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Annual Report 2015-2016

1 Message from our Head of School

2 Aspen Academy is Leading the Way

3 Message from our Board of Trustees

4 Financial Report

5 Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute

6 Board of Trustees

7 Aspen Academy is Extraordinary

8 You are Extraordinary

10 Grandparents & Special Friends

11 Campus Enhancements

12 Highlights from our Year

14 Community Leaders

15 Faculty & Staff

16 2016 Graduating Class

17 Where Are Our Alumni Today?

Table of Contents

2015-2016 Annual Report 1

At Aspen Academy we believe it is our role to cultivate fertile ground where our students can take root, engage in rigorous academic programs, develop their character and leadership skills, and build community strength through service learning. We believe education should address what students know but equally important, who they are. This means taking the time to know each of our 400 students individually and challenging them to be extraordinary leaders who do extraordinary things.

Over the course of our 2015-16 school year we welcomed 57 new families into our community; graduated 39 students in the Class of 2016, who continued on to 14 high schools across Denver and launched new learning amenities and programs including a new tinkering studio, dance studio, broadcast studio, music studio, digital composition lab, band lab, recording studio, robotics lab, media studio, technology studio and outdoor geological water table lab. Our students led countless academic, arts and leadership performances, projects and events and engaged in 7,000 hours of service learning.

We created new professional leadership opportunities for our faculty by establishing the Academic Chair program. The following faculty members were elected by their peers to lead curriculum development, create cross-disciplinary connections and model innovative teaching techniques in the following domains:

Gabriella Polen and Corey Sampson, Social Sciences

Kerri Esposito and Maureen Mullen, Math

Chuck Fischer and Joanna Weisel, Language Arts

Lauren Oakley, Science

Danny Combs, Arts

Mike Koral, Athletics

In addition, every five years schools must engage in accreditation review. In this process, a team of experts from AdvancED carefully examines every aspect of the school’s program, fiscal and operations performance, leadership and governance. We are proud to announce that Aspen Academy earned excellent scores in all categories and earned re-accreditation.

We firmly believe the world belongs to those who show up and hustle. We will never stop hustling on behalf of Aspen Academy students, faculty, staff and families.

Kindest regards,

Kristina Scala

Head of School

Message from our Head of School

Kristina ScalaHead of School

Now accredited by:

2 Aspen Academy

Aspen Academy is Leading the Way

Aspen at a GlanceAspen Academy is an independent coeducation school for children Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade founded in 2005. An Aspen education balances superior academics with a nurturing environment, supporting each student at every turn. Our talented and dedicated faculty help each student meet their potential through a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods.

Our DifferenceThe Aspen Youth Leadership Institute and The Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute expand our student’s mental flexibility, adaptability, empathy and problem solving skills, and prepare our students to change the world through an entrepreneurial mindset. All of our students follow a character and leadership course of study that emphasizes hands-on, project-based lessons, while our 8th graders participate in the Epic Program, running Bear Student Enterprises, our on campus businesses.See page 5 for more information

Start Strong – Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to provide ample opportunities for students to socialize, play, learn and express their individuality. The Connect4Learning (C4L) curriculum serves as the foundation for our practices.

Build a Foundation – Lower School(Kindergarten-3rd Grade)

Our lower school program offers an engaging curriculum that builds a foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our staff of national model educators promotes self-esteem, self-awareness and self-initiated learning.

Challenge Yourself – Middle School(4th-8th Grade)

Our academics, partnered with a focused leadership development sequence, prepare students for the most demanding secondary schools. Students thrive as they build lasting relationships with peers and teachers through small class sizes and a community focus.

2015-2016 Annual Report 3

Message from our Board of Trustees

Aspen Academy had a lot to celebrate in 2015-2016 and the Board of Trustees could not be more proud of the many accomplishments of our students and families, and our faculty and staff, highlighted throughout this report.

The year also marked several huge accomplishments for our Finance Department. In Fall 2015, the Board of Trustees established a six-month operating reserve account to help ensure the long-term financial stability of the school. This fund enables us to effectively and efficiently respond to varying economic conditions that may impact our organization’s financial position, ensuring we are able to continuously carry out our mission, no matter the external circumstance.

The Board has not only established this critical safeguard for our financial stability, but has also approved the creation of a debt retirement allocation so that when our bond note comes due in 2023, we will be prepared to pay it off in full. This will be a remarkable achievement for our school, and a wonderful way to celebrate what we are confident will be 18 years of success since our founding in 2005.

We would also like to congratulate our Accounting and Finance team for the completion of a successful and clean audit for both 2015 and 2016. As part of our ACIS accreditation process, Aspen Academy engaged the CPA firm Eide Bailly to conduct our annual independent audit. Eide Bailly reviewed our year end consolidated statements of financial position and their accompanying notes, related consolidated statements of activities, and functional expenses and cash flows, and determined our financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP).

Accurate and transparent fiscal management is core to our success at Aspen Academy and we take great pride in sharing these accomplishments with you. Every member of our Finance Team, from our staff members to our Board of Trustees works diligently throughout the year to ensure we make prudent decisions for the health and benefit of our organization.

And we simply could not achieve these feats without the support of our incredible families – who chose to invest in their children’s future here at Aspen Academy and ensure that the Aspen community will continue to grow and thrive now and in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Chris Richardson Jack KeenanChairperson of the Board Finance Chair

Christina RichardsonChair

George SparksVice Chair and

Advancement Chair

Carl AlgermissenGovernance Chair

Jack KeenanFinance Chair

Lew KlingCompensation Chair

Darrell WattersInvestment Chair

Jackie Griggs

Karen Leaffer

Ernie Panasci

Kristina ScalaFounder, Head of School

2015-2016 Board of Trustees

4 Aspen Academy

Annual Fund $244,278

$534,547

Total Gifts $778,825

Financial Report

Giving SocietiesFounders’ Circle $5,000 or moreHead of School Circle $2,500 – $4,999Scholars’ Circle $1,000 – $2,499Family Partner $500 – $999Friend up to $500

REVENUE $7,417,117 Tuition and Fees $6,407,846

Contributions and Support $679,708Rental, Interest Income & Other $57,112Extracurricular $127,947Parent Civic Organization (PCO) $45,387Gifts in Kind $99,117

EXPENSES $7,417,117 Payroll and Benefits $4,025,977

Campus and Facility Expenses $1,576,180

Loan Interest $553,016Professional Services $34,244Advancement $210,520Academic, Character and Community Service Programs $257,114Operating & Long-Term Reserves for Debt Retirment $760,066

REV

ENU

EEX

PEN

SES

“At Aspen Academy we take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously ensuring all funds received are recorded accurately and used as intended. We approach our commitments with a long-term perspective ensuring the financial strength of the organization is maintained.” - Michele Burnett, Accounting Manager

Captial Fund

2015-2016 Annual Report 5

Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute

Aspen Academy’s VisionAs a national learning model, and with a mindset towards entrepreneurial innovation, we develop and inspire extraordinary leaders who make a positive and lasting impact.

The Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute has developed the only program in the nation that is a wholly sequenced, year-long curriculum incorporating economics, personal financial literacy, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship for Kindergarten - 8th Grade students.

“We have begun our financial literacy classes taught by Nicole Kruse. I will extend the learning in math class as appropriate. Recent topics include DELAYED GRATIFICATION and NEEDS VS. WANTS. We will be kicking off the Stock Market Experience this week.” -Aspen Parent

EconomicsBy the time a student graduates from Aspen Academy, he or she will develop an appreciation for the value of understanding economic terms and principles and sound economic philosophy. Students will also gain an understanding of different economic systems used throughout the world.

Personal Financial LiteracyStudents will learn about various forms of income and develop the ability to analyze factors that affect income as part of the career decision-making process to maximize their lifetime earning power. Students will also understand principles of personal money management including budgeting and managing accounts, and be able to describe and discuss the impact of credit and debt on personal money management.

Organizational LeadershipStudents will develop the skills needed to work both independently and collaboratively in business, including the daily operations of running a business, marketing a business and preparing financial reports.

EntrepreneurshipStudents will be able to evaluate the characteristics of entrepreneurs, including the traits associated with entrepreneurial success. Students will understand and integrate the concepts, processes and systems needed to determine and satisfy customer needs, wants, and expectations, meet business goals and objectives, and create new product/service ideas. And students will be able to apply principles of economics and global trade to evaluate market forces affecting new business ventures.

“Aspen Academy not only helps you grow as a student and a person, but also as a leader and an entrepreneur. The Aspen Youth Leadership Institute and the Aspen Entrepreneurial Institute has provided us with daily leadership classes and amazing opportunities to be a true leader.” – Aaron Sonin, Class of 2016 Legacy Leader

6 Aspen Academy

Board of Trustees

Suzanne Goodspeed (Parent of Ryan, 7th and Sydney, 3rd)Suzie and her family have been a part of the Aspen Academy community for five years. She is a passionate advocate for children with special needs and a life-long supporter of organ and tissue donation. As Founder and CEO of Goodspeed & Merrill, Attorneys at Law, Suzie advises closely-held and mid-cap businesses on a wide variety of matters including mergers, stock and asset acquisitions, divestitures and commercial transactions. Suzie is married to Steven Goodspeed and together they have three children; two of whom attend Aspen Academy.

