Garfield 16 Gazette
September 2022
District Highlights
Garfield 16 Schools Earn Level 1 Certifications as Marzano Academies
Marzano Academies was established in 2016. This nonprofit organization partners with schools to provide a unique, competency-based educational model and specific educational support services. According to the Certification Report for Garfield County School District 16, "Partnership-schools will successfully implement all the interventions and actions associated with the Marzano Academies' educational model and through an intensive verification process, eventually earn and become a certified Marzano Academy."
Garfield 16 began the process to become a certified Marzano Academy during the 2019-2020 school year. The interventions and actions identified by the Marzano Academies are to be implemented across a three-year period. According to BUE Principal Amber Clark, "The most important thing is what Marzano Academies' certification means for our kids. There are a lot of best practices out there, but it doesn't mean they are what is best for our community. This approach helps us meet our kids where they are at. Whether they are at grade level, above, or below grade level, this will allow us to meet them where they are and help them grow."
The staff of Grand Valley Center for Family Learning, Bea Underwood Elementary, and Grand Valley Middle School have participated in various trainings in order to implement the Marzano Academies' Competency-Based Education Model. According to their website, "The Marzano Academies mission is to provide effective, research-driven support to all K-12 schools ensuring that all students who progress through each Marzano Academy not only become academically proficient members of society but are also individuals who experience joy and satisfaction in life and strive to create a world where all have access to these outcomes.
As Clark explained, "I remember being in school and everyone got the same instruction, plan, and goals, regardless of what they needed. Competency-based, personalized learning seeks to meet our students exactly where they are at in their learning. Everyone still gets core instruction and in addition to that, there is a huge emphasis on personalization for our kids. If students are below grade level, their teachers are helping them catch up. If students are at grade level, their teachers are helping them progress to their next skill. If students are above grade level, their teachers are helping them push themselves to achieve the next thing they need to learn in their learning continuum. This will be the education of the future."
For more information, visit https://marzanoacademies.org/
Interim Superintendent Corner
The Colorado Department of Education released the 2022 preliminary accountability framework results on September 8th. Garfield 16 was rated as accredited with an improvement plan. The main areas for growth are participation in the CMASS English language arts and math assessments in grades 3 through 8. The benchmark participation rate is 95%. At the elementary level, 87-88% of the students took the assessments, and at the middle school level, 61%. This low participation rate affects the average academic achievement scores and growth scores. One of the District’s goals for the 2022-23 school year will be to increase the participation rate so that the 2023 accountability framework results better represents the academic achievement and growth of the students.
“Student achievement is important,” said Interim Superintendent Jennifer Baugh in the presentation to the School Board on September 20th. Baugh continued to explain that proficiency in reading and math are needed to be successful in whatever students decide to do after graduation. "Being proficient at something is what is expected in workforce, so it isn’t something we can avoid."
Along with the goals around state assessments, the School Board approved Interim Superintendent Baugh’s goals for the 2022-23 school year. The specific goals are listed below. The goals were developed with the School Board at a special meeting on September 13th.
Baugh said each of the goals are areas the administrative team is focusing on. Ensuring students have the best educational opportunities to achieve their future goals is our priority.
Goal 1
Conduct/commission an assessment of the climate and culture of all staff in the school district. A report will be presented to the School Board in March 2023.
Goal 2
Assess the District’s partnership with Marzano Associates and propose a plan for customizing the District’s instructional and assessment framework. A report will be presented to the School Board in April 2023.
Goal 3
Identify opportunities for parent involvement and develop a system for coordinating and promoting parent involvement. A system will be shared with the School Board during the school year with a summary presented to the School Board in June 2023.
Goal 4
Assess the District’s capacity for growth in enrollment and propose an implementation plan that proactively addresses future needs based on data and projections. The plan will be presented to the School Board in May 2023.
Goal 5
Develop a facility asset management plan that includes the aesthetic and functional conditions of the buildings and grounds, as well as future capital expenditures.
Goal 6
Develop a plan for on-grade level literacy achievement as measured by state and local assessment data. A plan will be presented to the School Board in May 2023.
Goal 7
Create and disseminate an employee handbook and administrative handbook. A draft employee handbook will be presented to the School Board in April 2023.
Bike Derby
On Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, the upper playground and black top at BUE filled with countless students, families, bicycles, helmets, hot dogs, and volunteers. The BUE Bike Derby was a success! Students entered to win various prizes, like helmets, bike locks, bells, horns, pegs, and even bicycles. Families lined up to have bicycles serviced and repaired by six skilled volunteers. These volunteers aired up tires, fixed brakes, adjusted handlebars, replaced broken parts, and ensured that every child rode away on a safe bicycle. Garfield County Sheriff's Office and Parachute Police Department assisted children as they navigated the obstacle course, teaching all the riders about bicycle safety, turning signals, and best practices while riding around town. Volunteers from Kiwanis, Alpine Bank, and GVHS Leadership/Key Club helped serve free hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Around 200 people attended the event, and about 50 bicycles were repaired by our skilled volunteers.
