ASD Family News - April 26 | Smore Newsletters for Education

Dear ASD Community,

This month, I met with the Board of Education to reflect on our progress and identify strategic priorities for the year ahead, leaning on proven strategies and research to guide our decisions. As part of this conversation, the Board reviewed past strategies and outcomes and then explored additional goals and strategies to improve learning outcomes for all students.

This annual conversation centers on two key questions: Where have we made meaningful progress, and where do we need to focus to accelerate improvement?

In terms of where we’ve had success so far, there is a great deal to be proud of. We are seeing improvements in academic outcomes in grades 3-8 ELA and Math. We’ve also reduced some of the student behaviors that have been most concerning in recent years. In the past four years, we’ve added more than $9,000 to the base teacher salary and continued to provide salary increases for all staff, which helps us be able to retain and recruit great people. These are important gains and they give us a strong foundation to build on. At the same time, our work is far from done.

Improving Student Outcomes for All

We must continue to improve academic outcomes for everyone so that every student has a chance to succeed. To accomplish this, we need to stay focused on what works: strengthening instructional practice, supporting teachers, and ensuring principals have strong instructional leadership. It also means making sure students have access to engaging materials and that their learning is meaningful and relevant.

Increased Attendance
Attendance will remain a key focus because students need to be present to benefit from these opportunities. We will take a closer look at our attendance policies and practices to ensure they align with current research, which shows that neither punishment nor incentives alone lead to lasting improvement. Instead, attendance improves when students are engaged in their learning and when families are informed and involved, so our work must focus on creating those conditions. Key priorities will include expanding opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities and build strong relationships. Every student should feel connected to a trusted adult, a peer group, or both and feel safe at school, both physically and emotionally. We want to prioritize consistent implementation and work further upstream by providing families with timely, accurate information and clear communication about attendance expectations and available supports.

Supporting and Retaining Great Educators

Competitive salaries remain a priority, but research shows that staff stay for more than compensation alone. Strong relationships, meaningful impact, and having a voice in their work all matter. The good news is our recent TLCC survey results show that 92% of staff report that ASD is a good place to work and 94% report it is a good place to learn, which is up significantly from a few years ago, and above state averages. While this progress is encouraging, we want to continue to focus on creating an environment where staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to make a difference, and to keep improving.

To make sure that we continue to move forward, we will continue to track meaningful metrics and use data to guide our work and decision-making. Our progress reflects the commitment of our staff, students, families, and community. Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we will build on what’s working and focus on the areas where we can grow even stronger.

Sincerely,

Rick Holt
Superintendent
Archuleta School District

FROM CDOT:

On Monday, April 27, crews will begin the excavation, utility work and paving of the dogleg, near courthouse corner, on US 160. Traffic will be configured in a one-lane, alternating pattern and delays are expected. This operation is anticipated to take about two weeks.
On Monday, April 20, nighttime work on Lewis Street will begin at 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for trenching operations. Traffic control for this operation will be down to one-lane, alternating traffic.
The Lewis Street and US 160 intersection closure remains in place. Please utilize 4th, 7th, and 8th Streets as an alternative to access businesses along Lewis Street. With the access closure, left turn signals have been extended at the 4th Street intersection; look for the green left turn arrow at the northwest corner of 4th and Pagosa Street (160).

Pedestrian Crossings: With the new traffic shift there are several locations that no longer have pedestrian barriers where the sidewalks, curb and gutter have been completed. Please pay attention when traversing the roadway and use identified crossings.

Lewis Street at US 160 is closed to begin underground utility construction.
Motorists are encouraged to use 4th Street as an alternative to Lewis Street.
This closure will be in place until late May/early June.
Access to north 5th Street and businesses north of the intersection will be available via 4th Street.

Stay Informed and Connect with the project

Call the project information line: 970-335-9230
Email the project team: Pagosa160reconstruction@gmail.com
Visit the project website: www.codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings
Subscribe to project updates: subscription.cotrip.org

ASD will monitor traffic conditions and adjust bus operations as needed.

We are pleased to announce that Sara Blakemore has been selected as the Principal of Pagosa Family School. Sara stepped into the interim principal role this school year while the former principal, Jane Lewis, took a one-year leave to support her husband’s career opportunity in Abu Dhabi. During that time, Sara provided steady leadership and continuity for Pagosa Family School. Jane has since made the decision to remain in Abu Dhabi. With this transition, the District conducted a process to identify the permanent principal for Pagosa Family School, and we are excited to share that Sara has been selected for the principal position.

