Superintendent Quarterly Letter

As we wrap up the first quarter of the school year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the impact our public schools are making in our community. Schools are at the heart of any community—they not only prepare our children for the future but also shape the well-being of the entire community. Together, we are creating a positive and lasting impact on our students and our town.

I am proud to share the progress we’ve made in the first year of our strategic plan, which focuses on academic achievement, real-world learning, and student wellness. We’ve already seen impressive results:

• Academic growth, increased accreditation ratings in all schools with our students showing strong growth in math, reading, and English language acquisition.
• Academic achievement, 70% of K-2 students reaching proficiency in reading.
• Improved attendance and a reduction in chronically absent students.
• Fewer behavioral incidents and more positive perceptions from students, staff, and families.

These accomplishments reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and families. We are truly better together, and the success of our public schools is something the entire community can celebrate.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. Our strategic plan, guided by the input of our community, lays out clear goals for the future:

1. Academic Achievement and Growth

• Enhancing student engagement and improving communication with families
  

2. Real World Learning

• Enhancing learning relevance and global outcomes for real-world readiness
  

3. Wellness

• Meeting the needs of every student in every classroom and refining positive behavior supports
  

Public schools are the backbone of our community, and your support is vital to our continued success. Together, we can make Estes Park an even better place to live, learn, and grow.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to achieving even greater things together this year.

Sincerely,
Ruby Bode
Superintendent of Schools

Every school in Estes Park showed improvement this year, resulting in the district’s new status as a Performance District. The Elementary School improved by 5.1 points, moving from a priority improvement rating to an improvement rating. The Middle School saw an impressive 8.1 point increase, maintaining its performance rating, and the High School made a 4.6 point gain, moving from an improvement rating to a performance rating. This collective effort has elevated the district to a performance rating, with an overall increase of 5.8 points.

In its second year, the P-TEACH Program has grown to include 16 participants, giving students an early start on a career in education. Through this program, students take concurrent enrollment courses through UC Denver and complete classroom internships, where they are paired with Estes Park School District teachers.

Teachers serving as mentors say the program reignites their passion for teaching, while students report that the experience has confirmed their desire to pursue education as a career. This program is not only building a future teacher workforce but also helping to retain our current educators by fostering meaningful connections.

Additionally, students had the chance to attend the UNC Aspiring Teacher Conference, further exploring the path of becoming an educator. The P-TEACH Program is a vital step in strengthening the future of education in our community.

Now in its second year, the Auto Mechanics program has grown to 26 participants and is offered as a CTE pathway for students. This program teaches students the basics of auto mechanics, preparing them for certification and readying them for entry into the workforce.

Led by teacher TJ Appel, the program thrives thanks to strong community partnerships. Local experts, like Chuck, help connect with students, fostering a passion for auto mechanics and the industry.

We’re grateful for the support of our community in helping students explore this exciting career path!

As part of a long-standing tradition, students across all grade levels take field trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, where they explore history, ecology, geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts. This quarter, elementary classes had the unique opportunity to learn directly from park rangers during classroom visits, connecting the content to their state standards. They then took a field trip to the park for hands-on, real-world learning.

We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, and this annual experience continues to be a favorite for our students.

Our middle school recently hosted a STEM night for families, featuring exciting activities like the popular egg drop competition. We are especially grateful to our volunteer fire department for donating their time and equipment to make the egg drop a success for two years running. This event allows students to apply critical thinking and engineering skills in a real-world context.

Additionally, Colorado State University brought their Mobile Energy Lab to teach students about energy transfer and efficiency, giving them hands-on learning opportunities. These incredible experiences are made possible by our strong community partnerships, and we’re thankful for the support that enriches our students’ education.

Our schools offer a wide variety of service learning groups, including Interact Club, Key Club, Superintendent Council, Student Council, Kindness Club, Environmental Club, and more. Additionally, every EPHS graduate is required to complete 40 hours of community service to earn their diploma. Most recently, our Youth in Action (YIA) students traveled to CSU for their annual kickoff event. This group learns valuable skills like fundraising, grant writing, and nonprofit work, all while giving back to the community. Each year, they raise funds and decide which local nonprofits will benefit from their efforts.

Service learning is a vital part of real-world learning, as it connects classroom knowledge with meaningful community involvement. By engaging in hands-on projects that address real community needs, students apply academic skills in practical, impactful ways. Through this blend of education and service, students gain experiences that prepare them for success in their future careers and within their communities.

