Garfield 16 Gazette
December 2022
District Highlights
Superintendent Corner
At the December 13th school board meeting, Dr. Baugh presented information about the 2023-24 school calendar during the work session. The administration is currently reviewing the number of instructional days and hours for students. Teachers and administrators have shared how the school day is very long for students. It can be difficult to keep students focused and motivated in the afternoons. Parents on the District Accountability Committee echoed similar concerns, particularly for the elementary students. Parents also provided feedback about the parent/teacher conference format and asked for more one-on-one time with their children's teachers. Part of the school calendar review is looking at how we can increase the effective use of time to benefit student learning.
Board of Education Vacancy
The Garfield 16 Board of Education currently has a vacancy. After a former board member resigned, a spot has opened up. The vacancy must be filled by an appointment by the Board within 60 days. Interested persons are invited to send a letter to the Board with a statement of interest and related qualifications/experience by 5:00 pm on January 10, 2023 to the following address:
Attention: Board of Directors
Garfield County School District No. 16
PO Box 68, 0460 Stone Quarry Road
Parachute, CO 81635
The Board will interview prospective candidates on January 24, 2023 at a work session of the Board before the public. PLEASE NOTE: The January Board of Education meeting was changed from January 17, 2023 to January 24, 2023. The location has been changed from CFL to the Administration Building at 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO 81635.
No person is eligible to hold public office unless that person fully meets the qualifications for office. To be eligible for appointment, a candidate must be a registered elector of the school district for at least twelve consecutive months prior to the date of appointment. The candidate must also be a resident of the district where the vacancy exists. Any person who has been convicted of a sexual offense against a child is ineligible for the office of school director. Each candidate for appointment to the vacancy shall establish their eligibility to hold office by submitting a sworn affidavit attesting to their qualification for office by January 10, 2023 to the address provided above.
If the appointment is not made within 60 days of the date of the vacancy, the President of the Board shall forthwith appoint a person to fill the vacancy.
The appointee will serve until the next regular school biennial election in November 2023.
Fall After-School Programs Wrap-Up
Garfield 16 is fortunate to be the beneficiary of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Grant. This grant supports after-school enrichment for students in need of more academic support. Our fall programming has wrapped-up, and your student should have brought home information about winter after-school programming. If you require more information, please call Claudia Flores-Cruz at 970-285-5701 Ext. 5190. Here is a recap of all of our wonderful after-school programs.
CFL After-School Programming
CFL After-School Programming included Kid's Creations, Fun with Science, Spanish Club, Kindness Rocks, Games and Puzzles, Cooking Club, and Painting. CFL students were able to learn about the following: basics for drawing and painting; fun experiments to channel their inner scientist; fundamentals of conversational Spanish/English; kindness gardens and ways to spread kindness in our school and community; board games and working with friends to complete puzzles; the basics of cooking; and the basics of painting. About 82 students participated in CFL After-School Programming. Mrs. Jablonsky served as the CFL After-School Program Coordinator. When asked about the importance of after-school programming, she said, "After-school programs provide children with an opportunity to experience fun extracurricular activities that they may not get in other settings. It also provides a fun learning connection to school and opportunities to make new friends outside of their classroom." Thank you to Mrs. Kerrigan, Ms. Blair, Mr. Baltazar, Mrs. Dunlap, Ms. McMillan, Mrs. Melendrez, and Mrs. Bradley for teaching the programs. Thank you to Mrs. Lindsey, Mrs. Prado, Ms. Bolton, and Mrs. Esparza for helping our teachers, and to all CFL staff who supported their efforts.
BUE After-School Programming
BUE After-School Programming included Lego Club, Jewelry Making, Board Games, Gardening, Choir, Art Club, Cake Decorating, Outdoor Club, and Aspen Theater Group. Students participated in activities such as: building STEM engineer-designed lego projects like cities; learning how to make bracelets, earrings, and necklaces; playing classic and new board games, and even inventing their own board games; cleaning out garden beds and planting winter produce; singing and performing as a choir; creating collaborative art to hang around the school and even got to experience painting upside down just like Michelangelo painted the ceiling of The Sistine Chapel; decorating cakes with different icing and tips; and exploring all things outdoors from animal adaptations to wilderness safety! About 150 students participated in BUE After-School Programming this fall. Ms. Holden served as our After-School Program Coordinator. When reflecting on the programs, she said, "After-School Programming offers many benefits to students. Research shows that high-quality after-school programs improve students’ educational outcomes, school attendance, and social-emotional learning. In addition, consistent participation in after-school programs has been shown to help close achievement gaps for students. This fall, BUE offered nine different opportunities for students to participate in clubs. I am so grateful for the staff at BUE who give their time and talents to provide these experiences for our students!" Thank you to Ms. Theis, Ms. Shaffer, Mrs. Janicek, Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Kinsey, Mrs. Humphrey, Mrs. Shuckers, Mrs. Tanner, Ms. Holden, and Mr. Ari for teaching the programs, and all BUE staff who supported their efforts.
