kdoran, Author at Stand for Children Colorado

How Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College’s Freshman Academy Is Setting 9th Graders Up for Success this Summer

High School Success | 08/11/2025

Stand for Children

The transition from 8th to 9th grade represents a significant academic transition for students. It’s a time that comes with new academic demands, unfamiliar social environments, and increased personal responsibilities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College (DMLK) in Denver Public Schools just hosted their 16^th year of Freshman Academy—a program that’s been setting up incoming 9th graders for success.

More Than Just Orientation

“Freshman Academy is a 4-day summer transition program designed to welcome and prepare our incoming 9th grade students before the first day of school,” explains Assistant Principal Stephanie Hassel. “It’s more than just orientation.”

This August program goes far beyond the typical campus tour and schedule pickup. Students dive deep into understanding how high school actually works, learning about GPA calculations, transcript requirements, and graduation pathways. They participate in meaningful team-building activities, develop connections with DMLK staff and classmates, and get hands-on practice navigating their class schedules and the online platforms they’ll use throughout the year.

Students also earn elective credits toward graduation for completing the academy.

The Research-Backed Impact

And the results show this is the right approach. After 15 years of data collection, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College has compelling evidence that their Freshman Academy works. Students who participate are more likely to succeed academically, build stronger relationships with both peers and adults, and graduate on time.

“This window of time is crucial,” Assistant Principal Hassel emphasizes. “Research and our 15 years of hosting 9th grade academy shows that students who attend are more likely to be successful academically. Freshman Academy allows us to build trust, set expectations, and get ahead of potential challenges before the school year even begins.”

The confidence factor cannot be overstated. “When students walk in on day one, already knowing their teachers, their classmates, and the layout of the building, they’re more confident, and they are better prepared to succeed,” says Hassel. That familiarity breeds the kind of confidence that leads to long-term success.

What Students Really Gain

The benefits extend far beyond academic preparation. Students leave the academy with a genuine sense of belonging at DMLK. They understand the mechanics of high school—credits, GPA, and transcripts—concepts that can feel overwhelming when encountered for the first time during a busy school day.

The program also recognizes that teenagers appreciate tangible rewards. Students receive snacks, school swag, and even participate in a field trip designed to strengthen their connections with one another. Most importantly, students don’t just receive information—they get a genuine head start that makes their transition comfortable and manageable.

A Partnership with Parents

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College understands that successful student transitions require family support.

“I tell parents that this transition is big, and it matters,” Assistant Principal Hassel shares. “High school comes with new academic demands, social environments, and personal responsibilities, but with the right support, students can thrive.”

The academy represents what Hassel calls “front-loading” that support, ensuring students and families understand expectations and success strategies from day one. “We’re not just welcoming their child, we’re partnering with them too,” she explains.

When schools invest in helping students navigate that critical 8th to 9th grade leap, they’re not just supporting individual students—they’re strengthening their entire school community.

As schools across the country grapple with student engagement, the Freshman Academy model offers a proven blueprint. The transition from 8th to 9th grade will always be significant, but as Assistant Principal Hassel and her team have proven, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “9th grade academy helps us front-load that support,” Hassel explains, and the results demonstrate why this approach should be standard practice, not the exception.

How Colorado Schools are Helping Freshmen Start Strong

Uncategorized | 08/8/2025

Stand for Children

Starting high school is a big step. That’s why many schools have implemented summer transition programs to give incoming 9th graders the tools, information, support, and confidence they need to succeed from day one. Over the next week, we will be sharing more about how these schools are preparing these students for success in high school and beyond.

The Center for High School Success (CHSS) has outlined key elements that make a summer transition program effective, and we’ve outlined those elements below.

1. Supportive, Prepared Staff

It’s important that the staff leading the transition program are deeply committed to the work and know how to support these incoming students. These team members receive training ahead of time and have time to plan together so they’re ready to meet students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally.

2. Smart Use of Resources

Great programs make the most of what’s available—whether it’s district funding or partnerships with local organizations. A clear, thoughtful budget helps make sure students get what they need, from quality instruction to meaningful activities.

3. Focused Learning

While summer programs shouldn’t feel like summer school, they do include learning. A strong program gives students a jumpstart in key areas like math and English while helping them understand what’s expected in high school. Some programs even offer students a chance to earn credit, which builds momentum going into 9th grade.

