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What a great time of the year! Celebrations are filling my calendar during this season of recognition and reflection for our D51 community. On Monday, I had the honor of celebrating a record number of Superintendent’s Scholars (184) who earned a grade point average of 4.0 or higher throughout their high school career. Monday evening, we celebrated our amazing D51 staff who hit years of service milestones and honored those who are retiring. We have more than 80 retirees so far this year, and each one has dedicated themselves to improving the lives of students.
I also want to recognize our 2022 Seal of Biliteracy students, who are proficient in both English and at least one other language (Spanish, German or French). It was my pleasure to honor our Seal of Biliteracy students last night at GJHS, and we will honor more Seal of Biliteracy students next Thursday at Dual Immersion Academy.
Senior Walks
The growing tradition of Senior Walks will continue this May, with several D51 schools inviting graduating seniors to return to their elementary schools and walk the halls one last time as current elementary students cheer them on. The walks will start May 6 with one at 9:15 a.m. at Loma Elementary and another at 9:30 a.m. at Lincoln Orchard Mesa.
On May 9, there will be Senior Walks at Mesa View (9 a.m.), Orchard Ave. (9 a.m.), Rim Rock (arrive at 9, walk at 9:30), Shelledy (arrive at 9, walk at 9:15), Taylor (arrive at 9, walk at 9:30), Wingate (9:15 a.m.), Appleton (arrive at 11 a.m., walk at 11:15 a.m.), and Chipeta (2 p.m.). There will be a walk at 9 a.m. at New Emerson on May 10 and one at 2 p.m. at Fruitvale on May 12.
Our final Senior Walks of 2022 will be at Tope (3 p.m. on May 16), Pomona (arrive at 3, walk at 3:30 on May 16), and at 3:30 p.m. on May 17 at Dual Immersion Academy.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up May 2-6! In celebration, D51 Nutrition Services and the Superintendent’s Office will offer one free lunch to all teachers in their school cafeteria. The D51 Foundation is also selling paper dolls for $10 each; the dolls include a message from the sender and will be delivered to teachers throughout the week.
Orbeez and Airsoft Guns
Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase locally and nationwide of Orbeez guns and airsoft guns in our community and sometimes on school campuses. Orbeez guns shoot gel-filled beads. Airsoft guns are toy gun replicas that shoot projectiles similar to BBs. Please discourage your child from bringing any type of gun facsimile to school - they can cause harm, may be mistaken for a real gun, and even a facsimile gun can end in mandatory expulsion from school. If you or your students see an Orbeez or airsoft gun on campus, notify a school administrator or contact Safe2Tell at safe2tell.org or 1-877-542-7233 immediately.
EduClimber/Illuminate Education Reminder
As I mentioned in last week’s letter, Illuminate Education, the parent company of a system used by D51 called EduClimber, recently informed us of unauthorized access to D51 student and staff data. If you have not already done so, please check for an email sent to all parents and staff yesterday, April 28, with more information. As a precaution, we are terminating our contract with Illuminate Education.
D51/Special Olympics Track and Field Meet
On May 3, many of our students will participate in the D51/Special Olympics Track and Field Meet at Ralph Stocker Stadium. This is always an exciting event, and we invite you to attend if your schedule allows.
Panorama Parent/Guardian Survey
The spring Panorama survey for parents and guardians will open on May 4. The survey gives all families the opportunity to share anonymous feedback with District 51 and their child’s school regarding family-school relationships, parent involvement in education, school climate and culture, and your child’s sense of belonging at school. Survey results will help schools and the district improve school culture and help identify trends and goals for the upcoming Strategic Plan. Please watch your email for a survey link from Panorama.
Graduation Ceremonies
Just a reminder that our high school graduation ceremonies will take place during the week of May 9. To see a full schedule, visit d51schools.org.