“My weather instrument measures air pressure,” said Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS) kindergartner Silas…
Author: Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is School Director at Pagosa Peak Open School, the first District-authorized charter school in Archuleta County. Prior to her appointment as School Director, Emily filled various roles at PPOS including Project-Based Learning advisor, instructional coach, and assistant director.
History Comes Alive at Pagosa Charter School
How do perspectives on history shape a story? Why is it important to view history through multiple lenses?
Pagosa Charter School Takes Learning into the Community
“Life was a lot different back then. It was hard because you had The Great Depression…”
Pagosa Peak Open School Prepares for Changes in 2024-2025
I am grateful and excited to say our staff is returning; some in new positions, all with their talents, experience and passion for our students and work at PPOS…
PPOS Middle-Schoolers Join Community Conversations on Native American Boarding Schools
“The first Indian boarding school was close to Durango,” said one fifth-grader, referring to an Indian Boarding School constructed in Hesperus…
Charter School Students Investigate the San Juan Mountains
“There is a higher risk of avalanche if there are three layers to the snow: a large, clumpy layer, a smaller clumpy layer, and then a powdery top layer…”
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Peak Open School Presents Annual ‘Snow Show’ at PSCA
It was the school’s third year of presenting the “Snow Show” — and the first year the school presented at the Pagosa Center for the Arts…
Charter School Students Mediate Conflicts, Build Community
“It’s fun helping kids; and nice to know how to communicate and help others,” said eighth-grader Amelie, who is in her third year as a Restorative Practice Student Board member…
EDUCATION NEWS: Pagosa Peak Open School Celebrates ‘Project Based Learning’
Students in grades K-8 address content standards through a nontraditional teaching model…
Fourth Graders Explore Southern Ute Culture
“Ute was not the original name of this tribe,” fourth-grader Juniper said. “They were first called Núuchi…
PPOS Kindergarteners Conduct ‘Toy Research’ for Future Preschool
“Attributes means what color, shape, size and texture,” 5-year-old Avery said. “Some toys have attributes like they are hard or squishy….”
Pagosa Peak Students Explore the World Outside
“I appreciate an educational model that gets my daughter out into the real world, where she can not only explore big concepts but also enjoy the beautiful outdoors…”
Charter School Students Have an ‘Intensive’ Week
Students in all classes at PPOS engage in multiple projects throughout the year; looking for ways to influence their own community, and create positive change…
Students Reflect on Prop 114 Through Projects
“I loved doing this project, and now I believe wolves should be reintroduced in Colorado,” Jonah said…
PPOS Stakeholders Collaborate on Best Practices
Working collaboratively with the vision in mind is a big part of the PPOS culture. What is applied with students is also applied at all levels within the school…
Pagosa Peak Open School Displays Models of Future Playground
The Playground for the People received a $25,000 grant through the Colorado Health Foundation to begin planning a new playground space…
PPOS Middle School Get ‘Hands On’ with Water Study
“When students have choice within guidelines the learning becomes active, applicable and real for them…”
A Poetry Reading at the Tennyson Event Center
“What really brought this project to life for the kids was visiting the planetarium at San Juan College in Farmington…”