Greeley-Evans School District 6: Report to the Community 2019

We Are District 6.

16

22,503 81.5% STUDENTS

GRADUATION RATE:

103 86%

STUDENTS NAMED ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLARS

OF DISTRICT GENERAL FUNDS GO TO

SALARIES

$

33

SCHOOLS

Up from 78.7% last year, above the state average

33 non-charter and charter schools

CAREER HAVEPATHWAYS EARNED THE

HAVE EARNED THE STATE’S HIGHEST RANKING

DISTRICTWIDE STATES HIGHESTFOR RANKING EVERY STUDENT

642

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

are enrolled in college courses

3,168 STUDENTS

ARE TAKING ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

HOW IS DISTRICT 6 FUNDED? District 6 has a total budget of $264.5 million for 2018-19. The chart on the left shows the various funding sources that support District 6. The majority of the revenue comes from the State of Colorado through the School Finance Act. State Equalization, State Categorical Revenue, Specific Ownership Tax and Local Property Taxes are all governed by the School Finance Act approved by the state legislature each year.

Colorado School Finance Act Local Property Taxes

16%

57%

57% Colorado School Finance Act

3%

Other Local Revenue

16% Local Property Taxes

2%

Services Provided to Charter Schools

2%

State Grant Revenue

1%

Meal Charges

9%

Federal Grant Revenue

6%

Local Property Taxes-MLO

4%

Local Property Taxes-Bond Debt

The chart to the right shows that the majority of District 6 expenditures occur in schools. Other departments, such as Academic Achievement, Special Education, and Districtwide Services have larger budgets, but the majority of their spending is in direct support of student achievement.

21%

19%

12%

11%

Elementary Schools

High Schools

K-8 Schools

Middle Schools

9%

Special Education

0.8% Human Resources

8%

Districtwide

0.6% District Governance

5%

Academic Achievement

0.5% Student Information Services

3%

Facilities

0.5% Communications

3%

Transportation

0.5% School Leadership

2%

Information Technology

0.2% Warehouse

1%

Finance

0.1% Safety and Security

1%

Custodial

Elementary Schools

21% High Schools

Middle Schools

K-8 Schools

11% 12%

19%

MESSAGE FROM

YOUR DISTRICT 6 LEADERSHIP We are District 6.

We know a strong public education system is vital to the success of our citizens and our community. We know that every single child living in Greeley and Evans deserves an excellent education. We advocate - in our community, in our state and even nationally - for our students to ensure their needs are met. We are personalizing learning for every student so they will graduate high school with a real plan for a career, college or military service.

We know by working together - with our students, our families, and our community partners - we will be better and our students will thrive.

District 6 has a robust accountability system to ensure that we are making the best decisions for our students and we are being good stewards of your tax dollars. Our District Accountability Committee, made up of parents and community members, reviews the budget and prioritizes spending recommendations for our Board of Education. Each school also has an accountability committee that reviews academic and financial plans for each site.

As well, you will see in this document a report from the Mill Levy Override Citizens’ Oversight Committee, which has been reviewing all the expenditures from the 2017 mill levy override ballot issue. Our award- winning finance department posts all our District 6 financial reports on our website, www.greeleyschools.org.

This Report to the Community contains important information about where we have been and where we are going as your public school district. We have a robust strategic plan, which you will read about, and we are reaching the goals we have set for our students and our district.

You will also read about how we are addressing the workforce needs here in our communities through our career pathways programs. You will learn a little bit about how we are planning for the future.

We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about District 6. We know how important our mission is to the success of our communities, and we take on that responsibility enthusiastically. We are grateful to serve the students and families of Greeley and Evans.

Dr. Deirdre Pilch Superintendent of Schools

Michael Mathews President, Board of Education

We are District 6, and we are proud to say that every day.

OUR BOARD OF EDUCATION

Terri Pappas, Vice-President

Rhonda Solis, Director

John W. Haefeli, Director

Michael Mathews, President Doug Lidiak, Director

Dr. Julia Richard, Director Natalie Mash, Director

81.5% ON TIME

CELEBRATE 6!