Lori Taylor (Parent of Schorr, 4th, Reagan, 4th and William, 1st)Lori and her family have been at Aspen Academy for five years. Over the years Lori has volunteered with a variety of organizations including Junior Achievement, American Heart Association, a Local Boys Hope/Girls Hope Home, Project C.U.R.E, Food Bank of the Rockies and Cross Cultural Solutions in Peru. She discovered her passion lies in servant leadership when she took on the role of Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Anchor Center for Blind Children. Lori is married to Shan Dagli and together they are raising five children, three of whom attend Aspen Academy.

Aspen Academy Welcomes Two New Trustees

“As the Advancement Chair, I could not be more thrilled to welcome our two new trustees, Suzie Goodspeed and Lori Taylor, to the Advancement Committee. We look forward to continuing to work toward a brighter future together.” - George Sparks, Vice Chair and Advancement Chair

Aspen Academy’s MissionWe inspire and develop excellence in academic growth and performance, character and leadership, and community strength and service.

2015-2016 Annual Report 7

The Impact of our 2015-16 Annual FundLast year over 300 families, faculty and staff members raised more than $244,000 dollars to support Academic Programs and Technology, Professional Development and Financial Aid.

Aspen Academy is Extraordinary

“I love how the interdisciplinary nature of the Connect4Learning curriculum engages the range of students’ learning styles, and piques their curiosity about the world. Students explore science, math, literacy, and social-emotional concepts within the very connected and meaningful frameworks of each themed unit. Small group learning allows students to reach whatever depth of learning they are capable.” – Mary Ann Dawson, Junior Kindergarten Instructor

“Last year Mr. Fischer and I were so grateful to receive the funds from the annual fund to travel to the International Listening Associations conference in Tucson, AZ. We were the only non college professors or Ph.D.’s to present. This was a wonderful experience and we were thankful to be a part of it.” – Danny Combs, Music Instructor

“My family thinks a good education is very important and I do too. I have been at Aspen Academy since I was 3. With the help of Aspen Academy’s financial aid program it has been possible for me to attend school at Aspen Academy. I have learned a lot through the years. They have taught me how to be a kind person and how to make a difference in the world.” – A 10 year old Aspen Student

Carrie BurnsKim DurandMelissa GelfandErica Gillett

Kelly GoeringSuzie GoodspeedMichelle LockwoodJodi Mann

Julie MarshallBrian MeeganKate Murphy*Eloise Rich

Amy SwieringaLori TaylorJackie Watters*Doc Weidknecht

Thank you to our 2015-16 Annual Fund Committee

* Co-chair

Academic Programs and TechnologyWith these funds, in 2016 we were able to:

Professional DevelopmentWith these funds, we were able to support over 2,400 collective hours of professional development for each faculty and staff member inviting experts such as Laura Barr and Mark Musselman from Enlightened Inclusion and Cultural Competency trainings and Robert Marzano for Instructional Coaching, in addition to providing each faculty member with a stipend to pursue individual professional development opportunities.

Financial AidAs part of our ongoing commitment to community strength, we utilized a portion of these funds to provide 11% of our families with need based scholarships.

Launch a new Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum – Connect4Learning

Implement a new Kindergarten – 8th Grade Social Studies Curriculum with state-of-the-art technology integration,

Update our Kindergarten – 8th Grade Math Curriculum, and

8 Aspen Academy

You Are Extraordinary

Founder’s Circle ($10,000+)Anthony & Jocelyn DiChiaraKarl & Melissa EngelmannSteven & Jacqueline FabricantDan & Angela FoxHoward & Shari GoldbergLewis & Rebecca KlingFrank & Lara KnuettelFrancis & Dana KrauserMartin & Alana LawrenceSteven & Karen LeafferDylan & Gabrielle Taylor Darrell & Jacquelyn Watters

Head of School ($2,500 - $9,999)Carl & Jackie AlgermissenNagendra Arakali & Jyothi VenugopalMark & Angela AukampMaxim & Natallia AvseevTed & Heather BrownJeffrey & Erin Chain Edward Davis & Cathy ZhengDavid & Erin DeanSteven & Suzanne GoodspeedChristopher Green & Steve Pougnet Jason & Lisa GreenRick HayesJim & Pam JohnstonJack & Linda Keenan Colby & Tiffany KenyonMichael & Lindsey KeoughKurt & Cindy KittlesonMichael & Amy KrzaAndrew & Julie LeRoyJason & Michelle LockwoodGregg & Rebecca LurcottRob & Sharon MackenzieTimothy & Christian MarasciulloStephen & Faith Mills Cameron & Katie MochanChristopher & Joy Kathleen MurphyNicholas & Elizabeth NortonErnie Panasci Jason & Camille PeckWade & Tracy PursellJustin & Julie ReddingtonChristina RichardsonRob & Jodi RollandJoseph & Ellen RubleKristina Scala

