D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 14 – Board goals feedback; work toward maintaining academic excellence

• Discussion of board goals
• Discussion of academic excellence
• Committee reports

By Harriet Halbig

The D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) met at Palmer Ridge High School on Oct. 14 to continue its examination of board goals and access to background information.

Dr. Adam Frank, Palmer Ridge principal, spoke of programs exclusive to the school. These include a college and career center with brochures from various institutions, an outdoor learning center, a display of student life pictures in the hallway, which change each year, new sculptures and murals, and a legacy wall under the bridge between the two parts of the school, where parents can purchase a plaque in honor of their student.

Fundraising successes include a $205,000 redesign of the school’s weight room, which will be accessible to all athletes, the purchase of three massage chairs for staff, and the creation of Girls on the Ridge, a group of female athletes. Bear Time, a 26-minute period during the day when students can speak with any staff member, is also a program unique to Palmer Ridge.

Freshmen spend study hall time learning time management.

The school has received awards for its support of foreign exchange students.

Discussion of board goals

Board of Education Secretary and board liaison Dr. Patti Shank and board Vice President Kris Norris spoke of the goals set forth at the last PCAC meeting and mentioned access to live streaming of board meetings and the recent candidate forum for the two board vacancies.

Shank commented that a member of the board will attend each PCAC meeting in addition to herself.

Discussion of academic excellence

Co-Chairs Renee Butler and Kirsten Zook talked about the results of the previous month’s discussion of board goals and the results of the voting by members about their priorities. To view the results of the voting, please go to lewispalmer.org, family resources, community, and district committees. Click on meeting content for Sept. 9.

The results of the voting indicated that the committee prioritized academic excellence for discussion. Other priorities included improved staff compensation and financial transparency.

The committee was presented with eight statements regarding academic excellence to discuss. Reponses to the statements could range from agree strongly to disagree strongly, and members were asked to submit comments on sticky notes to be tabulated.

The statements are:

• We are currently doing the right things to be in the top 10% statewide.
• The district has a clear and shared understanding of what “excellence” means.
• Every student in the district has equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities.
• The district’s focus on academic excellence also supports students’ personal growth and well-being.
• Parents and community members play an active and meaningful role in maintaining excellence.
• I feel informed and empowered to contribute to the district’s ongoing success.
• The district encourages innovation while maintaining strong academic foundations.
• The district effectively uses data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Committee members were reminded to maintain a positive attitude during discussion and listen attentively to one another. They were asked to submit a comment about whether the statements were true and offer examples to demonstrate their opinion.

The comments were collected to be tabulated with the results to be discussed at the November meeting.

Committee reports

Special Education Family Liaison Michelle Nay spoke on behalf of the Special Education Advisory Committee. She said that the committee had discussed the parent survey from last year and decided to conduct its meetings virtually to improve attendance. They also discussed the transition process between elementary and middle school and middle school to high school.

Gordon Reichal of the Financial Transparency Committee said the panel is seeking members and welcomes comments and feedback from stakeholders.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times per year, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. Locations vary. The November meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 (date changed due to Veterans Day on the 11th) at Monument Academy West Campus, 1150 Village Ridge Pt. A school tour will be conducted at 5:30. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

• Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 9 – Committee discusses plans for relationship with Board of Education in upcoming school year (10/2/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, May 13 – Budget priorities, 2025-26 committee goals discussed (6/7/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, April 8 – Discussion of Priority 2 academic excellence, superintendent search (5/3/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Feb. 11 – Selection of new superintendent, treatment of Grace Best Elementary School, budget process discussed (3/1/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Nov. 12 – Reports on school year calendar, safety and security, and social and emotional wellness (12/5/2024)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 8 – Grace Best Elementary School, Career-Innovation Center plans discussed (11/2/2024)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 10 – Committee discusses strategic plan, assessment results, bylaws change (10/5/2024)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, April 9 – Reports on human resources, fiscal stewardship, superintendent search, and possible new charter school (5/4/2024)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Feb. 13 – Committee receives leadership hiring and superintendent search update (3/2/2024)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Jan. 9 – Discussion of Priority 1, D38 Foundation report (2/3/2024)