Fletcher Intermediate

Welcome

Fletcher Intermediate Science and Technology School is Aurora Public School's newest and most exciting Pilot School. We are dedicated to learning through the use of Technology and by deepening our understanding of the world around us through Science. If you would like to join us please click on the Admissions link, or if you are already a student or parent of a student use the other links to find current information and resources. Thanks for visiting us at Fletcher Science and Technology.

Our Mission

The Fletcher Intermediate Science and Technology School is dedicated to creating an exceptional learning and teaching environment that is student-driven and anchored in scientific inquiry using technology to transform the learning experience so students can be successful in our diverse, global community.

Our Vision

Create confident students who value education, the diversity of others, and who are able to apply scientific inquiry and exploration to succeed in the 21st century.

Fletcher Intermediate Student Helps Revised Tuition Bill Clear First Hurdle

Eli Stokols Political Reporter

DENVER -- A proposal to create a new, lower category of college tuition for undocumented students who qualify took its first step forward at the Capitol Thursday.

Senate Bill 15, dubbed "Colorado ASSET" by its sponsors, was approved by the Senate Education Committee on a 4-3 party-line vote after an emotional and, at times, contentious hearing.

Last year, the Senate, where Democrats hold a 20-15 seat advantage, passed a similar bill that sought to offer undocumented students unsubsidized in-state tuition; it was later killed in the GOP-controlled House.

But the Republican lawmakers voting on the bill Thursday still argued strongly against something that they believe will only incentivize more illegal immigration.

Meanwhile, the bill's sponsors, as in year's past, put forth a young witness who gave emotional testimony, an eighth grader named Alejandra whose brother is undocumented.

"He is only 11 years old, and after being one of two students to pass an advance placement test to get a private scholarship to go to a better school, he was told he had to have a Social Security number to receive the scholarship.

"I saw a lot of hope go out of him that day," Alejandra continued, fighting back tears. "It isn't fair he has to struggle to succeed so much than I have to just because I have a Social Security number.

"Please help some of the best and brightest students in Colorado who are losing hope."

The bill's sponsors coupled the emotional weight of such compelling testimony with an economic argument that the legislation will help colleges bring in millions in additional tuition and educate students who will be able to contribute more, as a result, to Colorado's economy -- and without costing taxpayers any money.

"These kids are going to pay the full sticker price, and they're going to pay the COF (Colorado Opportunity Fund subsidy) above it," said Sen. Michael Johnston, D-Denver, a co-sponsor of the bill along with Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo.

"No one is going to cut in front of line of a kid from Colorado."

The Love of Mentoring Shines Bright in School Secretary

In 2008, Aurora Public Schools Superintendent John Barry challenged his staff members to go beyond their daily work and become mentors for at least one APS student. Three years into the program, many staff members have accepted the challenge and have seen tremendous results. The same holds true for Fletcher Intermediate Science and Technology School secretary Sandy Avalos.

Reminiscing about her adolescent years, Avalos wished she had a mentor to confide in, and that’s part of her motivation to want to mentor now.

“If I could have had someone to go to, to talk to, to feel safe with, I think I would have made some smarter decisions,” Avalos said. “I want to be that person for these kiddos.”

Eighth-grader Oralia Cardiel is one of those kiddos. A second-year mentee, Cardiel said she is thankful to have Avalos in her life because she’s a person who listens and offers comfort in times of need.

“I can tell her anything and she’ll tell me the right thing to do,” Cardiel said. “If I didn’t have a mentor, I don’t think I would be doing good in school right now.”

Fourth-grader Noveli Bandera Gutierrez, who is in her first year as a mentee, credits Avalos with helping her make friends and enjoy her learning environment. Because of her mentor’s influence, Bandera Gutierrez said she is now able to go to class with a smile on her face.

Avalos knows that gaining a student’s trust is no easy task, but the reward is immeasurable.

“My mentees know that all I want from them is to understand that their education is their future,” she said. “They have a choice.”