The Mountain Vista Voice
(Parent Newsletter) July 2026
Ram Fam,
I hope you are enjoying a well-deserved and restful summer break. Summer provides a valuable opportunity to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. As I look toward the upcoming school year, I am filled with gratitude for our students, families, and staff, and I am optimistic about what we will accomplish together.
Our theme this year is “Success Is a Journey.” We know that success is not achieved alone—it is built through strong partnerships between students, families, school staff, and our broader community. Together, we create the conditions where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. The year ahead will bring opportunities for growth, learning, connection, and celebration.
One of our continued priorities is elevating student, staff, and parent voice. We will continue our Ram Reps program to gather meaningful student feedback and strengthen student leadership opportunities. We will also continue building strong family partnerships through our Parent Advisory Committee. In addition, we are excited to introduce Walkthrough Wednesdays once a month, providing families the opportunity to visit classrooms, observe learning in action, and see the incredible work happening throughout our school each day.
Building a strong culture of belonging remains central to our work. We will continue utilizing advisory time while recommitting to intentional social-emotional learning (SEL) each week. These experiences help students develop and practice the character traits that define us as Rams: Respectful, Accountable, Mindful, and Successful. Through strong relationships and intentional character development, we will continue building a school environment where every student feels connected, supported, and valued.
Over the past year, we have invested significant time and energy into revitalizing both the interior and exterior of our building. We are proud of the improvements that have been made and will continue pursuing projects and initiatives that enhance our school and strengthen school pride throughout the year. We are excited to share that our gym floor and bleachers will both be completely renovated this December. This timeline allows both contractors to complete the work during the same window, minimizing disruptions while transforming one of the most-used spaces in our school. Thank you for your families contributions to our Booster-Thon, you helped make this work happen for our students! Thanks to funding from the RISE Grant, our new weight room is now complete and will soon be available for both staff and students with a completed permission form. This exciting new space provides opportunities for students through supporting future weightlifting classes, athletic training for sports, and after-school fitness clubs!
Shout out to all our staff who participated in our new video "Come Visit Mountain Vista"! Over the summer, the Colorado School Public Relations Association gave us an award for Excellence in Marketing! Check out the video here: https://vimeo.com/1166123551?fl=pl&fe=vl
I believe deeply in the passion, commitment, and partnership of our families and staff. Together, we will continue improving student achievement and growth through intentionality, consistency, and a shared commitment to excellence. The work we do matters, and I am grateful to walk this journey alongside you.
As you enjoy the remainder of your summer, I encourage you to rest, recharge, and reflect. Spend time with family and friends, enjoy the moments that bring you joy, and return ready for another incredible year of learning and growth. We look forward to welcoming all of our students and families back this fall.
To our new families: welcome to the Ram Fam! We are thrilled you are joining Mountain Vista Community School. You are becoming part of a caring, dedicated community that values every child. We look forward to partnering with you and supporting your child’s growth throughout their journey with us.
Thank you for all you do to make Mountain Vista a special place. The journey ahead is full of possibilities, and I am grateful to be on it together.
With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Nicole Paxton
Dr. Nicole Paxton, Principal
Dr. Nicole Paxton is a passionate and dedicated educational leader whose journey spans more than two decades and touches nearly every corner of the K–12 landscape—from urban schools to rural communities, traditional campuses to innovative hybrid models. She currently serves as Principal at Mountain Vista Community School, nestled in the very Colorado Springs neighborhood where both sets of her grandparents lived —a full-circle moment that grounds her leadership in both legacy and love.
Dr. Paxton began her career in the classroom, where she taught mathematics and CTE pathways with heart and intention. Whether guiding student council initiatives, coaching young students, or mentoring new educators, she has always believed in the limitless potential of students and the profound impact of caring adults in their lives.