GRADUATION

RATE

• Greeley Central Senior Taylor Henderson and Frontier Academy Senior Samuel Stoltz were selected as Boettcher Scholars

DISTRICT 6 DROP OUT RATE DECREASED TO ONLY

• Four District 6 teachers recognized by Boettcher scholars: Thomas Frasier, Greeley Central High School; Joshua Seematter, Northridge High School; Henry Ainsworth, Frontier Academy and Jacque Schmidt, Frontier Academy

2%

• Franklin Middle School campus monitor Matt Halsey was named the Classified Employee of the Year by the D6 Classified Council • Brentwood Middle School was named one of five 2019 Colorado Trailblazer Schools to Watch in Colorado

BOETTCHER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

• Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch was named the 2019 Education Woman of Distinction by BizWest • Chappelow Arts Magnet K-8 School was selected as one of 56 schools across the nation to create ornaments for the National Christmas Tree experience in Washington, D.C. • Northridge High School senior Eden Picon was named the 2019 Colorado ProStart Industry Student of the Year • Prairie Heights Middle School received the Gold LEED Certification for using the most environmentally sound materials, energy and water use and for its design as a sustainable and healthy site for students and staff • Six District 6 students were named Daniels Scholars: Abigail Joyce Hubbard of Early College Academy, Darling Michelle Perez Ramos of Greeley Central High, Ashton Marcus Kerwin of Northridge High, Tomas Gabriel Martinez of Northridge High, Daniel Rodriquez of Northridge High and Samantha Montalvo Blanco of University High

TAYLOR HENDERSON GREELEY CENTRAL

NAOMI HIDALGO GREELEY CENTRAL STUDENT GREELEY CENTRAL’S ALL-TIME BASKETBALL POINT SCORER

SAMUEL STOLTZ

FRONTIER ACADEMY

• More students than ever before received AP Scholar Awards from the National College Board - over 100 in total, with 16 receiving the highest recognition as National AP Scholar

ANDREW ALIREZ GREELEY CENTRAL STUDENT 4-TIME COLORADO STATE WRESTLING CHAMPION

BETHANY BALDERRAMA NORTHRIDGE COUNSELOR COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR

VESTAS PARTNERSHIP

Vestas and Greeley-Evans School District 6 partnered to provide advanced manufacturing apprenticeships to District 6 high school students. The apprenticeship is employer-driven and combines onthe-job training with related classroom instruction.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

District 6 teamed up with Special Olympics to host over 200 athletes from around the region at District 6 Stadium. District 6 is part of Special Olympics Colorado’s Unified Champion School program that unites athletes with and without disabilities to train and compete in sports.

SPACE EXPLORER

Machin Norris, a Franklin Middle School science teacher, was one of 30 teachers nationwide chosen to participate in the 2019 Teacher Innovator Institute at the National Air and Space Museum this summer.

JOSIE CARPENTER GREELEY WEST STUDENT BROKE GREELEY WEST’S SWIMMING RECORDS IN THE 200, 500 FREESTYLE AND 100 BACKSTROKE

MEAGAN RELIFORD ALEXIS GARCIA-MORENO NORTHRIDGE STUDENT COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS ART WINNER

MADISON ELEMENTARY TEACHER KAISER PERMANENTE THRIVING SCHOOLS WELLNESS HONOR AWARD

INVESTING IN STUDENTS INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE

In November 2017, voters in Greeley and Evans soundly supported the investment of local tax dollars in their community schools. All of the 33 schools in Greeley and Evans, including charter schools, have benefitted from the additional money annually. District 6 taxpayers agreed it is important to help provide the best education possible to the nearly 23,000 students served.

SAFETY AND SECURITY • Security cameras have been installed at every middle and high school.

• Additional security officers were hired at Greeley West, Greeley Central and Northridge high schools to secure the entrances.

• A new volunteer and visitor check in system was installed that provides an immediate check against the National Sex Offenders Registry and background checks for volunteers.

• Automated locking and badging systems were installed at all District 6 buildings.

• A districtwide phone system was installed, improving communication in and among buildings.

• Critical building repairs have been completed at schools including roof repairs and replacements, heating and cooling systems, leaking windows and broken doors.

COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION • More than 200 additional high school students have been able to take college courses at Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado.

• An Advanced Manufacturing Career Pathway is being created and constructed at Greeley Central High School.

An Early Childhood Education Pathway will be implemented in 2019-2020 at Jefferson High School.

• A Business and Community Partnerships Administrator was hired and is creating internships, apprenticeships and job shadowing opportunities for students with local businesses and organizations.

ATTRACTING AND RETAINING A QUALITY WORKFORCE • All support services hourly employees received a pay increase to bring them to the market salaries for Greeley and the surrounding areas.

STUDENT LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT

• After-school, Saturday school and summer school programs at all levels were expanded for students to catch up, including credit recovery for high school students.

• This summer, a robust enrichment summer school program will be held at three schools, open to all District 6 students. More than 40 classes, ranging from a science safari to American Sign Language instruction, will be provided at no charge to families.

