SSSD April Newsletter
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Steamboat Springs School District April Newsletter
A Message from Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent
Dear Steamboat Springs School District Community:
As we approach our much-anticipated Spring Break, please take a moment to read this month’s newsletter including important updates, highlights, and reminders as we gear up for this well-deserved break and the final stretch of the school year.
During Spring Break, I encourage families to take time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones. Whether you're embarking on a family adventure, enjoying some much-needed relaxation at home, or exploring new hobbies and interests, I hope this break provides an opportunity for rejuvenation and reflection.
As we look ahead to the remainder of the school year, there are many exciting events and activities planned, including end-of-year celebrations, prom, graduation, and more. I encourage you to stay informed and engaged by visiting our website, following the school district or individual schools on social media channels, and subscribing to school-based newsletters for the latest updates and announcements.
Additionally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated educators, support staff, administrators, and community partners for their unwavering commitment to our students' success. Your passion, creativity, and tireless efforts make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do.
As we embark on this Spring Break and prepare for the final weeks of the school year, let us continue to uplift and support one another, celebrate our achievements, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can finish the year strong and ensure that every student reaches their full potential.
Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and rejuvenating Spring Break!
Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent
District News
Revisions to Inter-and Intra-District Policies
The Steamboat Springs School District (SSSD) has recently updated its Inter- and Intra-District policies (Student Policies S-3 and S-4). Inter-district students are those who attend SSSD schools but live outside the SSSD boundaries. Intra-district students are those who live within SSSD boundaries but attend a school outside their residential boundaries. Click here to view the District K-8 boundaries.
Our main objective in revising these policies is to ensure consistent class sizes at each grade level across the District, particularly at our three elementary schools. To maintain similar class sizes at each building, we will review Inter- and Intra-District enrollment requests on an annual basis. Students who are not enrolled in their boundary area school are not guaranteed a spot at their current school year after year.
The revised policies are available for review on the website. A summary of the revisions is below:
All parents and guardians of students who attend SSSD schools must complete the Annual Update by May 30 to update their proof of residency.
All parents and guardians of Inter- and Intra-District students must apply annually if they wish to enroll their student in a school outside of their boundaries. All Inter- and Intra-district students will be reviewed annually at each building and at the District level.
Intra-District Families
If it is determined that an Intra-District family no longer lives within their boundary school area but still lives within Steamboat Springs School District, they will be required to complete an Intra-District form (English and Spanish).
For existing families, the District will review all Intra-District requests and make a decision on the current students by June 30.
Inter-District Families (live outside the SSSD boundary area)
For new families, if you wish your child to matriculate as a nonresident student, you need to fill out the "Inter-District Admission Application" (S-4-E) form (English and Spanish) and submit it to the school district office before August 10. You will be notified of the approval or denial of your request by August 15.
For existing families, you need to fill out the Interdistrict Renewal Request (S-4-E-1) (English and Spanish) and update the student information system (ALMA) by May 30 every year to continue your child's enrollment in the Steamboat Springs School District for the next school year. You will be notified of the approval or denial of your request by June 30.
We appreciate your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Deb Ginesta (dginesta@ssk12.org).
Transportation
Transportation may not be available from the District for students granted permission to attend a school outside their attendance area. If it is currently provided, availability is subject to change at any time as operational conditions change.
If you have any questions about these policies relating to transportation, please feel free to contact Transportation Manager Casey Ungs (cungs@ssk12.org).
SSHS Launches Stop and Think Week to Promote Student Safety
Steamboat Springs High School is launching Stop and Think Week, a weeklong event that aims to educate students on safety and good decision-making before spring break and prom at the end of the year.
Stop and Think Week will take place from April 15 to 19. It’s a week for our students to reflect, consider, and learn about topics that pertain to their safety and the safety of others. Each day will have a theme to help students understand the importance of making good decisions. Students will also have the opportunity to interact directly with first responders in the community. The week kicked off with a pep rally on April 12, featuring a tug-of-war competition between groups of first responders. The assembly will also recognize all spring sports and activities.
