Jake Aubert
Position: Principal
School: Holy Family Catholic School
School District: Holy Family Catholic School
City, State: Grand Junction, CO
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Music that Describes Jake
Jake Aubert was nominated by a family member, Jennie Aubert.
"Gratitude, Empathy, Positive Attitude, and Courage." These words garnish the walls of Holy Family Catholic School's courtyard, where students gather outside each morning with a short message from Mr. Aubert. Each word is printed in bold letters on blue plaques. A year at a time, Mr. Aubert added them as words of encouragement for students to reflect upon as they meet the daily challenges of academic rigor, interact with teachers and peers, and grow into young adults. Students know these words that brand the courtyard and unite the three school buildings by heart, which gives the school’s atmosphere a sense of integrity and pride.
This morning routine changed dramatically in March, as students left for spring break and returned to class in a completely new format - a remote learning model. This change, however, didn’t come as a surprise to Mr. Aubert. As news of COVID-19 circulated in early 2020, he began conversations with teachers and staff to prepare for a variety of different scenarios, ranging from a hybrid learning model to complete remote learning. Some teachers thought he was crazy for preparing to do this in January! Mr. Aubert forged ahead, however, because he felt that the inevitable disruption of traditional classroom education was coming. He encouraged the staff to start practicing and preparing students with the technology of Google Classrooms. Teachers began preparing, and as the swift change in the community became a reality during spring break, Holy Family Catholic Schools was up and running with remote learning within a week. The students didn’t miss a day of instruction.
One of Mr. Aubert's priorities during the 2019-20 school year was a significant investment in IT infrastructure to support digital technology and textbooks in the intermediate and middle school grades. This allowed for a smooth transition to remote learning. His reasons for digital textbooks were numerous. The digitalization of traditionally printed textbooks allows for immediate use, and they're environmentally friendly due to their paperless nature. They're 50-60% cheaper than the printed versions; they are interactive, allowing for students to highlight, instantly search for major terms and chapter titles; and they are available anytime and anywhere. The use and availability of digital textbooks established prior to remote learning made for a seamless transition.
What made the transition most effective was Mr. Aubert’s anticipation of what was coming, his confidence in the staff, and his leadership in the days leading up to the launch of remote learning. He established a framework with daily Zoom meetings with his primary, intermediate and middle school teachers and a plan for execution of remote learning. Having the framework in place gave the staff confidence that their remote learning would be successful from the start. Flexibility was given to each teacher and grade to accommodate individual families, students and resources. Great care was taken to ensure that all families had access to Mr. Aubert to discuss questions and concerns. As a private school, tuition became a major concern for many families. Mr. Aubert was able to help with financial assistance through an emergency private fund to ensure that all families in need were relieved of the stress of covering tuition costs.
Emotionally, for the younger students, understanding the pandemic was difficult. Birthdays, special celebrations, milestones, and traditions were put on hold as the world shut down. Mr. Aubert received many phone calls from parents, grieving that their children were unable to host birthday parties or see their teachers and friends. Mr. Aubert did what he could to bring a little joy to students during this difficult time. He made it a priority to drive by students' homes and give birthday shout-outs from his car to both students and teachers alike. He orchestrated a video through the empty hallways showing how school wasn’t the same without its students. Most importantly, he sent weekly messages encouraging students to remember the importance of Gratitude, Empathy, a Positive Attitude and Courage - a reminder to be strong during these stressful times.
With the rapid onset of COVID-19 and a halt to in-person classroom learning this spring, Mr. Aubert led with extraordinary resilience, keeping students engaged in the transition to learning remotely. His calm leadership and demeanor brought solace to families and faculty who felt life was “out of control." People looked to him for leadership, and he didn't waver. Using data from the state government, Mr. Aubert’s plan for the fall has been in the works all summer. His main goal is to bring confidence to families who are unsure about what the fall semester will look like, allowing for flexibility in learning - ranging from in-classroom learning to continued remote learning based upon comfort levels of each family. From his foresight, to his early preparation, to the complete transition to remote learning, Mr. Aubert has been an amazing leader during this difficult time.
