FAST! When I reflect on this summer, fast is the first word that comes to mind. I always experience mixed emotions sending and receiving “welcome back” letters. While the welcome back letter signifies the end of summer break, it also means a new school year full of collaboration, camaraderie and work on behalf of our learners.

For families returning to us for the 2022-23 school year, I want to begin by thanking you. Thank you for continuing to choose Sand Creek Zone schools. I know you have options to attend elsewhere. For those families that are new to our zone this school year, welcome. We are excited to partner with you as we begin a new school year in the pursuit of excellence.

In an effort to meet the needs of our learners, we continue to explore and implement distinctive educational programs and pathways that span our K-12 schools. Our elementary schools utilize CKLA as the primary resource for English Language Arts. The K-5 math resource for our students is Eureka Math. Horizon Middle School is in the midst of a significant English Language Arts adoption. Our middle school instructors are preparing for a full-scale implementation of My Perspectives this fall. We are thrilled to expand our health sciences pathway at Sand Creek High School. Furthermore, SCHS is in the midst of developing additional academic pathways aligned with workforce demand and expectations.

With regard to continuity, our zone strategic plan and scorecard have remained consistent throughout the last five years. However, as a result of stakeholder input, we did make some revisions to the plan this summer. Please take a few minutes to review our updated strategic plan by clicking here. We also develop zone and individual school scorecards on an annual basis. The annual scorecard allows us to select a few strategic goals, actions, and metrics to focus on throughout the school year. You may review the 2022-2023 Sand Creek Zone Scorecard by clicking here.

Frankly, I am looking forward to this school year. Yes, there have been some distractions and key leadership movements of late. Unfortunately, the distractions and resignations are out of our control. What we will influence is providing the very best learning environment for our students, a great place for staff to work and a destination families are proud to call their child’s school. We must look forward, not backward.

Speaking of looking forward, I want to welcome the Stetson Elementary School community to the Sand Creek Zone. As a result of boundary changes, we are excited to have the Raiders as a part of the Sand Creek Zone team. I have had the opportunity to spend a good bit of time at Stetson Elementary throughout the spring and summer. Without question, Stetson Elementary is a building focused on doing what is best for students…always. I am excited for the opportunity to work for SES.

Here’s to a successful 2022-2023 school year.

Sincerely,

Sean Dorsey

Zone Leader

Sand Creek Zone