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Annual Report 2015-2016
1 Message from our Head of School
2 Aspen Academy is Leading the Way
3 Message from our Board of Trustees
4 Financial Report
5 Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute
6 Board of Trustees
7 Aspen Academy is Extraordinary
8 You are Extraordinary
10 Grandparents & Special Friends
11 Campus Enhancements
12 Highlights from our Year
14 Community Leaders
15 Faculty & Staff
16 2016 Graduating Class
17 Where Are Our Alumni Today?
Table of Contents
2015-2016 Annual Report 1
At Aspen Academy we believe it is our role to cultivate fertile ground where our students can take root, engage in rigorous academic programs, develop their character and leadership skills, and build community strength through service learning. We believe education should address what students know but equally important, who they are. This means taking the time to know each of our 400 students individually and challenging them to be extraordinary leaders who do extraordinary things.
Over the course of our 2015-16 school year we welcomed 57 new families into our community; graduated 39 students in the Class of 2016, who continued on to 14 high schools across Denver and launched new learning amenities and programs including a new tinkering studio, dance studio, broadcast studio, music studio, digital composition lab, band lab, recording studio, robotics lab, media studio, technology studio and outdoor geological water table lab. Our students led countless academic, arts and leadership performances, projects and events and engaged in 7,000 hours of service learning.
We created new professional leadership opportunities for our faculty by establishing the Academic Chair program. The following faculty members were elected by their peers to lead curriculum development, create cross-disciplinary connections and model innovative teaching techniques in the following domains:
Gabriella Polen and Corey Sampson, Social Sciences
Kerri Esposito and Maureen Mullen, Math
Chuck Fischer and Joanna Weisel, Language Arts
Lauren Oakley, Science
Danny Combs, Arts
Mike Koral, Athletics
In addition, every five years schools must engage in accreditation review. In this process, a team of experts from AdvancED carefully examines every aspect of the school’s program, fiscal and operations performance, leadership and governance. We are proud to announce that Aspen Academy earned excellent scores in all categories and earned re-accreditation.
We firmly believe the world belongs to those who show up and hustle. We will never stop hustling on behalf of Aspen Academy students, faculty, staff and families.
Kindest regards,
Kristina Scala
Head of School
Message from our Head of School
Kristina ScalaHead of School
Now accredited by:
2 Aspen Academy
Aspen Academy is Leading the Way
Aspen at a GlanceAspen Academy is an independent coeducation school for children Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade founded in 2005. An Aspen education balances superior academics with a nurturing environment, supporting each student at every turn. Our talented and dedicated faculty help each student meet their potential through a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods.
Our DifferenceThe Aspen Youth Leadership Institute and The Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute expand our student’s mental flexibility, adaptability, empathy and problem solving skills, and prepare our students to change the world through an entrepreneurial mindset. All of our students follow a character and leadership course of study that emphasizes hands-on, project-based lessons, while our 8th graders participate in the Epic Program, running Bear Student Enterprises, our on campus businesses.See page 5 for more information
Start Strong – Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to provide ample opportunities for students to socialize, play, learn and express their individuality. The Connect4Learning (C4L) curriculum serves as the foundation for our practices.
Build a Foundation – Lower School(Kindergarten-3rd Grade)
Our lower school program offers an engaging curriculum that builds a foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our staff of national model educators promotes self-esteem, self-awareness and self-initiated learning.
Challenge Yourself – Middle School(4th-8th Grade)
Our academics, partnered with a focused leadership development sequence, prepare students for the most demanding secondary schools. Students thrive as they build lasting relationships with peers and teachers through small class sizes and a community focus.
2015-2016 Annual Report 3
Message from our Board of Trustees
Aspen Academy had a lot to celebrate in 2015-2016 and the Board of Trustees could not be more proud of the many accomplishments of our students and families, and our faculty and staff, highlighted throughout this report.
The year also marked several huge accomplishments for our Finance Department. In Fall 2015, the Board of Trustees established a six-month operating reserve account to help ensure the long-term financial stability of the school. This fund enables us to effectively and efficiently respond to varying economic conditions that may impact our organization’s financial position, ensuring we are able to continuously carry out our mission, no matter the external circumstance.
The Board has not only established this critical safeguard for our financial stability, but has also approved the creation of a debt retirement allocation so that when our bond note comes due in 2023, we will be prepared to pay it off in full. This will be a remarkable achievement for our school, and a wonderful way to celebrate what we are confident will be 18 years of success since our founding in 2005.
We would also like to congratulate our Accounting and Finance team for the completion of a successful and clean audit for both 2015 and 2016. As part of our ACIS accreditation process, Aspen Academy engaged the CPA firm Eide Bailly to conduct our annual independent audit. Eide Bailly reviewed our year end consolidated statements of financial position and their accompanying notes, related consolidated statements of activities, and functional expenses and cash flows, and determined our financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP).
