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During the work session of the December 12th school board meeting, Superintendent Baugh presented an analysis of the Master Facility Plan report that was completed in September 2023. The Master Facility Plan report includes a list of deferred maintenance items and potential facility upgrades for all four schools, the administration building, and the transportation and maintenance building. The analysis included the estimated costs for projects to be completed by the recommended times and categories of projects such as technology replacements, lighting upgrades, and maintenance to buildings and grounds.

The Board discussed creating a committee to include stakeholder feedback on the priorities for the school community. The recommended updates include field regrading and turf fields at Bea Underwood Elementary and Grand Valley Middle School and electrical upgrades to Bea Underwood Elementary and the administration building for improved HVAC that would include air conditioning. For all the district's buildings, regrading the grounds and alternative ground covering is recommended as well as upgrades to LED lighting to improve maintenance costs and efficiency. Regular maintenance, such as sealing asphalt, replacing plumbing and equipment are also included in the report.

"The Master Facility Plan report is helpful for us to know what is in good working order and what needs attention and how soon," said Dr. Baugh. "The District plans to look at its available funding and grants to help manage the costs, but community input is important because the community has to be comfortable with the look and feel of our schools.

The District Accountability Committee (DAC) is required for all Colorado school districts. This is a forum for parents and community members to weigh in on important decisions for this District. Topics can range from the school calendar, current and future programs, and financial priorities. While the administration prepares an agenda for topics to review, DAC members are welcome to raise issues and concerns for discussion and exploration.

The DAC meeting for the rest of the 2023-24 school year are:

Monday, January 29, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 6:30 pm

All meetings are held at the administration building.

If you are interested in being a part of the DAC, please sign up here.

Garfield 16's District Accountability Committee will include the School Accountability Committee for the Center for Family Learning, Bea Underwood Elementary School, Grand Valley Middle School, and Grand Valley High School. The format for the meetings will be to review the district-wide agenda items as a group. After that portion of the meeting, the elementary school principals and secondary school principals will meet with parents and community members for their respective School Accountability Committee meetings.

If you are interested in being a part of the SAC, please sign up here.

Our previous app, called "Garfield 16" will be unpublished soon, and will not be updated. Please download the new app by searching for "Garfield 16 Schools" (or clicking these links) in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Look for our new logo (pictured here, on the right of this article). To set up the app:

1. Find it in the app store: Apple or Google.
2. Download the app.
3. Accept the terms and conditions by scrolling down to the bottom and clicking "accept."
4. Find your school(s) by location or by selecting from a list.
5. Watch this instructional video for more information.

The new website is found at the same URL, www.garfield16.org. This page defaults to the "District Home Page." Scroll down to see news and announcements, a calendar you can filter by school(s), and helpful links for transportation, nutrition, etc. The school's websites can be found at the top of the "District Home Page" clicking on "Schools" in the top right of the page, and selecting the school or the School-Based Family Resource Center.

Find a broken link or have suggestions about what should/shouldn't include on our websites or app, please attend our next District Accountability Committee Meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will take place at the St. John's Administration Building (460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635).

GVMS' Theater class performed "Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr."* on December 1, 2023. The middle school theater performance was nothing short of spectacular, captivating the audience with its exceptional blend of talent and creativity. The students, with boundless enthusiasm, brought characters to life, delivering lines, singing, and dancing with a depth of emotion that belied their age. The carefully crafted set design was made by the GVMS art class, and helped transport the audience to another world. From the opening act to the final curtain call, the middle school theater performance left an indelible impression, proving that the future of the performing arts is in incredibly capable hands. According to GVMS Theater Teacher Mr. James, "In my many years of working on shows with middle school students, this is by far one of the best performed shows I've been involved in. They worked extremely hard and put a lot of their heart and soul into the show. This truly was a great cast and I am very proud of them."

Thank you to Alpine Bank for sponsoring the show, The Theatre Project of Grand Junction for lending stage lighting, G16 maintenance for helping set up stage lighting, GVMS art classes for designing the set, GVMS staff for supporting the production, Mr. James for directing our performers, GVMS theater students for an amazing performance, and all who attended for supporting theater at GVMS.

