Garfield 16 Gazette
March 2023
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District Highlights
Superintendent Corner
Spring is just around the corner, but the District has many projects underway that will outlast the school year. Here is a brief update on two major projects in the District.
Grand Valley High School and Grand Valley Middle School Roofing Project Update
Master Facility Plan
The District has contracted with TreanorHL to conduct a master facility plan. This is an assessment of the existing school district buildings and grounds to determine their overall condition and areas for renovation and repair. The master facility plan also includes an assessment of the facilities and how it supports the current and future educational programming needs.
The Visioning Team met in March and will meet three other times before the end of the school year. The Visioning Team is composed of administrators and staff, students, and community members and stakeholders who will provide input into the current and future uses of the school buildings and grounds. The Visioning Team is currently assessing the educational and athletic programs in the school to make suggestions for future enhancements that would factor into any changes to the facilities. One identified goal for the District is to use more xeriscaping on the school properties to help conserve water use and ongoing costs associated with maintenance.
GVHS Girls Basketball
The GVHS Girls Basketball season ended with the team earning the 1st Place ranking in the 3A Western Slope League, runner-up in the District Tournament, winning 1st Place in the Regional Playoffs, and advancing to the State Tournament. The team earned their spot to state by becoming the 3A Regional Champions, beating Yuma 52-46.
The Lady Cards headed to the 3A State Great 8 Tournament on March 8, 2023. The entire school came to show their support as the ladies headed out. The GVHS Marching Band led the ladies out of the building while playing the GVHS "Fight Song." Younger siblings, parents, and community members stood by with their faces painted and signs reading "State Bound," and "Go Cards." The Parachute Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, and the Grand Valley Fire Protection District escorted the team out of town with sirens blaring.
On March 9, 2023, the Lady Cards played at the University of Denver, Hamilton Gym against The Vanguard School. The Lady Cards fought hard, but ultimately lost 75-61.
According to Head Coach Scott Parker, "The girls basketball team won the 3A Western Slope League, first time since 2017. This is the third consecutive year they have made it to the Sweet 16. They also won the Regional Tournament for the second consecutive year, advancing to the State Tournament. The last girls basketball team to advance was in 2008. This year's team finished with a 18-7 record."
The season was marked not only by it being the second year in a row that that team earned their spot in the State Tournament, but also by many individual achievements. Senior AbbeyRose Parker and Junior Jaycee Pittman both earned their spots in the 1,000 point club. AbbeyRose and Jaycee joined Shaya Chenoweth and Kylyn Rigsby as the only girls in GVHS history to accomplish this. AbbeyRose and Jaycee both surpassed 1,000 points during their season and earned the most points per game. AbbeyRose averaged 20.5 points per game and Jaycee averaged 19.7 points per game. Jaycee also earned the most rebounds during the season with a total of 236. Junior Chloe Gronewoller was not far behind, with a total of 198 rebounds, and Junior Chloe Williams earned the third place spot for most rebounds with a total of 164. For assists, the top three players were Jaycee Pittman with 74 assists, AbbeyRose Parker with 59, and Kaylae Medina with 58. The players with the most steals were Jaycee Pittman with 104, Kaylae Medina with 59, and AbbeyRose Parker with 58. The players with the most blocks were Chloe Gronewoller with 61, Jaycee Pittman with 29, and AbbeyRose Parker with 18.
AbbeyRose was also named 3A Western Slope Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. AbbeyRose was invited to the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports All Star Game, the Show All Star Game, and Colorado Coaches All State Game. Juniors Jaycee Pittman, Kaylae Medina, and Chloe Gronewoller were named 3A All-Conference, and Chloe Williams earned honorable mention.
Glenwood Springs Post Independent Article March 16, 2023
Glenwood Springs Post Independent Article March 10, 2023
Glenwood Springs Post Independent Article March 5, 2023
GVHS Boys Basketball
The GVHS Boys Basketball season ended with a spot in the regional tournament and 4th place in the 3A Western Slope League. The boys were sent to the regional tournament with the GVHS Marching Band, community members, Parachute Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, and the Grand Valley Fire Protection District all showing their support for the team.
