The Weekly Update #4
August 5th, 2024
Greetings from Widefield School District 3!
I am delighted to say that we are off to a terrific start to the 2024-2025 school year. Our students have settled into their routines, our teachers are enthusiastic and ready to inspire, and it is great to see the positive energy swirling around our school community.
As students navigate their way through their educational journey, I am often reminded of the important role that parents and guardians play in the education of their children. At the beginning of every school year, one of the questions I am asked most by parents is, “What can I do to help my child be successful at school?”
Here are some things you can do to help your child feel connected and supported within our school district:
Engage in School Activities: We encourage you to participate in school events, parent-teacher meetings, and other functions. Your presence not only helps foster a vibrant school culture but also allows you to connect with teachers and fellow parents.
Communicate Openly: Establishing open lines of communication with your child's teacher is crucial. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Regular updates and feedback will help ensure that we are all working together to support your child’s learning journey.
Support at Home: Encourage a consistent routine that includes time for homework, reading, and rest. Create a designated study space where your child can focus on working on assignments and establish a regular time for checking in on schoolwork and progress.
Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your child's successes, both big and small. Recognizing efforts and accomplishments can boost confidence and motivation.
Encourage Involvement: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities and school clubs. Getting involved in these activities can enhance social skills and provide a well-rounded educational experience.
We are committed to working together with you to provide a supportive and enriching environment for all of our students. Our goal is to ensure that every child has the resources and encouragement they need to thrive academically and personally.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and many memorable experiences. Widefield truly is the place to be!
Sincerely,
Aaron G. Hoffman
Superintendent
645 Students in Trades Programs
- Cabinet Manufacturing - 176
- Construction - 139
- Automotive - 37
- Welding - 293
- Learn about all our CTE programs
1,552 Students in PLTW
Project Lead The Way pathways are provided at the elementary, junior high, and high school level.
1,560 Students in Music
- Band - 588
- Choir - 437
- Orchestra - 482
- Sound Engineering & Design - 9
- Learn about all music programs
It's a new school year and WSD3 is excited about the "Year of Elementary STEM: The Journey Begins" as we roll out a new science curriculum for students K-5 in all our elementary schools.
Young learners will become junior scientists as they explore "phenomenon-based" concepts such as plant and animal relationships, changing landforms, energy and matter, environment and survival, and more! Some learning will come in the form of scavenger hunts where students will become comfortable with the questions -- searching for answers - and developing these concepts progressively.
The district has a robust STEM program in the junior high and high schools. Last year, several hundred 7th and 8th graders participated in school STEM Days where instructors taught them 3D printing, coding, flight simulation, and how to use a robotic arm. More are scheduled for the fall semester.
Besides learning 3D design, flight simulation, different forms of coding, and how to operate aircraft simulators, high school students are actually earning industry certifications to put on a resume or college entrance application. They are diving into engineering, computer science, biomedical, and aerospace/aviation qualifications.
STEM programs and resources are designed to link from grade-to-grade and school-to-school for integrated learning. Learn more by going to our STEM and Innovation webpage.
Construction Teacher Finalist for Harbor Freight Award
Mike Landis, Carpentry Technology & Construction Technology teacher at the Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab (MiLL), is a finalist for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Teaching Excellence Award! He is in the running to win up to $100,000 for his program. Award notifications will take place by October. Stay tuned!
Principal Awarded Promising Partnership Practice Certificate
Dr. Albert Wiggins, principal of Discovery High School, received a Promising Partnership Practice certificate from the Colorado Department of Education. He was recognized for his inclusion practices at Discovery High School. His submission titled "My Culture" outlines the unique ways in which Discovery helps students find success and connectivity.
All students in Widefield School District 3 will receive free meals in the 2024-25 through the Healthy School Meals for All program!
Even though breakfast and lunch will be provided for free, we still need families to continue sharing household income information through the Meal Application in order for our schools to receive full access to federal funding. (If you have already received an eligibility notification, do not complete another application.)
Families that qualify receive Summer EBT benefits.
These additional funds will go directly back to our schools to help cover the cost of meals and will also support after school activities and other nutritional programs.
Plus, families who qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more!
As always, all household income information will be kept confidential and protected by law. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.
Be sure to fill out the Meal Application as part of your back-to-school planning. If you have already received an eligibility notification, there’s no need to complete the application. Please reach out to the Widefield School District 3 Nutrition Services department for more information at (719) 391-3560. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Celebrate 150 Years in WSD3 at our District Parade on Saturday, October 5. This year's theme is "March Through Time."
The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and typically lasts an hour. The parade is a time honored tradition that began in the 1980s and continues to bring our community together each year.
Here is the parade route:
- Parade heads west on Fontaine Blvd. from the Big R parking lot
- Travels north on Security Blvd.
- Turns east (right) on Main Street
- Turns right (east) on Widefield Drive
- Takes second north (left) on Widefield Drive
- Takes first east (right) on Norman
- Ends at C.A. Foster Stadium behind Widefield High School
Road closures will take place along the parade route, please be advised and plan accordingly.
Join us after the parade for the rivalry football game between Mesa Ridge and Widefield is at 12 p.m. at CA Foster Stadium.