D11 Insights
October 2021
Russell Wall of Fame Ceremony
D11 Admin Honored as a Woman of Influence
Russell Wall of Fame Ceremony
Superintendent's Mission Matters
October is also a month where we recognize the significant contributions of Native Americans. The Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho are three of the many tribes that first occupied much of the Southern Colorado region. Their contributions originally defined our region and many Indigenous customs, practices, and developments are evident today. Whether traversing Pikes Peak, strolling through Garden of The Gods, or visiting Manitou Springs, these places have a deep, rich history of Indigenous people in our area. In School District 11, we are proud to honor the history and present-day contributions of Native Americans. In District 11, we are proud to honor the history and present-day contributions of Native Americans. Examples include:
· Embedding the first-of-its kind state and tribal collaboration in the development of learning resources for the Colorado History elements in the 4th grade standards. By comparing traditional resources to one that tribal elders have approved as they way they prefer their stories told, our educators and students gain insights on multiple perspectives. Click here to see these units titled: Nuu-Chiu Strong
· Our Title VI department is developing a five-year student learning vision and plan in partnership with community members. The community members and students involved will be focused on how to emphasize the D11 Graduate Profile while investigating and networking with indigenous entrepreneurship opportunities. Click here for one example of these opportunities. Please contact Carolena Jackson at Carolina.Jackson@d11.org if you would like to participate.
For a list of Native American curricular resources, please click here.
Lastly, we just completed our universal academic screening process with many of our students. This is an important opportunity for D11 teachers to understand the foundational learning needs of our students. These assessments are given at three different intervals throughout the year. The fall administration establishes a baseline FOR learning. D11 teachers can use this information to establish learner-appropriate groups for core instruction, find ways to offer interventions, and even accelerate learning for students who need it. Please take the time to connect with your student’s teachers to best understand how we can partner with our parents and guardians to have the best learning experiences this year.
Yours in Partnership,
Michael J. Thomas
Coronado Graduate Honored
CSPD Play COS at Midland
Henry Elementary Pirate Day
Inclement Weather: What to Know Before the Snow
Flu or COVID? How to Tell
Respiratory season is upon us, and it's an unusually early one this year. 'Normal' winter respiratory illnesses like cold, croup and flu are up in kids across the board. Meanwhile, their symptoms can look a lot like COVID-19. How to tell one from the other? An infectious disease expert from Children’s Hospital Colorado says that although flu and common cold symptoms can be similar to COVID-19 in kids, there are some important differences. Learn more here.