The boys played Faith Christian on March 3, 2023 during the 1st Round of Regional Playoffs. Faith Christian was ranked as the #1 seed in the 3A bracket. GVHS Cardinals were ranked 32nd. The boys fought hard, but ultimately lost 81-32. Faith Christian went on to win the State Championship for this season.
According to Head Coach Nick Crandell, "This season was a time of transition and learning for both the coaching staff and the team. We brought in a new culture to the team, a culture that was centered around family, accountability, and good sportsmanship on and off the court. Even though there were bumps along the road, the staff and I feel we have made great strides in our culture. As we recap this last season and look toward the future, we are very excited for the boys basketball program's future!"
The players with the most points per game included senior Kaden Amis with an average of 11.9 points per game, senior Alex Alegria with an average of 9.6 points per game, and sophomore Andrew Horner with an average of 7.1 points per game. Senior Kade Sackett earned the most rebounds, totaling 114 for the season. Senior Brandon Garcia was not far behind, with 103 rebounds, and sophomore Leonardo De La Cruz came in third place with 84 rebounds. For assists, the top three players were Brandon Garcia with 46, Alex Alegria with 40, and Kaden Amis with 35. The players with the most steals included a tie for first place: Kaden Amis and Brandon Garcia both earned 51 steals during the season, and Andrew Horner earned 37. The players with the most blocks were sophomore Porter Ostermiller with 23, Kade Sackett with 13, and a tie for third place: Brandon Garcia and Leonardo De La Cruz with 7.
Seniors Alex Alegria and Kaden Amis were named 3A All-Conference and seniors Kade Sackett and Brandon Garcia were named honorable mention. Kade Sackett was also ranked 5th in the state for most charges taken this season (30).
GVHS Spring Concert
On March 8, 2023 the GVHS Music Department presented their Spring 2023 Concert featuring the GVHS Jazz Band, Choir, and Concert Band. The concert, directed by Ms. Abbey Beaton, was held in the GVHS auditorium. Parents, guardians, family, friends, and community members crowded the lobby as they waited to get inside to see the show.
The GVHS Jazz Band performed first. The Jazz Band members include Bianca Russo on alto saxophone, Liz LaMon on tenor saxophone, Jacob Doyle on trumpet, Rebeca Landon on trombone, Noah Beresford on guitar, Ezekiel Chan on piano, Danniel Mozingo on the drumset, and Olya Vtorushina on percussion. Their performance included: "The Big Band Theory" by Vince Gasi, solos performed by Liz LaMon and Rebeca Landon; "One of Those Days" by Bob Turner, solos performed by Jacob Doyle and Noah Beresford; and "Birdland" by Josef Zawinul, arranged by Rick Stitzel.
The GVHS Choir was up next. Some choir members were unable to attend, as they were competing in the state basketball tournament. The complete choir consists of: sopranos Addison Gale, Hailey Hermosillo, and Alia Williams; altos Dakota Golightly, Kyra Grandorff, Serenity Pontius, Leticia Rodriguez, and Maxine Sorenson; and tenors Chloe Gronewoller and Liz LaMon. Dr. Dirk Johnson assisted the choir on the piano. The choir performed "Sanctus" by Sherri Porterfield, solo by Dakota Golightly. They also performed "Measure Me, Sky!" by Douglas E. Wagner and "Elijah Rock! arranged by Roger Emerson.
The GVHS Concert Band then took the stage, performing "Amaranthine" by Julie Giroux and "Synergies" by Robert Sheldon. The GVHS Concert Band consists of the following students: Clifford Dobbs and Xavier Gutierrez on the flutes; Alexis Jenkinson, Liz LaMon, Bianca Russo, and Coleman Wagner on the saxophones; Rebeca Landon, Kerri Landon, and Jacob Lewis on low brass; Eli Susie on the horn; Oswaldo Barragan Nunez and Jordin Carpenter on the clarinets; Anthony Cruz Carrasco on the tuba; Craig Cotter, Jacob Doyle, and Ashley Moreno Enriquez on the trumpets; and Michael Beresford, Noah Beresford, Nate Madden, and Clay Roland in percussion.
Please note these upcoming events:
April 14 & 15: Addams Family Musical @ GVHS. Doors Open at 6:00 pm.