Accurate and transparent fiscal management is core to our success at Aspen Academy and we take great pride in sharing these accomplishments with you. Every member of our Finance Team, from our staff members to our Board of Trustees works diligently throughout the year to ensure we make prudent decisions for the health and benefit of our organization.
And we simply could not achieve these feats without the support of our incredible families – who chose to invest in their children’s future here at Aspen Academy and ensure that the Aspen community will continue to grow and thrive now and in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Chris Richardson Jack KeenanChairperson of the Board Finance Chair
Christina RichardsonChair
George SparksVice Chair and
Advancement Chair
Carl AlgermissenGovernance Chair
Jack KeenanFinance Chair
Lew KlingCompensation Chair
Darrell WattersInvestment Chair
Jackie Griggs
Karen Leaffer
Ernie Panasci
Kristina ScalaFounder, Head of School
2015-2016 Board of Trustees
4 Aspen Academy
Annual Fund $244,278
$534,547
Total Gifts $778,825
Financial Report
Giving SocietiesFounders’ Circle $5,000 or moreHead of School Circle $2,500 – $4,999Scholars’ Circle $1,000 – $2,499Family Partner $500 – $999Friend up to $500
REVENUE $7,417,117 Tuition and Fees $6,407,846
Contributions and Support $679,708Rental, Interest Income & Other $57,112Extracurricular $127,947Parent Civic Organization (PCO) $45,387Gifts in Kind $99,117
EXPENSES $7,417,117 Payroll and Benefits $4,025,977
Campus and Facility Expenses $1,576,180
Loan Interest $553,016Professional Services $34,244Advancement $210,520Academic, Character and Community Service Programs $257,114Operating & Long-Term Reserves for Debt Retirment $760,066
REV
ENU
EEX
PEN
SES
“At Aspen Academy we take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously ensuring all funds received are recorded accurately and used as intended. We approach our commitments with a long-term perspective ensuring the financial strength of the organization is maintained.” - Michele Burnett, Accounting Manager
Captial Fund
2015-2016 Annual Report 5
Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute
Aspen Academy’s VisionAs a national learning model, and with a mindset towards entrepreneurial innovation, we develop and inspire extraordinary leaders who make a positive and lasting impact.
The Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute has developed the only program in the nation that is a wholly sequenced, year-long curriculum incorporating economics, personal financial literacy, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship for Kindergarten - 8th Grade students.
“We have begun our financial literacy classes taught by Nicole Kruse. I will extend the learning in math class as appropriate. Recent topics include DELAYED GRATIFICATION and NEEDS VS. WANTS. We will be kicking off the Stock Market Experience this week.” -Aspen Parent
EconomicsBy the time a student graduates from Aspen Academy, he or she will develop an appreciation for the value of understanding economic terms and principles and sound economic philosophy. Students will also gain an understanding of different economic systems used throughout the world.
Personal Financial LiteracyStudents will learn about various forms of income and develop the ability to analyze factors that affect income as part of the career decision-making process to maximize their lifetime earning power. Students will also understand principles of personal money management including budgeting and managing accounts, and be able to describe and discuss the impact of credit and debt on personal money management.
Organizational LeadershipStudents will develop the skills needed to work both independently and collaboratively in business, including the daily operations of running a business, marketing a business and preparing financial reports.
EntrepreneurshipStudents will be able to evaluate the characteristics of entrepreneurs, including the traits associated with entrepreneurial success. Students will understand and integrate the concepts, processes and systems needed to determine and satisfy customer needs, wants, and expectations, meet business goals and objectives, and create new product/service ideas. And students will be able to apply principles of economics and global trade to evaluate market forces affecting new business ventures.
“Aspen Academy not only helps you grow as a student and a person, but also as a leader and an entrepreneur. The Aspen Youth Leadership Institute and the Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute has provided us with daily leadership classes and amazing opportunities to be a true leader.” – Aaron Sonin, Class of 2016 Legacy Leader
6 Aspen Academy
Board of Trustees
Suzanne Goodspeed (Parent of Ryan, 7th and Sydney, 3rd)Suzie and her family have been a part of the Aspen Academy community for five years. She is a passionate advocate for children with special needs and a life-long supporter of organ and tissue donation. As Founder and CEO of Goodspeed & Merrill, Attorneys at Law, Suzie advises closely-held and mid-cap businesses on a wide variety of matters including mergers, stock and asset acquisitions, divestitures and commercial transactions. Suzie is married to Steven Goodspeed and together they have three children; two of whom attend Aspen Academy.
