Garfield 16 Gazette
May 2023
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Superintendent Corner
New Chief Financial Officer
Garfield County School District #16 is excited to welcome our new Chief Financial Officer, Chelsey Gerard. Chelsey has worked in government finance for 13 years. Chelsey brings a wealth of knowledge to G16 and is learning more from her predecessor, Rose Belden.
Many of you know Rose tried to retire from G16 in the past, but we couldn't let her go. Rose is now training Chelsey to take over as G16's Chief Financial Officer. According to Rose, "I've been with G16 since 1998 and I very proud of our District." Rose's favorite part of working with our District has been "getting to know all the staff and getting to know the ladies at admin for as long as I have." Rose is excited for Chelsey to join our team, "I think she is going to do a great job."
Chelsey holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Mesa State University (now known as Colorado Mesa University). She previously served as the Director of Finance of Eagle County School District. According to Chelsey, "It's been great being here in G16. I'm learning a lot and I'm excited for new challenges."
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Rose Belden for her 25 years of service to our District, her outstanding ability to juggle the finances of our District, her sense of humor, and great leadership abilities. Rose will be deeply missed. Thank you for all you have done for our students, staff, and community.
G16 Staff Highlights
Each year, Garfield 16 recognizes years of service for staff members who have reached 10, 15, 20, or 25 years of service, as well as those retiring this school year. For the 2022-2023 school year, we would like to recognize the following retirees:
- Verna Culver- Head Custodian at Grand Valley Center for Family Learning. Verna is retiring after 23 years of service. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to keep our students safe and our building clean!
- Kathy Hanakeawe- Paraprofessional at BUE. Kathy is retiring after 15 years of service. Thank you for doing all you do to help our students. Your valuable work has helped countless students and staff alike.
Verna and Kathy, we appreciate everything you have done for our District and wish you well on your next adventure! Thank you for all your years of hard work and dedication to help our students and staff excel.
Garfield 16 would like to recognize the following employees for completing 10-25 years of service. We appreciate all you have done and continue to do for our students, staff, and community:
- 25 Years of Service:
- Marilyn Mondragon- Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education/Human Resources
- Jeanne Miles- BUE Building Secretary
- 20 Years of Service:
- Julie Lana- GVHS ELL Teacher
- Sarah Kinsey- BUE Personal Wellness and Physical Fitness Teacher
- 15 Years of Service:
- Nathan Humphrey- Director of Technology
- Makahla Matheson Bulik- GVHS Special Education Teacher
- Robin McMillan- CFL Data & Curriculum Specialist
- Michelle Paine- GVHS Counselor
- Travis Porter- GVHS Technology Teacher
- 10 Years of Service
- Rhonda Maxey- BUE Head Custodian
- Melissa Bradley- CFL Reading Interventionist
- Irene Doyle- GVHS Science Teacher
- Samantha Mendoza- BUE 5th Grade Teacher
- David Spies- GVMS Science/PE Teacher
- Stacie Georg- BUE Nutrition Service
Thank you for your loyalty, dedication, and hard work! We appreciate all of you!
G16's Board of Education Approves Proposed Budget
The Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 proposed budget during their regular session meeting on May 16, 2023. The proposed budget includes the following additions:
- 3 School Counselors
- 2 Assistant Principals (CFL and BUE)
- 1 Music Teacher at CFL
- 1 Reading Specialists at BUE
- 1 STEM/Social Studies Teacher at BUE
- 3 Teachers to support instruction coaching and student data and assessment analysis (CFL, BUE, GVMS)
- Step raises for all eligible employees.
- Uniform Rotation and athletic equipment for GVMS and GVHS Athletics
- GVHS Soccer Coach and Assistant Soccer Coach (Boys Soccer)
- GVHS Girls Wrestling Coach
The 2023-2024 proposed budget is available for public viewing and comments, located at 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO 81635. G16's Board of Education will vote on the 2023-2024 Adopted Budget on their next meeting which will be held June 20, 2023 at the St. John's District Administration Building (0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO 81635). The meeting will start at 5:00 PM.
School Happenings
GVHS Track at the State Competition
Congratulations to our GVHS Track Team! Here are some results from the State Tournament so far:
Colorado's 2A Boys Shot Put STATE CHAMPION: JACOB DOYLE!!!
