The District Accountability Committee (DAC) met on October 27, 2022. The DAC provides recommendations to the District about spending priorities, student achievement, and parent engagement. The DAC members shared their experiences and perspectives about the following topics:

• The District's system of reporting student progress (grades) should undergo review and improvement so that parents can better understand how their children are performing, and the areas for growth and support.
• The District should review conferences so that parents have more opportunity to speak with the teacher(s) about their children.
• The District should explore more ways to facilitate communication with parents, especially for parents whose primary language is not English.
• The District should increase parent involvement in the schools, including more volunteer opportunities.

The recommendations from the DAC members reinforced what our administrative team has identified as areas for growth. For parents to be partners in their children's education, there needs to be clear communication about student academic growth. Progress reports need to be user-friendly to parents so they know how their children are performing in school. The progress reports can become the basis for the parent and teacher discussion at the conferences, and also throughout the school year. It is also important to communicate about the habits and behaviors that students have in school. While staying on task, completing assignments on time, and working well with others has a positive impact on learning, these habits and behaviors are also the foundation for being responsible adults, as well as expectations in the workplace.

Parent involvement is critical to student achievement and success. While all parents may not be able to volunteer in the classrooms or schools, we do need to create more opportunities for the parents who can. When the parents can understand some of the challenges we face in school today, they can help us develop the solutions and the supports the students need.

For parents to be involved in their children's education, we need to move some of the barriers that have made this difficult. Sharing what students are learning and celebrating their success are simple ways to keep parents informed. Keeping parents informed about little problems or concerns before they turn into larger problems and concerns is important so the school staff and parents can work together in the best interest of the student. Parents can also be involved in very meaningful ways by just talking with their children, supporting healthy sleep and eating habits, and promoting regular attendance in schools. These steps go a long way to ensuring students are ready to learn.

The administrative team, along with the support of parents, faculty, and staff will begin implementing some changes in practices that have become barriers to parent involvement. After all, student achievement and success has to be a team effort.

The next DAC meeting will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the district offices located at 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO 81635. Child care is provided.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Baugh at jbaugh@garfield16.org or 970-285-5701.

Our District honored those who are serving and have served our country on Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, with special assemblies at GVHS and BUE. We honor all Veterans and thank them for their service!

The GVHS Veteran's Day Assembly was organized by the GVHS Leadership Class and Student Council. The assembly was open to the public. GVHS was happy to host several community members, including Veterans and their families. Our local heroes were guided to the assembly with U.S. flags lining the sidewalk. Once they entered the building, a welcome station with plants, flags, and refreshments was offered. Veterans and their families were given special up-front seating where they could enjoy the assembly. GVHS student Kaelee Sabata opened the ceremony by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner." GVHS Leadership Class and Student Council sponsor, Mr. Wardell (a Veteran himself), along with Student Body President Brittany Loera Munoz, and Student Representative Steven Hicks acted as emcees. Randy Breece of the Rifle American Legion served as the keynote speaker. Students listened as the assembly team explained the significance and history of Veterans Day, read poems, and thanked our soldiers for signing up to make the ultimate sacrifice. A tribute video compiled by GVHS Leadership was shown honoring our local heroes with pictures of them in uniform, during or after their service. The GVHS choir performed "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Each Veteran present at the assembly was given the opportunity to stand, state their name, branch, year, and location of service. GVHS student Chloe Gronewoller sang "God Bless America," and Jacob Doyle performed "Taps" on the trumpet.

Thank you to GVHS' Leadership Class and Student Council for organizing and hosting the event. We are grateful for all the Veterans who were able to attend. A special thank you to Randy Breece of the Rifle American Legion who served as our keynote speaker. Thank you to the Rifle American Legion, Parachute VFW, Battlement Mesa Service Association, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, and Garfield 16 employees who helped promote the event, and to the Grand Valley Historical Society for providing local artifacts.