Lori Taylor (Parent of Schorr, 4th, Reagan, 4th and William, 1st)Lori and her family have been at Aspen Academy for five years. Over the years Lori has volunteered with a variety of organizations including Junior Achievement, American Heart Association, a Local Boys Hope/Girls Hope Home, Project C.U.R.E, Food Bank of the Rockies and Cross Cultural Solutions in Peru. She discovered her passion lies in servant leadership when she took on the role of Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Anchor Center for Blind Children. Lori is married to Shan Dagli and together they are raising five children, three of whom attend Aspen Academy.
Aspen Academy Welcomes Two New Trustees
“As the Advancement Chair, I could not be more thrilled to welcome our two new trustees, Suzie Goodspeed and Lori Taylor, to the Advancement Committee. We look forward to continuing to work toward a brighter future together.” - George Sparks, Vice Chair and Advancement Chair
Aspen Academy’s MissionWe inspire and develop excellence in academic growth and performance, character and leadership, and community strength and service.
2015-2016 Annual Report 7
The Impact of our 2015-16 Annual FundLast year over 300 families, faculty and staff members raised more than $244,000 dollars to support Academic Programs and Technology, Professional Development and Financial Aid.
Aspen Academy is Extraordinary
“I love how the interdisciplinary nature of the Connect4Learning curriculum engages the range of students’ learning styles, and piques their curiosity about the world. Students explore science, math, literacy, and social-emotional concepts within the very connected and meaningful frameworks of each themed unit. Small group learning allows students to reach whatever depth of learning they are capable.” – Mary Ann Dawson, Junior Kindergarten Instructor
“Last year Mr. Fischer and I were so grateful to receive the funds from the annual fund to travel to the International Listening Associations conference in Tucson, AZ. We were the only non college professors or Ph.D.’s to present. This was a wonderful experience and we were thankful to be a part of it.” – Danny Combs, Music Instructor
“My family thinks a good education is very important and I do too. I have been at Aspen Academy since I was 3. With the help of Aspen Academy’s financial aid program it has been possible for me to attend school at Aspen Academy. I have learned a lot through the years. They have taught me how to be a kind person and how to make a difference in the world.” – A 10 year old Aspen Student
Carrie BurnsKim DurandMelissa GelfandErica Gillett
Kelly GoeringSuzie GoodspeedMichelle LockwoodJodi Mann
Julie MarshallBrian MeeganKate Murphy*Eloise Rich
Amy SwieringaLori TaylorJackie Watters*Doc Weidknecht
Thank you to our 2015-16 Annual Fund Committee
* Co-chair
Academic Programs and TechnologyWith these funds, in 2016 we were able to:
Professional DevelopmentWith these funds, we were able to support over 2,400 collective hours of professional development for each faculty and staff member inviting experts such as Laura Barr and Mark Musselman from Enlightened Inclusion and Cultural Competency trainings and Robert Marzano for Instructional Coaching, in addition to providing each faculty member with a stipend to pursue individual professional development opportunities.
Financial AidAs part of our ongoing commitment to community strength, we utilized a portion of these funds to provide 11% of our families with need based scholarships.
Launch a new Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum – Connect4Learning
Implement a new Kindergarten – 8th Grade Social Studies Curriculum with state-of-the-art technology integration,
Update our Kindergarten – 8th Grade Math Curriculum, and
8 Aspen Academy
You Are Extraordinary
Founder’s Circle ($10,000+)Anthony & Jocelyn DiChiaraKarl & Melissa EngelmannSteven & Jacqueline FabricantDan & Angela FoxHoward & Shari GoldbergLewis & Rebecca KlingFrank & Lara KnuettelFrancis & Dana KrauserMartin & Alana LawrenceSteven & Karen LeafferDylan & Gabrielle Taylor Darrell & Jacquelyn Watters