• New text books and digital curriculum in the areas of middle and high school English language arts, world languages and mathmatics were purchased. New K-12 social studies and Career and Technical Education curriculum is coming in August.

• More than 6,000 computers were purchased for students districtwide. In addition, District 6 began implementing a 5-year replacement cycle for devices.

• Additional bandwidth and Wi-Fi improvements were made to support the increased use of devices.

• Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) - a college and career preparation program - was implemented at eight elementary and K-8 Schools. Additional schools will implement in 2019-20.

CHARTER SCHOOLS • All charter schools received money from the mill levy override based on the number of students they serve. They have spent the money according to the spending plans submitted prior to the MLO going on the ballot. This includes building repairs and maintenance, pay increases for teachers, textbooks and digital content, computers and professional training for staff.

RESTORATION OF TRANSPORATION • In August 2017, dozens of bus routes were cut due to the inability to hire qualified drivers. The wage for drivers was increased and a committee was formed to address routing and on-time delivery issues. As of March 2019, all elementary and middle school routes have been restored.

• Two new regular buses and four new special education buses were purchased. Additional bus purchases will occur in 2019-20.

For a complete list of all expenditures, go to:

www.GreeleySchools.org/ MillLevy2017

REPORT FROM THE

CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

My name is Dr. Ken Humphrey, a retired educational administrator, and I’m pleased and honored to represent the six-member Mill Levy Oversight Committee. The committee was appointed by an independent community board following the approval of the mill levy override in November 2017.

The other members of the committee are Gary Fuentes, Michael Frick, Jessica Marshall, Leslie McGrew and Scott Rankin.

As part of the 2017 mill levy election, the creation of our committee was mandated. We are tasked with reviewing all the expenditures of the mill levy override dollars that are being collected through an additional 10 mills on property taxes levied in the boundaries of Greeley-Evans School District 6.

Our committee has met five times since our appointment in April of 2018.

At each meeting, we review the mill levy override spending reports provided by the District 6 finance department and the District 6 charter schools. To date, we have reviewed more than 50 projects. We ask questions and scrutinize the expenditures. We receive excellent data, information and support for our committee’s efforts from Meggan Sponsler, Chief Financial Officer, Mandy Hydock, Finance Director, and Dr. Deirdre Pilch, Superintendent.

We have raised specific questions about several projects presented.

For example, we questioned the purchase of the Raptor volunteer and visitor management system. After receiving more information, we agreed that because this system screens all visitors against the National Sexual Offender Registry, has more robust volunteer background checks and that it also has an added crisis management system, that the purchase did indeed fall under improved safety and security for schools.

As a representative of the committee, I have made two brief oral presentations to the Board of Education in December 2018 and April 2019.

I am pleased to report that the Mill Levy Oversight Committee deems all the expenditures of money collected through this tax measure are in accordance with the ballot language approved by voters and we believe that District 6 is honoring the commitments it made to voters.

Here is a synopsis of the Mill Levy Oversight Committee’s activities and findings: • We reviewed and further defined the role of the committee based on the ballot language and expectations set by the Board of Education.

• We requested standardized MLO spending reports from the charter schools. The Finance Department was asked to obtain clarification on certain charter school expenditures. We sought more continuity in the reports the charter schools were providing, and that has improved with the latest reports we received.

• We were provided updates on the District’s efforts to restore transportation that had been cut prior to the mill levy election. Our latest update is that they have restored all the routes to elementary and middle schools, as promised in the ballot issue.

• Several of our members visited Greeley West High School to see the Raptor system, security cameras, technology and curriculum that was purchased with MLO dollars.

• To date, the committee can report that the purchases and expenditures presented to the Oversight Committee have been in line with the ballot issue and are in accordance with the ballot language and the promises made during the 2017 MLO campaign.

Our next meeting will be in July 2019. More information about the Mill Levy Oversight Committee and mill levy expenditures are available on the District 6 website at www.greeleyschools.org/MillLevy2017.

“We do believe 100% that the district is in accordance with the funds provided to them from the mill levy override and is using them appropriately as they said they would.”

Dr. Ken Humphrey, Oversite Committee Spokesperson

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Michael Frick, Greeley Gary Fuentes, Greeley Dr. Kenneth Humphrey, Greeley Jessica Marshall, Evans Leslie McGraw, Greeley Scott Rankin, Greeley

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE

DISTRICT 6 CAREER PATHWAYS

Derek Hubbard

Senior, Northridge High School

Greeley-Evans School District 6 high schools offer 33 different Career Pathways for students to explore areas of study and employment that will help guide their future. Whether it is learning skills to be employed in a career right out of high school or taking college classes that will help a student get a jump start on their four-year degree, District 6 Career Pathways offer something for every student.