GVMS After-School Programming
GVMS After-School Programming included Cooking Club, Sports Club, Hair and Makeup Club, Builders Club, Inquiry Club, Homework Help, Spanish Club, Color Guard, and Chess Club. GVMS students participated in activities such as: cooking different kinds of foods and learning how to use spices; working together as a team and demonstrating good sportsmanship; learning the basics of hair and makeup including skin and hair preparation, product knowledge, the application process, and skin and hair hygiene; learning how to work together and develop servant-leadership skills as they served their school and community; sampling a new club every week with inquiry club, so students could try new things; getting help with homework; learning the basics of Spanish; moving and dancing with flags; discovering more about themselves through artistic expression; and learning how to play chess and developing their chess skills. About 141 students participated in GVMS Afterschool Programming. Our GVMS After-School Program Coordinator, Mrs. Tustin, worked tirelessly on developing and organizing the activities. According to Mrs. Tustin, "Clubs have been hugely important here at the middle school. Students having an opportunity to connect and explore passions has been so significant. I've seen so many students learn new things. I love seeing the ways they've cultivated curiosity and inquiry in exploring. Students having a safe place after school has been huge, and I'm so grateful we've been able to have after-school programming." Thank you to Ms. Vargas, Mr. Amborn, Ms. Lizbeth, Ms. Yandel, Mrs. Harris, Ms. Mayo, Mr. Godfrey, Mrs. Speakman, Mr. Ari, Mrs. Tustin, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Jones, and Mrs. Livingston for teaching the programs, and all GVMS staff who supported their efforts.
Thank you to Claudia Flores-Cruz, Grant Coordinator, for overseeing the budget, recruiting teachers, supporting building coordinators with ideas, coordinating transportation, and connecting with stakeholders for these great programs. Thank you to our After-School Program Coordinators and Club Facilitators for all their hard work making these programs a success. Thank you to our bus drivers and custodial staff for getting our students home safely and cleaning up after the fun!
Nature's Educators Visit BUE
On November 29, 2022, BUE 2nd and 4th graders learned from special guests brought into their classroom. Nature's Educators, a non-profit organization, visited BUE with their friends: Gaia, the golden eagle; Peaches, the bull snake; and a Colorado brown tarantula! According to their website, Nature's Educators has a mission "to inspire individuals to understand, respect, and conserve wildlife through educational programming and experiences. BUE 2nd graders have been studying life cycles while 4th graders were studying animal adaptations. The lessons provided by Nature's Educators fit in well with the lessons the BUE students were learning. The students got to see their lessons come to life.
According to Nature's Educators Facilities/Program Specialist, Andrew, "I'm here to make caring about the environment cool. The mission of Nature's Educators is to bring these animals out into public places to foster a connection or a memory between anybody of any age, to go out into the community and be a little bit more environmentally conscious and environmentally aware. We do it in a variety of ways: schools, libraries, wineries, breweries, all different types of places. We hope by showing you guys these animals up-close that it creates a 'wow, this is why is matters' connection."
Mrs. Strong organized the event and summarized the experience: "Second graders were studying expository texts to compare and contrast animals and their offspring and learn about their life cycles. Fourth graders were learning about animal adaptations and how they help animals survive. Nature's Educators were able to support the learning being done in these grades by bringing in and teaching about three animals native to Colorado."
eGlass at GVHS
Mark Gregory, from Colorado River BOCES EPIC, and Ms. Clark, mathematics teacher at Grand Valley High School, install new technology by utilizing eGlass.
The eGlass equipment allows the teacher to face the students while writing/drawing on the eGlass, instead of the teacher having their back to their students while writing on a traditional dry-erase board. According to the manufacturer, “eGlass is an illuminated transparent light board with a built-in camera. The camera captures your face and writing in the same picture, boosting student engagement to unprecedented levels. Imagine never turning your back to write again. Imagine a tool that will help you close the learning gap. That’s eGlass.”
