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The Grand Valley Center for Family Learning (CFL) has been honored with the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award, a prestigious statewide recognition awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic growth among students.

Presented by the Colorado Department of Education, this award is based on results from the School Performance Framework, which evaluates schools on multiple measures, including academic achievement and student growth over time. CFL received the award for both 2023 and 2024, having exceeded expectations in longitudinal academic growth across all grade levels.

Dr. Jennifer Baugh, Superintendent of Garfield County School District 16, praised the school’s commitment to early education: “The leadership team, teachers, and staff of the Center for Family Learning meet the varying needs of all children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. The Center has been exceeding expectations for growth among its students, particularly English language learners. Their efforts have built a strong foundation in literacy and learning for our youngest students.”

The school’s commitment to individualized instruction and inclusive learning practices has contributed significantly to its success—especially in supporting students who are learning English as a second language.

According to CFL Principal Kim Frees, “This honor is a direct reflection of the staff's tireless dedication, unwavering belief in our students, and the collaborative spirit that defines our school community. This award recognizes outstanding growth — not just in assessments, but in how we support our students every single day. It shows that our efforts to push forward, adapt, support one another, and never give up are making a real impact.

Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova also commended this year’s award recipients: “It’s always inspiring to see schools leading the way with innovative approaches and a deep commitment to their students. The awards for these schools and districts remind us what’s possible when educators, families, and communities work together to create meaningful opportunities for every learner.”

The Center for Family Learning continues to set a high standard for early childhood education in Colorado by creating a nurturing, academically rich environment where every child is supported and empowered to thrive.

Garfield County School District #16 and the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation District have partnered to provide Cardinal Camp for the Summer of 2025.

Cardinal Camp has been designed for students entering 1st through 6th grade for the 2025-2026 school year (students currently enrolled in grades K-5), with one program, Theater Aspen, for students entering grades 3-8.

The six-week program includes one-week sessions around a theme, such as arts and crafts, sports, outdoor education, etc. Families can sign up for the weeks that best meet their needs.

Cardinal Camp will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cardinal Camp will be on the following weeks:

• Week 1: June 9-13

• Week 2: June 16-20

• Week 3: June 23-27

• Week 4: July 7-11

• Week 5: July 14-18

• Week 6: July 21-25

Registration will open in April 23, 2025. Last day to register is May 23, 2025. Please fill out one registration form per child. Register now by following this link. Spaces are limited. Register before May 23, 2024 to reserve your child's spot.

Registration for the Theatre Aspen Camp July 7-18 is separate, please register here.

Cardinal Camp is available to Garfield 16 students, as well as children who are not registered with the school district.

Garfield 16 programs will be held at Grand Valley Middle School. Grand Valley Recreation Center programs will be held at Grand Valley Recreation Center.

G16 and GV Recreation Center Programs will provide lunch.

The cost of the programs are $50 per week, per child. Pay before May 30, 2025.

Find more information at https://www.garfield16.org/programs/summer-programs

At Bea Underwood Elementary (BUE), something magical is happening every Wednesday afternoon — and it all started with two curious 5th graders and a librarian with a big heart.

Ms. Webster, the school librarian, teamed up with two students to launch a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) club. What began as a quiet idea quickly turned into a full-blown adventure. Expecting just a handful of interested students, the trio was shocked when a crowd of excited kids rushed to the office to sign up!

For those unfamiliar, Dungeons & Dragons — or D&D — is a fantasy role-playing game where players create characters and embark on storytelling adventures filled with mythical creatures, daring battles, and mysterious lands. Players use their imaginations, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to navigate the challenges of each session.

As Ms. Webster puts it, “The game helps with problem-solving and working together — and it’s a lot of fun!”

Due to the overwhelming interest and the limit of only one advisor, the club had to cap membership at 15 students. Even with the limitation, the enthusiasm hasn’t wavered. Each week, club members arrive with well-kept binders in hand, ready to journey through fantastical worlds created by their peers — like the mysterious village of Underwood Hollow.

The club was inspired by the students’ love for D&D, introduced to them by their parents and popularized by the hit show Stranger Things. But it has grown into something far greater: a place of belonging, creativity, and connection.

This D&D club has sparked inspiration throughout the school. Students are now dreaming up ideas for future clubs, feeling empowered to create spaces where they can be themselves. As these young adventurers explore magical realms, they’re also discovering something even more powerful — that no matter where life takes them, they can always find a home among people who share their passions.