The BUE Veterans Day Assembly was organized by Mrs. Humphrey and supported by BUE staff. BUE is proud to say that they have held a Veterans Day program for more than 20 years. This assembly was also open to the public. BUE was happy to welcome several community members as well, including Veterans and their families. Guests were guided to the gymnasium where the 5th Grade Choir performed several songs honoring our Veterans and our country. Their performance included "The Star Spangled Banner," "My Country 'Tis of Thee," and "Salute to Our Grand Old Flag." In between songs, students spoke about honoring our nation's brave Veterans, gave space for Veterans present to stand and be recognized, explained the symbolism of the American flag, and explained the "Fallen Soldiers Table."

The "Fallen Soldiers Table" was set up at the front of the gymnasium. 5th graders explained the significance of the Fallen Soldiers Table. According to The Fallen Soldier Narrative, "This table, set for one, is small -- symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of intentions to respond to our country's call to arms. The single rose reminds us of the families and loved ones that keep the faith -- awaiting the return of our comrades-in-arms. A slice of lemon on the plate to remind us of their bitter fate. The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of the families as they wait. The glass is inverted because they cannot toast with us tonight. The candle represents the light of hope. The yellow ribbon represents faithfully waiting for those who are serving away from home. The chair is empty because they are not here."

The gymnasium was decorated with artwork by Mrs. Hartman's 3rd Grade Class. The artwork featured a silhouette of a saluting soldier. The students colored their soldiers with stars and stripes, representing the U.S. flag, and decorated the background with stars.

Thank you to Mrs. Humphrey and BUE staff for organizing the event, to the 5th Grade Choir for performing, and to "Grandma Humphrey" for volunteering her time and piano skills. We are grateful for all the Veterans who were able to attend, and thank them for their service.

As part of their first literacy unit on families and community, BUE 2nd Graders learned to ask who, what, when, where, why, and how questions by inviting community helpers into their classrooms to interview. Students generated their interview questions in class prior to the event and took great pride in being able to ask their questions. Our community partners were Dr. Lindsay Cala from the Grand River Health West Clinic, Kristen Acosta from the Journey Home Animal Care Center, Scott Hoyer from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Firefighters Karsyn and Crystal from the Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Ari Philipson from Garfield 16 Outdoor Education, and Officer James Miller from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office.

Our counselor team would feedback from Garfield 16 parents/guardians and staff regarding our counselor programs in Garfield 16 schools. This is part of a requirement for a grant that funds our counseling programs.

We invite you to complete a quick survey online. You can find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P95W9PW

The survey will close on November 21, 2022.

If you need a paper copy of the survey, please go to the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center.

Your input will help us evaluate the effectiveness of our counseling programs and identify areas for improvement.

Upon completing this survey, you will be entered into a drawing for gift cards. Please provide your email address to be entered to win one of two $50 Visa gift cards.

We thank you for your time and participation.

On Oct. 21, 2022, GVMS 8th Graders participated in a field trip to the Rifle Arch and Rifle Heritage Museum. GVMS social studies and history teacher, Micah Amborn, and GVMS science teacher, Tom Ferro, both helped Garfield 16's Outdoor Education Coordinator, Ari Philipson, lead the event. The Rifle Arch is a 2.8-mile hike featuring desert terrain, a juniper forest, and unique rock formations. According to the Rifle Heritage Museum website, "The Rifle Heritage Center is the largest museum in Garfield County; and is home to a wide variety of exhibits and interactive displays that come together to tell the story of Rifle's past."

On Oct. 21, 2022, GVMS 7th Graders participated in a Field Day at GVMS. GVMS English language arts teacher Jess Carter, GVMS world history teacher Caitlyn Tustin, GVMS science teacher David Spies, and GVMS English language arts teacher Kirsten Knox led the activities. The students participated in stations connecting their literature reading to Field Day activities. The students have been reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. Field Day activities brought events in the book to life. Students participated in various stations including carrying water from the school to the community park, escape rooms, and science lessons. GVMS English language arts teacher Jess Carter reflected on the event, "It was really neat to see the creativity students showcased to carry the water successfully from GVMS to the Community Park. Students had to persevere and collaborate with one another to successfully complete the walk without spilling their bucket of water. After their experience with their long walk to water, students had to compare their experience to the protagonist, Nya. It was our hope for students to gain a deeper understanding of the struggle others often face in their effort to survive."

