Power Zone
POWER Zone Overview
The POWER Zone is comprised of six unique and excellent schools across the northwest portion of District 49: Vista Ridge High School, Skyview Middle School, Inspiration View Elementary School, Ridgeview Elementary School, ALLIES, and Odyssey Elementary School. Although each POWER Zone school is unique, we are guided by a shared vision, mission, and values.
POWER Zone values apply to students, staff, and families and they include prioritizing: family, service, trust, relationships, purposeful innovation, and continuous growth.
POWER Zone leaders, teachers, and support staff function to ensure a safe and collaborative culture, effective teaching in every classroom, and a guaranteed and viable curriculum. Research-based resources are utilized in our work. The Capturing Kids' Heart process provides an inspiring relational framework that is used across our six campuses. Marzano's High Reliability Schools framework and the New Art & Science of Teaching instructional framework provide processes, elements, and strategies that promise a strong focus on teaching and learning and an excellent educational experience for every student.
Mrs. Theresa Ritz
Theresa Ritz is honored to be your POWER Zone Superintendent. She is a servant leader known for her love of people and successful collaboration with District 49 stakeholders. Her 25 years of experience in D49 as Executive Principal, Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and classroom teacher provides unique perspective and expertise on the ecosystem of the POWER Zone. By combining the innovation of the PZ with the D49 vision, mission, and Cultural Compass, she is able to promote creativity, teamwork, and effective communication to help strengthen connections for all educators, administrators, families, and students. Building a team that supports one another for the benefit of all children is what drives her.
Theresa accomplished her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Regis University, and her teaching license, master’s degree in cross-cultural education, and principal’s license from the University of Denver. She enjoys guiding our Zone in unified processes in the best interests of students: Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH), The New Art & Science of Teaching (NASOT) instructional framework, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and 7 Steps to a Language Rich Interactive Classroom to name a few. She appreciates working alongside dedicated principals, building leaders, and educators to ensure an excellent educational experience for every student and family.
Theresa and her 30-year educator husband, David, enjoy their three adult children (Connor, Alex, and Grace) and one fluffy grandcat (Sprout). Theresa loves music events and attending concerts. Her favorite musician is her guitarist son, Connor, who can be seen around the Denver area performing with various groups. Alex works as an EMT and Grace serves as an elementary school teacher, both in the Colorado Springs area. Theresa is devoted to her family and friends, and a great night for her includes laughter by an outdoor fire pit taking in the beautiful Colorado views. She also delights in unique coffee shops and a good cup of coffee.
Please feel free to reach out to Theresa with questions or feedback at tritz@d49.org.