Timothy & Melanie SchmiedingJohn & Kim SchultzEric & Jessica SchulzeCarla ShankleScott & Christine Simon Shan Dagli & Lori TaylorGeorge Sparks & Shandra WilsonAndrew & Karen Sonin Erik & Kathryn SpringerRobb & Tish StoneJohn & Amy SwierengaKevin & Merri TarrantBrad & Liz TuckerDoc & Jessica WeidknechtGoca WeisLonnie WeisLink & Brooke WilfleyMimi Wong

Scholar’s Circle ($1,000 - $2,499)Richard & Judith BatenburgSteve & Kathy BeaboutKeith & Victoria BoughJerrod Brown & Lisa SwizeMark Carney & Carly Letz CarneyRichard & Sonia CartyMatthew & Lindsay Chaffee Jose Chaparro & Maria Torres Daniel & Jennifer CookGary & Sondra Cooper Mike & Debbie CorderoFrank & Tamara CoulterZeke & Melonie DeRoseEric & Kelly DreyerYavor & Jennifer Efremov Demetri & Kristen FefesJohn FichterJennifer FichterDavid Fintak & Jennifer WilerMark & Dusty FitzgeraldMatt Fry & Tara Valgoi Fry John & Melissa GelfandSean & Claire GoodrichJonathan & Kelly HardyJeffrey & Audra HaskinsPaul Hoff & Cate Humby-HoffThomas JessimanMichael & Heather KellyCraig & Rebecca KinardEric & Jennifer LeavittDave & Jodi Mann

Eric & Tera ManzanaresTimothy & Tracy McKenzieStanton & Kathleen MohlerMark & Catherine MurchisonJason & Allison NealJohn & Jennifer OsgoodMatthew & Sheri PoznanovicPaul & Heather RakowskiPaul Ryan, Jr.James & Donna Sanford Les & Andrea SowitchLaton & Paula SpahrRobert & Saskia StanleyPhilip & Ashley SummersScott & Christine TrainorJim & Joy WollerChad Wolz & Whitney Chotin WolzMatthew Workman & Sarah Spencer-Workman

Family Partner ($500 – $999)David Schott & Tara AmesAndrew Begal & Maria Panigua BegalCharles & Tiffany BrintonAndrew Cole & Heather PoeCraig & Lindsey DavisAndre & Kimberly DurandJason FearnowEmil & Jane GjesterBlair & Kelly GoeringJon & Kari HaleScott & Karyn JansenNathan & Vali JeromeJonathan & Hanna Joseph Thomas Leonard & Aree BlyJames Liu & Eun Sun Chang-LiuJames Looney & Katherine Tovar LooneyDavid & Brooke LovenRussell & Christine LundstromMatt & Shelley MaloneyKara MarshallShaun MarshallDaniel McCann & Wendy LeungJohn & Janet McNuttBrian & Meredith MeeganHeidi MeyerJames & Wren MillerMark & Kate MurphyPatrick & Julie Shaw

Jina SchaffCraig & Stephanie ShineLance Shurtleff & Kerri AndersonRon & Sherene SmithScott Speil & Svetlana KolesnikovaDean & Connie StevinsonJeffrey & Melissa TaylorEric & Stephanie TolerBrad & Amanda TurnerTom Wallace Ron & Julie Zwerin

Friend (up to $500)Rajiv & Gargi AgarwalaChas & Helen AndresenGordon & Deanne AndringaDavid Armitage & Kerri StutzmanPhillip Barnes & Beatrice Bielmann-Barnes Adam & Katie BeckerEric & Danielle Becker Charles & Sarah BentzChristopher & Natalie BoyleWilliam & Angelita Brown Philip & Lauren BurgessJackson BurkholderDavid & Brenda CalvertMark & Colleen CarlsonScott & Kimberly CaulfieldKris Wilson & Lora CazierJob & Lyssa ChackoKyle & Lucy ConklinJohn & Christie ConnorJason & Heather CoughlinMatt & Michelle CutterTim DaileyElizabeth DaileyMarty & Melinda DavidsonJonathan & Emily DeckerJoshua & Julie DorkinMagnus Einarsson & Ingibjorg ThorsChris & Joey FanaleBurce FearnowTodd Fenton & Amy GavinLinda FloresGreg & Kristen FanchErnest & Miranette FreedmanGeorge & Heidi FreyZach & Katie FrischMark Galvan & Kimberly HaddadTyler & Lauren Garner

Thank You to our Supporters

Why We Give

We invest in Aspen Academy because, here, it is about so much more than academic rigor. The entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to kindness are indeed woven into the fabric of our school. The result is extraordinary--grounded, compassionate and well-prepared children ready to light the world on fire! – Karen Leaffer, Board of Trustees

