Garfield 16 Gazette
April 2023
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District Highlights
Superintendent Corner
District 16 Safety & Security Project
Our District was recently awarded two grants: one in the amount of $150,000.00 from Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District and another in the amount of $15,000.00 from the School Security Disbursement Grant Program under the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Funds from these two grants, along with funds the District will provide, will be utilized for the D16 Safety and Security Project. This project aims to improve the security of our public school facilities and vehicles. The project will upgrade our current security cameras, install cameras where no coverage currently exists, integrate our security cameras with our access control system, install wireless card access to all outside doors, upgrade our transportation cameras, and upgrade our bus tracking equipment. These upgrades will improve our District's security and protect our students and educators from threats of physical harm, prevent entry of unauthorized individuals into our public school facilities and school vehicles, and will be used to expedite communication when a threat is present.
Second School Resource Officer
Garfield 16 and the Town of Parachute have reached an agreement to provide our District with a second School Resource Officer. Two School Resource Officers will now serve our District, one with the Garfield County Sheriff's Office and one with the Parachute Police Department. One Resource Officer will be assigned to Grand Valley High School and the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning and the other will be assigned to Bea Underwood Elementary and Grand Valley Middle School. According to the agreement, the School Resource Officer provided by the Parachute Police Department, will work with the District to realize the goals and objectives of the School Resource Officer Program, which are:
- "To foster educational programs and activities that will increase student knowledge of and respect for the law and the function of law enforcement agencies and personnel;
- To promote positive relationships between law enforcement, students, parents, and the school district;
- To incorporate SRO presence into extra-curricular school-related activities, when possible, such as athletic events and concerts;
- To act swiftly and cooperatively when responding to disruptions and criminal offenses on school property, such as: disorderly conduct, trespassing, possession or use of weapons, or illegal use/possession/sale and/or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances;
- To report crimes that occur on school property and to cooperate with other law enforcement officials in their investigation of crimes that occur on school property, in a manner that minimizes disruption of school operations and the educational process;
- To cooperate with all law enforcement officials in their investigations of criminal offenses that occur off campus, in a manner that minimizes disruption of school operations and the educational process; and
- To assist the District in traffic control at school-related events when deemed necessary for the safety and protection of students and the general public."
The District is excited to add this position to our team and we thank the Town of Parachute and the Parachute Police Department for continued cooperation in keeping our schools safe.
School Happenings
Addams Family Musical
On April 14 and 15, 2023, the GVHS TheaterCo. presented the "Addams Family School Edition" musical. Community members packed the auditorium at GVHS and enjoyed a very exciting night of theater. According to GVHS Music Director Abbey Beaton, "I'm proud of the effort that our students put into this show, and the commitment and responsibility they have shown. [...] I am honored to work with such hardworking and responsible students. The Addams Family encourages us to move towards the darkness, and welcome the unknown, the creepy, the strange. I hope this willingness to face the unknown and the difficult, and the willingness to embrace something new and strange, will stick with our students long after this musical is over."
The musical is based on characters created by Charles Addams, the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. GVHS Music Director Abbey Beaton directed, CFL Kindergarten Teacher Erinn Tanner choreographed, GVMS Music/Band Teacher Amanda Jones served as the Pit Orchestra Director/Piano for the production, GVMS Data & Curriculum Specialist Scott Carpenter helped construct the set, and parent Mike Vogel volunteered his time as the Sound Coordinator.
Students from GVHS, GVMS, and even Rifle High School participated in the play as cast members, stage crew, or playing music in the "pit" (live musicians playing background music during the performance). The cast included: Clifford Dobbs as Gomez Addams; Brooklynn Millius as Morticia Addams; Kaelee Sabata as Wednesday Addams; Dominic Mendoza as Lucas Beineke; Reanna Humprey as Alice Beineke; Nathaniel Madden as Mal Beineke; Isiah Munoz as Fester Addams; Hannah Vashus as Pugsley Addams; Addison Susie as Grandma Addams; Xavier Gutierrez as Lurch; and Olya Vtorushina, Jodin Carpenter, Cybil Gonzales, Hayden Skeen, Marlie Read, Liam Tanner, and Craig Perkins as ancestors. The stage crew included Kadence Rowatt (Stage Manager), Shaelynn Wallberg, Crystal Roland, Thomas Hartman, and Tanner Hunt. The pit included Lexi Jenkinson on the saxophone, Craig Cotter on the trumpet, and Jamise Baker and Nikolye Romero on woodwinds.
