Online learning initiative honors Central High School standout, NFL Hall of Famer

His name is forever intertwined with the history of Pueblo — and now, Dutch Clark carries Pueblo City Schools (D60) into a new realm of education.

In the fall, D60 launches its first initiative — Dutch Clark Digital Online Learning — to afford students who shy away from the traditional setting an opportunity to flourish in a platform designed for students to lead to a life of purpose and impact.

Christening the new venture in honor of a Pueblo legend "honors the past, celebrates the present and embraces the future," said Rich Mestas, administrator and principal of the online school, told the D60 board during a recent meeting.

A Central High School standout scholar athlete who went on to earn a place in the NFL Hall of Fame, Clark remains an inspiration for those who work hard and dream big.

"When you think of the name Dutch Clark, we know that so many families — not only in Pueblo but outside of it — have built lasting memories because of Dutch Clark Stadium," said Dalton Sprouse, D60's director of communications. "Dutch truly is the spirit of Pueblo and unfortunately, it's one of the greatest stories left untold in our community.

"And we want to change that. Dutch Clark is bigger than any one of our schools. Really, his name belongs to our entire school district, and that's one of the things we think is so valuable in naming this school after him: We have instant name recognition."

In its first year, Mestas — who has 15 years' experience in the online education arena — envisions Dutch Clark Online serving 125-150 high school students, with enrollment continuing through the year. This initial small enrollment "will really allow us to really know who our students are: to see faces, to know their successes, challenges and opportunities.

"We are thrilled and excited about the opportunities to meet all students' needs. It's a state-of-the-art program, the best of the best."

Four core teachers and four community advocates would support the students' computer-based learning. The hub would be Paragon Learning Center, a blending learning high school, with student contact sites at the district's four high schools.

"We're able to rotate our teachers to provide customer service to our students and families when they come in for help," Mestas explained. "Because it's more than just access to technology and online instruction. It's about the human interaction that's going to make our students successful."

Currently, more than 40 students are taking part in a Paragon-based fully online pilot model.

"The families are so grateful for this opportunity to have a way to learn, when many times they felt they had nowhere to go," Mestas said, adding that the partnership with Paragon — which includes support from secretarial and counseling staff — and collaborations with the four high schools will assist in expanding the model through productive relationships with students.

"I call it 'healthy intrusiveness,'" Mestas explained. "Making sure we are consistently in contact with our students: making sure they are logging in, learning and progressing, and their needs are being met."

The initial budget for the school is in the range of $1 million. But with the anticipated number of students enrolling, the school will essentially be self-sufficient in its first year.

At the conclusion of the presentation, D60 board members expressed their pleasure at the rollout of the new school.

"You know what I'm really excited about? The passion I'm hearing out of your voices — your enthusiasm," Bobby Gonzales told Mestas and Sprouse. "My experience with coaching and teaching is: When you're enthusiastic and passionate about what you're talking about, it will succeed because of that.

"We've talked about this for three years on the board, and to finally see it rolling out with quality, purpose and intentional directions — I'm excited."

Added Superintendent Charlotte Macaluso, "When we started this journey, I promised people we could do this better. And we are doing it better, we will do it better."

To learn more, or to enroll, visit dcdonline.us, call 423-3570 or email enroll@dutchclarkonline.com.

jpompia@chieftain.com

Twitter: @jpompia