Echoes From Cañon
Our Mission and Core Beliefs
The Cañon City School District is future-focused, providing innovative educational opportunities to successfully prepare all students to meet any challenge they may face.
1. We meet the social-emotional needs of all students, putting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs before Bloom’s Taxonomy.
2. We believe learning growth matters most, requires risk-taking, and the work we do in our schools has the greatest impact on this.
3. We’re future-focused, believing the development of certain traits and skills will best prepare our students for ever-changing careers.
4. We emphasize what is good for kids over the needs and comfort of adults.
The Cañon City School District is future-focused, providing innovative educational opportunities to successfully prepare all students to meet any challenge they may face.
1. We meet the social-emotional needs of all students, putting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs before Bloom’s Taxonomy.
2. We believe learning growth matters most, requires risk-taking, and the work we do in our schools has the greatest impact on this.
3. We’re future-focused, believing the development of certain traits and skills will best prepare our students for ever-changing careers.
4. We emphasize what is good for kids over the needs and comfort of adults.
Our Core Beliefs in Action
Linda Janousek
Our first core belief states, “we meet the social-emotional needs of all students, putting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs before Bloom’s Taxonomy." One way we do this is by getting our students to and from school safely each day.
Recently a parent reached out to us sharing her appreciation for bus driver Linda Janousek. The parent said, “on Friday afternoon, Linda and the children were subjected to a very alarming incident which centered around a man who had stopped traffic on Highway 50. The man was wielding a hunting knife while walking around the bus and other cars screaming “hit me!" The parent explained that, “Linda calmly called the police and kept our children safe during the entire ordeal, and I very much appreciate that."
Linda has been driving a bus for 43 years, safely getting children to and form school every day.
In my opinion, she is a super hero! Thank you, Linda!
Recently a parent reached out to us sharing her appreciation for bus driver Linda Janousek. The parent said, “on Friday afternoon, Linda and the children were subjected to a very alarming incident which centered around a man who had stopped traffic on Highway 50. The man was wielding a hunting knife while walking around the bus and other cars screaming “hit me!" The parent explained that, “Linda calmly called the police and kept our children safe during the entire ordeal, and I very much appreciate that."
Linda has been driving a bus for 43 years, safely getting children to and form school every day.
In my opinion, she is a super hero! Thank you, Linda!
PCC-Fremont Executive Dean Mark Peacock visits with CCHS Welding Teacher Daniel Vinci during the annual Instructional Program Review.
During the month of April, Cañon City High School participated in a Higher Learning Commission visit related to its relationship with Pueblo Community College.
Mark Peacock, the PCC-Fremont Campus Executive Dean said the preliminary report is “glowing and identifies no areas of concern.” He went on to report, “the reviewer’s interaction with Cañon City High School leadership confirms the PCC president’s observation about the exemplary learning environment in this setting.”
Of note, the HLC reviewer reported:
-CCHS is among the leading high schools, statewide, in terms of concurrent student enrollment.
-CCHS is the only rural high school in the state of Colorado that is a P-TECH (pathways in technology) school offering an early college experience.
-It was evident from the discussion with the Fremont branch campus dean and CCHS leadership that a culture that encourages post-secondary educational pursuit prevails in this setting.
Regarding Cañon City High School’s Automotive and Welding programs, it was reported:
-While the technology regarding auto mechanics is constantly evolving, PCC/CCHS participation in the Subaru University Vehicle Program ensures that students in this certificate program work with the most current vehicles available.
-PCC actively promotes and celebrates student success. The marketing department showcases successful students through its “Wall of Fame.”
-Reviewer interviews with faculty and students confirmed a commitment to quality, strict attention to student safety, and encouragement to maximize student learning potential.
-Students expressed genuine appreciation for the devotion of their faculty mentors to their achievement. -Faculty members articulated their commitment to a “sweat equity pledge” in terms of the expectations they communicate to students, observing that their responsibility includes helping their students acquire life skills as part of their commitment to developing the whole student.
Mr. Peacock expressed tremendous gratitude following this review, stating, “we knew our concurrent programs at CCHS are outstanding, but it’s always nice to get outside validation of our efforts!”
Mark Peacock, the PCC-Fremont Campus Executive Dean said the preliminary report is “glowing and identifies no areas of concern.” He went on to report, “the reviewer’s interaction with Cañon City High School leadership confirms the PCC president’s observation about the exemplary learning environment in this setting.”