Here’s to the brave, imaginative heroes of BUE — may your dice always roll high!

Important Upcoming Events:

• May 24: GVHS Graduation 10:00 AM

• May 26: Memorial Day- SBFRC Closed

• May 29: Last Day of School K-11

• May 29: GVMS 8th Grade Continuation 10:00 AM, Awards Ceremony 2:30 PM

• May 30: Garfield County Library Movie Night at SBFRC 6:00 PM

• June 7: Shred Day at Alpine Bank 9 AM- 12 PM. Up to 4 boxes of shredding. Bring cash, hygiene, or school supplies to donate to the School-Based Family Resource Center

• June 7: Fishing Derby at Parachute Pond 9:30 AM- 3:00 PM

• June 7: Community Yard Sale. Email sfischer@pbmprd.org or sknob@pbmprd.org if you would like your address printed in the Community Yard Sale Catalog by Friday, May 30, 2025.

• June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25 - G16 and GV Recreation Center Summer Camps 9AM - 3PM. Last day to register is May 23, 2025. Please fill out one registration form per child. Register now by following this link.

• July 7-18 Theatre Aspen Camp, please register here.

• July 14- Sept. 15: Town of Parachute Monday Market benefitting the SBFRC 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• June 25: CLEER's Bike There at Grand Valley Recreation Center 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

• July 28: CFL Enrollment Day 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

• July 14-15 Free Sport Readiness Exams for Students at Grand River Health Battlement Mesa 4pm- 6pm.

• July 17-18 Free Sport Readiness Exams for Students at Grand River Health Rifle 4pm- 6pm.

• Aug. 14-17: Grand Valley Days https://gvdays.com/

• Aug. 17: Grand Re-Opening of Wasson-McKay House and Pottery Studio! 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM. Ice cream, live music by Noodle Soup, and much more!

Download our app and easily see events for all schools, or just selected schools, and add events to your device (phone) calendar!

"Coffee with the Principals" is a time for families to connect with us and learn about what's happening at school. We use this space to share updates on various school initiatives, discuss multiple platforms that support student success, and invite guest speakers from within our district. Our ultimate goal is to build strong partnerships with our families and share all the great work CFL is doing to ensure our students thrive!

24/25 Coffee with the Principal Dates:

Universal Preschool (UPK) Enrollment Information for Fall 2025

Interested in enrolling your child in preschool at CFL for the Fall of 2025? Here’s what you need to know:

For All NEW 3 & 4 year olds

For 3-Year-Olds:

• Children must be 3 years old on or before October 1, 2025.
• Please call the CFL office at 970-285-5702 for enrollment information.

For 4-Year-Olds:

• Children must be 4 years old on or before October 1, 2025.
• To begin the Universal Preschool (UPK) process:
  1. Visit https://upk.colorado.gov/ and complete the UPK application.
  2. Contact the CFL office at 970-285-5702 to notify us that you’ve submitted your UPK application.

Required Documents Before Enrollment:

Once the UPK process is complete, the following documents must be submitted to CFL:

• State-Issued Birth Certificate
• Immunization Record
• Well Child Check / Health Appraisal

For more information, visit the UPK Colorado Parent Handbook:

• English Handbook
• Spanish Handbook

We look forward to welcoming your child to CFL! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us.​

Información de inscripción para el otoño de 2025

¿Interesado en inscribir a su hijo en preescolar en CFL para el otoño de 2025? Esto es lo que necesita saber: Resumen preescolar de

En El Centro Para El Aprendizaje Familiar

Para Todos Los NUEVOS Niños De 3 y 4 años

Para niños de 3 años:
Los niños deben tener 3 años el 1 de octubre de 2025 o antes.
Por favor llame a la oficina de CFL al 970-285-5702 para obtener información de inscripción.
Para niños de 4 años:
Los niños deben tener 4 años el 1 de octubre de 2025 o antes.

Para comenzar el proceso de Preescolar Universal (UPK):
visite https://upk.colorado.gov/ y complete la solicitud de UPK.
Contacte a la oficina de CFL al 970-285-5702 para notificarnos que ha presentado su solicitud de UPK. Documentos Requeridos Antes de la Inscripción:
Una vez que el proceso de UPK se complete, los siguientes documentos deben ser enviados a CFL: Certificado de Nacimiento Expedido por el Estado de

Registro de Inmunización
Físico del doctor
Para obtener más información, visite el Manual para Padres de UPK Colorado: Manual en Inglés de

Para obtener más información, visite el Manual para padres de UPK Colorado:

Manual de inglés
Manual en español
¡Esperamos darle la bienvenida a su hijo a CFL! Si tienes alguna pregunta, no dudes en llamarnos.

