Superintendent's Corner
December 2017

A Message from Dr. Brad Meeks
December marks the halfway point in the 2017–18 school year. I want to thank our students and staff for all their hard work so far this year. I also want our parents to know how much we appreciate the time and resources they’ve dedicated to our schools. Winter break is well deserved and much needed for all.

When I reflect on the year to date, many things stand out. First, about 850 people completed a survey about the school district last month. The survey analysis has begun and will be presented to our Board of Education and shared with the community in January. We appreciate that many of you not only took the time to respond, but also to provide thoughtful comments related to your experiences with our district.

Second is the passage of our bond and mill levy issues this November. I echo the sentiments shared by the school board in their November 13 letter to the editor . The projects approved by voters will allow the district to move forward with roofing projects at five facilities, the HVAC system at Steamboat Springs Middle School, and repair and restoration projects at Gardner Field. We are moving swiftly but prudently to announce, review, and award contracts for projects so work can be completed this summer. Bidding and awards announcements (as they are made) are posted here on our website.

Third, as an outcome of the November election, we have two new members of the Steamboat Springs School Board. I would like to take a moment to welcome Katy Lee and Mayling Simpson. Katy has three children attending school in the district. Mayling’s grandchildren attend our schools, as did her own two children. I encourage you to learn more about all of our board members . You should get to know the good people who volunteer their time and expertise to benefit our students.

As I think about the work that lies ahead of us this year, a few issues in particular are on my mind. The first is our 2018–19 budget. When we return from break, the district will be working with each school and service department to evaluate needs and desires related to the education of Steamboat Springs students next year. We look forward to updating the community on our budget plan for 2018-19.

Additionally, as the school board articulated in its letter to the editor , our focus is turning to developing long-term solutions that, beyond bridging critical gaps, will allow the district to serve the needs of Steamboat's students far into the future. We have received a good amount of interest in serving on advisory committees that will continue the important work of examining long-term solutions for our district. We will share the makeup of the committees with the committee members and the community in January. The work will commence in the early part of 2018.

In the Steamboat Springs School District, we have a lot to be thankful for and so much to look forward to in 2018. I wish you and your family happy holidays! 
Let us know what you think of our district newsletter. Email us at [email protected]
Scenes from Steamboat Springs Schools:
Steamboat Springs Middle School
Steamboat Springs Middle School's fall athletic teams continue to build on success and have lots of fun on the playing fields and courts. This fall 43 kids participated in football, 45 in volleyball, and 23 on the cheer team. A special congratulation to the 7th grade football team for going undefeated: 7-0. Way to go Sailors!
Congratulations!
The Colorado Department of Education announced state awards due to performance on CMAS assessments. Steamboat Springs schools earned the following awards:

Governor's Distinguished Improvement
Soda Creek Elementary School
Strawberry Park Elementary School

John Irwin Award
Soda Creek Elementary School
Strawberry Park Elementary School
Steamboat Springs Middle School
North Routt Charter School
Students Arianna Tullis and Katherine Knapp were selected to the CU Middle School Honor Band , a premier musical experience for students throughout Colorado. Students participate in masterclasses with faculty from the University of Colorado, rehearse as an ensemble for two days, and present a full length concert. Read more

Steamboat Springs High School is being honored by the College Board with placement on its 8th Annual AP® District Honor Roll . Since 2015, SSHS has increased the number of students participating in AP while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Reaching these goals shows that SSHS is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for AP. Read more
News & Notes
Read recent Steamboat Pilot & Today articles.

Weeks after voters approved the Steamboat Springs School District's bond issue to tackle pressing maintenance needs, the wheels are in motion to begin construction in the summer of 2018. Read more

The Steamboat Springs Board of Education voted Monday in favor of awarding nearly $3 million in roofing contracts to three large roofing companies to replace the roofs on five district buildings, including three schools. Read more

Last month, the Steamboat Springs Middle School robotics team won the "Robot Game," an event at a regional Lego League competition. Now the team has its sights set on the state competition. Read more 

Steamboat Springs Middle School Community Cares program is encouraging students to be involved in the community, have civic responsibility, and create a spirit of giving to nonprofit organizations. Read more

The school district’s nutritional services director is in charge of what Steamboat students eat at school. He also views his role as helping students learn about new foods. Read more

The Steamboat Springs High School Knowledge Bowl A team scored a record 121 points at a Dec. 2 competition with the Steamboat B team claiming second place with 78 points. Read more 

Steamboat elementary students honored Routt County veterans. Read more , watch this video

It is important to ensure all children, including teens, are well-nourished throughout their day. Studies have shown that missing meals and experiencing hunger impair children's development and achievement. Read more
Thanks to a grant from the Challenge Fund committee, 36 additional Chromebooks will be purchased for Strawberry Park Elementary. Read more

Retired Sailors head basketball coach, Kelly Meek, is now assisting the Sailors’ head coach and working with elementary and middle school players at camps. Read more

A Steamboat Springs-based author, has released the first book, "Book Suriana Lugo y el Mago Eskeleto" in the four-book series the “Chronicles of Dia de Muertos” for young readers and shared the new story with students at Soda Creek and Strawberry Park elementary schools. Read more

Everything Outdoor Steamboat is guiding groups of middle school students on trips outdoors, getting them outside and enjoying nature. The program is free to participants and sponsored by educators with a love of outdoor sports. Read more 

December 19 - 22: Steamboat Springs High School Finals

December 20: Strawberry Park Elementary K-2 Holiday Program 8:40am

December 22: Strawberry Park Elementary 3-5 Holiday Program 9:20am
December 25: Winter Break begins January 8: First day back for staff
January 9: First day back for students