D2's Assistant Principal, Dr. Nicole Paxton, Is Colorado's Middle School Principal Of The Year - 12/06/24

DENVER – The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is thrilled to recognize Mountain Vista Community School Assistant Principal, Dr. Nicole Paxton, as the 2025 Colorado Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year. Dr. Paxton was selected by a committee of her peers 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 made a profound

impact on both her students and staff. By reshaping educational practices to prioritize well- being, equity, and academic success for all of the community, Dr. Paxton has reshaped the school’s culture.

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 within 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 that, "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 works to ensure 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 a variety of experiences to envision their future. Based on student feedback, Dr. Paxton introduced 12 new elective courses this last year focused on hands-on learning opportunities that align with students’ career goals. The school principal, Dr. Angela Valdez, shared with us that, “Student data as well as social-emotional development is at the forefront of decisions and systems that 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 entire 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 affected the staff as well, 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 better understand how each grade level could support each other. Throughout the year, these teachers have continued to meet and collaborate to bring these ideas from the half-day PD to life.” The community that Dr. Paxton has created to better the life of each student can be seen from the dedication she makes through the extension of her staff.

Through her dedication to creativity, equity, and high expectations, Dr. Paxton exemplifies the transformative power of educational leadership. Her efforts not only prepare students for success but create a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.

Dr. Paxton will be recognized this spring at the 2025 CASE Awards Reception. 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.