Volume 45. No. 3 May 2003 2003 CSAP Results page 8 School News pages 3, 4, 5 Staff News pages 6, 7 DeNiro, Owen selected Principals of the Year Middle School Principal of the Year The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) announced the selection of Dr. Kathy DeNiro, principal of Corwin Middle School in Pueblo 60 School District, as the 2003 MetLife/NASSP Colorado Middle Level Principal of the Year. DeNiro has been principal of Corwin Middle School, designated as a Title I school serving a high-poverty, minority student population, since 1999. In addition, she serves as director of middle schools in Pueblo 60. Her career in education spans 27 years in the district as a teacher and administrator. A successful grant writer, DeNiro has implemented several research-based programs at Corwin Middle School including a schoolwide reading and math program, an academic center for at-risk students with severe reading issues, an In support of her selection, Pueblo 60 Superintendent Joyce Bales said, “Dr. DeNiro has assumed a strong leadership role in our district’s instructional program. She is innovative and a tireless force within Corwin and with our other middle schools.” DeNiro was selected by her peers in the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), a department of CASE and affiliate of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The principal of the year program is sponsored by MetLife and NASSP. please see OWEN continued on page 2 Elementary School Principal of the Year The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) announces the selection of Keith Owen, principal of Beulah Heights Elementary School in Pueblo School District 60, as the 2003 Colorado National Distinguished Principal of the Year. Owen has been principal of Beulah Heights Elementary School since 1999. In 2002, Beulah Heights was named a National Distinguished Title I School. Title I schools serve poor and disadvantaged students. In January 2003, Owen was invited to meet with President and Mrs. Bush (CSAP) jumped from 50 percent to 86 percent in three years. Pueblo 60 Superintendent Joyce Bales said Owen inspires in others the commitment and passion to ensure success for all children. “Keith has a clear vision of the kind of school his community wants to have and operates it consistently according to values and beliefs tied to that vision,” she said. Owen was selected by his peers in the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP), a department of CASE and affiliate of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The National Distinguished Principal program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, NAESP, and VALIC. Don Briix, president of CAESP said, “It is a major goal of the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals to recognize and honor our excellent Colorado principals. We have a tremendous number of dedicated principals serving children in our schools on a daily basis. Keith Owen is an outstanding principal, and I congratulate him for being recognized as the Colorado National Distinguished Principal and representing all our excellent Colorado principals.” please see DeNIRO continued on page 2
Transcript
Volume 45. No. 3
May 2003
2003CSAP Results
page
8
School Newspages
3, 4, 5
Staff Newspages
6, 7
DeNiro, Owen selectedPrincipals of the Year
Middle School Principal of the YearThe Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) announced the
selection of Dr. Kathy DeNiro, principal of Corwin Middle School in Pueblo 60 School District, as the 2003 MetLife/NASSP Colorado Middle Level Principal of the Year.
DeNiro has been principal of Corwin Middle School, designated as a Title I school serving a high-poverty, minority student population, since 1999. In addition, she serves as director of middle schools in Pueblo 60. Her career in education spans 27 years in the district as a teacher and administrator.
A successful grant writer, DeNiro has implemented several research-based programs at Corwin Middle School including a schoolwide reading and math program, an academic center for at-risk students with severe reading issues, an
academic and recreational-based, after-school program and a schoolwide discipline program.In support of her selection, Pueblo 60 Superintendent Joyce Bales said, “Dr. DeNiro has assumed a
strong leadership role in our district’s instructional program. She is innovative and a tireless force within Corwin and with our other middle schools.”
DeNiro was selected by her peers in the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), a department of CASE and affi liate of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The principal of the year program is sponsored by MetLife and NASSP.
academic and recreational-based, after-school program and a schoolwide discipline program.
please see OWEN continued on page 2
Elementary School Principal of the YearThe Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) announces the
selection of Keith Owen, principal of Beulah Heights Elementary School in Pueblo School District 60, as the 2003 Colorado National Distinguished Principal of the Year.