4. Social and Emotional Support

High school brings more than academic challenges. That’s why summer programs should also help students build skills like confidence, time management, and goal setting. Programs often include counselors or social workers to support students’ emotional well-being and make sure they feel seen and supported.

5. Use of Data to Guide Support

Before the program even begins, strong programs look at data to understand what students need most. Then, they keep checking in—using simple tools to see how students are doing and adjust along the way.

6. Involving Families from the Start

Parents and caregivers play a huge role in student success. Great programs make sure families are included from day one—offering orientation sessions, clear communication, and ways to stay involved throughout high school.

7. Building Community

One of the biggest benefits of a summer program is the chance for students to make connections. Activities that build friendships, introduce students to school staff, and make the high school building feel familiar all help ease the transition. Students also get to explore clubs, sports, and other extracurricular opportunities that can make high school more fun and meaningful.

A strong summer transition program isn’t just about preparing students for schoolwork—it’s about helping them feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive. When schools invest in this kind of support, it pays throughout a student’s high school experience.

Webinar: Why Ninth Grade Matters Most: Your Back-to-School Success Guide

Uncategorized | 07/3/2025

Stand for Children

9th grade isn’t just another year—research shows it’s the make-or-break moment that determines a student’s entire high school trajectory. How schools support students navigating ninth grade sets the trajectory for everything that follows

That’s why we’re inviting you to join us for “9th Grade Matters Most: Your-Back-to School Success Guide, a free webinar, July 22nd with Meredith Winston, an educator leading a ninth grade success team in Colorado and Stand Colorado Organizer, Natalie Perez, a parent of an incoming freshman.

This webinar is for everyone who cares about student success:

Parents navigating the high school transition, this year or in the coming years
Educators looking to strengthen their approach to supporting students
Community members invested in supporting schools

Together, we’ll explore:

Why 9th grade is considered the “make-or-break” year
The challenges of the middle-to-high school transition, and how schools are addressing those challenges immediately
How to build confidence during this critical year and other practical strategies to support students

When it comes to high school success, we all have a role to play. And it starts with understanding why 9th grade matters most.

Jen Gallegos Named Southwest Regional Director of CHSS

Uncategorized | 06/27/2025

Stand for Children

We’re thrilled to welcome Jen Gallegos as the new Southwest Regional Director for the Center for High School Success (CHSS)! Jen steps into this role following the powerful legacy of Judith Martinez, whose leadership shaped our Southwest work with care, vision, and integrity. As Judith begins a well-earned retirement, Jen is ready to carry that work forward, and take it even further.

Jen brings over 20 years of experience in Colorado education, with roles ranging from teacher and principal to Director of Student Discipline and Truancy for Jeffco Schools, overseeing 155 campuses. Most recently, she advanced statewide discipline, attendance, and 9th grade success efforts with the Colorado Department of Education. Her leadership is deeply rooted in equity, collaboration, and systems-building that lasts.

Learn more about the work of the Colorado Center for High School Success here.

Check Out Our Updated Literacy Resources

Uncategorized | 06/10/2025

Stand for Children

Our Early Literacy website has been refreshed to better serve families, educators, and advocates across Colorado!

What’s new?

A user-friendly design for easier navigation
Clear guidance on Colorado’s Early Literacy policy
Tools to support families in advocating for high-quality reading instruction
Resources for understanding the science of reading

Whether you’re a parent seeking support or an advocate pushing for stronger literacy outcomes, this updated hub is your go-to guide.

Now that we’re in summer mode, it’s especially important to keep literacy skills sharp. The site includes practical tips and tools to help ensure your student doesn’t fall behind while school’s out. Check it out today!

MESA’s Ninth Grade Success model shows dramatic results in first year

High School Success | 06/2/2025

Stand for Children

Note: We are republishing this blog post from Mapleton School District written by Sean Andersen-Vie, Mapleton’s Communications Specialist, about impressive results from their ninth grade on-track work. Mapleton School District is a partner of our Colorado Center for High School Success.

As the school year comes to a close, Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts (MESA) is celebrating a major milestone — its highest-ever freshman on-track rate. This year, nearly every ninth grader is on track to graduate, marking a significant success for the school community.