Starting Oct. 25, 2022, Philipson partnered with GVMS Physical Education Teacher Brittany Clark and CSU Garfield County Extension 4-H Agent, Dani Wesolowski, for a two-week archery unit held at GVMS. Students learned how to safely use a bow and arrow, and got practice shooting various targets.

According to GVMS student Aila Mae Griffin, "Today we are practicing archery lessons. We have taped cards up to the board, on to the targets, and we are trying to hit cards to earn 4-H pins. Shooting a bow and arrow is really fun. I learned that aiming is a lot harder than you think it is. If we ever end up in a situation where we need food or something, or just for fun, these lessons will help better our understanding of shooting a bow and arrow and have more increased chances of actually hitting your target. Archery is worth a shot."

According to Garfield 16 Outdoor Education Coordinator, Ari Philipson, "Archery skills in a PE program gives students an alternative to some of the high-intensity athletic sports by having them become more aware of their hand/eye coordination, body position and awareness, as well as gaining tools that help them to be consistent in their shooting over time. We have followed the National Archery in Schools Program to teach kids everything from eye dominance to range safety, to anatomy of bows and arrows, and how to better improve their accuracy in archery."

According to CSU Garfield County Extension 4-H Agent, Dani Wesolowski, "If kids are interested in joining 4-H, they can contact the 4-H office by going online to https://garfield.extension.colostate.edu/programs/4-h/ or calling 970-625-3969. We have some winter camps coming up, including ski and snowboard club that's going to be going up to Sunlight Mountain and Powderhorn. We have a girls who hike club that's going to be centered here in Parachute, out of BUE, and we have Family Friday's at Rifle CMC, that's for youth to learn STEM while their parents get help with English."

On November 10, 2022, BUE 3rd Graders traveled to the Colorado National Monument. This field experience was connected to a unit of study on national parks, why they were created, and how we can help protect them. Students, teachers, and volunteers arrived at the Devil's Kitchen Picnic Area and were greeted by Education Ranger Nicholas Scarborough, known as "Ranger Nick." Ranger Nick welcomed students and explained the history of the Colorado National Monument. Students were then given the opportunity to complete various stations organized by Philipson and BUE Instructional Coach, Kara Holden. One of the stations was hiking to Devil's Kitchen. Students made the ascent to "Devil's Kitchen," a natural amphitheater comprised of huge boulders. Students were amazed by the formations and excited to enjoy the beauty of the Colorado National Monument. While at Devil's Kitchen, Ms. Holden facilitated a Sit Spot activity. Students sat in silence to observe, journal about, and absorb the natural beauty around them. Students also completed stations about cryptobiotic soil, the history of the area, and decomposition.

Thank you to Garfield 16 Outdoor Education Coordinator, Ari Philipson, and BUE Instructional Coach, Kara Holden, for organizing and facilitating the event. Thank you to the National Park Service for waiving entrance fees and allowing our students to explore the CO National Monument. Thank you to Ranger Nick for educating our students about the history of the area and best practices on the trail. Thank you to our teachers, parent volunteers, and bus drivers for getting our students to the field trip and back safely, with great memories to share.