Head of School ($2,500 - $9,999)Carl & Jackie AlgermissenNagendra Arakali & Jyothi VenugopalMark & Angela AukampMaxim & Natallia AvseevTed & Heather BrownJeffrey & Erin Chain Edward Davis & Cathy ZhengDavid & Erin DeanSteven & Suzanne GoodspeedChristopher Green & Steve Pougnet Jason & Lisa GreenRick HayesJim & Pam JohnstonJack & Linda Keenan Colby & Tiffany KenyonMichael & Lindsey KeoughKurt & Cindy KittlesonMichael & Amy KrzaAndrew & Julie LeRoyJason & Michelle LockwoodGregg & Rebecca LurcottRob & Sharon MackenzieTimothy & Christian MarasciulloStephen & Faith Mills Cameron & Katie MochanChristopher & Joy Kathleen MurphyNicholas & Elizabeth NortonErnie Panasci Jason & Camille PeckWade & Tracy PursellJustin & Julie ReddingtonChristina RichardsonRob & Jodi RollandJoseph & Ellen RubleKristina Scala
Timothy & Melanie SchmiedingJohn & Kim SchultzEric & Jessica SchulzeCarla ShankleScott & Christine Simon Shan Dagli & Lori TaylorGeorge Sparks & Shandra WilsonAndrew & Karen Sonin Erik & Kathryn SpringerRobb & Tish StoneJohn & Amy SwierengaKevin & Merri TarrantBrad & Liz TuckerDoc & Jessica WeidknechtGoca WeisLonnie WeisLink & Brooke WilfleyMimi Wong
Scholar’s Circle ($1,000 - $2,499)Richard & Judith BatenburgSteve & Kathy BeaboutKeith & Victoria BoughJerrod Brown & Lisa SwizeMark Carney & Carly Letz CarneyRichard & Sonia CartyMatthew & Lindsay Chaffee Jose Chaparro & Maria Torres Daniel & Jennifer CookGary & Sondra Cooper Mike & Debbie CorderoFrank & Tamara CoulterZeke & Melonie DeRoseEric & Kelly DreyerYavor & Jennifer Efremov Demetri & Kristen FefesJohn FichterJennifer FichterDavid Fintak & Jennifer WilerMark & Dusty FitzgeraldMatt Fry & Tara Valgoi Fry John & Melissa GelfandSean & Claire GoodrichJonathan & Kelly HardyJeffrey & Audra HaskinsPaul Hoff & Cate Humby-HoffThomas JessimanMichael & Heather KellyCraig & Rebecca KinardEric & Jennifer LeavittDave & Jodi Mann
Eric & Tera ManzanaresTimothy & Tracy McKenzieStanton & Kathleen MohlerMark & Catherine MurchisonJason & Allison NealJohn & Jennifer OsgoodMatthew & Sheri PoznanovicPaul & Heather RakowskiPaul Ryan, Jr.James & Donna Sanford Les & Andrea SowitchLaton & Paula SpahrRobert & Saskia StanleyPhilip & Ashley SummersScott & Christine TrainorJim & Joy WollerChad Wolz & Whitney Chotin WolzMatthew Workman & Sarah Spencer-Workman
Family Partner ($500 – $999)David Schott & Tara AmesAndrew Begal & Maria Panigua BegalCharles & Tiffany BrintonAndrew Cole & Heather PoeCraig & Lindsey DavisAndre & Kimberly DurandJason FearnowEmil & Jane GjesterBlair & Kelly GoeringJon & Kari HaleScott & Karyn JansenNathan & Vali JeromeJonathan & Hanna Joseph Thomas Leonard & Aree BlyJames Liu & Eun Sun Chang-LiuJames Looney & Katherine Tovar LooneyDavid & Brooke LovenRussell & Christine LundstromMatt & Shelley MaloneyKara MarshallShaun MarshallDaniel McCann & Wendy LeungJohn & Janet McNuttBrian & Meredith MeeganHeidi MeyerJames & Wren MillerMark & Kate MurphyPatrick & Julie Shaw
Jina SchaffCraig & Stephanie ShineLance Shurtleff & Kerri AndersonRon & Sherene SmithScott Speil & Svetlana KolesnikovaDean & Connie StevinsonJeffrey & Melissa TaylorEric & Stephanie TolerBrad & Amanda TurnerTom Wallace Ron & Julie Zwerin
Friend (up to $500)Rajiv & Gargi AgarwalaChas & Helen AndresenGordon & Deanne AndringaDavid Armitage & Kerri StutzmanPhillip Barnes & Beatrice Bielmann-Barnes Adam & Katie BeckerEric & Danielle Becker Charles & Sarah BentzChristopher & Natalie BoyleWilliam & Angelita Brown Philip & Lauren BurgessJackson BurkholderDavid & Brenda CalvertMark & Colleen CarlsonScott & Kimberly CaulfieldKris Wilson & Lora CazierJob & Lyssa ChackoKyle & Lucy ConklinJohn & Christie ConnorJason & Heather CoughlinMatt & Michelle CutterTim DaileyElizabeth DaileyMarty & Melinda DavidsonJonathan & Emily DeckerJoshua & Julie DorkinMagnus Einarsson & Ingibjorg ThorsChris & Joey FanaleBurce FearnowTodd Fenton & Amy GavinLinda FloresGreg & Kristen FanchErnest & Miranette FreedmanGeorge & Heidi FreyZach & Katie FrischMark Galvan & Kimberly HaddadTyler & Lauren Garner
Thank You to our Supporters
Why We Give
We invest in Aspen Academy because, here, it is about so much more than academic rigor. The entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to kindness are indeed woven into the fabric of our school. The result is extraordinary--grounded, compassionate and well-prepared children ready to light the world on fire! – Karen Leaffer, Board of Trustees
