Serving Children Ages **2 months to 5 years**

***

### "They are learning how to become little citizens. They are preparing to become learners for the rest of their lives."

                                                                                \--Leslie Bixel, Director of The Cottage preschool


Cottage Preschool

Aspen High School students met for lunch Wednesday with their parents and teachers to celebrate their 13 years of academics from Pre-K to 12th Grade.

It was a celebration and pep talk all in one as the students prepare to start the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam month, which begins Thursday April 25.

"You are prepared," Eileen Knapp, Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator, said to the students. "This is the World Championships and you are Team Aspen."

This spring marks a significant milestone for the AHS students as they culminate their journey in the IB DP.

At Aspen High School, *all* juniors and seniors are enrolled in IB Diploma Programme coursework, embodying the ethos of inquiry, reflection, and international mindedness. The IB Programme fosters students who are not only academically adept but also compassionate and globally aware individuals.

"What I like about IB is that students are asked to think critically and complete authentic projects," said Tharyn Mulberry, ASD Assistant Superintendent over Academics, who has been named Superintendent, effective July 1. “As teenagers prepare for higher education, critical thinking becomes essential for academic success. Colleges and universities value students who can analyze complex texts, solve problems creatively, and engage in critical inquiry.”

Social Studies Department Chair Jennifer Morandi-Benson, who addressed the students as 'young scholars,' told  students they have worked hard and should honor their journey.

"Honor your your hard work, finish you exams and prove you are all scholars," she told the students at the luncheon.

Throughout their time in the IB Diploma Programme, Aspen High School students have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies, embracing challenges, and cultivating a well-rounded education. The teachers and administrators at AHS take pride in their students' achievements, recognizing their growth as problem solvers who are unafraid to take academic

"We are so proud of everybody," AHS Principal Sarah Strassburger said to the students. "We are proud of all that you have accomplished."

Then she led them in a cheer, "Hip Hip, IB!"

*   IB exams begin April 25 and end May 17. Students who chose to complete the full IB Diploma (six IB courses and the IB Core) will have an evening ceremony May 20, at Aspen High School.

Aspen School District

Hip Hip, IB! AHS celebrate students' academic achievements in IB

AHS Post Secondary Counselors are hosting is a career panel Thursday May 2 to help students understand careers they can pursue in the Roaring Fork Valley (or elsewhere), and the education, training, or certification needed for these career paths.

As of now, our panelists include:

* Electrician/electrical work: Walker Lassiter, Lassiter Electrical



* Hospitality: Paz Esconar, Marriott/St Regis



* Construction: Clay McAtee, Whiting-Turner



* Property Management: Matthew Sovich, Cornerstone Property Management



* Military: Donovan Granger, US Navy



* Banking: Mary Ryerson, Alpine Bank



* Ski Industry: Travis Benson: Aspen SkiCo



* Early Childhood Education: Nick Fettkether, Kids First



* Automotive: Bob Dillon of Aspen Automotive

AHS to host career panel

Aspen School District Board of Education is considering asking voters for approval of a bond issuance that would prioritize employee housing and an early childhood learning center.

A report to the Board from ASD's Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Mary Rodino detailed the building needs of the district.

Rodino recommends that the board seek voter approval for a bond issuance of $175 million. The bond dollars would be used to expand the district's employee housing stock and pay for deferred maintenance, such as restroom upgrades, classroom cabinets, fencing and furniture.

Other needs include turf replacement, air conditioning, stand-by generators and roof replacement.

### [**Click here to read the report.**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1\_LpGCphpj6NtjGjR90h7haFU8GUSWXS8/view)

ASD Board of Education considers bond election

Aspen High School students got a jump on the summer job search.

More than 30 local businesses set up booths in the AHS Skier Dome Thursday in search of summer employees. The inaugural event was organized by the AHS Post Secondary Counseling team and Aspen Chamber.

Businesses are seeking summer employees in areas including hospitality, child care, retail sales and city recreation.

"When students have summer jobs, they learn accountability, responsibility, and time management," said Susanne Morrison, AHS Post Secondary Counselor. "When businesses employ young people, they have an opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives."

All AHS students were invited and had a chance to ask questions and take job applications.

"In summer jobs, students will learn the interpersonal skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives," said Sarah Reynolds Lasser, Aspen Chamber vice president of Business Development. "The businesses are grateful for the opportunity to connect with high school students and create a pipeline for our future workforce."

Morrison said this job fair is just the beginning of a partnership with Aspen Chamber and local businesses. The two organizations will explore year-around internships and other business and workforce connections.

