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Promoting Three of Our Own

            Eagle County Schools has promoted three current employees to Principal positions beginning in the fall of 2006.  Anthony Barela will be the Principal of Red Hill Elementary, Monica Lammers will be the Principal of Eagle Valley Elementary and Melisa Rewold-Thuon will be the Principal of Avon Elementary.  “After completing a national search and an extensive interview process, we feel the best talent and those most suited to take on the leadership of these three schools are within the talented ranks of our own organization,” says John Brendza, Superintendent.

            Monica Lammers has been with Eagle County Schools since 1999, when she taught 5^th grade at Eagle Valley Elementary.  Since then, her instructional excellence has earned her recognition from peers, parents and administration. From 2003 to 2005, Monica was the Elementary Instructional Coach working with schools on the implementation of the Teacher Advancement Program.  This year, Monica returned to Eagle Valley Elementary as a Mentor Teacher. Monica completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Pitzer College in California and received her Masters in Elementary Education at Northwestern.  Ms. Lammers is now in the process of completing her PhD at Denver University.  “I’m familiar with the students, staff and community at Eagle Valley Elementary and it is exciting for all involved to be able to continue building on the great relationships we have formed over the years.  I look to forward to a smooth transition into leadership.”

            Anthony Barela completed his undergraduate work at Fort Lewis in Cellular and Molecular Biology and has a Masters in Educational Administration from California State University/San Marcos.  Anthony taught in California for five years before becoming the Assistant Principal at Fullerton High School. Anthony moved to Durango where he was the Assistant Principal at Durango High School.  He joined Battle Mountain High School as Assistant Principal this year and has been a key part of the new leadership team there.  After many years in secondary education, Anthony is happy to be taking his skills to the elementary level.  “I have an end in mind so I know what skills elementary students need to gain.  I also have a good understanding of what a large influence the early years have on a child’s educational experience and I’m looking forward to shaping that future for the students at Red Hill Elementary.”

            Melisa Rewold-Thuon is returning to her roots at Avon Elementary, where she began her career with Eagle County Schools as an English as a Second Language teacher. Melisa completed her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Michigan/Ann Arbor and holds two Masters Degrees, one in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Colorado/Denver and another in Educational Leadership from Adams State.  Since her role as a teacher at Avon, Melisa has been a Master Teacher and since 2003, the District English Language Acquisition Instructional Coach.  “Avon is a very special school and I’m grateful for the opportunity I will have to work with students, parents and staff to ensure excellent standards of learning and achievement for all children.”

New Director of Technology

            We are delighted to announce that Mr. John Kuglin has accepted the position of Director of Technology for Eagle County Schools beginning July 1.  Mr. Kuglin is a technology powerhouse who has earned many awards and honors over the course of his career in educational technology.  He was named one of the Top 25 Education Technology Advocates in the U.S. Mr. Kuglin has been featured on CNN for his innovative uses of technology and USA Today selected him as one of 10 teachers nationwide as a USA Today Power Teacher.  John began his career as a K-8 teacher and technology coordinator in Montana.  After nearly 22 years as a teacher and administrator, John joined Telecommunications Inc., where he was  Vice-President of Training.  Since then, Mr. Kuglin has served as the Senior Director of Technology for the Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, the Associate Dean of Continuing Education for the University of Montana and most recently is working as an educational consultant and keynote speaker.  “I look forward to joining the team at ECS.  My new position is both challenging and exciting especially when you see how technology is transforming education today.”

Changes for Fall 2006

Trimesters for All! - In order to create consistency in the calendar across all schools, middle schools and elementary schools will be switching to a trimester schedule next fall.  This will result in teacher work days being the same across all schools. Daily bell times and class schedules will remain the same. To see the complete 2006-07 school calendar, visit our web site at www.eagleschools.net and click on ‘Calendars’.

Change in High School Schedules - In order to maximize offerings for our students and better support our teachers, the high school bell schedules have been revised for next fall. Both Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain will have a Homeroom period scheduled each morning to allow students the flexibility to meet as clubs or organizations during the day, as well as to complete assignments and meet with teachers. Battle Mountain will be adding an optional  ‘0’ hour that will meet from 7:15 - 8:30 am to allow students participating in afternoon ski and snowboard club to carry a full schedule.  Eagle Valley will be starting late on Mondays and will not have Homeroom that day to allow for teacher collaboration and planning.  The Tuesday through Friday schedule at EVHS will be 8:00 - 3:20.  To see high school bell schedules, go to www.eagleschools.net and click on Battle Mountain or Eagle Valley High.

Celebrating Success

Battle Mountain Culinary Team Wins State – ProStart is a program that was founded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to encourage interest among young people in the restaurant business.  The curriculum is aimed at having students get an overview of the entire business from marketing to food preparation. One the most exciting aspects of the program are the competitions that take place each spring.  Teams of student chefs are charged with preparing a 3-course meal for two in 60 minutes. Battle Mountain’s team, under the direction of their teacher, Sharon Wibel, took the state championship.  The BMHS ProStart Team, Melissa Hines, Colby Lefebvre, Andy McNeill, and Cam Lewis, went home with over $12,000 each in scholarships to help them pursue their careers in culinary arts.  And now, its off to national competition in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 29.  Good Luck!

7th Grader Goes to State Geography Bee – Eagle Valley Middle School 7^th grader Daillen Culver won the EVMS Geography Bee and qualified to participate in the state level of the National Geographic Bee.

13th Annual Evening of Stars - Teacher Recognition Event - Over 400 teachers, parents and community members celebrated excellence in teaching on Thursday, April 6, at the Vilar Center for the Arts and the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, hosted by the Public Education Foundation of Eagle County. The winner of Rookie of the Year for an outstanding first year teacher was Julie Faulkner from Gypsum Creek Middle.  Pat and Marcy Donovan won the Friend of Education award as extraordinary volunteers. One lucky teacher, Maria Switala from Meadow Mountain, won the raffle and will enjoy a trip for two to Lech, Austria, compliments of Beaver Creek Resort Company and the Public Education Foundation of Eagle County.  All-in-all it was an evening of celebration, good conversation with colleagues and friends, dancing and laughter! To see the list of 2006 Outstanding Educators named by each of our schools, visit www.eagleschools.net and click on ‘News’.

School Climate Surveys Coming Soon!

We would like to know what you think of your school.  In early May, watch for a simple one-page survey which will be sent home in your child’s backpack (middle & high school will be mailed).  One of the surveys will be for your child to fill out about their school and the other will be a survey for parents.  The survey will be available online as well (www.eagleschools.net).  Thank you in advance for taking the time to provide us with important feedback.

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

The Wiz - the musical version of The Wizard of Oz, April 20 - 22, Battle Mountain High Auditorium. For tickets, call 328-7834.

High School Graduation

• Eagle Valley - May 21, 12:30 pm, Eagle Valley Stadium
• Battle Mountain - May 21, 12:30 pm, Ford Amphitheater
• Red Canyon - May 19, 10:00 am, 4-Eagle Ranch

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