Fort Collins, CO - Poudre School District (PSD) students can expect a continued commitment from their schools for getting what they need to be physically, mentally and emotionally well. PSD was designated as Colorado's first "School District of Promise," Monday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. during the PSD school board meeting at the Johannson Support Services Center, 2407 LaPorte Avenue.

Becoming a School District of Promise means that the district resolves to deliver Five Promises to all the children in the district - promises that research shows are what every child needs to help them successfully transition into adulthood. 

The promises involve providing a healthy start, ongoing relationships with caring adults, safe places with structured activities during non-school hours, effective education and marketable skills, and opportunities to serve the community.

"Through our staff's commitment to student character and competence and through various community partnerships, we believe that Poudre School District has unofficially been operating under the framework of the Five Promises for years," says Darcie Votipka, PSD Director of Student Services.  "We appreciate the America's Promise recognition and look forward to assisting our schools in their continuing focus on these promises while preparing students for the future."

The Five Promises are the cornerstone of a national initiative called "America's Promise" and its local affiliate - Larimer's Promise. America's Promise was founded in 1997 by U.S. General Colin Powell to help build the character and competence of the nation's youth. Larimer's Promise is coordinated by the Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County (HCC).

"In September, Fort Collins and Loveland were designated by America's Promise as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in the United States because of the collaborative ways we support our youth," said Kim Sharpe, HCC coordinator. "PSD's commitment to deliver the Five Promises in very deliberate ways strengthens that designation."

The School District will be included on www.larimerspromise.org, a Web site that features information about agencies and efforts in Larimer County that are delivering the Five Promises to our youth.

The city of Fort Collins is a "Community of Promise."

For more information about Larimer's Promise or HCC, contact Kim Sharpe at 970-495-7503 or visit www.larimerspromise.org.