Boys Discus- 2nd Place: Jacob Doyle
Girls 800 Sprint Medley- 4th Place: Jaycee Pittman, Kaylae Medina, Taylor Pittman, AbbeyRose Parker
Boys 800 Run, 10th Place: Kade Sackett
Boys 4x100- 4th Place, will compete Saturday: Brandon Garcia, Colton Clark, Kayson Sackett, and Jordan Cedeno
Girls 4x100- 16th Place: Jaycee Pittman, Taylor Pittman, Emma Speakman, and AbbeyRose Parker
Girls 300 Hurdles- 11th Place: Taylor Pittman
Girls 4x400- 8th Place, will compete Saturday: Taylor Pittman, Tallin McCormick, Jaycee Pittman, and AbbeyRose Parker
For more information, click here.
GVHS Awards and Signing Ceremony
The main gymnasium at GVHS was packed on May 17, 2023 to honor our graduating seniors. Students, parents, staff, community members, and representatives from colleges, universities, military branches, and scholarship committees joined together to recognize our seniors.
Out of the 76 students graduating from GVHS this year, about 43 students will attend college/university, three will join the Army, one will join the Air Force, four will enroll in trade/technical schools, and at least 13 will join the workforce. At least 15 of our graduating seniors will be the first in their family to attend college.
This graduating class has earned about $1,300,000.00 in scholarship funds and has accepted around $860,000.00. Of that total, $273,000.00 came from local scholarship programs. Please visit the GVHS Facebook Page to see photos of scholarship recipients, award recipients, and our students signing their letters of intent to various colleges, universities, and military branches.
As we were unable to get photos of all the recognitions and awards, we would like to honor students who received certifications, honors diplomas, and the top 10%.
We would like to acknowledge the following students for earning a certification with Colorado Mountain College in the fields of Auto, Early Childhood, Phlebotomy, Nurse Aid, Basic Welding, and Welding Design and Fabrication: Evan Olmstead, Kade Sackett, Mario Vasquez, Alejandra Perez Perez, Cintia Cornejo Martinez, Andrea Clegg, Meztli Cruz Carrasco, Ashley Elliot, Mallory Goodman, Kyra Grandorff, Brittany Loera Munoz, Dominic Mendoza, Jordan Cedeno, Edgar Raygoza, Kiara Walker, Alexander Alegria, James Blair, Colton Clark, Teagan Jacobs, and Edgar Velasco.
We would also like to recognize a student who earned her Associate of Science degree while attending high school: Moly Rhinaman.
Students receiving honors diplomas are: Michael Beresford, Emily Cifuentes, Andrea Clegg, Melissa Cook, Cintia Cornejo Martinez, Emily DeKam, Kristopher Elsrod, Cameron Foster, Jareth Fowkes, Ellie Gardner, Kyra Grandorff, Alexis Hales, McKatie Hemmert, Steven Hicks, Raeanna Humphrey, Brittany Loera Munoz, Linkin McCormick, Dominic Mendoza, Dominic Moyes, Kara Mueller, AbbeyRose Parker, Naomi Pena Villasano, Alejandra Perez Perez, Amy Rascon, Molly Rhinaman, Dylan Sherraden, Caitlin Strong, Addison Susie, Shanya Valle Campos, Manuel Velasco, Alexis Vicencion, and Dominic White.
The top 10% of the class includes: Melissa Cook, Steven Hicks, Raeanna Humphrey, AbbeyRose Parker, Caitlin Strong, Alexis Vicencio, Michael Beresford, and Kyra Grandorff.
Please join us in celebrating our seniors at the GVHS Graduation Ceremony, May 27, 2023 at 10:00 am at GVHS. Seating on the field is reserved for parents/guardians of graduating seniors, but the public is welcome to attend and find a seat in the stands.
Special Olympics
The Colorado River Boces held their 6th Annual Encourage Nurture Challenge Field Day on May 11th. Students from Aspen to Parachute, Meeker, Rangely and everywhere in between participated in the event. There were 150 athletes registered, 100 building helpers, and 50 event helpers. Student athletes were able to participate with peers of their similar age and ability levels. Students participated in running, jumping, and throwing events. The focus of the ENC Field Day is allow incredible athletes to have an opportunity to show their abilities, participate with their team (school/district), and be challenged to do something they might not have done in the past. Congratulations to our athletes and thank you to everyone who made this possible.
