Before you continue reading, please take a moment to review the attached welcome message from President Donald J. Trump recognizing students, families, educators, and school staff as we begin the new school year. We are pleased to share this special back-to-school message as part of our district's welcome to the 2026-27 school year.

Our theme this year is “Empowering Others: Building Capacity, Confidence, and Growth.” In Douglas County, we know that like any great team, our success doesn't come from a single "star player" or a top-down instruction manual. It comes from how we uplift, trust, and support one another as a complete community of educators, staff, students, and families. When we empower our teachers and staff, we create an environment where our students can truly thrive, and where parents are valued partners in that journey.

Here is what “Believe” and “Empowering Others” mean for each of us as we embark on this exciting year together.

To Our Amazing Teachers and Staff: You Are the Heart of Our Team

Every single day, you step into our schools to do work that is incredibly complex, dynamic, and deeply meaningful. We want you to know that we believe in you, your expertise, and your passion.

This year, our focus is on building "Collective Teacher Efficacy." The shared belief that, when we collaborate as a team, we have the collective power to positively impact every single student who walks through our doors. We know that the way we interact makes or breaks our relationships, which is why we are committed to true partnership principles built on equality, voice, and choice.

• Equality: We will communicate respect and share decisions collectively as equals, recognizing the immense value you bring.

• Voice and Choice: We want to honor your voice, ensuring you feel free to express your enthusiasms and concerns as we co-create goals. We trust you to choose your own professional targets because we know that meaningful commitment only comes when you have true agency.

We are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive "Learning Zone." A space where you can collaborate, share ideas, try new strategies, and reflect together without the fear of judgment. And whenever you need support, we are building a supportive culture of trusted colleagues, like our own community of "Diamond Dogs," to help us problem-solve and succeed together.

To Our Students: You Are Capable of Extraordinary Things

To all of our students, welcome back! Our schools and classrooms are spaces built just for you, and we want you to know one major truth: we believe in your potential.

We don't expect you to be perfect. In fact, we want our classrooms to be places where you feel safe to try, safe to make mistakes, and safe to grow. We know that real learning thrives on errors when you feel safe and supported. When things don't go as planned, we want you to practice "being a goldfish," letting go of a past mistake in ten seconds so you can focus on the potential of the present moment.

This year, you will be encouraged to take charge of your own learning, set your own goals, and build the confidence to exceed even your own expectations. You belong here, you are worthy of our full attention, and we believe in you.

To Our Parents and Families: We Are Partners in This Journey

To our families, you are an essential part of our team. Building deep relationships of trust with you is the bedrock of everything we do. We know that we cannot do this work in isolation, and that positive home and family dynamics have a powerful impact on student success.

We promise to listen to your hopes, collaborate with you, and work as equal partners to support your children. We want our schools to feel like an extension of your home. A place that is warm, welcoming, and built on mutual respect. We will practice active listening and empathy to build deeper connections with you and ensure your voices are heard. By working together, we ensure that every child has a unified team of champions cheering them on both at home and at school.

Creating Our Culture in Every Everyday Moment

A phenomenal school culture isn't built overnight by a single speech. It is built slowly but surely through thousands of imperceptible everyday moments of kindness, active listening, and relational care. It happens when we choose to be "curious, not judgmental" with one another, when we listen as allies to see beyond the surface, and when we show up with humility, vulnerability, and courage.

Let’s step into this school year together empowered with a shared belief in what we can achieve as a community. Welcome back!  Let's make this our most empowering year yet!

I Believe!

Frankie Alvarado
Superintendent