Hello Cottonwood Creek Elementary Families. 

My name is Drew Francis, and it is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year!  This will be my 3rd year at Cottonwood Creek, but my 28th year in education. Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have gained experience in various leadership roles. I was a teacher in the United States, as well as in Monterrey, Mexico during an international stint. I have also been an educational consultant, adjunct professor, and a school principal. I hope to continue to bring some of those diverse experiences to Cottonwood Creek and support a school that inspires every student to think, to learn, to achieve, and to care.  

I feel very fortunate to be in education where I can have a positive impact on so many lives every single day. My personal vision throughout my career has been to inspire students and staff to achieve more than they thought was even possible. In order to achieve that vision at Cottonwood Creek, I believe the following must take place: 

• Fully understand the diverse background and strengths of students, staff, and families.
• Create an atmosphere where students and staff are comfortable taking risks.
• Attract, hire, and retain the very best educators.
• Work tirelessly to remove roadblocks for staff and students.
• Support a school that is full of joy, communicates regularly, and is professional.
• Inspire a school where students, staff, and families are proud to belong to the Cottonwood Creek Elementary School Family.

On a personal note, my wife Jan and I live in Elizabeth, CO and we have three children; 23, 20, and 17. Our oldest son is a paramedic/firefighter, our middle daughter will be a senior at the University of Wyoming, and our youngest son is a junior at Elizabeth HS.  My wife is also in the education field as a middle school teacher, so there is plenty of school talk at the dinner table. We moved to Colorado 19 years ago, and we love it here.  We camp, bike, hike, and explore new places every chance we get.

I am excited to share that I will be partnering again this school year with Lisa Most, Cottonwood’s Assistant Principal. I look forward to meeting our new families, reconnecting with returning families and to partnering with you and your family as the Principal of Cottonwood Creek Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Mr. Drew A. Francis, Principal