GVMS Theatre Performance
GVMS Theatre group performed "What Goes on in an Idiots Mind" and "Crazy Cuts," both written and directed by GVMS Theatre and Social Studies Teacher Josh James. The performance took place on May 5, 2023. The first performance was a quick skit featuring Kyleigh Hernandez-Arellanez, Melanie Rodriguez, Jenifer Cornejo Luna, Vivian Arthur, Zaida Trent, Trey Hawkins, and Kaydance Reynolds. Students performed well and demonstrated the struggles of focusing on a project while being surrounded with distractions.
The second performance, "Crazy Cuts," featured Hayden Skeen, Shylie Jacobs, Nikolye Romero, Zach Wells, Kyleigh Hernandez-Arellanez, Cybil Gonzalez, Sierra Trani, Jacorey Wood, Trey Hawkins, Terran Hughley, Kennidy Gonzalez, Maddison Myers, and Rowan Bolton. The play was set in a salon, showcasing how shop owners, employees, and clients struggled with ego, an alien, a love affair with a mop, and finances.
Technical Crew included Sierra Trani (choreography), Nikolye Romero (Assistant Music Director), Liliana Flores Cruz and Tyler Palcer (sound), Brennon Hardman and Sawyer Ostermiller (lighting), Marisol Garcia-Lopez, Diego Campos Pineda, Mailen Sanchez Ordonez, Kayli Valle, and Jocelyn Esquivel Hernandez (costuming), Zackarie Lawhead and Kiesha Kracht (stage hands), Zaida Trent (prop master), and Melanie Rodriguez (stage manager).
According to Director Josh James, "I am very excited to be presenting another show here at GVMS. Theatre is an effective way to teach kids about dedication, commitment, and life. It is also a great way for students to learn to be silly, and it's okay to be silly. Theatre is a great way for us to escape this world that can be complicated, stressful, and discouraging. It allows us to go into a different world where the problems seem simpler and can be solved with a happily ever after. That is what I am hoping tonight's show does for you. It gives you a break from this complicated life and allows you to smile and laugh; even if it is just for a moment. These students have worked hard to provide that moment for you, so enjoy the show."
Congratulations to Mr. James and his students for a great performance! Thank you to all who attended to support our students, to GVMS staff, to the Theatre Project of Grand Junction for the use of theatre lighting, and Mrs. Luann Harrah of Harrah's Salon in Grand Junction for the use of salon tools.
BUE Spring Concerts
BUE's 2nd and 3rd grade concert was held April 25, 2023. The gym at BUE was jam-packed with families, friends, and community members. Students presented "Bunnies! A Hopping New Musical" by John Jacobson and Walter Jack, published by Themes and Variations. Students awed the crowd with their songs, dances, costumes, and energy! Students dressed as bunnies and wolves as they sang and danced their hearts out. Students even had speaking parts and all were impressed with their ability to memorize their lines! Great job to all students. Thank you to all who attended, to Mrs. Humphrey for organizing and ensuring our students were stage ready, and to BUE staff for making this a successful performance.
EPIC's Tiny Home Build
Colorado River's BOCES EPIC program celebrates the first EPIC facility located at Grand Valley High School. The EPIC (Educational Pathways to Innovative Careers) program's mission is "to support our workforce needs by providing job ready skills to high school students and adults. Ensuring a labor force that meets the demands of the 21st Century workplace for our foreseeable future is the overall objective. We are here to help generations break away from the cycle of low-paying hourly jobs, and towards prosperity."
The program worked with Garfield County School District 16 and Grand Valley High School to build a "construction pathway" for GVHS students. After securing grant funding, EPIC began construction on the Tiny Home Construction facility. Through partnerships with Adolfson and Peterson Construction, Whitewater Building Materials, Careers in Construction Colorado, and Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District, EPIC was able to construct a shelter where GVHS students are taught basic construction and able to put their skills to use by building tiny homes. Students are not only taught valuable skills, but also earn industry credentials, and make connections with industry professionals. This EPIC pathway is not only providing valuable knowledge and career pathways to our students, but also helping to solve the local housing crisis.
