Garfield 16 Gazette
February 2023
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District Highlights
Superintendent Corner
2023-2024 School Year Calendar
Garfield 16 families,
The Garfield 16 school calendar has been restructured for the 2023-2024 school year. The new calendar is attached. The major changes are:
One school week (4 days) was added to the beginning of the school year.
The first day for K-12 students is now August 15, 2023.
The first day for preschool students is now August 22, 2023.
One school week (4 days) was added to the end of the school year.
The last day for preschool and K-12 students is now May 30, 2024.
The last day for GVHS Seniors is now May 23, 2024.
The student day was decreased by an average of 36 minutes.
The instructional day was decreased by an average of 41 minutes (instructional time does not include recess).
BUE and CFL will start their day before GVHS and GVMS. Specific start and end times will be announced when bus routes are established.
Parent/teacher conferences will now be held at all schools.
Before and after-school childcare for elementary students, along with morning supervision for secondary students, will be developed. Surveys to collect data about the needs of our families will be released soon.
Why did Garfield 16 implement these changes?
These changes were developed to increase effective instructional time for all students.
A major concern raised by parents and staff was that the length of the student day was a challenge for most students. In order to decrease the student day, additional student days were added to the school year calendar.
Another concern was the structure of conferences. Parents wanted an opportunity to talk with teachers in a parent/teacher conference setting. The new calendar includes both parent/teacher conferences and student-led conferences.
The new calendar meets CDEās instructional hour requirements. It also allows for flexibility when inclement weather necessitates a school closure or two-hour delay.
What was the process of developing these changes?
Our Superintendent heard concerns from parents and staff during committee meetings. These committees were established at the beginning of the school year, and open to all staff members, parents, and community members. Feedback from all constituents were taken into consideration. Four drafts of proposed calendar changes were developed throughout the process, in order to incorporate feedback from all stakeholders. Once representatives from all parties agreed on a final calendar, a cost analysis was performed. The proposed calendar changes were then discussed with staff at all the schools. The calendar changes were then presented to the Board of Education and the proposed changes were approved.
What if my student has a previously planned trip, camp, or other obligation based on the previous version of the school calendar?
If you and your family have already planned around the previous 2023-2024 school calendar and your student(s) will be absent at the beginning and/or end of next school year, we will take those previously planned absences into consideration and they will be excused.
We know this will be an adjustment, and we thank you all for your cooperation and patience.
Change is a challenge for everyone, and it takes time to adjust. We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we move forward in implementing these changes. We are confident that our students, parents, and staff members can work together to ensure āstudents will be successfully prepared for life in a safe and nurturing environment.ā
What Parents Should Know about How Schools Respond to Threats Involving Schools
We are fortunate to have a School Resource Officer who is also attached to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office. This allows us to have seamless and timely information about situations affecting local school districts. School officials and law enforcement work together to determine if a precautionary secure lockdown is necessary, and this will depend on the information that law enforcement has that may not be available to the public. In some instances, school districts monitor the situation in an area school district. This may be because the threat is limited or contained to an area, or the legitimacy of the threat has not yet been established. When a school district is monitoring the situation, it is also prepared to move to a precautionary secure lockdown or a lockdown.
In the event that there is a threat to a school or a threat nearby that could affect our schools, law enforcement will recommend a lockdown. Depending on the situation, normal school operations will continue within the schools, but there will be limited or no access for visitors. In some cases, visitors may be kept in the schools for their own safety. In the case of a lockdown due to an immediate threat to our schools, only law enforcement will have access to the schools and everyone is advised to stay clear of the schools for their safety.
While this activity is going on, parents may learn about a situation in an area school district from social media or word-of-mouth. Garfield 16 will send out a communication to families about its responses to a situation as soon as possible. What is most important is to first take the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety. Second, establish the most accurate information, at that time, for families. If there was an immediate threat to our schools, the objective will be to coordinate safety measures with law enforcement. Parent notification is important, and as soon as possible, the District will communicate what is happening to families.
