ASPEN SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO HONOR THE SCHOOL LUNCH HEROES SERVING HEALTHY MEALS CELEBRATING SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY ON MAY 2, 2025

BETWEEN PREPARING HEALTHY FOOD, ADHERING TO STRICT NUTRITION STANDARDS, NAVIGATING STUDENT FOOD ALLERGIES, AND OFFERING SERVICE WITH A SMILE, ASPEN SCHOOL DISTRICT NUTRITION PROFESSIONALS HAVE A LOT ON THEIR PLATES. TO CELEBRATE THEIR HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT, ASPEN SCHOOLS WILL CELEBRATE SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY ON FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025. SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, SCHOOL STAFF, AND COMMUNITIES TO THANK THOSE WHO PROVIDE HEALTHY MEALS TO OUR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND GUESTS AT SCHOOL.

“SCHOOL NUTRITION EMPLOYEES MUST BALANCE MANY ROLES AND FOLLOW NUMEROUS REGULATIONS TO ENSURE SAFE AND HEALTHY MEALS ARE AVAILABLE IN SCHOOLS. SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY TO THANK THESE HARD WORKING HEROES,” SAID TENILLE FOLK SCHOOL NUTRITION DIRECTOR. THE IMPORTANCE AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF SCHOOL MEALS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED. FOR MANY CHILDREN, SCHOOL LUNCH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND NUTRIENT-RICH MEAL OF THEIR DAY. ASPEN SCHOOL DISTRICT FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM SERVES HUNDREDS OF MEALS A DAY TO STUDENTS, STAFF, AND GUESTS. GET THE DETAILS ABOUT

SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY AT WWW.SCHOOLLUNCHHERODAY.COM.

Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Bryce Sandoval grew up in various small towns across southern New Mexico and graduated from Socorro High School, where he was an All-State and All-Star football player. He continued his playing career as a defensive end at Southern Nazarene University before moving to Colorado, where he has spent the last 10 years in Durango.

Over the past few years, Bryce has coached at both Bayfield and Durango High School as a Defensive Line. Bryce believes in using football to help young men grow into disciplined, accountable, and high-character individuals; he's excited to bring that mindset to Aspen.

Having come from small, close-knit communities, Bryce says that he is proud to now be part of the Aspen Skiers family and he looks forward to building something special with this program and this town.

Welcome to the team, Bryce!

Dear ASD Families,

As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, it reminds us how fortunate we are to have such incredible teachers and staff inspiring, supporting, and shaping our children daily. They are truly the heartbeat of our school community — and now it's time to show them just how much they mean to us!

Here's how you can help celebrate them:

• Donate Online: Click here to donate.
• Donate by Cash or Check: Drop off your donation at any of the three school offices in an envelope labeled "Teacher Appreciation."
• Donate a Gift Card: If you'd like to donate a gift card (please keep each card to a maximum of $50), drop it off at any school office labeled "Teacher Appreciation."

Kindly make all donations by Monday, April 28.

Your generosity will support two special events for our amazing teachers and staff:

• Tuesday, May 6: Food Truck Lunch Extravaganza 
• Friday, May 9: The Great Gift Card Grab

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about monetary donations, gift cards, or food truck sponsorships!

No contribution is too small — every donation helps us celebrate and recognize the incredible people who make our schools so special. Thank you for your support and generosity!

With heartfelt thanks,

AES PTO, AMS Parent Council, AHS Parent Group & The Cottage

Let's make our campus shine! Join us for a trash clean-up to celebrate Earth Day.

Date: Tuesday, April 22nd

Time: 7:45 am

Meeting Location: Commons

You will receive 1 service hour, however, you must arrive on time and sign in at 7:45am.

Please CLICK HERE to sign up!

Welcome, Nina Pulatie, our New AHS Assistant Principal for the 2025-2026 School Year!

With over 15 years of experience in education, Nina brings a passion for student growth, instructional leadership, and staff development.

Nina’s journey in education began as a second-grade teacher in Garfield County, Colorado before she expanded her expertise in Kansas City, Missouri. She has served as a Teacher Leader, Staff Development Coach, and Instructional Leader, guiding educators and students toward success. Her leadership played a pivotal role in helping Lakeview Middle School earn and maintain National Demonstration School status.

Holding multiple degrees in English, Special Education, and Educational Leadership, Nina is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement at Aspen High. She believes in the power of relationships, collaboration, and growth, encouraging both students and staff to become "1% better every day."

Beyond her professional role, Nina is excited to bring her family to Aspen and become an active part of the community. She looks forward to immersing herself in all that Aspen has to offer, from outdoor adventures to local traditions. Passionate about building and sustaining meaningful relationships, she is eager to connect with students, staff, and families to create a school culture where everyone feels supported and empowered.