Page 29 - November 2019 proof 7 Castle Pines Connection

School Scoop
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Buffalo Ridge Elementary School registrar: Getting to know Christy Smith
Article and photo by Celeste McNeil
Christy Smith has been greeting students, sta and families at Bu alo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school for 20 years. As registrar, she meets new families, gives tours
of the school, knows every child and most of the parents and regularly visiting grandparents. Smith is passionate about making each individual child more important than whatever clerical task is on her schedule.
Loving and supporting students has been at the heart of Smith’s life for over three decades. She volunteered four days a week in her own children’s classrooms at Rock Ridge Elementary (RRE) school in Castle Rock. After several years of constant volunteer work, Smith was persuaded to take a paid position as an educational assistant. Eventually she transitioned to in the front o ce, where she stayed. After 11 years at RRE, Smith came to BRE.
Smith and her high school sweetheart, both Colorado natives, married young. They moved their small family to Castle Pines in May 1987 when there was little here. “There were really just a few cul-de-sacs – just a handful of houses,” Smith remembered. She has watched the community grow and blossom, witnessing the building of schools and businesses. She has seen a generation of children progress through elementary school and beyond.
Smith’s days at BRE are lled with a near steady stream of children saying hello or goodbye. She ready with a hug for her students or to help teachers and sta . Smith relishes the interaction with her young friends.
“I love this job. It’s di erent every day. It’s all about the kids – hugs from them. All my little pumpkins, are the best, the absolute best!”
Smith is continually amazed by the strength and quality of the BRE community. Often described as a family, Smith has felt the strength and support from the community as they rallied around her when her parents died a few years ago. She’s seen it manifested for other sta and student’s families over the years as well.
Christy Smith has been a beloved part of the BRE community for 20 years.
“This community is amazing, generous with time and money and support ... The sta is phenomenal – the most unbelievably gifted teaching sta – that’s what makes BRE so special,” said Smith.
In 31 years working in the Douglas County School District, and serving under 18 principals (eight at BRE), Christy has had various roles and opportunities. She has participated in many hiring committees and represented BRE at the annual district Apple Awards ceremony multiple times. Despite her love of BRE, Smith knows it’s time to focus her attention on her family. She will be retiring at the end of this school year. “Walking away from BRE will be the most di cult thing I’ve ever done,” said Smith.
AMERICAN ACADEMY
American Academy Charter (AA) 6971 Mira Vista Lane
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Grades K - 8, Calendar: Individual www.americanacademyk8.org 720-292-5200
TIMBER TRAIL
Timber Trail Elementary (TTE)
690 West Castle Pines Parkway
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Grades K - 5, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-5700
SAGE CANYON
Sage Canyon Elementary (SCE) 2420 Autumn Sage Street
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Grades K-6, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
720-433-0110
BUFFALO RIDGE
Bu alo Ridge Elementary (BRE) 7075 North Shoreham Drive
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Grades K - 5, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-5575
OCKY HEIGHTS MIDDLE
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) 11033 Monarch Boulevard
Highlands Ranch, CO 80124
Grades 6 - 8, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-3300
MESA MIDDLE
Mesa Middle School (MMS)
365 N. Mitchell Street
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Grades 7 - 8, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-4750
DCS MONTESSORI
DCS Montessori (DCSM)
311 Castle Pines Parkway
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Grades Pre - 8, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsmontessori.org
303-387-5625
ROCK CANYON HIGH
Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) 5810 McArthur Ranch Road Highlands Ranch, CO 80124
Grades 9 - 12, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-3000
CASTLE VIEW HIGH
Castle View High School (CVHS) 5254 N Meadows Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Grades 9 - 12, Calendar: Conventional www.dcsdk12.org
303-387-9000
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