This letter was sent to Gilpin County School community members and was shared with The Mountain-Ear.

March 11, 2025

Dear Gilpin County School Community Members,

I am writing to inform you of a program change that has taken place at Gilpin County Secondary School. Bobby Jones has given the District notice that he will no longer provide the Peer Purpose Mentorship Program to students in grades 6-12. As a result, the Program will be discontinued effective today.

The principals and I, along with the Board of Education, recognize that social-emotional learning (SEL) and adult-to-student mentoring are essential in today’s PS-12 schools due to the increasing rise in mental health concerns among youth, including anxiety, depression, and loneliness. SEL provides the tools to help them understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. Adult-to-student mentoring plays a crucial role in supporting SEL by offering students positive role models who can provide guidance, encouragement, and advice.

I understand that any change in programming, especially during the school year, may be concerning, so I want to provide you with reassurance during this transition. To fill the void resulting from the discontinuation of the Program and to meet the needs of your children, we will begin to explore other programs so that we can continue to offer SEL in our secondary school. Again, be assured that your Gilpin County School staff’s top priority remains the education and well-being of your child. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this transition or how it may affect your child's school experience, please do not hesitate to reach out to educators. We are here to support you and your child in every way we can.

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership to provide your children with the best school experience.

Sincerely,

David S. MacKenzie, PhD.

Superintendent