Garfield 16 Gazette
October 2022
District Highlights
Homecoming 2022
Interim Superintendent Corner
Garfield 16 District Accountability Committee 2022-23
School districts in Colorado are required to have a District Accountability Committee (DAC).
The Committee consists of at least three parents of students, one employee of the district, one administrator, and one business/community representative. If you are interested in being considered for the DAC for the 2022-23 school year, please complete this survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeS2kW9MERAvU131OF4aYOY22fcGrwq-CzIMVMilI8Yt3e1BA/viewform?pli=1
The Committee will focus on how the schools are reporting student progress to parents.
The DAC meetings will be held in the district offices at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- Thursday, October 27, 2022
- Thursday, January 26, 2023
- Thursday, March 30, 2023
- Thursday, May 25, 2023
For more information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Baugh at jbaugh@garfield16.org or 970-285-5701.
More information about DCA responsibilities can be found here:
https://www.cde.state.co.us/sacpie/sacanddacresponsibilities1l
Photo by: Sheleen Owens
Special Olympics Bowling
On October 12, 2022, Special Olympics Colorado (SOC) and Colorado River BOCES hosted Special Olympics Bowling at the Rifle Fireside Lanes. SOC provided transportation to and from the event for 70 students from RE-2 and G16 School Districts. The students ranged from 1st Grade through the Transition Program (21 years old). Each participant received a shirt, lunch, bowling lessons, and was celebrated with an award. According to Kristy Slife, Colorado River BOCES Special Education Coordinator, "This is an incredible opportunity for participants. When they all walk into the bowling alley their faces light up and you can see how they enjoy being together outside of the school setting and being with others with similar abilities. As the players get older you can see the competitiveness, teamwork, and comradery. The younger participants just enjoy the time with their peers and helpers."
Thank you to Special Olympics Colorado, Colorado River BOCES, and Rifle Fireside Lanes for giving our students this opportunity.
After-School Clubs
The month of October brought the start of After-School Programming for our District. District 16 is fortunate to be a recipient of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Grant. The purpose of this grant is "to support after-school enrichment for students in need of more academic support."
CFL after-school programming will begin October 25, 2022 and run through December 13, 2022. The clubs include Kid's Creations, Funs with Science, Spanish Club, Kindness Rocks, Games and Puzzles, Cooking Club, and Painting. CFL after-school clubs are held on Tuesdays, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
BUE after-school programming began October 4, 2022 and will run through November 15, 2022. The clubs include Lego Club, Jewelry Making, Board Games, Gardening, Choir, 2nd and 3rd Grade Art Club, 4th and 5th Grade Cake Decorating, and Outdoor Club. After-school clubs are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm.
GVMS after-school programming began October 18, 2022 and will run through December 8, 2022. GVMS clubs include Cooking Club, Sports Club, Hair and Makeup Club, Builders Club, Inquiry Club, Homework Help, Spanish Club, Color Guard, Art Club, and Chess Club. GVMS after-school clubs are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:30 pm to 5:25 pm.
GVHS is currently in the process of organizing student-led after-school clubs. More information will be sent home with your GVHS student as soon as details are finalized.
If your student didn't have the opportunity to participate in our Fall After-School Programming, please look out for After-School Programming Winter and Spring Sign-Up Sheets, which will be sent home with your student.
GlenX Career Expo
The GlenX Career Expo was held October 12, 2022 at the Rifle Fairgrounds. The event was hosted in partnership with GlenX and Aspen Community Foundation for Juniors and Seniors from GVHS, Coal Ridge High School, Rifle High School, Debeque High School, Meeker High School, and Liberty Classical High Schools. Around 110 GVHS students attended the event. According to GVHS School and Career Counselor, Michelle Paine, "The purpose of this event was for students to ask questions, explore and discover future career opportunities, and leave with a better understanding of their interest in specific careers. Many of the businesses offered employment, internships, apprenticeships, career shadowing, part-time and summer jobs, volunteering and certifications/degrees." Over 125 businesses participated in the event, educating students about career opportunities with their organizations.
Several businesses and local organizations set up informative booths, educating students about future career opportunities. Parachute Police Chief, Sam Stewart, attended the event with some of his staff. According to Chief Stewart, "I think GlenX is a great recruiting tool for kids to realize how many jobs are actually available in this area, and out there for them. There is so many things out there for them to do, so many different careers they probably haven't even thought about. I think this is a great experience. I'm glad to see it."