The eGlass projects the teacher's writing/drawing onto a black or white surface in front of the classroom. The eGlass technology not only allows the teacher to face the students, but also allows the teacher to adjust the lighting, dim or brighten the writing/drawing, and project images, pdfs, or any electronic file, which can then be edited in real-time in front of the class.
According to Mr. Gregory, “Ms. Clark’s room at GVHS has a great new teaching device, eGlass, which allows a powerful presentation of thoughts, both multimedia and board work, to be merged with the expression of passionate teachers to increase learning and engagement.” Mr. Gregory helped with the installation of the eGlass equipment, and taught Ms. Clark how to use the new technology. Ms. Clark and her students were then able to use the equipment during class.
According to Mr. Gregory, “Ms. Clark’s class is a perfect home for this technology, and her enthusiasm for her content allowed her students to make instant, timely observations, feedback, and connections. A couple of seniors immediately presented with the equipment. It was Ms. Clark’s birthday, too! Way to model and celebrate learning on your special day, Ms. Clark.”
Thank you to Mr. Gregory and Ms. Clark for demonstrating this new technology.
Fall & Winter Performances
CFL Winter Programs
On December 7, 2022, CFL's kindergarteners performed their winter program for staff, parents, family, and friends. It was a cuteness overload in CFL's auditorium. CFL kindergarteners sang, danced, and filled everyone with the holiday spirit.
The first performers were part of Mrs. Diaz, Mrs. Tanner, and Ms. Yutkowitz's classes. These students performed "The Lights on the Tree," "Santa is his Name-O," "Gingerbread House," "The Happiest Christmas Tree," and "Feliz Navidad."
The second set of performers were part of Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Dunlap's classes. These students performed, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Dancing to Two-Step Round the Christmas Tree," "Once There was a Snowman," "Little Snowflake," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
The kindergarteners performed for a packed house for both shows. They sang and danced the night away, and their energy filled the room.
On December 8, 2022, CFL's 1st graders performed their winter program. Family, friends, and staff members filled the school auditorium. There wasn't an empty seat in the house, and many stood throughout the performance. CFL's 1st graders performed, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" in two parts, "The Gingerbread House," "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer," "Groovin' Elf," "Up on the Housetop," and "Feliz Navidad." All four 1st grade classes performed as one, and their energy was contagious. The 1st graders sung and danced with their entire bodies. Those with speaking parts did a great job memorizing their lines. Without fear, the speakers recited their lines without prompting or looking at a paper. Audience members sang along to "Feliz Navidad," and the holiday spirit filled the room.
BUE Fall Musicals
On November 10, 2022, BUE's 4th and 5th grade classes performed "Kid Flix 2022" by John Higgins, Tom Anderson, and Janet Day. The performance featured songs from movies such as Zootopia, Polar Express, Monsters Inc., Spider Man, and Moana. The stage was decorated with backdrops of film reels, cinema tickets, popcorn, and art customized for each song performed. The students sang their hearts out, danced, and even had speaking parts throughout the performance.
On November 17, 2022, BUE's 2nd and 3rd grade classes performed "Squirm, A Wiggly, Giggly, Squiggly Musical" by John Jacobson and John Higgins. As the performance was held closer to Halloween, the musical featured songs about worms, spiders, snakes, and bats. The students sang with their souls, danced the night away, and had speaking parts throughout the performance. The stage was decorated with backdrops and props of spider webs, spiders, worms, and bats. Students dressed as spiders, worms, snakes, and bats.
GVMS Winter Concert and Theater Show
On December 2, 2022, the GVMS Theater Class performed a musical called "Murder in Twinkleburg." The class is comprised of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The students not only performed the musical, but they also developed the characters and story idea. After these ideas were developed, Mr. James, GVMS theater teacher, took his students' ideas and wrote a script and music. According to Mr. James, "It was a fun process to see kids who were not sure about theater turn into actors and put on a stellar performance." The students created backdrops and stage props to set the scene of life in Twinkleburg. GVMS students did a great job with speaking parts, singing original songs, dancing, and acting. The musical featured a murder mystery plot. Actors from the rich and poor neighborhoods in Twinkleburg were all affected by several murders in the town. Investigators set out to identify suspects and those responsible for the murder. In the end, the murders were the result of a possessed doll. The musical was original, fun-filled, and touched on topics such as classism, poverty, income disparity, and community.
