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Good times launch school year in Elizabeth

New superintendent hosts pep rally to get things rolling

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Elizabeth School District teachers got treated to breakfast and a full-fledged pep rally to launch the new school year.
 
On the morning of Aug. 8, teachers were ushered into the Elizabeth High School gym by the EHS marching band and poms team with rousing music and shouts of affirmation. School district spokesperson Jason Hackett says the new superintendent, Dan Snowberger, implemented the convocation to “get everyone excited for the new school year.”
 
Past events to begin a school year were more conventional and insular, but this year, Snowberger aimed not only to inspire teachers but also used the kickoff event to bring the whole community together in support of district teachers and staff.
 
Community members from virtually every arena were present. County Commissioner Chris Richardson, Elizabeth Mayor Nick Snively, Town Administrator Patrick Davidson, Police Chief Jeff Engel and Fire Chief TJ Steck were all in attendance. Also present were the two full-time school resource officers, Steven Herbel and Lyndi Burnley.
 
As Snowberger noted in his introduction, the “community here is behind us.”
 
Snowberger went on to say that the teachers are “ambassadors of the district” and that in the future the district will be looking toward asking the community for a bond or mill levy increase in part to “increase salaries to change retention and recruitment.”
 
Elbert County News has written previously about ESD’s struggle to retain teachers: go online to tinyurl.com/elizteach.
 
After a somewhat tumultuous 2022-23 school year, Snowberger tried to redirect the focus and create an atmosphere of optimism and positivity. He wants to be “focused on parents’ and kids’ success” and “leave politics out of education.”
 
Snowberger made sure to highlight the school board’s key priorities for 2023-2024:
 
• Safety and security
 
• Parental rights and responsibilities
 
• Recruitment and retention of staff
 
• Facilities and infrastructure needs
 
• Student outcomes
 
Before handing off the microphone, Snowberger reminded teachers they “make a difference each and every day.”
 
School Board President Rhonda Olsen spoke next at the event. She was accompanied by most of the Elizabeth School Board: Vice President Heather Booth, Secretary Mary Powell and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Jon Waller.
 
Olsen reflected that “education is collaboration.” She closed her remarks by quoting Joe Paterno: “Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things” and extolled teachers to do the same.
 
After Snowberger introduced the central office team, Assistant Superintendent Bill Dallas celebrated notable district achievements from the 2022-2023 school year.
 
EHS Student Council members led the auditorium in cheers and games. Four members from each school group volunteered to compete in a high-stakes game of musical chairs. After much shoving and a tie-breaking game of rock-paper-scissors, Alana Wolner from EHS won it all. Next, the student council and the poms team organized a cheer competition to win the Spirit Stick.
 
After the games, Snowberger took the stage again to address a big issue in the district: bullying. He mentioned that 70% of students see bullying but only 20% report it. Snowberger and Human Resources Director John Rogerson also took the time to recognize longtime staff.
 
This is Snowberger’s first full school year as the superintendent for Elizabeth Schools. He was hired in March 2023.
 
Elizabeth School District, Dan Snowberger, Bill Dallas, Elizabeth High School, Elbert County, Colorado

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