2015-2016 Annual Report 9
You Are Extraordinary
William & Holly GarnseyMary GougenTim & Jackie GriggsEli Grinfeld & Svetlana TsirkinMarvin & Nicole GunnDarryl & Amy HairNic & Gemma HanekomRodney & Mary Ann Hilt William & Rhoda HowellPaul Hughes & Susan FurmanWalter & Susan JacksonBlake & Lisa JohnsonJosh & Erin JohnstonScott & Tatiana KannadyHank & Leslie KinneJohn & Mirna KnightJames & Victoria LasseterPeter & Corinne LengsfeldQing Di Lin & Jin Song LiuGary Meade & Lisa YacuzzoDiane LynchJoseph & Linda ManzanaresScott & Jan MarshJan MaruyamaJon McClure & Amy Dannels-McClureBrandon & Megan McKnight Jeff & Janise McNallyDavid & Rebecca MershonKristen MiodowskiEric & Alissa MotazediFrancis & Thais MougneStu & Monica MyhillShahin Nia & Lili EmadipourMark Oriol & Amanda Jackson OriolBenard & Khadija OwinyoPedro & Joani PachecoAnthony Pelz & Maria del Pilar PelzJamison & Angela PrienSverrir RagnarssonTodd & Margo RamsdenShailesh & Diana RanjitkarBryan Richter & Susan MarriottTiffany RadelAlana RothschildDavid & Molly RudnickGreg RyanEric Jackson & Lynda SailorStephen & Elizabeth ScannellMaggie Scheier
Donald & Heather SchmidtDana SchrockDon & Michelle ScottCathy ShematekChristina ShimrockKeiko ShortCraig Smith & Mindy Radke-SmithDan & Bridget StarishevskyAndrea StarlinGeorge SteinMary SteinOliver & Naomi StokeldBrandon & Lana StokleySteven & Elana StophelRavi SwamyHalei TasciStephen TaylorAndrew & Lisa TeetsMark & Pamela TellingerRumel & Magaly TomiamposEric & Jane TuplerEric & Enid VictorGeorge & Cynthia WainscoatPhilip & Virginia WaltonDavid & Pamela WelkerBrent & Hilary WellsJoe Serieno & Carrie WestDavid Wilson Mark & Caryl Wojcik
Alumni Adam MansfieldGraham MansfieldTeagan McNallyEmma MurphyMolly MurphyCanyon ScalaDillion ScalaSage Scala
Faculty & StaffSara AndersonColleen ApplerKatie BeckerElizabeth BrundsonNathan Byrne Daniel CombsDebbie CorderoMary Ann DawsonKerri EspositoChuck Fischer
Courtney GrayCorinne HancockKathleen HarperSydney Harper Audra Haskins Amanda HerraraAbby KingLara Knuettel Mike KoralNicole KruseChris LazarticKelley LeddenJayme MansfieldLinda MarshallAllison Mattivi Scott McFarlandMegan McKnightMaureen MullenBridget NoelLauren OakleyLeigh Ann OrsenEric PetersonGabriella PolenJulie RichardsonShawna RiggioAmy SabinCorey SampsonLynda SailorKristina ScalaKricket Servis Keiko ShortLana Sirpolaidis Katie StoneJill StudnickiKelsey SullivanJoanna WeiselJulie Wilkins
Corporations & Foundations3M FoundationAlternative Support IncAmazon Smile FoundationAMGEN FoundationAspen Arterior DesignBank of America Bank of the WestBouzy Wine and SpiritsBright Funds FoundationThe Bundt ShopCharles Schwab
CINCH / Miller InternationalCity of Greenwood VillageCompleat Gourmet and GiftsCSG InternationalEncana Oil and GasThe Inteq Group Jackson Realty Colorado, LLC Janus FoundationJen L Harris ImagingJoAnn FabricKing SoopersKismetKumonLiberty Gives FoundationMajor HeatingNewmont MiningNorthwestern MutualPerky JerkyPikes Peak BreweryRose FoundationSazza RestaurantSierra Trading PostTarget CorporationThrivologyTom’s DinerTrader Joe’sUBSUSE UX LLCWells Fargo FoundationWestern Union Foundation Whole FoodsZEMENT Stone
STEAM Lab Impact“I am beyond excited to use the new equipment and online curriculum in the Science, Technology, Engineer, Art and Math (STEAM) Lab. The new system puts students in charge of their learning and gives them countless opportunities to innovate and collaborate.”– Chris Lazartic, STEAM Coach
10 Aspen Academy
Grandparents & Special Friends
Grand Day 2015Funds raised at our 11th Annual Grand Day, hosted by Ernest and Mary Behnke (grandparents of Schorr, 4th Grade; Reagan, 4th Grade; and William, 1st Grade), were used to enhance our Spanish Language and Cultural Proficiency programs by enabling us to:
William AllenRon & Dana AndersonRobert AsielErnest & Mary BehnkeAlan & Mary BottMichael & Marilyn CalvertMike & Nancy ConnellMargo ConnorDavid & Elisabeth CookLeah CoulterJoe & Nancy DeStadioEdward & Sue FabricantRobert & Judy FarrellDanny & Merrilee FearnowArt & Nancy FitzgeraldKay GangelJohn & Arlene GeikenDiana GelfandEdward & Sondra GoldbergLou & Marcie GurichWilliam & Sharon HaddadEula HoffJoan Hohn