On November 11, 2022, BUE preschool classes held a "Turkey Talk" program. Philipson and LeRoy Gutierrez visited all three BUE preschool classrooms to speak to kids about turkeys. Philipson and Gutierrez let the students hear their best turkey calls and talked to students about colors and patterns of turkeys. According to BUE preschool teacher Bobbi Gutierrez, "We use Creative Curriculum in preschool and it allows for 'wow experiences.' We talked a lot about the different body parts of the turkey and related them to our own body parts. The students loved that turkeys have beards and some of our dad's also have beards. We also talked a lot about the patterning on the turkey feathers and we did drawings with patterning on the feathers. Our guests brought in calls and examples of how turkeys communicate. We talked about how turkey communication is different and similar to how we communicate. We really had such an awesome experience, we are very grateful for Ari and Mr. Gutierrez to come and bring such a fun experience to the kids."

After Thanksgiving break, GVMS students will participate in a one-week rock climbing unit. Students will learn about rock climbing tactics and safety at the rock wall inside GVMS.

GVHS Outdoor Club will be participating in winter activities such as skiing/snowboarding and ice skating.

As the seasons change, Philipson is gearing up for winter activities by completing gear maintenance, inventory, and grant reports.

The Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center was awarded a $20,000.00 grant from the Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) as part of the Community Grantmaking program. According to the organization, "ACF's Community Grantmaking program has been addressing the needs of the Aspen to Parachute region since 1980. Made possible by contributions from individuals wishing to support a pooled grantmaking fund, this program supports nonprofit organizations working in the areas of early childhood education, youth development, family support and essential human services." According to ACF's Cradle to Career Director, Valerie Carlin, "We have been big proponents of family resource centers as a model for schools. We were very excited to work with Garfield 16 when they were first thinking about a family resource center, and then when it became a reality, we knew we wanted to support it. We think it's a great resource for families. The best way to really help people get what they need, is through the school district's resource center." ACF has been a major supporter of Garfield 16's School-Based Family Resource Center since its inception five years ago. According to Garfield 16's School-Based Family Resource Center Coordinator, Claudia Flores Cruz, "We are extremely grateful for all the support the Aspen Community Foundation has given us throughout the years. The funding they provide allows us to achieve our goal of helping families in need in our school district, and we couldn't do it without the support of our community, and organizations like the Aspen Community Foundation."

The Grand Valley Givers has placed a Giving Tree at Clark's Market. The Giving Tree is filled with tags including the age, gender, and clothing size of a child needing additional support this holiday season. The Grand Valley Givers hope that these gifts will help make the holiday season brighter for families in need of assistance. Community members can select a tag from the tree to provide gifts for children who are less fortunate. Gifts with the corresponding tags need to be returned to the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center at 251 North Parachute Ave., Parachute CO 81635 by December 2, 2022.

The Grand Valley Center for Family Learning (CFL) will be having a Food Drive. If you are able, we are collecting any non-perishable food items to give to families in need this year at Christmas. We will begin collecting items at CFL on December 6, 2022 and finish on December 16, 2022. All the donations will go to the Resource Center for distribution. We would love to collect enough donations to feed as many families as possible, so please consider a small donation.

Items Needed:

Canned pumpkin

Canned corn

Canned soups

Canned green beans

Box stuffings

Box macaroni and cheese

Canned fruit

Canned cranberries

Box mashed potatoes

Box juices

Rolls- store packaged

Gravy- packets or jars

Christmas candy/ premade cookies

Brownie/ dessert mixes

Graham cracker crusts

Please Do Not Bring:

Anything perishable: milk, cheese, meat, etc.

Any damaged cans

Any expired items

Free GED tutoring classes are being offered at the resource center. The classes are held every Wednesday, from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The instructor speaks Spanish and is excited to help anyone interested achieve their goal of earning a GED. Please email ctustin@garfield16.org for more information.

In partnership with Colorado Mountain College (CMC), the School-Based Family Resource Center is hosting Spanish classes for adults and children. Both classes (beginning Spanish for adults and beginning Spanish for kids) will be held on Mondays. The Spanish for kids class will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The Spanish for adults class will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.. All classes will be held at the Resource Center, beginning January 16, 2023 through March 6, 2023. According to CMC, the classes for both adults and kids are "for beginner students who want to learn to speak Spanish. We will cover basic grammar, vocabulary, and expressions used in daily situations and while traveling." There are 12 seats available in each class and the fee is $95.00. To sign up, visit https://community-education.coloradomtn.edu

Thank you to GVHS Leadership for organizing a Thanksgiving Food Drive. The Leadership Class collected non-perishable food items at GVHS for the first half of November. Thanks to their efforts, along with donations from Caerus Oil and Gas, the Resource Center will be able to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to Garfield 16 families in need.