It is important for our families to know that law enforcement responds to any threats about schools seriously. We defer to their expertise as well as the fact that they will have more knowledge about a situation than can be shared to the public.
Student-Led Conferences
Remember: conferences will be held February 27th & 28th. There is no school for CFL, BUE, & GVMS both days.
GVHS conferences will only be held on February 27th. GVHS Diversity Club will offer daycare in the library of GVHS. Colorado Mountain College will be at GVHS from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at to talk about concurrent enrollment for next year. GVHS will be in session February 28th.
If you have not received detailed information from your student's school regarding conferences, please call the school at 970-285-5700.
The focus of student-led conferences is for students to be able to tell parents about their school experience and their learning. Teachers are available to help answer any questions that parents have during the process. The power in students communicating about their learning experience is to build buy-in and ownership from students for their own learning.
As parents and family members, you are critical partners in helping your child's learning and growth; it is very important that each child is supported by having family members present.
No School- PRESCHOOL ONLY- March 10, 2023
Please note a change to the Preschool Calendar. There will be NO Preschool classes on Friday, March 10, 2023. Our Pre-K team will be attending the state preschool conference in Denver to continually improve our educational practices. Again, NO classes for preschool only (BUE and CFL preschool classes) on March 10, 2023. All other grades will have classes as normal.
BUE American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge
BUE participated in the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge this month. BUE has been participating in this annual event for 21 years!
The event is organized by the BUE Physical Education teacher, Sarah Kinsey, in collaboration with the American Heart Association. The mission is to educate students and families about heart health and raise funds to support research and patient care. According to the American Heart Association's website, "when you donate to the American Heart Association, you are joining the fight against our nation's No. 1 and No. 5 killers - heart disease and stroke. Your donation helps us fund lifesaving research, advocate for healthier communities, improve patient care and work for equitable health for all people."
According to BUE Principal Amber Clark, the event was "especially close to our hearts this year, as one of our 3rd graders is featured as a 'Heart Hero.'" BUE's "Heart Hero," Olyvia, has endured a lot in her life. When asked about how the American Heart Association has impacted their lives, Olyvia's father, Micah Amborn, responded: "The American Heart Association has helped us, and they have helped many, many people who are needing any type of surgery. They are a great organization to support. If you are looking to support an organization, this is one that would be worth it."
BUE students not only raised $4,387.20 for the association, but they also learned about heart and brain health through fun activities, while practicing kindness and gratitude, and learned ways to de-stress. The funds raised also helped earn givebacks to purchase new PE equipment.
Thank you to all who participated and donated. Thank you to Olyvia and her parents for sharing her story, and thank you to Sarah Kinsey for coordinating the event!
Click here to view the Bea Underwood Elementary Schoolās Kids Heart Challenge page: http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=7560&pg=company&company_id=382874
GVHS Wrestlers Earn Their Way to State Tournament
GVHS sent two seniors to the State Wrestling Tournament held last weekend at Ball Arena in Denver. Teagan Jacobs (120lbs) and Dominic Mendoza (157lbs). They started Wrestling on Thursday, February 16, 2023. Jacobs won his match against Eaton's Louden Kindsfater, 10-0. Mendoza lost a tough fought match against Zach Hedmon of Moffat County by one point, 5-4.
On Friday, Jacobs came out strong, but ended up losing 10-8 to Samuel Rosales of Jefferson . This bumped him to the consolation side of the bracket. Jacobs' first match on the consolation side was against Gage Fisher from Lamar. Jacobs won 7-0. Jacobs wrestled again and beat Pueblo Central's Onesimo Rodriguez, 4-0. Mendoza fought hard against Brennan Taylor of Severance, but ended up with a loss 5-2. Unfortunately, this put him out of the tournament.
Saturday, Jacobs came out and stomped Keaton Pickering from Bayfield 8-0. This advanced him to the 3rd and 4th place match against Dempsey Gibbs from Alamosa. Teagan put up a great fight, but couldn't finish on top and ended up losing 6-2. This gave Jacobs the 4th place spot in the 120lb 3A bracket. Congratulations Teagan!