April 21: Colorado West Music Festival (jazz and choir competition)
May 11: Final GVHS Concert
GVMS Spring Concert
On March 9, 2022, GVMS presented their 2023 Spring Concert featuring the GVMS Choir, Ukulele Ensemble, 6th Grade Band, and 7th/8th Grade Band. The concert, directed by Amanda Jones, was held in the GVMS auditorium. It was a full house and GVMS students were excited to perform.
The GVMS Choir took the stage first, performing "Yonder Come Day" by Judith Cook Tucker, "My Soul's Alive with Spring" by Amy F. Bernon, "Ubi Caritas et Amor" by Roger Emerson, and "There's and Old Song" by Ed Childs. Hayden Skeen performed a solo during "Ubi Caritas et Amor" and Miracle Wilson performed "Getting to Know You" as a vocal solo. GVMS Choir members include Jorge Alvarenga, Yerson Arroyo, McKenzie Barrick, Isabella Barth, Eli Bivins, Kyria Chan, Fernando Dominguez, Marisol Garcia, Bordy Gherardini, Brenda Gonzalez, Nevaeh Hales, Lucas Hemmert, Shylie Jacobs, Conner Mize, Zayedah Overmyer, Kaden Poyner, Dayri Quinonez, Elvia Ramirez, Arturo Rojas, Nikolye Romero, Enrique Ruiz, Marion Ruvalcaba, President Hayden Skeen, Autumn Telles, Steven Turner, Josh Vashus, Lyla Vogel, Vice President Miracle Wilson, Graides Zelalla, and Yaresmin Zepeda.
The Ukulele Ensemble was up next. They performed "Country Roads" by John Denver and "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King. Ukulele Ensemble members include Rowan Bolton, Otoniel Diaz, Fernando Dominguez, Jonathan Jimenez, Nayeli Mireles, Waylon Panter, Isaiah Ramirez, Zalas Richards, Isabel Ruona, Genesis Salgado, Asher Strauss, and Gabriel Wallberg.
Kimber Baker and Terran Hughley then took the stage to perform a clarinet duet, "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven.
Next up was the 6th Grade Band. They performed two American Folk Songs: "Home, Home on the Range" and "Skip it Lou." Emily Farris, Orion Waters, Brianna Lewis, Thomas Hartman, Tanner Hunt and Marlie Read performed solos during "Skip it Lou." The band also performed the "Regal March" by Bruce Pearson. Sixth grade band students include: flute players Joseph Roe, Section Leader Vivian Arthur, Kyria Chan, Kaydance Reynolds, Dayri Quinonez; Section Leader Briana Lewis, Section Leader Terran Hughley, Kimber Baker, Jonathan Marquez, Madelynn June, and Erin Mattedi on the clarinets; Tanner Hunt on the saxophone; Section Leader Marlie Read, Monica Moorman, Kane Hughson, Keely Mossbrucker, Derick Patchett, Chris Flores, and Autumn Telles on the trumpets; Caleb Vashus, Section Leader Emily Farris, Orion Waters, and Gracy Whiting on trombones; and Section Leader Thomas Hartman, Jocabed Espinoza, Prasaus Sykes, and Keith Kump on percussion.
Cybil Gonzalez and Sierra Trani then took the stage to perform "Minuet" by Beethoven as a trumpet duet. Marlie Read then performed a trumpet solo, "Sawmill Creek" by Bruce Pearson.
The 7th/8th Grade Band was up next. They performed "Rudimentary March" by Gary Fagan. Nikolye Romero then performed a saxophone solo, "Serenade" by Mozart. The band then performed "Dancin' on the Bayou" by Ralph Ford. Band members include: Section Leader Zalas Richards and Isabella Barth on the flute; Trevin Mayne, Section Leader Madison Myers, Nadia Snyder, Waylon Panter, and Joshua Vashus on the clarinet; Section Leader AJ Castillo and Beau Madden on the low brass; Section Leader Ellie Thomas and Morgan Hoyt on the saxophone; Band Captain Nikolye Romero on flute and saxophone; Kenny Baumgarten, Jason Moorman, Section Leader Jason Adams, Gabriel Roe, Jonathan Medrano, and Enrique Bautista on percussion; Section Leader Sierra Trani, Band Captain Cybil Gonzales, Section Leader Natalie Cortez, Stephanie Delgado, Diddier Sandoval, Damian Villa, Zadyn Brooks, and Jaxon Wolf on the trumpet.