Hundreds of students receive real life job experience while still in high school through internships, apprenticeships and job shadowing opportunities throughout Weld County.

Arts Arts Academy Academy

Architecture & Architecture Construction& Construction Academy Academy

Business Business Academy Academy

Ag Mechanics AgPathway Mechanics (W) Pathway (W)

Fashion Design Pathway Fashion Design (C, N, W) Pathway (C, N, W)

Construction Pathway Construction (J, W) Pathway (J, W)

Business Education Business Pathway Education (C, J, N, W) Pathway (C, J, N, W) Enterepreneurship Pathway Enterepreneurship (W) Pathway (W)

Graphic Design Interior Design Animal & Plant Graphic Technology Design Interior Pathway Design Science AnimalPathway & Plant Pathway Technology (C, N, W) Pathway (W) Science Pathway (W) Pathway (C, N, W) (W) (W) Horticulture Performing Arts Pathway PathwayArts Horticulture Performing (W) (C) Pathway Pathway (W) (C) Visual Arts Pathway Visual Arts (C) Pathway (C)

STEM PATHWAY

Northridge High School For Hannah Kerkes, attending Northridge High School was always the goal.

the next generation learn trades and skills that are in demand nationally and sometimes right out of high school.

“The whole reason I wanted to come to Northridge was the STEM program,” said Kerkes.

“Those teachers’ perspective brings a legitimacy for the kids,” said Brenda Rangel, STEM Coordinator and Northridge teacher. “It makes it real.”

The junior is in her third year in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics Academy and is taking classes to help her reach her goal of entering the Air Force Academy and becoming a fighter pilot. She is already certified in SolidWorks, a 3-D computer-aided design and engineering program, which has helped her secure an internship this summer at Rocky Mountain Waterjet and Laser company. If that isn’t enough, she will be the Battalion Chief for the Junior Marine ROTC program next year.

Agriculture Agriculture Academy Academy

The demand for the program is increasing as more students are exposed to STEM programs at middle and elementary school, Rangel said. She is expecting 200 students in the program next year.

Northridge Senior Derek Hubbard never intended to follow a STEM focus in high school, but his friends were taking engineering classes, so he followed them.

The STEM Academy at Northridge High School, started as a magnet program for math and science in 2006 and now has 175 students taking courses in science, technology, engineering and math. It is a model program under the National Academy Foundation standards.

“Turns out, it was the best decision I ever made,” Hubbard said.

Several teachers in the program started their careers in engineering or science and decided to become teachers to help

“It’s been a really cool experience,” Hubbard said. “Life changing in a way.”

For their capstone project, Hubbard and a few others built a Tesla “singing” coil. (Google it!) Next year, Hubbard will attend Colorado State University to study chemical and biological engineering.

33

CAREER PATHWAY CHOICES FOR STUDENTS!

Human Leadership Public Safety Humanand Leadership Safety Services Academy Public Academy Services and Academy Academy Education Education Academy Academy

Alternative Criminal Justice Cooperative Alternative Pathway Criminal Justice Education Cooperative (N) Pathway Pathway (J, N) Education (N) Pathway (J, N) Family and Emergency & Marine Corps Consumer Family and Fire Manage-& Junior Reserve Emergency Marine Corps Science Pathway Office Consumer Services Fire ManageJuniorTraining Reserve ment (C, N,Pathway W) Science Pathway (N) Corps (N) ment Services Office Training (C, N, W) Pathway (N) Corps (N) Teacher Cadet Pathway Teacher Cadet (C) Pathway (C) Early Childcare Education Early Childcare Pathway (J) Education Pathway (J)

E = Early College

C = Greeley Central

Finance Pathway Finance (C, W) Pathway (C, W) Marketing Pathway Marketing (C, N, W) Pathway (C, N, W)

Health Health Sciences Sciences Academy Academy

STEM STEM Academy Academy

Academy of Engineering (N) Academy of Health Science Engineering (N) Pathway Health Science Academy of (C) Pathway Information Academy of (C) Technology (N) Information Technology (N) Academy of Math & Science Academy of (N)Science Math & (N) Engineering Technology Engineering Pathway (C) Technology Pathway (C) Multimedia Pathway Multimedia (C, N) Pathway (C, N)

Scholastic Scholastic Academy Academy

Hospitality Advanced Hospitality Advanced Academy Manufacturing Academy Manufacturing Academy Academy