“I am so excited to continue as the PFS Principal this coming year, where we are focusing on growing the whole child through curiosity, resilience, and connectedness as lifelong learners,” Sara shared. “Pagosa Family School is a wonderful place of enrichment and shared schooling for our homeschool population. Getting to know our students and families has been a highlight for me this year, and I look forward to building on those meaningful connections.”

Read Rick’s full letter here.

In March, both of our leaders at Pagosa Springs High School, Principal Sean O’Donnell and Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Chantelle Jordan, announced that they will retire at the end of this school year. Together, they have more than 50 years working in the Archuleta School District, helping students and staff in countless ways. Read Rick’s letter here.

Earlier this month, we asked the school community to provide feedback on the key traits and qualities essential for our next school principal. We received 163 responses from our school community on the Principal Trait Feedback Survey, with over 60% coming from ASD parents, including more than 25% specifically identifying as parents of high school or 8th grade students. The feedback also included 31 teachers and 15 staff members. Overall, respondents emphasized the importance of experienced, student-centered leadership. Visionary leadership, instructional expertise, and staff development emerged as top priorities, alongside a strong focus on transparency, communication, and trust. The most important trait identified was clear, consistent communication paired with strong listening skills, integrity, and accountability.

We will conduct initial virtual interviews with three candidates on April 23. Based on those conversations, two or three candidates may advance to in-person interviews on May 4–5. The in-person process will include a panel interview; instructional rounds; a community meet-and-greet on Monday at 6-8pm at the high school library; and scenario-based leadership exercises. A final decision is anticipated by May 8.

The assistant principal hiring process will begin the following week, with staff involvement and additional details to come.

The Little Mermaid Production:

What an incredible run for the PSHS Spring Musical! Our talented cast and crew of 48 students brought The Little Mermaid to life with creativity, dedication, and heart. From rehearsals to final curtain, their hard work truly paid off.Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and cheered on our students. We’re proud to share a few highlights from this memorable production!

SJMS Students Shine at Ralston Creek 5K:

Fifteen San Juan Mountain School students in the Running elective traveled to Denver for their annual 5K—and every student finished and met their personal goal. Simon Cizek, Dakota Patten, and Fenix Barber swept the men’s teen category (1st–3rd), Jami Harms won the adult female category, and Lucy Rivera took 1st in the female teen category.

PSMS’s 10th Annual 5th Grade Field Science Day:

PSMS 5th graders had a hands-on Field Science Day filled with exploration and discovery. Students built kites to understand flight, observed and collected bird data, and learned about Pagosa Springs geology, fire ecology, erosion, and human impact on the environment. Thank you to CSU Extension, Weminuche Audubon Society, the United States Forest Service, the San Juan Mountains Association, and Chris Hinger for sharing their expertise and helping make the day such a meaningful learning experience.

Pagosa Family School:

Students in the Nature Studies class are making the most of outdoor learning each week at the Wildlife Park. On Wednesday mornings, they’ve been exploring elk and their annual antler sheds, examining new growth up close, and diving into hands-on science by dissecting owl pellets to better understand local ecosystems and food chains.

FBLA students shine at State Leadership Conference:

Our FBLA members had a strong showing at the State Leadership Conference, with several students earning recognition on stage at the awards ceremony. Jenna Jenkins placed 3rd in Retail Management. Isaac Hanto and Jerry Su placed 7th in Data Analysis. The team of Layla R., Carrington S., Makaela D., and Molly W. placed 10th in Parliamentary Procedure. Oliver Samu placed 10th in Computer Game & Simulation Programming.

Assistant principals play a critical role in our schools: supporting students, partnering with staff, and helping ensure each day runs smoothly. Their leadership, responsiveness, and commitment make a meaningful difference across our district.

Nicolle Looper is in her fourth year as assistant principal at PSES and brings nearly two decades of experience in ASD, including roles as a Kindergarten teacher and Title I interventionist.
Janae Ash has been with ASD for 19 years, primarily as a 4th and 5th grade teacher, and is now in her second year as assistant principal at PSMS.
Chantelle Jordan has been at ASD for 25 years, serving in multiple leadership roles and is currently the assistant principal and athletic director at PSHS.

Thank you to Nicolle, Janae, and Chantelle for the leadership and support you provide our students and staff every day.