The event was sponsored by our local Grand Valley Kiwanis Club and organized by BUE Principal and Kiwanian Amber Clark. Ari Philipson, Garfield 16's Outdoor Education Coordinator, provided the prizes through Garfield County Outdoors, organized repair station essentials, and provided overall support to the bike mechanics who worked non-stop fixing bikes. Many Garfield 16 staff members, along with the Parachute Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Kiwanis Club, and Alpine Bank volunteers worked together to make this a successful event. Thank you to all that participated!
News from the Schools
Outdoor Education News & Highlights
Past Activities
Garfield 16's Outdoor Education Program has been working hard and enjoying the last month of summer. On Sept. 12, 2022, the GVHS Outdoor Club hiked the Palisade Rim Trail. Ari Philipson, Garfield 16's Outdoor Education Coordinator, partnered with GVHS Outdoor Club Sponsors, Allison Clark and Jeremy Drake, to provide club participants an opportunity to hike the Southern rim of Palisade. The four-hour hike allowed students to explore the high desert and enjoy the majestic views overlooking Palisade. After making it back to the trailhead, Garfield County Outdoors sponsored a meal for the participants.
The first Garfield Family Outdoor Day was held on Sept. 17, 2022. Philipson met with families at the West Elk Trailhead in New Castle to enjoy another day outdoors. The weather cooled down to allow participants a relief from the heat, and a chance to play in the mud. After about an hour and a half on the trail, participants enjoyed burgers provided by Garfield County Outdoors. The next Garfield Family Outdoor Day will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The February activity is snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the Grand Mesa. Garfield County Outdoors will provide students and their families lessons, gear, and a great opportunity to enjoy Colorado winter. Garfield 16's Outdoor Education Program will provide a sign-up sheet as the event draws near. Please email aphilipson@garfield16.org with any questions.
Upcoming Activities
Garfield 16's first Staff Meetup is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Philipson has organized these events for all Garfield 16 certified and classified staff. According to Philipson, "Staff Meetups are a way for our District staff community to connect, let loose, and enjoy the outdoors together." The first activity will take staff to explore the fall colors on the Grand Mesa, hiking the County Line Trail Loop. According to the Hiking Project, "This is a trail for those who want a scenic rah, especially in September. Pines, aspens, valleys, meadows, lava rock gardens, lakes wildlife, cliff overlooks, it's all here." For more information about the County Line Trail Loop, click here. An all staff email was sent to staff with a virtual sign up sheet. Please reach out to Ari Philipson with any questions: aphilipson@garfield16.org.
On Oct. 5, 2022, GVMS 7th and 8th grade classes will participate in an outdoor education field trip. Students in 7th grade classes will be transported to Hanging Lake. Students will hike up to the National Natural Landmark and participate in learning stations. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Department of Transportation, and H2O Adventures, students will learn about this geological treasure, it's history, and it's future. Students in 8th grade classes will be transported to the Battlement Mesa School House and the Grand Valley Challenge Course. In partnership with Battlement Mesa Historical Society and Challenge Course Facilitators, students will learn about the history of the Grand Valley, as well as team building, trust initiatives, and communication. Thank you to the GVMS administration and staff for working to make these field explorations happen for our students.
On Oct. 7, 2022 BUE 4th graders will participate in a field trip to Grand Mesa. Philipson and Kara Holden, BUE Instructional Coach, have organized a Fall Ecology Hike. Students will get the opportunity to enjoy the crisp October air, the changing colors, and learn about the geology and formation of the region. Students will participate in learning stations at the Lands End Observatory and have lunch at the Mesa Lakes picnic area. Amy Hauver, Extension Agent in Agriculture and Natural Resources with CSU's Garfield County Extension, will support Garfield 16 staff to ensure students enjoy a fun-filled outdoor learning experience.
On Oct. 13, 2022, GVHS Freshman will travel to Hanging Lake. Students will learn from the 1.2 mile hike to this Colorado treasure and benefit from learning stations provided by the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Department of Transportation, and H2O Adventures. We are in need of volunteers to help with this event.
If you are interested in volunteering to chaperone the above-mentioned field trips and/or future outdoor activities with your student's school, please contact your student's school:
CFL: (970) 285-5702
BUE: (970) 285-5703
GVMS: (970) 285-5707
GVHS: (970) 285-5701
Philipson has been working closely with school staff to establish and help support school clubs and afterschool programs. More information about clubs and afterschool programming will be provided soon. Please contact Ari Philipson at aphilipson@garfield16.org if you are interested in starting or supporting a club that utilizes outdoor resources.