2015-2016 Annual Report 9

You Are Extraordinary

William & Holly GarnseyMary GougenTim & Jackie GriggsEli Grinfeld & Svetlana TsirkinMarvin & Nicole GunnDarryl & Amy HairNic & Gemma HanekomRodney & Mary Ann Hilt William & Rhoda HowellPaul Hughes & Susan FurmanWalter & Susan JacksonBlake & Lisa JohnsonJosh & Erin JohnstonScott & Tatiana KannadyHank & Leslie KinneJohn & Mirna KnightJames & Victoria LasseterPeter & Corinne LengsfeldQing Di Lin & Jin Song LiuGary Meade & Lisa YacuzzoDiane LynchJoseph & Linda ManzanaresScott & Jan MarshJan MaruyamaJon McClure & Amy Dannels-McClureBrandon & Megan McKnight Jeff & Janise McNallyDavid & Rebecca MershonKristen MiodowskiEric & Alissa MotazediFrancis & Thais MougneStu & Monica MyhillShahin Nia & Lili EmadipourMark Oriol & Amanda Jackson OriolBenard & Khadija OwinyoPedro & Joani PachecoAnthony Pelz & Maria del Pilar PelzJamison & Angela PrienSverrir RagnarssonTodd & Margo RamsdenShailesh & Diana RanjitkarBryan Richter & Susan MarriottTiffany RadelAlana RothschildDavid & Molly RudnickGreg RyanEric Jackson & Lynda SailorStephen & Elizabeth ScannellMaggie Scheier

Donald & Heather SchmidtDana SchrockDon & Michelle ScottCathy ShematekChristina ShimrockKeiko ShortCraig Smith & Mindy Radke-SmithDan & Bridget StarishevskyAndrea StarlinGeorge SteinMary SteinOliver & Naomi StokeldBrandon & Lana StokleySteven & Elana StophelRavi SwamyHalei TasciStephen TaylorAndrew & Lisa TeetsMark & Pamela TellingerRumel & Magaly TomiamposEric & Jane TuplerEric & Enid VictorGeorge & Cynthia WainscoatPhilip & Virginia WaltonDavid & Pamela WelkerBrent & Hilary WellsJoe Serieno & Carrie WestDavid Wilson Mark & Caryl Wojcik

Alumni Adam MansfieldGraham MansfieldTeagan McNallyEmma MurphyMolly MurphyCanyon ScalaDillion ScalaSage Scala

Faculty & StaffSara AndersonColleen ApplerKatie BeckerElizabeth BrundsonNathan Byrne Daniel CombsDebbie CorderoMary Ann DawsonKerri EspositoChuck Fischer

Courtney GrayCorinne HancockKathleen HarperSydney Harper Audra Haskins Amanda HerraraAbby KingLara Knuettel Mike KoralNicole KruseChris LazarticKelley LeddenJayme MansfieldLinda MarshallAllison Mattivi Scott McFarlandMegan McKnightMaureen MullenBridget NoelLauren OakleyLeigh Ann OrsenEric PetersonGabriella PolenJulie RichardsonShawna RiggioAmy SabinCorey SampsonLynda SailorKristina ScalaKricket Servis Keiko ShortLana Sirpolaidis Katie StoneJill StudnickiKelsey SullivanJoanna WeiselJulie Wilkins

Corporations & Foundations3M FoundationAlternative Support IncAmazon Smile FoundationAMGEN FoundationAspen Arterior DesignBank of America Bank of the WestBouzy Wine and SpiritsBright Funds FoundationThe Bundt ShopCharles Schwab

CINCH / Miller InternationalCity of Greenwood VillageCompleat Gourmet and GiftsCSG InternationalEncana Oil and GasThe Inteq Group Jackson Realty Colorado, LLC Janus FoundationJen L Harris ImagingJoAnn FabricKing SoopersKismetKumonLiberty Gives FoundationMajor HeatingNewmont MiningNorthwestern MutualPerky JerkyPikes Peak BreweryRose FoundationSazza RestaurantSierra Trading PostTarget CorporationThrivologyTom’s DinerTrader Joe’sUBSUSE UX LLCWells Fargo FoundationWestern Union Foundation Whole FoodsZEMENT Stone

STEAM Lab Impact“I am beyond excited to use the new equipment and online curriculum in the Science, Technology, Engineer, Art and Math (STEAM) Lab. The new system puts students in charge of their learning and gives them countless opportunities to innovate and collaborate.”– Chris Lazartic, STEAM Coach

10 Aspen Academy

Grandparents & Special Friends

Grand Day 2015Funds raised at our 11th Annual Grand Day, hosted by Ernest and Mary Behnke (grandparents of Schorr, 4th Grade; Reagan, 4th Grade; and William, 1st Grade), were used to enhance our Spanish Language and Cultural Proficiency programs by enabling us to:

William AllenRon & Dana AndersonRobert AsielErnest & Mary BehnkeAlan & Mary BottMichael & Marilyn CalvertMike & Nancy ConnellMargo ConnorDavid & Elisabeth CookLeah CoulterJoe & Nancy DeStadioEdward & Sue FabricantRobert & Judy FarrellDanny & Merrilee FearnowArt & Nancy FitzgeraldKay GangelJohn & Arlene GeikenDiana GelfandEdward & Sondra GoldbergLou & Marcie GurichWilliam & Sharon HaddadEula HoffJoan Hohn

Andrew & Joan JessimanSara JohnsonRichard & Marsha LeeTom & Dianne MaloneyHerb & Ruby MruyamaRichard McCormickMaurita MeehanRaymond & Maureen PalmieriEliot & Mary PaysonBill & Lynn PelzRita PoeCarolyn RobisonKent SimonPhil SmithRonald & Nancy SouleHoward SpeilMyron & Lydia SwizeMarilyn TaylorStana TrikichCindy WilsonDavid & Deborah YoungrenDennis & Katherine Zajac

Thank you to our Grandparents andSpecial Friends Donors

Build out two new Spanish Language learning labs and a Cultural Advocacy lab

Install cutting edge foreign language tools and technology

Create an Ethnomusicology lab where our students can immerse themselves in foreign language through the study of music

Offer an after school Spanish Language program for our 1st – 8th Grade students

Your contributions “Make a World of Difference.” Thank you for your generous investments in our new state-of-the-art Spanish language studio!

2015-2016 Annual Report 11

Message from our Director of Business and Operations

At Aspen Academy we are committed to creating extraordinary opportunities for our students to learn and our community to convene. Part of this commitment is ensuring our campus remains safe and secure. Over the past year we renovated and upgraded a variety of spaces including: installing a new roof and side walls in our Lower School, replacing our fire suppression system in our administrative wing, and updating the north and south entrances on the west side of our building.

Our Capital Campaign, Building the Future, in conjunction with Grandparents and Special Friends Day and the Gala special appeal, supported the renovation of our STEAM and World Language Labs, refurnishing these spaces, adding windows to allow for natural light, and installing new learning equipment such as our 3D printer, new iPads and wireless docking stations.

To remain at the forefront of innovation and equip our students and staff with the most effective and efficient resources possible, we replaced our Wireless Access Point (WAP) and implemented a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), including the creation of a Guest Network, to provide the fastest possible internet access for all who enter our building.

We have also initiated several ongoing projects that will continue during 2017 and beyond, including renovations to our Legacy Hall, beginning with the installation of shiplap on our stairwell walls, and improvements in our Auditorium including the installation of our state-of-the-art Bose Soundmatch System.

We are grateful for the support of our community as we continue to grow and improve the Aspen Academy experience.

Lynda SailorCo-Founder, Director of

Business & Operations

Campus Enhancements

“Aaron [Sonin] and I [were] enormously honored to have been elected as this year’s Legacy Leaders. Aspen Academy isn’t just about academics, it’s also a place where you learn about yourself and you use that knowledge to better yourself as a leader…The legacy gift represents the 8th Grade’s commitment to make a lasting impact on the school. The funds to sponsor this gift come from donations from our families as well as proceeds from the Bear’s Student Enterprise Businesses that we [ran last] year.”– Skylar Sanford, Class of 2016 Legacy Leader

STEAM Lab

Spanish Lab

STEAM Lab

12 Aspen Academy

Highlights from our Year

Aspenpalooza, Aspen’s 2015 Annual CarnivalCo-chaired by Krista Johnson and Courtney Waugh-Schreiber. Our Carnival kicked off the school year with festivities and fun for all ages.

Head of School Reception 2016Held at the home of Aspen parents Jane and Eric Tupler, the Head of School reception thanks our leadership donors.

Be GroovyAspen’s Annual Gala 2016A time for our parents, faculty and friends to let loose and raise funds for our STEAM and World Language Labs. Co-chaired by Natalie Boyle and Brooke Loven, with support from the Gala Committee: Amy Andresen, Natallia Avseev, Sonia Carty, Kelly Dryer, John Fichter, Kari Hale, Kelly Hardy, Kay Knowles, Tiffany Radel, Ann Ryan, Melanie Schmieding, Sarah Spencer-Workman, George and Mary Stein, Ashley Summers, Andrew Teets, Stephanie Toler, Enid Victor, Matt and Alexandra Wise, and Cathy Zheng.