The soloists/duetists of the night had performed in solo/ensemble early in February and each of them received an Excellent or a Superior rating for their scores!
Grand Valley Educational Foundation Scholarships Due May 5, 2023
The Grand Valley Educational Foundation has three scholarship opportunities for seniors at GVHS:
1) The Benson Family Academic Scholarship;
2) The Benson Family Vocational Scholarship; and
3) Pivot Energy STEM Scholarship.
Please check out our new website and directions on how to apply for the scholarships here.
The Grand Valley Educational Foundation is always looking for new members. Please email gveducationalfoundation@gmail.com if interested. The foundation organizes scholarship and grant opportunities for students and teachers, hosts the end of the year barbeque and recognizes years of service for Garfield 16 staff, and is always looking for new opportunities to achieve our mission and goals.
GVHS After Prom Prize Registry
GVHS Leadership is soliciting help to ensure that After Prom 2023 goes well this year. A gift registry has been created, as the gift drawing is a key component of After Prom. If you have it in your budget, it would be wonderful if you could purchase a gift or two to help support this tradition. Here is link you can use: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/Q5DFHH1MVJ76
We are registered on Amazon under the following information:
Registrant Name: Grand Valley High School Leadership
Gift List: Grand Valley After Prom 2023
In addition, we also need volunteers to help chaperone After Prom on April 22nd from 11:00 PM - 2:30 AM. After Prom chaperones are essential to ensure the events go well. Volunteers will be in charge of running events and helping monitor students as they enjoy the evening. It is a great way to interact with our student population.
To volunteer please email swardell@garfield16.org or leave a message at 970-285-5705.
State Assessments
It is hard to believe that the school year is more than half over, and we are now preparing for the annual statewide end-of-the-year assessments to begin.
Every year, statewide assessments are given in the springtime to check how all students are doing with mastering the expectations for their grade.
The Colorado Measures of Academic Success tests and PSAT/SAT are the only common measuring tools for Colorado students. The tests measure how well students are meeting grade-level expectations laid out in the Colorado Academic Standards and whether they are on track for the next grade level.
Test data provide valuable information to teachers and district and state officials. But, more importantly, they provide critical information to families.
Here is what you can learn from the statewide assessments:
- The assessments allow your child to show what they have been learning and practicing in their classroom and how well they are connecting with classroom instruction.
- They let you know how well our school is teaching all students.
- They provide you and other families in our community with information about how our schools are meeting the needs of all students.
- They let you check your child’s progress toward mastering the academic standards grade level expectations.
This is how assessments are used by our school and district:
- They provide critical information to the district and state on how well all students in our school are doing, so we can access support if needed.
- They allow teachers and principals to see any differences between groups of students and make improvements to instruction so that all students can succeed.
- They highlight gaps in achievement, so steps can be taken to ensure all students are supported in making meaningful progress.
CMAS assessments are taken by students in the third through eighth grade in English language arts and math. Students in grades five, eight, and 11 take a CMAS science assessment. The tests will be administered in Garfield 16 Schools April 11th – April 28th. Each school will communicate the specific dates and times for your student’s assessments.
Students in the ninth and 10th grade will take the PSAT on April 12, and 11th-graders will take the SAT college entrance exam on April 12. Here is a snapshot of what to expect:
News from the Schools
Outdoor Education News & Highlights
Past Activities
CFL Animal Helpers Lesson
On February 22, 2023, CFL first graders learned about "Animal Helpers." Volunteers and their service dogs came into classrooms to teach our students how animals can help people. Representatives from Garfield County Sheriff's Office included Sergeant Chat Whiting, Corporal Moser and K9 Rex, the narcotic dog, along with Depuy Worley and K9 Bull, another narcotic dog. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office representatives spoke with students about how dogs can be trained to help the Sheriff's Office with narcotics detections, investigations, locating evidence, and helping to catch criminals.