*Originally Adapted and Produced for the Stage by Theatre BAM. From the Series Created by George Newall and Tom Yohe. Based on an Idea by David McCall. Originally Conceived and Directed by Scott Ferguson. Book by Scott Ferguson, Kyle Hall and George Keating. Music and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, David Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe. Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 mtishows.com

CFL hosted its Winter Music Program on December 6, 2023. The CFL auditorium was filled to the brim with supportive families excited to see their students perform.

CFL preschoolers performed first. Preschoolers sang and danced to "Jingle Bells," "I'm a Little Pinetree," "S-A-N-T-A," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

CFL kindergarteners took the stage next. Kindergarteners performed " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas," poem by Clement Clarke Moore and program by Aileen Miracle. Kindergarteners sang "Mouse Mousie" (an American folk song), "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" by Miller and/or Hanby, and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Tchaikovsky (choreographed by all kindergarten students). Next up were individual kindergarten classes. Mrs. Bennett's class played instruments for "I see the Moon" (an American folk song). Mrs. Weem's class performed "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Marks. Mrs. Wojciechowski's class performed "Up on the Housetop" by Handy. Ms. Yutkowitz's class performed "Peddler," a Russian folk dance. Ms. Bozeman's Class played instruments to "Jelly in the Bowl," a Canadian folk chant. The end of the show was a combined performance of all classes singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," a Welsh carol, as audience members sang along. Kindergarteners not only sang and danced to every tune, but also delivered speaking parts in between songs.

CFL first graders were up next, to perform "The Bears' Great Adventure," a musical in four acts. First graders sang, danced, and also delivered speaking parts. In Act I, "The Woods," students performed the traditional songs of "Four Bears in the Bed," "Bear Went Over the Mountain," "Ten Little Reindeer," and "Three Brown Bears." In Act II "Mother Goose Land," students performed the traditional songs "Jack and Jill," "Hey Diddle Diddle," "Eency Weency Spider," "Hickory Dickory Dock," and "Twinkle Twinkle." In Act III, "Winter Wonderland," students sang and danced to "Better Bundle Up" by Jennings, "Once There was a Snowman" by Renstrom, and the traditional song "I'm a Little Snowman." The final act, Act IV "North Pole" consisted of the traditional song "S-A-N-T-A," "I'm a Groovin' Elf" by Ellsworth, "Rudolph" by Marks and Branon, "Jingle Bells" by Pierpont, and ended with the traditional song "We Wish you a Merry Christmas."

All three performances were heartwarming showcases of adorable enthusiasm and budding talent as the little ones joyfully sang, danced, and brought smiles to the audience, leaving everyone charmed by their endearing innocence.

Thank you to CFL Music Teacher Mrs. Volk, CFL staff, our amazing performers, and all the CFL families who came to support. In the words of Mrs. Volk, "Words cannot do justice to the amount of gratitude I feel as we approach this holiday season. It has been my profound pleasure to work with these amazing students and to see how much they have grown in their musical skills. The support that has been given by not only CFL administration and staff, but by the families of this school has been so encouraging. I am ecstatic to be here and to continue to work with and get to know your student and you, their families. Happiest of holidays to you. May they be filled with love, joy, and laughter! See you in 2024!"

GVHS' Band, Choir, and Guitar class took the stage on December 7, 2023. GVHS Choir opened the show singing "The Bouquet" by Kara Stacy Bedwell and "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" by James W. Knox. The GVHS Choir is led by Soprano 1 Section Leader Chloe Gronewoller, Soprano 2 Section Leader Alia Williams, and Alto Section Leader Jane Castillo-Marioni. GVHS Choir would also like to recognize Chloe Gronewoller as a Colorado Choral Directors Honors Choir participant.

