Miner's Minutes November/December 2024

Dear Telluride School Community,

 

In this President's Corner I wish to acknowledge that our society is going through a time of change, throughout the world. And whether you celebrate or moan, change is stressful. It feels acute right now during election season but there have been many changes in the works for awhile. Just in our school community it could be an updated School Finance Formula that is sufficiently funded to cause no harm but does more good than bad. Or the recently released study on our Accreditation System which is how school district's success is measured. We have done well in the old system being Accredited with Distinction for many years. Updates to Title IV afford more protections to a diverse student population. And new more complex measures to keep everyone safe in an unpredictable world.

 

Your schools have been paying attention to the shifting winds and developing strategies and tools to make the changes asked of us. These tools may seem esoteric; updating our decades old Mission Statement and introducing a Global Ends Statement with articulated target Goals to effect change, as well as a much-needed Inclusion Statement given the divisive times we are in. When applied these have created some exciting improvements in our system which have been communicated in our Board meetings and District Accountability Meetings a well as Building Miner Community Meetings.

 

Which brings up improved communication. For it is only through collaboration and communication that we can achieve these high goals to serve our students to the best of our ability. We are refining a list of all the possible ways one can participate or engage and will make that available soon. When that is shared, find your best fit and join us even if you can only come a few times. In the meantime please look at upcoming dates below for BOE meetings and District Accountabilty meetings. We are all busy, but your input is valued. 

In appreciation,

 

Cheryl Carstens Miller

As we enter the second half of the 2024-25 school year, I wanted to take the opportunity to send out a reminder about our Inclusion Statement. I am including the statement below, as well as some other relevant information for your awareness and to consider when talking to your students.

In Telluride, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to fostering growth and that all students, families, faculty, and staff members bring unique experiences, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives that enrich our community when recognized and celebrated. We are committed to cultivating a sense of belonging and empowering advocacy by actively listening, and welcoming everyone’s stories to create a community that is respectful, empathetic, and joyful.

·        Commitment to Serving All Students: Our public schools are dedicated to serving every student in our attendance area, regardless of immigration status. Due to federal and state laws, we are prohibited from asking about the immigration status of our students and families. We are committed to ensuring every child receives the same warm welcome and support.

·        Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging: Our school district prioritizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We believe that each student deserves a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment.

·        A Unified Community: We are committed to fostering a community where all students and their families feel valued and supported, regardless of background or origin.

Congratulations to 3rd grader Natalia Lopez Carmelo who is the Colorado Association School Board (CASB) Elementary Art Award Winner. This is a huge honor as there are 184 districts. You can see the piece below.

TMHS October Students of the Month: