Cañon City thrives through adventurous spirit, dynamic people, innovative schools, and historic charm.
Echoes from Cañon
Our Mission
The Cañon City School District is future-focused, providing innovative educational opportunities to successfully prepare all students to meet any challenge they may face.
The Cañon City School District is future-focused, providing innovative educational opportunities to successfully prepare all students to meet any challenge they may face.
Our Core Beliefs
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.
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
Jamie Murray was surrounded by questioners about BIMAS screening
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Jamie presents at the Advancing School Mental Health Conference
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Alan Buller was named APEX Talent Champion of the Year!
Last Friday, Cañon City School District Social-Emotional Support Coordinator Jamie Murray was in Austin, Texas presenting at the Annual Conference for Advancing School Mental Health. Her topic was the work we've been doing here in Cañon City Schools utilizing the BIMAS-2 universal screening tool in our secondary schools. This received national attention last spring when National Public Radio aired a story about it. Cañon City Schools Health and Wellness Coordinator Brian VanIwarden reported, "it is obvious our school district is at the forefront nationwide in supporting and identifying students who might need additional behavioral health supports." Mrs. Murray was part of a presentation that included four panelists with PHDs. Mr. VanIwarden reports the last panelist actually gave up his time to Jamie so she could answer questions from session participants.
TechSTART's Alan Buller was honored last week with a prestigious APEX award by the Colorado Technology Association! This was in recognition of Mr. Buller's work leading the Cañon City High School P-TECH intern program. Mr. Buller manages CCHS interns who study STEM fields through high school and P-TECH partner Pueblo Community College. The P-TECH grant covers tuition for students. Internship opportunities are a necessity, as the P-TECH program requires they be offered as students pursue no-cost associate’s degrees in STEM-related fields.
Some firms have hired employees directly out of our P-TECH TechSTART internship program, with annual starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000. Mr. Buller, who calls himself “a bit of an explainer,” also secures A+ coding certification training for students. “I always have liked seeing someone get started on something and watching the light-bulb moment when they know they can get it done,” says Buller, who once designed training materials at the 20,000-employee Texas Department of Mental Health and also provided corporate training at Dell, USAA and Pearson Education.
Congratulations, Mr. Buller! Thank you for your dedication to the development of traits and skills in our students!
TechSTART's Alan Buller was honored last week with a prestigious APEX award by the Colorado Technology Association! This was in recognition of Mr. Buller's work leading the Cañon City High School P-TECH intern program. Mr. Buller manages CCHS interns who study STEM fields through high school and P-TECH partner Pueblo Community College. The P-TECH grant covers tuition for students. Internship opportunities are a necessity, as the P-TECH program requires they be offered as students pursue no-cost associate’s degrees in STEM-related fields.
Some firms have hired employees directly out of our P-TECH TechSTART internship program, with annual starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000. Mr. Buller, who calls himself “a bit of an explainer,” also secures A+ coding certification training for students. “I always have liked seeing someone get started on something and watching the light-bulb moment when they know they can get it done,” says Buller, who once designed training materials at the 20,000-employee Texas Department of Mental Health and also provided corporate training at Dell, USAA and Pearson Education.
Congratulations, Mr. Buller! Thank you for your dedication to the development of traits and skills in our students!
Our Future Focus
Robin Reeser, Mike Near, and Beth Gaffney
Congratulations are due current Board Secretary-Treasurer Robin Reeser, Mike Near, and Beth Gaffney upon their election to fill our three open Board of Education seats.
Mrs. Reeser is a former accountant and educator who now works as a realtor in Cañon City. She was appointed to the board a year ago in October to complete the term of Kristyn Econome, who stepped off the board to take a teaching position at Cañon City High School.
Mr. Near is a retired teacher with more than 30 years of experience who has continued to serve children as a substitute teacher. He once sat on the Cañon City Council and also held a seat on the board of education for two terms from 2007 through 2015.
Mrs. Gaffney is also a retired educator, having served as a teacher, coordinator, and school principal in the Cañon City School District. For many years Beth has been deeply involved in Cañon City's CASA chapter. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children.