According to GVHS senior Ridic Dooley "we are learning the basics of construction and using those basics to build a house. The end goal is to learn as much as you possibly can, and through the HBI course, gain a certification for the class."
EPIC also honored their "EPIC Teacher of the Year," LeRoy Gutierrez. According to Gutierrez, "I've been in education for about 30 years now. When I was in high school, I didn't know what pathway I was going to take. I had a cool shop teacher, we did drafting, architecture, we got to do some construction, and it really got me hooked into education. It allowed me to go to a community college and then work my way up. I ended up with a career of 30 years in education. Coming back here to work with students again has been amazing and to bring a subject like this, where there is also a need and some excitement about it. Some of the students came with no skills, some came with a few skills, and now we have guys that are experts at reading blueprints, finding flaws in the blueprints, being creative, they can measure, cut straight, safety measures, etc."
EPIC has raised about $1.5 million in grants and donations to make programs like these possible. EPIC is working with more than 300 students across nine schools in five school districts.
News from the Schools
Outdoor Education News & Highlights
Past Activities
7th Grade Challenge Course Day
GVMS 7th graders took part in a Challenge Course Day on April 25, 2023. Students were transported to the St. John's Administration Building. Due to rain, students first enjoyed time inside playing team building games, learning how to tie dye, and making paracord bracelets. As the weather cleared, students geared up for an afternoon on the Grand Valley Challenge Course. By participating in low ropes elements, students learned team building, communication, and leadership skills. Dani Wesolowski with Garfield County CSU Extension supplied the materials and the knowledge for the paracord and tie dye stations. G16's Outdoor Education Coordinator, Ari Philipson, along with GVMS staff Tom Ferro, David Spies, Ingrid Harris, and Kirsten Knox helped facilitate the games and challenge course activities. Thank you all for helping make this a successful event, even with unexpected weather conditions.
Garfield Family Outdoor Day
On May 5, 2023, several families from Garfield County came to enjoy Garfield Family Outdoor Day. The event was open to all RE-2 and G16 families, and organized by Ari Philipson and RE--2's Outdoor Education Coordinator, Scott Partan. About 50 participants (children and parents) came to enjoy an evening outdoors. Families met at the St. John's Administration Building where they registered and were given a quick course basics lesson. Families then started on the low ropes elements of the course. With our amazing Challenge Course Facilitators, including Philipson and Partan, along with Damien Reed, Tessa Sherraden, and Lisa Johnson, families warmed up on the low ropes elements, learning about communication and teamwork. They then worked up to the rock wall and eventually (age permitting) climbed on the high ropes elements. A few participants even enjoyed the giant swing. It was a great evening for a family outing and we are happy to have had such a great turn out! Thank you to Garfield County Outdoors and all our amazing facilitators for making this possible. Based on participation for this event, our Outdoor Education Coordinator is working to schedule more Family Outdoor Day events for the fall of 2023.
CFL Kindergarten & 1st Grade Challenge Course Day
During the week of May 16th, all Kindergarteners and first graders had the opportunity to go to the Garco16 Challenge Course. Our challenge course consists of low and high elements that encourage students to persevere to step outside their comfort zones. This experience helped our students focus on building agency and wellness through various activities that exemplify team building, social skill development, and working through challenges. The students were led by trained facilitators through a sequence of activities that included icebreakers, games, ground initiatives, and low elements. Students were able to continue to build on their learning targets of "I can work with my crew to solve challenges by using teamwork strategies" and "I can persevere during challenges by using my strategies to not give up." Thank you to all CFL staff who came to support and Robin McMillan and Garrett Cora who facilitated.
2nd Grade Fieldwork
On May 17, 2023 BUE 2nd Graders traveled to Rifle Gap and Rifle Fish Hatchery to learn about weather and erosion and the life cycle of fish. Thank you to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Mrs. Strong for organizing the event.
5th Grade Camping Trip
BUE 5th graders went camping at Highline Lake State Park in Grand Junction on May 18th and 19th. Students learned how to set up camp, make paracord bracelets, fish, cook outside, and leave no trace. Students also had the opportunity to visit the Museum of the West where they learned about history, art, and archaeology of the Western Slope. Students also hiked Echo Canyon on the Colorado National Monument and visited Las Colonias park for games and exploration. Thank you to all who made this possible, including Philipson, Dani Wesolowski with Garfield County CSU Extension, BUE staff, and our amazing parent volunteers!