My father Jake Aubert is a very unique man. Over the years he has developed a charisma so complete that I often notice people are not sure what to think of him. At work he is stern and respected, socially he is fun and amicable, and with his loved ones he is kind and comforting, yet no matter where he is or who he is with he carries with him a quiet, noble confidence that makes him someone people trust in. I would know, in my life I have been lucky enough to see every side of him. His intensity and innate ability to lead is exactly what Holy Family needed when faced with the hardship that has been this past year, and he delivered. For months he has gone far past the call of duty, and has made this difficult situation work. He is a gift to his staff, to the students, to their families, and to anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him. He is a man that changes lives.
Mr. Aubert is one of the most conscientious, kind individuals I know. And he cares about all kids, even the ones who don’t go to his school. I have known him to drop what he was doing to pay attention to my niece because she didn’t have someone to play with. He also invited my other niece and her father to the Daddy-Daughter Dance at Holy Family because her school didn’t have one. He not only has dedicated himself to his students, but he pays extra kindness to children who don’t even attend Holy Family.
I highly recommend him for The Lifechanger of the Year Award, I’m sure there’s no one more deserving of this honor than Mr. Aubert.
Jack is one of the best educators of our time very kind, patient, docile and dedicated to the needs of his students and staffs. I am very satisfied to work you Jake, keep the good work. - Father Chrysogonus
We support Jake Aubert for the Life Changer Award because he is a LIFE CHANGER! Becoming family friends with Jake and his amazing family has been such a gift for our family. Jake is not only dedicated to his work at Holy Family Catholic School but his devotion to friends and family is inspiring. He truly cares about people and wants them to be successful in life whether you are a child going through school or an adult going through the rigors of life. This summer we have witnessed Jake’s strong leadership skills and poise making tough decisions during the COVID shutdown. Next, dealing with the challenge of re-opening his school safely, not only during a pandemic but with Colorado’s Largest Wild Fire happening nearby and heavily affecting the air quality in our community. These are unprecedented times but Jake has risen to the occasion being the positive leader he is! Our family feels extremely blessed to have Jake Aubert and his wonderful family in our lives!
Our twins attended HFCS from first through eighth grade and I can say with 100% confidence that Jake Aubuert had a lifelong lasting impact on both of them. Jake is an amazing leader for HFCS, but what sets Jake apart is the way he connects with the kids. He was strict but fair. He was stern but caring. He was honest but tactful and he was their leader, but also their friend. Jake has a way with kids and I believe the reason he has a way with kids is because kids see straight into your heart. Kids know! Kids know when you are genuine! Kids now when you really care, kids know when you are being truthful, and kids see through the BS! I believe its really pretty easy..... you want to connect with kids? All you have to do is genuinely care! JAKE AUBERT CONNECTS WITH KIDS! They may not like or agree with what he says, but they absolutely KNOW he says it with their best interest in mind. Jake Aubert is a Lifechanger every day! He is outgoing and always positive! I am not sure my kids or my family have ever seen Jake on a down day or found him not to be brimming with a "seize the day" attitude and let me tell you, it's contagious. Leading by example is what Jake does and that example is something the kids take with them long after they leave HFCS and that is the definition of a LIFECHANGER. Thank you, Jake, for being a part of our Jake and Emma's life..... they will look back years from now and your impact will still be there!
In the face of the worldwide pandemic, Jake Aubert rose to the challenge of protecting our children and continuing their education at the high level expected at Holy Family Catholic School. Moving quickly last spring, he was able to lead our school in transitioning to online learning with firm conviction and clear vision. The uncertainty of the fall was a difficult time for both parents and educators alike. What I appreciated about Principal Aubert was his acknowledgment of the difficulties involved, but the leadership to continue to plan for a fall semester that would be in the best interests of our children. Once in-person teaching was decided upon, he worked tirelessly to ensure the absolute highest level of safety for the students, teachers and staff. Given his commitment to student safety, I felt comfortable sending my daughter to school for in-person learning. And yet, for students and families without that level of comfort, a full on-line curriculum is available with no penalty for absences due to on-line learning. I would also like to applaud his positive attitude and daily encouragement of his students, which adds greatly to their emotional well-being. I believe Principal Aubert exemplifies the spirit of this award. Without his clear vision and commitment to our school and our students, we would not be having the successful fall semester currently in progress.
