Director’s Newsletter – February 23

Director’s Newsletter – February 23
Posted on 02/23/2017

News from the Principal

Charting RMAE’s Future

When I retired from Platte River Academy in June 2014 I thought that any opportunity to lead a charter school again would probably not be in my future. I was preparing myself to be just a very part-time consultant and mentor. Well, “Not so, Dr. Stueven”.

It has been my pleasure (and challenge) to lead RMAE these past 3½ months and getting to know the excellence of this faculty and staff, meeting many caring (and involved) parents, and working with a committed Board of Directors (BoD). But, I have to say the real treasures here are the students. Thank you for sharing them with us every day, and also, thank you for picking them up every day.

As you know my time at RMAE will have an ending with the advent of new leadership for 2017-18. We are at the front-end of a timeline and process to identify and hire a new Director/Principal. Additionally, the BoD is weighing its election process alongside other possibilities for transitioning governance to next school year in a manner that will help preserve stability for the school during this time. Accordingly, I would like to share from my perspective and my experiences how leadership at a charter school works to “Chart Its Future”.

Have you ever heard of “Triple A”? Some of you might think of the American Automobile Association when your car won’t start. Just make that call to “Triple A”. Or, maybe as a Colorado Rockies Baseball fan you keep track of the young and aspiring professional players on the Albuquerque Isotopes – the Rockies Triple A minor league team. Then if you study World War II, you know that our bomber and fighter pilots were very concerned about “Triple A” which is Anti-Aircraft Artillery.

In charter schools we have our own “Triple A” – what I see as a plan of leadership. When in place this leadership plan will ensure your success as a school. I can speak to this because this plan it not what I always experienced as a school principal for 20 years in Jefferson County School District. This Triple A Leadership Plan is:

  • Autonomy, Authority, Accountability

School leaders can chart their school’s future because they have the Autonomy to lead and implement the school’s mission and its charter.

Your school leadership must have the Authority to make decisions, unencumbered by District bureaucracy, to impact curriculum that is taught and hire the teachers who will help students learn.

And finally, there is the Accountability where the school’s leadership and its Board of Directors are directly responsible to the students and parents they serve and represent every day.

I want to thank this great state of Colorado and Jeffco Schools for having the vision and fortitude to secure a place for charter schools in the realm of public education for its children. How else would Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen and all other charter leaders have the opportunity to understand the value of the Triple A Leadership Plan in charting the future of their respective schools?

Thank you for this opportunity to lead RMAE.

Gary Stueven
Your Principal
[email protected]


RMAE Happenings

“Let us Know your Plans” letter – Thank you to those parents who have already submitted a copy of theLet Us Know Your Plans for 2017-2018 letter. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to download and complete the attached letter. You may drop it off in the office, return it in your child’s Friday Folder, scan and email it to [email protected], or simply reply to this email stating your plans for your student(s).

We appreciate that some of you may be unsure of your plans for school next year. If this is the case, please complete the form by indicating that you are undecided at this time. It is vital that we have this information as we move forward and chart the course for the upcoming school year. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Jump Rope for Heart update We were fortunate to have Rory the Lion visit RMAE yesterday! Some 2nd grade students were also able to show off their jump roping skills. Students will rotate through different jump roping stations next week during PE to conclude our Jump Rope for Heart month. Envelopes and online donations will be accepted until March 10. All remaining gifts will be delivered early April. If you still wish to raise money online, go to RMAE Jump Rope for Heart page. Please email Mrs. Forsythe with any questions.

RMAE Carnival Save the date: Thursday, April 6, 5:30-7:30
Free fun for everyone! Ready to toss some rings, paint some faces, eat some goodies? Do you want to get the chance to duct tape an RMAE teacher to the wall? And, weather permitting, visit our petting zoo?

  • Play at our student-built, student-run game stations!
  • Enjoy popcorn, cupcakes, cookies, cotton candy and drinks, as well as pizza for $2 a slice. If you bring a non RMAE family, pizza is free for you and your guests!
  • Win an exciting prize from the drawing!

We hope you will spread the word and come to support this community building event. You and your family are an important part of a remarkable group of this RMAE students, teachers, staff, and parents working and celebrating together!

Volunteers Needed – RMAE needs your help marketing the new and improved Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen! Below are some examples of what each sub-committee will be focusing on:

  • Digital Marketing: Website, Social Media, Digital Resources, Graphics, AdWords, SEO
  • Event Marketing: Organization of school related events – Open Houses, Family Night
  • Traditional Marketing: Newspaper Print, Magazines, Brochure, Banners, Meet and Greets, Mailing

If you are interested in aiding in our marketing efforts please sign-up for one of the three subcommittees found here: Marketing Committee Sign-up Google Doc

Elective of the Week – Knitting Elective – Knitting ElectiveStudents are having a blast using their fine motor, mathematical, and artistic skills in the knitting elective! As a kind school, scarfs and animals are being knitted to give to others. Most of the students have never knitted before and are now becoming experts at this craft. Knitting incorporates interlocking loops of one or more yarns with knitting needles. Students enjoy conversing with each other and listening to the latest hits while their fingers are busy making loops. Knitting is a form of mindfulness, meaning it relaxes the brain and creates a sense of calm in a person. Both boys and girls are in the class and equally enjoy this elective.

Barbeque Grill Request – The middle school grilling elective is in need of a gas barbecue grill. If you have a grill that you are no longer using and could donate it to the school, the grillers would be most appreciative.

Thank you to one of our sweetheart parents for bringing us coffee last Thursday and again this week!

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