Steamboat Springs High School Embarks on Transformative French Exchange Program
Eleven students from Steamboat Springs High School are embarking on an opportunity to immerse themselves in the French language and culture by participating in an exchange program with Lycée Frédéric Chopin in Nancy, France.
From April 14-28, 11 SSHS students will travel to Nancy, France, and visit Lycée Frédéric Chopin and stay with a student host family for 11 nights. In exchange, this September, 30 high school students and three educators from Lycée Frédéric Chopin will visit SSHS for two weeks from September 17 - October 1, and stay with host families in Steamboat Springs.
SEAC Now Recruiting New Members for the 2024-2025 School Year
Are you interested in playing an important role in the special education community? The Steamboat Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is seeking motivated parents of students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) on the SEAC board. Members commit to one-year of membership with 6-7 meetings beginning the 2024-25 school year.
If you're interested in being part of an ambitious team working to give our students their best education experience possible, please fill out this application in English or Spanish. Applications are due Friday, May 31st.
SEAC membership needs to include diverse member representation so that a variety of students and all schools are represented.
About SEAC:
The responsibility of the SEAC is to advise the school district on special education programming to improve the educational outcomes of students. The goal of the SEAC is to determine 1-3 focus areas per school year and develop recommendations for district leadership. These focus areas are intended to address concerns identified by the SEAC and to be areas of improvement with attainable recommendations that can be influenced by the advisory group.
To learn more, visit SEAC’s website and the SEAC Membership Manual in English or Spanish. If you have questions, you can also reach out to Karla Setter, SEAC Co-Chair and SSHS Assistant Principal at ksetter@ssk12.org or (970) 871-3695 and Pete Wood, SEAC Parent Co-Chair at cu96sportin@gmail.com or (619) 200-1479.
SpEd Spotlight: A Paraprofessional’s Inspiring Impact on Communication
“Can cheese be purple?” asks Dayana Morales, a paraprofessional at Soda Creek Elementary.
“Goodness, no!” exclaims a student.
Can pepperoni be green?” asks Morales.
“Goodness, no!” says one of her students.
What about cheese? Can it be yellow?” asks Morales.
“Yes!” shouts her student.
It’s all part of a daily communications class Morales plans and executes for a small group of special education students at Soda Creek. The students need help with speech development, and the class focuses on a new Core word each week.
In The News
SSHS Students Have Top Finishes In The 2024 Colorado Science Olympiad
Steamboat Springs High School recently took 4th place overall in the 2024 Colorado Science Olympiad State Tournament in Colorado Springs. The annual tournament had 31 teams of up to 15 people completing tests and engineering challenges in 23 different areas of science ranging from anatomy to wind power. (Steamboat Radio)
Prom Night 2024
Prom season at local high schools is approaching. Local prom committees would appreciate your support with the local proms and especially After-Proms. This is where students enjoy a fun, safe, drug- and alcohol-free event after their prom. (Steamboat Radio)
Prep Sports
Steamboat girls soccer prepares for spring break and late playoff push
Opening the season with a 2-2-4 start, the Steamboat Springs girls soccer team has begun to turn things around. The Sailors had a tight pocket of seven games in 14 days, winning four of those with aggressive offensive play and impressive performances in net from goalkeeper Ella Wilson. (Steamboat Pilot & Today)
Prep Roundup: Steamboat baseball defeats Rifle for first time in seven seasons
The Steamboat Springs baseball team has won three of its last four games and defeated Rifle for the first time in seven seasons on Saturday, April 6, 2024. The team currently sits at 5-5 and 1-5 in league play. (Steamboat Pilot & Today)
Queens of the court: Steamboat girls tennis celebrates six at senior night
Follow Steamboat Radio on Facebook and the Steamboat Pilot for more game photos, news, and updates!