GVMS Band & Choir Winter Concert
On December 14, 2022, GVMS Band & Choir performed their Winter/Holiday Concert. The auditorium at GVMS was filled with families and friends there to watch their students perform. It was a full house and GVMS students were excited to perform. Students were dressed in their best attire, all wearing black and white, and most wearing Santa hats and even top hats.
The Ukulele Ensemble performed first. They strummed their ukuleles to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Johnny Marks, and "Deck the Halls" by Thomas Oliphant. The GVMS Choir then joined the Ukulele Ensemble to perform "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano.
The GVMS Choir then took the stage. They performed "Wintersong" by Audrey Snyder, "Simple Gifts" arranged by Carl Strommen, and "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" arranged by Jeff Funk. Miracle Wilson and Autumn Telles performed solos during "Simple Gifts." Nevaeh Hales and Hayden Skeen performed solos during "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch."
The 6th Grade Band performed next. They performed "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" and "Good King Wenceslas" with solos by Kyria Chan, Derick Patchett, Madelynn June, Kane Hughson, and Erin Mattedi.
Next was the 7th and 8th Grade Band, performing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Turkish March."
The bands were then combined for the final performance of "Jingle Bells" by Chuck Elledge.
The performance was a success and the crowd cheered the whole way through.
GVHS Band & Choir Winter Concert
On December 13, 2022, the GVHS Music Department presented the Winter 2022 Concert, featuring GVHS Jazz Band, Guitar Class, Choir, and Concert Band. Music Teacher Ms. Abbey Beaton directed the concert.
The Jazz Band opened up the show with "Greensleeves" by Traditional (arrangement by Les Sabina). During this opening song, Bianco Russo performed a saxophone solo. Jazz Band then performed "Mano y Mambo" by Chris Sharp. Guitarists Noah Beresford and Philip Hoyt performed solos.
Guitar Class then took the stage. Their first performance was "Do I Wanna Know" by Arctic Monkeys. Liz LaMon performed vocals for the song and Michael Beresford assisted the class on the drums. GVHS students Noah Beresford, Michael Beresford, Gavin Johnson and Danniel Mozingo then took the stage. This group performed and original song called "Ambrophobia." We are very proud of all of our artists and happy to have original artists composing their own music!
GVHS Choir was up next. The choir performed "Ad Astra" by Jacob Narverud, "Pat a Pan" by Clare Grundman, and "Coffee in a Cardboard Cup" by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Piantists Keaton Jansen assisted the choir with his skills during "Ad Astria." Pianist and GVMS Music Teacher Amanda Jones assisted the choir with her skills for the remaining songs. Clifford Dobbs assisted the choir during their second song by accompanying them on his flute while Michael Beresford helped with rhythm by playing the snare drum. During their third song, several choir members performed solos: Kyra Grandorff, Travis Wold, Dakota Golightly, Aaron Mann, Chloe Gronewoller, Addison Gale, Maxine Sorenson, Dominic White, Liz LaMon, Shaelynn Wallberg, Alia Williams, and Sarah Dobbs.
Choir member Travis Wold then performed "White Christmas" while playing his guitar and singing.
The GVHS Concert Band then took the stage and performed "High Country Fanfare" by local artist Walter Cummings, "In My Garden" by Kirk Vogel, and "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson. GVHS alumni joined the Concert Band for their last song.
Thank you to all the performers for showcasing your talents, to our alumni for joining the festivities, and to all the families and community members who came to watch!
News from the Schools
Outdoor Education News & Highlights
Past Activities
GVMS students participated in rock climbing unit this week. Students learned about rock climbing tactics and safety at the rock wall inside GVMS. The rock climbing unit helps students set personal goals and work towards achieving them. Students learned about safety, structure, operation, and rules of the rock wall, as well as goal setting, climbing techniques, knot tying, and partner belay. According to Garfield 16 Outdoor Education Coordinator, Ari Philipson, climbing on the rock wall in GVMS "is a safe and fun way for kids to overcome their fears while providing some peer coaching opportunities." According to 7th Grader Nevaeh Hales-Swartz, "I think rock climbing is really fun. I like the climbing part, and feeling where the different rocks are. You get to go up, but you know that you are safe because you have the harness. If you are ever on a mountain and you don't have a way down, you can rock climb down. It teaches you survival skills."