Patty Jensen and Molly, the therapy dog, also visited classrooms. Patty explained how she trains Molly to go into places like hospitals and nursing homes to help people with emotional support. Molly helps people feel better and loves to play hide and seek.
Renae and Oscar, the mobility support dog, also visited classrooms. Students learned how Oscar helps Renae. Renae has a leg brace and uses a wheelchair, as she has no feeling in her leg. Oscar helps Renae to stand up, pick up things she drops, helps her get on airplanes, and even go kayaking.
GVHS Outdoor Club
March 4 through March 6, 2023, the GVHS Outdoor Club participated in their "Winter Survival and Camping Trip." Students learned about winter survival by building their own snow shelters where they slept the first night. They went cross country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. They learned about winter survival techniques, including how to build a fire and how to gather food in the winter. Students survived with over six feet of snow surrounding them, and even cooked dinner for their chaperones, Ari Philipson (Garfield 16 Outdoor Education Coordinator) and GVHS Outdoor Club Sponsor, Allison Clark. According to Philipson, "It was a successful trip and we are excited to bring back the tradition of winter outdoor exploration."
Journey Home Animal Care Shelter Visits Preschool Classes
On March 14, 2023, our preschool classes welcomed two special visitors. Tammy Thompson and Denali from Journey Home Animal Care Center came to spend the day in our classrooms. Tammy taught our students about pet safety. Denali gave students hands-on experience practicing the lessons they learned. Thank you Tammy, Denali, and Journey Home Animal Care Center! See the Garfield16 Facebook page for more photos.
CFL Kinder Vet Visit
On March 15, 2023, Parachute Veterinarian Dr. Lee Smith and Vet Tech Emily visited CFL Kindergarteners. Students learned about caring for animals. Dr. Smith, Emily, and two puppy companions taught students about how to feed, water, walk, and care for baby animals. Students were able to pet the puppies and ask questions.
CFL Evidence of Animals Unit
GVMS Learn to Ski & Snowboard Club
GVMS' Learn to Ski and Snowboard Club had a great season. The program was open to middle school students who were beginner skiers and snowboarders. Every Monday from March 6, 2023, through March 20, 2023, students were transported to Powderhorn Ski Resort. Students received lessons in order to build their skills on the mountain and ate a sack lunch, provided by the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center. According to club sponsor Jennifer Hoyt, "All of the students have learned a lot and been advanced to the next level after each class. Each day on the drive home the students are exhausted but exhilarated. Many have asked if they will have the opportunity to continue with the ski club next year- even if that means having to put time into fundraising." Thank you to club sponsors Jennifer Hoyt and Lisa Johnson, and all those who have helped make the club possible.
Upcoming Activities
Kindergarten Animal Connections
CFL Kindergarten classes had an opportunity to tour and learn about the Alpaca Farm and the Milk Creek Creamery on March 28, 2023. Photos and a more detailed article will be published in our next issue.
7th Grade Challenge Course Day
GVMS 7th graders are scheduled to partake in a Challenge Course Day on April 25, 2023. Students will be transported to the Grand Valley Challenge Course and learn team building, communication, and leadership skills on high and low rope element courses.
5th Grade Camping Trip
BUE 5th graders are scheduled to go camping at Highline Lake State Park in Grand Junction on May 18th and 19th.
School-Based Family Resource Center
Easter Eggstravaganza
Join us for another Easter Eggstravaganza! April 8, 2023 at 9:30 AM. See poster above for more information. Thank you to Alpine Bank, Old Mountain Shipping & Gifts, Faith Journey, Kiwanis, and Grand Valley Recreation Center for making this event possible!
Hygiene Kits
Angel Braatz and Athena put together 20 hygiene kits together for students in our district who may be experiencing homelessness or may not have access to hygiene products. Items include wipes, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, chapstick, pads, nail files, deodorant, body spray, brush, hair ties, toothpaste, toothbrush, washcloth, Q- tips, a bar of soap, band-aids, floss picks, and razors. The hygiene kids are available at the Resource Center for anyone in need.
