Lori Butler
Chipeta Principal

Dear Chipeta Families,

The first quarter of the year at Chipeta was filled with much excitement! The new parking lot has been a huge improvement, the picture of our “Living Flag” recognizing Constitution Day will be published on the cover of a national music magazine, the students enjoyed the Wall Ball tournament and the city-wide Cross Country Meet and, of course, receiving the National Blue Ribbon School Award.

The Blue Ribbon School award truly is the ultimate recognition that a school’s community could possibly receive.  When there are 120,000 schools in the Nation and only approximately 100 schools received the award for superior academic performance like we did at Chipeta, it’s phenomenal!  The Colorado Department of Education nominated our school last January for this award based on our performance from 2003-2008.

What does the Blue Ribbon School mean for you?  This means that your child attends the top 1% of the schools in the Nation as based on reading, writing, and math CSAP scores.  This means that we are getting more families that are moving to the neighborhood.  This means that our children are successful and will continue to find success in the upcoming years.  This means that there is a great deal of Chipeta Pride!

What contributed to the superior performance over the years?  There is no doubt in my mind that it takes everyone that is a part of the school.  It’s the children that come to school ready to learn, it’s the parents that support our school at home and volunteering, it’s our entire staff working together to ensure that we are going the extra mile for the children, and it’s District 11 for all of the support financially and professionally.  Chipeta just could not be as successful without all of our partners.

What is next for Chipeta?  Lisa Sarter, Lori Smith, and I will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to accept the award on November 2-3^rd.  The week of November 9^th we will have fun activities and ribbons for the children.  Your eyes may have spotted the new mural on the southwest side of the building designed by artist David Stenholm.  This should have a lasting mark on our school.

One of the requirements for receiving the Blue Ribbon award is to have an All School Ceremony.  On Friday, November 13^th we will have an open house in our classrooms from 12:30-1:30.  This will be an opportunity to visit as many classrooms as you wish.  Then at 1:45-2:25 we will have an assembly for the children in the gym honoring them for their hard work.  Of course with our 450 students, the gym will be a bit full but we’d love to have you join in with our celebration if possible.

I would like to thank all of you for your support, hard work, and partnership in making our school, your school, a National Blue Ribbon School.  “Hats off to you”!

Respectfully,

 Lori Butler