Owen has been principal of Beulah Heights Elementary School since 1999. In 2002, Beulah Heights was named a National Distinguished Title I School. Title I schools serve poor and disadvantaged students.
In January 2003, Owen was invited to meet with President and Mrs. Bush and Secretary of Education Paige at the White House where, during a press conference, Beulah Heights was cited by the President for its achievements. Under Owen’s leadership, fourth grade reading scores on the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) jumped from 50 percent to 86 percent in three years.
Pueblo 60 Superintendent Joyce Bales said Owen inspires in others the commitment and passion to ensure success for all children. “Keith has a clear vision of the kind of school his community wants to have and operates it consistently according to values and beliefs tied to that vision,” she said. Owen was selected by his peers in the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP), a department of CASE and affi liate of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The National Distinguished Principal program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, NAESP, and VALIC.
Don Briix, president of CAESP said, “It is a major goal of the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals to recognize and honor our excellent Colorado principals. We have a tremendous number of dedicated principals serving children in our schools on a daily basis. Keith Owen is an outstanding principal, and I congratulate him for being recognized as the Colorado National Distinguished Principal and representing all our excellent Colorado principals.”
Under Owen’s leadership, fourth grade reading scores on the Colorado Student Assessment Program
please see DeNIRO continued on page 2
2……The Communicator……MAY 2003 MAY 2003……The Communicator……3
is a newsletter published byPueblo School District No. 60.
Information, comments, or suggestionsshould be sent to:
Communications Offi ceAdministrative Ser vic es CenterPueblo School District No. 60
Administrative StaffJohn D. Musso, R.S.B.A. ...Deputy Superintendent
Carolyn Lueck................... Assistant Superintendentof Sup port Services
Sandy Gecewicz ............Assistant Superintendentof Leadership and In struc tion
Frank Klein ........................ Assistant Superintendentof Information Systems
Alton W. Zanders, J.D. .. Assistant Superintendentof Hu man Resources
Pueblo School District No. 60 does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or age in access to, employment in, or in the provision of any of Pueblo School Dis trict No. 60’s pro grams, benefi ts, or activities. In quir ies re gard ing Pueb lo School Dis trict No. 60’s com pli ance with Title IX, Sec tion 504, Title VI, Title VII, Amer i can Dis abil i ties Act – 1990, and Af fi r ma tive Ac tion may be referred to the Equal Em ploy ment Op por tu ni ty/Af fi r ma tive Action Com pli ance Of fi c er for Pueb lo School Dis trict No. 60, 315 West 11th St., Pueb lo, CO (719-549-7162).
Com mu ni ca torThe
BOARD OF EDUCATIONJune 10 and 24 / July 8 August 12 and 25, 200312 noon and 7:00 p.m.
ARAPAHOE ROOM
FLAG DAY – Saturday, June 14, 2003
FATHERS DAY – Sunday, June 15, 2003
INDEPENDENCE DAYFriday, July 4, 2003
Datesto remember
DeNIRO…continued from page 1
This award recognizes leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. Selection criteria include proven educational leadership, resolution of complex problems, development of self and others, and a record of community service.
Brent Curtice, president of CASSP, notes “Kathy represents outstanding leadership at the middle school level. Her commitment to students by providing programs to strengthen their life skills in unsurpassed.”
CASE Executive Director Peg Portscheller presented DeNiro with her award at a school district event this spring. She and other CASE award winners also were recognized at a special awards dinner in Denver and at the annual CASE convention this summer in Breckenridge.
As Colorado Middle Level Principal of the Year, DeNiro is eligible for National Middle Level Principal of the Year recognition, which will be announced in early 2004. She will be honored, along with other state winners, in Washington, D.C. at that time.
DeNiro earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Colorado, a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and a doctorate from the University of Denver.
