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Peakview Academy outlines sprint cycles and culture work as part of turnaround strategy

Thompson School District R-2J Board of Education Study Session · January 8, 2026
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Summary

Peakview Academy told the board it will use quarterly instructional 'sprint cycles' and a schoolwide culture/communication framework to address inconsistent instruction and high staff turnover. The school reported early implementation gains and monthly belonging surveys to track progress.

Peakview Academy presented its Unified Improvement Plan to the Thompson School District R‑2J board, framing a two‑pronged strategy to address inconsistent instructional practice and low sense of belonging among staff and students. Vivian Panko, interim principal, said the school’s framework centers on "instructional sprint cycles" and a culture/communication initiative.

Panko described the sprint cycle as a quarter‑long focus on a single high‑leverage instructional strategy: Peakview’s first sprint targeted guided discourse, with six professional development sessions and frequent classroom walk‑throughs to measure implementation. "Sprint cycles are allowing us to focus for a quarter on a very high leverage instructional strategy and essentially get really good at it," she said.

Peakview reported operational data from the sprint cycle: 85% implementation of guided discourse at the end of quarter one and gains in iReady and other measures (an increase in students at grade level in math of approximately 9.8% and an 11% decrease in students two or more grade levels below, as presented). The school also reported elevated teacher turnover tied to consolidation of three buildings into a K‑8 model (approximately 30% in the first year, then about 15% into the next year), and has prioritized dispositional hiring to recruit staff who commit to the school’s culture work.

Board members sought clarity on how short cycle measures will tie to long‑term achievement metrics; Panko described multiple data streams (iReady, formative assessments, and 'active monitoring') and said the intent is to sustain core practices beyond a single quarter so gains compound. The board did not vote on the UIP during the study session; staff indicated the plan will return for formal approval at the Jan. 21 meeting and, if approved, will be submitted to the Colorado Department of Education.