Principal's Message

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Heritage Elementary School 

We Belong, We Learn, We SOAR

 

At Heritage Elementary, ALL students have the right to be loved, learn, and lead for a successful future. Our students are held to high expectations and accountability through the actions of leadership and cultivating individual genius. Heritage staff is committed to growing the individual child with a positive culture and love for learning that will inspire their future endeavors. 

Dear Parents and Students, 

Welcome to Heritage Elementary School!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to our vibrant school community. With over 23 years of experience in education—including roles as an elementary classroom teacher, school counselor, dean of students, assistant principal, and, for the past four years, principal of Heritage—I am honored to serve our students, staff, and families. My diverse background has uniquely prepared me to lead Heritage Elementary with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to educational excellence.

At Heritage, we take immense pride in our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to provide our students with exceptional learning experiences. Our team is always available to answer questions and support families in any way possible. We encourage you to visit our school, get involved, and become an active community member—parent volunteers are always welcome and valued!

Heritage Elementary has a longstanding tradition of academic achievement and leadership. In the 2023–2024 school year, we were proud to be designated a “Performance” school by the Colorado Department of Education. Additionally, we received the Governor’s Bright Spot Award, which included a $50,000 grant in recognition of our achievements. These accomplishments reflect our unwavering focus on student success.

Our primary goal is to ensure every student achieves at the highest levels and leaves Heritage equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue their educational and career goals with confidence.

In May 2025, Heritage Elementary became certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education. Heritage is the second Lighthouse school in Pueblo, Colorado, and 1 of 11 Lighthouse schools in the State of Colorado. This recognition serves as proof of Heritage Elementary producing outstanding results in school and student outcomes by implementing the Leader in Me process with fidelity and excellence. The certification also demonstrates the extraordinary impact the school is having on staff, students, parents, and the greater community

A defining feature of our school is our implementation of the Leader in Me program. This whole-school transformation model empowers students to lead their learning and realize their full potential. Through this approach, our staff has embraced five core paradigms that shape our beliefs and practices:

• Every student is a leader.
   
• Every student has genius.
   
• Education should empower students to lead their learning.
   
• Education must support the whole child.
   
• Leadership is for everyone.
   

These beliefs extend to our students, staff, and families. As your child’s first and most important teacher, we honor your role and the values, traditions, and vision you bring to our community. Leader in Me is a proven, research-based framework that has demonstrated significant cultural, social, and academic benefits when implemented with fidelity. Our staff’s commitment to this work is evident in every corner of our school—from the learning environment to the language we use and the relationships we build.

Our school’s mission and vision—"We Belong, We Learn, We SOAR"—were developed collaboratively with input from staff, students, and families. These guiding principles inform all school decisions and serve as a foundation for everything we do.

Strong communication and meaningful partnerships with families are key to our success. We actively engage with families through platforms like ClassDojo, as well as through Title I family nights, student-led conferences, and a variety of community-building events throughout the year. We invite you to stay connected through School Messenger, our website, Facebook, and ClassDojo for ongoing updates and important information.

I am truly excited to partner with you as we continue to grow and thrive together. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Together, we will achieve great things and unlock the full potential of every student at Heritage Elementary School.

Warm regards,

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our school, please feel free to contact the school office at (719) 549-7575. 

Have a great year,

Richelle Paradiso, Principal