Happy Monday!

Check out the updated zone website for our Zone and FHS Calendars and stay informed of all upcoming events in our schools!

Our first Falcon Zone Coalition Meeting is scheduled for the end of this month on September 21st. Please see the attached flyer and RSVP with the link below - we'd love to see you there!

In Partnership

~Cari Brewer

FZ Community Liaison

Teachers and Staff in the Falcon Zone work incredibly hard. We care about our kids, how they are doing, and their overall academic growth. Teachers throughout our zone analyze academic data, prioritize academic standards, and plan rigorous learning experiences to engage our learners. Falcon Zone wants to ensure that we Empower all Learners (Empower Falcon Zone - EmpowerFZ) through engaging environments, enhanced opportunities, and elevated instruction.

This past week, I experienced a moment with a staff where all of these pieces had truly come together. During the 22-23 school year, Bennett Ranch Elementary was on Priority Improvement. This meant that the state was not seeing a strong level of student achievement and academic growth in our student performance on the state assessment, CMAS. Over the entirety of the past year, Bennett Ranch Elementary teachers and staff worked to turn this around. Teams looked closely at their student data, personalized the learning experiences within their classrooms to meet individual needs, and brought the best of instructional practices to the forefront. EmpowerFZ gained momentum as staff supported each other and shared strategies that would best strengthen student learning overall.

At their recent staff meeting, Principal Martina Meadows reviewed all of the steps that BRES had been taking to improve what they do. She highlighted the hard work and commended the outstanding effort that every Bennett Ranch staff member showed in this process. Principal Meadows then shared that our Bennett Ranch Bulls had performed exceptionally well on the recent CMAS administration. Their academic growth data showed that many academic gaps were closing for our students. As such, Bennett Ranch Elementary School moved all of the way from Priority Improvement to a Performance Rating from the state! That means that BRES jumped two levels in their performance, which is not common in Colorado.

Bennett Ranch absolutely needs to be celebrated and commended for their outstanding effort to make such awesome improvement. Way to go Bulls!

Sophia Flores, an 8th grade student at Falcon Middle School, is a great example of a young entrepreneur. Her mom suggested she start a business making jewelry and one of her teachers recommended her for our Student Spotlight!

What is the name of your business? She is Creations

How did you get the idea for your business? My mom saw people making and selling jewelry on Facebooks and she told me that I was creative and I loved earnings, so why not start a business and sell them. My mom and I work on them together.

How long have you had your business? 2 years

What do you make? I make earrings, necklaces and keychains, but earnings are my favorite because I love wearing them.

Where do you sell your jewelry? Etsy and Shopify

What is the best part about your business? I like being creative and making people happy!

Great job Sophia - way to represent Firebird Nation!

In the Falcon Zone we pride ourselves on having the most incredible staff! We want to give our community a chance to recognize those people that make a difference in our schools and for our students every day! Please let us know who is making a positive impact for your student. Let us know who has gone above and beyond to enhance your experience in our zone. Let us know who is doing an outstanding job!

Every staff member that is recognized will receive a note of recognition and a shoutout in our community newsletter. Staff members include not only teachers but secretaries, administrators, custodial & kitchen staff, paras, etc.

We want to know who is making a difference! Thank you for taking the time to fill out this quick form!

Thank you to everyone that took the time to recognize some of our amazing staff members. Below are the recognitions gathered from last week!

Courtney Morrison (FHS) - Thank you for your exceptional work and for being an invaluable resource for all of us. Your dedication to our students and your professionalism are greatly appreciated. Looking forward to continued collaboration and success in the upcoming academic year.

Cheryl Curry (WHES) - Cheryl goes above and beyond to support students and help them through tough times throughout their day. She seeks to understand the "why" behind what is going on and works with the student to resolve the issue and move forward. Additionally, she is seamlessly serving two roles in our building. WHES is so lucky to have her care and compassion.

Jill Sawyer (WHES) - Jill is a phenomenal para-educator! She has firm boundaries and expectations; however, her approach is gentle and caring. Students know they are valued and cared for! She seamlessly supports students with their academic needs and their behavior/Social-emotional needs. We are so lucky to have her on our team!

Jared Hamilton (FHS) - He shows such an interest in his students and makes learning fun. You can tell that he is passionate not only about teaching but cares about our children as people. He is an outstanding teacher!

FESoT Admin Team - Mr. Kulbacki and Mrs. Ardolf did a terrific job during a recent challenging school evacuation. They remained calm while keeping staff informed of what was happening and next steps. Although this was an unexpected emergency, the evacuation went smoothly. Overall, they have worked as a team to create a positive environment to work, teach, and learn in this year. Keep up the good work!

Janet Notsch (FMS) - Janet is an amazing para! She makes students feel comfortable and capable. When she works one on one or in small groups with students, she is a calming influence and always encourages them to do their best. We're so lucky to have Janet at FMS!

Adare Hotel (FHS) - I appreciate Mrs. Hotel's work ethics and willingness to help students. I so appreciated her help and her initiative to help!

It is a common misconception that because breakfast & lunch are free this year, applying for the Free & Reduced program is not necessary, but as you can see in the diagram above, these applications mean so much more than a free meal. Additional funds will go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals, support after-school activities and other nutritional programs for students. Plus, households who qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more.

If you have not already done so, we strongly encourage you to complete a Free & Reduced application, even if you don't think you will qualify. Every application received has potential to help our school and in turn help our students.

Please click the button below to submit an online application!

9/7 @ 4 - FESoT PTA/SAC Meeting

9/8 @ 5 - WHES PTA Food Truck Night

9/11 @ 5 - BRES/FMS SAC Meeting

9/12 - @ 4 - WHES SAC Meeting/@ 5 WHES PTA Meeting

9/14 @ 6:30 - D49 Board Meeting