Robin, Mike, and Beth will initiate their terms during our Monday, November 11th meeting, which starts at 5:30 PM at the district board room. Each is slated to serve four-year terms.
Mrs. Reeser is a former accountant and educator who now works as a realtor in Cañon City. She was appointed to the board a year ago in October to complete the term of Kristyn Econome, who stepped off the board to take a teaching position at Cañon City High School.
Mr. Near is a retired teacher with more than 30 years of experience who has continued to serve children as a substitute teacher. He once sat on the Cañon City Council and also held a seat on the board of education for two terms from 2007 through 2015.
Mrs. Gaffney is also a retired educator, having served as a teacher, coordinator, and school principal in the Cañon City School District. For many years Beth has been deeply involved in Cañon City's CASA chapter. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children.
Robin, Mike, and Beth will initiate their terms during our Monday, November 11th meeting, which starts at 5:30 PM at the district board room. Each is slated to serve four-year terms.
Our Focus on Safety
You may have noticed the weather has been a bit unpredictable recently. Please take extra care when driving and navigating to campuses and through school zones. When you approach our buildings, please watch for slick spots and try to avoid them. Please know on snowy days our operations crews often only have time to clear off high traffic areas before doors open.
Additional tips you might consider to reduce your risk of slipping and falling include:
Additional tips you might consider to reduce your risk of slipping and falling include:
- Take your time and pay attention to where you are going. Do your best to avoid all icy and wet areas.
- Wear proper footwear for the weather we are experiencing.
- Give yourself extra time to get where you are going.
- Adhere to instructions posted on all signage.
- Don't carry or push items that prevent you from seeing where you are going.
- Stay on the main roads and walkways that are maintained by staff.
Bond Progress
An illustration showing how radiant heating/cooling works
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Washington's new system will cost only 58% of our current process
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On Friday I was at the Arvada Center for the Arts attending the United States Green Building Council's annual Green Schools Summit. The main reason I attended was to participate in a presentation highlighting the heating cooling mechanical system we are building into our new Washington Elementary School. I joined Miles Dake from BranchPattern Design, and Mandy Redfield, a Bond Project Manager from the Boulder Valley School District.
For those who were not aware, we're installing a natural gas powered radiant heating and cooling system in the new Washingon building. This requires the installation of plastic pipe in all floors on the ground and second-story levels. The reason we decided on this model is it's the most energy-efficient system we could pursue within our BEST grant budget. Though it's a bit less efficient than the geothermal system we'll be recapturing on the Cañon City Middle School campus, this was the second most cost-efficient option when it comes to long-term expense. In fact, our construction models indicate we'll only have to invest 58% as much as we currently do on heating and cooling for the new Washington facility. Additionally, the end product will create much more comfortable learning environments and cleaner air.
For those who were not aware, we're installing a natural gas powered radiant heating and cooling system in the new Washingon building. This requires the installation of plastic pipe in all floors on the ground and second-story levels. The reason we decided on this model is it's the most energy-efficient system we could pursue within our BEST grant budget. Though it's a bit less efficient than the geothermal system we'll be recapturing on the Cañon City Middle School campus, this was the second most cost-efficient option when it comes to long-term expense. In fact, our construction models indicate we'll only have to invest 58% as much as we currently do on heating and cooling for the new Washington facility. Additionally, the end product will create much more comfortable learning environments and cleaner air.
The room was packed for the Washington radiant heating/cooling presentation
Last Week
Board Treasurer Shad Johnson was a conversation activator at the accreditation convening
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Cañon City Schools brought a talented team to the CEI Accreditation Convening.
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Last Monday I published another issue of Echoes from Cañon, traveled to Denver to attend a Mill Levy Equity Core Team meeting, then returned to Cañon City in time to attend a 4 PM Home Bi-Ed Board meeting at our administration facility. On Tuesday I appeared on Morning Line with RE-2 Superintendent Dr. Brenda Krage, held a Superintendent Advisory Council meeting, and conducted an expulsion hearing and an expulsion follow-up session. On Wednesday we held an administrative office staff team meeting, I met with McKinley Principal Scott Morton and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Adam Hartman about our federal EASI grant application and then traveled to Pueblo for a fall Southern Superintendent's Group gathering. I was back in Denver on Thursday to attend the Colorado Education Initiative's New Foundation for Accountability convening. I then attended the US Green Building Coalition conference where I participated in a presentation about why we are installing in-floor radiant heating and cooling in our new Washington Elementary school and the long-term savings we expect to garner from doing so.
