SSSD November Newsletter

Dear Steamboat Springs School District Community,

As we prepare for the winter months ahead, I want to make sure everyone is aware of the possibility of school delays or cancellations due to severe weather. While it’s extremely rare for us to adjust the schedule, safety remains our top priority. With our growing population and many of our dedicated staff commuting from outside Steamboat Springs, we may consider a two-hour delay or, in exceptional cases, a school cancellation when conditions warrant.

Our team, including Casey Ungs - Transportation Manager, closely monitors each storm in collaboration with key local partners such as the Steamboat City Limits - Streets Division Superintendent, the Routt County Road & Bridge Director, the Routt County Sheriff’s Department, and the Steamboat Springs Police Department. This coordinated effort enables us to assess conditions thoroughly and make the safest decisions possible for our students, families, and staff.

We will make any decision to delay or cancel school as soon as possible; however, with rapidly changing weather, please be prepared for the possibility that the final decision may need to be made early in the morning. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety.

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we navigate the winter season together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent
cwicks@ssk12.org

The Steamboat Springs School District (SSSD) recently received a $34,000 donation for youth mental health programming from The Madison Foundation, an organization founded by Madison Mohn, a senior at Steamboat Springs High School. She was also recently honored as the Youth Philanthropist of the Year by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, The Madison Foundation has raised over $158,000, helping to address critical youth mental health needs in the community.

Fourth and fifth graders in the Steamboat Springs School District recently had the opportunity to learn about coding and robotics thanks to the generous efforts of two retired engineers.

Kim and Jack Smith, retired engineers from Texas Instruments, have a passion for kids and bringing STEM to the next generation. Kim has served on many board committees focused on kids, including the Boys and Girls Club, Junior Achievement, and North Routt Community Charter School. The Smiths have also coached the 4-H Robotics club for eight years, helping the team achieve the state title for several years. The Smiths value bringing STEM to mountain towns since kids aren’t exposed to as much industry here as in urban areas. Due to their extensive community involvement, the Smiths established connections with the community, ultimately leading them to host mini-workshops for students in Steamboat schools.

We are thrilled to share that our very own Janet Peasley, gifted education coordinator and gifted education teacher at Sleeping Giant School, has received the 2024 Jacquelin Medina Visionary Leadership Award from the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT)!

This prestigious award recognizes Janet's dedication to gifted students and families in our rural community. Since stepping in as team leader two years ago, Janet has made incredible strides, including establishing the Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council (GEAC) and driving awareness around twice-exceptional students (those who are both gifted and have a learning disability or other challenges.

We are beyond proud of Janet and grateful for her leadership and vision!

The Friday night lights shined over Gardner Field one last time this season for the Sailors’ season finale in football against Rifle. On the bubble of a playoff berth, Steamboat knew this game could make-or-break its chances at continuing into the postseason, but the snowy night was not on the side of the Sailors who fell 28-21 to the visiting Bears. Steamboat’s season record finalizes at 5-4. (Tom Skulski/Steamboat Pilot & Today)

After a loss in the second round of the playoffs Tuesday night, the Steamboat Springs boys soccer team did not pack up right away. Instead, they grabbed a soccer ball and used it to play pickup basketball in the Jefferson Academy gym. (Tom Skulski/Steamboat Pilot & Today)

Local high school cross country athletes competed at the Colorado State Cross Country Championships over the weekend in Colorado Springs. Xavier Knott defended his title and took first place in 3000 Meter Run in the Unified Division. (Shannon Lukens/Steamboat Radio)