Teagan Jacobs and Dominic Mendoza are both two-time state qualifiers. Teagan Jacobs placed 5th at 113lbs 3A in 2022.
https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?twSessionId=ngdbjanczv&twId=1939071
GVHS/CMC Automotive Program
GVHS students now how the opportunity to get their hands greasy and learn the ins and outs of automotive mechanics from a local expert. CMC and GVHS have teamed up to offer students an opportunity to enroll in the GVHS Automotive Program. The program allows students to earn concurrent credits, for both CMC and GVHS, and learn auto mechanics from a local expert, Robert Sjogren. Sjogren is a CMC Adjunct Faculty and has been instrumental in setting up automotive programs in Rifle, and now at GVHS. Sjogren benefited from the Rifle High School Automotive Program when he was enrolled as a student. He then attended the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating from UTI, he went straight into the field working for dealerships, and eventually became the fleet manager for Garfield School District RE-2.
While employed with RE-2, Sjogren realized that the automotive program at Rifle High School was on it's last leg. According to Sjogren, "The auto program was set to die, and in a way, I consider myself a product of what the program used to be, years ago. Going straight from the Rifle High School Auto Program , to UTI, and into the field. I didn't want to see the auto program failing." In partnership with CMC, Rifle High School and Sjogren were able to continue the program, and have now expanded to GVHS.
Students not only study automotive mechanics in the classroom, but they also benefit from hands-on experience. Students have already worked with helicoil, plexiglass, and soldering. As this is the first year of the program at GVHS, Sjogren, CMC, and Garfield 16 are working on acquiring more tools and purchasing a vehicle lift. Once the lift is installed, students will be able to get their hands dirty and work on directly on vehicles.
This new program will allow GVHS students to graduate with not only CMC credit, but also first-hand experience in a skilled trade. Sjogren not only works with CMC, RHS, and GVHS, but he also has an outside advisory committee that consists of local business owners, dealership representatives, etc., to "keep steering me in a direction that could potentially get these kids ready to graduate high school and possibly get an entry-level career." According to Sjogren, "I think it's definitely a viable career. I want, to the best of my ability, to convey my vocation and teach it to people. It's done well for me and it's definitely a needed skill. More and more, the biggest problem automotive shops face is that they cannot find good employees, so giving these guys a base knowledge and hopefully an opportunity to either continue that through schooling or go directly into the workforce would be my goal."
GVHS Academic & Trophy Hallway
GVHS held a recognition ceremony on February 10, 2023 for all those who helped make the Academic & Trophy Hallway a success. The GVHS Academic and Trophy Hallway has been an ongoing project, recognizing the names of students who excel academically and athletically. The Hall recognizes students who earned advanced placement achievement, SAT 1300+ club, full-ride scholarship recipients, Boettcher and Daniels Fund scholarship recipients (hard-to-get scholarships that allows the recipient to choose their school), SAT achievements, Valedictorians, Salutatorians, Historians, and students with the best statistics in various sports, state champions, and awards given to GVHS sports teams, band, choir, and much more.
John and Pamela Lair, of the Lair Memorial Fund, contributed funds to GVHS from the start to completion of the Academic and Trophy Hallway. GVHS received these funds in honor of the Lair brothers: Ryan Lair who attended Grand Valley High School and then went on to UTECās Colorado Culinary Academy and Sgt. Christopher Lair of the United States Marine Corp, a Grand Valley High School graduate from the class of 1997. The Lair's also donated Sgt. Christopher Lairās letter jacket. GVHS surprised the Lair's by framing it and hanging it the hallway. In addition to their sons being GVHS alumni, Mrs. Lair dedicated her time to the Garfield County School District #16 Board of Education throughout the years of 1989-2001.
GVHS also recognized Mrs. Julie Rider for working with āSchool Pride," placing numerous phone calls to make the recognition boards possible and dedicating her summer time to painting the hallway.
