Tharyn Mulberry

To the Aspen and Snowmass Communities,

I hope each of you enjoys a restful and well-deserved Spring Break, with time to recharge and connect with those who matter most.

As we continue building a strong, aligned system in support of our students, we are excited to bring back the Assistant Superintendent position. This role will help further connect and elevate our work in both safety and academics and learning, strengthening coherence and support across the district. The position will close prior to Spring Break, and you can expect an update from HR on the hiring process shortly thereafter. As part of this alignment, the Safety Coordinator position will be absorbed into the Assistant Superintendent’s responsibilities under this new leadership structure. We want our educators and support staff to help shape the search for our next Assistant Superintendent. Please take a moment to provide your feedback in this two-question survey.

We are also pleased to expand our capacity in student services with the addition of an Assistant Director of Special Education, enhancing our ability to serve all learners at the highest level.

In addition, Harpreet Mehta will be stepping into a new role, leading the Middle Years Programme (MYP) as part of her IB Director work. As a result, the MYP Coordinator position will not be filled, allowing us to streamline and strengthen leadership of our IB continuum.

Many of these adjustments are designed to increase the effectiveness of our programs, ensure continuity of service even when roles are unfilled, and raise the level of impact and support provided by our district office team.

These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting our staff, investing in our systems, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for every student.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Tharyn Mulberry Superintendent

tmulberry@aspenk12.net

A note about cell phone use & school policies
cell phone free

Dear ASD Team and Families,

I hope you all had a wonderful summer break and are looking forward to the new school year.

As we prepare for the new academic year, I want to address an important change we are making regarding students’ use of cellphones in the Aspen School District, particularly at the high school. Starting this year, we will be implementing a cell phone-free policy on all of our campuses.

This decision was not made lightly. Over the past year, our teachers and staff have expressed growing concerns about the impact of cell phone use on our students' learning environment. We conducted surveys, hosted a Town Hall meeting, and gathered feedback from teachers, parents, and students. We also reviewed current research and best practices from other schools that have implemented similar policies. After careful consideration, we believe that this change is essential for several reasons.

1. Enhanced Focus and Learning:
Cell phones can be a significant distraction in the classroom. By removing them, we aim to create an environment where students can fully engage with their lessons, participate in discussions, and concentrate on their studies without the constant interruption of notifications. This increased focus will lead to better academic performance and a deeper understanding of the material.

2. Improved Social Interactions: We want to foster a school culture where students connect with each other face-to-face, building stronger relationships and social skills. Without the barrier of screens, students will have more opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, collaborate on projects, and support each other.

3. Mental Health and Well-being: Research has shown that excessive cell phone use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people. By limiting access to smartphones during the school day, we hope to reduce these negative effects and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for our students.

We understand that cell phones can be a useful tool for communication and learning. However, the potential gains from reducing their presence during school hours far outweigh the drawbacks. Students will still be able to use their devices before and after school, ensuring they can stay connected with family and friends.

Please take a moment to review the attached note from AHS Principal Sarah Strassburger, which provides more details about the new policy and its implementation. AES families and teachers, please see information about the  “Wait Until 8th” campaign.

We are excited about the positive impact this change will have on our school community. I am confident that this policy will help us create a more focused, connected, and supportive learning environment for all our students.

Thank you for your understanding and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely, Tharyn Mulberry Superintendent

AES Cell Phone/Smart Watch/EarBud Policy

AMS Cell Phone/Smart Watch/EarBud Policy

*AHS letter * and  AHS policy