Well deserved recognition, Kathy!
OWEN…continued from page 1
This award recognizes successful elementary or middle level principals who have provided outstanding leadership. Selection criteria include evidence of respect from the school community; active community involvement; strong educational leadership; and evidence of maintaining an orderly, purposeful learning environment.
CASE Executive Director Peg Portscheller presented Owen with his award at a school district event this spring. He and other CASE award winners also were recognized at a special awards dinner in Denver and at the annual CASE convention this summer in Breckenridge.
As Colorado’s National Distinguished Principal, Owen will be honored, along with other state winners, in Washington, D.C. next fall.
Owen has been an educator for 10 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Colorado and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Northern Colorado.
Established in 1969, the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is an organization of more than 2,000 school administrators committed to improving achievement through promoting and building quality educational leadership in all Colorado schools.
Congratulations Keith on all your well deserved honors!
Bales Recognized for Contributions to PuebloRecipients of the 2003 Anna Taussig Award given by the YWCA
were: Joyce Bales, Ersilia Cruz, Patty Erjavec, Joann Solano, Paulette Stuart, and Donna Upchurch. Dr. Bales was nominated by Kathleen Kennedy, District 60 Board Member. Dr. Bales is currently the Superintendent of Pueblo School District No. 60. She is a fi rm believer that all students can learn and that reading is the key to academic success. Dr. Bales has earned praise and recognition from President George Bush, Governor Bill Owens, The El Pomar Foundation, and many others. She participates in numerous community organizations and works collaboratively with them to assure a quality work force. Dr. Bales strong, strategic leadership has brought results and great pride to the city of Pueblo. Pueblo is better for your contributions, Dr. Bales!
Recipients of the 2003 Anna Taussig Award given by the YWCA were: Joyce Bales, Ersilia Cruz, Patty Erjavec, Joann Solano, Paulette Stuart, and Donna Upchurch. Dr. Bales was nominated by Kathleen
collaboratively with them to assure a quality work force. Dr. Bales
to the city of Pueblo. Pueblo is better for your contributions, Dr.
Recipients of the 2003 Anna Taussig Award given by the YWCA were: Joyce Bales, Ersilia Cruz, Patty Erjavec, Joann Solano, Paulette Stuart, and Donna Upchurch. Dr. Bales was nominated by Kathleen
collaboratively with them to assure a quality work force. Dr. Bales
to the city of Pueblo. Pueblo is better for your contributions, Dr.
2……The Communicator……MAY 2003 MAY 2003……The Communicator……3
School NewsCows, Pigs, Dunk-Tanks and Shaved Heads – Oh My!
Principals and staff have initiated some pretty creative ways to motivate and reward students’ efforts this year. At Fountain, Cody Festerlinghair for his students who met their Accelerated Reader (AR) goals. Jeanette Garciaa pig – twice! – for her students who generously raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies’ Pennies for Patients campaign. Barbara Camerlo, principal at South Park and Superintendent Bales milked a cow as part of a challenge to students for reaching their AR goals. And Nick Leyva, principal at Highland Park has given the ultimate – he has already taken a stint in a dunk-tank and will also have his head shaven for his students reaching their AR goals. Kind of makes you look forward to next year!
Boettcher ScholarshipsThe Boettcher Foundation announced that two Pueblo District 60 students
will be offered Boettcher Scholarships this year. Monique Marez of Central High School and Vanessa Roman of South High School are among the select group of 40 students statewide who have been offered this award, considered among the most prestigious in Colorado.
These awards cover virtually all college expenses for recipients who chose to further their education in their home state of Colorado. The scholarships consist of full tuition, fees, book allowance as well as an annual stipend for living expenses for eight semesters to either a public or private Colorado four-year school.