That number is a dramatic turnaround for a school that, just last year, had 14 students retained at the end of ninth grade, and even more in previous years. As of late April 2025, more than 80% of MESA’s ninth graders are now on track to graduate, up from the mid-60% range a year ago. That nearly 14% improvement is one of the highest freshmen on-track rate increases in the country this year.

“It feels great,” said Jared Powell, MESA’s Academic Success Coordinator. “We really look at graduation as a way for students to access careers in at least a middle-class lifestyle. If we’re improving our graduation rates by about 15%, that’s amazing work. We’re really proud of that.”

The shift is thanks in large part to a Ninth Grade Success grant from the Colorado Department of Education, which allowed MESA to partner with the Center for High School Success (CHSS). The Center provided a roadmap of proven, quarter-by-quarter strategies to help students transition successfully into high school, with a focus on proactive supports, not reactive interventions.

Building the Freshman Foundation

One of the most visible changes was the addition of a Freshman Seminar, a course designed to teach students how to be high school students. There they learn how to manage time, stay organized, reflect on progress, and understand the mechanics of credits and graduation. A weekly grade tracker also helps students evaluate what they are missing, make a plan, and assess how that plan is working.

“I think it was really helpful to get the pace of how to fit everything together,” said freshman Yadira L. “The tracker helped me stay accountable with what I was doing because I like to procrastinate.”

Freshman Derek L. credits his turnaround in English class to small-group meetings led by Powell, where certain students set personal goals and learn executive functioning strategies. These goal-setting groups are part of a broader multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) used at MESA to identify students at varying levels of need and respond accordingly.

“We’d come up with steps to reach a goal, and he would show us the right steps to take,” Derek said.

“I started doing my assignments and realized it was easier than I thought. I’m proud that everything I put my mind to, I could do it.”

Getting Everyone on the Same Page

MESA’s staff tracks student progress using a custom dashboard built in Tableau, the district’s data visualization platform. The tool allows teachers and support teams to monitor grades, attendance, and course-specific struggles in real time. Students are grouped into different tiers, based on their grades and attendance, and a student success team meets weekly to tailor strategies and resources to the lower tiers.

“I think that’s been really beneficial,” Powell said. “We can identify and tailor things to individual kids much easier when we have a scheduled time and we take a really deep, data-driven approach together.” Support also comes from peers. MESA launched a peer tutoring program where juniors and seniors—many of whom overcame academic struggles themselves—mentor underclassmen.

For families, MESA hosted parent education events to ensure everyone understood what it means to be on track, how to navigate the high school system, and how to support students at home. And to help students connect school to real-world goals, Powell arranged college and technical school visits so students could see the full range of postsecondary options.

“A lot of ninth graders say they don’t want to go to college, which is fine,” Powell said. “But I tell them I look at college as anywhere you learn a skill and get a piece of paper saying you have a skill, so you’re employable. It could be a four-year university or a trade school, but all those options start with graduating high school.”

Yadira said the visits helped put things into perspective. “It was nice to see what we could be exposed to in later years and explore different things we could do in the future.”

One Student’s Story, Many Students’ Success

One of the most powerful examples of the program’s success in Powell’s eyes was a student who came to MESA with a long history of academic struggles. He had been held back in elementary school, failed nearly every class in middle school, and had poor attendance. Nearing the end of his ninth-grade year at the school, he knows he will move on to tenth grade this fall, thanks to all of MESA’s supports.

“That was a big moment for me when we realized that, like, this is working!” Powell said. “At any other school not doing this work, without this team supporting him, he probably wouldn’t be on track.”

MESA staff are already planning to refine their model for next year, including exploring more academic intervention time in core subjects, and are in conversation with Mapleton’s administration about replicating their model with other district schools.

“We’ve built something that works,” Powell said.

“Now it’s time to make sure every ninth grader in our district has that same opportunity to succeed.”

Statement on Veto of HB25-1026

Criminal Justice Reform | 05/30/2025

Stand for Children

Last evening, Governor Polis vetoed HB25-1026 Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, legislation we championed that stopped the DOC from charging medical fees to incarcerated individuals seeking healthcare, separate from what is billed to insurance and already provided by the state. He also issued an executive order concerning how people in Colorado state prisons are charged for health care services and ordering a review of these fees. Below is our response to the veto of HB25-1026 and the executive order.

