Media Invitation Press Release (Photo) -05/02/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Colorado Association of School Executives to Honor Mountain Vista Community School's Dr. Nicole Paxton as 2025 Colorado Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year

 

Event Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Mountain Vista Community School, 2550 Dorset Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80910

 

Colorado Association of School Executives to Honor Mountain Vista Community School's Dr. Nicole Paxton as 2025 Colorado Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year

 

Colorado Springs, CO—Leaders from the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) will attend a special event at Mountain Vista Community School to recognize Dr. Nicole Paxton as the 2025 Colorado Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year. In recent days, Dr. Paxton has also been named Principal of Mountain Vista Community School.

 

A committee of her peers selected Dr. Paxton through a highly competitive process facilitated by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), a department of CASE, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

 

With over 12 years of experience as an assistant principal, including five years at Mountain Vista Community School, Dr. Paxton has profoundly impacted both her students and staff. Dr. Paxton has reshaped the school's culture by reshaping educational practices to prioritize well-being, equity, and academic success for all of the community.

 

Under Dr. Paxton’s leadership, initiatives like the VIP Program and the Parent Advisory Council have strengthened the bond between families and the school, fostering meaningful partnerships that enhance student achievement. "When parents are actively involved, students thrive," Dr. Paxton shared. By having these groups that meet once per quarter, parents can be directly involved in the school and are better able to support their child’s learning.

 

Her dedication to celebrating student success is evident through the PBIS Renaissance Program, which recognizes excellence in attendance, academics, and behavior. In the first quarter alone, 30% of students were recognized for their achievements, a testament to the program’s impact. Through consistent classroom visits and schoolwide assemblies, Dr. Paxton reinforces accountability, pride, and the core values that define Mountain Vista’s culture.

 

Harrison School District 2’s superintendent, Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, shared, "Dr. Paxton's leadership is a testament to the transformative impact of using data to drive academic success for all students. By strategically implementing systems that support continuous improvement, she has created an environment where every student can reach their full potential. Dr. Paxton has an unwavering commitment to excellence, and I am proud to see her recognized as Colorado's Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year."

 

Equity is central to Dr. Paxton’s mission. She ensures that each student is valued and supported by introducing restorative practices and hosting events like the Educating Children of Color Conference. Programs such as the UCCS Precollegiate program allow students to engage in advanced coursework, providing them with various experiences to envision their future. Based on student feedback, Dr. Paxton introduced 12 new elective courses last year focused on hands-on learning opportunities that align with students’ career goals. The school principal, Dr. Angela Valdez, shared, "Student data and social-emotional development is at the forefront of decisions and systems Dr. Paxton has made or built within the past 4 years at Mountain Vista. She uses student data to modify/enhance systems to ensure that students in all subcategories receive an equitable education.”

 

In addition, students and staff alike are encouraged to embrace leadership roles. From restorative justice panels for eighth graders to professional learning communities for teachers, Dr. Paxton fosters a shared sense of ownership and collaboration. Her initiatives extend beyond academics, incorporating social-emotional learning and wellness programs that enrich the school community. Further preparing students for their future, she uses each person’s strengths to build their capacity in many ways. Her ability to foster innovation and creativity has also affected the staff; An 8th-grade math teacher shared with us, “Teachers met to come up with Constructed Response Rubrics that best matched the state testing standards. Also, teachers were able to collaborate vertically to understand better how each grade level could support each other. These teachers have continued to meet and collaborate throughout the year to bring these ideas from the half-day PD to life.” The community that Dr. Paxton has created to better each student's life can be seen from the dedication she makes through the extension of her staff.

 

Dr. Paxton exemplifies the transformative power of educational leadership through her dedication to creativity, equity, and high expectations. Her efforts prepare students for success and create a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive. She will also represent Colorado at the NASSP National Principals Conference this summer and be eligible for the National Middle-Level School Principal of the Year Award.

We look forward to welcoming you to this special event to celebrate Dr. Paxton's remarkable achievements. She will begin her new role as Principal of Mountain Vista Community School this summer, as Dr. Angela Valdez has been named an Assistant Superintendent in Harrison School District 2.