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Principalgoliversscs414.orgThe Journey - As humans, we are often more interested in the destination than we are in the journey. However, God has planned a unique journey for each of us as we work towards Heaven. Take time to find joy in the journey.
Vision and Mission -
Over the years there have been changes in the names and the faces, as is the natural flow of all schools, but the heartbeat that drives our mission is still the same.
We are called to lead our students into discipleship through a rich understanding of the Faith and through living a virtuous life. The truth is found in that knowledge and in building a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which will serve as a guiding light to our students throughout their lives.
Our teachers all possess the calling to teach children to become lifelong learners. However, we also challenge our students to not only know the skills of how to read, write and do arithmetic, but to also develop the reason and logic to understand why and to apply this knowledge to create anew.
Servant leadership is also something we intentionally teach our students at St. Stephen. Through our Service-Learning program, we are teaching our children to look at the problems in the world that they see around them, to seek solutions and to act upon them in a way that helps others and serves the greater good.
As our St. Stephen Catholic School Community grows, we also will continue to innovate and utilize the best instructional practices for our students. However, the heart of our mission that seeks discipleship, virtue, truth, faith, knowledge, and service will continue to beat on.
As our journey continues, it is important to remember that our best days are not behind us; our world today needs Catholic education. With Faith, Hope and Love we will make the ordinary into the extraordinary right here at St. Stephen. Together, we’ve got this!
Your Servant in Christ,
Mrs. Glenda Oliver, Principal
Educational Leadership:
In 2012 I, Mrs. Glenda Ault Oliver, became the Principal of St. Stephen Catholic School. In 2013 I graduated with honors with my second MA of Ed. in Leadership from Regis University. My first MA of Ed. is in Instruction from Western Governor's University. As an undergraduate I attended the University of Northern Colorado on a full ride School of Education scholarship. While at U.N.C. I served as a Hall President, a Summer Conference Aide, a Resident Assistant, and the Coordinator of Entertainment Plus.
While working for the Archdiocese of Denver I have served on several boards, teams, and mentorships: as a member of several Advanced Ed School Accreditation teams, as an Advisory Board to the Superintendent Member, and as a Superintendent Search Interview Member. I was selected to be a University of Notre Dame Remmick Leadership Program Principal Mentor and I have mentored several new principals. Additionally, I completed a 4-year Biblical School Program at the St. John Vianney School of Theology.
Career Highlights:
*Acted as a liaison with a donor for teacher housing.
*Was a key member of the team that raised $7million and remodeled the St. Stephen Parish Hall and a complete Remodel of St. Stephen Catholic School.
*Led the St. Stephen Catholic School crew and students up and running online within one week of when the Global Pandemic shutdown the world. In August of 2020 St. Stephen Catholic School Students reported to school in person with all the recommended Colorado State Health Department Covid-19 Guidelines in place.
*Attended the Latino Enrollment Institute at Notre Dame University. Afterwards she and her team increased the Latino enrollment at St. Stephen Catholic from less than 8% to over 50%. Mrs. Oliver and her school were featured in the Notre Dame University Alliance for Catholic Education Newsletter in February of 2016.
*Started a scholarship program at St. Stephen Catholic School in 2012 to make the school fiscally sustainable and to retain students at the school. Over time the scholarship program at St. Stephen has grown to include several foundations, and Adopt-a-Student Program, and several benefactors/donors. Currently the funding from foundations, benefactors/ donors and fundraising makes up 52% of the school’s operating budget.
*Tripled Endowment Fund
*Maintained the highest criterion-based, academic test scores in the area from Aspen to Rifle. This includes the Aspen School District, Garfield RE-2 School District, Roaring Fork School District, and the local Public Charter Schools.
*Technology – brought St. Stephen Catholic School from having just a few computers to a 1:1 ratio of computers to students. Additionally, the Ren Web Student Information and Billing System was brought in. Which has improved communication and tuition collections. Class DoJo was brought in during Covid and this communication source that also translates is now the main source of school information for our St. Stephen families. Additionally, St. Stephen uses technology to purchase online textbooks and resources to ensure that our students have up to date learning resources.
*STEM Lab – brought in a state-of-the-art STEM Lab
*Special Education Services – Developed relationships with the Special Education Departments of Roaring Fork School District and Garfield RE-2 School District have been fostered. Currently 20% of the student body at St. Stephen has an ISP or a 504 Plan and predominately these students receive special education and intervention services while at school at St. Stephen. Additionally, through grants, counseling services have been at St. Stephen Catholic School since 2014.
*Government Funding Sources – Initiated St. Stephen Catholic School’s participation in government funding sources which include Title I and Title II Funding, E-Rate, EANS, GAENS and other government grants that help to fund more student services and professional development for staff.
*Grant Writing – Attended several grant writing workshops over the years. Currently St. Stephen Catholic School’s income budget includes 15% (approximately) from grants.
*Transportation – Found donors to purchase buses and started a bus program which buses students to St. Stephen Catholic School from the surrounding towns.
*Security System – Raised funds to install a state-of-the-art security system at St. Stephen Catholic School. Formed relationships with local law enforcement and the fire department to ensure that our school has all the safety protocols, procedures, training, and equipment that are recommended to keep our students and staff safe.
*Record Enrollment – in 2013, 2022, and 2023 St. Stephen Catholic School experienced record enrollment.
*25 years of teaching experience. Taught at St. Stephen Catholic School, and at public schools in New Castle, Silt, Aspen, Greeley, Denver, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Taught predominately secondary English Language Arts, First Grade, and Preschool, and substitute taught for several other grades and subjects.
Personally –
I came to St. Stephen Catholic School through my son’s enrollment in the preschool in 2003. This was the first year of St. Stephen Catholic School Preschool. It was also the first year of the 1885 Blake Avenue location for St. Stephen Catholic Church.
Both of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver’s children, Wyatt, and Grace, successfully went all the way through St. Stephen Catholic School, Preschool – 8th Grade. Currently, both are genuinely good, young adults who are finding their way in the world.
I grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley. She attended Aspen Elementary School, Basalt Middle School, and Basalt High School.
I left the Roaring Fork Valley for a decade to pursue higher education. I returned to the valley in 1997 when I married Doug Oliver, who also grew up in the valley.