“We are disappointed by Governor Polis’ veto of HB25-1026, legislation passed with bipartisan support, to end burdensome and unnecessary medical fees for people in Colorado prisons. While $5 may not sound like much, given the median wage in Colorado prisons, that’s the equivalent of charging someone earning the median wage, a co-pay of more than $900 to see a doctor.

While the Executive Order takes modest steps towards accountability, it does not eliminate the critical barriers these fees create. It does not guarantee the elimination of these harmful fees, and it doesn’t address the problematic lack of transparency that lawmakers uncovered around how these fees are applied, collected, or used. We will continue to work with lawmakers, advocates, and impacted families to hold DOC accountable and to push for lasting change that removes financial barriers to care.”

Capitol Week In Review: Week 12

Capitol Week in Review | 03/28/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and criminal justice reform. You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to announce that two of our key criminal justice reform policies passed their own legislative hurdles:

HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, was signed into law by the Governor this week! As you may recall, this bill requires enhanced data collection on restitution demographics, prioritizing transparency and accountability. It seeks to address systemic inequities by revealing who owes restitution, who receives payment, and any potential barriers in the process.

HB 25-1214, Appropriate Use of Prison Beds, reforms sentencing and parole by requiring courts to review key information before sentencing and notifying them when individuals near parole eligibility are sentenced. It expands treatment options to certified recovery residences, removes payment requirements for mandated treatment after positive drug or alcohol tests, and presumes parole for low-risk inmates with mandated monthly status reports. This bill passed the House Judiciary Committee with a vote of 7-4!

HB25-1135 Communication Devices in Schools, requires all public and charter schools in Colorado to establish policies on student use of communication devices during school hours by July 1, 2026. These policies must specify any restrictions and exceptions for device use throughout the school day. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously.

SB25-200 Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, aims to enhance early elementary education in Colorado by making school readiness assessments optional and allowing, rather than requiring, individualized readiness plans for preschool and kindergarten students. It mandates that parental communications about READ plans include information on dyslexia characteristics when applicable. This bill is being heard in the Senate Education Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

HB25-1147 Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court, aligns municipal courts with state legal standards by ensuring sentencing parity, improving access to indigent defense, and enhancing transparency in court proceedings, is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

HB25-1148 Criminal Protection Order & Protection Order Violation, revises Colorado’s criminal protection orders by clarifying required elements and limiting conditions to victim safety. It ensures courts inform defendants of penalties for violations and restricts substance-use prohibitions to relevant cases. Courts must review orders at case resolution, and officers get discretion in enforcing certain violations. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

SB25-155 Legislation Inside Advisory Council, establishes the Legislation Inside Advisory Council to advise the Colorado General Assembly on issues affecting incarcerated individuals. The council will contract with a nonprofit for support, define its membership, and outline duties, including reporting during the Department of Corrections’ annual “SMART Act” presentation. Additionally, an advisory review committee will recommend up to three bills each interim session. This bill is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

Our Take: Protecting Progress, Funding Colorado’s Future: Supporting the Forthcoming 2025 School Finance Act

Last year, our state made historic progress by eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and updating the school funding formula for the first time in 30 years. These changes promised much-needed resources for students in poverty, English learners, and students with special needs. However, with a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, this progress seemed at risk.

Fortunately, the newly released state budget proposal protects K-12 funding, ensuring no cuts to public schools despite fiscal challenges. The forthcoming 2025 School Finance Act builds on this commitment by increasing school funding while

At a time of financial uncertainty, this proposal strikes a fair balance between the state’s budget constraints and its promise to fully and equitably fund public education. Our schools cannot afford to go backward—and this budget ensures they won’t.

Take Action: Let’s Ensure Sustainable and Equitable Funding for Colorado Public Schools, Act Now!

Your voice is crucial in safeguarding Colorado’s commitment to public education. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Encourage legislators to back the 2025 School Finance Act Proposal, which maintains progress while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Let’s stand together for stable, equitable school funding—no compromises, no setbacks.