Thank you to Mrs. Strong's 2nd Grade Class! They completed a socks and cereal drive, donating 24 boxes of cereal and 70 pairs of socks to the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center!

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our School Based Family Resource Center for more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Claudia Flores Cruz

Center Coordinator

970-285-5262

cflorescruz@garfield16.org

A NOTE FROM OUR DISTRICT NURSE

Hello everyone – This is an update from CDPHE. We will send more information as soon as it becomes available: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/influenza

We are seeing a rapid increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) across the country and here in Colorado. Hospitalizations, especially in young children, are now threatening pediatric bed capacity.

Please stay home when sick and follow public health guidance on when to return. Specifically for influenza and RSV, individuals should remain home from school or child care until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and other symptoms have been improving for 24 hours, this is true even if they have tested negative for COVID-19. More information can be found here: How Sick is Too Sick and Infectious Disease in School and Child Care Settings

Remember, COVID-19 vaccines and annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged ≥ 6 months who does not have contraindications.

The 2022-23 Guidance for Prevention & Control of Non-COVID-19 Respiratory Illnesses in Schools and Child Care Settings was recently released and includes guidance on managing, reporting, and controlling respiratory illnesses in schools and child care settings.

As winter approaches, we would like to remind you that sometimes our buses can run a little late while dealing with winter roads. Please make sure your student(s) are dressed warmly. Also, please speak with them about waiting at the bus stop until the bus arrives. The district will notify parents if a bus is severely delayed, and the safest option for children is to wait for the bus so they do not miss a late bus.

In the event that we need to close schools due to the weather, that decision is made by 6 a.m. and all parents will be notified. We survey the road conditions to make sure that roads are safe for the buses, student drivers, and staff.

This month, we would like to highlight our Food Service staff. They work day in and out to make sure our students are served nutritional meals throughout their school day. Thank you to all of our food service workers for feeding our students! We asked each staff member how long they have been working for our school district, and what is their favorite thing about their job. Their responses are below.

*Pictured above, CFL Food Service staff: Marcela Garcia Garcia, Kitchen Manager Melissa De La Cruz Rodriguez, Ana Esparza, and Katelyn Birney*

CFL Kitchen Manager Melissa De La Cruz Rodriguez has been with the district for about two years. When asked her favorite thing about working at CFL, she stated, "I like the environment and to get to see all the kids' faces."

Ana Esparza has worked for the district for about nine months. She said her favorite thing was "the contact with the kids, and the environment is very nice."

Marcela Garcia Garcia has been with the district for about five years. She enjoys her job and said it is "tranquil and gives me time to do my activities with my kids."

Katelyn Birney has been with the district for about two months. She enjoys "the atmosphere. These ladies are good to work with. This job works with my children's schedule. It is a flexible and easy-going environment."

*Pictured above, BUE Food Service Staff: Kitchen Manager Brenda Bowen, Stacie Georg, and Haydee Lopez Rojas*

BUE Kitchen Manager Brenda Bowen has been working for Garfield 16 schools for 13 years! When asked what her favorite thing about her job is, she replied, "I love this age group, and I like working with my coworkers, we have a great team here."

Stacie Georg has been with the district for about nine years. She said her favorite thing about working for the district is "Brenda and the kids."

Haydee Lopez Rojas has been with the district for about two years. She enjoys "preparing food for the kids."

