Adams 12 Five Star Schools

Know an amazing teacher who deserves to be in the spotlight? Nominations are OPEN for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year! Show some love for the educators who make learning awesome. Nominate your favorite teacher today:?cdeinfo.org/CTOYNom The nomination window closes March 17, 2025! #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

Laissez les bon temps rouler! The Westview Wildcats celebrated Mardi Gras. They made bead dogs and masks in art class with Mrs. Foret and listened to a read aloud with Mrs. Patrick that taught them about the history of Mardi Gras traditions. They ended the day with their annual Mardi Gras parade where staff, students, and families came together to let the good times roll! #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

What a fun and exciting day it was for students at the second annual Cops vs Kids basketball game at Thornton Middle School! The kids came with energy, and the Thornton Police officers brought their A-game, but most importantly, we all came together to build stronger bonds in our community. From epic plays to friendly trash talk, the event was filled with laughs, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. And there may even be some future professional talent among the TMS kids! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this event possible. Special shoutout to the officers for showing they have mad skills beyond the badge! Can't wait for next year’s showdown when the TMS kids defend their title... again. #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

This weekend was The Denver Post 85th Annual Colorado State Spelling Bee, and we had six spellers from Adams 12 Five Star Schools participate. Congratulations to Sriman Reddy from Stargate School for Gifted Students K-12 who tied for third place, and to all of our students who participated in this year's spelling bee! #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

This week was the High School Juried Art Show, and with over 100 art pieces submitted from students across the district, it was a hard decision to narrow down to our Top 3 and Honorable Mentions. Congratulations to all students who participated in this year's art show! #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud 1st Place - Jerry Lou Stargate School for Gifted Students K-12 2nd Place - Alanna Lewis Horizon High Hawks 3rd Place - Jaedyn Kane Stargate Charter School Honorable Mention - Nicholas Jach Mountain Range High School Honorable Mention - Tarah Mann Mountain Range High School Honorable Mention - Tessa Corcoran Legacy High School Honorable Mention - Ryah Swan Horizon High School

At Stukey Elementary, they?recently hosted a "Welcoming Tea" event for our Afghan families. The Stukey administration team met with their Equity Practitioner to find a solution to bring our diverse community together. The goal of this event was to make families feel supported, included, represented, and heard at Stukey. This event proved to be beneficial for both the school and the Afghan families, as it created a space for mutual understanding and collaboration. The school gained valuable insights into the unique needs of these families, while the families felt more informed and supported, enhancing their overall experience in the school community. Parents had the opportunity to learn about vital immigration resources and academic testing information, helping them navigate the school system with more confidence. At the end of the event, families had the chance to ask questions, allowing for an open dialogue that further strengthened the partnership between the school and our Afghan community. Stukey welcomes all families and wants to continue to provide more opportunities like this one to learn more about all cultures. #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

Mountain Range High School hosted their 16th Annual Empty Bowls Event last week. Empty Bowls is a fundraising event started in 1990 by an art teacher from Michigan who wanted to see less Empty Bowls in the world. Students in Mr. Chamness and Mrs. Dowling's ceramics class create bowls and mugs. On the day of the event the ceramic art pieces are sold by our National Art Honor Society members to staff and students. The staff hosts a chili cook. After eating the delicious food the bowls are kept as a reminder of all of the Empty Bowls in the world. This year they raised close to $500 that will be donated to The Food Bank of the Rockies. MRHS is proud of their ceramic artists. We are so thankful for the participants who helped us see less Empty Bowls in our community. #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

The Horizon High Hawks Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Tim Dailey, achieved a remarkable milestone this past weekend by performing at the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) Annual Conference. As an Honor Performing Group, this is one of the highest accolades a Colorado school music ensemble can achieve. This marks the first time in 30 years that the Horizon High School Wind Ensemble has been selected for this honor, making the achievement even more historic. Held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, the CMEA Conference brings together the state’s finest musicians, educators, and school ensembles for an inspiring celebration of music education. When the Horizon Wind Ensemble took the stage, they delivered a performance that captivated and inspired attendees, showcasing the exceptional talent and hard work of the students. This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary leadership of Mr. Tim Dailey, who is in his eighth year as Head Director of Bands at Horizon High School. A proud graduate of Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Mr. Dailey attended Legacy High School, where he was a student of J. Clayton Stansberry, the former Director of Bands at Legacy and current Electives Coordinator for Adams 12. Sharing the stage with his former director made the performance even more meaningful, underscoring the lasting impact that teachers have on their students. Beyond the CMEA performance, the Horizon Band Program continues to make waves in the music community, with an upcoming international trip to perform in the 2025 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. Under Mr. Dailey’s guidance, Horizon students are not only achieving musical success but also developing a lifelong passion for music. The Horizon Wind Ensemble’s selection as an Honor Performing Group is a shining example of what can be accomplished through dedication, community support, and a shared love of music. Congratulations to Mr. Dailey, Mr. Duran, and the entire Horizon High School Wind Ensemble for this incredible honor! #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

Leroy Elementary hosted a vibrant Community Building Night, where families, students, and staff gathered to create a collective masterpiece—a guided painting of their beloved school mascot, the lion. By providing a shared, creative experience, the school strengthened relationships between families and educators, reinforcing the idea that every caregiver plays a vital role in student success. Research shows that when families are engaged in school activities, students demonstrate higher academic achievement, improved behavior, and greater motivation. Events like these not only celebrate school spirit but also build trust and belonging, creating a foundation for ongoing collaboration that directly benefits student learning and well-being. #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud

Westlake Students Make Their Mark in the Literary World Westlake Middle School had the incredible opportunity to host award-winning author Megan Freeman, known for her gripping survival novel Alone. As part of her visit, Ms. Freeman conducted a writing workshop, where a group of talented young writers showcased their remarkable creativity and storytelling skills. During the workshop, it became clear that several students had an exceptional ability to craft compelling narratives. Their enthusiasm and talent caught Ms. Freeman’s attention, leading to a unique and unforgettable opportunity. She extended an invitation to a select few students to read the beta version of her upcoming book, Away, and provide feedback—an honor few young writers ever experience. Four Westlake students (Adam Oliver, Aubrey Galyon, Layla Stark, Miya Stephen and their teacher Laura Israelsen) eagerly accepted the challenge, diving into the unpublished manuscript with excitement and curiosity. After reading, they met with Ms. Freeman over Google Meet for an hour-long discussion. Ms. Freeman, notebook in hand, scribbled furiously, absorbing their feedback and asking follow-up questions. It was a moment where young voices truly influenced a professional literary work. The experience was both empowering and inspiring for these budding writers. Knowing that their perspectives mattered in shaping a published novel reinforced their passion for storytelling and critical thinking. As if the opportunity itself weren’t rewarding enough, Ms. Freeman made a promise—each student would receive a signed copy of Away once it was officially released. But the biggest surprise came when the book finally hit shelves: Westlake Middle School and these students were acknowledged on page 464, forever marking the students' contributions in literary history. For these young writers, this was more than just a workshop—it was a validation of their talent, a glimpse into the publishing world, and a reminder that their voices have power. For Westlake Middle School, it was another proud moment of nurturing gifted minds and fostering a love for literature that lasts a lifetime. #ELEVATESuccess #FiveStarProud