On December 5, 2022, GVHS Outdoor Club went ice skating. Ms. Clark, GVHS Outdoor Club Sponsor, and Philipson organized the event at the River City Sportsplex in Grand Junction. According to Ms. Clark, "We had a total of 14 students come and skate. The kids really enjoyed it! It was great to see how much progress was made in their skating abilities in just the two hours we were there. I am hoping we will be able to do another skating trip this winter." GVHS Outdoor Club, along with Philipson, will continue to plan winter activities such as skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc. throughout the winter.
The GVHS Outdoor Club was also excited to be able to butcher and package game meat this fall. The GVHS Outdoor Club has an agreement with our local Game Warden, Scott Hoyer, who provides poached or illegally killed game to the GVHS Outdoor Club. This meat is then butchered and packed by students under the instruction of GVHS Vice Principal Jason Arthur. The meat is then donated to local families in need. Thank you to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Mr. Arthur for providing students with this amazing learning opportunity and helping families in need!
Philipson also helped GVMS Inquiry Club this fall. Inquiry Club is part of GVMS After-School Programming. The club rotates through different activities each week, giving students a taste of various activities that may develop into full-time clubs later. Philipson used his expertise to teach students about rock climbing safety and techniques, belaying best practices, and how to use climbing as a great way to exercise, set goals, and contribute to personal fitness.
Current Activities
Philipson has partnered with CO State University Extension (Garfield County 4-H), Garfield County School District RE-2, and the River Center to organize a Fall/Winter Gear Drive. These organizations are asking for your help. Please consider donating gently used and clean outdoor equipment and clothing. All donations will go to the Garfield County Outdoors gear library to be used by local families and youth throughout the year. You can drop your donations off at the Garfield County Extension Office: 1001 Railroad Ave., Rifle, CO 81560. You can drop off your donations Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. The gear drive will end January 31, 2023. Equipment donations may include tents, hammocks, backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tarps, blankets, fishing equipment, camping stoves, camp cookware, headlamps, lanterns, hiking poles, ski poles, snowshoes, skis, snowboards, helmets, goggles, etc. Clothing donations may include winter coats, jackets, winter hats, gloves, mittens, socks, thermal tops, thermal bottoms, hoodies, sweaters, long-sleeve tops, winter boots, and sneakers. Please donate youth size clothing 5/6 to small adult sizes.
Philipson is sitting on the Town of Parachute Trails Committee. The committee is developing a plan for multi-use trails in the Parachute community. The trails include paved trails, high-use gravel trails, and single track trails. According to the Town of Parachute website, "The Trails Plan demonstrates the Town's commitment to delivering multi-use trails in the Parachute community. At the end of the project, the Trails Plan will provide a list of potential trail projects, including a prioritized list of projects, who is responsible for specific action steps, a list of local, state, and federal agencies who should be involved, identification of properties or easement needed to install trail segments, and the level of difficulty to implement." Click here for more information.
Upcoming Activities
After winter break, Philipson will continue to plan winter activities. Winter activities include skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and winter ecology field trips.
On January 16, 2023, Philipson has planned a tentative Staff Meetup for Garfield 16 certified and classified staff. According to Philipson, "The goal of Staff Meetup events are to connect Garfield 16 staff members to one another and to our beautiful outdoor spaces." Philipson has planned for staff to go snowshoeing and cross country skiing at the County Line Trail on the Grand Mesa. Garfield 16 Outdoor Education will provide free gear rental for all events, unless otherwise notified. An all staff email will be sent prior to the event with a virtual sign up sheet. Participants need to sign up at least 48 hours prior to the event. Limited to the first 14 participants, first signed up - first served.
During the final weeks of January and the first weeks of February, BUE 4th grade students will participate in winter ecology field trips. In partnership with Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis, BUE students will venture to the Grand Mesa to snowshoe and learn about winter ecology. These BUE students were able to explore the Grand Mesa this fall and the winter field trips will allow them to compare and contrast the ecology of the Grand Mesa during two different seasons.
Next semester, Philipson will continue to work with secondary schools to incorporate outdoor education in our classrooms. Philipson will continue to develop outdoor classes, elective classes, utilize gear mentorship opportunities, and club opportunities. GVMS will be hosting an outdoor STEM club next quarter. In partnership with Kiwanis and Powderhorn, Philipson will continue organizing snowshoeing/cross country skiing and skiing/snowboarding trips.
