Tharyn Mulberry

Happy Fall, Aspen Families!

As we begin this new school year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you. Aspen School District is more than a beautiful place to live and learn—it is a vibrant, caring community made strong by the people in it. Your partnership, energy, and belief in our shared mission are what make this district so special.

This year, we are excited to deepen our commitment to excellence with fresh momentum and purpose. One of the highlights of our start is the opportunity to learn from Professor John Hattie, one of the most influential voices in education today. His research underscores a powerful truth: when educators, families, and communities believe in their collective ability to make a difference, students thrive. That spirit of shared purpose is alive and well in Aspen. A big thank you to the Aspen Education Foundation donors, Cynthia Chase and Paul Sohn for making this happen!

To the families who are new to our district—welcome! You’re joining a school system that values innovation, collaboration, and belonging. And to our returning families, thank you for your continued trust and support. We are honored to partner with you in your child’s learning journey.

We are not starting from scratch this year—we are building on strength. We’re aligning our efforts, focusing on what matters most, and creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare our students not only for academic success but for life beyond the classroom.

As your superintendent, I am committed to being present, accessible, and transparent. My door is always open—whether you're a student with an idea, a parent with a question, or a community member wanting to get involved. Together, we are shaping a future where every learner feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Please see the attached information about an upcoming session on the District’s funding proposals—we encourage you to attend and be part of the conversation.

Let’s make 2025 a year defined by purpose, possibility, and partnership. I truly believe the best days for Aspen School District are still ahead—and we’re so glad you’re part of the journey.

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