AHS and Aspen Chamber host summer job fair

### The Aspen School District Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Tharyn Mulberry ASD's next Superintendent, effective July 1, 2024.

### Mulberry told the board he is excited to take the top post and continue the educational work and initiatives that are underway. And he said he is also excited about where the District can go. "It's going to be incredible," he said.

### [Click here to read more.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mT2y1PG4bkK6Z8fDn70A6sLSniGBuppA/view?usp=sharing)

ASD Board Names Mulberry ASD's next Superintendent

### [**Tickets on Sale Here**](https://theatreaspen.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SR7000000bLrtMAE)

**Show Times:**

7 p.m. April 19 & 20

District Theater at Aspen Elementary

$10 Students & ASD Staff, $15 Adults

### Aspen High School, with Theatre Aspen, wraps it's production of 'Anything Goes' with two shows this weekend.

Set on a ship, the story unfolds with nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney, played by **Jessica Vesey**, and her bevy of “angelic” showgirls, providing music and dance entertainment for passengers as they head from England to New York.

Her pal Billy Crocker, played by **Khalil Khan-Farooqui**, a young assistant to Wall Street tycoon Elisha J. Whitney, played by **Henry Carlin,** has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, played by **Sylvia Buck**. But the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy (read: stuffy) Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, played by **Charlie Cox.**

Joining this love triangle on board the luxury liner are Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin, played by **Bow Williams**, (in photo), and his sidekick-in-crime, Erma, played by **Arden Monaghan.** With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart. Set to the fantastic music of Cole Porter, how will everything work out? Who knows? *Anything goes!*

AHS 'Anything Goes' final weekend

Aspen School District and Aspen Education Association continue today (Tuesday) with contract negotiations.

*   The meeting, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is open to the public. The teams are meeting in the Boardroom in the District Office.

The next meetings are scheduled for April 16 and May 2, both meetings set to begin at 8:30 a.m.

ASD and AEA continue contract negotiations

### Join the Best Buddies chapters from Aspen and Roaring Fork schools for a fun fundraiser.

### The chapters are hosting Movie Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at the Jewish Community Center (JCC).

### Come with friends and see the Disney Pixar animated movie "Inside Out" and support Best Buddies! All proceeds support the Best Buddies chapters in the Aspen School District and Roaring Fork schools.

### Best Buddies in an international organization dedicated to establishing a global movement that fosters one-to-one friendships for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

*(poster design by Aspen Middle School student Logan Novak, Best Buddies AMS Chapter vice president)*

Best Buddies Aspen and Roaring Fork Chapters host Movie Night

### [**Read Mulberry's priorities and goals here.** ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kHwaAoWZFmTgcYpwXMBPAskNhSqDh0ED/view?usp=sharing)

[](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kHwaAoWZFmTgcYpwXMBPAskNhSqDh0ED/view?usp=sharing)

Aspen School District Board of Education named Tharyn Mulberry as the sole finalist for Superintendent. Mulberry is currently serving as Assistant Superintendent.

The board unanimously voted earlier this month not to conduct a national search for Superintendent after Dave Baugh resigned, effective June 30.

Instead, board members said they would only open the position to internal candidates. The board had received overwhelming support and endorsements for Mulberry to be named the next Superintendent from staff, parents and community members.

At the March 20 board meeting, the board accepted Mulberry's application and unanimously voted to name Mulberry as the sole finalist. The board also voted to enter into contract negotiations with Mulberry.

Mulberry said he whole-heartedly welcomed being the sole finalist and the opportunity to lead the district.

**What's Next:**

*   The ASD Board of Education is expected to give an update on the Superintendent hiring process at its meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 in the boardroom. \*\*\*\*[**Sign up here if you wish to make a comment.** ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnwi_wOLLqMR18OJn2ewTNBRGV3X_ZKyrrqwN14SKwxj_lBw/viewform)

ASD Board of Education Names Mulberry Sole Finalist for Superintendent

There is more to college acceptance than grades. There’s passion, personality and lifestyle to consider. 

Aspen High School juniors, and their parents, recently had a unique opportunity to hear from more than 40 College Admissions Representatives who revealed, “What actually matters in the college admissions process? ” This year the event was open to all juniors from the Roaring Fork Valley and their parents.

The evening started with the admissions representatives sharing what they wish they had known when they were applying to college, followed by a Case Study and college mini fair in the Commons with representatives from elite and highly regarded institutions around the country.