In addition to the recognition boards and awards, there is also touch TV that holds the history of GVHS including year books that have been digitally scanned that date back to the 1940ās. The hard copies are also displayed.
The āGrand Valley Cardinalsā Banner that has hung in the high school since around 1963 has also found a home in the hallway. The 60 year tradition lives on.
GVHS also recognized this year's sponsors, who have celebrated our students and provided support for student recognition as well as all the activities, clubs and athletics.
The GVHS sponsors include: Alpine Bank, Caerus Piceance, and Metcalf Excavation at the Cardinal level; Ace Hardware and Old Mountain Shipping & Gifts at the Red level; alumni Jason and Lori Metcalf, New Age Era Real Estate, and Parachute Auto Parts/Me2 Firearms at the Black level; Beauty Bar Salon & Spa, El Tapatio Restaurant, Grand River Health, Parachute Vet Clinic, PATS Transit System, State Farm- Amy Baysinger and the Town of Parachute at the Booster level; and Hong's Garden at the Family level.
Thank you to all who made the GVHS Academic & Trophy Hallway and GVHS clubs, activities, and athletics possible!
Best of The Colorado Sun
The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver, has launched the first "Best of The Colorado Sun" competition. The competition is divided into regions and categories, ours being the Western Slope & Mountains Region, and the Education category. We invite all families and staff to vote for our schools! Here is more information:
Name: Best of The Colorado Sun
Dates: Jan. 15 - Feb. 28
Region Name: Western Slope & Mountains
Link: https://coloradosun.com/best-of-the-colorado-sun-2023-western-slope-mountains/
Counties Include: Blanco, Chaffee, Custer, Eagle, Fremont, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Mesa, Moffat, Pitkin, Rio, Routt and Summit Counties.
Rules:
Participants can vote once per region
Participants can vote in multiple regions
Participants must fill out 10 categories to be submitted
If a name/company name does not populate in the menu, please type their name in and choose the category at the bottom of the survey
The Colorado Sunās Best of The Colorado Sun is seeking Coloradans to share their favorite businesses and people. Businesses across the state can compete to place in the top slot by their customers and clients.
Through Feb. 28, participants can type in their favorite businesses in more than 100 categories. If a business name does not auto populate, there is a fill-in box at the bottom of the survey.
Winners will be announced in the late spring, and will be recognized by The Colorado Sun.
For questions, or more information, please contact Colorado Sun Marketing & Events Coordinator at sunevents@coloradosun.com.
News from the Schools
Outdoor Education News & Highlights
Past Activities
CFL Animal Helpers Lesson
On February 7, 2023, Garfield 16's Outdoor Education Coordinator, Ari Philipson, visited CFL's first grade classes to give an "animal helpers" lesson. CFL 1st Graders have been studying the "animals everywhere" unit. The unit focuses on animal characteristics, how animals help each other, and how animals help people. Philipson previously brought in animal pelts to teach students about animal characteristics. The "animal helpers" lesson focused on animals helping each other. Philipson focused the lesson on animal families utilizing different roles in order to signal for preditors and gather food for the winter. The students were able to see pictures of various animal homes, guess which animals occupied the homes, and learn about the home-dwellers. The lesson then taught the students why animals make underground dens, the characteristics for a good den design, and the roles different animals play to help one another. Students identified photographs of the dens of beavers, fox, mice, bears, marmots, and ants. They examined the roles families play in their dens, from lookout to nursery, and food collection.
After talking about the characteristics of animal home and family roles, the students went outside to play a game. Students were divided into two groups: marmots and predators. The marmots took turns being the food collector or the lookout. When a marmot would dash from their den to collect food, the predators would swoop from their nest to try and tag the marmot. The lookouts would scream out that danger was near, signaling for the food collector to return to the den. The students took turns in the different roles. CFL 1st graders ran, laughed, and learned how important animal roles are to help each other survive.
After the game and lap in the snow to clean the mud of their shoes, students returned to the warmth where Philipson read "Cactus Hotel" by Brenda Z. Guiberson, a story about a giant cactus and the animals who live in it.