I always look forward to kicking off the new school year as Happy the Clown at our annual Carnival, Aspenpalooza, where we welcome new families and old friends with fun, silliness and excitement! Honk honk! – Kathleen Harper, Kindergarten Instructor

2015-2016 Annual Report 13

14 Aspen Academy

Parent Civic Organization 2015-2016While our Board of Trustees is tasked with the stewardship of our institution, our Parent Civic Organization is our heartwood, maintaining a purposeful, central strength for our children to grow, thrive, and be inspired. Thank you to our PCO leaders.

Community Leaders

PCOPARENT CIVIC ORGANIZATION

ASPEN ACADEMY

Co-Presidents, Julie Reddington and Joy WollerVice President / Parent Senate President, Erin ChainSecretary of Communications, Kim DurandSecretary of Treasury, Kerri AndersonSecretary of Academic Rigor, Michelle LockwoodSecretary of Character and Leadership, Lindsey DavisSecretary of Community Strength, Katie MochanSecretary of Community Service, Nathan Jerome

President, Claire MochanVice President, Parker DurandSecretary of Communication, Miranda LockwoodSecretary of Treasury, Morgan TaylorSecretary of Character & Leadership, Ella RakowskiSecretary of Community Strength, Aidan EngelmannSecretary of Community Service, Sydney Bar-OrSecretary of Academic Rigor, Byron Starishevsky3rd Grade Senator, Ashlyn Wainscoat3rd Grade Senator, Chase Starlin3rd Grade Senator, Tahna Wilfley3rd Grade Senator, Jack Watters4th Grade Senator, Brady Oriol4th Grade Senator, Claire Murphy4th Grade Senator, August Helen

4th Grade Senator, Azi Fanale5th Grade Senator, Isabella Cole5th Grade Senator, Rhyan Schaff5th Grade Senator, Kylie Schultz5th Grade Senator, Roman Bradley6th Grade Senator, Katherine Leaffer6th Grade Senator, Nolan Cooper6th Grade Senator, Delaney Ryan6th Grade Senator, Andrew Simon7th Grade Senator, Anna Shaw7th Grade Senator, Emily Rudnick7th Grade Senator, Zach Marshall7th Grade Senator, Landon Ford8th Grade Senator, Jack Garnsey

SCOSTUDENT CIVIC ORGANIZATION

ASPEN ACADEMYStudent Civic OrganizationThe structure of our Student Government (SCO) exists to create an edifying experience that inspires greater aspirations for continued and real civic and community leadership.

2015-2016 Annual Report 15

Co-Presidents, Julie Reddington and Joy WollerVice President / Parent Senate President, Erin ChainSecretary of Communications, Kim DurandSecretary of Treasury, Kerri AndersonSecretary of Academic Rigor, Michelle LockwoodSecretary of Character and Leadership, Lindsey DavisSecretary of Community Strength, Katie MochanSecretary of Community Service, Nathan Jerome

Aspen Academy Faculty & Staff

Sara AndersonColleen ApplerBridget AylwardKatie BeckerGary BognerElizabeth BrundsonMichele BurnettNathan ByrneDanny CombsDebbie CorderoMary Ann DawsonKerri EspositoChuck FischerCourtney Gray Corinne HancockKathleen HarperSydney HarperAudra HaskinsAmanda HerraraBrittany JavorAbby KingLara KnuettelMichael KoralNicole KruseChris LazarticKelley LeddenJayme MansfieldLinda Marshall Scott McFarland

Allison MattiviMaureen MullenBridget NoelLauren OakleyRose OppedisanoLeigh Ann OrsenBecky PalmeriMaggie PatelCarly PatridgeEric PetersonGabriella PolenJulie RichardsonShawna Riggio Amy SabinLynda Sailor Corey SampsonKristina ScalaKricket ServisCathy ShematekKeiko ShortLana SirpolaidisBrooke SteedlyKatie StoneJill StudnickiKelsey SullivanHannah WeilJoanna WeisJulie Wilkins

2015-2016 Staff Aspen Academy Welcomes New Faculty, Staff & Roles for the 2016-2017 School YearOctavia Betz, Art