AP - Advanced APPlacement - Advanced (C, N, W) Placement (C, N, W)

Culinary Arts Pathway Culinary Arts (C, N, W) Pathway (C, N, W)

Early College Academy (E) Early College Associates Academy (E) of Arts Associates of Arts International Baccalaureate International (W) Baccalaureate (W)

ProStart Pathway ProStart (N) Pathway (N)

W = Greeley West

J = Jefferson

Advanced Manufacturing Advanced Industrial Manufacturing Pathways (C) Industrial Pathways (C) Advanced Manufacturing Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Pathways Robotics(C) Pathways (C)

N = Northridge

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE

DISTRICT 6 CAREER PATHWAYS

Derek Hubbard

Senior, Northridge High School

Greeley-Evans School District 6 high schools offer 33 different Career Pathways for students to explore areas of study and employment that will help guide their future. Whether it is learning skills to be employed in a career right out of high school or taking college classes that will help a student get a jump start on their four-year degree, District 6 Career Pathways offer something for every student.

Hundreds of students receive real life job experience while still in high school through internships, apprenticeships and job shadowing opportunities throughout Weld County.

Arts Arts Academy Academy

Architecture & Architecture Construction& Construction Academy Academy

Business Business Academy Academy

Ag Mechanics AgPathway Mechanics (W) Pathway (W)

Fashion Design Pathway Fashion Design (C, N, W) Pathway (C, N, W)

Construction Pathway Construction (J, W) Pathway (J, W)

Business Education Business Pathway Education (C, J, N, W) Pathway (C, J, N, W) Enterepreneurship Pathway Enterepreneurship (W) Pathway (W)

Graphic Design Interior Design Animal & Plant Graphic Technology Design Interior Pathway Design Science AnimalPathway & Plant Pathway Technology (C, N, W) Pathway (W) Science Pathway (W) Pathway (C, N, W) (W) (W) Horticulture Performing Arts Pathway PathwayArts Horticulture Performing (W) (C) Pathway Pathway (W) (C) Visual Arts Pathway Visual Arts (C) Pathway (C)

STEM PATHWAY

Northridge High School For Hannah Kerkes, attending Northridge High School was always the goal.

the next generation learn trades and skills that are in demand nationally and sometimes right out of high school.

“The whole reason I wanted to come to Northridge was the STEM program,” said Kerkes.

“Those teachers’ perspective brings a legitimacy for the kids,” said Brenda Rangel, STEM Coordinator and Northridge teacher. “It makes it real.”

The junior is in her third year in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics Academy and is taking classes to help her reach her goal of entering the Air Force Academy and becoming a fighter pilot. She is already certified in SolidWorks, a 3-D computer-aided design and engineering program, which has helped her secure an internship this summer at Rocky Mountain Waterjet and Laser company. If that isn’t enough, she will be the Battalion Chief for the Junior Marine ROTC program next year.

Agriculture Agriculture Academy Academy

The demand for the program is increasing as more students are exposed to STEM programs at middle and elementary school, Rangel said. She is expecting 200 students in the program next year.

Northridge Senior Derek Hubbard never intended to follow a STEM focus in high school, but his friends were taking engineering classes, so he followed them.

The STEM Academy at Northridge High School, started as a magnet program for math and science in 2006 and now has 175 students taking courses in science, technology, engineering and math. It is a model program under the National Academy Foundation standards.

“Turns out, it was the best decision I ever made,” Hubbard said.

Several teachers in the program started their careers in engineering or science and decided to become teachers to help

“It’s been a really cool experience,” Hubbard said. “Life changing in a way.”

For their capstone project, Hubbard and a few others built a Tesla “singing” coil. (Google it!) Next year, Hubbard will attend Colorado State University to study chemical and biological engineering.

33

CAREER PATHWAY CHOICES FOR STUDENTS!

Human Leadership Public Safety Humanand Leadership Safety Services Academy Public Academy Services and Academy Academy Education Education Academy Academy

Alternative Criminal Justice Cooperative Alternative Pathway Criminal Justice Education Cooperative (N) Pathway Pathway (J, N) Education (N) Pathway (J, N) Family and Emergency & Marine Corps Consumer Family and Fire Manage-& Junior Reserve Emergency Marine Corps Science Pathway Office Consumer Services Fire ManageJuniorTraining Reserve ment (C, N,Pathway W) Science Pathway (N) Corps (N) ment Services Office Training (C, N, W) Pathway (N) Corps (N) Teacher Cadet Pathway Teacher Cadet (C) Pathway (C) Early Childcare Education Early Childcare Pathway (J) Education Pathway (J)