Of note, the HLC reviewer reported:
-CCHS is among the leading high schools, statewide, in terms of concurrent student enrollment.
-CCHS is the only rural high school in the state of Colorado that is a P-TECH (pathways in technology) school offering an early college experience.
-It was evident from the discussion with the Fremont branch campus dean and CCHS leadership that a culture that encourages post-secondary educational pursuit prevails in this setting.
Regarding Cañon City High School’s Automotive and Welding programs, it was reported:
-While the technology regarding auto mechanics is constantly evolving, PCC/CCHS participation in the Subaru University Vehicle Program ensures that students in this certificate program work with the most current vehicles available.
-PCC actively promotes and celebrates student success. The marketing department showcases successful students through its “Wall of Fame.”
-Reviewer interviews with faculty and students confirmed a commitment to quality, strict attention to student safety, and encouragement to maximize student learning potential.
-Students expressed genuine appreciation for the devotion of their faculty mentors to their achievement. -Faculty members articulated their commitment to a “sweat equity pledge” in terms of the expectations they communicate to students, observing that their responsibility includes helping their students acquire life skills as part of their commitment to developing the whole student.
Mr. Peacock expressed tremendous gratitude following this review, stating, “we knew our concurrent programs at CCHS are outstanding, but it’s always nice to get outside validation of our efforts!”
Our Future Focus
Superintendent Designee Adam Hartman
At a board meeting on Monday, April 12th, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Adam Hartman was declared the sole finalist to replace me as Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2022.
On April 26th, Mr. Hartman was offered a contract to begin serving as Superintendent Designee on July 1, 2021.
This decision was made after the district conducted a two-week-long internal search, interviewed Mr. Hartman, held community engagements sessions, and solicited staff and community feedback.
Prior to initiating the internal search, Board President Shad Johnson communicated, “The work we are doing in the Cañon City School District is cutting edge. Because of the efforts of many great people at all levels of our system, we have become a future-focused district deeply committed to a specific set of core beliefs, while developing key traits and skills in our children that will prepare them for the challenges they’ll face in life. With this understanding and our Board’s desire to remain on the trajectory we are on, there is a deep sense that not just anyone with administrative experience can be invited in to guide our work. Thus, we have decided to search for George’s replacement in two possible phases. First, by conducting a two-week-long internal search.”
On April 26th, Mr. Hartman was offered a contract to begin serving as Superintendent Designee on July 1, 2021.
This decision was made after the district conducted a two-week-long internal search, interviewed Mr. Hartman, held community engagements sessions, and solicited staff and community feedback.
Prior to initiating the internal search, Board President Shad Johnson communicated, “The work we are doing in the Cañon City School District is cutting edge. Because of the efforts of many great people at all levels of our system, we have become a future-focused district deeply committed to a specific set of core beliefs, while developing key traits and skills in our children that will prepare them for the challenges they’ll face in life. With this understanding and our Board’s desire to remain on the trajectory we are on, there is a deep sense that not just anyone with administrative experience can be invited in to guide our work. Thus, we have decided to search for George’s replacement in two possible phases. First, by conducting a two-week-long internal search.”
Brian Zamarripa will be our new Director of Curriculum and Assessment.
In naming Mr. Hartman the Superintendent Designee, Board President Shad Johnson said, “We are blessed beyond our words. We know Adam has a lot to learn about being a superintendent, but we are absolutely thrilled his learning and growth will take place right here in Cañon City.”
I’m on a shortened contract for the 2021-22 school year and look forward to supporting Mr. Hartman throughout the entire school year as he transitions to his new role
Since Mr. Hartman is becoming our Superintendent Designee, it became necessary to fill the Director of Curriculum and Assessment role he filled as Assistant Superintendent of Schools. After reviewing a large number of applicants, our Screening Committee forwarded the names of three candidates to be interviewed on Monday, May 24th. Although each candidate had some great strengths, Washington Elementary Principal Brian Zamarripa rose to the top. Mr. Zamarripa not only has administrative experience at all levels from Kindergarten to 12the grade, he also has a track record of involvement in both curriculum and assessment work right here in the Cañon City School District.
Mr. Hartman says, “he's bright, thoughtful, and has relationships already in place. Quite simply, I'm excited that he's the guy I'm passing along the C&A work to. I look forward to this transition.”