Selection is strictly ‘merit-based’, allowing all seniors in Colorado to compete based upon their individual accomplishments. This year’s scholarship winners were selected from among more than 900 qualifi ed applicants on the basis of their academic performance, demonstrated ability, outstanding character and their participation and leadership in both school and community activities. To be eligible for one of these prestigious wards, students must rank among the top 5% of their graduating class, have a score of at least 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT. Congratulations to Vanessa and Monique!
Principals and staff have initiated some pretty creative ways to motivate and reward students’ efforts this year. At
Cody Festerling fourth grade teacher gave his hair for his students who met their Accelerated Reader
Jeanette Garcia, principal at Irving, kissed a pig – twice! – for her students who generously
Principals and staff have initiated some pretty creative Principals and staff have initiated some pretty creative ways to motivate and reward students’ efforts this year. At
fourth grade teacher gave his hair for his students who met their Accelerated Reader
, principal at Irving, kissed
South Park receives Distinguished Title I Award
Colorado Department of Education recently released the winners of the 2002-2003 Title 1 Distinguished Schools Program. This year the State of Colorado expanded the Title 1 Distinguished Schools Program to include one school from each of its eight regions. To qualify schools had to: ‘Demonstrate success in ensuring that all children, particularly educationally deprived children, make signifi cant progress toward achieving profi ciency on state standards. Each school must declare a poverty attendance of 40% or above.’ In addition to meeting these requirements, schools also had to demonstrate the highest combined score in reading and math according to 2002 CSAP data. For winning the Distinguished Title 1 School Program South Park will receive a $5,000 award. South Park Principal Barb Camerlo and her staff were on hand at the District 60 Board of Education meeting, May 13, to accept this recognition from offi cials of the Colorado Department of Education. In the award letter from CDE, William Windler, Assistant Commissioner noted “South Park Elementary School serves as a beacon of hope and a shining example of how hard work by staff and students alike can result in exemplary accomplishments. Despite signifi cant obstacles, your school has made great progress in making sure that no child will be left behind. Again, congratulations for a job well done.’ Way to go South Park!
Gary Sibigtroth, CDE Assistant Commisioner and Superintendent Dr. Joyce Bales present the Title I award South Park Elementary principal Barbara Camerlo.
4……The Communicator……MAY 2003 MAY 2003……The Communicator……5
School NewsD.I. Teams destined for global fi nals
The Destination Imagination Teams from Heaton Middle School and Roncalli Middle School will be heading to the Global Finals at the University of Tennessee May 20–25. The top two teams in each challenge category in the state fi nals in Denver will attend the Global Finals.
Roncalli’s “Nonovits” team came in fi rst in their challenge category ViDIo Adventure. The Roncalli Nonovits team consisting of Nate Adams, Jason Engel, Jessica Engel, Mary Shinn, and Mike Wilk, placed fi rst in this state competition at the University of Denver. Mary Shinn and Nathaniel Adams were members of the Heritage Elementary team that went to Globals last year and placed fourth, the highest ranking along with Haaff Elementary, to place at Globals. The team also received a Renaissance Award for exceptional skill in the areas of engineering, design, and performance. The appraisers commented that the team used mechanical and electrical engineering that was more suited for the secondary and university levels. The Roncalli team is coached by Wanda Adams, who also coached the Heritage team to Globals last year. By placing fi rst, the team has earned the opportunity to compete in the 2003 Global Finals at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.
The Heat’s On Improv team from Heaton came in only 1.5 points behind the fi rst place team from the Denver area. They presented a performance about a “bull-y”, cows that gave different kinds of milk, and a stinky cheese ghost cow. They kept the judges laughing which was good because they were the last of 27 teams to perform for the judges in their level on Saturday. The bulk of this team attended the Global competition last year. The Heaton team members from last year are Danelle Wiebe, Priscilla Troung, Deandra McCain, Laura Munch and Rob Munch. These team members went to Globals last year and placed 15th overall in their category. Two new members joined the team this year. They are Kim Dorland and Pericles Maranhao-Neto. Pericles arrived in Pueblo from Brazil just last year. The team is asking to partner with a Brazilian team at Globals as the language will be no problem for Pericles, who speaks Portuguese. These seven students from Heaton in their fl aming hats and shirts know the heat is on for them in Tennessee and are ready and willing to rise to the occasion.
