Student leadership, facility maintenance, academic growth, and districtwide planning dominated the Estes Park School Board’s latest meeting, Monday night which stretched across several major reports. The tone reflected both pride in student initiatives and the challenges of aging facilities and upcoming governance changes.
Student spotlight: Youth in Action
Middle and high school members of Youth in Action presented an overview of their mission and recent projects, including a voter registration drive with the League of Women Voters, a pumpkin giveaway with the Rotary Club, and a food drive for Crossroads Ministry.
Students also described their annual spring bingo night, which brings together local nonprofits and raises funds for youth mental and physical health. The group, recently nominated for the Youth Philanthropist of the Year Award, reviews grant applications collectively rather than assigning students to specific nonprofits.
Board members praised the students’ leadership and asked questions about collaboration between the middle and high school chapters, which meet separately but coordinate on major events.
Superintendent’s Student Council: School pride, mentorship, and policy involvement
Members of the Superintendent Council updated the Board on their priorities for the year, including:
- expanding the Bobcat Buddies mentorship program
- returning to “Cat Chats,” a student feedback format replacing last year’s podcast
- preparing welcome baskets for new students
- strengthening school pride and spirit projects
Students also highlighted celebrations across the district, such as the high school’s production of “The Lightning Thief “and successful fall sports seasons. Board members encouraged the Council to remain active on district committees and continue shaping long-range planning.
Facility updates: Major gym repair and ongoing maintenance
Superintendent Ruby Bode reported a series of facility challenges, including:
- a $47,000 foundation repair needed for the high school gym, tied to flooding and drainage issues
- replacement of a faulty kitchen cooler condenser
- continuing plumbing and integration work across district buildings
The district also hosted the Colorado School Plant Managers Association and received a $4,500 grant from the Colorado State Library to increase library resources.
Academic and wellness progress: Reading gains and new curriculum implementation
District leaders reported strong reading growth across K–5, attributing it to both the new literacy curriculum and AmeriCorps Reading Corps tutors. Teachers reported that collaboration with instructional coaches is helping drive improvements.
At the elementary level, kindergarteners completed a unit on the five senses, while first graders are developing a Macy’s Day Parade–style robot project. The school continues with its Golden Globe staff recognition tradition and is preparing for Polar Express Day and upcoming music performances.
The PBIS committee discussed a rise in playground incidents tied to sports-related conflicts and impulsive behavior. Their response includes increased supervision, reteaching expectations, and schoolwide re-norming.
Secondary updates: SAT prep, tutoring, and real-world learning
The high school is expanding SAT preparation under the guidance of Diana Webster, supported by Khan Academy’s Schoolhouse program. All students who have taken the Accuplacer have met the required criteria.
Six tutors are now working at the high school to support students in math, science, reading, and writing, while the RISE program continues to help students at risk of failing more than one class.
Teachers are implementing new instructional strategies, including vocabulary word walls and sentence frames, following their attendance at the Colorado Association of Science Teachers conference. Students recently toured the AIMS campus to learn about post-secondary pathways and will visit CSU in early December.
Athletics and activities
Fall sports teams across high school and middle school reported strong finishes:
- boys golf sent two athletes to state
- boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams both qualified for state
- volleyball reached regionals for the first time since 2014
- soccer and football players earned multiple all-conference honors
The middle school boys’ basketball team is off to a strong start, contributing to the gym’s heavy use after school.
A fall sports awards night took place on Nov. 16, and winter sports sign-ups close Dec. 8, with a parent-player meeting scheduled for Dec. 15.
Board updates and policy decisions
Board members reported attending a range of community and committee meetings, including workers’ compensation sessions, evaluation of committee meetings, and recent school performances.
The Board approved:
- the master plan architect team recommendation
- updated student and district goals
- revised school board meeting policies
- new procedures for handling public concerns about instructional materials
- an updated library resources policy
The latter two changes were required under SB 25-063.
Upcoming transitions and events
The Board announced a celebration for outgoing Director John Davis, followed by a special meeting to seat new board member Franco Wederski and to reseat Stacy Ferree and Ava Kendall. All three were elected by acclamation this fall as there were only three candidates for three open seats.
Board members will attend the CASB conference in Colorado Springs from Dec. 11–13.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15 at Town Hall.