In addition to talking with local businesses and learning about various career paths and opportunities, students also had the opportunity to learn from Keynote Speaker, Kyle Willkom. According to The Fisher Agency, "Kyle Willkom is a keynote speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He is the Founder of Action Packed Leadership, LLC - a leadership development company focused on helping young people become the best versions of themselves. His most recent book, Action Packed Leadership - Empowering High School Students to Think Positive, Take Action, and Create Change, was a number 1 best seller on Amazon and is used in leadership classes around the country."
According to the GlenX Career Expo program flyer, the GlenX mission is "To build a stronger, more vibrant community by connecting students to resources that will stimulate their awareness of opportunities and enable them to fulfill their career aspirations for a successful future." According to GVHS Sophomore Ivan Jorge Ramirez, "This is a very nice event, benefitting the students and their future. They are learning about what they will do when they leave school, the jobs that will suit them and that will benefit them the most."
Thank you to GlenX, Aspen Community Foundation, participating businesses, and organizers for making this a successful even for our students!
News from the Schools
Outdoor Education News & Highlights
Past Activities
Garfield 16's first Staff Meet Up was held on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Ari Philipson, Garfield 16 Outdoor Education Coordinator, organized these events for all Garfield 16 certified and classified staff. According to Philipson, "Staff Meetups are a way for our District staff community to connect, let loose, and enjoy the outdoors together." The first activity took staff to explore the fall colors on the Grand Mesa, hiking the County Line Trail Loop.
On Oct. 5, 2022, GVMS 7th and 8th grade classes participated in an outdoor education field trip. Students in 7th grade classes were transported to Hanging Lake. Students hiked up to the National Natural Landmark and participate in learning stations. Carla Farrand from Garfield County's CSU Extension taught students about the weathering and erosion of the area (both past and present), including the Grizzly Creek Fire, that made Hanging Lake what it is today. All students made it to the top of the hike and enjoyed the beauty of Hanging Lake. Students in 8th grade classes were transported to the Battlement Mesa School House and the Grand Valley Challenge Course. In partnership with Battlement Mesa Historical Society and Challenge Course Facilitators, students learned about the history of the Grand Valley, as well as team building, trust initiatives, and communication. Thank you to Micah Amborn, GVMS Social Studies and History Teacher, and Tom Ferro, GVMS Science Teacher for leading these activities.
On Oct. 7, 2022 BUE 4th graders participated in a field trip to the Grand Mesa. Philipson and Kara Holden, BUE Instructional Coach, organized a Fall Ecology Hike. Students had the opportunity to enjoy the crisp October air, the changing colors, and learn about the geology and formation of the region. Students participated in learning stations at the Lands End Observatory and had lunch at the Mesa Lakes picnic area. Amy Hauver, Extension Agent in Agriculture and Natural Resources with CSU's Garfield County Extension, supported Garfield 16 staff to ensure students enjoy a fun-filled outdoor learning experience.
On Oct. 8, 2022, GVHS Outdoor Club traveled to the Grand Mesa. GVHS Alternative High School Teacher and Fly Fishing Guide, Peter Golden, instructed students on how to successfully cast and catch using fly fishing techniques. Mr. Golden also instructed students on entomology, the study of insects.
On Oct. 13, 2022, GVHS Freshman traveled to Hanging Lake. Students learned from the 1.2 mile hike to this Colorado treasure and benefited from learning stations provided by Carla Farrand from Garfield County's CSU Extension.The majority of the Freshman class attended the field trip, and it was a successful day.
If you are interested in volunteering to chaperone future outdoor activities with your student's school, please contact your student's school:
CFL: (970) 285-5702
BUE: (970) 285-5703
GVMS: (970) 285-5707
GVHS: (970) 285-5701
Upcoming Activities
On Oct. 21, 2022, GVMS 8th Graders will participate in a field trip to the Rifle Arch and Rifle Heritage Museum. GVMS Social Studies and History Teacher, Micah Amborn, and GVMS Science Teacher, Tom Ferro, are both helping Philipson lead the event. The Rifle Arch is a 2.8-mile hike featuring desert terrain, a juniper forest, and unique rock formations. According to the Rifle Heritage Museum website, "The Rifle Heritage Center is the largest museum in Garfield County; and is home to a wide variety of exhibits and interactive displays that come together to tell the story of Rifle's past."