School-Based Family Resource Center
GVHS Thanksgiving Food Drive
The Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center would like to thank GVHS Leadership for organizing the Thanksgiving Food Drive. The Leadership Class collected non-perishable food items at GVHS during the month of November. Thanks to their efforts, along with donations from Caerus Oil and Gas, the Resource Center was able to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to 35 Garfield 16 families in need.
CFL Holiday Food Drive
The Grand Valley Center for Family Learning (CFL) organized a holiday food drive. CFL collected non-perishable food items to give to families in need this holiday season. All items collected were donated to the Resource Center and will be distributed to families as part of their winter holiday baskets. Thank you to CFL and all who participated in this event.
Holiday Meals
Ashleigh's Angels Provides Holiday Meals to Local Families
Ashleigh's Angels, a local family comprised of Ashleigh's siblings and parents work in honor of Ashleigh who sadly passed from leukemia. Since her passing, her mother, Susan Orosz, her father, Jeff Orosz, and her siblings represent Ashleigh's Angels. They brought full holiday meals with extras for eight local families. Each family was gifted a ham, a bag of potatoes, a bag of oranges, a bag of apples, rice, cranberries, cookie dough, and much more. Ashleigh's Angels work each year to do random acts of kindness. Thank you to Ashleigh's Angels for this beautiful act benefiting our community in Ashleigh's honor.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Grand Valley Giving Tree
The Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center would like to thank all those who participated in our Grand Valley Giving Tree project. Through this project, 380 students were adopted by community members and Garfield 16 staff. After taking a tag from the Giving Tree, community members shopped for the students listed on the tag. The tags included the age, gender, and clothing size of the child(ren) needing additional support this holiday season. Community members shopped for the child(ren) listed on the tag and returned the gifts to the Resource Center for the families to pick up. Each family was filled with joy receiving the gifts, as they know their children will not go without this holiday season. Thank you to Clark's Market and the Craft Fair for allowing the Resource Center to place the giving trees at your store and during your event. Thank you to all the community members who adopted families, and thank you to our staff for making this event a success.
Shop with a Hero
On December 3, 2022, Parachute Police Department, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, New Castle Police Department, the U.S. Marshal's Service, and the Resource Center partnered to host another Shop with a Hero event. The Resource Center identified 15 families to participate in the event. One student from each family loaded into a vehicle with local law enforcement officers or firefighters. The students were transported to Walmart where they were given $300 to shop for gifts for their families. The students were also given $75 gift cards to Clark's Market and Family Dollar. For more information, see the Glenwood Springs Post Independent's article on the event by clicking here.
Shop with a Cop
On December 10, 2022, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office partnered with the Resource Center to take 10 additional students shopping for their families. The Resource Center identified the families and one student from each family was paired with a Deputy from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office. These students were able to shop for their families for this holiday season at our local Walmart in Rifle. According to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office, "We would like to thank Walmart Store 5232 in Rifle for their generous donation and their associates helping to wrap gifts, take care of needs and provided extra goodies! Also thanks to the following businesses for their support: Mountain Pest Control, Caerus Oil & Gas, Peak Surveying, Inc, Shale Tech Intl Services, Columbine Ford, Pella Colorado, Aspen Amusement Services, Hugo's Restaurant,Anbbank, Holy Cross Energy, Walker Electric, Town & Country Vet, Murray Dental Group and numerous other individual citizens. We raised more money this year and we were able to help 11 more kids, bringing our total to 35 children."
Thank you to all law enforcement agencies, local businesses, first responders, and Walmart who helped makes these events a success!
Spanish Classes at the Resource Center
In partnership with Colorado Mountain College (CMC), the School-Based Family Resource Center is hosting Spanish classes for adults and children. Both classes (beginning Spanish for adults and beginning Spanish for kids) will be held on Mondays. The Spanish for kids class will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.. The Spanish for adults class will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.. All classes will be held at the Resource Center, beginning January 16, 2023 through March 6, 2023. According to CMC, the classes for both adults and kids are "for beginner students who want to learn to speak Spanish. We will cover basic grammar, vocabulary, and expressions used in daily situations and while traveling." There are 12 seats available in each class and the fee is $95.00. To sign up, visit https://community-education.coloradomtn.edu
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
A NOTE FROM OUR DISTRICT NURSE
Hello everyone – This is an update from CDPHE. We will send more information as soon as it becomes available: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/influenza
We are seeing a rapid increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Influenza across the country and here in Colorado. Hospitalizations, especially in young children, are now threatening pediatric bed capacity.