Kiwanis Winter Ecology Trips
Each year, our local Kiwanis Club hosts the 4th Grade Winter Ecology Trips. The students are invited to join the Kiwanis Club on the Grand Mesa where they snowshoe and learn all about winter ecology, including:
- Types of trees and animals on the Grand Mesa, with a focus on beavers and their habitat;
- How to find cardinal directions in the wilderness (N, S, E, W);
- Basic survival skills;
- Water cycle; and
- Lake and ice safety.
Our 4th graders were able to explore the Grand Mesa this fall and the winter trip allows them to compare and contrast the ecology of the Grand Mesa during two different seasons.
According to the Grand Valley/Parachute Kiwanis Foundation website, the purpose of the program is "To provide all Garfield County School District No. 16 fourth graders with a winter outdoor experience and at the same time provide instruction aimed at improving their winter survival skills. All students learn winter survival skills and how to use snowshoes." Thank you to our local Kiwanis club for making this adventure possible for our students!
Many thanks to all those who help ensure our trips are a success this year:
- Our local Kiwanis Club;
- Dan Temple, David Blair, Chris Jackson, and Lynda Prendergast for helping to coordinate all the details;
- Ari Phillipson (G16 Outdoor Ed Coordinator);
- Kara Holden (BUE Instructional Coach);
- GVHS Key Club and Julie Lana;
- Mesa Lakes Lodge; and
- The 4th Grade Team.
Garfield Family Outdoor Day
On Saturday, February 4, 2023, Philipson met families on the Grand Mesa for the Garfield Family Outdoor Day. Philipson and RE-2's Scott Partan, both representing Garfield County Outdoors, welcomed students, staff, and their families from RE-2 and Garfield 16 school districts. All backgrounds, ages, and abilities were welcome. Families enjoyed a great day on the County Line Trail where they snowshoed and/or cross country skied. Garfield County Outdoors provided gear free of charge. Families ventured out into the snow with their gear and spent quality time together as they learned how to navigate winter trails. Once finished with their adventure, Philipson and Partan had hot cocoa waiting for them at the trailhead. A great time was had by all who participated. Thank you to Garfield County Outdoors for organizing the event and working out all of the logistics, Caitlyn Tustin for helping, and the Grand Mesa Nordic Council for grooming the trails.
To ensure the success of future events, please keep others in mind: if you register for the event, but are unable to make it, please communicate to Garfield County Outdoors staff so that people on the waitlist can enjoy the adventure.
GVMS Afterschool Outdoor STEM Club
In partnership with CSU's Garfield County Extension Agent Dani Wesolowski, Philipson and Wesolowski have been instructing students enrolled in the GVMS Afterschool Outdoor STEM club. The STEM components of the program were paired with outdoor components. According to Philipson, the outdoor focus of the club was to provide "an outdoor investigation opportunity aimed at enhancing outdoor winter travel skills and exploration through exploration within natural spaces."
Students participated in team building activities, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, paracord survival bracelet making, and making nature journals. The month of February is the last month for GVMS after school clubs for this season. Philipson's last lesson for the club involved rock climbing and avalanche awareness.
Upcoming Activities
GVMS Winter Ecology and Snow Travel
On March 17, 2023, David Spies and his Grow Dome Class will be headed to the Grand Mesa for a Winter Ecology and Snow Travel event. This event was originally scheduled for January 31, 2023, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. In preparation for the event, students will learn how to make chili. The chili they prepare will be brought with them to the Grand Mesa and served for lunch. Students will learn how to snowshoe and cross country ski. They will also explore the Grand Mesa and learn about winter safety and survival.
GVHS Outdoor Club Winter Survival and Camping Trip
On March 4, 2023 through March 6, 2023, GVHS students involved in the GVHS Outdoor Club will participate in their Winter Survival and Camping Trip. Students will build their own snow shelters, participate in winter survival scenarios, survival games, and sledding competitions. They will also snowshoe, cross country ski, and ice fish. The event will be hosted at the Grand Mesa Lodge, which will serve as an emergency shelter if temperatures drop too low.