E = Early College

C = Greeley Central

Finance Pathway Finance (C, W) Pathway (C, W) Marketing Pathway Marketing (C, N, W) Pathway (C, N, W)

Health Health Sciences Sciences Academy Academy

STEM STEM Academy Academy

Academy of Engineering (N) Academy of Health Science Engineering (N) Pathway Health Science Academy of (C) Pathway Information Academy of (C) Technology (N) Information Technology (N) Academy of Math & Science Academy of (N)Science Math & (N) Engineering Technology Engineering Pathway (C) Technology Pathway (C) Multimedia Pathway Multimedia (C, N) Pathway (C, N)

Scholastic Scholastic Academy Academy

Hospitality Advanced Hospitality Advanced Academy Manufacturing Academy Manufacturing Academy Academy

AP - Advanced APPlacement - Advanced (C, N, W) Placement (C, N, W)

Culinary Arts Pathway Culinary Arts (C, N, W) Pathway (C, N, W)

Early College Academy (E) Early College Associates Academy (E) of Arts Associates of Arts International Baccalaureate International (W) Baccalaureate (W)

ProStart Pathway ProStart (N) Pathway (N)

W = Greeley West

J = Jefferson

Advanced Manufacturing Advanced Industrial Manufacturing Pathways (C) Industrial Pathways (C) Advanced Manufacturing Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Pathways Robotics(C) Pathways (C)

N = Northridge

HEALTH SCIENCES PATHWAY Greeley Central High School

On a warm, spring afternoon, students in Nathan Harvey’s Anatomy in Clay and Advanced Medical Technology class were swabbing surfaces and culturing bacteria that they found.

While that might elicit a “gross” response in other classrooms, it has these students engaged and asking dozens of questions.

The Health Sciences Career Pathway at Greeley Central High School is in its eighth year, and was made possible through a generous donation from Banner Health and North Colorado Medical Center. About 200 students grades 9-12 are enrolled in the program every year.

“It really exposes the students to the variety of careers within health care, not just nurses and doctors,” Harvey said.

Damon Magdaleno, a sophomore, said while he was exploring which high school to attend, he visited the Health Sciences pathway and he was hooked.

“I thought it was an interesting way that I could get a head start on a medical education,” he said. “It’s cool that these classes are at a high school, because most of these classes would only be available to college students.”

Jacquelyn Gonzalez Buciaga, a sophomore at Greeley Central High School, participates in a classroom activity in which students work with real-time medical equipment.

“Students in the Health Sciences program can become a Certified Nursing Assistant while in high school through Aims Community College. Being a CNA is a requirement for many nursing schools, so these students have a way to earn an income while still in school,” Harvey said.

Damon is interested in exploring a medical career, and is leaning now toward radiology.

Sophomore Yenyfer Antunez wants to be a pediatrician. Being in the Health Sciences Pathway has only confirmed her future goal of becoming a physician.

“We delve into a lot of other areas of medicine, like insurance and finances,” he said. “It’s interesting and it’s fun.”

“It’s the one job that won’t go away,” Yenyfer said. “There will always be a need for medical professionals.”

Ngabire Hagenimana

Sophomore, Greeley Central High School

Ajiah Crow Sophomore, Greeley West High School

AGRICULTURE PATHWAY Greeley West High School

Ethan Turnbeaugh comes from a family of farmers and ranchers, so the Agriculture Pathway at Greeley West High School was a perfect fit.

4,000 hours in volunteer service annually, including providing and caring for the animals in the city of Greeley’s popular Baby Animal Days.

“I love agriculture and I thought this would be a good pathway for me,” Turnbeaugh said. “I love the hands-on learning.”

These students are developing the skills to be our future farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, landscape designers, horticulturists, botanists, mechanics and more.

The junior is one of 300 students enrolled in the Agriculture Pathway at Greeley West, one of the largest agriculture programs in the state of Colorado. Ethan is also the treasurer for the Greeley West Future Farmers of America Chapter, one of the largest FFA chapters in the state.

“We take the science they are learning, and make it applicable,” Longacre said.

Kelly Longacre took over the program a decade ago when it had only about 130 students. Longacre has recruited students and has grown the program, which has a waiting list of students vying to get in.

An additional instructor, Samantha Maxwell, has helped at the overcrowded Greeley West High School, but further expansion of the program is limited by space. With the additional enrollment, Longacre is thrilled with the opportunities the program affords students, from animal science and horticulture, to mechanics and welding. The program stresses hands-on applications of science principles, career exploration and leadership development.

