top of page

Whole Student Support

Every Student Matters

At Ponderosa, we believe that academic growth only happens when students feel safe, seen and supported. Our commitment to whole child development means every learner receives layered care through trusted relationships.

Our MTSS Framework

We use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to make sure every student gets what they need. This framework helps us address social, emotional, and academic needs before they become barriers - and with care not, compliance.

Ponderosa
Pathway

Tier III Supports

  • Ponderosa Panel

  • Reintegration Plans

  • Collaboration with Central for SPED, MLL and other supports

Tier II Supports

  • Ember Circles (with Pinecone Pioneers)

  • Ember Support Courses

Tier I Supports

  • Daily Ember Advisory

  • Pinecone Points

  • Daily SEL Implementation (Capturing Kids Hearts & Upstream Education)

  • ILPs for every student

Student Mental Health & Wellbeing

At Ponderosa, social-emotional learning and wellness are central to our school culture. Through daily practices and constant check-ins we help students build self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and access the support they need to grow.

Our SEL Curriculum Partners

Capturing Kids' Hearts helps us build strong, relational classrooms where students feel safe, connected and seen. Through daily routines, affirmations, and reflection, it creates a culture where belonging and accountability grow side by side.
images_edited.png
upstream.png

Our Wellness Monitoring Partners

Forest

1

Panorama Student Survey

Measures belonging, relationships, self-management, and emotional safety. Helps Ponderosa adjust how we lead, teach and support across the school.

2

BESS (Behavioral and Emotional Screening System)

A brief screener that helps Ponderosa identify students who may need extra emotional or behavioral support - even if they aren't asking for it directly.

3

D51 Student Wellness Survey

Gives is district-level insight into mental health, stress, support access, and more - allowing Ponderosa to respond early and in partnerships with families and communities.

Every Learner,
Every Plan

At Ponderosa, supporting the whole child starts with listening. Every student co-creates an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) that captures their strengths, needs, and identity - giving us a clear, student-led path to academic, emotional and cultural growth.

Students

Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs)

Every student co-creates an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) before they begin their journey with us. These ILPs are living documents rooted in student voice, identity, and growth. They help us center each student’s strengths and needs - not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and culturally.

  • Built with students, not for them: ILPs reflect each learner’s goals, strengths, and identity from day one.

  • Support without labels: ILPs help us plan proactively for MLL/CLD and neurodiverse students through access, reflection, and voice.

  • Connection across systems: ILPs align academics, advisory, wellness, and family engagement into one clear, student-led path.

Rise Tall. Spark Change.

Letters of interest are due March 17 (before Spring Break).

​

Contact our team at ponderosa@d51schools.org for questions.

The Ponderosa Institute

Central High School

1550 Warrior Way

Grand Junction, CO 81504

​

Mesa County Valley 
School District 51

© 2035 by Ponderosa Institute. Powered and secured by Wix 

bottom of page