South singers play Carnegie HallYou know you have arrived when you are invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.That’s the feeling that 56 South High choir members felt as they headed for the pantheon of American performance venues. The
group is comprised of students from South’s two premier vocal choirs – the Cecilian Choir and the Bel Canto Choir.
The South performers, who were one of only eleven choirs from around the country invited to perform, were joined by members of those 10 other student choirs to lend their voices to a piece entitled “Gloria”, written by French composer Francis Poulenc. “Gloria” is a twenty-fi ve minute piece that includes an impressive range of emotional styles. They performed under the baton of English composer/conductor John Rutter, renowned for his 1985 work “Requiem.”
The performance was at 2:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday in the 113 year old Carnegie, where the ticket prices range from $79 to $34 for the 2,804 seats.
Students joined with their parents and choir boosters to raise the $125,000 necessary to make the trek. Many students worked long hours after school to accumulate the $1,650 to make it to The Big Apple.
East sends 4 to DECA nationals
Mike Patti, the Vocational Education/Marketing instructor at East High School is proud to report that four of his students made the trip to the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Nationals in Orlando. The four fi nalists are Melissa Reyes and Brittni Pino who placed at the State DECA competition in Creative Marketing. Spencer Schweitzer placed at State in Technical Sales and Amber Endress placed in Vehicles and Petroleum. East sent a total of 10 students to the State Business Club competition with four scoring high enough for National placement.
Good luck Melissa, Brittni, Spencer and Amber at the Nationals!
4……The Communicator……MAY 2003 MAY 2003……The Communicator……5
It was an overtime battle that fi nally gave the regional knowledge bowl title to Central High School. Both La Junta and Central teams had battled to a tie in the fi nal round of competition at Pueblo Community College and it took an overtime
heart stopper to fi nally give the win to Central. Each team had answered incredibly challenging questions all day long but it came down to 5 questions for each team that decided the day. And it fi nally came down to the last question when La Junta had missed 6, Central missed 4 and was given the last question and they nailed it for the win! Central and La Junta will be joined by Alamosa, Lamar and Centennial as they move to the State competition in May at Adams State College.
Fifteen teams began a day of tight competition by some of the brightest students each school sponsored. The competition is sponsored each year by Pueblo Rotary 43 and Pueblo Central High School. Sally Keller, Social Studies teacher at Central, and co-coordinator of the competition noted, “It’s terrifi c to be able to provide a competition such as Knowledge Bowl to allow students to display their academic skills. It’s not just memorization of facts, but also requires critical thinking, that’s what is really fun to watch!”
Baca nominated for No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program
Baca Elementary School has been nominated for the No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Schools Program.
The President and Congress’s education initiatives have stressed accountability for results for all students. This prestigious award program is to honor elementary and secondary schools in the United States that make signifi cant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at the highest levels. The program recognizes and presents as models, schools that meet either of the two assessment criteria.
The selected school will be notifi ed of approval by September 8 and will be invited to Washington, D.C. this fall to meet President Bush and the secretary of education at an awards ceremony.
Bessemer Academy studentwins District 60spelling bee
Noelle Reed methodically spelled out a word she had never heard before, ‘babushka’ to clinch the 27th annual District 60 Spelling Bee championship. Noelle, an eighth-grader at Bessemer Academy edged out seventh-grader Taylor Duran from Cesar Chavez Academy to take the city crown. Both were fi rst time competitors in the city-wide bee. The top eight fi nishers Thursday qualifi ed for state. The others to advance were Chelsie Shoop, seventh-grade, Corwin; Nick Cordova, eighth-grade, Pitts Middle; Brandon Wright, eighth-grade, Pitts; James De Santos, eighth-grade, Corwin; RoniTorres, eighth-grade, Bessemer; and Eliza Gutierrez, eighth-grade, Bessemer. In earning top honors, Noelle received a $129 gift certifi cate from Sears, a $25
gift certifi cate from The Bookery book store, a new dictionary from District 60 and an overnight paid trip for their family to attend the state spelling bee in Denver, sponsored by KRDO-TV.
