1. Coal Creek Canyon continues to SOAR
Principal Carrie Mott presented to the JA Board about the continued growth and success of our Coal Creek Canyon campus. She spoke in depth about how we're supporting teachers through personal growth goals and 1 on 1 meetings. On the student front, she walked through each grade level and shared how we're specifically growing all of our students in creative ways. For example, the 2nd and 3rd graders culminated a unit learning about North American Explorers with their own outdoor treasure chest hunt. The 4th and 5th grade classes reworked stories into more exciting versions by practicing dynamic language—all while set in medieval castle decor! Finally, she touched on the continued success of our connected community. Parents and organizations continue to offer their time, expertise, and contributions to help our students excel. A heartfelt thank you to all of our teachers and volunteers! We're excited to see JA Coal Creek Canyon continue to grow and thrive in years to come.
2. Unified Improvement Plans (UIP)
The 2025–2026 school year Unified Improvement Plans (UIP) across Jefferson Academy Charter Schools focus on advancing academic achievement and growth along with student well-being, all through a data-driven approach. Jefferson Academy Elementary is dedicated to cultivating instructional excellence and a culture of safety and belonging by deepening teacher support for high quality curriculum implementation, increasing early literacy and ELA proficiency as well as expanding afterschool and SEL opportunities. JA Coal Creek Canyon is working to raise K–3 reading benchmarks and overall ELA growth through the MTSS processes, targeted interventions, and enrichment initiatives. Jefferson Academy Secondary seeks to strengthen ELA performance, close achievement gaps for minority and low-income students, and improve SEL outcomes through consistent data monitoring and intervention support. The Summit Academy is enhancing college and career readiness by improving math preparedness and increasing engagement. These plans reflect Jefferson Academy Charter Schools commitment to instructional excellence and whole-student success across all campuses.
3. Campus Visits
Members of the Board visited the campuses of JA Elementary, JA Coal Creek Canyon, and JA Secondary schools. The opportunity to see administration and staff in action provides valuable insights into the successes and challenges of each campus, and allows the Board to better understand the needs of the schools they serve. Board members were impressed and excited about the time they were able to spend on campus and fully enjoyed the experiences. Thank you to the administration and staff who took the time to make these visits possible. Visits to the Summit Westminster and Summit South campuses are happening soon!
4. Outdoor Lab
From Oct. 14–17, sixth graders participated in Outdoor Lab — a cherished tradition that reflects one of our school’s core pillars: Connected Community. Students from both the Elementary and Coal Creek Canyon campuses learned, explored, and bonded alongside staff, parent chaperones and Secondary student counselors. The latter brought enthusiasm, kindness, and leadership — serving as positive role models with seniors mentoring juniors to carry on the tradition. Assistant Principal Mr. Abling and JA CCC Principal Mrs. Mott attended in full, joined by Mr. Zott, Mr. Everett, and Mr. Feddema on alternating days. Reflecting on his first Outdoor Lab, Mr. Zott shared that the experience offered a rare chance to connect with students in small group settings and see them thrive in new ways. "It was a unique opportunity for me, and one that I will cherish forever," says Mr. Zott.
5. Transition Plan
JA’s Board has embarked on the journey to hire its next Executive Director. Tim Matlick will be retiring in June 2026, having devoted many years to the growth and maturity of Jefferson Academy Charter Schools. We are happy for him and his family, but have a large task to fill his shoes. Transitional leadership is necessary for any enduring organization, and the best time is during a season of health and stability, which we are in. In the coming months, the Board will form a hiring committee and retain a search firm to facilitate the process of hiring the next great Executive Director.
Sincerely,
Your JA Board
Kim Daly, Jeremey DuVall, Jerrilynn Lilyblade, John Nunnally, Tristina Pontiakos, Christopher Robbins, James Suckow