Tara L. Marshall, M.D.
Laboratory Medical Director, St. Mary's Hospital
2635 North 7th St
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: (970) 298-7186
Fax: (970) 298-2100
We support the nomination of Jake Aubert for the Life Changer Award.
As family members, we know how hard Jake has worked to transition Holy Family Catholic School from the traditional format to that which recognizes the realities forced upon the school by Covid 19. That has not been easy. He was faced with understanding the physical limitations in the building and the practicality of scheduling, as well as the weaknesses inherent in virtual teaching and learning. He then had to weave through sometimes differing and strong parental expressions of what should be done. The wonderful end result will be life changing for students and teachers by showing how to approach and overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
On a more personal note, at a recent tennis tournament, we saw a young student excitedly point out to her parents that Jake, her school principal, was there and run up to him. He scooped her up and gave her a hug. In the mind of the child, Jake was not only a figure of authority, but a friend. For all the students, the example of a school principal, who is also a friend, is a life changer.
Jake merits the Life Changer Award
Jake Aubert, in my opinion is what holds Holy Family together in good times and bad times. Jake is the ultimate team player and ultimate team leader, not just at Holy Family but in the community of Grand Junction, Co. Jake has clarity, he makes decisions that are clear and concise at all times, their is no question of his vision and what needs to be accomplished to make these visions a reality. Jake is decisive, once he has his mind made up, he doesn't hesitate to commit and he is all in with words and more importantly with his actions. Courage, Jake is not afraid to take on problems big or small. He may not always be right but he is not afraid to take a stance and see it thru and if he is wrong, is a big enough person to admit the mistake and learn from it. Passion, wow this guy's passion for children, learning and running a school are of the charts. He is willing to play football with the kids one second and then be seen cleaning up the cafeteria after lunch or running to meet with a parent about their child's situation at Holy Family. Humility, when I first met Jake he was oozing with confidence (and still is) and rightly so, but I have also witnessed where he always says "we" at Holy Family our committed to your child's education, "we" will find a way to have a music program this year, "we" will find a way to have plays at our school, "we" are here not only for your child's education but their growth as a person. There is no doubt in my mind my children are better people for attending Holy Family School and having been impacted by Mr. Aubert by the way he does things. When I feel a little down I go the morning pray and listen to the children speak and then Jake will send them off with words of encouragement, I leave myself feeling way better about myself and the world we all live in!
Jake is a hugely positive presence at Holy Family Catholic School. The students, staff, and families are very fortunate to have a wonderful leader like Jake. He creates a growth mindset environment that can be felt from the top down at the school! It is especially wonderful to see his passion for children and education as he interacts with the kids during recess and shadowing during class. He has done a wonderful job at keeping our school community united and informed through this unprecedented time in our history. Thank you for all you do.
Mr. Aubert runs a tight ship. He made sure our teachers were well prepared ahead of time “just in case” we had to move to remote learning. He wanted our students to continue receiving the same quality education remotely that they were receiving in the classroom. Due to his planning and encouraging teachers to plan accordingly, our school was able to move to remote learning right after spring break.
During remote learning, he emphasized to our teachers that he wanted HFCS to be a blessing to families, not a burden. He encouraged teachers to familiarize themselves with the impact remote learning was having on their students and their families and accommodate them if remote learning was a struggle. He joined many virtual classroom meets to stay engaged with our students.
He encouraged teachers to personally reach out to each of their students, parents/guardians on a regular basis, whether it be by a phone call, an email, or a text message to keep the relationship between them going.