This Week
This week I'll write and publish another installment of Echoes from Cañon, offer formal input solicited by St. Thomas More Hospital, hold a few expulsion hearings and meet with some concerned parents, attend our board work session and meeting, touch base with the Cañon City Police Department about school/community safety matters, hold a Superintendent Advisory Council meeting, meet with Assistant Superintendent Adam Hartman, Health and Wellness Coordinator Brian VanIwarden, and local entrepreneur Jay Jacoby about the CañonThrives platform, conduct a District Leadership Team meeting, attend McKinley Elementary's Digital Resources Open House, prepare for and conduct a Compass Committee meeting, attend a Mill Levy Equity Core Team meeting, finish writing and submitting the McKinley Elementary EASI grant application, work on federal programs application revisions, attend a fall BIMAS SEL Screener administration report meeting, and attend the Colorado School Finance Project monthly meeting in Denver.
Other Voices
Lloyd Harwood presents to other boards of education about how CCSD handles crisis situations
At our November 11th Board of Education meeting, we'll welcome Robin Reeser, Mike Near, and Beth Gaffney to our governance team. Sadly, we'll also bid farewell to Board Vice-President Lloyd Harwood and Board President Larry Oddo, as each is term-limited and can no longer serve.
Lloyd Harwood is wrapping up his eighth year of service on the Cañon City Board of Education. It's my understanding he began with the goals of positively transforming Cañon City High School and improving the condition of district facilities. Though his first four years of work were derailed by the imposition of the Negative Factor, his focus on people and valued programs helped us maintain workable class sizes and sustain the best performing arts programs in the stats.
Thanks to Lloyd's participation on the Cañon 2020 visioning committee, and his desire to see planned changes through, Cañon City High School is now a career pathways school, offering rigorous, relevant, and relationship-based instruction focused on everchanging career opportunities. This work has been so impactful that CCHS became the first Rural P-TECH high school in the nation, the Colorado Education Initiative declared is an Exemplar High School, one to be watched, visited, and learned from by everyone in the state, and it was honored this year with a Succeeds Award! What has gone highly unnoticed has been Mr. Harwood’s persistent legislative advocacy aimed at expanding funding for Colorado’s Building Excellent Schools Today program. thanks to this, funding was available to award Cañon City Schools grants to significantly upgrade five of its campuses, completely replace a structurally damaged elementary, and to remodel and renovate a beloved structure on the Cañon City Middle School campus. Between BEST and local taxpayer contributions, the total value of these facilities improvements amounts to just under $70 million.
Lloyd Harwood is wrapping up his eighth year of service on the Cañon City Board of Education. It's my understanding he began with the goals of positively transforming Cañon City High School and improving the condition of district facilities. Though his first four years of work were derailed by the imposition of the Negative Factor, his focus on people and valued programs helped us maintain workable class sizes and sustain the best performing arts programs in the stats.
Thanks to Lloyd's participation on the Cañon 2020 visioning committee, and his desire to see planned changes through, Cañon City High School is now a career pathways school, offering rigorous, relevant, and relationship-based instruction focused on everchanging career opportunities. This work has been so impactful that CCHS became the first Rural P-TECH high school in the nation, the Colorado Education Initiative declared is an Exemplar High School, one to be watched, visited, and learned from by everyone in the state, and it was honored this year with a Succeeds Award! What has gone highly unnoticed has been Mr. Harwood’s persistent legislative advocacy aimed at expanding funding for Colorado’s Building Excellent Schools Today program. thanks to this, funding was available to award Cañon City Schools grants to significantly upgrade five of its campuses, completely replace a structurally damaged elementary, and to remodel and renovate a beloved structure on the Cañon City Middle School campus. Between BEST and local taxpayer contributions, the total value of these facilities improvements amounts to just under $70 million.
Larry Oddo (right) answers questions about CCSD ballot issues in 2017
Larry Oddo is also wrapping up his eighth year of service on the Board of Education. For the past four years, he has filled the role of Board President.