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Colorado lawmakers finalize budget proposal. Here’s what they cut to close $1.2B gap — and what they didn’t.
CPR News, New school funding proposal in Colorado would soften the cuts for K-12

Montbello Named National Demonstration School

Uncategorized | 03/14/2025

Stand for Children

Montbello High School was named a national Center for High School Success Demonstration School today, shining a spotlight on the intentional work they have done to implement a 9th grade on-track approach and increase on-track rates from 65% to 82% since 2022.

Students who finish 9^th grade “on track” are three times more likely to graduate on time than their off-track peers. Schools from around the country and state will visit Montbello on April 30^th to see their work firsthand. This is the second Colorado school to receive this designation. The other school is Poudre High School in Fort Collins.

DPS School board members joined Superintendent Dr. Alex Marraro and Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Tony Smith in celebrating with the Montbello team today as the banner presentation.

Since partnering with CHSS in 2022, they have increased 9th Grade On-Track Rates from 65% to 82%. Montbello has implemented innovative strategies such as “Kid Talks,” which provide targeted support for students through collaboration with teachers and families in addition to targeted interventions, transition supports, school-based teaching teams, and certain instructional approaches. Despite challenges during its early years operating in a temporary space and merging multiple campuses, Montbello High School has fostered a strong school culture rooted in equity, student-centered support, and community engagement. Read more about their work and succcesses in this question and answer with Assistant Principal, Jeronimo Alvarez.

Capitol Week In Review: Week 9

Capitol Week in Review | 03/10/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share a celebratory update and a scheduling update on our key criminal justice reform policies.

HB 25-1116, Department of Corrections Search Court Records Before Offender Release, was passed by the House unanimously and is on its way to the Senate chamber! This bill would ensure the Department of Corrections regularly checks for outstanding warrants on inmates and notifies them, courts, and public defenders. It encourages timely resolution, including virtual court appearances, to prevent legal issues from delaying reentry.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Caps, proposes increasing Colorado’s juvenile detention bed cap for the 2025-26 fiscal year and, in subsequent years, setting the cap at 125% of the projected average daily juvenile detention population. The bill also mandates annual appropriations to fund these beds. We are in opposition and it been has delayed to be heard in the Health and Human Services Committee for March 18th.

HB25-1274 Healthy School Meals for All Program, refers two ballot issues to the voters in November to allow the state retain a portion of TABOR refunds and to increase taxes by $95 million annually by increasing state taxable income to support the healthy school meals for all program. This bill passed out the House Education Committee on March 6th with a vote of 7-5.

HB25-1192, Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, mandates that Colorado high school students successfully complete a financial literacy course. Additionally, the bill requires students to submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). The bill includes an opt-out provision for families who choose not to complete these applications. This bill passed out the House Education Committee on March 6th with a vote of 8-5.

HB25-1167, Alternative Education Campuses, enhances support for Colorado’s Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) by prioritizing them for state grants, allowing high-risk students (21 and under) in enrollment counts, requiring reports on AEC trends, and protecting their designation from single-year enrollment drops. This bill passed the House Education Committee on March 5th with a vote of 12-1.

Our Take:

Legislators just took a major step toward empowering students with essential life skills! HB25-1192, the bill that would make financial literacy a high school graduation requirement, has officially passed the House Education Committee—a huge victory for students, families, and communities across the state.

This bill is more than just an education reform; it’s a game-changer for future generations. By ensuring students graduate with a strong understanding of budgeting, credit, loans, saving, and financial planning, HB25-1192 equips young people with the tools they need to navigate real-world financial challenges. For too long, financial literacy has been an afterthought in our education system, leaving many young adults unprepared for managing their finances. With student debt rising and financial insecurity affecting many families, this bill helps bridge the gap, ensuring every Colorado student enters adulthood prepared to make informed financial decisions.

The support in the House Education Committee proves that financial literacy is a bipartisan priority. Now, as HB25-1192 moves forward, we must continue to push for its passage to ensure all students—regardless of background—have access to the knowledge they need for financial independence and success.

Take Action: Prioritize Financial Literacy for COlorado Students

Colorado students deserve the skills to thrive after high school, but many graduate without essential financial literacy to navigate adulthood. House Bill 25-1192 seeks to change that by requiring all students to complete a financial literacy course and submit the FAFSA or CASFA form to access potential financial aid opportunities. The bill passed the House Education Committee recently. Email your representative and ask them to support this bill when it comes to the floor.