Our Superintendent

Superintendent Letter - October 2025

Dear 5J Families and Friends,

As we close the month of October and look forward to November, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished so far and share some of the exciting things happening across our district. The energy in our schools is incredible, and it’s clear that our students, staff, and families are all working together to make this a great year in 5J!

One thing we’re especially proud of is the improvement in student attendance across our schools. Thank you for ensuring your children are here each day, ready to learn and grow. Consistent attendance lays the foundation for success, and your partnership makes that possible. I also want to recognize the intentional efforts of our staff to strengthen students’ sense of belonging throughout 5J. When students feel valued and connected, they are better able to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our students have been working hard both in and out of the classroom. We’ve already seen incredible academic achievements, with teams traveling out of state to compete and represent 5J with pride. Our fall athletic teams are wrapping up their seasons as our winter teams gear up to begin, and our fall play is just around the corner—something we’re all excited to see! We’re also enjoying the start to the concert season, which showcases the amazing talents of our student musicians. From field trips to real world projects, our students are engaged in many opportunities that enhance their skills.

As we look ahead, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you—our families—for your ongoing support. Whether you’re encouraging learning at home, volunteering, attending games and performances, or simply cheering from the sidelines, you are an essential part of what makes 5J such a strong and caring community.

Here’s to a fantastic second quarter full of learning, connection, and continued success for 5J students.

With gratitude,
Scott Nielsen
Superintendent
Weld Re-5J School District

Dear Friends and Families of Weld Re-5J,

The first week of school is officially in the books, and what an incredible start it has been! From our youngest kindergarteners to our high school seniors, students have had numerous opportunities to familiarize themselves with their schedules, meet their teachers, learn lunchroom routines, and connect with classmates.

Our teachers have done an amazing job of helping every student feel welcomed and supported—especially those who are new to our district. Classrooms have been filled with activities designed to foster relationships, establish clear expectations, and cultivate a sense of belonging. It has been wonderful to see our students not only learning the “what” of school but also feeling comfortable and confident about the “how” and “who” of their learning community.

Across our schools, students have been making connections through:

• Team-building activities in the classroom
• Guided tours of buildings to help navigate schedules and spaces
• Lunchroom orientation to support positive, respectful mealtimes
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with staff and fellow students
• Class and grade-level discussions about goals, values, and responsibilities

We know that a strong start sets the tone for the year, and thanks to the hard work of our teachers, staff, and students, we are already building momentum toward a year of learning, growth, and connection.

Thank you for partnering with us in making this first week so successful. We can’t wait to see all that our students will accomplish together in the weeks ahead.

With gratitude,
Scott Nielsen
Superintendent
Weld Re-5J School District

AUGUST 2023