A one-time accountant who is now a valued community business leader, during his first four years of service Mr. Oddo’s talent was instrumental to our navigation of the imposition of budget cuts related to the Great Recession. Thanks to his guidance and transparency, Cañon City Schools maintained its focus on offering programs most valued by the community while attracting and retaining the great people needed to run them. That we survived this difficult period with manageable class sizes, strong arts programs, and some of the best career tech education opportunities students can receive in the state, is a testament to his tenacity.
Mr. Oddo was instrumental in the success of our override and bond questions that provided desperately needed funds to implement a one-to-one technology initiative, improve compensation levels for all district employees, and match BEST program construction grants.
While participating in annual salary negotiations in Spring 2016, Mr. Oddo's declared the highest priority of the district should be to make up the six experience steps frozen during the Great Recession. His dream was been accomplished, and thanks to his deep involvement and understanding of our annual budget, this year for the first time in memory every employee in Cañon City Schools now has access to a basic health insurance plan premium covered entirely by the district.
As a final thought about both, if the most important thing a school district can do is be successful according to its state's measure for accreditation, in Colorado's case the District Performance Framework rating, then Lloyd and Larry can be deemed as successful as any other individual board members in the history of Colorado, for they have been core members of a governance team that took the Cañon City School District from an Accredited on Priority Improvement rating in 2011, and on the state's accountability clock facing a possible penalties, to full Accredited rating for the past four years running. I know of only three school districts in Colorado that have improved this much.
Thankfully for our kids, Lloyd and Larry have been willing to look beyond DPF to a future guided by the implementation of instructional pillars, the codification of core beliefs, and the development of the key traits and skills we all know our children need to be successful no matter what they'll face in life.
For decades our motto has been Learning For Life. Larry and Lloyd were not here when this vision was established. However, they have, perhaps, done more than any other individuals in our community to make our vision a reality.
It will be impossible to hold back my tears as I bid them farewell.
Thanks so much for listening once again, and for blessing this school district with amazing leaders like Lloyd and Larry.
Sincerely,
George S. Welsh
A one-time accountant who is now a valued community business leader, during his first four years of service Mr. Oddo’s talent was instrumental to our navigation of the imposition of budget cuts related to the Great Recession. Thanks to his guidance and transparency, Cañon City Schools maintained its focus on offering programs most valued by the community while attracting and retaining the great people needed to run them. That we survived this difficult period with manageable class sizes, strong arts programs, and some of the best career tech education opportunities students can receive in the state, is a testament to his tenacity.
Mr. Oddo was instrumental in the success of our override and bond questions that provided desperately needed funds to implement a one-to-one technology initiative, improve compensation levels for all district employees, and match BEST program construction grants.
While participating in annual salary negotiations in Spring 2016, Mr. Oddo's declared the highest priority of the district should be to make up the six experience steps frozen during the Great Recession. His dream was been accomplished, and thanks to his deep involvement and understanding of our annual budget, this year for the first time in memory every employee in Cañon City Schools now has access to a basic health insurance plan premium covered entirely by the district.
As a final thought about both, if the most important thing a school district can do is be successful according to its state's measure for accreditation, in Colorado's case the District Performance Framework rating, then Lloyd and Larry can be deemed as successful as any other individual board members in the history of Colorado, for they have been core members of a governance team that took the Cañon City School District from an Accredited on Priority Improvement rating in 2011, and on the state's accountability clock facing a possible penalties, to full Accredited rating for the past four years running. I know of only three school districts in Colorado that have improved this much.
Thankfully for our kids, Lloyd and Larry have been willing to look beyond DPF to a future guided by the implementation of instructional pillars, the codification of core beliefs, and the development of the key traits and skills we all know our children need to be successful no matter what they'll face in life.
For decades our motto has been Learning For Life. Larry and Lloyd were not here when this vision was established. However, they have, perhaps, done more than any other individuals in our community to make our vision a reality.
It will be impossible to hold back my tears as I bid them farewell.
Thanks so much for listening once again, and for blessing this school district with amazing leaders like Lloyd and Larry.
Sincerely,
George S. Welsh