Spring is in the air, the weather is warming up and the time for getting outside is here!

There are so many exciting ways to connect with our big, beautiful backyard. Here are some things that schools have been doing to get our students outdoors.

Ms. B's 3rd grade class has been participating in the Trout in The Classroom program sponsored by Grand Valley Anglers and Trout Unlimited. Kids have been learning about life cycles and water conservation while they raised baby trout from eggs to guppies. Last month, they traveled to Parachute Pond to say goodbye and release 7 different trout (the most of any classroom throughout the state). And since it was a beautiful day kids also got to some fishing and have a picnic lunch at the pond.

Earlier this month, Kindergarten got to beautify their local downtown spaces by painting their hand prints on the garden beds. All CFL students got to take part in gardening day at their school by decorating seed cups to take home with them and watch their sprouts grow.

BUE had their annual bike derby. Over 8 new bikes were donated and many more fixed up and ready to roll for the summer. Thank you to Parachute PD, Alpine Bank and Kiwanis Club for being a part of saddling the troops. We gave over 30 helmets to kiddos and have more to donate to families. Please stop by the Resource Center for a free helmet. We also shared information about trail work being done in Battlement Mesa near Community Park. Please contact Ari Philipson if you are interested in volunteering to move some dirt this summer and help build mountain bike trails in the community.

The BOCES' ENC field day was a huge success and welcomed change to the past track setup. Groups of kids rotated between stations and explore various field activities. Garfield County Outdoors brought their fishing set up and supported our partner, Challenge Aspen, who were able to introduce over 150 students to archery.

Our BUE 2nd graders got to apply their learning of life cycles at Rifle Gap last week. There they learned about fish habitats, ecosystem interactions, and fishy life cycles. Students got to tour the trout hatchery and learn some basic fishing skills while on their field trip.

This week Kindergarten and 1st graders from CFL are celebrating their positive growth over the past year by working with their team to solve challenges on the challenge course. Kids persevered and worked together by climbing elements, balancing on elements, and playing frisbee games to get ready for the summer.

Next week, 5th grade is going on their annual camping field trip. While the campground plans might have changed, kids will certainly get a good experience of getting some outdoor exploration skills, building community and sleeping under the stars (in a tent).

Coming up this June 7th we are kicking off summer with our Parachute Pond fishing derby. Last year was a huge success with free fishing rods, prizes and lunch provided. Great way to hook into some fish before the water gets warm. We hope to see you all again this Saturday, June 7th from 9:00-3:00 for some fishing competitions, fly casting lessons and splash pad fun.

The Mayfest Committee sincerely thanks you for your involvement and support in making our inaugural Mayfest in Parachute, CO, a success.

This exciting event brought together:

• Over 54 vendors

• More than 40 participants in the 5K

• 9 talented bands

• 20 vehicles in the Show and Shine

• 5+ delicious food trucks

• Estimated 500+ attendees

It was truly inspiring to see the community come together to connect with local resources, enjoy amazing food, and celebrate live music.

We’re grateful for your role in making it all possible and hope we can count on your support again next year!

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

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

cflorescruz@garfield16.org

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, we would like to inform you about the resources available for accessing information on registered offenders. At the beginning of each school year, we provide written details on where and how you can obtain this information from local law enforcement agencies. This information is also posted on the district’s website for your convenience.

We believe it is crucial for parents and guardians to have access to this information to stay informed about their community and to take any necessary precautions to protect their children. By keeping you informed, we hope to foster a safer environment for all our students.

You can find the Garfield County Sheriff's Office Offender Search here: https://www.garcosheriff.com/sex-offender-search/

Garfield 16 provides all students with counseling services through the school counselors. School counselors work with students to support their academic growth and success as well as their social and emotional development. School counselors work closely with teachers, principals, and parents to support students experiencing issues that impact their learning. These issues can be, but are not limited to, declining grades, poor work habits, organizational skills, distracting behaviors, school avoidance, anxiety, trauma, and transient personal or family issues, such as the loss of a loved one or change in family dynamic. A school counselor may work with a student on an individual basis or as part of a group. In addition, school counselors work with the administration to assess at-risk students.

