Earlier this month, the Colorado Department of Education released the latest spring assessment results, and we are pleased to share that the data for Lewis-Palmer School District 38 includes many bright spots.

Students across D38 demonstrated above-average growth in many areas, which shows our students are learning! High school PSAT/SAT math, and reading and writing growth scores landed above peers from across the state. Many achievement scores, which compare students to grade-level expectations, surpassed our districtwide goal of being in the 85th percentile. I am proud of our students for demonstrating what they know, and of our educators for providing excellent instruction.

While D38 didn’t quite make the benchmark for receiving the Accredited with Distinction award based on last spring’s assessments, we fell just 1.3 points short of the benchmark requirement. (We originally reported we were 1.8 points short, but after further review, that number dropped to just 1.3.) It remains clear that our school district continues to rank among the best in the state when it comes to academics.

In last month’s update, I shared that D38 will have two seats open this November on the Board of Education. The seats represent Director District 1 and Director District 3. While candidates must reside in their district, everyone in our community will have the chance to vote for the candidates. To help our community get to know those running for the Board, the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Board of Education Candidate Forum on Monday, Sept. 29 at the D38 Administration Building from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about each of the candidates.

In closing, the best way for families and community members to know about the great things happening in our schools is to see them for yourself. Our schools offer a small community feel, while at the same time provide big opportunities for students. I encourage you to attend an athletic competition, theatre production, musical performance, or to volunteer inside a classroom. That’s how to witness the D38 difference. We’re a small community with big opportunities.