Thank you to all the students who worked so hard to make this a successful show, to all the community members who attended, and special thanks to First String, Scott Carpenter, Kelly McCormick, Jason Arthur, Mark Gregory, Mike Vogel, Stephanie Hart, Molly Mendoza, and GVHS & GVHS staff.
BUE Spring Concerts
BUE held the 4th and 5th grade Spring Concert on April 20, 2023. The students presented "Colorado" by John Polinski. The concert included script scenes written by Jeff Van Devender and adapted by Mrs. Humphrey.
Students sung, danced, played recorders, had speaking parts, used props, and presented great information about our wonderful, colorful state. The songs performed included "Colorado," "Gold Rush," "Ladies in Colorado," "Western Colorado," and "Symbol Song." The students also played their recorders to "Hot Cross Buns" and "Au Claire de la Lune."
Thank you to all the students who worked so hard to make this a successful show, to all the community members who attended, and special thanks to Mrs. Humphrey and the BUE staff who made this possible.
BUE's 2nd and 3rd grade concert will be held April 25, 2023. 2nd grade will perform at 6:00 pm and 3rd grade will perform at 7:00 pm.
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.
Johnny's Ambassadors
Garfield 16's Board of Education Vice President, Kim Whelan was instrumental in getting Johnny's Ambassadors into our schools. According to Kim, "I met Laura and John Stack while attending the school board convention in December. Both emanated passion and love for kids! I was struck by their personal connection to the issue, their passion, and dedication to share the research behind current marijuana use among teens. As a recently retired teacher that has taught Health for two decades, I watched the incredible change among our student population during the period of legalization. It was and is my ultimate goal to help kids make decisions that will carry them through the years of brain development with optimal success and optimal protection. We have spent so much time telling them what not to do. I believe our message needs to be positive and they need to have the science behind the 'why.' I want kids to 'choose life!!'"
For more information, visit https://johnnysambassadors.org/
BUE Self Managers
The Self Manager Program is in full force at BUE. As part of BUE's Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Program, students have been working hard to earn their self manager badges. The program goals are to decrease bullying and increase respectful actions towards classmates, teachers, parents, school, and our whole community.
The Self Manager Program provides ways for students to earn positive rewards in the form of prizes, privileges, and even field trips when they show positive behavior at BUE.
The Self Manger Program is:
- Preventative: changes the focus from negative behaviors to positive expectations and interactions.
- Focused on 5 Habits of Learning and Scholarship: Collaboration, Respect, Integrity, Service, and Perseverance. As students demonstrate these habits, they can earn positive rewards, prizes, and even field trips.
The Self Manager Program at BUE positively recognizes students who consistently model CRISP habits of behavior, meet our school behavior norms, and are kind, responsible, and ethical leaders.
How to Become a Self-Manager
Students can pick up an application form from the office.
There are 3 Levels of Self Management at BUE:
Level 1: Self Manager
Level 2: CRISP Kids
Level 3: BUE Ambassador
If you have any questions about the Self Manager Program, please reach out to BUE office at (970) 285-5703.
CFL Student Ambassadors
The Grand Valley Center for Family Learning (CFL) has established a Student Ambassador Program. Throughout the year, these Student Ambassadors have participating in several activities to help their school and community. CFL Student Ambassadors are identified by their peers and teachers as leaders in their classrooms. Students are identified by being responsible and kind. Two students were chosen from each class at the beginning of the school year and two additional students were chosen from each class in January. Next week, students and staff will identify Kindergarten ambassadors for next year.
The activities that CFL Student Ambassadors have participated in include CFL's morning announcements, book drives, food drive, learning about conflict resolution, helping kids solve problems on the playground, a sucker sale for Valentine's Day, and helping at the Thanksgiving Feast. CFL Student Ambassadors also drew and colored pictures and delivered them to residents of Mesa Vista and two ambassadors recently presented stories they wrote at the Board of Education meeting.