Please stay home when sick and follow public health guidance on when to return. Specifically for influenza and 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.
Parents, if you have received a letter for immunizations please get immunizations completed over winter break, or turn in your medical/personal exemption. If you need assistance with immunizations please call the resource center at 970-285-5700 or Cheyene, the District Nurse, at 970-781-9215 or 970-285-5707 Ext. 3107.
Nutritional News
Thank you to all the parents and staff members who participated in our holiday celebrations this month! We love seeing our parents enjoy a meal with their students.
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
As winter approaches, 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 principals, secretaries, counselors, administration, IT, and our School-Based Family Resource Center staff members. These staff members work long hours, mostly behind the scenes, to make sure our school district runs smoothly. They troubleshoot problems most of us are unaware of, and are always there to help our students and staff. Thank you all for your hard work, 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.
CFL Principal and Secretaries
CFL Principal Kim Frees has been with Garfield 16 for about six years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "working with the kids and staff. I love continuing to build teachers' toolboxes and giving them strategies and ideas to become better educators. I love working with the kids and building relationships with them. I'm here to be a person in their lives that not only helps them learn, but loves them."
CFL Building Secretary Veronica Duran has been with the district for about seven years total. She said her favorite thing about her job is "definitely the kids."
CFL Attendance Secretary and Health Clerk Miriam Baltazar has been with the district for five years. Her favorite part of her job is "the students."
BUE Principal and Secretaries
BUE Principal Amber Clark has been with Garfield 16 for about six years. When asked her favorite thing about her job, she replied, "the people: kids, adults, and parents. I just love our people."
BUE Building Secretary Jeannie Miles has been with the district for 24 years! She said her favorite thing about her job is, "the kids. It's always something new and they are always so sweet. I have great coworkers as well."
BUE Attendance Secretary and Health Clerk Jennifer Shaffer has been with the district for about four years. She enjoys "all the thank you notes, cards, and daily hugs I get from the kids. I also love the atmosphere, at BUE it's unlike any other."
GVMS Principals, Secretaries, and Counselor
GVMS Principal Thom Godfrey has been with Garfield 16 for about two and a half years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he said, "the people and the students. We have a bunch of really good human beings; a lot of good people and some really fun students."
GVMS Assistant Principal Dana Speakman has been working with the district for 24 years. She appreciates "that the district is student-centered."
GVMS Counselor Jennifer Hoyt has been working with the district for about nine years. She enjoys "being with the students."
GVMS Building Secretary Kristie Radel has been working with the district since August. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the kids."
GVMS Attendance Secretary and Health Clerk Julie Stark has been working with the district for about nine years in various positions. Her favorite thing about her job is "the kids and staff."
GVHS Principals, Secretaries, Counselor, and Academic Advisor
GVHS Principal Kelly McCormick has been working with Garfield 16 for about six years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "I appreciate that working with the district allows me the flexibility to get things done in the best interest of kids."
GVHS Assistant Principal Jason Arthur has been with the district for about 12 years. He enjoys "the people I work with: the kids, teachers, and staff."
GVHS Building Secretary Stephanie Hart has been with the district for 23 years. She said her favorite thing is "graduation because that is the culmination of all their years and seeing their successes. I also enjoy my daily interactions with all the students."
GVHS Activities Secretary Molly Mendoza has been with the district for about four and a half months. She enjoys "interacting with all the students and all the activities."
GVHS School and Career Counselor Michelle Paine has been with the district for about 14 years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she said, "the kids, and that it's a different day every day."
GVHS Academic Advisor Jacque Eisenach has been with the district for about seven years. She said she enjoys "building relationships with the kids."
GVHS Attendance Secretary and Health Clerk, Cher Medina, has been with the district for 10 years total. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "the environment."
*Not pictured: GVHS Attendance Secretary and Health Clerk Cher Medina*
School-Based Family Resource Center Staff
School-Based Family Resource Center (SBFRC) Coordinator Claudia Flores-Cruz has been working with the district for about five years. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied "every day is different because I work with families. One day I could be behind my computer, the next day doing a home visit or supporting a family at their student's building. It's fun."
SBFRC Building Secretary Silvia Montoya has been with the district for about three years. She enjoys "the people I work with."
SBFRC Family Meeting Facilitator Tiffany Aragon has been with the district for about four years. She had the following to say about her favorite part of her job, "the people I work with are awesome and I love helping families."
