VRHS Educator Finalist for Colorado Teacher of Year

There is no shortage of excellent teachers in School District 49, and Vista Ridge High School can claim one of its own as a statewide standout. 

Students, Staff Praised for Commitment to Vision, Mission

District 49's employees and students demonstrate excellent leadership skills, an important trait that aligns with D49's vision and mission to "Be the Best Choice to Learn, Work and Lead."

Growing the Next Generation of Teachers

D49 has planted the seeds to relaunch an important career and technical education program. After a two-year hiatus, Vista Ridge High School plans to bring back the Teacher Cadet Program.

D49 Applauds Servant Hearts of Staff, Students

District 49 has fantastic individuals, and several were honored during the February Fantastic 49 presentation for demonstrating a generous heart and spirit of service.

Odyssey Hosts Leader In Me Coaching Day

Odyssey Elementary School hosted five schools for a “The Leader In Me” Coaching Day

Falcon Zone Wins Awards at National Conference

Educators in the Falcon Zone wrapped up the National Conference on Digital Convergence (NCDC) in grand style at The Broadmoor on Feb. 7.

D49 Staff Participate in Wellness Summit

As part of District 49’s professional development day for staff, Community Care hosted the second annual Wellness Summit.

Falcon Zone Hosting National Conference

Educators from across the country will soon travel to Colorado to see personalized learning instructional processes in action. D49’s Falcon Zone has captured national attention.

Fantastic 49 Fanfare Wraps Up Semester

In the midst of the holiday season, District 49 took time to celebrate some of the individuals who are gifts to our D49 community during the Fantastic 49 presentation on Dec. 15.

49 Voices: The D49 Podcast

D49 is joining a growing list of school districts nationwide venturing into podcasting.

Transportation Department Spreads Holiday Cheer

District 49’s Transportation Department’s annual Santa’s Toy Express event was Saturday, Dec. 3, at the district transportation department in Peyton.

District 49 Appreciates Our Guest Teachers

November 18 marks National Substitute Educator Day, a perfect time to show gratitude for the team of guest teachers in District 49. One of the district’s most loyal is Amy Schrader.

Falcon Education Foundation Awards $25,000 to Educators

For the first time since 2019, the Falcon Education Foundation presented mini-grants to almost 30 staff members during the Fantastic 49 presentation on Nov. 10.

D49 Applauds Those Who Support Military Students, Programs

District 49 thanked community and staff members who go above and beyond for military-connected students during the Fantastic 49 presentation on Nov. 10.

Staff, Community Partners Shine as Leaders in D49

District 49 recognized staff members and community partners who are dedicated to living our mission to “Be the Best Choice to Learn, Work and Lead” every day during Fantastic 49 festivities on Oct. 26.

Staff, Community Member Demonstrate Fantastic Commitment

District 49 leaders celebrated staff and a community member who are true examples of the D49 vision, “To Be the Best Choice,” during Fantastic 49 festivities on Sept. 28.

Ridgway’s Work Leads to School Funding

Ridgway’s Work at the Capitol Leads to New Funding Opportunity for Colorado Schools

School Bus Tech Takes Top Award

District 49 has a sharp tool inside the transportation building. Adrian Ionita, school bus technician, was named the first-place bus mechanic at the State Road-e-o Contest.

Solid Recognition for VRHS Strength, Conditioning Program

A national organization is taking notice of a training program and athletes at Vista Ridge High School.

Empowering Students to Learn

The traditional four rows of desks with the teacher in the front is no longer the norm in the Falcon Zone.

Creative Learning in the STREAM Lab

Julie Jablonski is bringing creative and critical thinking to students in the Springs Ranch Elementary School STREAM Lab.

SMS Science Teacher Inspires Students and Teachers in Training

A Skyview Middle School science teacher’s formula for classroom success is earning national recognition.

Alumnus Makes a Difference with Return to Scorpion Nation

Ezekiel Ford is serving his country and students at SCHS. As a 2020 graduate, Ford completed his educational journey with plans for a military career. It didn’t take long for life to bring him back.

Meet Our SROs

Video: Introduction to D49's School Resource Officers.

Lowe Finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year

A language arts teacher at Falcon Middle is writing her legacy as one of the best in the state.

HMS Named Renaissance School of Distinction

Horizon Middle School is the recipient of the Renaissance School of Distinction award, selected by program developer, Jostens.

Making the Move from Security Guard to Teacher

A new teacher at Remington Elementary lives by the motto, “Building Champions for Life.” For Richard Riley, fourth-grade teacher, his greatest hope is that students build resilience and positive thinking.

Firebird Teachers Extra Eager for New Year

Two teachers at Falcon Middle are especially excited to start the new school year. Braden Smart, band and choir teacher, and Ashley Lowe, language arts teacher, haven’t experienced a “normal” year yet.

2021-22 School Year a Wrap: We Made It!

As the school year starts winding down, it's the perfect time to look back and reflect on all the positive moments of the year.

No Matter How You Slice It, D49 Teachers Shine

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked our community to recognize D49 teachers who can't be topped and to nominate favorites on social media.