At the elementary level, school counselors provide direct instruction to all students in social and emotional growth and wellbeing. Topics include social skills, recognizing emotions, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. For students who may be experiencing difficulty with social skills, regulating behaviors, or school counselors provide individual and group coaching.

At the secondary level, school counselors begin to support students with college and career planning and decision making. School counselors work with students on their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) requirements. School counselors facilitate college and post-secondary career and workforce exploration. At the high school level, school counselors work with students to ensure they are on pace for graduation.

How to contact your school counselor:

CFL:

• Referral Form
• Email Ms. Landry
• Call 970-285-5702

BUE:

• Referral Form
• Email Mrs. Sherraden
• Email Mrs. DeMaio
• Call 970-285-5703

GVMS:

• Parent Referral Form
• Student Referral Form
• Email Mrs. Hoyt
• Call 970-285-5707

GVHS:

• Email Mrs. Paine
• Email Mrs. Largent
• Call 970-285-5705

• All students and their families.
• Fill out the referral form, found by clicking this link.
• Drew Hogan- SBFRC Counselor
• Leslie Pinaire- SBFRC Counselor

Camp Immunization Requirements:

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization/requirements-to-attend-camp

Measles Outbreak

Please make sure your child's MMR vaccine is up to date. If you aren't sure, you can call your child's school and ask to speak to Cheyene, RN. Cheyene will also be sending out an email to all parents whose child does not have an up to date MMR.

Please make sure you protect yourself, especially with spring break traveling coming up. If you do not have insurance and/or cannot get into the doctor please go call Public Health to set up an appointment for immunizations (970) 625-5200. They also have a clinic day on Mondays in Parachute, and its by appointment only

For more information on measles: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/diseases-a-to-z/measles

Watch how the measles outbreak spreads when kids get vaccinated – and when they don't | US news | The Guardian

How Sick is To Sick:

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/communicable-diseases/infectious-disease-guidelines-schools-childcare

Did you know that we can administer medication to your students if they have a need. What we need from you is a doctor's order/care plan, that needs to be signed by the doctor and by you as the parent. Parents then need to bring in medication to the school and we have trained staff that are able to administer medications. If you have any questions please call the district nurse at 970-285-5707

Find information about G16's Health Services by clicking the link below. Information includes: recommended immunizations, what to do if your student needs medication at school or has a severe allergy, and vision and hearing screenings by grade.

Garfield County Public Health and Garfield 16 have teamed up to offer a Vaccine and Immunization Clinic in Parachute! The clinic will be offered on the first Monday of every month, as long as appointments are scheduled. Garfield County Public Health will be stationed at the School-Based Family Resource Center from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, by appointment only. Please call 970-625-5200 to schedule an appointment, stating that you would like to schedule for the Parachute clinic.

Menus can be found by following this link: https://www.garfield16.org/departments/nutritional-services

• Did you know Colorado schools and community organizations are offering FREE HEALTHY MEALS to all kids and teens 18 and younger this summer? Text "Food" or "Comida" to 304-304 or visit KidsFoodFinder.org to find a location near you.
• Colorado schools and community organizations are distributing meals at no cost this summer! Healthy meals are available to all kids and teens 18 and under. Text "Food" or "Comida" to 304-304 or visit KidsFoodFinder.org to find a location near you!
• Save time and money on meal prep this summer and enjoy healthy no-cost meals for your kids and teens. Meals are available to all youth 18 and under. Text "Food" or "Comida" to 304-304 or visit KidsFoodFinder.org to find a location near you.

Here are the updated bus routes.

For the 2024-2025 School Year, we will be using a software called School BusHub. This technology will allow real-time tracking. Which means parents/guardians can track their child's school bus in real-time using the School Bus Hub app. This feature provides peace of mind by allowing parents to know exactly where their child's bus is along its route. See the attached PDF for instructions on how to download the new app.

Please also note that bus routes may change based on student need. Check the website for updated routes: https://www.garfield16.org/departments/transportation

Our expectations for riding the school bus were revised.

Elementary students should have brought home a hard copy of these expectations last week. Please review this form, sign it, and return it to your student's school.

Middle school and high school parents, a copy is attached. Please review these updated expectations with your student(s). To confirm receipt and the review of these updated expectations, please fill out this google form.

*Garfield County School District #16 is not responsible for, and does not endorse, any statement, sentiment, or opinion published or expressed in this document. This document is not part of, and has not been distributed as part of the District's curricular or extracurricular programs.