Scott Galabota, teacher at PSES:

“Scott is such a wonderful teacher. He is so dedicated to student success while also remaining focused on students as individuals. His classroom management and differentiation are unparalleled. I appreciate how Scott can make everyone who steps into his room feel welcome and valued. His expertise and experience shine through daily, as does his positive attitude. He is a true leader and role model in our school.”

Missy Lee, BETA Coordinator at PSMS:

“I appreciate Missy because of the deep compassion she shows toward students every day. She is someone students naturally go to when they are having a difficult time, and she consistently makes them feel safe, heard, and supported. I appreciate her energy and positivity and the way she motivates students to try their hardest and do their best, even when work feels challenging. I have seen her spend significant time supporting students one-on-one, especially those who might not engage or succeed without her patience and encouragement. I appreciate Missy because the impact she has on students is meaningful and lasting, and the care and dedication she brings to the school community makes a real difference every day.”

Kimberly Domingo, Bridges Therapist

"Kim often works to help students in the most challenging situations. Not only does she positively and eagerly support any student she is assigned, but she follows up to know the families and meet any particular need she can. In addition to students assigned to her, she always offers to help with other students when she is available and is a huge asset in the 5th/6th building. Whenever I need to know if a resource is available for students and families, I can depend on Kim to direct me towards effective ones. She also supports our community in multiple counseling venues. It is evident she is blessed with a strong spirit by how she does so much on such deep levels with consistent cheerfulness and words of encouragement to whoever is in front of her!"

Share Your Staff Appreciation Here!

Volunteer Spotlights

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, we want to thank the incredible volunteers who give their time and talents to support our students, staff, and schools. Your contributions help create a welcoming, engaging environment across our district, and we are grateful for the many ways you show up for our community.

If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to connect you with opportunities that match your interests—whether that’s supporting in a classroom, serving on a School or District Accountability Committee, or helping in other ways. Learn more about getting involved on our website here. Thank you for being part of our school community.

Volunteer Spotlight: Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson has been volunteering at Pagosa Springs Elementary for the past two years, getting involved when his children entered kindergarten. Since then, he’s become a familiar and valued presence in classrooms, supporting teachers in whatever ways are most helpful, from reading with students and practicing sight words to assembling materials and helping with projects.

Eric also recently joined the District Accountability Committee (DAC) and School Accountability Committee (SAC) to engage in broader conversations about district priorities and provide feedback.

After retiring from the military, Eric was inspired to spend more time involved in his children’s education. “The education of our kids is very important,” he shared, noting that his sister’s experience as an educator also influenced his decision to volunteer.

What keeps him coming back? “The awesome kids.” One moment that stands out to him is helping a student master sight words and seeing the pride on their face as they gained confidence.

First grade teacher Ms. Kinne shared, “He comes to read with my students on Wednesdays. He also presented to my class about his heritage, and his family helped assemble the second half of our decodables this year—which was a major help!”

Eric’s advice for others: do what you can, big or small. “All of our time is limited, but it makes a difference. The kids really enjoy seeing other adults at school.”

Fun fact: Eric recently started paragliding—and even got to learn alongside one of our teachers, Ms. Frye.

Volunteer Spotlight: Dee McPeek

Dee McPeek has been volunteering with the Archuleta School District since the formation of the Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC). She first became involved after attending a community meeting to better understand the condition of our school facilities and the challenges facing the district.

What stood out most to Dee was that the first MPAC meeting brought together a diverse group of community members united around a shared goal: improving our schools for Pagosa’s students. She values both the flexibility of volunteering and the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way. “I love seeing a project be adopted by interested people, unfold, and grow into something successful,” she shared.

Dee is motivated by the importance of ensuring students have safe, functional spaces to learn and grow—something she believes the entire community can take pride in.

Her advice for others: find something you care about and get involved. “Everyone has skills and experiences to share, and your involvement can make a bigger difference than you imagine.”

Fun fact: Dee admits she’s afraid of heights—but that hasn’t stopped her from jumping out of helicopters and tackling multi-pitch climbs alongside her husband of 57 years.

Learn About Joining the DAC Here

Sports physicals for middle and high school students will be offered on Friday, May 8 from 2:00–4:30 p.m. at Pagosa Springs High School. This opportunity is made possible through a partnership between Archuleta School District, Pagosa Springs Medical Center, and Who We Play For, providing convenient, on-campus physicals for just $26 (cash only). Students will be seen in the order they arrive. To help the process run smoothly, please make sure students arrive with all required forms completed and ready at check-in.

Learn More & Access Required Forms