SBFRC Behavior Interventionist Drew Hogan has been with the district for about three years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "kids say the funniest things and my coworkers are goofy, which I like."
SBFRC Behavior Interventionists Amber Scott has been with the district for 16 years, the last three years being spent at the SBFRC. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she said, "getting to work with all the kids."
SBFRC Behavior Interventionists Alex Schwaller has been with the district for about two years. She enjoys "the people that I work with and the children at school."
Garfield 16 Administration
Dr. Jennifer Baugh has been working for the district since July. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she replied, "working with the people."
Marilyn Mondragon, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education/ Human Resources, has worked for the district for 24 1/2 years. She enjoys that the district "is family oriented. As my kids were growing up, every administrator I worked under was family oriented. I was able to go to every game and activity. Family is more important than anything and I'm thankful that the district recognizes that and allows us the flexibility to put our families first."
Kim Finn is the Receptionist at the administration building, and also in charge of data management, state reporting, and the building coordinator. Kim is on her 23rd year working for the district. She enjoys "everybody I work with; here at admin and at the schools."
Naomi Laidlaw is in charge of payroll and benefits. She is also on her 23rd year working for the district. She said her favorite part of her job is "taking care of the people that are making a difference and taking care of our kids. I also enjoy that every day is different."
Tracy Chartier is in charge of purchasing, accounts payable, and serves as the Safety Coordinator for the district. She has worked with the district for 15 years total. She enjoys "the staff and the kids, and I like helping people."
Director of Business Services, Rose Belden, has worked for the district for 24 years. She said her favorite part of her job is "the people."
Outdoor Education Coordinator, Ari Philipson, has worked for the district under a year. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "walking through the schools and being recognized by the students as the outdoor person. Our kids and the community have a sincere passion for natural spaces and love sharing their connections to them. I look forward to getting more of our community outside and learning."
District Nurse Cheyene Laidlaw has been with the district since September. She enjoys "the people and how supportive everyone is."
IT Team
Director of Technology, Nathan Humphrey, has worked for the district for 13 years. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he replied, "my team."
Systems Administrator, Jeremy Tanner, has worked for the district for 21 years. He had the following to say about his favorite part of his job, "I think it's cool that I get to help kids in my own way."
Tech Support Specialist, Tyler Thimsen, has worked with the district for eight years. He enjoys "coaching."
Tech Support Specialist, Sheyenne King, has worked with the district for one and a half years. She said her favorite part of her job is "the kids and troubleshooting."
Community Corner
Town of Parachute
Colorado Bag Fee
The Town of Parachute wants to educate both its residents and businesses concerning the Colorado bag fee which is set to go into effect January 1, 2023. The bag fee is a result of House Bill 21-1162, which provides the following: Between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, a store may furnish a recycled paper carryout bag or a single-use plastic carryout bag to a customer at the point of sale if the customer pays a fee of 10 cents per bag. On and after January 1, 2024, a store may furnish only a recycled paper carryout bag to a customer at the point of sale at a fee of 10 cents per bag. To date, the Town has not elected to impose a higher bag fee, but the Town reserves the right to do so in the future. Beginning April 1, 2024, and continuing on a quarterly basis thereafter, any store located in the Town must remit 60% of the carryout bag fee revenues to the Town and may retain the remaining 40% of the carryout bag fee revenues.The carryout bag fee does not apply to a customer that provides evidence to the store that the customer is a participant in a federal or state food assistance program. The carryout bag fee also does not apply to materials used in the packaging of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, or dietary supplements or any equipment or materials used to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, or dietary supplements. For more information, click here.
Calling all Parachute Business Owners, Contractors, Sub-Contractors, and Transient Vendors!
It's time to renew your licenses! Please submit your application with all supporting documentation and proof of payment by email to the correct department. Applications that are mailed in with a check will take longer to process, but are still accepted. If you are writing a check, please make it out to Town of Parachute and mail to 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute, CO 81635. You may also pay online at parachutecolorado.com. Please be aware that paying with a credit card online, in person, or over the phone will incur a 3% convenience fee.
Please email Business License Renewals and all supporting documentation to the Town Clerk, Lucy Spalenka at lspalenka@parachutecolorado.com
Please email Contractor's License Renewals and all supporting documentation to the Community Development Specialist, Brandon Burke at bburke@parachutecolorado.com
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.