School-Based Family Resource Center
Golf for the Cause
Coat Giveaway
The Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center will hold a Coat Giveaway on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, and all your winter gear will be available for the community outside of the resource center. The pantry will also be open if families are in need of food, other clothing items, or small household items. Thank you to all community members who have donated, your contributions have allowed us to continue to help families in Garfield 16!
Free GED Tutoring Classes
Grand Valley Giving Tree Registration Opens Oct. 1
The Grand Valley Giving Tree program will open registration October 1, 2022. Families can register throughout the month of October. The Grand Valley Givers will place Giving Trees at various locations around our community this holiday season. You can register your children to receive gifts by clicking this link on or after October 1, 2022. Registrations will close on November 1, 2022.
Tags with information about the registered children will be placed on the trees. Giving Trees will be located at Clark's Market, Alpine Bank, and the annual Craft Fair. Community members can select a tag from the tree to provide gifts for children who are less fortunate. The resource center will provide further instructions as the holiday season approaches.
Resource Center Contact Info:
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
District Operations
Volunteer/Visitor Info
On September 6, 2022, Garfield 16 began implementing a new procedure for any visitors entering a school during the school day. Visitors will now go through a screening process in the office. Visitors will be screened through the Raptor system which checks registered sex offender databases. The system produces an ID badge sticker with the visitor’s name and picture that the visitor wears for the duration of the visit.
How it works?
The visitor provides his/her driver’s license to the secretary for scanning. Once scanned, the visitor is stored in the school’s system as an approved visitor. The visitor receives an ID badge sticker with the visitor’s name, picture, and date of the visit. If the visitor returns, the information is stored in the system so the visitor just has to give his/her name to the secretary, and the secretary can print out a new badge with a new date.
What if the visitor doesn’t have a driver’s license?
The secretary can enter the visitor’s name in the database. This takes a bit more time, so having a driver’s license is helpful.
What happens if someone with a sex offense record tries to come into the school?
The Raptor system sends an alert to the principal who will handle the situation. If the visitor is a parent and must attend a meeting for his/her child, the parent will be escorted by a staff member at all times.
Does the Raptor database show a person’s full criminal record?
No. It only links to the sex offender database for all 50 states.
Who will need to go through the screening process?
Anyone who is visiting the school will go through this screening process. Examples include:
- Parents coming into the school for a meeting, activity, or event that occurs during the school day. This includes parents who may be helping in the school during the school day.
- Guest speakers, contractors, and other visitors authorized by the principal.
What about volunteers?
Volunteers will also be screened using the Raptor system, but they also need to have an FBI background check that includes fingerprinting. Volunteers may be alone with students or supervise students, so we have this added layer of protection to keep the students safe. Contact the school’s principal for more information about volunteers.
Will the schools use Raptor for after school events?
No. Raptor will only be used during the school day when students are in school.
Our goal is to keep our students safe. We encourage parents to attend activities and events to support their children, and we want to make it easy for parents to attend. We believe the Raptor system will be a faster and more convenient way to register as a visitor to the school.
Nutritional News
Garfield 16 schools are fortunate to be able to offer free breakfast and lunch for all students in our district. Research has proven that students who eat a healthy breakfast and lunch perform better in school, being more attentive, engaged, and focused in the classroom. This positive engagement also influences students earning better grades, having better attendance, and increasing graduation rates. According to Jody Williams, District 16 Food Services Director, teachers and parents notice a big difference when kids eat for free. “We hear parents say, ‘My kids never ate school lunch before.’ Teachers report more kids eating, and less food going to waste. Kids eat without worry. They don't worry about cost or how to pay for lunch. They don't worry about the stigma of someone knowing they are on free or reduced meals. More kids eating means more kids ready to learn.”
The USDA Provision 2 Program has allowed Garfield 16 to provide free meals to students. This funding is driven by data collected from free and reduced meal applications, as well as community needs based on programs like WIC and SNAP. Our district is one of the only districts on the Western Slope still able to provide free meals to students. We rely heavily on data gathered from the free and reduced meal applications in order to provide these meals. That being said, we need all families to fill out an application, even if you don't think you will qualify. If you haven't filled out an application, please do so by clicking here. These applications not only help us continue to provide meals for students, but they also allow qualifying families to benefit from discounted college application fees, scholarship identification, discounted academic test fees, waivers for athletic fees, preschool tuition reduction, and participation in the Upward Bound program. For our schools, these applications help us increase school funding to help with equipment, staff, supplies, and even technology. The data retrieved from these applications is also used on many grant applications to determine eligibility for funding. All information collected on the application is kept confidential.