Jessica Cho, 5th Grade Earth Science & Astronomy, 6th Grade Physics

Steve Goslee, Admissions Manager

Jennifer Gravlee, 2nd Grade

Sydney Harper, Spanish

Sarah Harris, 1st Grade

Lara Hutchison, 6th Grade Language Arts

Dana Kohls, Kindergarten

Nicole Kruse, Entrepreneurial Coach

Chris Lazartic, STEAM Coach

Sam Murray, 7th Grade Chemistry, 8th Grade Biology

Paul Noel, 3rd Grade

Chuck Novatka, Drama

Eric Peterson, 8th Grade Language Arts

Amy Sabin, Love and Logic Coach

Cathy Shematek, Health and Safety Manager

Karen Skadow, Spanish

Mallory Sussman, Development Manager

Roberta Vallina, Marketing & Communications Manager

Jenny White, Pre-Kindergarten

2016-2017 Faculty & Staff

16 Aspen Academy

2016 Graduating Class

Congratulations to the Class of 2016Elana AukampArapahoe High School

Emilee AukampArapahoe High School

Ally BarnesRegis Jesuit High School

Sydney BullenMullen High School

Kyle Cooper *Mullen High School

Jason CoulterValor Christian High School

Anthony DiChiaraKent Denver High School

Esmeralda FloeresSante Fe High School

Jack Garnsey *Colorado Academy

William GelfandRegis Jesuit High School

Sam GoldbergRegis Jesuit High School

Anika GroomRock Canyon High School

Eli HiltRegis Jesuit High School

Lilith HowellAraphoe High School

Alexander JansenHillel Academy

Hailey JohnsonSt. Mary’s Academy

Sierra JohnstonArapahoe High School

Taylor Kelly *Arapahoe High School

Lauren KinneHeritage High School

Olivia Kinne GALS School Denver

Sophie KnuettelSt. Mary’s Academy

Connor ManzerMullen High School

Lucas MastronardiValor Christian High School

Nicholas MeyerValor Christian High School

Morgan Myhill *Kent Denver High School

Isabelle ReddingtonThunderridge High School

Timea Ryan *Kent Denver High School

Skylar Sanford *Arapahoe High School

Taylor Schulze *Arapahoe High School

Emery Scott *Valor Christian High School

Landon SkudneskiRegis Jesuit High School

Aaron Sonin *Rock Canyon High School

Paige Sowitch *Mullen High School

Maurice SteinCherry Creek High School

Annika TaylorValor Christian High School

Laura TuplerSt. Mary’s Academy

Lauren Turco *Regis Jesuit High School

Madison Wainscoat *Mullen High School

Jonathan WellsAvon Old Farms High School

* Graduated with honors

Message from Morgan Myhill, Valedictorian“I believe that the best things in life often come out of bad situations. I found Aspen in this way. I had spent majority of my elementary school years in a place that was not the best fit and I would never have found myself in this position had I stayed in that place. I stumbled upon Aspen after looking into at least 4 other schools. When I shadowed, I could immediately sense what a close-knit, safe and talented com-munity it was. I am confident that Aspen students will bring that same character, leadership and talent I experienced on my first day to wherever they may find themselves. All in all, my experience goes to show how life works itself out and every dark path will open up to light if you let it.” – Morgan Myhill

2015-2016 Annual Report 17

Where Are Our Alumni Today?

Baylord University

Colorado College

Denver UniversityUniversity of Colorado

University of Colorado

Colorado School of MinesColorado State University

University of Colorado

Santa Clara University

University of Southern California

University of Pudget SoundUniversity of Washington

Grand Canyon University

Cornell College

University of Missouri

Butler University United States Naval Academy

University of South Carolina

University of Tennessee

University of Notre Dame

SUNY Plattsburgh College

Baylor UniversityButler UniversityColorado CollegeColorado School of MinesColorado State UniversityCornell CollegeUniversity of ColoradoUniversity of ColoradoDenver UniversityGrand Canyon UniversityUniversity of Missouri

Waco, TXIndianapolis, INColorado Springs, COGolden, COFort Collins, COMount Vernon, IABoulder, CODenver, CODenver, COPhoenix, AZColumbia, MO

Notre Dame, INSanta Clara, CAPlattsburgh, NYColorado Springs, COAnnapolis, MDTacoma, WAColumbia, SCLos Angeles, CAKnoxville, TNSeattle, WA

University of Notre DameSanta Clara UniversitySUNY PlattsburghUniversity of ColoradoUnited States Naval AcademyUniversity of Puget SoundUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of Southern CalifoniaUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of Washington

Our College Aged Alumni (Classes 2010-2012) Attending Distinguished Universities Across the Country

ASPEN ACADEMY ADVANCEMENT OFFICE:Lara Knuettel, Director of Advancement 303-346-3500 ext 117 • Lara.knuettel@aspenacademy.org

Mallory Sussman, Development Manager 303-346-3500 ext 114 • mallory.sussman@aspenacademy.org

Steve Goslee, Admissions Manager 303-346-3500 ext 108 • steve.goslee@aspenacademy.org

Andrea Kilpatrick, Admissions Coordinator 303-346-3500 ext 226 • andrea.kilpatrick@aspenacademy.org

Roberta Vallina, Marketing and Communications Manager303-346-3500 ext 111 • roberta.vallina@aspenacademy.org

5859 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village, CO 80121

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Copy Mallory SussmanPhotography: Jen L. Harris, Roberta Vallina

TM