Thank you to Melissa Bradley for her hard work organizing and implementing the program, to our CFL Student Ambassadors for the amazing work they are doing, and to all CFL families who have supported their efforts.
BUE Family Art Night
BUE hosted a "Family Art Night" on April 7, 2023. All community members were welcome. As you walked into BUE, greeters met you at the door to direct you to the various stations set up inside. The cafeteria transformed into a venue for local artists to display their work. Photographers, painters, and crafters joined the festivities to teach families about their art. The gymnasium transformed into interactive art stations where families could create art with bubbles, clay, or create with the GVHS Art Club. The electives hallway featured art stations where families could create art with yarn, origami, giant pieces of paper, and much more. Creativity was flowing and families shared a great experience together.
According to BUE Art Teacher and Family Art Night Organizer, Shelly Schuckers, one of the goals of the event was to bring local artists in to display and discuss their art. "This was an essential part of Art Night because the students were starting to think that great artists were all dead (we had been studying famous artists like Van Gogh and Picasso and that was the one question I knew they would ask). This year I was lucky enough to get six artists from our community to volunteer their time including Gayle Blair (glass art), Kerwin Stark (wood turning), Sam Humphrey (painter), Willa Higuera (painter), Lynn Shore (photographer), Teri Richards (painter) and myself (chalk pastels)."
Along with the local artists, many wonderful volunteers joined to make this a successful event. According to Schuckers, "we had students from Grand Valley High School Art Club (led by their Art Teacher, Phoenix Hadley) and a couple high school individuals earn some service hours facilitating a button making station as well as multiple BUE staff members (Kara Holden, Jessie Strong, Melanie Aldrich, Erik Lionberger, Annette Tanner, Amber Palcer, Kathy Severson, Elena Severson, Jessica Johnson, Amber Clark, Kathy Hanakeawe, Heidi Bair, Tessa Sherraden, Sarah Kinsey and Krista Humphrey) facilitating a number of art making opportunities throughout the building. Some of these stations included ‘make and take’ art like clay sculpting, bubble painting, marble painting, origami and aluminum human form sculpting. Beyond the ‘make and takes’ we also had some collaborative art stations like body symmetry, monochromatic art and doodle painting to decorate our building."
"I felt extremely lucky to have so many volunteers come together and offer their time and skills to our students," Schuckers said. "I could not have done this alone. I thoroughly enjoyed comments from students and parents as they left the art night as they showed me their masterpieces with pride."
Thank you to Mrs. Schuckers, our amazing volunteers, local artists, and all who attended and made this a successful event!
News from the Schools
Outdoor Education News & Highlights
Past Activities
Kinder- Sopris Alpaca Farm and Milk Creek Creamery
On March 28, 2023, CFL Kindergarten students traveled to Silt. According to CFL Data and Curriculum specialist, Robin Mcmillan, "Kindergarten students at CFL were reading and learning about different types of animals. They traveled to Milk Creek Creamery and Sopris Alpaca farm to learn about the animals there and how to take care of them."
While at Milk Creek Farms, students got to learn about dairy cows and what makes them different from other cattle. They also played games such as "Milk the Cow" where students raced to to squeeze out water from rubber gloves attached to a cardboard cow. Students learned about other dairy products such as butter and were even able to make their own "jar butter" by shaking jars of cream. Many agreed they preferred the home-made butter to the conventional store bought butter after tasting it on tortillas. . While at the Sopris Alpaca farm, students got to feed adult and young alpacas and learn about their close relative, the lama. Thank you to Milk Creek Creamery and Sopris Alpaca Farm for allowing our students the chance to come explore your farms.
GVHS Outdoor Club
On April 17, 2023, the GVHS Outdoor Club traveled to Grand Junction to learn about rock climbing and physical fitness. The students went to the Grand Valley Climbing Gym. After a brief orientation on safety, they spent three hours climbing, bouldering, and overcoming their fears.
