Last Thursday’s Club Rush was a great example of what makes Colfax special. Students were out in droves exploring and signing up for our many clubs. From Model UN to Engineering Arts to Earth Club, there truly is something for nearly every student on our campus. It was wonderful to see students finding opportunities to pursue their interests, meet new people, and become more connected to CHS.

Club Rush was also a great example of our staff coming together for students. Many staff members joined our cafeteria team to serve a special lunch during the event and help make the day even more memorable. A huge thank you to all of the students and staff who helped organize and support Club Rush. It was fantastic!

Behind the scenes, our teachers have also been doing some tremendous work through our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). This year, our staff is focusing on using student data to help guide classroom decisions, collaborating with colleagues to make the best use of intervention time, and continuing to develop classroom environments where students feel supported, challenged, and ready to learn. The goal is simple: make sure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Look at the great work in action! Ms. Borruso’s class was engaged in a fascinating project exploring photography through the unique perspective of a marble, while Ms. Jenkins’ class participated in a thoughtful discussion about the difference between equality and equity through the lens of a short story. These are just two examples of the creative, meaningful learning experiences happening across our campus every day. Our kiddos are engaged, thinking, creating, and learning. It’s exciting to see! 

Finally, I am excited about a new tradition we have started this year: Colfax Gratitude. Students and staff can recognize someone on campus by giving them a Token of Appreciation and sharing why that person deserves to be recognized. The recipient then looks for the next deserving Falcon and passes the token along. It is a simple way to recognize the everyday acts of kindness, support, service, and positivity that happen all over our campus. And it is already catching on! The tokens are moving, gratitude is being shared, and the vibes on campus have been great. I encourage your family to check out the Colfax Gratitude website and ask your student if they have seen a Token of Appreciation making its way around campus.

We are off to a great start, and I am excited about where this year is headed. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for continuing to make Colfax High School such a special community.

If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know. 

Shane Steinback

Principal, Colfax High School