As the end of the school year draws near, there are many deadlines that rapidly approach and many events to attend. We all find ourselves extremely busy. The end of the 2014-2015 school year in District 49 means a time of recognition for students and staff, as months and years of hard work result in diplomas, scholarships and awards.Our students are being recognized with unprecedented accomplishments. The Falcon High School Class of 2015 is in the process of setting records for money awarded in scholarships, the percentage of students being accepted to the post-secondary school of their choice and appointments to our nationís military academies. Three scholars from Sand Creek High School received full college scholarships from The Daniels Fund. This scholarship is one of the most competitive and beneficial in the Rocky Mountain region.Across the district, we are experiencing greater levels of staff recognition and student success than ever before. Some of the highlights include the recognition of Dale Bonavita at Falcon Virtual Academy as Coloradoís Online and Blended Counselor of the Year. We are also excited to honor Rebecca Sims as recipient of a full tuition scholarship from the University of Phoenix to complete a masterís degree focused on adult education and training.The Falcon Education Foundation annual awards and fundraising dinner was held in April. I look forward to this annual celebration of innovative learning opportunities in the district and the students, staff and volunteers that are recognized at this yearly highlight. Numbers are still being crunched, but this community-led organization raised more than $40,000 at the event. This money will be used to support the foundationís mini-grant program and scholarships. Our community continues to show support and generosity in astounding ways. Thank you.I am excited to announce that Dr. Julia Roark has been named the new Falcon Zone Leader. Currently the assistant superintendent of Aspen School District, Dr. Roark will officially begin July 1. She is already collaborating with principals and other leaders in Falcon Zone.A rich and thorough process, with input from students, parents, teachers and administrators results in a talented leader being added to District 49. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to serving as Aspenís assistant superintendent, Dr. Roark taught at New Mexico Highlands University, while serving the local community as an elementary principal and professional development and instruction specialist.Dr. Roark is a highly skilled and knowledgeable educator. Her Doctor of Education dissertation focused on K-12 literacy. She will contribute fresh insights to Falcon Zone in support of our commitment to primary literacy and 49 Pathways.We thank outgoing Falcon Zone Leader Monty Lammers for his leadership, dedication and vision to the students and families of Falcon Zone and District 49. Join me in wishing Monty a bright future with continued success.There are powerful and positive developments happening behind the scenes and just over the horizon. From the promising results of our primary literacy initiative to the profusion of opportunities through 49 Pathways, District 49 is moving in the right direction. With increased attention to our systems and processes, and enduring focus on primary literacy and secondary pathways, we expect the trend of improved performance to pick up momentum.Among many other positive developments, we are growing great leaders and attracting even more. As our parents, students, educators and administrators work together, we can reach new heights like never before. We can do more by serving each other than we can alone. That spirit of collaboration is what is already lifting District 49 to be the best district to learn, work and lead.