Central wins Knowledge Bowl in clincher
Superintendent Dr. Bales, Monique Marez, Anthony Bowman, John Butkovich, Anthony Perko, Tom Willumstad, sponsor Mrs. Sally Keller and Brian Worker.
Spelling Bee winner Noelle Reed.
Contestants and judges wait for the Bee to begin.
6……The Communicator……MAY 2003 MAY 2003……The Communicator……7
Staf f News
Klein recognized by Colorado Legislature
Frank Klein, District 60 Assistant Superintendent of Information Systems was recognized in proclamation on March 27, by Representative and Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, Lola Spradley, for his outstanding contributions toward bridging the ‘digital divide’. Congratulations for all you are doing Frank!
Gazette appointed maintenance supervisor
Mark Gazette took the reigns of facility management for the sprawling physical assets of District 60 on March 14. Mr. Gazette most recently was the Director of Planning and Construction for Colorado State University-Pueblo. He has over 28 years of experience in maintenance and repair with 23 of those years
in related supervisory capacity. Mr. Gazette has a BA in Electronics Engineering Technology and Facilities Management. He also holds an AA degree in technical trades in refrigeration & mechanical systems. He has extensive experience in all aspects of maintenance operations and facility management as well as a strong working knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and electrical. He is skilled in computerized maintenance management systems and automated building controls for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), fi re and security systems. He is profi cient with computer systems, offi ce applications and Computerized Drafting Systems. In addition, Mr. Gazette has experience in work planning, construction estimating and scheduling, maintenance planning and construction, and budget management. Mr. Gazette has a successful history of long range planning efforts, preventative maintenance procedures, equipment replacement, staffi ng, and capital outlay and construction planning efforts. He has managed numerous construction, remodeling and repair projects and has had direct supervisory experience over journey level trades people. Mr. Gazette has also taught building mechanical systems, building electrical systems and facilities planning and construction at CSU - Pueblo for the Facilities Management degree program. Welcome aboard Mark!
Community groups drive Pueblo technology visionA number of community organizations
are coming together to help propel a comprehensive technology vision for Pueblo. The group calling itself the “Community Technology Partnership” is currently comprised of Pueblo District 60, Pueblo County Commissioners, Latino Chamber of Commerce, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and PEDCO.
A public presentation hosted by the Pueblo County Commissioners to share this program with the community took place on March 13.
The purpose of this gathering was to share the vision among Pueblo leaders to launch the creation of a county-wide fi ber optic network that will strengthen the education, government, business, and human services sectors in order to establish Pueblo as a learning community at the fore front of the Technology Revolution while at the same time improving the quality of life for Pueblo’s families and children.
The impetus for the technology plan is to capitalize on the $17.3 million technology component within the District 60 bond, for the creation of a fi ber optic backbone
Frank Klein compares experiences with Bernard Daines (co-creator of Ethernet software) who shared his perspective on successful community technology models.
in Pueblo, which would establish a state of the art connection among the 37 schools within the city.
Frank Klein, Assistant Superintendent for Technology for District 60 noted, “It was incredibly exciting to see over 75 community leaders coming together to help create a new vision for Pueblo. A Pueblo that will be on the cutting edge in making the most advanced technologies available to ever business, home and child.”