*Pictured above, GVMS Food Service Staff: Lizbeth Bustillos Pedroza, Minerva Baltazar, Coreen Hamilton, and Kitchen Manager Stephenie Archuletta.*

GVMS Kitchen Manager Stephenie Archuletta has worked for the district for about seven years total, five years in her current position. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she said, "I enjoy watching the kids grow."

Lizbeth Bustillos Pedroza has been with the district for about two years. Lizbeth said, "My favorite thing is everything. I do a little bit of everything, and I enjoy it all."

Coreen Hamilton has been with the district for about two years. When asked her favorite part of her job, she replied, "I love to cook. I'm not originally from here, so I don't know the kids, so every one of them is new to me."

Minerva Baltazar has been with the district for about three years. She had the following to say about her job, "I love everything, preparing food for the kids, I love helping. I really like being here."

*Pictured above, GVHS Food Service Staff: Director of Nutrition Services Jody Williams, Marilyn Dennis, Gloria Munoz, Mia Leonard, and Jacalyn "Candi" Bluhm*

Director of Nutrition Services Jody Williams has worked for Garfield 16 for about 17 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "I love working with all the kitchen ladies, and watching the kids grow. At this point, we have seen students graduate and now they have families of their own coming through our district. It's a privilege to be part of their school experience."

Marilyn Dennis has been with the district for many years. She had the following to say about her job, "I enjoy the kids and the people I work with. I like doing what I do."

Gloria Munoz has worked for the district for about nine years. She said her favorite part of her job includes "cooking and being with the kids. I like my job. I enjoy being here, it feels like home."

Mia Leonard has been with the district for about six months. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "I like kids."

Jacalyn "Candi" Bluhm has worked for the district for about six years. She said her favorite part of her job is "the kids, because this is a great time when we get to see them. They love breakfast and they love lunch time."

This month we are highlighting our Transportation staff. They rise early each day to ensure your children make it to school safely and on-time. They return to make sure your children are transported safely back home. Without them, many of our children would not be able to make it to school. We thank them for all their hard work and for ensuring our students can attend school and be transported safely to school and extracurricular activities!

Coordinator of Transportation Steven Gardner has been with Garfield 16 for about six years. He has worked in transportation for 33 years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "I love my kids, I do what I do for the kids. I do have a great crew as well."

Bus Driver Paul Dudley has worked with Garfield 16 for about two years. He said his favorite thing about his job is "when I see kids smile getting on the bus."

Bus Driver Denise Scheib has been with the district for about three years. She enjoys "when the kids get off the bus and they say 'thank you' or 'have a nice day," and appreciate the ride."

Bus Driver Tom Nichols has been working with the district for about four months. He said he appreciates "when the kid sare good and quiet, it's awesome. Most of the time, they are good."

Bus Driver, Trainer, and Mr. Gardner's right-hand woman, Mrs. Kelly or "Mama Kelly," as the athletes affectionately refer to her, has worked for the district for about seven years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "The students. Another thing I love about working for Garfield 16 besides the interaction with my students is being the driver trainer. I work with coaches to obtain their small vehicle license and I trained most of the Garfield 16 bus drivers. The CDL process is strenuous and taking someone through the course and molding them into a school bus driver is very rewarding to me."

Bus Driver Yvonne Vicencio Fernandez has been with the district for about four years. She enjoys "when the kids behave, thank me for driving, and appreciate our work." The day she was interviewed, Yvonne received a thank you card from her students for giving them a safe ride home.

Bus Aide Mia Leonard has been working with the transportation department for about six months. She said, "I love working with my little kids, they are so sweet." You may recognize Mia from our Food Service staff as well.

Bus Driver Jacalyn "Candi" Bluhm, also a Food Service staff member, has been working with the transportation department for about two years. When asked about her favorite part of her job as a Bus Driver, she said, "I get the kids when they are happiest, whether it's feeding them or taking them home, they are happy."

Bus Driver Donna Nichols has been working with Garfield 16 for about two years, and has worked in transportation for nine years total. She had the following to say about her job, "I love the kids. I think those Kindergarteners are so stinking cute. I love driving them."