On Oct. 21, 2022, GVMS 7th Graders will participate in a Field Day at GVMS. GVMS English Language Arts Teacher Jess Carter and GVMS World History Teacher Caitlyn Tustin will be leading the activities. The students will be participating in stations connecting their literature reading to Field Day activities. The students have been reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. Field Day activities will bring events in the book to life. Students will be participating in various stations including carrying water from the school to the community park, escape rooms, and science lessons.
Starting Oct. 25, 2022, Philipson will partner with GVMS Physical Education Teacher Brittany Clark for a two-week archery unit held at GVMS. Students will learn how to safely use a bow and arrow, and get practice shooting various targets. After Thanksgiving break, GVMS students will participate in a one-week rock climbing unit. Students will learn about rock climbing tactics and safety at the rock wall inside GVMS.
GVHS Outdoor Club is partnering with the GVHS Leadership Club to organize a "Challenge Course Leadership Program." This program will rely on Philipson to teach GVHS students how to become Grand Valley Challenge Course Student Facilitators. GVHS students will learn how to safely belay, use proper gear, and guide younger students on the challenge course.
School-Based Family Resource Center
Golf for the Cause
The Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center was the beneficiary of "Golf for the Cause," organized by the Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club. The 18-Hole Scramble Tournament took place on Sept. 17, 2022. About 60 community members entered to play in the tournament. A portion of every participant's entry fee, along with proceeds from mulligan card purchases, and private donations contributed to the generous donation to the Resource Center. Gail Brodsack, President of the Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club, and Margaret Cook, Committee Member, presented a $2,500.00 donation to the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center (pictured above). According to Brodsack, this tournament, "was the most money we have raised in quite some time." The event was so successful the Golf Club is working on details to host an annual tournament to benefit the Resource Center.
Thank you to the Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club, the Battlement Mesa Golf Course, local sponsors, and tournament participants for making this a successful event!
Free GED Tutoring Classes
Grand Valley Giving Tree Registration Closes November 1, 2022
The Grand Valley Giving Tree program opened registration October 1, 2022. Registration will close on November 1, 2022. The Grand Valley Givers hope that these gifts will help make the holiday season brighter for families in need of assistance. You can register your children to receive gifts by clicking this link before November 1, 2022.
Once registration closes, the Grand Valley Givers will place Giving Trees at various locations around our community this holiday season. Tags with information about the registered children will be placed on the trees. Giving Trees will be located at Clark's Market, Alpine Bank, and the annual Craft Fair. Community members can select a tag from the tree to provide gifts for children who are less fortunate.
The tags will include the age, gender, and clothing size of the child. Gifts with the corresponding tags need to be returned to the Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center. Detailed instructions will be provided on each tag.
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
Supervising Children at School Events
Garfield 16 encourages parents and students in all grades to attend athletic events at the high school, middle school, and other Garfield 16 facilities. However, we want to make sure that all children are supervised by their parents to ensure they are safe. Some good practices include:
- Keeping your child in your line of sight at all times. This is particularly true for children under 10 years old;
- Making sure that your child uses a restroom or visits a concession stand with you or a responsible older sibling or friend;
- Making sure your child knows your location in the building and on the school grounds at all times;
- Avoiding climbing on bleachers, benches, or other equipment that can be dangerous; and
- Pointing out district staff to your children so they know who is a safe person in case of an emergency.
Athletic events are open to the public, so it is important for parents to use the same precautions they would in any public park, event, or venue.
Empower Scoring Guide For Parents
Empower is the program teachers use to input student scores in order to track how your child is doing. These aren’t necessarily “grades." However, these scores show us (and you) your child’s growth on skills and concepts they are meeting for their grade level. Below is a breakdown of the scores and what they mean:
Score: 1.0 - Knowledge at the foundational level with help
Score 2.0 - Demonstrates knowledge at the foundational level
Score 3.0 - Demonstrates knowledge at the targeted proficiency level
Score 4.0 - Demonstrates knowledge beyond the targeted proficiency level
Score 1.5 - Partial knowledge at the foundational level of 2.0
Score 2.5 - Partial knowledge at the targeted proficiency level of 3.0
Score 3.5 - Partial knowledge beyond the targeted proficiency level of 4.0
IP: In Progress
3.0 - If your child receives a 3.0, it means that they were able to show or do the work completely on their own. This means no teacher support was needed and they were able to comprehend and complete the task independently.
