Falcon Zone Principals
Email: seann.oconnor@d49.org
Phone: 719-495-5520 x5527
Qualifications:
- BA from Colorado College in Romance Languages
- MA from University of Northern Colorado in Sports Administration
- Principal’s licensure from University of Phoenix
Mr. Seann O'Connor - Falcon High School
I am excited to continue at Falcon Nation this year! We have all the ingredients of an outstanding school; amazing students, a talented faculty, and a supportive and invested community. At Falcon High School, I am impressed with the diversity of pathways available to our students, and this year we are adding Automotive and Broadcasting to our course offerings. We are committed to creating success for every student and we look forward to starting the2025-2026 year very soon!
Mr. Ryan Bailey - Patriot Applied Learning Campus
Email: elena.forehand@d49.org
Phone: 719-495-5232
Qualifications:
- MA from University of Phoenix in Supervision and Education Leadership
- BA from University of Arizona in Fine Arts
- BA from University of Arizona in Theatre Education
Mrs. Elena Forehand - Falcon Middle School
I am excited to work with my amazing teachers and staff to serve our students and families in the Falcon Zone.
This year marks my 29th year in education, the majority of my time serving middle school students. Falcon Middle School is an amazing place to work, learn and lead as we maintain that family feeling. Our entire staff work together to do what is best for our students always. We are excited to see our students growing and achieving. We strive to maintain a positive culture. Living and working in the Falcon Community is definitely a plus because I am able to interact with our students and families. This will be our second year with the FMS Annex and we continue to rise to the opportunities to provide the best learning experiences for all students.
Email: martina.meadows@d49.org
Phone: 719-495-5464
Qualifications:
- MA from Northern Arizona University in Education w/ Bilingual Education
- BA from Arizona State University in Education w/ ESL
- Principal Licensure Program from University of Phoenix
Mrs. Martina Meadows - Bennett Ranch Elementary
As principal of Bennett Ranch Elementary, I am looking forward to continuing to partner with parents, and build relationships with staff, students, and the community!
I am bringing more than 29 years of experience in education to this leadership position. My background includes teaching kindergarten through fourth grade in Arizona before relocating to Colorado to teach reading and English skills to elementary students. After serving as the Coordinator for English Language Development in District 49, I also spent two years as an assistant principal at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. This will be my 5th year as Principal at Bennett Ranch Elementary, and I am looking forward to a great school year for all our Bennett Ranch Bulls!
My husband and I have been married for over 23 years, and we have two children. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, playing cards, and watching movies.
Email: jennifer.palazzolo@d49.org
Phone: 719-494-2909
Qualifications:
- MA from University of Northern Colorado in Education
- MBA from University of Florida
- BA from UCCS in International Business & Marketing
Mrs. Jennifer Palazzolo - Meridian Ranch Elementary
Meridian Ranch Elementary is a large school that has a small town feel. We care about each other, students, the community and prioritize relationships first. This year is all about channeling talents from surgeons and some of the best chefs in the world. What?! Well just as precision is a priority in cooking and in the operating room, we will leverage our expertise to attend to precision in the classroom. Translated this means that we are laser focused on how students spend their time, how we are closing skill gaps and interweaving our teaching with the needs of each child. We will continue to grow all students and cannot wait to leverage our positive momentum in the upcoming school year!
Email: craig.stevens@d49.org
Phone: 719-495-5278
Qualifications:
- Ed. D from University of Oklahoma in Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision
- M. Ed. from University of Oklahoma in Administration, Curriculum and Supervision
- B.S from the University of Oklahoma in Elementary Education
Dr. Craig Stevens- Falcon Elementary School of Technology
Hello Falcon Elementary School of Technology Community,
I am very excited to join our wonderful Falcon Elementary School Community as your principal next year. Go Hawks! I am excited to partner with you in your student's education. I have had an enjoyable and successful career in education over the last thirty-five years. I have been an elementary school teacher, summer school teacher, summer school district administrator, assistant principal and elementary principal in Oklahoma and Colorado.
Helping others has been my life's work. I enjoy every day getting to help students, families, and staff. I am excited to join the Falcon Zone to empower teachers to empower our students. In my spare time, I have been an adjunct professor for the University of Phoenix and the University of Oklahoma teaching future teachers and administrators. I want to continue to help others join this rewarding career.
I have a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate in Education from the University of Oklahoma. I am certified in Oklahoma for Elementary Education, Elementary Principal, Secondary Principal, and Superintendent. In Colorado, I am certified in K-12 Principal.
My wife Wendy and I have six grown children and two granddaughters. We enjoy spending time with family and in the beautiful outdoors here in Colorado.
I am looking forward to getting to know you and your families over the school year! It's going to be a great year!
Dr. Craig Stevens
Principal
Falcon Elementary School of Technology
Email: bethany.stegman@d49.org
Phone: 719.495.5500
Qualifications:
- Ed. Spec. – Principal Licensure Program, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- M.Ed. – Gifted Education, University of Northern Colorado
- M.Ed. – Elementary Education, University of Nebraska Omaha
- B.A. – K-12 Physical Education, Hastings College
Bethany Stegman - Woodmen Hills Elementary
Hello Woodmen Hills Students and Families!
I love being a part of Tornado Nation! I was the Assistant Principal at WHES for two years before becoming the Principal in 2020. I continue to greatly value strong partnerships with each of you while serving the learning community as we engage, elevate, and enhance learning and teaching for our students and staff. You will often hear me share that Woodmen Hills Elementary is THE best school on earth. Our students, staff, and families are unlike any other - they genuinely care for one another, they rise above any challenge, and I feel so grateful to spend my days at our big school with a small neighborhood feel. Each year is no different as we remain united in one mission - whatever it takes for our kids.
I started my career with Westside Community Schools in Omaha, Nebraska before moving to Colorado. I then taught in Academy District 20 for 11 years before coming to WHES in 2018. During my time at WCS and D20, I taught elementary and middle school Physical Education, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and also spent several years as a Gifted Education Specialist, Response to Intervention Coordinator, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Leader, and Facilitator of Student Growth.
I am small town Nebraska born and raised. My husband, two daughters, and I have called Falcon home since we moved here in 2007. In my time away from school, you will find our family outside – sometimes at an arena where our girls are competing in events on the back of their horses or at a baseball field somewhere across the nation.
Please reach out if you need anything - we are in this together!