Dear Steamboat Springs School District Community,

Every year the first snowfall brings renewed hope for the winter season ahead. Although our local bears are seeking hibernation locations, the Steamboat Springs community is seeking winter activities to keep them active during the upcoming colder months. However, our students and staff are just getting warmed up for an exciting winter of learning and thriving.

Steamboat Springs Middle School put on a phenomenal production of Legally Blonde, Jr. Soda Creek Elementary, Sleeping Giant School, and Strawberry Park Elementary had hugely successful Fun Runs. Yampa Valley High School has been carrying on its tradition of weekly adventures including some great hikes! Last but not least, Steamboat Springs High School had a successful Homecoming Week full of activities for students and community members alike. 

Weekly school visits have been a highlight of mine as the superintendent. I have been reflective about the scope and responsibilities of our staff members. When I first became a school administrator many years ago, I would visit classrooms and be amazed at the richness of the teaching. Today, I am not only in awe at the rigor and relevance of the teaching; I am astonished at how the teaching profession has evolved over the past ten years. Our staff members are not only focused on academic excellence but also on public health issues, counseling, mental health, community advocacy, and other lofty and important issues beyond teaching content. Please join me in thanking an educator. I challenge everyone to reach out to a Steamboat Springs School District staff member and thank him or her for the dedication brought to school each day. We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated staff members who go above and beyond every day for the benefit of our students.

Thank you for supporting the Steamboat Springs School District. Together, we can accomplish anything we set our sights on.

In partnership,



Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent

[email protected]

District and Board of Education Opt-Out of Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)

On Monday, October 24, the Board of Education voted to opt out of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. Pursuant to the language of the FAMLI law, school districts and public entities are permitted to opt-out of this program. However, employees may still participate directly in the FAMLI program through the State of Colorado.  

Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 in November 2020, initiating the state-run paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (“FAMLI”) program. The FAMLI program ensures all Colorado workers have paid leave to take care of themselves or their family members during life circumstances that necessitate absences from their jobs, such as growing their family, taking care of themselves, or taking care of a loved one with a serious health condition. Eligible employees may receive up to twelve weeks of paid leave through the FAMLI program. Eligible employees who experience pregnancy or childbirth complications will receive an additional four weeks of paid leave through the FAMLI program. 

Employers and employees would be responsible for funding the program and splitting the cost 50/50. The premiums are set at .9% of the total payroll, with .45% paid by the employer and .45% paid by the employee. 

Now Hiring Paraprofessionals

We are hiring full-time and part-time special education paraprofessionals to join our schools! The entry pay range is $21.61-$23.82, depending on experience. No college degree is required! For full position posting and application, visit steamboatschools.net. 

New PIC App for SSHS Parents

The SSHS PIC has a new app! The app can be found on the Stack Team APP under SSHS PIC. The app provides direct access to scholarship opportunities, workshops, and links to Infinite Campus, the counseling center, and the athletics page. The app is also a great way to give shout-outs to students involved in the community. 

Strategic Plan Now Available in Spanish 

Visitor Policy Reminder

We want to remind you of the policies regarding visitors to our schools. We invite and/or authorize parents/guardians, community members, and guests to visit the schools, classrooms, and activities at any time with the prior approval of the teacher and principal.