Dear JA & Summit staff, families, and community,

As we reflect on another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students, staff, and schools. This year has been filled with achievement, growth, creativity, and recognition across the JA Charter Schools community.

Each year, the Colorado Department of Education recognizes top-performing schools with the John Irwin School of Excellence Award. These schools earned an “Exceeds Expectations” rating on the Academic Achievement indicator of the School Performance Frameworks, reflecting exceptional performance in Math, English Language Arts, and Science. Congratulations to JA Secondary for continuing its impressive streak and once again earning the John Irwin School of Excellence Award in 2025. Congratulations also to JA Elementary for returning to this distinguished list for the first time since the 2018 school year. These accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families.

We also want to recognize several outstanding individual achievements across our community.

Alina Stiso, a Coal Creek Canyon middle school student, was selected as one of only 16 students from more than 100 applicants to compete in a Civic Bee competition. Her essay focused on solving a community issue through civic principles and virtues, specifically addressing noise and light pollution connected to the Gross Dam Project and its impact on wildlife.

Talia Rodriquez, a Summit Academy South graduate and student at The Author Conservatory, recently had her short story, The Butterfly Tree, published in an anthology alongside eight other authors. This accomplishment highlights her creativity, dedication, and growth as a writer.

We are also proud to celebrate members of our exceptional staff.

Ms. Nancy Bocanegra, JA Secondary Spanish teacher, was featured as Jeffco’s Spotlight Teacher on May 4 in the Jeffco World Language Newsletter in recognition of her outstanding work and dedication to students.

Ms. Jamie Miller, Elementary Reading Interventionist, was selected for the Teach Plus Fellowship Program, where charter school educators collaborate on strategies and school-day structures designed to improve student outcomes.

In addition, JA Secondary’s Newspaper class earned outstanding recognition in the Colorado Student Media Association’s Best of Colorado contest. The Jag Wire publication received awards in 9 of the 15 categories entered, including 6 First Place awards, 1 Second Place award, and 2 Third Place awards. This level of achievement is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects the talent, creativity, and hard work of our student journalists and advisors.

It has truly been an incredible year for JA Charter Schools. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community members for your continued support, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Together, we continue to create opportunities for success and a culture of achievement that makes our schools so special.

As you continue reading through this newsletter, you’ll also see special recognition for our years of service honorees and retirees. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, passion, and commitment these individuals have given to our schools and students over the years. Their contributions have helped shape the strong community and culture of excellence that define JA Charter Schools today.

As I close out this final Executive Director update, I want to take a moment to thank the entire JA Charter Schools community for the memories, support, and partnership over the years. It has been an incredible honor to serve this community and to witness the growth, achievements, and resilience of our students and staff.

I am deeply grateful for the relationships built, the milestones celebrated, and the shared commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities for students. The accomplishments highlighted above are just a small reflection of the extraordinary people who make JA Charter Schools such a special place.

With sincere gratitude and best wishes for continued success,

Tim Matlick

Take a moment to hear directly from some of our retirees.

Their reflections, stories, and insights capture the heart of their journey far better than we ever could.

Tim Matlick, who has served as JACS Executive Director for the past eight years, reflected on a career that began with the charter school movement. “The charter school movement brought me back into education,” he shared. “It was the amount of local control and the school-parent partnership that was so appealing.” Throughout his years in education, Tim served in many roles including teacher, coach, athletic director, dean of students, principal, community superintendent, executive director, and statewide charter school leadership positions. When reflecting on what he is most proud of, Tim shared, “The students that have gone through schools and launched themselves into the world successfully,” along with “the number of teachers/staff that have also grown into highly successful educators or leaders.” One of his favorite memories at Jefferson Academy was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Fine Arts and Auxiliary Gym extension. Looking back on his career, Tim emphasized the importance of relationships, sharing, “This role is all about people... little people (students), professional people (teachers/staff) and passionate people (parents).” He added, “The better the relationships the more effective the school functions, the better the relationships the more students learn.” As he steps into retirement, Tim looks forward to “continuing to support school leaders and charter boards as an executive coach/consultant,” while also enjoying “a slow cup of coffee in the morning” and spending more time in Mexico, where he grew up, with his wife of 40 years and their two daughters.

Marlan Muller, Primary Assistant Principal at Jefferson Academy Elementary, shared that her journey into education began simply because she “enjoyed working with kids.” After stepping away from teaching to be home with her own children, she returned to education as an administrator because she “wanted to help teachers help students.” Over the years, Marlan served in many roles including teacher, volunteer coordinator, principal, and assistant principal. When reflecting on what she is most proud of, she shared, “I am most proud when I hear about the students I have taught and the amazing humans they have become.” While she said there are “sooooo many memories” from her career, one of her favorites was “sitting in my office working and hearing a child break out in song from the bathroom.” As she steps into retirement, Marlan is most looking forward to “traveling and doing things on my own schedule vs. the school calendar!”

Shellie Ryan, who has served at Jefferson Academy Elementary for 24 years, shared that her journey with JA began more than 30 years ago when her sons were enrolled after coming off very long waitlists. “I was so impressed by the teachers, staff members, curriculum, and the overall atmosphere of the school,” she reflected. Over the years, Shellie served in many roles including PTO board member, special education staff member, and office support. She shared that what kept her at Jefferson Academy for so many years was “the people and the mission of this school.” Looking back, she said the dedication, kindness, and good humor of those around her are what she will remember most, adding, “I have learned from so many of you what true grace under pressure and genuine empathy looks like every day.” As she looks ahead to retirement, Shellie is excited for more time with family and friends, opportunities to travel, and becoming a first-time grandparent in October. She also shared her confidence in the future of Jefferson Academy, saying, “I know the future of Jefferson Academy and its campuses are in good hands going forward.”