Kindergarten Animal Connections
CFL's kindergarten teachers are working with Philipson to develop and design expeditionary learning opportunities to connect their animals unit with outdoor activities. Philipson will present a lesson on similarities and differences between animals. This includes an animal characteristics lesson, with fur kit, scats and tracks. Philipson is also working to confirm guest speakers from a local vet office, and field trips to some local farms and ranches.
Winter Gear Donations Needed!
Garfield 16 Outdoor Education could use your help! We have some students without snow gear. If you have any extra snow pants or snow suits for ages 8 through 16, please drop them off at the District Office: 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO 81635.
School-Based Family Resource Center
Freeway Bowling
On February 13, 2023, the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center (SBFRC) invited 15 GVHS students to participate in a Bowling Day at Freeway Bowl in Grand Junction. Students were excited to get out of town and make memories with SBFRC staff and other students.
The group was shy at first, but once the bowling began, connections grew. Students were encouraging each other, showing each other basic bowling skills, and bonding as the day passed. Student then used life skills to order their lunch and continued playing games in the arcade side of the bowling alley. Overall, the trip was a success and the SBFRC looks forward to planning more activities in the future for students to get out and explore.
Discovery Cafe Meet & Greet
In partnership with the Town of Parachute and the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center, Discovery Cafe hosted a meet and greet at the new Parachute CoWork Space. According to their website, Discovery Cafe's goal is to "provide a uniquely holistic, full service program that supports the homeless, addicted, and disenfranchised individuals in Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties by offering everything they need, in one place, to move themselves from crisis to dignity and independence."
After recognizing a need for services in Parachute, Discover Cafe's Executive Director/Peer Support Specialist Gabe Cohen began working with the Town of Parachute and the SBFRC to organize an event where he could assess the interest of providing services in Parachute. According to Cohen, "I think we have a great non-clinical, peer-to-peer support model. We host a service of support for our community. I think our model could help people all over Colorado. We also do meetings in the jails and prisons and the non-clinical setting is innovative; we are a reservoir of resources that help people get connected to other community partners. I feel there is a need from Aspen down to Grand Junction, and we could be of service throughout our immediate valley. I think our model could be replicated throughout not just rural communities, but throughout Colorado."
The goal of the meet and greet was to introduce Discovery Cafe to the community and assess the community needs. Cohen does believe the necessity is here, but there is more networking and research to do in order to determine what kind of service would be most conducive to the community. One idea is to eventually offer the support group model in Parachute.
For more information, questions, or to give feedback/comments/creative ideas, please call or email gabe@discoverycafe.org and visit https://discoverycafe.org/
Kiwanis
The Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center was awarded $500.00 from the Grand Valley/Parachute Kiwanis Foundation to go towards students' sports and activity funds.
The fund was established last year after the SBFRC, Kiwanis, and the Battlement Mesa Recreation Center identified a need for scholarships benefiting students who couldn't afford to participate in activities. When the need was presented to the local Kiwanis club, they took action. The money was raised through various Kiwanis fundraisers, the biggest being their annual golf tournament.
The $500.00 will be distributed to students who struggle to pay fees involved with playing school sports, parks and recreation activities, and passes to the Battlement Mesa Recreation Center. According to Grand Valley/Parachute Kiwanis President Lynda Prendergast, "Last year, there were about 50 students identified who struggled to pay for sports, be on the teams, do the different activities at the Rec Center, and pay for the daily fees to access the Rec Center. The money got used up pretty quickly. It was great for those kids to be able to do those activities and expand their horizons."
The Grand Valley/Parachute Kiwanis Foundation has been a major supporter of Garfield 16's School-Based Family Resource Center since its inception. According to Prendergast, "We have been supporting the Resource Center and celebrating the Resource Center since it was opened."
According to Garfield 16's School-Based Family Resource Center Coordinator, Claudia Flores Cruz, "Our local Kiwanis club has always been a pillar in our community and we are so grateful for all the support they have given not only to the Resource Center, but to all of our students and all of our schools. The funds provided these scholarships ensure that all kids can participate in sports and activities, regardless of income barriers."