Taking this initial investment and then leveraging a broader array of stockholders by including business, government, philanthropic and community resources is unprecedented in Colorado. By taking advantage of this opportunity, Pueblo will be poised to affect education and economic growth through:• More effi cient communication among
local and regional entities• Greater access to information• High school graduates with marketable
skills• A fully functioning state of the art
“technology high school”
• A viable mechanism for attracting new industry
• An opportunity to maintain the talent among our youth in our community
At the conclusion of the presentation various community stakeholders were asked to affi rm their commitment to the vision by signing off on the next planning phases of the project.
Community groups drive Pueblo technology vision
Frank Klein compares experiences with Bernard
6……The Communicator……MAY 2003 MAY 2003……The Communicator……7
District 60 retirement dinnerThe annual recognition dinner honoring employees who will be retiring this year was held on Thursday, May 15, 2003, at Rosario’s Restaurant. The district honored 24 retirees this year. Congratulations and best wishes to the following District 60 retirees:
30-Year recognition dinnerThe annual recognition dinner honoring employees with 30 years of service to the districtwas held on Friday, May 16, 2003, at Nacho’s Downtown Restaurant. The district honored 32 employees this year. Congratulations and appreciation to the following employees:
Three D60 teachers receive Colorado Teacher AwardThe Pueblo County chapter of the 2003 Colorado Teacher Awards recently identifi ed
three deserving District 60 teachers for recognition. Two high school and one elementary teacher were chosen.
Helena Atlas-Acuna, special education teacher, at Franklin Elementary was the elementary teacher selected.
The two high school teachers were Sally Pappas, language arts teacher, from East High School and Karen Pike, vocational education and offi ce occupations teacher at Centennial High School.
All three teachers will advance to the Colorado Teacher of the Year competition and then if successful at the state level on to the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Congratulations and thank you for your contributions in our classrooms and best of luck at state!
David Alexander, Centennial PlanetariumIsabelle Arellano, Bradford CafeteriaCarol Avalos, Central AdministrationJanice Chenoweth, CentennialMargaret (Peggy) Clark, BelmontSharon Comstock, CentennialRalph Conte, CentralDoyle Cooper, RoncalliSylvia Cullen, Sunset ParkClara Dominguez, CorwinCarol Drummond, GoodnightNancy Goodenough, FreedNancy Grady, RoncalliPearl Gurule, Beulah HeightsEarlene Hill, Park ViewBrynn Hufton, Centennial
Cornils named CHSAA presidentDistrict 60 Athletic and Activities Director, Jay Cornils, was recently elected president of the Colorado High
School Activities Association (CHSAA). Cornils will serve in this capacity for a two year term beginning this August. “I’m excited to be elected president of CHSAA. It will be a challenge, and I’m looking forward to working with the commissioner and his staff. I want to help us build new bridges and get some good things done for the kids and their schools,” Cornils noted. The main challenge will be the implementation of the new rules regulating student transfers – that limit the number of times a student can transfer from one school to another for athletic purposes. Cornils will preside over the 62 member Board of Control and 15 member
Executive Committees for CHSAA. There are over 300 schools that have representation in CHSAA. Executive Committees for CHSAA. There are over 300 schools that have representation in CHSAA.
Award winners (front) Helen Atlas-Acuna, Karen Pike, and Sally Pappas with Dr. Joyce Bales, Kathleen Kennedy, Mary Lou Jackson, Sandy Gecewicz, Gail Rodosevich, and Judge Christine Pacheco-Koveleski.
8……The Communicator……MAY 2003
The following information is extracted from the set of 3rd grade 2003 reading CSAP testing information for a period of 6 years for Pueblo School District 60.
1) Overall District 60 average 6 year growth in 3rd grade reading proficient and above CSAP scoring is 27%.
1998 – 66% / 2003-84% = 27% Gain
2) Overall, District 60 Hispanic student average 6 years growth in 3rd grade reading proficient and above CSAP scoring is 35%. This is nearly double the average growth for white students in the same period which was 19%.