GVMS Grow Dome Class
The GVMS Grow Dome Class has been germinating seeds and working to clean up the garden beds in the green house. Students will plant their seedlings and be able to watch their plants grow through the end of the school year. Students will be planting in pots in order to take home their fruits and vegetables at the end of the year.
Upcoming Activities
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.
GVHS Outdoor Club Challenge Course Day
On April 29, 2023, the GVHS Outdoor Club will participate in a day on the Grand Valley Challenge Course. They will be learning teamwork and communication on high and low rope elements.
Garfield Family Outdoor Day
Garfield Family Outdoor Day is scheduled for May 5, 2023. Please check out the flyer below.
2nd Grade Adventure
On May 17, 2023, BUE 2nd graders will be going to Rifle Gap and Rifle Fish Hatchery to learn about local ecology and the life cycle of fish.
CFL Kinder and 1st Grade Challenge Course Day
On May 16-19, CFL will be bringing Kindergarten and 1st Grade classes to the Grand Valley Challenge Course for team building on the low elements.
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.
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
Mt. Callahan Community Fund Grant Award
The School-Based Family Resource Center (SBFRC) has been awarded a grant from the Mt. Callahan Community Fund. The $1,000.00 grant was made possible by generous donors who support the Mt. Callahan Community Fund. Through the local steering committee managed by the Western Colorado Community Foundation, the SBFRC was identified as a beneficiary. In the award letter, Tedi Gillespie, the Mt. Callahan Community Fund Grants and Community Outreach Director noted that they "are delighted to be able to support your important work." According to Claudia Flores-Cruz, the SBFRC Coordinator, "We are so thankful that we have the support of organizations like the Mt. Callahan Community Fund and will continue to serve our community to the best of our ability."
Easter Eggstravaganza
On April 8, 2023, the SBFRC joined the Kiwanis Club and Grand Valley Recreation Center to host the Easter Eggstravaganza. About a dozen Garfield 16 students came to help the SBFRC and Kiwanis hide about 1,500 eggs. A handful of golden eggs were also hidden. The golden eggs were sponsored by Alpine Bank and gift certificates to local business were found inside. The event also featured the Easter Bunny, a magic show, egg dying, cookie decorating, crafts, games, and a petting zoo.
According to the Easter Bunny, "The event was a lot of fun, I had a lot of fun playing with the kids and making kids smile. There were a couple kids who were scared, but that's bound to happen. I had a lot of fun."
Thank you to the SBFRC volunteers, Alpine Bank, Old Mountain Shipping & Gifts, Faith Journey, Kiwanis, and Grand Valley Recreation Center for making this event possible!
Girl Scout Cookie Donation
The SBFRC was honored to receive a generous donation of Girl Scout Cookies from the Parachute Girl Scout Troop, #14076. The Troop Leaders, Kristina Gonzalez and Gena Baker, had a busy season helping the troop sell cookies. Throughout the season, donations were collected. As explained by Troop Leader Kristina Gonzalez, "As the girls sell cookies, they collect donations. Sometimes people will donate a whole box, sometimes it will be a dollar or two here or there. At the end, we get it all together and give donations. Every year, we have the girls pick who they want to be their hometown hero, and this year they decided to pick the Resource Center all on their own."
The SBFRC happily received the donation and would like to thank the Troop for their hard work and generosity. According to SBFRC Coordinator Claudia Flores Cruz, "We are excited to have a new addition to our food pantry. We have never had Girl Scout Cookies and we are honored that the troop decided to choose the Resource Center as the community hero."
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.
Please register by May 1st by clicking here. If you are interested in volunteering, please email cflorescruz@garfield16.org
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! 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.
Smiles for Students
Garfield County Public Health has been visiting Garfield 16 schools as part of their Smiles for Students program. Registered Dental Hygienists have been in 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 has visited CFL and will visit the following schools on the following dates:
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:
- CFL Garden Day: May 5, 2023. Parents/guardians are invited. Parents must prepay by April 27th. $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.
