procedures, etc.
If you have an immediate need, please call the main office at 720.561.7000
I look forward to getting to know everyone. Go Rhinos!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jackman
BVSD Calendar Links
Back to School Events
Back to School Events
Kindergarten BBQ: Thursday, August 10th @ Waneka Lake 5:30-7:00 p.m.
1st-5th Grade Teacher Notification: Teacher assignments will be available to be viewed in IC on Friday, August 11th at 4 p.m. Our teachers have worked very hard to ensure classrooms are balanced, to support all student needs, and to create the best learning communities possible. Please remember we do not take teacher requests or make changes to be with specific friends. Directions for viewing your child's teacher will be sent out with an email when this information is live.
Meet the Teacher Event: Monday, August 14th 4:00-5:30 p.m. This event will take place outdoors on the Ryan playground. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your child's teacher, see the Ryan staff, get transportation details, and visit with community partners. We can't wait to see you!
First Day of School: The first day of school for all 1st-5th graders will be Wednesday, August 16th. There will NOT be a late start on this day.
Kindergarten Welcome Days: Wednesday, August 16th-Friday, August 19th. All kinder students will attend a half day. A separate email will be sent to kindergarten families.
Ryan School Hours
2023-24 Ryan Elementary School Hours for K-5th
Beginning in August 2021, BVSD moved to a new daily schedule. All elementary schools now have a seven-hour school day four days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) with the same start and end times.
On Wednesdays there will be a district-wide 1-hour late start for all schools. This will allow professional learning time for teachers. The district will provide student supervision for elementary and PK-8 schools during this time if it is needed.
Ryan Elementary School Hours:
Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 7:50 AM-2:50 PM
Wednesday: 8:50 AM-2:50 PM
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays
The first bell rings at 7:47, second bell at 7:50.
Students that arrive after 7:50 will need to check in at the main office if their classroom door has closed.
Wednesdays:
Buses will run on the late start schedule on these days.
On Wednesdays, the first bell rings at 8:47, second bell at 8:50.
Students that arrive after 8:50 on Wednesdays will need to check in at the main office and will be considered tardy.
Teachers are in professional learning on Wednesdays during the late start and will not be available during this time.
School Supplies Donation
School Supplies
The school supplies for K-5 include the following for the 2023-2024 School Year:
Full Sized Backpack
Headphones/Earbuds
Water Bottle with name on it
$45 Donation ($40 goes towards classroom school supplies/$5 to our specialists)
You can donate by clicking here or with cash or check written to Ryan Elementary
If you are in need of support with school supplies, please reach out to our community liaison, Miriam Wright miriam.wright@bvsd.org or call the front office.
Kindergarten Updates and Communication
Our final summer playdate is Friday, August 4th at the Lamont Does Playground at 9am. We have absolutely loved getting to know so many families at these summer events, and we look forward to getting to know everyone at the Welcome to Kindergarten BBQ on Thursday, August 10th from 5:30-7 at Waneka Lake Park. Hotdogs will be provided at this fun family event. Please bring a side dish to share!
August 16th is quickly approaching! In order for us to prepare for our Kindergarten Welcome Days, if you have not already, please make sure to fill out the form below to note your AM/PM preference. If you have flexibility in when your child attends, please note this in the form as it will make it easier for us to form balanced groups. As a reminder, for the first three days of school (August 16th, 17th & 18th) we will operate on a half-day schedule, and your child will attend either the AM (7:50-10:45) or the PM (11:50-2:45) session. During these welcome days, students will get to spend time with all of the kindergarten teachers. Class lists will be available in Infinite Campus Parent Portals on Friday, August 18th by 4pm. The first FULL day of school will be on Monday, August 21st with your child's official classroom teacher. Will will try to honor all requests for AM/PM group assignments, and we will communicate these groups by Monday, August 7th with additional details about your child's first day.
Transportation Note: If your child will be riding a school bus this year, we encourage you to begin this on Monday, August 21st and drop-off/ pick-up in person during welcome days (there are no mid-day buses). If dropping off/picking up in person is not possible for your family on the 16th, 17th & 18th, please contact us directly.*
Transportation
Transportation
Ryan Elementary STEAM School
Website: https://rye.bvsd.org/
Location: 1405 Centaur Village Drive, Lafayette, CO, USA
Phone: 720-561-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanElemSTEAM