Canon Connections.TEMPLATE.
DATE / ISSUE
One of our strategic plan priority areas is ENGAGEMENT, the idea that our schools are strongest when they are woven tightly into the fabric of the community. We saw that principle in recent weeks when a local business group stepped up with a generous contribution to support our schools. Their gift was more than just dollars; it was a demonstration of trust, collaboration, and belief in our students’ potential.
Similarly, we were the recipient of the amazing talent, time, and generosity of local business and skilled trades organizations for the Fremont Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) hosted Project Sudden Impact, which took place on September 11th, 2025 at Citizens’ Stadium. Our students were treated to a high-energy display of The World of Work .
This TradeSTART initiative at FEDC secured dollars that make Operation Sudden Impact a possibility, and from there, it was a lot of collaboration, coordination, and logistics. All in all, I think the event was a great example of community “giving back”, while we also displayed many different options for high-tech trade/job opportunities, as well as internship connections. All CCHS students have a follow-up activity they are completing in regards to what they experienced on Thursday, and I’ve personally heard from a number of students that they were positively impacted by the big surprise. That’s awesome!
We know that when our community invests in us, we have a responsibility to multiply that investment into meaningful opportunities for kids. Whether it’s enhancing classroom experiences, supporting extracurricular activities, or providing professional learning for staff, every partnership reinforces that “Learning for Life” is not just a motto, but a lived reality here in Cañon City Schools.
Core Belief #3 States “We’re Future Focused, believing that the development of certain Skills & Traits will prepared students for every-changing careers”. To that end, we are committed to ensuring that every student leaves our system prepared for college, career, and life. A big part of that vision right now is the continued rollout of AVID strategies at our secondary schools, as well as in some of our elementary schools. Teachers are intentionally weaving writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading into their classrooms. These aren’t just skills for school. They’re life skills that build confidence, critical thinking, and independence.
Looking forward, our focus will is placed upon expanding consistency across schools so that whether a student is at CCMS, Harrison, or CCHS, they are encountering common practices that push their learning forward. The AVID journey is still relatively new for us, but already we are seeing classrooms transform. The next step is deepening implementation and ensuring staff have the training and support to sustain this work.
Outside Interest: On Monday, October 7th, we will have the distinct honor of welcoming members of the Colorado State Board of Education to Cañon City Schools. Their visit is part of an effort to better understand how districts across the state are preparing students for success in life, with a particular focus on rural innovation. Being selected as a showcase district is both humbling and exciting. It affirms the hard work of our staff, the support of our community, and the creativity with which we approach challenges and opportunities alike. We are eager to share the ways our students are thriving, the innovative practices that are taking root in our schools, and the unique K-12 collaboration that defines education in the district.
Strengthening From Within: On Friday, October 10th, our staff will come together for a districtwide Professional Development Fair. The first portion of the day will be dedicated to professional learning directly tied to our strategic plan priorities, ensuring that the work we do in classrooms is closely aligned with the commitments we’ve made as a district. In the second portion, staff will have the chance to connect in vertical teams with colleagues from across grade levels and schools. This collaboration strengthens continuity in instruction, helps teachers see the bigger picture of a student’s journey through Cañon City Schools, and deepens the sense of shared purpose across our district.
Construction Update: Construction at Canon Exploratory School, McKinley Elementary and Lincoln School of Science & Technology are steadily “almost finalized”. Each new wall, window, and classroom represents not just a construction milestone but a promise to our students that they will learn in spaces designed for today’s needs. Progress has been inspiring to watch. The CCHS project is considerably larger, and thereby will continue throughout this school year. I appreciate the flexibility and tenacity of students and staff alike at our high school.
Community Investments: We’ll be finishing the construction of our third Workforce Housing unit in the coming weeks, again partnering with local businesses to meet this critical need. Projects like these may not directly take place in the classroom, but they matter deeply. When our staff have stable housing options, teaching and learning are stronger.