The Grand Valley/Parachute Kiwanis Foundation meets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District Fire House in Battlement Mesa. For those wanting to join Kiwanis or volunteer for one of the many community programs they organize, Prendergast recommends attending a meeting. "We always have a speaker during the meetings," said Prendergast, "we just had a couple of ladies from Grand River Health come and talk about the different programs they have there, health in general, and the health fair they have coming up on March 4th. Next week we have the Development Director for Lift-Up coming to speak. We know people have to work, so it's not necessary for everyone to come to every meeting, but we would love people to come and join, or to just help volunteer for the different things we do." Kiwanis activities that require volunteers include the Annual Golf Tournament, Easter Egg Hunt, and the 4th Grade Winter Ecology Trips. "All of it is helping kids in the schools, that's what we are all about."
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
Safety Snippets
Epilepsy Awareness
On February 15, 2023, all schools in Garfield 16 participated in Epilepsy Awareness Day. Students and staff throughout the district wore purple in order to bring awareness surrounding Epilepsy and how our community can help.
The initiative was organized by Payton S., a 6th grader at GVMS. According to Payton, organizing this event "was important to me so that everyone knows what I have, so they don't make fun of me. I made a presentation to share with everyone and I think people will learn how to help someone if they have a seizure. I want the kids' to know that a seizure could be different, a small one could be just starting or a grand mal, which is shaking. If kids see that I'm having a seizure, I would want them to help and make sure I have something soft around my head."
Payton and GVMS Paraprofessional Mrs. Blair passed out purple ribbons to students and staff to wear during the day. There was a competition between classes to see which class wore the most purple. A prize was awarded to the winning class. All classrooms shared the presentation made by Payton, GVMS Counselor Mrs. Hoyt, and Garfield 16 School Nurse, Mrs. Laidlaw. According to G16 School Nurse Mrs. Laidlaw, "we organized Epilepsy Awareness day because Payton wanted students to know about her condition. She wanted people to be aware of what goes on and what they can do to help when she/anyone is having a seizure. Most people do not realize that these are completely out of the person's control and they lose control over their body when this happens. There are many misconceptions about what to do when people have seizures, therefore we wanted staff and students to have some more education."
According to Payton's mom, Janelle S., "G16 Epilepsy Awareness Day was organized by Payton and Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Laidlaw, and Mrs. Blair, in order to bring awareness to students, staff, and the community about epilepsy. We were thrilled that all the schools in the district participated by wearing purple and sharing a presentation about epilepsy. I'm sure there's other children in the district that have epilepsy and the event was made to educate people and foster a sense of belonging for those that struggle with the disease. Having a support system for students that have epilepsy is very important; it's important for them to feel accepted, and for those around them to know what a seizure looks like, what can happen, and how to keep that person safe."
Thank you to Payton, Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Laidlaw, Mrs. Blair, and all those that participated in the event!
News from the School Nurse
Parent immunization letters were sent out on February 15, 2023. The letters are informational. If you did not receive a letter, please contact your child's school.
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 ā„ 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
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 while dealing with winter roads. Please make sure your student(s) are dressed warmly. Also, please speak with them about waiting at the bus stop until the bus arrives. The district will notify parents if a bus is severely delayed, and the safest option for children is to wait for the bus so they do not miss a late bus.
In the event that we need to close schools due to the weather, that decision is made by 6:00 a.m. and all parents will be notified. We survey the road conditions to make sure that roads are safe for the buses, student drivers, and staff.
Staff Highlights
This month we are highlighting our educators at Bea Underwood Elementary (BUE). 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.
Specials Team
Paraprofessional Kathy Hanakeawe has been with the district for 18 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "I love how excited the kids get when we do projects."
Physical Education Teacher Sarah Kinsey has been with the district for 20 years. She enjoys the community, "we have a nice community. It's my hometown, so I enjoy helping and working with people I grew up with."