Andrew & Joan JessimanSara JohnsonRichard & Marsha LeeTom & Dianne MaloneyHerb & Ruby MruyamaRichard McCormickMaurita MeehanRaymond & Maureen PalmieriEliot & Mary PaysonBill & Lynn PelzRita PoeCarolyn RobisonKent SimonPhil SmithRonald & Nancy SouleHoward SpeilMyron & Lydia SwizeMarilyn TaylorStana TrikichCindy WilsonDavid & Deborah YoungrenDennis & Katherine Zajac
Thank you to our Grandparents andSpecial Friends Donors
Build out two new Spanish Language learning labs and a Cultural Advocacy lab
Install cutting edge foreign language tools and technology
Create an Ethnomusicology lab where our students can immerse themselves in foreign language through the study of music
Offer an after school Spanish Language program for our 1st – 8th Grade students
Your contributions “Make a World of Difference.” Thank you for your generous investments in our new state-of-the-art Spanish language studio!
2015-2016 Annual Report 11
Message from our Director of Business and Operations
At Aspen Academy we are committed to creating extraordinary opportunities for our students to learn and our community to convene. Part of this commitment is ensuring our campus remains safe and secure. Over the past year we renovated and upgraded a variety of spaces including: installing a new roof and side walls in our Lower School, replacing our fire suppression system in our administrative wing, and updating the north and south entrances on the west side of our building.
Our Capital Campaign, Building the Future, in conjunction with Grandparents and Special Friends Day and the Gala special appeal, supported the renovation of our STEAM and World Language Labs, refurnishing these spaces, adding windows to allow for natural light, and installing new learning equipment such as our 3D printer, new iPads and wireless docking stations.
To remain at the forefront of innovation and equip our students and staff with the most effective and efficient resources possible, we replaced our Wireless Access Point (WAP) and implemented a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), including the creation of a Guest Network, to provide the fastest possible internet access for all who enter our building.
We have also initiated several ongoing projects that will continue during 2017 and beyond, including renovations to our Legacy Hall, beginning with the installation of shiplap on our stairwell walls, and improvements in our Auditorium including the installation of our state-of-the-art Bose Soundmatch System.
We are grateful for the support of our community as we continue to grow and improve the Aspen Academy experience.
Lynda SailorCo-Founder, Director of
Business & Operations
Campus Enhancements
“Aaron [Sonin] and I [were] enormously honored to have been elected as this year’s Legacy Leaders. Aspen Academy isn’t just about academics, it’s also a place where you learn about yourself and you use that knowledge to better yourself as a leader…The legacy gift represents the 8th Grade’s commitment to make a lasting impact on the school. The funds to sponsor this gift come from donations from our families as well as proceeds from the Bear’s Student Enterprise Businesses that we [ran last] year.”– Skylar Sanford, Class of 2016 Legacy Leader
STEAM Lab
Spanish Lab
STEAM Lab
12 Aspen Academy
Highlights from our Year
Aspenpalooza, Aspen’s 2015 Annual CarnivalCo-chaired by Krista Johnson and Courtney Waugh-Schreiber. Our Carnival kicked off the school year with festivities and fun for all ages.
Head of School Reception 2016Held at the home of Aspen parents Jane and Eric Tupler, the Head of School reception thanks our leadership donors.
Be GroovyAspen’s Annual Gala 2016A time for our parents, faculty and friends to let loose and raise funds for our STEAM and World Language Labs. Co-chaired by Natalie Boyle and Brooke Loven, with support from the Gala Committee: Amy Andresen, Natallia Avseev, Sonia Carty, Kelly Dryer, John Fichter, Kari Hale, Kelly Hardy, Kay Knowles, Tiffany Radel, Ann Ryan, Melanie Schmieding, Sarah Spencer-Workman, George and Mary Stein, Ashley Summers, Andrew Teets, Stephanie Toler, Enid Victor, Matt and Alexandra Wise, and Cathy Zheng.