Over the years, her leadership has extended across many roles—assistant principal, university clinical supervisor, and educational consultant—each shaped by her unwavering commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all learners. Today, as a K–8 principal, she brings a visionary approach to instructional leadership, restorative practices, and systemic improvement, building high-functioning teams that reflect her core values of integrity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Dr. Paxton’s leadership has earned national recognition, including being named the 2025 Colorado Assistant Principal of the Year and MVCS received the award of Colorado Trailblazer by the National Forum Schools to Watch. She also serves on the board of directors for CASE Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals and the Colorado Association of Middle Level Educators. She previously served on the board of directors for the National Association of Secondary School Principals and was a founding board member for the National Principal’s Association. She is a regular contributor to professional panels, presentations, publications, and advocacy groups committed to reshaping education for the better.
A proud Colorado Springs native, Dr. Paxton holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, along with a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming.
Outside of school walls, she cherishes time with her husband Jason, their two daughters, and their spirited Labrador retrievers. Together, they find joy in travel, reading, serving the community, and embracing life’s everyday adventures. Her life’s work is guided by the belief that “education is the greatest equalizer.”
For Nicole, education isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling, a legacy, and a promise to future generations.
Mr. Aaron Vandewarker, ES Assistant Principal
The 2026–2027 school year marks Mr. Aaron Vandewarker’s 22nd year in education—a journey that has been both deeply meaningful and richly varied. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of educational roles, including paraprofessional, special education teacher, general education classroom teacher, and currently, school administrator. This year will be his fourth as Assistant Principal at Mountain Vista Community School, following three impactful years in the same role at Turman Elementary.
Mr. Vandewarker earned his B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biblical Studies from Biola University. He completed his teaching licensure through the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and later earned his M.A. from the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Although originally from Southern California, Mr. Vandewarker has called Colorado Springs home since 2002. His wife, a proud Colorado native and former 4th-grade teacher, currently substitute teaches while continuing to inspire their family’s shared love for learning. Married for 17 wonderful years, they are the proud parents of a daughter who will be entering 11th grade this fall. As a family, they enjoy bike rides, hikes, reading, park adventures, and road trips that create lasting memories.
Mr. Vandewarker is deeply grateful to be part of the Harrison community—a place where compassion, dedication, and a shared commitment to students truly shine.
Mr. LeRoy James, MS Assistant Principal
Mr. Leroy James is excited to begin his second year at Mountain Vista Community School and is looking forward to another incredible year partnering with students, families, and staff. He is passionate about building a positive school culture where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed.
Originally from Texarkana, Texas, Mr. James has built a diverse career in both higher education and K–12 schools. He began working in student affairs at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he served as a Student Life Advisor before becoming the Assistant Director of Residential Life. After relocating to Colorado, he continued his work with students as an Area Coordinator at Regis University before returning to his passion for K–12 education.
Mr. James has taught Social Studies at both Smoky Hill High School in Aurora and Falcon High School in Peyton. Before joining the MVCS family, he served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Falcon Middle School in District 49. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Science Education, a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, and holds a Colorado Principal License.
As a leader, Mr. James believes in the power of relationships, collaboration, and service. He is dedicated to creating opportunities for every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while supporting teachers and staff in their professional growth. His goal is to ensure Mountain Vista Community School continues to be a place where students love to learn, staff love to work, and families feel welcomed and connected.
Outside of school, Mr. James enjoys spending time with his wife, Kayla, and their son, Tobias. Their family is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter, Samara Wren, this September. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, video editing, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and adding to his sneaker collection. He is excited for another amazing year at MVCS and looks forward to connecting with both new and returning families!
We are excited to continue our Parent Advisory Committee, which had a successful year of partnership and meaningful impact on our school community. We will continue meeting on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM.
This committee brings together parents/guardians and our administrative team to share feedback, ideas, and insights that directly inform and shape decisions across the building. Your voice has already helped drive important changes at Mountain Vista, and we deeply value this ongoing partnership.
We understand that schedules can be busy, so if you are unable to attend in person, we will gladly provide a virtual meeting option or share meeting notes so you can stay connected and informed.
We look forward to continuing this important work together and strengthening the partnership between home and school.
If you're interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to Dr. Paxton at npaxton@hsd2.org. We look forward to partnering with you!
Get Ready for the 2026–2027 Athletic Season at Mountain Vista Community School!
