Principal's Message - September 20, 2021

Dear Finn Hill Middle School and Environmental and Adventure School Staff, Students, Families, and Community Members:

My name is Jennifer Cleaves and I am honored to be named as your interim principal (now permanent principal as of March 23, 2022). Please allow me to reintroduce myself.

This August began my 26th year in education. I am a Washington native, graduating with my BA in Education from Western Washington University. I taught at Somerset Elementary School in Bellevue before moving to Colorado in 2002. In Colorado, I worked as a teacher, instructional coach, interventionist, and assistant principal in Douglas County School District. In 2005, I received a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in language, literacy, and culturally responsive teaching from the University of Colorado Denver. In 2015, I received an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. For the past four years, I served as the principal at Vera G. Scott Elementary School in Colorado Springs School District 11. I know that my education and experience will serve me well to do the work needed to support all stakeholders as I lead the administrative team at Finn Hill Middle School and Environmental Adventure School.

No matter my role, I enjoy working closely with students, staff, families, and the community. I believe that relationships are at the heart of education. I look forward to building strong, collaborative partnerships with all of you this year.

On a personal note, I have two children: my daughter, Mia, is a junior in high school and my son, Kai, is a fifth grader. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and playing pickleball. I’m excited for this opportunity to serve this community in a different capacity. I look forward to working with each of you and continuing the great work that is already happening at FHMS and EAS. When you see me on campus, please say hello and introduce yourself. I am looking forward to an outstanding year together!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Cleaves
FHMS/EAS Principal

Associate Principal's Message - September 22, 2021

Dear Finn Hill and EAS School Communities:

I am thrilled to be joining the Falcon and EAS communities as your new associate principal. I am a life-long educator, and have spent the past twenty years working as a teacher, counselor, university professor, and educational researcher. My focus has been on creating inclusive and supportive school cultures that recognize the importance of the mental health and well-being of students, staff, and families. I believe that learning should be engaging, fun, and accessible, and that every student deserves the opportunity to find their own path.

When I am not working, I am spending time with my family. I have three amazing teenagers, a sweet puppy, and a supportive and hysterical husband who keeps the humor flowing in our home. We spend our time watching baseball games, football games, basketball games- really any sports! Whenever I can, I love to head out into the mountains for a hike, or take a yoga class. I also love to paint and draw, and will always take a good book recommendation.

I am passionate about working with young adults as they navigate through one of the most challenging developmental times of their lives. I understand the importance of building relationships and treating students with compassion and respect, and look forward to partnering with families and community members to better understand what all of our students need to grow and learn. While I hope to see many of you on campus at some point, please feel free to reach out to connect through email or by phone. I look forward to serving your communities, and growing together in our understanding of how to make school a welcoming, positive, and exciting place for all of our students.

With sincere excitement,

Stacy Mehlberg,
Ph.D., Ed leadership