Backpacks for Hope
From February 27, 2023 through March 8, 2023 the Resource Center accepted donations for the "Backpacks of Hope" program. "Backpacks of Hope" was created by Roxana Garcia, a senior at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale. For her Capstone project, she wanted to help the community. The program was a donation drive in Garfield 16 and RE-2 school districts. Donations of backpacks and basic hygiene products for both males and females were collected and now the bins are located at the resource center, ready for any community members in need. Thank you Roxana for organizing this initiative!
May 4th K5
The School-Based Family Resource Center and the Town of Parachute have partnered to bring you the "May the Fourth Be With You 5K." The event will take place on May 4, 2023. The 5K route will begin with registration at the Resource Center (251 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute, CO 81635) from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The 5K will begin at 5:00 pm. Entry fees are as follows: $15 Individual; $25 Family; $50 Teams/Organizations. All proceeds will go to the School-Based Family Resource Center. The Town of Parachute has established a safe route beginning at the Resource Center, winding through town, and ending at the newly revamped Wasson-McKay Park.
Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite star wars character. The first 100 participants to sign up will receive a t-shirt at the check-in booth on the day of the event.
The route map is above. Volunteers will be stationed on the route to help direct traffic.
Details on how to sign up will be released soon. Check the School-Based Family Resource Center Facebook page for those details soon.
Garfield 16 and CMC Partner for the Adult High School Diploma Program
The Garfield 16 Board of Education approved a proposal from CMC's Adult High School Diploma program to becoming the issuing authority for adult learners. Read more below. To sign up, call Cathy Slaymaker at (970) 319-7220 or go to the CMC website and schedule an advising session: https://coloradomtn.edu/classes/ged
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
Health Happenings
Monthly Vaccine & Immunization Clinic at the School-Based Family Resource Center
Garfield County Public Health and Garfield 16 have teamed up to offer a Vaccine and Immunization Clinic in Parachute! Starting April 3, 2023, Garfield County Public Health will be stationed at the School-Based Family Resource Center from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, by appointment only. The clinic will be offered on the first Monday of every month, as long as appointments are scheduled. Please call 970-625-5200 to schedule an appointment, stating that you would like to schedule for the Parachute clinic.
Smiles for Students
Garfield County Public Health will visit Garfield 16 schools as part of their Smiles for Students program. Registered Dental Hygienists will visit our schools to provide students with free dental sealants, oral health education, dental cleaning, and fluoride varnish. The program is free and available during the school day. Smiles for students will visit the following schools on the following dates:
Grand Valley Center for Family Learning: April 18-21 (offered for Kindergarten only)
Grand Valley Middle School: April 25-28 (offered for 6th and 7th grade only)
Bea Underwood Elementary: May 2-4 and May 9-12 (offered for 2nd and 3rd grade only)
Students must bring back a permission slip in order to participate. Your child's school has sent home permission slips, please contact your child's school if you have not received a permission slip.
News from the School Nurse
Please stay home when sick and follow public health guidance on when to return. Specifically for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (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.
Nutritional News
Important Dates:
- All School will be testing throughout the month of April:
- BUE: April 11- 14
- GVMS: April 18, April 20, and April 25
- GVHS: April 12 and April 19
- CFL Garden Day: April 14, 2023. Parents/guardians are invited. Parents must prepay by April 7th. $4.25 per adult meal. $3.25 per child meal if the child doesn't attend school at CFL. Picnic style- eating outside (weather permitting). Hot dog, chops/fruit, salad, desert.
- CFL 1st graders will begin eating in a group setting in the CFL cafeteria. This will help students transition to the lunch setting at BUE for the next school year (2nd grade). Please keep this in mind, as the transition can affect your student's eating habits.
Free and reduced meal applications are always available. Please fill out these applications if you have had any changes in your household (job loss, reduced hours, etc.). Also, if you haven't filled out one of these applications, you can still do so now! Our district has benefited from a free breakfast and lunch program in the past, for all students in all schools! To continue to qualify for this grant, we need all families to please fill out an application for free or reduced meals, regardless of family income. The application can be found using this link: Nutrition Links. This will help us to continue to qualify for this program for next school year.
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
Wait at Bus Stops and Winter Weather
We would like to remind you that sometimes our buses can run a little late . 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.