Mr. Aubert truly cares for all our students, families and all staff. He has all of our best interests at heart and in mind when making decisions for Holy Family Catholic School.
Mr. Aubert is our LifeChanger, without a doubt! During these unprecedented times his leadership has been critical to our success as a school community. When faced with countless questions, concerns, and unexpected twists and turns Mr. Aubert continues to find a way to offer even the most concerned parents and students comfort when we need it most. His proactive and thoughtful approach to how we, as a community, react in a time of crisis gives us faith that there's nothing we can't handle. What makes him most remarkable is his ability to honor our concerns and hold space for us to grieve missed experiences, while at the same time leading and guiding us through uncharted waters. The fact that so many of us continue to entrust our children to him is a testament to how dear we hold him in our hearts. Our children's lives are changed for the better because of Mr. Aubert, and one day when they think back to the year 2020 they will remember his role in their success. We can't recommend a more deserving leader for this award; Mr. Aubert is our LifeChanger!
Jake is such a blessing in our community. His determination and confidence has helped lead our school. I would say that his most important traits though are his compassion and his faith. He truly cares about his staff, students and parents. He treats all like we are his family and it is evident in his words and actions. When he talks about caring for others, he leads the way by modeling these actions. He was here all spring and summer looking for ways to help our students and the families. He looks for innovative ways to support and enhance our school. I am proud to work with such a caring human being. It is during these challenging times that he has risen even more to lead our school! Way to go Mr. Aubert! Thank you for leading with your heart as well as your mind!
Mr. Aubert is an exemplary administrator and leader. He cares about the staff and students that he serves. His work ethic and leadership has made Holy Family Catholic School a model of excellence for all private schools. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work for him because of his strong faith, leadership and knowledge base. I highly recommend him for this honor!
Char Hacker
Reading Interventionist K-2
Those of us who are parents understand the complete and total commitment to our children. The commitment is selfless, loving and unwavering! In our community we are blessed to have an additional parental focus to our children and our community in Jake Aubert. As a wonderful father himself, he brings the same nurturing focus to the children of our school as principal. His efforts are tireless as I drive by the school and see his vehicle parked in its normal spot, often all by itself, during hours you would not expect. He carries the positive banner of the school everywhere he goes and exudes a "can do, win for the kids" spirit that is infectious. During the pandemic prep process, he was well ahead of the district in outlining and setting SOP's. This was done taking into consideration many different view points and real concerns about the start up. What he achieved was proper learning environment keeping students safety at the top of the list. My son fashions his school day around "what would Mr. Aubert think if I did this or that and also I see Mr. Aubert here or there and he played ball with us at recess (pre pandemic.) Jake has the pulse each and every student under his stead and provides just the right amount of friendship, oversight and guidance on a custom basis for each. I have know Jake Aubert for many years, as a vice principal, principal and as a friend. He certainly has had a positive impact on all three of my children's lives, but also in mine. I find I am a better person around Jake or at least he inspires me to be. And I find myself thinking, what would Mr. Aubert do in this situation. If that is not a life changer, I don't know what is!
Me Aubert is truly a blessing and the perfect leader for our school and community. He leads by example, being the first to be willing to put on any hat required to get a job done. Even before the pandemic hit, his dedication to the school was greatly apparent. It was not uncommon to see him mopping or doing dishes in the lunch room, taking out the trash, welcoming and sending students off each morning and afternoon.
When the pandemic hit, he faced the challenge head on. He held meetings consistently to keep all teachers and staff supported, informed, and confident in their new teaching model. He was available and reached out to any parents whom requested or voiced concerns, questions, or suggestions with willingness to accommodate and aid all to his utmost abilities. He stayed informed on all aspects of the virus and current guidelines and put plans into place so that the school could open safely and on time. He is always looking ahead to the ever changing needs and requirements necessary to keep students learning whether that remains in person or through remote learning.
His leadership is paramount to what makes Holy Family a warm, inclusive, thriving community for learning and growing in all aspects for students and families alike.