Seeing a Sign: Learning a Language at PHS

Staff faces around the room are expressive and focused. Add in their hand gestures, and employees are saying a lot, without actually speaking.

Kindergartners Celebrate Differences During Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month, and for kindergartners at Evans Elementary, it’s the perfect time to celebrate a classmate.

Life Lessons Sparked By Tragedy

Holly DeHerrera, an English teacher with the Falcon Homeschool Program, knows how quickly life can change. In an instant, everything can go up in smoke.

Daily Dinner Chat with Teri Armes

Teri Armes, kindergarten teacher at Springs Ranch Elementary School, knows meaningful conversation during dinner is important.

2022 Culture and Climate Survey Closing Soon

It's time for school staff, students and parents to share their opinions of strengths and weaknesses about the culture and climate of each D49 campus.

Voice of the Workforce Annual Overview

Presentation of the Voice of the Workforce Annual Overview to the Board of Education

PHS Bids Farewell to Longtime Employee

When he started his career, Bruce Jilek dreamed of moving up the corporate ladder. He loved cars, and worked as a mechanic and service advisor for Ford Motor Company.

Open Enrollment Complete: Thanks a Latte

Five lucky employees are the winners of a Starbucks gift card, compliments of our friends at American Fidelity!

Join Us for the 2022 Wellness Summit

Times have challenged the mental well-being of everyone. Now, perhaps more than ever, we need to remember that sometimes to find the best solution, we need to change how we view the problem.

2021 VoW Annual Survey: What's Next?

The results are in! We are so grateful for our best-ever survey participation this year. 91% of all staff took time to complete the 2021 VoW Annual Survey.

Thank You to Our Community Sponsors

District 49 is grateful to several local businesses who continue to stand behind our staff and students.

Choose Positivity, Gratefulness

As I grab my coffee order and find my way to a cozy little corner to write this article, I take a brief moment to pause, reflect and bring myself to the present moment.

Results of COVID Emergency Funds Survey

Thank you to all staff, parents and community members who took time to complete our survey regarding our American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds.

Take Time During Summer Break to Recharge

We all know what happens to a cell phone when the battery is low. Recharging isn’t only important for your phone, but it is imperative for YOU to recharge your mind and body, too.

Start Planning Your (Virtual) Summer Trip

Don't let restrictions from COVID-19 keep you and your family from enjoying attractions and museums all across the country, or from discovering a new hobby this summer.

Summit Scholarship: Soar to New Heights

District 49 has partnered with Western Governors University to offer full scholarships to three current ESP staff members. Apply by May 11.

Send a #49CARES Message

With lives disrupted from the COVID-19 outbreak, messages from D49 team members, like you, filled with care and hope can make a positive difference to students, parents and our community.

D49 Update: Coronavirus Resources

We are working closely with our local public health agencies as we monitor the global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Harmonizing Comms Role & Passion for Music

Some singers only dream of sharing the stage with stars like the Beach Boys and JoDee Messina. Not every performer has organizations requesting them by name.

Denim & Diamonds for 2020 FEF Event

Grab your favorite pair of jeans, and glitz up your outfit with some sparkle for the 2020 Falcon Education Foundation Dinner & Auction.

Bus Drivers Deliver Holiday Hope for 18 Years

Santa’s Express began many years ago with a simple intention. The D49 transportation department wanted to provide coats for students in need.

D49 Welcomes Sentinel Technologies

Sentinel will serve as our new provider for essential, district-wide, IT customer service in the new year.

How to Reach Insurance Providers

We've got the phone numbers you need to reach insurance providers starting Jan. 1.

Inspiration View Employee Instills Passion for Arts

All the world is a stage and has been for Jen Lennon for 40 years. From studying theater to teaching drama, the performing arts ignites a passion.

D49 Thankful for Shining Stars Across District

The week before Thanksgiving set the stage as the perfect time for the District 49 family to express gratitude for the inaugural Support and Service Stars.

SSAE Staff Member Champions for Athletes

Some would say it was like David taking on Goliath. Japan is known as a powerhouse in women’s wrestling, and the sport is just beginning to gain traction in the U.S.

Board of Education To Welcome New Director

At the conclusion of the 2019 election season, D49 welcomes back familiar faces to the BOE and will greet a new member at the end of November.

Hunt New Site to Win Free Chick-fil-A® & Dion's®

Three lucky D49 staff members explored the new Team 49 site and are now winners of delicious prizes! Thanks to everyone who entered the contest.

RES Teacher to Run with Best in Boston

It’s the ultimate race and where all runners strive to compete. Heather Reading, kindergarten teacher at RES, has earned a spot to run the well-known Boston Marathon.

Equipping Our Paraprofessionals

Thanks to past VoW Annual Survey feedback, new training opportunities for paraprofessionals kicked off last month to showcase their unique roles.

FMS Team Member Helps Write History

As a teen, Karen Hobson, didn’t realize how she was about to make history. She grew up a tomboy in a non-military family.

Stetson Teacher Wins with Spartan Racing

When Kendra Spencer, teacher at SES, started Spartan racing, little did she know what an impact it would make.