In November, voters can ensure all Colorado kids receive free breakfast and lunch. Garfield 16 is unique in being able to provide free meals to our students this year. Other districts have not been able to continue to offer free meals after USDA COVID-19 waivers expired. The ballot initiative, Healthy School Meals for All (HB 22-1414), would ensure all Colorado kids receive free breakfast and lunch. The initiative would limit state income tax deductions for the top 5% of Colorado income earners. Taxpayers making less than $300,000 will not be affected. According to Garfield County Public Health Nutrition Programs Manager, Christine Dolan, “The ballot initiative would provide resources to schools to prepare meals from scratch, with healthy and nutritious ingredients. Schools would receive funding to purchase ingredients from Colorado farmers and ranchers to use in healthy school meals.” If passed, this program would ensure that all Colorado kids will eat at school, for free. The program would also help local farmers and ranchers, increase wages for nutritional staff in our schools, and provide additional grant opportunities for training and equipment.
This fall, keep our students in mind and support free lunch for all Colorado students.
Menus can be found on our school district Nutrition Website.
Please keep in mind that menus have the potential to change A LOT depending on staffing issues, and product availability. Our Nutrition Department does their best to honor the posted menus, however they can be heavily impacted for a variety of reasons. If you ever have any questions, please call 285-5701 ext. 4180 with any questions or email jwilliams@garfield16.org
Transportation News
The Garfield 16 Transportation Department was able to purchase two new buses this summer. The district was able to purchase these buses using ESSER funds, which does not come from taxpayers. The two buses are a great addition to our fleet. One is a 14-passenger 2020 Microbird. This mini bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift and is currently being used to assist children with special transportation needs on morning and afternoon bus routes. The mini bus is also used for activities.
The other recently purchased bus is a 77-passenger 2023 Blue Bird. The Cardinal logo was recently added to the top of the bus. This bus is used for morning and afternoon bus routes and sports trips.
According to Transportation Director Steve Gardner, the 77-passenger bus "is a vast improvement. This bus is the first we've ever gotten with a backup camera. It will also be equipped with wifi and video cameras soon. The equipment is on it's way."
The District is happy to have these two new buses, at no cost to taxpayers. According to Gardner, "They are wonderful buses, they are beautiful. It is a vast improvement for our students. Whatever our students are doing, wherever they are going, their rides will be better and quieter."
If you have questions or need any additional information, please call the our Transportation Director, Steve Gardener, at the Transportation office (970) 285-5700 ext. 5130.
For bus routes, please click on the link below: https://www.garfield16.org/page/transportation
Language Line Solutions
The Board of Education approved a contract with Language Line Solutions during the meeting on September 20, 2022. Language Line Solutions is an interpretation and translation service. The contract between Garfield 16 and Language Line Solutions will provide on-demand interpretation services between staff and families. According to the Language Line Solutions website, "Language connects you with your audience. Providing language access to limited-English speakers, as well as the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing paves the way toward trust. Within seconds, our clients can receive one-touch, on-demand interpreting in more than 240 languages via mobile, video, and phone. Each of these formats connects users with our superior team of more than 16,000 professional interpreters."
Authorized Garfield 16 staff will be able to call the Language Line anytime to receive on-demand interpretation services. Bilingual on-site Garfield 16 staff will continue to provide interpretation services as much as possible. In the event that bilingual on-site staff are not available, or if we do not have a staff member fluent in the student/family's native language, Garfield 16 will utilize the Language Line.
For more information about Language Line Solutions, visit their website: https://www.languageline.com/interpreting
Community Corner
Town of Parachute
Trails Plan:
The Town is creating a Trails Plan in 2022! It’s one of the recommendations from the 2022 Comprehensive Plan. We want you to be a part of the process.The Trails Plan demonstrates the Town’s commitment to delivering multi-use trails in the Parachute community. At the end of the project, the Trails Plan will provide a list of potential trail projects, including a prioritized list of projects, who is responsible for specific action steps, a list of local, state, and federal agencies who should be involved, identification of properties or easements needed to install trail segments, and the level of difficulty to implement.
Get more information here: https://townofparachute.colorado.gov/departments/community-development/2022-trails-plan
Let us know what you think here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiJFrFfinv2GNrGwN9LdNklG-Bf7fkRc0LL6eQEGKk8fwbPQ/viewform
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 will begin in the first or second week of October. 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 will be closing for the season on October 15, 2022.
Don't forget to register to Vote. Next Election is on November 8, 2022
https://www.coloradosos.gov/voter/pages/pub/home.xhtml
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.
Upcoming Events
Homecoming week is October 11-15. The Homecoming Parade will be held Friday, October 14th. We would like to invite community members to join us for the parade. If you are interested in entering a float, please contact Sam Wardell at 970-285-5701 or swardell@garfield16.org or Caitlin Strong at cstrong@garfield16.org. Those entering a float in the parade need to start setting up at 4:00 p.m. outside of the Parachute Library (244 Grand Valley Way, Parachute, CO 81635). The Homecoming Parade will begin at 4:30 p.m.. Those wanting to watch can set up on Cardinal Way.