Mountain Vista Families,
The 2026–2027 school year is almost here, and we are excited to welcome our student-athletes back for another great year of athletics and activities! Now is the perfect time to begin preparing for the upcoming sports seasons. One of the most important steps is ensuring your child has a current sports physical on file. Please schedule and complete your student's physical before their sports season begins, as a valid physical is required for participation. Students will not be permitted to fully participate in practices or competitions until all required athletic paperwork, including a current physical, has been submitted and approved.
2026–2027 Athletic Seasons
Season 1 (August – October)
Cross Country - Interest Form Link
Volleyball - Interest Form Link
Football - Interest Form Link
6th Flag Football
Season 2 (September – November)
Girls' Soccer - Interest Form Link
4th & 5th Basketball
Season 3 (November – February)
Boys' Basketball - Interest Form Link
Girls' Basketball - Interest Form Link
Cheerleading - Interest Form Link
Wrestling - Interest Form Link
Season 4 (March – May)
4th & 5th Soccer
Boys' Soccer - Interest Form Link
Softball - Interest Form Link
Track & Field - Interest Form Link
We are excited to announce that Mountain Vista Community School will be using Bound, our new online athletic registration platform, for the 2026–2027 school year.
The registration link and additional information about creating your account and completing registration will be sent to families in the coming weeks.
What Is Required to Participate?
To be eligible to participate in athletics, students must complete the online Bound Athletic Registration before the first day of their sports season.
Registration includes:
✅ A current sports physical that clears your student to participate
✅ Parent/Guardian Permission to Participate
✅ Emergency Contact and Insurance Information
✅ Agreement to the Athlete & Parent Handbook
Please Note: All required forms must be completed and submitted through Bound before the start of your student's athletic season. Students will not be eligible to participate until all requirements have been met.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need help with the registration process, please contact:
Leroy James - ljames@hsd2.org
We are looking forward to another exciting year of Mountain Vista athletics and can't wait to see our student-athletes compete, grow, and represent our school with pride.
Go Rams!
🌟 Join Our VIPs (Very Important Parents)! 🌟
Mountain Vista Community School is excited to bring back our VIPs (Very Important Parents) for the 2026–2027 school year! Our VIPs will serve as our parent partnership organization, similar to a PTA, working alongside school staff to strengthen our school community and create meaningful opportunities for our students.
Whether you have a few hours to volunteer, want to help plan events, support fundraising efforts, recognize staff, or simply share your ideas, there's a place for you! Your involvement helps create a stronger partnership between home and school while supporting student success and school culture.
As a VIP, you'll have opportunities to:
- Volunteer at family nights, dances, athletic events, and other school activities
- Support fundraising efforts that directly benefit students and programs
- Help organize staff appreciation and student recognition events
- Share ideas to strengthen family engagement and school improvement
- Build connections that make MVCS an even better place for all students
Together, we can make the 2026–2027 school year our best yet! We look forward to partnering with our amazing families and hope you'll join our VIP team. More information about our first meeting and leadership opportunities will be shared soon. If you are interested, please complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSjnH6eUFpMyIU3NGmbETn3f3BODOjaO71Fag8XtcRITksYg/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Harrison School District 2 uses the Raptor Visitor Management System in our schools to build on the district’s program of campus safety for students and staff. Part of keeping students and staff safe is knowing who is in our building at all times. The Raptor system allows us to track visitors, contractors, and volunteers in our schools and provides us with a safer environment for our students and staff.
The Raptor Visitor Management software can:
- Electronically log visitors at check-in
- Print visitor badges
- Screen all visitors against a national sex offender database
- Provide real-time offender alerts
Check-in and Check-out Procedures
Here is what to expect when you visit a school during regular hours:
- Access to a building will require that we scan your driver’s license or photo ID to register you in the system.
- Upon approval and a photo match, an ID badge will print and you will be given access.
- If you do not have a valid state-issued ID, you will be asked a number of questions by the Administration as to the purpose of your visit and if answered appropriately a staff member will manually enter your name into the Raptor system and a badge will be printed for you. A staff member will then escort you to your location.
- Upon completion of your visit, you are to return your badge to the front office so they can mark your visit complete.
*A visitor's badge will not be necessary to drop off or pick up an item in the office. Only visitors going beyond the front office must obtain a visitor's badge.