This month we are highlighting our custodial staff. They work early and/or late shifts to ensure our students can learn in a clean and safe environment. They clean up after our students and staff, and are always ready to lend a hand. Without them, we would be a mess! We appreciate all you do!

CFL Head Custodian Verna Culver has worked with the district for 22 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "The kids."

CFL Custodian Mariah Johnson has worked with the district for about five months. She enjoys "being able to see the kids."

Elicia Madrigal serves as a custodian all over the district. She is not only at CFL when needed, but also at BUE, GVMS, and GVHS. She has worked for the district for about four years. She said, "CFL and the littles are my joy. Being able to interact with them is my favorite thing."

*Pictured above, BUE Custodians: Juana Quintanilla, Danelle Monaco, and Head Custodian Rhonda Maxey*

BUE Head Custodian Rhonda Maxey has worked with the district for over 20 years.

Danelle Monaco has worked with the district for about four years.

Juana Quintanilla has worked with the district for about 10 months.

When asked their favorite thing about their jobs, they all had the same response, they enjoy "The kids and the staff. We have a really good staff here. The support of the staff is amazing."

GVMS Head Custodian Holly Bowen has worked with the district for about 15 years, and has worked in her current position at GVMS for about 13 years. When asked her favorite thing about her job, she replied, "I mainly do this for the students. I loved kids, and I want to make sure the building is safe and clean for them."

GVMS Night Custodian Alberto Melendrez has been with the district for about 20 years. He said his favorite part of his job is "sharing with the kids and seeing the kids."

GVHS Head Custodian Daryl Snaza has been with the district for about nine years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "I love the tradition in the school. We have had a tradition of being the cleanest school in the Western Slope. When people visit, we always get compliments on our cleanliness."

GVHS Custodian Donald Hunt has been working with the district for about five years. He enjoys "seeing the smiles on the student's faces. Hopefully we are bettering the society for the future and giving honest advice, the best we can."

GVHS Custodian Ismael Pantaleon Zacarias has been with the district for about four months. He had the following to say about his job, " Even though I am so new to this job, I like the environment."

*Pictured above: Admin, Transportation & Maintenance, and School-Based Family Resource Center Custodian Ana Escoto*

Ana Escoto is the custodian for the admin building, as well as the Transportation & Maintenance building, and the School-Based Family Resource Center. She has worked for the district for about five years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "I like my job. I am comfortable here. The people are very nice and respectful, and the environment is good and tranquil."

This month we are highlighting our maintenance staff as well. They work tirelessly in all conditions, during the hot summer months and in the cold winter months. They work inside and outside of all of our buildings to ensure our schools are safe and well maintained. We thank them for their hard work and know our campuses wouldn't be the same without them.

Gary Skalla, Director of Maintenance, has been working with the district for about 17 years. He is not only in charge of maintenance and grounds, but also custodial. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "It's something different every day and the district has been good to me."

Edwin Groff, Maintenance, has been with the district for about four and a half years. He enjoys, "working around the kids."

Michael Kelly, Grounds, has been with the district for about five months. He had the following to say about his favorite part of his job, "It's close to home, and I like the people that work here."

John Parker, Maintenance, has been working with the district for about four years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "people."

Steve Rivera, Grounds, has been with the district for about five years. He said, "It's a nice, pleasant place to work."

Save the Date: Holidays in Grand Valley

Theme: A Gingerbread Christmas

Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Free hot chocolate, cookies, Santa, hay rides, movie, light parade, and fireworks show!

Heads Up:

Traffic impacts for people leaving from or driving to Battlement Mesa have begun. Time delays are expected while crews work on the road. Please plan accordingly. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for announcements on exact dates.

All bathrooms located in Parks across the Town are closed for the season.

As Always:

Planning Commission and Town Council & meetings are open to ALL PUBLIC. They are held at Town Hall on the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm unless otherwise posted.