Hispanic 1998-60% / 2003-81% = 35% Gain White 1998-74% / 2003-88% = 19% Gain
3) A 76% reduction has been made district-wide in the percentage of students that have scored in the “unsatisfactory” category over 6 years.
4) Title I schools made an average 35% gain in 3rd grade reading CSAP over 6 years. 1998 2003 6 yr AverageBaca 59% 85% 44%Bessemer 64% 70% 9%Beulah Heights 58% 86% 48%Bradford 45% 80% 78%Carlile 74% 85% 15%Columbian 49% 69% 41%Fountain 52% 82% 58%Franklin 70% 88% 26%Goodnight 64% 91% 42%Hellbeck 65% 86% 32%Irving 50% 69% 38%Minnequa 63% 80% 29%Park View 58% 70% 21%Somerlid 54% 69% 28%South Park 81% 93% 15%
5) The 5 highest gaining schools over 6 years in District 60 are all Title I schools. Avg. (Hispanic)Bradford 78% 76%Fountain 58% 58%Beulah Heights 48% 76%Baca 44% 42%Goodnight 42% 55%
6) These are the top 5 schools with greatest one-year gains in 3rd grade CSAP.
7) Seven District 60 schools had zero students that scored ‘unsatisfactory’ on the 2003 3rd grade CSAP tests: Beulah Heights, Cesar Chavez, Franklin, Goodnight, Haaff, Morton and South Park elementary schools.
8) Of the top ten scoring Title 1 schools in the state number 6, 7, and 8 were from District 60 and 11 of the top 25 were from District 60.
D60 3rd grade 2003 CSAP soars!
Belmont Elementary • Adding parent drop-off
and parking spaces
Beulah Heights Elementary • Adding parking spaces,
bus loop drop-off, and parent drop-off
Bradford Elementary • Installing erosion
control for west-side hill protection
• Replacing and/or repairing sidewalk
• Replacing boiler
Carlile Elementary School• Adding parent drop-off
and parking spaces
Centennial High School• Repairing/replacing
tennis courts and sidewalk
• Stabilizing foundation• Replacing boilers
Central High School• Repairing/replacing
tennis courts• Replacing boilers
Cesar Chavez Academy Charter School• Upgrading HVAC• Adding new
gymnasium, new classrooms, and new administration area
Columbian Elementary • Adding parking spaces,
bus drop-off, and parent drop-off
Corwin Middle School• Developing/improving
athletic fields
Dutch Clark Stadium• Installing Astroturf
Fountain Elementary • Adding bus loop drop-off
and parent drop-off
Franklin Elementary • Adding parking spaces, bus
loop drop-off, and parent drop-off
Haaff Elementary • Adding parking spaces, bus
loop drop-off, and parent drop-off
Heaton Middle School• Developing/improving
athletic fields• Adding parking spaces and
parent drop-off
Heritage Elementary • Adding parent drop-off and
parking spaces • Replacing expansion joints
Pitts Middle School• Developing/improving
athletic fields• Adding parent drop-off,
bus drop-off, and parking spaces
Risley Middle School• Adding parent drop-off
Roncalli Middle School• Adding parent drop-off
South Park Elementary School• Adding parking spaces and
parent drop-off
Spann School• Adding six classrooms, new
parking area, and parent drop-off space
• Remodeling interiors
School Summer Projects
Typical potential changes when school starts:• Site impacts:
– Construction equipment parked on site– Safety barricades– Dust and noise during school hours– Construction workers on site during school hours– Limited access– Limited use of outdoor recreational areas– Altered use of drop-off areas during construction
Pueblo School District 602003 CSAP – 3rd Grade Reading
District 60’s average, 84%, surpassed the State average, 74%. Ninetten schools were at or above the State average.
Pueblo School District 602003 CSAP – 3rd Grade Reading
One Year Gains 2002 to 2003
Twenty-one District 60 schools made gains in reading from 2002 to 2003.