I always look forward to kicking off the new school year as Happy the Clown at our annual Carnival, Aspenpalooza, where we welcome new families and old friends with fun, silliness and excitement! Honk honk! – Kathleen Harper, Kindergarten Instructor
2015-2016 Annual Report 13
14 Aspen Academy
Parent Civic Organization 2015-2016While our Board of Trustees is tasked with the stewardship of our institution, our Parent Civic Organization is our heartwood, maintaining a purposeful, central strength for our children to grow, thrive, and be inspired. Thank you to our PCO leaders.
Community Leaders
PCOPARENT CIVIC ORGANIZATION
ASPEN ACADEMY
Co-Presidents, Julie Reddington and Joy WollerVice President / Parent Senate President, Erin ChainSecretary of Communications, Kim DurandSecretary of Treasury, Kerri AndersonSecretary of Academic Rigor, Michelle LockwoodSecretary of Character and Leadership, Lindsey DavisSecretary of Community Strength, Katie MochanSecretary of Community Service, Nathan Jerome
President, Claire MochanVice President, Parker DurandSecretary of Communication, Miranda LockwoodSecretary of Treasury, Morgan TaylorSecretary of Character & Leadership, Ella RakowskiSecretary of Community Strength, Aidan EngelmannSecretary of Community Service, Sydney Bar-OrSecretary of Academic Rigor, Byron Starishevsky3rd Grade Senator, Ashlyn Wainscoat3rd Grade Senator, Chase Starlin3rd Grade Senator, Tahna Wilfley3rd Grade Senator, Jack Watters4th Grade Senator, Brady Oriol4th Grade Senator, Claire Murphy4th Grade Senator, August Helen
4th Grade Senator, Azi Fanale5th Grade Senator, Isabella Cole5th Grade Senator, Rhyan Schaff5th Grade Senator, Kylie Schultz5th Grade Senator, Roman Bradley6th Grade Senator, Katherine Leaffer6th Grade Senator, Nolan Cooper6th Grade Senator, Delaney Ryan6th Grade Senator, Andrew Simon7th Grade Senator, Anna Shaw7th Grade Senator, Emily Rudnick7th Grade Senator, Zach Marshall7th Grade Senator, Landon Ford8th Grade Senator, Jack Garnsey
SCOSTUDENT CIVIC ORGANIZATION
ASPEN ACADEMYStudent Civic OrganizationThe structure of our Student Government (SCO) exists to create an edifying experience that inspires greater aspirations for continued and real civic and community leadership.
2015-2016 Annual Report 15
Co-Presidents, Julie Reddington and Joy WollerVice President / Parent Senate President, Erin ChainSecretary of Communications, Kim DurandSecretary of Treasury, Kerri AndersonSecretary of Academic Rigor, Michelle LockwoodSecretary of Character and Leadership, Lindsey DavisSecretary of Community Strength, Katie MochanSecretary of Community Service, Nathan Jerome
Aspen Academy Faculty & Staff
Sara AndersonColleen ApplerBridget AylwardKatie BeckerGary BognerElizabeth BrundsonMichele BurnettNathan ByrneDanny CombsDebbie CorderoMary Ann DawsonKerri EspositoChuck FischerCourtney Gray Corinne HancockKathleen HarperSydney HarperAudra HaskinsAmanda HerraraBrittany JavorAbby KingLara KnuettelMichael KoralNicole KruseChris LazarticKelley LeddenJayme MansfieldLinda Marshall Scott McFarland
Allison MattiviMaureen MullenBridget NoelLauren OakleyRose OppedisanoLeigh Ann OrsenBecky PalmeriMaggie PatelCarly PatridgeEric PetersonGabriella PolenJulie RichardsonShawna Riggio Amy SabinLynda Sailor Corey SampsonKristina ScalaKricket ServisCathy ShematekKeiko ShortLana SirpolaidisBrooke SteedlyKatie StoneJill StudnickiKelsey SullivanHannah WeilJoanna WeisJulie Wilkins
2015-2016 Staff Aspen Academy Welcomes New Faculty, Staff & Roles for the 2016-2017 School YearOctavia Betz, Art
Jessica Cho, 5th Grade Earth Science & Astronomy, 6th Grade Physics
Steve Goslee, Admissions Manager
Jennifer Gravlee, 2nd Grade
Sydney Harper, Spanish
Sarah Harris, 1st Grade
Lara Hutchison, 6th Grade Language Arts
Dana Kohls, Kindergarten
Nicole Kruse, Entrepreneurial Coach
Chris Lazartic, STEAM Coach
Sam Murray, 7th Grade Chemistry, 8th Grade Biology
Paul Noel, 3rd Grade
Chuck Novatka, Drama
Eric Peterson, 8th Grade Language Arts
Amy Sabin, Love and Logic Coach
Cathy Shematek, Health and Safety Manager
Karen Skadow, Spanish
Mallory Sussman, Development Manager
Roberta Vallina, Marketing & Communications Manager
Jenny White, Pre-Kindergarten
2016-2017 Faculty & Staff
16 Aspen Academy
2016 Graduating Class
