School
Culture
Pinecone Five
Every student, staff, family and community member will use the Pinecone Five values will be the central to their success in this year-long journey.
BELONGING
We welcome all and make sure everyone is connected at the roots.
RESILIENCE
We pick ourselves up and keep moving forward - growing and learning from our mistakes.
GROWTH
We work to learn new content and seek out new experiences to expand our view of the world.
PURPOSE
We discover our ember - a spark within us that will guide our journey.
STEWARDSHIP
We take ownership for every decision and action we take, striving to leave a positive legacy.
First Embers & First Roots
Incoming students will experience an opening and closing ceremony that will encapsulate the journey they will embark on.
First Embers
Before students embark on their Summer Immersion, incoming Ponderosa students, families, Ember staff and community members are invited to a ceremonial fire led by a local Ute elder.
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The Ute elder will smudge new Ponderosa students followed by a telling of story about new beginnings.
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Students and other guest are invited to our Burning of the Old ceremony. Attendees will leave behind any old habits that will be replaced by new habits over the course of the year.
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Students will sign our Ponderosa Promise banner, which will serve as a daily reminder to their commitment to this new journey.
First Roots
Prior to returning to Central High School, Ponderosa students/graduates, families, Ember staff, community members are invited to close out our student's year-long journey.
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The same Ute elder that attends the First Embers ceremony will bless the seedlings and water to give new life.
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The seedlings symbolize a new life and roots grown due to their year-long experience at Ponderosa for continued success.
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New and incoming Ponderosa students are invited to observe where their journey will end.
Pinecone Points
Ponderosa thrives on recognizing any act or behavior that closely aligns to one or more of our Pinecone Five values. Students and staff can earn points for their Ember advisory that they can in turn redeem for a number of prizes and rewards! Some examples are:
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Adventure Trips - Ski/Snowboarding, River Rafting, Fishing
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New Outdoor and School Gear
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Catered Lunches​​
Do good, grow tall, get points.
Student Handbook Acknowledgement
As a Ponderosa Pinecone, you are expected to lead with our Pinecone Five values. In addition to living out those expectations, all students must review and sign the D51 Parent-Student Handbook, which outlines district-wide guidelines for safety, conduct and responsibility.