Sonja Netzer, who has spent decades helping shape the Jefferson Academy community, reflected on a journey rooted in education and service. “Education has always been woven into my life,” Sonja shared, explaining that her father served as both a principal and Assistant Superintendent. Although she struggled academically as a young student, she discovered her passion for learning in college and realized education “spoke to my heart in a way nothing else ever had.”

Sonja’s connection to Jefferson Academy began before the school officially opened, when another parent asked her to proofread a proposal for a new Core Knowledge school. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong commitment to the JA mission. Over the years, she served in many roles including classroom teacher, Board of Directors member, PTO volunteer, room mom, and instructional coach.

After beginning her career teaching in Wichita Public Schools, Sonja later joined Jefferson Academy, where she taught first and third grade before serving the past twelve years as an Instructional Coach focused on curriculum, data, and instructional leadership.

When reflecting on what she is most proud of, Sonja shared, “I am most proud of the generations of students and families we have impacted together.” One memory she especially cherishes is having her third grade students write letters to their future selves, which she mailed back to them during their senior year of high school. “Hearing back from former students years later and watching them walk across the graduation stage brought me immense joy and fulfillment,” she reflected.

As she steps into retirement, Sonja looks forward to traveling, reading, gardening, and spending more time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Looking back on her career, she emphasized that her work at Jefferson Academy was never simply a job. “Serving this community has been far more than a career,” she shared. “It has been a calling, a purpose, and one of the greatest blessings of my life.”

Shelly Cohen, who has been part of the Jefferson Academy community since the school first opened in 1994, reflected on a journey defined by connection, service, and growth. When Jefferson Academy was first approved by the state, Shelly’s youngest son made it off the waiting list to attend the new school. “I was somewhat hesitant for him to attend,” she shared. Hoping to gain insight into the school, she applied for a position at JA—a decision that would shape the next several decades of her life. “I have enjoyed my job, and the staff has become my second family,” she said.

Over the years, Shelly wore many hats within the school community. She began her career at Jefferson Academy as a fifth grade Educational Assistant for two years before moving into the front office as an assistant. She later served as registrar and principal secretary, roles that allowed her to support countless students, families, and staff members throughout the years.

When reflecting on what she is most proud of, Shelly shared that being part of the growth and success of Jefferson Academy has meant the most to her. Watching the school evolve over the decades while remaining rooted in its mission has been both rewarding and inspiring.

Among her many favorite memories, one stands out above the rest. Shelly reflected on this year’s senior walk through the halls in their caps and gowns, a cherished JA tradition. “Before they left, a group picture was taken of the students who attended JA starting in Kindergarten,” she shared. “There were at least 40 students.” Seeing those students come full circle was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact and close-knit community built at Jefferson Academy.

As she steps into retirement, Shelly shared that she moves forward knowing she has served families and staff “openly and authentically.” She added, “I leave with a full heart and readiness for my next adventure.”

Looking back on her years at Jefferson Academy, Shelly reflected on how deeply the experience shaped her both personally and professionally. Over time, she developed stronger adaptability and a deeper understanding of how education has evolved throughout the decades. Personally, she shared that the experience helped her develop patience and a growth mindset, allowing her to approach both life and work “with more empathy, confidence, and purpose.”

Welcoming New Board Members & Thanking Our Outgoing Leaders

We are excited to welcome Ryan Ingram and Leah McGahee as the newest members of our Board of Directors! These individuals bring a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to supporting our mission and strengthening the JA community.

Ryan and Leah will officially be sworn in during the June Board of Directors meeting, marking an important leadership transition for Jefferson Academy Charter Schools. Community members are encouraged to attend either in person or via Zoom to witness the transition of outgoing Board members Tristina Pontiakos, John Nunnally, and Jerrilynn Lilyblade and the welcoming of new leadership. During the meeting, the Board will also appoint a third new Board member to fill the remaining one-year term vacancy previously held by Jerrilynn.

Our Board plays a vital role in guiding our organization’s vision, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional opportunities for our students, families, and staff. With their leadership and passion, we are confident in the continued growth and success of our schools.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Board members Tristina Pontiakos, John Nunnally, and Jerrilynn Lilyblade for their dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to Jefferson Academy Charter Schools. Their time, energy, and contributions have helped shape and strengthen our community, and we are incredibly thankful for the impact each of them has made.

Please join us in welcoming Ryan and Leah to the Board, thanking Tristina, John, and Jerrilynn for their years of service, and celebrating this exciting new chapter for JACS. We look forward to all that lies ahead!

The Parent Teacher Organization at JA Elementary serves our community by fundraising, providing teacher support, volunteering, and coordinating events.

The Boosters at JA Secondary provides organizational and financial support to teachers, clubs, and athletics by coordinating fundraisers, teacher hospitality programs and volunteer opportunities.

The Parent Teacher Organization at JA Coal Creek Canyon serves our community by fundraising, providing teacher support, volunteering, and coordinating events.

The Foundation for JA provides financial assistance to support the needs, efforts, and mission of Jefferson Academy PK-12 Charter Schools. This organization seeks to fund large-scope and long-range projects for JA.