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Dr. Wendy Birhanzel - Colorado’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year!

The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) presented Dr. Wendy Birhanzel with the title of Colorado’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Birhanzel was selected through a competitive process and recognized at an assembly on January 27, 2023. Mayor John Suthers addressed the students, staff, and community partners in attendance and shared his congratulations from the City of Colorado Springs.

A clear theme emerges from visiting with Dr. Birhanzel’s colleagues and staff about her leadership’s impact. She is described as someone who “walks the talk” and puts the needs of students at the center of every decision she makes in specific and tangible ways that have made a profound difference in better ensuring student support and success. Under Dr. Birhanzel’s tenure, D2 has implemented systems and initiatives that have dramatically improved their achievement and student discipline referral and expulsion rates. A district-wide systemic focus on teaching and learning has helped yield not only an 81% graduation rate and 1.2% dropout rate but also resulted in D2 students out-performing every other district in the state with comparable demographics of at least 65% minority students and 65% of students receiving free and reduced lunch.

Dr. Birhanzel shared that this award is an honor for the whole district. “This is the best news! Our staff and students have worked for this day for so long, and they are why I stand here today. We are honored to be recognized, and I will advocate for our school districts all over our state as Colorado’s Superintendent of the Year.”

If you haven’t visited D2 schools, then please join us for a tour. Our students and staff are talented and the school environments are positive. We also invite you to work with us. D2 offers a variety of work opportunities for educators, paraprofessionals, and department staff who receive outstanding benefits, PERA, and competitive salaries. Join our Superintendent of the Year and be part of our winning team!

Kindergarten Sneak Peek & Registration Coming soon, March 13-17

Learn about Kindergarten in D2 and register your child for the 2023-2024 school year. Our elementary and K-8 schools will each host a meeting the week of March 13-17. Check school websites for the date and their one-page info sheet. For a complete list of our elementary schools, visit www.hsd2.org. Please share this opportunity with your family, friends, and neighbors!

21-22 Annual Report

D2’s Annual Progress Report is available via our website, www.hsd2. org/report. These resources provide stakeholders with information regarding student achievement, financial transparency, and our accomplishments. Thank you for supporting our district and schools!

Your child is unique—so their education should be, too. We have the perfect choice for your family:

• K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) schools & K-8 schools

• Aspire Online K-12 & a Specialized Dyslexia School K-5

• Gifted Education Program starting in kindergarten

• Free before & after school care & Free K-8 school supplies

• Free AP classes, tests, & Free college (trade cert/associate degree) Visit www.hsd2.org/enroll

Survey Results

This fall we surveyed students, staff, and parents for valuable input on the quality of our schools. Visit the district and school websites to learn more, click on About Us/By the Numbers.

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