Congratulations to the Class of 2016Elana AukampArapahoe High School
Emilee AukampArapahoe High School
Ally BarnesRegis Jesuit High School
Sydney BullenMullen High School
Kyle Cooper *Mullen High School
Jason CoulterValor Christian High School
Anthony DiChiaraKent Denver High School
Esmeralda FloeresSante Fe High School
Jack Garnsey *Colorado Academy
William GelfandRegis Jesuit High School
Sam GoldbergRegis Jesuit High School
Anika GroomRock Canyon High School
Eli HiltRegis Jesuit High School
Lilith HowellAraphoe High School
Alexander JansenHillel Academy
Hailey JohnsonSt. Mary’s Academy
Sierra JohnstonArapahoe High School
Taylor Kelly *Arapahoe High School
Lauren KinneHeritage High School
Olivia Kinne GALS School Denver
Sophie KnuettelSt. Mary’s Academy
Connor ManzerMullen High School
Lucas MastronardiValor Christian High School
Nicholas MeyerValor Christian High School
Morgan Myhill *Kent Denver High School
Isabelle ReddingtonThunderridge High School
Timea Ryan *Kent Denver High School
Skylar Sanford *Arapahoe High School
Taylor Schulze *Arapahoe High School
Emery Scott *Valor Christian High School
Landon SkudneskiRegis Jesuit High School
Aaron Sonin *Rock Canyon High School
Paige Sowitch *Mullen High School
Maurice SteinCherry Creek High School
Annika TaylorValor Christian High School
Laura TuplerSt. Mary’s Academy
Lauren Turco *Regis Jesuit High School
Madison Wainscoat *Mullen High School
Jonathan WellsAvon Old Farms High School
* Graduated with honors
Message from Morgan Myhill, Valedictorian“I believe that the best things in life often come out of bad situations. I found Aspen in this way. I had spent majority of my elementary school years in a place that was not the best fit and I would never have found myself in this position had I stayed in that place. I stumbled upon Aspen after looking into at least 4 other schools. When I shadowed, I could immediately sense what a close-knit, safe and talented com-munity it was. I am confident that Aspen students will bring that same character, leadership and talent I experienced on my first day to wherever they may find themselves. All in all, my experience goes to show how life works itself out and every dark path will open up to light if you let it.” – Morgan Myhill
2015-2016 Annual Report 17
Where Are Our Alumni Today?
Baylord University
Colorado College
Denver UniversityUniversity of Colorado
University of Colorado
Colorado School of MinesColorado State University
University of Colorado
Santa Clara University
University of Southern California
University of Pudget SoundUniversity of Washington
Grand Canyon University
Cornell College
University of Missouri
Butler University United States Naval Academy
University of South Carolina
University of Tennessee
University of Notre Dame
SUNY Plattsburgh College
Baylor UniversityButler UniversityColorado CollegeColorado School of MinesColorado State UniversityCornell CollegeUniversity of ColoradoUniversity of ColoradoDenver UniversityGrand Canyon UniversityUniversity of Missouri
Waco, TXIndianapolis, INColorado Springs, COGolden, COFort Collins, COMount Vernon, IABoulder, CODenver, CODenver, COPhoenix, AZColumbia, MO
Notre Dame, INSanta Clara, CAPlattsburgh, NYColorado Springs, COAnnapolis, MDTacoma, WAColumbia, SCLos Angeles, CAKnoxville, TNSeattle, WA
University of Notre DameSanta Clara UniversitySUNY PlattsburghUniversity of ColoradoUnited States Naval AcademyUniversity of Puget SoundUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of Southern CalifoniaUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of Washington
Our College Aged Alumni (Classes 2010-2012) Attending Distinguished Universities Across the Country
ASPEN ACADEMY ADVANCEMENT OFFICE:Lara Knuettel, Director of Advancement 303-346-3500 ext 117 • [email protected]
Mallory Sussman, Development Manager 303-346-3500 ext 114 • [email protected]
Steve Goslee, Admissions Manager 303-346-3500 ext 108 • [email protected]
Andrea Kilpatrick, Admissions Coordinator 303-346-3500 ext 226 • [email protected]
Roberta Vallina, Marketing and Communications Manager303-346-3500 ext 111 • [email protected]
5859 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village, CO 80121
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Copy Mallory SussmanPhotography: Jen L. Harris, Roberta Vallina
TM