Pagosa Peak Open School, Archuleta County’s only District-authorized charter school, is a proud participant of ‘Team UP AmeriCorps’ — a program of United Way of Southwest Colorado. This year we have two AmeriCorps Team Members serving our students. Madi Neukirch is a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Advisor and Jamie McCarthy is an Academic Achievement Advisor.
This is PPOS’ second year partnering with Team UP AmeriCorps and the school is excited to continue serving our families with AmeriCorps and United Way of Southwest Colorado.
Since these Team Members are new to our school, we asked a few questions to help our families get to know them better:
Where are you from?
Madi: Lincoln, Nebraska
Jamie: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Why did you decide to join Team UP AmeriCorps?
Madi: After I graduated college in May, I knew that I wanted to take a break from my education for awhile before going back to get my teaching certificate. AmeriCorps is one year, so it seemed like the perfect amount of time to rest from my own education, while still gaining valuable experience in my career.
Jamie: I decided to join the AmeriCorps to start my career in public service.
What attracted you to Pagosa Springs?
Madi: I had never really been to Pagosa Springs before I accepted my position here. But since arriving, I’ve totally fallen in love with the town. I spent most of college leading rock climbing and backpacking trips, so I’m happy to be able to push myself in those areas on my own time.
Jamie: The small-town life of Pagosa Springs is what attracted me to the area. It has such beautiful scenery with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect location.
Why do you want to work with students at a K-7 charter school?
Madi: I worked at a summer camp for four summers with kids aged 7-17. While I was there, I learned a totally different way to approach youth development. When I learned about PPOS, I saw a lot of those same practices and values reflected, so I knew right away that it was an environment that I wanted to be a part of.
Jamie: I want to work with students at a K-7 charter school to contribute to a school that is contributing so much to its community. Being able to help these students is so rewarding.
What is your favorite color, food and book?
Madi: My favorite color is green, my favorite food is ice cream and my favorite book is The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
Jamie: My favorite color is red, my favorite food is mozzarella sticks, and my favorite book is The Child Finder.
Who is your hero?
Madi: My hero is my former boss at camp, Nat. She has known me since I was about 10 and has seen me through MANY challenges, personally and professionally. The reason I look up to her, though, is because she is an amazing role model, who never sacrifices assertiveness nor compassion in the pursuit of being a strong woman and leader.
Jamie: My mom is my hero. She taught me to be strong, independent, and hard-working. I hope to be as successful as her one day
Have you ever been to Colorado before joining AmeriCorps? If so, what is your favorite season in Colorado?
Madi: I’ve been to Colorado the past four summers to climb fourteeners with my dad. I’ve never been skiing before though, so I’m excited to be around for winter!
Jamie: I have only been to Colorado one other time before moving here and that was in summer as well. So, by default summer is my favorite season in Colorado, until I get the chance to experience more!
Pagosa Peak Open School uses a Project-Based Learning (PBL) educational model. We encourage our students to apply learning to authentic, real-life projects that will stick with them throughout their lives. Our continued mission is to create a community of empowered, lifelong learners by providing a multi-age learning environment designed to foster confidence, high academic achievement, and the joy of learning through original and meaningful work.
Community members interested in supporting the school are welcome to go online to the general donation page, here, or drop donations off in person at the front desk during school hours.