2.0 - If your child receives a 2.0, it means they were able to do most of the work on their own with little teacher support. Sometimes children need clarification or need to be shown an example to help make the connection for them. Many of our skills are at a 2.0 level, and is the highest score a student can receive, as many of the skills we teach are at a 2.0 foundational level.
1.0 - If your child receives a 1.0, it means they are still learning the material and they need teacher support in order to complete the task. This tells teachers that they need to sit one-on-one with your child and re-teach so they are able to grasp the concept.
IP - In Progress, this means your child is currently working on this evidence outcome, but does not have enough evidence for the teacher to score it numerically. It could be that your child has been absent and is missing work.
Again, these scores mainly help the teachers (and you) to see where your child is at with the material being taught each week. Some days, a goal score of 2.0 is the highest score they can receive because it is a foundational skill. Some days, a goal score of 3.0 is the highest score they can receive because it takes that foundational skill to the next level of learning and applying knowledge.
Below are some frequently asked questions you may have:
Why are progress reports being implemented?
To give parents information on what students are learning. It also shows how students are performing on skills and concepts they are learning throughout the year.
Why do some content areas have more Evidence Outcomes than others?
The evidence outcomes listed on the progress report represent specific skills that your student has completed with an activity or assessment to show their knowledge of that outcome, which is why they are called evidence outcomes (your student has a piece of evidence to show what they have learned).
Each evidence outcome is defined so there is clarity on what students have learned.
The number of evidence outcomes will grow as your student learns more content this year.
I do not see any Evidence Outcomes for science or social studies. Is my student learning science and social studies?
The focus at the elementary level is literacy and math.
Literacy and math instruction are the most important foundational skills for all future learning.
Science and social studies concepts are implemented in our literacy program.
What information does a progress report tell me about my child’s learning?
The Competency-Based Progress Report will provide three types of information:
A detailed description of what your student is currently learning or has learned.
The level of proficiency for your student (at the foundational level or at/above the targeted proficiency level).
Over time, the progress report will show how your student is growing towards meeting proficiency on evidence outcomes/topic.
Can a student receive a 3 or 4 during the first semester?
You bet! The scores are indicators of progress toward meeting a level of proficiency and students will demonstrate a range towards proficiency. It is not uncommon for students to have a combination of scores on their reports: some 2s, some 3s, and maybe even 1s or 4s, depending on their level of understanding in specific areas.
Nutritional News
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
Leave home early enough to arrive at your bus stop on time.
Be at the school bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time and stay there.
Enter your bus in an orderly manner. Take your seat promptly.
When the driver opens the door, get on immediately and go directly to your seat.
Remain in your seat while your bus is in motion.
Standing, kneeling on the seats, facing the rear of the bus, or hanging out in the aisle are unsafe riding positions and not allowed. The correct and safest position is seated, facing forward, with your back against the seat back cushion.
Keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times.
Serious injury could result from being struck by an object the bus passes or being thrown against the window frame as the bus goes over a bump.
Keep aisles clear.
Feet, legs, arms, and bodies, as well as books, bags, lunch pails, instruments and all other “stuff” must be kept out of the aisle.
Remain quiet and orderly.
Shouting or any loud noise is not acceptable. Inside voices at all times, a low noise level is imperative for the safest driving conditions. Abusive language, profane or obscene, is not acceptable.
Be courteous to your school bus driver and fellow passengers.
Keep your hands to yourself: pushing, grabbing, throwing objects, etc., can be dangerous and are not permitted.
Follow the instructions of your school bus driver.
Always be cooperative and obey your driver. Assigned seating will be given if instructions are not followed. Followed by a phone call home, and a write-up. If necessary, school bus privileges will be suspended.
Community Corner
Town of Parachute
Save the Date: Holidays in Grand Valley
Theme: A Gingerbread Christmas
Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Free hot chocolate, cookies, Santa, hay rides, movie, light parade, and fireworks show!
Heads Up:
Traffic impacts for people leaving from or driving to Battlement Mesa will begin in the first or second week of October. Time delays are expected while crews work on the road. Please plan accordingly. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for announcements on exact dates.
All bathrooms located in Parks across the Town will be closing for the season on October 15, 2022.
Don't forget to register to Vote. Next Election is on November 8, 2022
https://www.coloradosos.gov/voter/pages/pub/home.xhtml
As Always:
Planning Commission and Town Council & meetings are open to ALL PUBLIC. They are held at Town Hall on the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm unless otherwise posted.