This year, Geneva, Mica, Colby, Neva, Bennett, and Phin were selected to serve on the Superintendent Council after going through a competitive application and interview process with Superintendent Bode and two members of the Board of Education. These students represent the voice of their peers in Estes Park School District (EPSD) and serve as a leadership group.

Two student representatives from the council attend each Board of Education meeting to present a report on behalf of students at the public meeting. The Council's mission is to connect with students across the district, amplify their voices, and foster strong connections and belonging among the student body. Thanks to a grant from the Estes Park Education Foundation, they are able to offer initiatives like welcome baskets and morning Cat Chats, fostering a positive and inclusive culture for students across the schools.

Bullying awareness and prevention is a top priority across the Estes Park School District, with all three schools implementing comprehensive efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment for every student. Throughout the school year, staff and students receive ongoing training focused on recognizing, preventing, and addressing bullying behaviors. In addition to these trainings, each school is hosting assemblies designed to raise awareness and promote a culture of respect and kindness. This month is bullying awareness month and high school students signed a commitment to improve respect and kindness throughout their school. You can find information about bullying prevention efforts and reporting forms HERE.

The Estes Valley Library and Restorative Justice hosted a Living Room Conversation on substance use and awareness for students in our high school. This event provided a space for students to discuss the challenges of substance use, share their experiences, and collaborate with peers and staff to develop ideas for supporting one another. Thank you Eric and Melissa!

expertise with families on the important topic of substance use. They covered recent trends in youth substance use, raising awareness within our community, and discussed key prevention strategies. Additionally, they explained what prevention research entails and highlighted important factors that can help reduce the risk of substance use and other related behaviors. Brad and Nate also spoke about the ongoing partnership between EPSD and the Prevention Research Center, including future initiatives like parent education classes and group prevention programs.

Policy JH outlines only the following reasons for excusing absences:

1. A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the school on a prearranged basis. Prearranged absences will be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature only which cannot be taken care of outside of school hours.
2. A student who is absent for an extended period due to a physical disability or a mental or behavioral health disorder.
3. A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.
4. A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.
5. A student who is suspended or expelled.

We are fortunate to partner with the Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District (EVPRD) to offer the Water Safety Swim Program, an invaluable addition to our elementary physical education curriculum. This program equips students with essential water safety skills that not only help keep them safe but also foster a lifelong interest in swimming. Thanks to the proximity of the Community Center on district property, students can participate in this program without losing valuable classroom time to travel. Our students love the program, and we are incredibly grateful to EVPRD for providing this opportunity to promote wellness and safety in our community!

Despite facing shortages in maintenance and custodial staff, the Estes Park School District has made significant improvements to our grounds and facilities, thanks to the incredible efforts of our employees and community volunteers.

One of the most notable upgrades is the resurfacing of the Bobcat Den playground at the elementary school, where we replaced the outdated shredded tire surface with safe, durable playground tiles. Additionally, we’ve expanded the preschool playground with a new retaining wall, providing more space for our youngest learners.

To enhance safety and security, we’ve upgraded new radios across the district and upgraded the camera systems on all school buses. We’ve also made significant improvements to our cybersecurity and upgraded our wireless networks to ensure a secure and efficient learning environment.

Finally, the most noticeable change is the new stadium and concession stand, set to be completed in November. These upgrades reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where our students can feel a sense of belonging and thrive.

Kate Schneider has been honored as Teacher of the Quarter for her outstanding dedication to both students and colleagues. As a 1st grade team leader, she exemplifies our District Vision, Mission, and Values, fostering strong collaboration across grade levels. She’s also mentoring a P-TEACH student and working toward her National Board certification to further refine her practice.

Kate’s deep care for her students and their families allows her to meet their diverse needs, while thoughtfully incorporating technology, culture, and student preferences into her lessons. Her colleagues praise her as a supportive, positive role model, always willing to offer guidance and share ideas. One first-year teacher shared, "I wouldn’t have made it through this first quarter without her!"

Congratulations, Kate, on this well-deserved recognition!

Neal has been recognized as Classified Employee of the Quarter for his positivity, dedication, and integral role in supporting the school community. Known for always having a smile on his face, Neal sets a positive example for both staff and students with his strong work ethic and friendly demeanor. Colleagues appreciate his willingness to go above and beyond, often stepping in to help with tasks outside his usual responsibilities.

Neal's respectfulness, attentiveness, and encouragement have made a significant impact on the school environment, helping to create a safe and positive place for students and staff alike. His joyful greetings and supportive nature are valued by all.

Congratulations, Neal, on this well-deserved recognition!