Music Teacher Krista Humphrey has been with the district for 13 years. She had the following to say about her favorite part of her job, "I love seeing every kid in the school and having fun with them with music. I also love the people I work with."
Art Teacher Shelly Shuckers has been with the district for 26 years. She said her favorite part of her job is "my team, they are the best. I also love when the children discover something new."
Support Team
Data and Curriculum Specialist Jessica Johnson has been with the district for 16 years. She enjoys "the community and the kids that I work with."
Instructional Coach Kara Holden has been with the district for five years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "Supporting teachers; helping them makes me happy, it gives me purpose."
Reading Interventionist Kathy Severson has been with the district for two years. She said her favorite part of her job is "my kids."
ELL Teacher/Interventionist Erick Lionberger has been with the district for four months. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "the kids, the staff, and the whole community working together for common goals."
Special Education Department
Paraprofessional Elena Severson has been with the district for four months. Her favorite part of her job is "the kids."
Paraprofessional Cathy Janicek has been with the district for 23 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "working with the kids; helping children who learn and act differently be themselves."
Special Education Teacher Michelle Lujan has been with the district for five years. Her favorite part of her job is "the kids."
Paraprofessional Lecia Hill has been with the district for three years. She also enjoys "working with the kids."
Paraprofessional Sheleen Owens has been with the district for two years. Her favorite part of her job is "the children."
Special Education Teacher Deana Jacoby has been with the district for two months. Her favorite part of her job is "the kids."
Second Grade Team
Second Grade Teacher Amber Palcer has been with the district for five years. She enjoys "when the light bulb clicks in a kid for a concept we have been working on. When their brains discover wonderful things."
Second Grade Teacher Jessica Strong has been with the district for more than 10 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the kids, for sure."
Second Grade Teacher Tessa Sherraden has been with the district for five years. She had the following to say about her favorite part of her job, "the biggest thing that makes me smile is when the kids show each other kindness. Another favorite thing is their smiles and the look on their faces when something clicks.
Second Grade Teacher Ms. Scilla has been with the district for two years. Her favorite part of her job is "the kids."
Third Grade Team
Third Grade Teacher Teresa Franco is on her first year with the district. Her favorite part of her job is "teaching my classroom Spanish."
Third Grade Teacher Haley Bordelon has been with the district for two years. She enjoys "the community and being able to be a part of it. I also enjoy working with the students that will be leading it someday."
Third Grade Teacher Jessica Hartman has been with the district for 19 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "getting to see the kids every day."
Third Grade Teacher Melissa Trent has been with the district since August. She had the following to say about her job, "the kids are my favorite part."
Third Grade Teacher Kacee Theis has been with the district for three years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the kids' smiles."
Fourth Grade Team
Fourth Grade Teacher Heidi Bair has been with the district for three years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the students first, the laughs with colleagues second, and third, snowshoeing with the kids."
Fourth Grade Teacher Melanie Aldrich is on her second year with the district. She enjoys "watching the light bulbs go off with the kiddos."
Fourth Grade Teacher Kristen Henderson is on her second year with the district. Her favorite part of her job is "working with the kids every day."
Fourth Grade Teacher Damien Reed has been with the district for two years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "the 'aha' moments, when the kids get it."
Fifth Grade Team
Fifth Grade Teacher Jewel Preston has been with the district since August. She had the following to say about her favorite part of her job, "I love the whiteboards with HoverX, where you can make it into a touch screen, I've never seen that technology before."
Fifth Grade Teacher Samantha Mendoza has been with the district for 10 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the children."
Fifth Grade Teacher Chelsea Dickens has been with the district for five years. She enjoys "the field work, getting kids out into the community and allowing them to experience the world around them."
Fifth Grade Teacher Annette Tanner is on her second year with the district. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the staff, the camaraderie that we have, and the students."
Community Corner
Upcoming Events
Read Across America Week at BUE
This is reminder for our Read Across America Family Engagement Events at BUE next week. Here is the link to sign up: https://forms.gle/6jSAiCeCh8aXEsRg9.
We hope you can join us!