51·çÁ÷

Sept. 26, 2023 

Dear 51·çÁ÷ staff and families: 

51·çÁ÷ believes in offering innovative programming and educational choice for our students and their families. All students should have opportunities to pursue their interests and passions while experiencing a strong sense of belonging and connection with others. This enables them to achieve at their highest levels. To be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, we must offer these opportunities while using available space in our school buildings as effectively as possible. 

It's always important to stop and celebrate, and one of the causes for celebration this year was having all teacher positions in 51·çÁ÷ filled for the start of school. We welcomed 113 new teachers this year, which is significant because school districts across the state and nation are struggling with teacher shortages. 

Whether teachers are new to the district, to their school or in a new classroom, here is what a few had to say about their first day and what they¡¯re looking forward to in the school year ahead. 

The first day of school ushers in a new start for many students. From running off to find classes to the excitement of seeing old friends and making new ones, the beginning of school can bring out emotions of all kinds. 

Congratulations to the following staff on their amazing accomplishments!

Highlights of the  edition:

The PSD Board of Education and superintendent invite members of the community to participate in an upcoming community engagement session from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, in the media center at Webber Middle School, 4201 Seneca St., Fort Collins. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and talk with Board of Education directors and the superintendent.

Space is limited at the event. In order to facilitate dialogue and allow for active participation by those in the room, a maximum of 20 seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beginning Sept. 8, applications for speakers will be accepted for TEDxMountain Ave¡¯s annual event next spring. Students, staff and community members interested in sharing their ideas around the theme "Flourish" are encouraged to apply.

On the first day of school, I stopped by Mrs. Saunders¡¯ art class at Laurel Elementary to wish everyone a happy new year. Standing at the front of the room in a navy suit, I heard something unexpected: ¡°Did you just come from church?¡± That thoughtful and laugh-provoking question was from Martin, a second grader, who minutes later asked if my jacket was from Macy¡¯s, happily put the jacket on, and took a photo with me.  

Congratulations to 51·çÁ÷ students who earned Advanced Placement scholar awards! 

Approximately 380 students from PSD high schools received awards at three levels based on their national AP test results at the end of the 2022-23 school year. The highest possible score on exams for these college-level courses is a five. 

AP scholar awards include: