Mandy Hill: A Lifelong Journey in Education

Mandy Hill: A Lifelong Journey in Education
Posted on 10/11/2023
You might say teaching has been a way of life for Mandy Hill, whose mother was a teacher in Aurora Public Schools for 25 years.

“I would help her grade papers and go with her to work sometimes,” said Mandy. “She has always been my hero.”

Mandy went to school to become a teacher, and funny enough she worked her way through college in the school system as an educational assistant, a health assistant, and a school secretary. She had multiple jobs in education even before she earned her teaching degree!

Mandy taught fourth- and fifth grades at Rock Ridge Elementary and was a driver’s education instructor. Outside of education, she worked in retail and the restaurant business.

One of Mandy’s proudest accomplishments is opening Sage Canyon as a member of the planning team.

“Seeing our dreams and vision come to fruition every day for students and teachers gives me great satisfaction,” she said. “The excitement every morning as kids walk through the door is one of the best parts about working in public education. There isn’t a better way to start a day!”

Mandy is also very proud of developing one of the first pilot programs for autism in the district.

Sage canyon principal mandy hill on a dunk tank gameMandy gives handwritten notes of thanks, appreciation, and love to let her staff know how much they are appreciated. Spending time with students, going to recess, and finding the humor in everything helps keep Mandy energized at work.

“I’m a recent cancer survivor and this has helped me remember what is truly important, where I need to focus my energy, and how important it is to unplug from work,” she said. “I will never take a day for granted so when I get to do fun things like get in a dunk tank during our fun run or spend time with a student who just needs extra support that day, I realize that those moments all build together to create an amazing life.”

Walking her dog, reading, and binging TV is how Mandy likes to relax at the end of the day. You may also find her spending time with her family, traveling, watching movies, hiking, or just hanging out. She loves to cook and tries to emulate her grandma who used food to convey love and care.

“My son Luke is a sophomore at Western Colorado University and plays football so we spend lots of time going to his games on Saturdays and cheering on the Chiefs on Sundays! My daughter Maddie is a senior in high school so we are trying to get as much family time as possible! My husband, Gene, is a teacher at Mountain Ridge Middle School and coaches football for Mountain Vista High School,” she said.

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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).