Military partners were recognized during a special ìFantastic 49î presentation before the Falcon School District 49 regular Board of Education meeting Dec. 14.†In 2016, District 49 was awarded a five year, $1.5 million grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which will allow the district to improve social-emotional support through the implementation of restorative practices through the BRIGHT initiative. Recently, DoDEA awarded District 49 a second grant of $1 million to support the IGNITE initiative, which brings STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities to K-8 students. The military partners making the DoDEA grants possible were thanked and recognized during the Fantastic 49 presentation.†ìPartnerships with local military is paramount to our success,î said Lea Holland, BRIGHT project manager. ìDistrict 49 serves over 25 percent military and Department of Defense civilian families. The BRIGHT and IGNITE initiatives give the opportunity to work with military families during transitions.î†Junior ROTC Cadet Lt. Col. Jalen Criss, from Sand Creek High School, kicked off the recognition with a cappella performance of the national anthem. Junior ROTC students from District 49 high schools introduced special guests, while the BOE president, Marie La Vere-Wright, presented plaques and personalized coins as a token of appreciation.†Col. Jennifer Grant, commander 50th Space Wing, Air Force Space Command, at Schriever Air Force Base, was presented with a plaque for the baseís partnership with the district. ìAnytime we have school districts, teachers and counselors who get involved with our young ones across the board and help them to become adaptive and resilient, thereís a lot of goodness there,î Grant said.†Junior ROTC Cadet First Lt. Nicholas Benfiel, from Vista Ridge High School, presented, Col. Todd Moore with a plaque for the districtís partnership with Peterson Air Force Base.†ìItís an honor to be here tonight,î Moore said. ìAs a parent, weíre commissioned to serve, but my kids ride along. Itís important for any school to know how important these moves are for children emotionally. Iím thankful D 49 is meeting those needs with these programs.î†Deí Anzo Williams, school liaison officer with the Fort Carson military installation, accepted the recognition for the postís partnership with the district. ìIím honored tonight to represent, as a parent and a liaison, for schools,î Williams said.
