Hazael Román-Lagunas

Munroe Elementary School
Denver, Colorado
h_roman-lagunas@dpsk12.net

Best Practices

1) Parent Community Relationships: At Munroe, our commitment to robust parent and community relations is a cornerstone of our school ethos, aimed at creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Our “Mercadito” Family Hub, led by parent volunteers, is a key initiative where we assemble 60-75 food boxes weekly, providing essential support to families in need and strengthening community bonds. Additionally, our monthly administrative meetings feature high participation rates and serve as a platform for active feedback and collaboration, making them some of the most effective family engagement meetings in Southwest Denver. Our school calendar is filled with events that encourage parental involvement, from academic conferences to cultural celebrations, fostering a sense of belonging and partnership that enhances the educational experience for our students and solidifies our role as a community hub. Through these efforts, Munroe has developed a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere that values each family’s contribution to our collective success.

2) Whole Child Initiatives: At Munroe, we are deeply committed to our Whole Child Initiatives, focusing on nurturing every aspect of a student’s development. Our approach emphasizes the importance of social-emotional support, recognizing that academic success is closely tied to emotional well-being. Our dedicated Whole Child team plays a pivotal role in this initiative, addressing student behavior, and providing targeted support through various leadership and support groups tailored to meet diverse student needs. These groups include Student Leaders, Young Men of Distinction, Newcomers, and other social-emotional groups designed specifically for unique challenges our students face. In addition to group support, we provide daily lessons for teachers that are intricately designed to align with Munroe’s core values, cultural traditions, and celebration themes. These lessons serve not only as educational tools but also as a means to reinforce our community’s diverse heritage and values, fostering a school environment that celebrates and respects diversity while promoting personal growth and emotional resilience. Our holistic approach at Munroe ensures that every student receives the necessary support and guidance to thrive.