Principal Profile: Sid Rundle, Cresthill Middle School

HIGHLANDS RANCH – “Most importantly, we believe in joy. If we are doing our jobs correctly, you should experience education as a joyful experience. An optimistic yet affirmative experience that changes students’ perspectives about education,” says Cresthill Middle School (CMS) Principal Sid Rundle.

Now in his 8th year as principal, Rundle emphasizes that middle school students are at a very important stage in their lives.  “This window in adolescence is such an incredibly dynamic and precious time,” says Rundle. “There is more going on in their brains, more so now, than any other time in their life. This is incredibly dynamic growth period.”

According to Rundle, mind, heart and character are the elements that guide students through their journey at CMS.  Rundle teaches his students what it takes to be a successful CMS Cougar and a sturdy human being. 

“For many adults I talk to, they elaborate on how much they disliked junior high or their middle school experience.  I thought to myself, 'it doesn’t have to be that way.' If we are thoughtful, purposeful and intentional about the middle schools we build, they can be an incredibly empowering experience for kids.”

Rundle has his heart set on providing his students with an environment where mistakes can be made.  Those mistakes can be corrected by a supportive staff that is there to mentor students into confident yet prepared prospects for high school.

“The first thing I did with my budget this year was hire a 3rd counselor. I want to have more mental health support than I have ever had before because I want to be as proactive as I can about meeting the emotional and social needs of our kids.”

Considering the fact that students need to experience frustration, disappointment, as well as rejections, Rundle believes that these are normal and healthy things as long as they are in a loving environment that loves kids and wants to take care of them. 

“We let them have that gift of struggle in order so that they will grow into sturdy human beings, which is the goal,” says Rundle

CMS defines their school as “culture warriors”. As a culture warrior, it is a student’s duty to protect and defend the culture of CMS. Rundle likes to use the acronym SHARES when it come to what CMS values: Safety, Hospitality, Accountability, Respect, Empathy, and Stewardship.

CMS encourages students to get involved in after school activities to really aid in the process of pursuing life goals or dreams.  The school offers an array of different after school activities to really empower the students to step out of the box and try something new. Cresthill’s staff collectively creates a safe and supportive environment where students are faced with personal accountability and constructive guidance. 

“This is a great opportunity to find something that they are passionate about or to take a risk and try something new,” continues Rundle. “At the middle school level students have this great opportunity that says you are neither backpacked nor brief-cased. You're right in between and this is where you will build your soul and character for the human being you are becoming.”