Representatives from the Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC), the University of Denver and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) visited schools in Southeast Colorado on Monday, September 30. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the uniqueness of our rural schools and communities. The group visited schools that included Las Animas Elementary as well as Campo and Vilas schools.
At Las Animas the visitors were welcomed by Principal Lana Gardner, who then handed them off to two wonderful 5th grade students for a tour of the school. The students were incredible and left a great impression on everyone. Sue Sava, President of PEBC, commented upon leaving that she felt such positive energy from the school as well as the staff and students. On the road to Campo, the group made many comments about what a great school Las Animas Elementary is.
At Campo, the team was given a quick tour by Superintendent Nikki Johnson. During the tour, we stopped and talked to many students and staff. Dr. Kristina Hesbol from the University of Denver was impressed by the shared leadership from the superintendent to the students. Dr. Robert Mitchell from UCCS, who has also spent the last few years teaching in Campo, immediately engaged the students and staff – it was great to see the positive relationships students and staff have. The visitors were all fascinated by the number of opportunities and choices students have in preparing for their futures. At Campo, we ate lunch with the students, and had conversations about their plans and what they are currently working on.
Ending the visits in Vilas, we toured their K-12 school. Having students talk about their ownership over programs like the greenhouse and kitchen was amazing. Seeing the robotics program work to solve problems as a team was special. Led by Superintendent Abby Pettinger and new Principal Shiva Fischer, the guests learned how small schools can make individualized education work for all kids.
After a long day, the trip back to Denver was joyous, as the visitors all felt like they had learned that while Colorado rural schools and communities may face challenges, they collaborate to overcome them and provide innovative educational opportunities. They also reflected about the incredible students they met at each school. This trip will have a lasting impression on the visitors who all want to return as well as to visit more rural schools in the future. Teresa Goncalves from PEBC had never been to eastern Colorado, and she kept repeating how much she wants to go back.
A huge thank you to Robert Mitchell, who planned the trip, and to each of the schools and communities who welcomed our team. Our rural schools are strong because of the teachers, leaders, and staff who inspire students and engage their families to be educational partners.
