Nick Halaska, art teacher at Coyote Hills Elementary, is ensuring that creative expression is accessible and fun for all students. Halaska has been honored with a CCSD Hero award for his incredible work connecting with students.
“Nick is one of the best educators I’ve been around,” Superintendent Christopher Smith said. “He has one of the biggest hearts and he’s one of the most focused on kids I've ever met.”
Halaska has taught elementary school for 17 years and has been teaching in Cherry Creek School District for 12 years. He was hired as a general education teacher, and recently transitioned to be the school art teacher.
“Every kid is important to Nick and he finds a way to connect with them,” Principal Hillary Pohlmann said. “And he's amazing at art. He’s a safe place for kids in art and he has created a great program for our Coyotes, so whether in the classroom, art room, or at the crosswalk, he's always making connections and doing the best he can for kids.”
“I love teaching in Cherry Creek for three simple reasons,” Halaska said. “First, the students; we’ve got the best students and I’m lucky to work with them every day. They want to learn and are excited to feel the success that comes with their hard work. Second, staff; we’ve got great people working in Cherry Creek and I’ve never been alone in my career. They are the reason I continue to grow today. Third, community; I’ve always felt supported by the community I serve in Cherry Creek. They are aware of our work and 
appreciate and support the cause.”
Halaska’s passion for art, combined with his care and thoughtfulness for each individual student has been at the center of his work in ensuring that each student is engaged and feels welcome in Coyote Hill’s creative space.
“Nick goes above and beyond with all of his students,” said Kayla Lindbloom, Severe Needs Para Educator. “His ability to accommodate ILC students is always so refreshing to see. He can transform and personalize any activity the general education class is doing for each ILC student.” These are just two things that happened in the last week, he is continuously showing up for himself, his students, and his staff. He truly is a pleasure to work with and his love and passion for his job are clear every single day.
Kayla shared a few examples of Halaska’s dedication to art activities tailored to the needs of each ILC student.
“He knows one student loves to put pencils under the door, so he swapped a pencil with playdoh and the smile on the student’s face was gigantic. He also knows a student loves to twirl pants and shirts, so he took a shirt, connected four paintbrushes to the bottom and had paper laid out on the floor. That student was happy to twirl the shirt and make some amazing art.”
Coyote Hills is lucky to have an art teacher as caring and thoughtful as Nick Halaska!
