Sand Creek Zone Overview

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    The plan for Sand Creek Zone schools was developed during the 2016-2017 school year over a number of forums with community members, teachers, students, and parents. Educational leaders across the zone also provided valuable input. In addition, goals were developed in response to staff and parent survey results compiled during the 2016-2017 school year.

    MISSION - Pursuit of Excellence

    VISION

    Commitment Personalized Paths  Growth Mindset

    COMMITMENT

    PERSONALIZED PATHS

    GROWTH MINDSET

    INCLUSIVITY

    HEART

    PRIDE
     Inclusivity Inclusivity  Pride
     
    Sand Creek Zone Plan
     
    Think of the Sand Creek Zone plan this way...the vital work we do every day, no matter the assignment, drives student success. Each member of the Sand Creek Zone team engages in service for our learners,. parents, and community in some way, shape, or form. Every staff member helps create a work environment that is healthy and stimulating. Our schools will continue to innovate and grow in purposeful fashion.
     
    Our goals address four pillars...Student Success, People, Service, and Innovation/Growth. We have defined strategic actions aligned with each of the pillars and goals and measures to assess our performance.

Sand Creek Zone Schools

Sand Creek Zone Superintendent

Phone: 719.495.1167

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dustin Horras

Dustin Horras serves as the Sand Creek Zone Superintendent.  The Sand Creek Zone encompasses six schools in the southeastern boundary of District 49.  
 
Horras is beginning his 28th year in District 49, all serving within the Sand Creek Zone.  His teaching career began at Evans Elementary School, teaching 4th grade.  After two years teaching 4th grade, Horras spent seven years as the physical education teacher at Evans.  Following nine years teaching at EES, he spent one year as the Dean of Students at Sand Creek High School.  Dustin returned to Evans and spent three years as the Assistant Principal before taking over as principal for the next four years.  After one year working with all schools in the Sand Creek Zone as Zone Specialist, Horras returned to a principal position at Horizon Middle School where he spent the previous nine years.  Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, Dustin has transitioned into the role of Sand Creek Zone Superintendent.

As Zone Superintendent, Horras takes great pride in the Sand Creek Zone schools, the students and staff.  He believes in a strong culture based on what is best for students that includes staff that are devoted to supporting each student's social, emotional, and academic development.  Going above and beyond in meeting the needs of all students and providing an outstanding education in an engaging and caring school environment is essential to success across the Sand Creek Zone. 
 
Sand Creek Zone schools deeply value and encourage parents and the community as partners in the development and education of all students while working together to create a learning environment that supports individual students in fulfilling their potential as learners. 

Dustin looks forward to continuing to serve the Sand Creek community as Zone Superintendent.  Please feel free to reach out at dustin.horras@d49.org.

Sand Creek Zone Updates

  • Amber Whetstine, learning services executive director, and Sean Dorsey, Sand Creek Zone innovation leader, will present June 2 a full-day workshop for leaders that will focus on providing on-going, specific feedback to all teachers on a weekly basis to improve teaching and learning. All principals, assistant principals and instructional coaches in the zone will learn how to schedule and conduct meaningful teacher observations and feedback sessions throughout the school year.
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2014-2015 News in District 49

  • BOE Honors Schroeder For Awards, Recognitions, Distinctions

    Twelfth-grader Riley Schroeder, 18, explains his recent awards, recognitions and distinctions during a Board of Education meeting May 14 in District 49. “I just want to live a happy life and help others live a happy life,” said Schroeder, who’s been enrolled in the district since preschool.

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  • Students Share Interactive Projects During IB Exhibition

    Fifth-graders Ricardo Rodriguez, 10, and Caedan McCulloch, 11, inform classmates about water pollution May 13 at Evans International Elementary School.

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  • Remington Students Shine in Beauty and the Beast

    Lana Arends, fifth grade, performs as Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. May 7 at Remington Elementary School.

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  • Science Teachers for the Day

    Eighth-grader Amber Muehlhausen, 13, teaches a lesson about reflection and refraction May 7 at Evans International Elementary School.

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  • Gazette Section B. April 29, 2015.

    Gazette Best and Brightest: Riley Schroeder, Sand Creek High School

    One of Riley Schroeder's goals is to help others live a happy life.

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  • Dallo Fall

    RES Families Explore Cultures, Celebrate Diversity

    Dallo Fall of Senegal leads the Jamoral troupe through West African dancing and drumming traditions April 30 during “Celebrate the Arts Family Fun Night” at Remington Elementary School in District 49.

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  • Growing A Better World In Their Own Backyard

    "The students' dream is take what they are learning at the YWAM aquaponics facility to build one for Care and Share to serve southern Colorado," said Todd Matia, SCHS engineering instructor.

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  • Anne Flemke

    Preschool Families Explore Science Ideas for Summer Fun

    Teacher Anne Flemke watches preschooler Ava Pairsh, 5, inflate a balloon by creating carbon dioxide with baking soda and lemon juice during a family science workshop April 24 at Springs Ranch Elementary School in District 49.

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  • Students With Special Needs Sharpen Warrior Skills

    Eleventh-grader Phillip Held, 17, navigates an obstacle course April 21 at Sand Creek High School in District 49. Two teams of students with special needs, ranging from developmental to intellectual disabilities, had rushed into the school’s field house, where they discovered an adapted obstacle course based on the popular NBC television program “American Ninja Warrior.”

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  • Student Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

    Twelfth-grade athletes sign letters of intent April 16 at Sand Creek High School.

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