Upcoming Activities
Field Days
BUE's Field Day will be held on May 23rd from 8:30 am - 11:00 am with a kickball game (staff vs. 5th grade) following from 1:30 pm through the end of the day.
CFL's Field Day will be held on May 25th at from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
GVMS' Activity Day will be held on May 25th from 8:30 am - 11:30 am.
Philipson will be helping with all Field Days and is excited to close out the year playing outside with kids!
Forests & Fire Field Research Experience: the perfect combination of cutting-edge science and down-to-earth fun for teens!
Who: Students entering 9th through 12th grade in the fall of 2023.
Cost: This is a grant funded program. Scholarships are provided for minority and/or low income youth that participate in the free/reduced lunch program at school. Cost is $50. All others can pay what they can. $800 value.
When: Two sessions to choose from-- June 19-23 or June 26-30.
What: This program is a combination of science & research and outdoor recreation. Mornings will be spent alongside scientists doing research on our property. Topics include fire ecology, forest fire mitigation and forest restoration. Afternoons will be spent hiking, fishing, archery, orienteering, tree climbing and one night of tent camping.
Where: Cal-Wood Education Center is located near Jamestown, CO, 30 minutes northwest of Boulder. You will spend most nights sleeping on a bunk bed in a cabin and eating meals in our dining room. Showers are available. One night, we will go tent camping on the property.
Questions? Email stephanie@calwood.org or call 303-449-0603 ext 7
How to sign up: Complete this registration form and we will be in touch.
School-Based Family Resource Center
May 4th 5K
The School-Based Family Resource Center and the Town of Parachute partnered to bring the "May the Fourth Be With You 5K." The event took place on May 4, 2023. The 5K route began at the Resource Center, winded through town, and ended at the newly revamped Wasson-McKay Park. The Town of Parachute organized a grand reopening of the park, providing free snow cones, a bump and jump, and a taco truck. Approximately 50 participants joined the 5K, and many more joined for the festivities at the park. The proceeds from 5K participants and private donations benefitted the School-Based Family Resource Center, raising about $500 to help families in need.
Thank you to the Town of Parachute, Parachute Police Department, Caerus, and our amazing volunteers for making this possible.
Summer Monday Market
The Town of Parachute has been working hard to organize a small-scale farmer's market this summer. According to Town Manager Travis Elliott, "Although we would like to see a full-scale farmer's market come to town, we are planning to keep things small and simple for our first year." The Town of Parachute and the School-Based Family Resource Center will partner to staff the produce stand with volunteers and create a fundraising opportunity for the Resource Center. According to Elliott, "be sure to plan on stocking up on fresh, local produce this summer at the Monday Market. Garfield Public Health will be hosting live cooking demonstrations, and we will also be booking some live music. You don't want to miss it. We are planning for Monday evenings July 10th - August 14th and located somewhere on 1st Street, most likely at Beasley Park."
Resource Center Open During Summer
A reminder to our community: the School-Based Family Resource Center will remain open during the summer months. Our staff will be here to help families navigate the summer months. Please feel free to stop by the food and clothing pantry Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
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! The clinic will be offered on the first Monday of every month, as long as appointments are scheduled. 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. Please call 970-625-5200 to schedule an appointment, stating that you would like to schedule for the Parachute clinic.
Nutritional News
Thank you all for making this a wonderful year! We will update soon with information for next school year.
Transportation News
Springtime in the Rockies
As our weather gets warmer, our students are taking more time to walk home from bus stops. Please use caution while driving during bus pick up and drop off. Our students have been locked up all winter and are excited to get outside as it gets nicer. Please use caution and look out for children who may be taking extra time in theto get to the bus stop in the morning and/or home from the bus stop in the afternoon.
As always, please make sure to stop behind school buses and do not pass them if they are stopped with their lights flashing. Hefty fines are given to anyone who passes a school bus while stopped. A first-time failure to stop for school bus signals is a Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense. Conviction may result in a fine of $150.00 to $300.00 plus court costs and surcharges and/or possible jail sentence of 10 to 90 days.