SSSD May Newsletter

Dear Steamboat Springs School District Community,

As we reach the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible accomplishments we've achieved together and express my deepest gratitude to our entire staff, students, and community members for their hard work, dedication, and resilience.

Celebrating Our Achievements

This year has been marked by significant milestones and noteworthy achievements across our district. Our students have excelled academically, athletically, and artistically, showcasing their talents and dedication. Here are a few highlights:

1. Academic Excellence: Our students have continued to perform exceptionally well, with a record number of students receiving honors and awards at state and national levels. Each year, more students are enrolling in advanced placement courses and concurrent enrollment programs.

2. Athletic Success: Our sports teams have had an outstanding year, with several teams advancing to regional and state championships. The spirit and sportsmanship displayed by our athletes have made us all proud.

3. Artistic Achievements: Our music, drama, and art programs have flourished, with students participating in prestigious competitions and exhibitions. Their creativity and passion have brought vibrancy and life to our school community.

Investing in Our Future

We have made significant strides in enhancing our educational environment and ensuring that our students have access to the resources they need to succeed:

1. Contract Negotiations: We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our negotiations with the teachers' union, resulting in a substantial increase in salaries for our dedicated teachers and staff. The package consists of a $3 million investment in our staff. Alongside these financial improvements, we have also implemented several progressive policy changes that will benefit our entire school community. For detailed information on these negotiations and the specific changes made, please refer to the press release below.

2. Facility Improvements: In the last five years, all of our schools and district offices have undergone renovations to create safer and more conducive learning environments. We are dedicated to maintaining facilities that support our students' academic and extracurricular activities.

3. Professional Development: Our faculty and staff have participated in extensive professional development opportunities, allowing them to bring innovative teaching strategies and best practices into the classroom.

Community and Collaboration

The strength of our district lies in the collaboration among students, families, faculty, and the broader community. This year, we have seen:

1. Increased Family Engagement: Our schools have hosted numerous events to engage families in their children's education, fostering stronger school-family partnerships.

2. Community Support: Local businesses, organizations, and community members have continued to support our schools through donations, volunteerism, and partnerships, enriching the educational experiences of our students.

3. Student Leadership and Service: Our students have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to service, participating in various community service projects and initiatives that make a positive impact on our community.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the next school year, we remain committed to our mission of providing a safe, inclusive, challenging, and authentic learning experience for all students. Here are a few initiatives we are excited about:

1. Expanded Curriculum: We will be introducing new courses and programs that cater to diverse student interests and career aspirations, including new CTE courses offered at the high school level.

2. Mental Health and Wellness: Recognizing the importance of mental health, we will be expanding our support services and wellness programs to ensure that all students have the resources they need to thrive emotionally and academically.

In closing, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished this year and am inspired by the dedication and resilience of our entire school community. As we head into the summer break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our district's success. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and provide our students with the best possible education.

Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer!

Best regards,

Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent

cwicks@ssk12.org

Kathy Gonio, a bus driver for severe-needs students, is the Steamboat Springs School District's 2023-2024 Educator of the Year.

Gonio has worked for the District for 30 years and spent 28 of those years safely transporting students with severe needs to and from school. When she first came to the district, she was the transportation office secretary. One year, the department needed more drivers, and she was asked to fill in. She has been a driver ever since.

When asked about the most significant difference she made in a child’s life this year, Gonio responded, “I called 911 to save a student’s life twice in the past month.” According to Gonio, this incident was significant for the families and students she works with, but the outcome turned out well.

“It put all my skills to work,” she said.

The Steamboat Springs Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the proposed compensation package for the 2024-2025 school year presented at Monday’s BOE meeting. The package, presented to the Board by Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent, Board Vice President Chresta Brinkman, and Director of Finance and Operations Stephanie Juneau, reflects a more than $3 million investment to significantly increase the pay of certified and classified staff starting next school year.

Since 2018, the Behavioral Health in the Schools Initiative has boosted mental health services in Routt County schools. The partnership was spearheaded by the thought leadership and financial contributions of the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation (CSFF), UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center (YVMC), and Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation (YVMCF) to support all Routt County school districts and students. The combined investment from UCHealth and CSFF since 2018 has been nearly $1.6M. This effort has integrated mental health education and support into our schools, fostering a stronger focus on well-being. The Yampa Valley Community Foundation and private donors have helped to sustain and expand the program since its inception. Let's acknowledge the progress made in creating a robust support system for students, including prevention efforts and targeted services for those in need.

On Tuesday, students and families gathered at the Colorado Welding Institute (CWI) in Hayden to celebrate students who completed the welding course, which earned them both high school credit and industry certifications. This is the first time the welding course has been offered on a larger scale to students and made possible entirely by community donors, reflecting the commitment to expanding opportunities for career technical education.

The Classic Air Medical Helicopter landed on the field at Steamboat Springs Middle School Thursday. Two pilots, two nurses, and a medic came to the school to talk to 7th graders about their jobs with Emergency Air Medical Transport Services.(Steamboat Radio)

Steamboat Springs qualified three for the 4A Girls Golf State Championship at Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs, where the girls fought the gusts effectively — resulting in what head coach Andrew Donner believes is the best team finish in the school’s program history: third place. (Steamboat Pilot & Today)

The 4A boys lacrosse state quarterfinal between the No. 3 Steamboat Springs Sailors and the No. 6 Air Academy Kadets came down to the final seconds, with a ticket to semis on the line. (Steamboat Pilot & Today)