This now leaves us with a leadership position to fill at Washington Elementary and we've already begun that search process.
I’m on a shortened contract for the 2021-22 school year and look forward to supporting Mr. Hartman throughout the entire school year as he transitions to his new role
Since Mr. Hartman is becoming our Superintendent Designee, it became necessary to fill the Director of Curriculum and Assessment role he filled as Assistant Superintendent of Schools. After reviewing a large number of applicants, our Screening Committee forwarded the names of three candidates to be interviewed on Monday, May 24th. Although each candidate had some great strengths, Washington Elementary Principal Brian Zamarripa rose to the top. Mr. Zamarripa not only has administrative experience at all levels from Kindergarten to 12the grade, he also has a track record of involvement in both curriculum and assessment work right here in the Cañon City School District.
Mr. Hartman says, “he's bright, thoughtful, and has relationships already in place. Quite simply, I'm excited that he's the guy I'm passing along the C&A work to. I look forward to this transition.”
This now leaves us with a leadership position to fill at Washington Elementary and we've already begun that search process.
Applying Our Traits and Skills
A handful of the many students who earned automotive industry certifications this year.
Congratulations to John Duston and his Vocational Automotive II students. This spring they tested for ASE certification and received a total of 32. Two students, Jeff Kimmick and Tekoa Luce, earned all 10 certifications possible!
Upon further investigation, it turns out our PCC/CCHS Automotive program earned the following certifications for the 20-21 School Year:
ASE 32
SP/2 441
Gates 290
Ford 566
Subaru University 228
Snap-On 52
Pro-Cut 3
National Coalition of Safety 182
Thus, a total of 1,789 certificates were awarded to PCC/CCHS Automotive student this year! Along the way, 407 Pueblo Community College credits were earned by our automotive students as well.
Finally, on Wednesday May 19th the Cañon City High School Class of 2021 received their earned diplomas in a full class ceremony at Citizen’s Stadium. At this event, 220 tenacious students graduated with over 4,000 college credits and approximately $2 million in awarded scholarships.
Upon further investigation, it turns out our PCC/CCHS Automotive program earned the following certifications for the 20-21 School Year:
ASE 32
SP/2 441
Gates 290
Ford 566
Subaru University 228
Snap-On 52
Pro-Cut 3
National Coalition of Safety 182
Thus, a total of 1,789 certificates were awarded to PCC/CCHS Automotive student this year! Along the way, 407 Pueblo Community College credits were earned by our automotive students as well.
Finally, on Wednesday May 19th the Cañon City High School Class of 2021 received their earned diplomas in a full class ceremony at Citizen’s Stadium. At this event, 220 tenacious students graduated with over 4,000 college credits and approximately $2 million in awarded scholarships.
Head Girl Megan Reynolds addresses the Cañon City High School Class of 2021.
Looking Ahead
The 21-22 school year will include a gradual release of duties to Superintendent Designee Adam Hartman.
Though I am on a reduced contract, I’ll be focusing time this summer negotiating compensation packages with our certified and classified associations, finalizing our fiscal year 21-22 budget, creating plans to wisely invest federal relief funds received through the ESSER programs, submitting BEST grants for HVAC/Air Flow improvements for the ACCESS Center and Cañon Exploratory School, and submitting our annual Federal Programs application and budget.
I’m also looking forward to beginning my next career venture by facilitating the Colorado Education Initiative’s Rural Superintendent Academy.
We have already established our first cohort of ten fellows (including Superintendent Designee Adam Hartman) and are scheduled to hold our first convening right here in Cañon City on Wednesday June 16th and Thursday June 17th at the newly remodeled Annex Event Center on Main Street.
I can't wait to get started supporting the next generation of great rural school superintendents in Colorado!
Thank you for continuing to listen despite my evolving role in the district,
George S. Welsh
I’m also looking forward to beginning my next career venture by facilitating the Colorado Education Initiative’s Rural Superintendent Academy.
We have already established our first cohort of ten fellows (including Superintendent Designee Adam Hartman) and are scheduled to hold our first convening right here in Cañon City on Wednesday June 16th and Thursday June 17th at the newly remodeled Annex Event Center on Main Street.
I can't wait to get started supporting the next generation of great rural school superintendents in Colorado!
Thank you for continuing to listen despite my evolving role in the district,
George S. Welsh
