Here's why staff choose D6!

Name

Amanda Hayes

School

Meeker Elementary School

Position

SmartLab Facilitator

Years of Service in District 6

12

"I have only taught at Meeker in District 6. I came from Wyoming over 12 years ago, and I didn't know what to expect in a different state or a different community. I landed in just the right place! I have made lifelong friends here. They have seen the high and low points of my life, and I, theirs. When our most recent principal, Alison, came into leadership at our school, it quickly became clear that we all had a purpose and knew that we each had a valuable role to play in our school. I believe we are doing the best work, and I want to see it through!"

When you think about your experience in our district, what makes you feel proud to work here? 

"I appreciate that our district seems light years ahead of other districts in Colorado, especially in regards to technology, curriculum, building maintenance, and employee pay. I am proud that our district puts their students and staff community at the top of the priority list when making decisions for our communities. In addition, there are so many opportunities for community members to get involved and allow their voices to be heard." 

What keeps you feeling connected to and supported by our school community? 

"This sounds extremely cliche, but our students are the best! I love seeing them grow, trust, and succeed in life within these crucial six years of life! In addition, the relationships that I have developed with parents over the years is so trusting. I love making the connections and seeing the trust that they have with their most priceless parts of their life! It means so much to be entrusted with a portion, even if for such a small time, of their life!"

What's a fun fact about your job? 

"Most teachers in our district know that your Specials team teaches all of the grades. I teach Kindergarten through Fifth Grade which lends to a fun fact of my job. I love seeing the growth of students, year after year. The ability to see each student grow from a bright-eyed Kindergartener to crying when they leave for Middle School. It is an absolute pleasure to see siblings come through year after year, and piece their sibling dynamics together!" 

What is one experience with a student or staff member that left a lasting, positive impact on you? 

"A little over 11 years ago, I found out I was pregnant with my first child. It was such an amazing time in my husband's and my life. The icing on the cake to this situation was that two or more members of my team were also pregnant. There were three of us on our team that had our first babies within four months of each other. Now, those babies are closing in on their final days of their fifth grade year. I have absolutely loved going through each phase of motherhood with them. 11 years later, and we are still on the same team. This has been an absolute joy and privilege in life!"