The on-time graduation rate for Greeley-Evans School District 6 seniors has gone up again for the seventh straight year, exceeding the state average by more than two percentage points.

The 2022 graduation rates for Colorado school districts were released by the Colorado Department of Education today. The on-time graduation rate for District 6 is 84.6 percent, up from 84.1 percent in 2021, and exceeding the state average of 82.3 percent. A total of 1,341 students graduated from District 6 schools in 2022, up from 1,264 in 2021.

In 2015, the District 6 on-time graduation rate was 76.9 percent. Since then, District 6 has implemented two strategic plans that focus on personalized learning and career and college readiness for all students.

“It is essential for the success of our students, our community and our nation that all students graduate high school with a clear plan for their future,” Dr. Pilch said. “Our Strategic Plan,  Innovation2030, focuses on providing a personalized learning experience for all students to keep them engaged in their education and ensure they are college and career ready when they graduate.”

District 6 also exceeds the state graduation rate for Caucasian, Latino and Black students, for students who live in economically disadvantaged households, for students in special education, for students with limited English language skills, for students identified as gifted and talented, for students experiencing homelessness and more.

Ensuring that all students graduate on-time, ready for their future, is continuing work in District 6.

 “Every student can and should graduate on time. We just need to ensure they have the right support, and partner with our families and communities, so they cross the finish line,” said Dr. Pilch. “We are proud of our students and our staff, who work so hard everyday to make sure this happens.”

The dropout rate for District 6 went up slightly in 2022 to 2.1 percent, from 1.7 percent in 2021. 

Here are the graduation rates by school in District 6:

• District 6 Online Academy: 80.8 percent
• Early College Academy: 98.1 percent
• Greeley Central High School: 90.5 percent
• Greeley West High School: 90.7 percent
• Jefferson High School/Greeley-Evans Alternative Program: 55.9 percent
• Northridge High School: 90.1 percent
• Frontier Academy High School: 100 percent
• Union Colony Preparatory: 90.9 percent
• University High School: 96.7 percent

All non-charter schools and offices in Greeley-Evans School District 6 will be closed Monday, January 16 for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. This includes the District 6 Administration Building. All offices and schools will reopen on Tuesday, January 17. 

The North Range Behavioral Health Board of Directors has named Mark Romero, Student Facilitator for Greeley-Evans School District 6, as its 2022 Community Champion of Behavioral Health. 

Romero, a 28-year veteran at District 6, provides vital support for students who are struggling with school attendance. He meets with families, conducts home visits, and occasionally makes referrals to North Range's Day Reporting Center, which provides a safe space for teens to learn and practice emotional skills. 

"I believe that it is all about relationships. You need to build positive relationships where kids and families trust themselves, each other and me. We do that by being open, honest and realistic. I offer as much hope as I can," Romero said. 

"Mark works with youth in the district who are at risk of dropping out or expulsion and have poor attendance or behavioral issues, and works with our staff to provide them with essential services," said Kelly Slade, Program Director of Intensive Youth and Family Services. "He is a huge advocate for students and works tirelessly to build a relationship with them and help them meet their own goals. He is compassionate, empathetic, and goes above and beyond to meet with families and work with the kids and North Range."

Romero said his goal is to create and strengthen bonds with students.

"My parents were both educators and I strive to carry on their legacy by helping children and families. They taught me to always ask 'Is this good for kids?'" he said. "Before I make any kind of decision, I always ask myself whether this is the right decision for the student. We want them to feel confident about the present and excited about their future." 

Romero will be honored at the Board of Education meeting on December 12 at 6 p.m. The meeting is held in the Board Room at the District 6 Administration Building, 1025 9th Avenue in Greeley.

Madison Elementary School is one of 21 schools across the state to be honored with the Governor's Bright Spot Award, which includes a $50,000 grant through the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund. 

Today, Governor Polis announced a new special recognition for 21 schools across the state that have demonstrated strong growth in student achievement since 2019. The selected schools have demonstrated excellence and the ability to advance learning through challenging times. These schools will receive the Governor's Bright Spot award and $50,000 dollars of GEER funds to go towards investments such as expanding student resources, faculty development, preparing and preventing public health emergencies and other opportunities that will benefit students' learning experiences. 

"Congratulations to these schools that have shown strong improvements in results despite the pandemic, and to all those that have worked to advance students' learning over the last three years. The unprecedented challenges schools faced through the pandemic were difficult to navigate but, your schools, teachers and communities showed incredible resilience and I am honored to highlight you all. I look forward to seeing how you utilize the funding to keep uplifting your students and advance learning," said Gov Polis. "Investing in education ensures Colorado youth are able to thrive and access the high-quality education they deserve. Thank you to all the faculty, teachers, and loved ones who support students and their learning experiences." 

The criteria was developed to highlight schools across the state that excelled through challenges caused by the pandemic and ensured their students progressed. To qualify for the award, schools must have advanced more than two bands on their performance framework since 2019. The use of funds will be determined by each school. Examples of eligible uses of funds include increased mental and behavioral health or tutoring services, preparation and prevention strategies for future health emergencies, faculty development opportunities, or school improvements. 

The 21 school receiving the Governor's Bright Spot Award are below:

• Alicia Sanchez International School
• Grand Mesa Choice Academy
• RiseUp Community School
• STRIVE Prep - Westwood
• Swansea Elementary School
• Farrell B. Howell ECE-8 School
• Cole Arts and Science Academy
• DSST: Cole Middle School
• Madison Elementary School
• Brady Exploration School
• Welchester Elementary School
• Lake County Intermediate School
• Chatfield Elementary School
• Bookcliff Middle school
• Bill Metz Elementary School
• Heritage Elementary School
• Franklin School of Innovation
• Irving Elementary School
• Rocky Mountain Elementary School
• Fort Lupton High School
• Sherrelwood Elementary School

(This press release was originally sent from Gov. Jared Polis' office.)

All non-charter schools in Greeley-Evans School District 6 will be closed November 21 - 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. All District 6 offices, including the Administration Building, will be closed November 24 and 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. All schools and District 6 offices will reopen on Monday, November 28. 

For more information on District 6 or to view the school-year calendar, visit www.greeleyschools.org