**What is a case study and how does it work?** Students were divided into small groups, each with two college admissions representatives, to discuss what it is that colleges look for in applicants and what they value – walking through what is actually important. The groups reviewed fictitious applications - acting like an admissions committee - and decided which fictitious student to admit, which one to deny, and which one to waitlist, said Karen Hawkes, AHS Post-Secondary Counselor.

Parents and guardians were divided into small groups, giving them an opportunity to ask admissions representatives questions. The event is designed to help students understand what actually matters to the college admission office and gives students a chance to find the best school for them, counselors said.

“It’s a true inside look into what factors the admissions committee consider as they review applications,” Hawkes said.

AHS juniors learned the ins and outs of college admissions

### **Evento Informativo y Social**

Para todas las familias de la Escuela del Distrito.

Tendremos cena liviana y activdades para toda la famila

Esperamos que todos participen de este evento gratuito.

Noche Latina

### [**Click here for more on 2024 Project Graduation**](https://ahs.aspenk12.net/en-US/project-graduation-dd6597a9)

Join the Aspen High School Project Graduation Committee in celebrating 35 years of keeping our graduates safe with AHS Project Graduation 2024.

The post-graduation event aims to provide a fun, safe, and memorable experience for our high school seniors on their graduation night.

The Project Graduation Committee also hosts another longstanding tradition: the pre-graduation all senior brunch. We invite the community to donate to support these wonderful traditions to reward our graduating seniors for their remarkable achievements and to keep them safe.

Visit the new AHS 2024 Project Graduation page to find out how you can support AHS 2024 graduates

Aspen School District’s Preschool, The Cottage, still has slots available for children who turned 4-years-old before Oct. 1, 2023.

In addition, families of children who are 3-years-old and will turn 4-years-old by Oct. 1, 2024 can apply now for Universal Preschool Colorado for the 2023-24 school year. [Click here to join the waitlist.](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-eWy4Tw6UZJr_Q2A9sCgLNPunTiBH5U8850a9EU21SiiV_g/viewform)

“We want more families to enroll their four-year-olds so that they can go to preschool right at the school where they will go to kindergarten,” said Leslie Bixel, ASD Cottage Director. 

Preschool is a wonderful place for children to start their educational journey, Bixel said. Universal PreK is for all families – children who are bilingual, children who are home during the day with parents and guardians and children of parents and guardians who work.

“Even if children are home with parents or guardians, they are still welcome in UPK and families might consider enrolling their children for 15 hours a week.” Bixel said. “We believe that time in preschool readies children for kindergarten – they make social and emotional connections with other children and enter kindergarten ready and confident.”

Some children can qualify for more time in preschool. Parents and guardians can take a look at the qualifying factors, Bixel said.

[Learn more about Colorado Universal PreK here.](https://upk.colorado.gov/)

The Cottage Pre-School

The Cottage is accepting applications for 4-year-olds in Universal Pre-K

Aspen Pre-School News

What Children learn from play

Conoce a la nueva directora de Cottage

Meet the new Director of The Cottage

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Aspen School District Calendar

Superintendent Finalist Community Meet & Greet

Board meeting agendas can be found on the <a href="https://aspenk12.diligent.community/Portal/">Diligent Community Site</a>.  ASD Board of Education is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: ASD Board of Education Meeting Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting <a href="https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/j/87140540099">https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/j/87140540099</a> Meeting ID: 871 4054 0099 --- One tap mobile +17193594580,,87140540099# US +12532158782,,87140540099# US (Tacoma) --- Dial by your location • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US Meeting ID: 871 4054 0099 Find your local number: <a href="https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/u/kbEfUEms0Q">https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/u/kbEfUEms0Q</a>

ASD Board of Education Regular Meeting

Early Release AES-1:15/AMS&AHS-2:00

Board meeting agendas can be found on the <a href="https://aspenk12.diligent.community/Portal/" target="_blank">Diligent Community Site</a>.  ASD Board of Education is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: ASD Board of Education Meeting Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting <a href="https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/j/87140540099" target="_blank">https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/j/87140540099</a> Meeting ID: 871 4054 0099 --- One tap mobile +17193594580,,87140540099# US +12532158782,,87140540099# US (Tacoma) --- Dial by your location • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US Meeting ID: 871 4054 0099 Find your local number: <a href="https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/u/kbEfUEms0Q" target="_blank">https://aspenk12-net.zoom.us/u/kbEfUEms0Q</a>

Save the day for our next social noche Latina at the middle school cafeteria. See you there.

The Cottage Pre-School

Cottage Preschool

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