Harrison School District 2

D2 INSIDER NOVEMBER 2024 EDITION: Our D2 students, staff, and community continued to shine this month. Here's that special look at what's happening in and around our schools in southeast Colorado Springs. #WeAreD2 https://lnkd.in/gXhUHGHr

To know me is to know I love our City of Colorado Springs. I bought a home in the Southeast because I wanted to intentionally invest in the Southeast. You make your investments clear with your time, talent, and treasure ANDDD your vote. I had the chance to speak with KOAA5’s Lindsey Jensen on why it was an easy yes to vote for our property tax revenue to go to Harrison School District 2 even though my kiddo doesn’t even go to HSD2. Check out the article and video here ?? https://lnkd.in/g4XjfnR4 If you made it this far…. Invest in students. The more we invest in people 0-25, the less we have to invest later. Our future workforce is worth the investment. Shout out to my neighborhood - Spring Creek!

LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE: Colorado schools utilize visa program to fill teacher gaps, add diversity "If you drop in on one of Nicole Oysen's classes at Carmel Community School, you will find a scene you'd hope you would find in every classroom. She takes time to prepare before confidently engaging with a classroom full of well-behaved students who have an affection and admiration for their teacher that's apparent. “It’s been so good,” she said. “The kids have been great this year.” https://lnkd.in/gqK4x4ZE

CONGRATULATIONS to Harrison High School’s Lindsay Leggett on winning the Colorado Council on High School/College Relations HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER! Her colleagues say they admire the hard work she has invested in supporting students, families, and staff. They recognize her tireless efforts in bridging gaps and always meeting everyone with warmth, approachability, and an authentic desire to help her D2 community!

CONGRATULATIONS DR. BIRHANZEL! She was recently named a 2025 Women in School Leadership Award Finalist by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Her dedication, vision, and commitment to education positively impact our D2 community. We're grateful for her incredible leadership and the difference she makes in the lives of students, families, and educators. We're all so proud of you, Dr. Wendy Birhanzel! Here's to many more achievements ahead! #WomenInLeadership #EducationExcellence #InspiringLeaders

At Fox Meadow Middle School (FMMS), learning goes beyond textbooks and traditional classroom walls. Thanks to a new and exciting partnership with Microchip, FMMS students are stepping into the world of real-world engineering and robotics through their STEAM Exploration course. This collaboration bridges the gap between education and industry, offering middle schoolers an invaluable look into the exciting world of technology and potential career paths available in Colorado Springs. Microchip, a leader in the tech industry, has generously donated robotic kits and dedicated their time and expertise to work hand-in-hand with FMMS students. Through hands-on projects and direct interaction with seasoned engineers, students are learning to build and program robots, discovering the fascinating challenges and rewards of engineering. This initiative not only equips them with practical skills but also fuels curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities—key traits for future innovators. What makes this program so impactful is how it allows students to envision their place in the workforce of the future. Middle school is a critical time for students to explore their interests, and this partnership with Microchip introduces them to potential career paths in engineering, technology, and robotics. By engaging in projects alongside industry professionals, students gain a clearer understanding of their own talents and passions, which can help guide their educational and career decisions down the road. The FMMS-Microchip partnership is more than just a classroom experience—it’s an opportunity for students to learn about themselves, ignite their passion for innovation, and build foundational skills that could shape their future careers. The collaboration is a shining example of how schools and industries can join forces to inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders. Colorado Springs' future workforce is bright, and it starts with initiatives like these, sparking interest and enthusiasm in young minds, and setting the stage for continued growth in the region's thriving tech sector.

ADOPT A FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Want to give back this holiday season? In partnership with Pikes Peak United Way, our Adopt-A-Family program connects you to a special family needing a little extra support this holiday. We still have families that need to be adopted! Sign up today at: https://lnkd.in/g5kx5qDt

STEAM LAB EDUCATION: Working shoulder-to-shoulder with our community partners, our Fox Meadow Middle School students are learning from industry professionals about working with circuit boards. They are building up the hardware and then utilizing code and software to accomplish goals and objectives. The industry experts say our students are making great strides in a short amount of time. They are so impressed with the work of our students to understand and utilize this technology. David Jarboe, CETL, CCRE