The Agriculture Pathway also promotes community involvement for students. Collectively, the students give back more than

John Dillon, a junior at Greeley West High School, grinds a CNC plasma cut out for his Ag Mechanics class.

CONSTRUCTION PATHWAY Jefferson High School

Mac Cruz wasn’t really that interested in the Construction Trades Pathway at Jefferson High School. Things were not going all that well for him in general, but he decided to take a class in the pathway. As Mac tells it, it changed his life.

Macrino (MAC) Cruz Junior, Jefferson High School

“I was really down in the dumps,” the Jefferson junior said. “Then I started working here and things just turned around.”

Jefferson is an alternative high school for students who haven’t been successful at a traditional high school. The Construction Trades Pathway, which was started three years ago, partners with the Greeley-Weld County Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Students can work more than 10 hours a week on a Habitat job site, building homes for families who they often work alongside.

“Seeing someone’s face light up when they get the keys to their new home, everything that goes into making that happen, it’s life changing,” Mac said.

Matt Weber, the science teacher who leads the construction pathway said, “The program teaches students a trade that can help them get a variety of good paying jobs right out of high school. Not only does that help end the cycle of poverty they may be living in, it allows the students to contribute to their families and support themselves.”

“It’s more than that,” Weber said. “It opens the student’s eyes to the gift of giving back to the community in which they live, the joy of being selfless and building relationships.”

“We build homes, we build relationships and we build opportunities for these kids,” Weber said.

Since it started three years ago, 87 students have gone through the Construction Trades Pathway at Jefferson High School. Through a partnership with Aims Community College, the students earn one or more of eight professional certificates before graduating. Over 40 percent of the students have gone on to jobs in the construction industry so far, filling a huge need in the community.

Rayna Rodriguez is one of those students now considering a career in the construction industry. She will be an intern for Habitat for Humanity this summer, and is excited to continue honing her skills.

“I like meeting new people and building relationships,” she said.

“I like caulking, hammering nails and painting. I especially like seeing the finished product.”

“Seeing someone’s face light up when they get the keys to their new house, everything that goes into making that happen, it’s life changing.”

Mac Cruz, Jefferson High School Student Antonio Zuniga Velazquez, a junior at Jefferson High School, helps frame a wall of one of the homes students are working to complete for local families.

GREELEY-EVANS SCHOOL DISTRICT 6

INNOVATION 2020 ENGAGE, EMPOWER, INSPIRE

U TPIONDAT E 0 T6 RIC T DIS

STUDENT LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT

Students will engage in a challenging, personalized, well-rounded education preparing every student to be college and career ready with the skills needed to be successful in the community and world.

OL HO C SS AN V E E YInnovation2020 is a robust strategic AG ER plan that guides the work of District 6 LE G E E N OW everyGRday.

Student learningEand is the driving goal of the plan, P achievement E

STRENGTHENING 2 0 A PARTNERSHIPS V 2 O INNOVATION N District 6 will increase engagement and M partnerships R I E supported by strengthening with families and community, P N GREELEY-EVANS S I interest in learning through community IN SCHOOL DISTRICT 6 2020 climate and culture, and improvements in operational and organizational effectiveness.

and school partnerships with our

parents, and community to ENGAGE, EMPOWER,students, INSPIRE

Some important goals in Innovation2020 have already been achieved: • Each school has a team in place to ensure successful transition of students from fifth to sixth grade and from eighth to ninth grade • All schools have established business and/or community partnerships to strengthen student learning and relationships • Trauma response training has been completed for staff at all schools • Equity teams that work on ensuring equity and access for all students are in place at all schools • All annual financial goals have been achieved with budgeting, financial reporting and overseeing expenditures from the mill levy override • The average time it takes to hire employees has been improved • Employee retention has increased

Big goals on track to achieve: • 90 percent of students will graduate on time by 2021 • Average daily attendance will reach 95 percent by 2020 • 95 percent of students in grades 2-12 will have a district-approved personalized learning plan • The percentage of students disciplined with in-school or out-of-school suspensions or expulsions will be 10 percent or lower

What’s next?

A team will begin meeting this summer to review and update priorities and objectives to ensure future goals are met.

Some of the areas that will be priorities in the updated strategic plan include engaging all parents in their children’s education, improving coordination of volunteer opportunities in District 6 and continuing improvements in student achievement.

enhance student success.

CLIMATE AND CULTURE We will cultivate a safe and supportive learning environment for all, embracing our diversity, honoring and engaging all stakeholders, and promoting safety.

OPERATIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS We will be innovative and accountable to the community, through measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

GROWTH IN NORTHERN COLORADO

FACILITY NEEDS STUDY

In October 2018, Greeley-Evans School District 6 began working with The Cuningham Group, an architectural firm, to conduct a facility needs assessment for every school and building in the school district, including charter schools. District 6 also convened a Community Facility Master Planning Committee to begin making recommendations regarding facility needs and to review the findings of The Cuningham Group.

As The Cuningham Group conducted its review, the community committee of about 60 community and staff members met multiple times hearing updates and providing input.

BUILDING

FOR THE FUTURE OF GREELEY-EVANS DISTRICT 6

Some of the key findings of the Facility Needs Assessment are: • Districtwide, schools are over capacity by 5,000 students. District 6 has grown by 7,000 students in the last 20 years.

• Districtwide, 142 classrooms are in temporary buildings.

• Deferred maintenance, repairs and replacement needed on buildings and systems in buildings, such as heating and air conditioning, is over $220 million districtwide.

• Several buildings in District 6 are recommended for replacement because the cost of repairing and renovating the sites is more than two-thirds the cost of replacement. These schools are Greeley West High School, Brentwood Middle School, Madison Elementary School, Scott Elementary School and Bella Romero Academy K-3.

• District 6 is expected to grow by a minimum of 1,389 students over the next 10 years, and between now and 2023, the District is projected to grow by at least 731 students.

This May, a subcommittee of the Community Facility Master Planning Committee met to prioritize the needs and make a recommendation to the Board of Education on possible packages for a bond issue to be placed on the November 2019 ballot. In August, the Board of Education will make a decision about putting a bond issue on the November ballot.

WHAT

IS

A BOND ISSUE?

A bond issue is a way for school districts to build schools, make major repairs and renovations, improve educational spaces for students and buy furniture, equipment and technology. School districts receive permission from the voters to issue bonds for these large projects.

The community helps the district pay back those bonds over 20 years through taxes on commercial and residential property.

WHAT

ISN’T

GOALS

WHAT WOULD BE THE OF A BOND ISSUE?

2018-2019 2013-2014 2000-2001

15,998

STUDENTS

2008-2009

18,870

STUDENTS

20,450

Greeley West was constructed in 1966 for a capacity of 1,000 students. The main campus has stayed the same square footage and now has 1,603 students.

STUDENTS

STUDENTS

OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS District 6 has 142 temporary classrooms to date to accommodate the 31% student growth over the past 20 years in the Greeley-Evans communities

Over capacity by 600 students

$4,938

$50,321

STUDENTS PER CLASSROOM

15

30+

#1 SONG

“WE CAN WORK IT OUT” THE BEATLES

725

22,503

• Begin to address schools that are over capacity • Begin to eliminate temporary classrooms to improve safety and security at schools • Improve spaces for vocational programs and workforce training • Replace some buildings that have high renovation costs • Improve learning spaces at every school • Address health and safety issues with critical repairs and renovations • Plan for future growth

GREELEY WEST THEN AND NOW

TOTAL STUDENT COUNT

Greeley-Evans School District 6 has gained more than 7,000 students over the past two decades, averaging more than 2 percent growth every year.

Demographers predict the student populations will continue to grow over the next decade.

A BOND ISSUE?

A bond issue is different than an operational mill levy override.

In 2017, District 6 passed a mill levy override, which provided additional funds to the district’s operational budget, allowing the district to purchase new text books, technology and school buses, improve safety and security at schools, extend the school day and school year for thousands of students, allow more students to get college credit while in high school and improve salaries for hourly workers. A bond issue can only be spent on “bricks and mortar” - buildings and equipment.

It CANNOT be spent on programs and people.

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

STUDENT GROWTH IN GREELEY AND EVANS

1,603

“SHALLOW” LADY GAGA & BRADLEY COOPER

No new additional schools have been added in District 6 since 2003.

Prairie Heights Middle School was constructed to replace John Evans Middle School in 2013-14 District 6 had the 4th largest growth in student count for all school districts in Colorado last year

Greeley-Evans School District 6

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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, Weld County School District 6, Greeley, Colorado, does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender identity, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to, treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates. Greeley-Evans School District 6 will take appropriate steps to ensure that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in vocational education programs.

Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The following person(s) have been identified as the compliance officer for the district employees and members of the public.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources 1025 Ninth Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Phone: 970-348-6000 Complaints regarding violations of Title VI (race, national origin), Title IX (sex/gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, Colorado, 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 510, Denver, Colorado, 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, Colorado, 80202.