Staff Highlights
This month we are highlighting our educators at Grand Valley Middle School (GVMS). We thank all of our educators for all of their efforts, their long hours, and the impact they have on our students. Thank you for caring for our students, for your hard work and dedication, and for going above and beyond! We appreciate everything you do!
We asked each staff member how long they have been working for our school district and about their favorite part of their job. Their responses are below.
English Language Arts Team
7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher Kirsten Knox is on her first year with Garfield 16. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the community, my coworkers, and students."
6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher Lisa Johnson is also on her first year with the district. She enjoys "all the fun people I work with."
7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher Jessica Carter has been with the district for seven years. She said her favorite part of her job is "being with the kids and watching them learn and grow. I love going to their high school graduation and seeing them walk across the stage."
Social Studies Team
8th Grade U.S. History Teacher Micah Amborn has been with the district for nine years. He enjoys "the people I get to work with; the young people and my colleagues. I love getting to know everybody, seeing what their strengths and weaknesses are, and helping them with those things. Also, the views are amazing."
7th Grade World History and 7th and 8th Grade Spanish Teacher Caitlyn Tustin has been with the district for three years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "connecting students to people, cultures, and places that are different and unfamiliar to them."
6th Grade Social Studies and Theater Teacher Josh James has been with the district for four years total. He had the following to say about his favorite part of his job, "teaching kids. I love working with kids, encouraging them, and inspiring them to be the best they can be."
Science Team
6th Grade Science Teacher Bryan Vashus has been with the district for four years. His favorite part of his job is "building relationships with the kids."
8th Grade Science Teacher Tom Ferro is on his first year with the district. He enjoys "the kids. The students that really want to learn science."
7th Grade Science Teacher David Spies has been with the district 10 years. David has worn multiple hats in the district. In his previous position as PE Teacher, he enjoyed "getting to hang out with kids in a fun and active environment." As a Science Teacher, he enjoys "geeking out with kids about biology, which is something that I deeply love."
Math Team
7th and 8th Grade Math Teacher Misty McCormick has been with the district for five years. Her favorite part of her job is "the kids."
7th and 8th Grade Math Teacher Zach Dickens is on his first year with the district. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "teaching math."
6th Grade Math Teacher Shelley Parker has been with the district for nine years. Her favorite part of her job is "the kids."
Special Education Team
Paraprofessional Kayla Patchett has been with the district for two years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she said "seeing the children grow and seeing all the kids interact."
Special Education Teacher Jody Livingston has been with the district for 19 years. She had the following to say about her favorite part of her job, "I'm a learner. I love learning right along with the kids."
Paraprofessional Kayla France is on her first year with the district. She enjoys "interacting with the kids and seeing different personalities."
Paraprofessional Rachel Blair is on her first year with the district. Her favorite part of her job is "working with the kids. Middle school is a fun age, you can joke with them. I also love when a kid gets it, when it clicks in their head when learning something."
Special Education Teacher Bruce Crowhurst has been with the district for four years total. His favorite part of his job is "the kids."
Electives Team
Digital Media Teacher Emeline Mayo is on her first year with the district. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the community."
Art Teacher Ingrid Harris is also on her first year with the district. She enjoys "seeing kids that don't necessarily see themselves as creative get inspired by a project."
Music/Band Teacher Amanda Jones has been working with the district for about seven years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "it's hard to determine because I have a lot of good kids, but my band kids impress me with learning how to read music. It's like a different language and to do that with timing and finger movements is very difficult. It's awesome to see these kids grow and develop over time and become efficient in something that is not easy."
PE Teacher Ashley Farris has been with the district for about six months. Her favorite part of her job is "getting to watch all the kids have fun together."
English Language Learning Team
ELL Teacher Flor Vargas has been with the district for five years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "changing the kids' mentality. I get to work with them and see the difference."
Paraprofessional Yandell Perez is on her first year with the district. She enjoys "helping kids that went through a similar situation that I did. It's rewarding to help them."
Data and Curriculum Specialist
Data and Curriculum Specialist Scott Carpenter has been with the district for 19 years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "Getting to see how all the students are performing, and getting to see their improvements."