- May 9- 5th grade to GVMS
- May 11- Special Olympics at Rifle
- May 12- 1st Grade Transition Day and BUE Choir trip to Elitch Gardens
- May 17- 2nd Grade to Fish Hatchery
- May 18 & 19 - 5th Grade Camping Trip
- May 19- Last day of School GVHS
- May 23- Field Day/Crew Olympics at BUE
- May 25- Field Day at CFL and last day of school CFL, BUE, GVMS
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
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.
Staff Highlights
This month we are highlighting our educators at Grand Valley High School (GVHS). 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.
Language Arts Team
English Language Arts Teacher Alison Teter has been with the District for 22 years. She had the following to say about her favorite part of her job, "I really love the student population we have, it's a good mix of kids. We get a lot of new transfers and we have a great variety. It's also nice to see the kids interact and accept new people."
English Language Arts Teacher Sadie Lombardo is on her first year with the District. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "I love that I feel like if I really wanted to teach about a certain book or something, I have the freedom to do that."
English Language Learner Teacher Julie Lana has been with the District for 20 years. She said her favorite part of her job is "the students. I like seeing the light bulb go on in students' eyes."
Spanish Language Arts Teacher Juan Rivera-Meraza has been with the District for nine years total. He enjoys "when I see my students learning, you can see it on their faces. When they are focused and concentrated on their work and I can tell they are getting it and they do not need my help."
English Language Arts Teacher Sam Wardell has been with the District for three years. His favorite part of his job is "being able to work with students and trying to make an impact."
Social Studies Team
Social Studies Teacher Lyndzie Kroupa is on her first year with the District. She enjoys "getting to build relationships with the students and spending time with them."
Social Studies Teacher Mark Jansen has been with the District for 13 years. His favorite part of his job is "the students."
Social Studies Teacher Sydney Grant has been with the District for three years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "I really like the community."
Science Team
Science Teacher Ty Hartman is on his first year with the District. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "getting to interact with the kids."
Science Teacher Irene Doyle has been with the District for about 10 years. She enjoys "getting kids excited about science." Irene recently obtained her Initial CTE credential (Engineering & Technology). Educational Pathways to Innovative Careers (EPIC) is paying for her credential and providing her a stipend. Congratulations Irene!
Science Teacher Patricia Willer has been with the District for three years. Her favorite part of her job is "the students and that it's a small school, so I get to know all the students and staff."
Math Team
Math and Woodshop Teacher George Henderson has been with the District for two years and teaching for more than 30 years. His favorite part of his job is "working with the kids and seeing them be successful."
Math Teacher Morgan Allison is on her first year with the District. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "being with the kids."
Math Teacher Allison Clark has been with the District for two years. She enjoys "building relationships with students and getting to see them grow up, choose who they want to be, and become young adults."
Special Education Team
Paraprofessional Jennifer Means is on her first year with the District. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "being able to connect with the kids."
Paraprofessional Brenda Braspenninx has been with the District for two years. She enjoys "working with the students, the teamwork, and learning right along with the students."
Special Education Teacher Makahla Matheson-Bulik has been with the District for 15 years. Her favorite part of her job is "working with the students. We have great students and I truly enjoy working with them. I also have a great team."
Electives Team
Music Director Abbey Beaton is on her first year with the District. She enjoys "getting to go on trips, taking our students to competitions and performing in concerts."
Art Teacher Phoenix Hadley is on her fourth year with the District. Her favorite part of her job is "hanging out with the kids."
Technology Teacher Travis Porter has been with the District for 15 years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "Autonomy. I'm trusted to teach what I'm supposed to teach."
Athletic Trainer & Fitness Teacher
Athletic Trainer Christina Armentrout is on her first year with the District. She had the following to say about her favorite part of her job, "I like building relationships with the athletes, as well as helping them overcome injuries."
Fitness Teacher Jeremy Drake has been with the District for three years. His favorite part of his job is "seeing the kids grow."
Learning Lab Team
Paraprofessional Dawn Magee has been with the District for 19 years. Her favorite part of her job is "the students." Dawn not only helps students in the "Learning Lab," but also assists with the Special Education program.
Lead Credit Recovery Teacher Peter Golden has been with the District for two years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "The students. Delighted students, seeing them accomplish their goals. It's intrinsically rewarding to see them succeed and provide them with a positive environment."