GVHS Jazz Band was up next, performing "Before There was Rock" by Bob Turner and "Fly Me to the Moon" by Bart Howard, arranged by Roger Holmes. GVHS Jazz Band consists of Craig Cotter on the trumpet, Cybil Gonzales on the trumpet, Noah Beresford on the guitar, Daniel Gronewoller on the guitar and bass, Danniel Mozingo on the drumset and mallets, and Jaxon Wolf on the drumset and percussion. The first song performed by Jazz Band, "Before There was Rock," featured solo parts by Cybil Gonzales on the trumpet, Daniel Gronewoller on the guitar, and Jaxon Wolf on the drumset. The second song performed "Fly Me to the Moon," featured solo parts by Craig Cotter on the trumpet and Noah Beresford on the guitar.

GVHS Band took the stage next, performing "City of Glass and Steel" by David Bobrowitz. The GVHS Band is led bed Flute 1st Chair Bailey Croisant, Clarinet 1st Chair Jordin Carpenter, Alto Saxophone 1st Chair Nadia Snyder, Tenor Saxophone 1st Chair Alexis Jackson, Trumpet 1st Chair Craig Cotter, Trombone 1st Chair Beau Madden, Tuba 1st Chair Anthony Cruz-Carrasco, and Percussion 1st Chair Nate Madden.

The final song was a combined performance featuring GVHS Band, Jazz Band, and Guitar Class. Students performed "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo/12/24" by Paul O'Neill and Robert Kinkel, arranged by Bob Phillips.

The high school winter concert was a captivating showcase of musical talent and festive spirit featuring stellar performances from the school's band, jazz band, and guitar class. The concert kicked off with the choir filling the air with melodic warmth. The jazz band then took the stage, infusing the atmosphere with a dynamic energy. The combination of the band, jazz band, and guitar class added a unique flavor to the event through a medley of holiday-inspired songs that captivated the audience. The seamless collaboration between these musical ensembles highlighted the dedication and hard work of the students and their music instructors, making the winter concert a memorable celebration of musical diversity within the school community.

Thank you to GVHS Music Teacher Ms. Beaton for her amazing direction, GVHS staff, our amazing performers, and all the GVHS families who came to support.

GVMS hosted its holiday concert on December 13, 2023. GVMS Ukulele Class, Choir, 6th Grade Band, and 7th/8th Grade Band all performed separately and ended the show with a mass ensemble.

The auditorium at GVMS filled quickly with family and friends. The GVMS Ukulele Class took the stage first, performing "Jingle Bell Rock." Morgan H. then performed "What Child is This" on the piano. All ukulele students then strummed in unison again, performing "Joy to the World." Paysli D., Monica M., and Jacobed E. then performed "Deck the Halls" with their ukuleles.

A combined performance with the GVMS Ukulele Class and the GVMS Choir was up next. Ukuleles strummed and the choir sang in unison to "Blue Christmas," featuring an alto sax solo by Morgan H.. The combined performance continued with "Feliz Navidad," "Let is Snow" featuring Icess S., and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" featuring Alyssa C..

The GVMS Choir then took the stage alone to perform "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Candles Long Ago" with solos by Madison M. and Icess S. and a clarinet accompaniment by GVHS student Jordin Carpenter. The final song was "A Holly Jolly Christmas" performed by Terran H. and Madison M. The GVMS choir is led by Choir Presents Lucas M. and Icess S..

The GVMS 6th Grade Band was up next. They first performed "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas." The next song performed was "Good King Wenceslas" with duets/solos by Hayden P., Carter S., Tahlia F., Alexis B., Jesus T., Brooklyn H., Virgil R., Alannah R., Damien A., Eli K., and Uriel P. Joseph R. and Kane H. then performed "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" on the trumpets. Vivan A. concluded the 6th grade band segment of the show by performing "The First Noel" on her flute. The GVMS 6th Grade Band is led by Flute Section Leader Tahlia F., Clarinet Section Leader Jesus T.A., Trumpet Section Leader Alannah R., and Trombone Section Leader Josiah B.J..

The GVMS 7th/8th Grade Band took the stage next. They first performed "Silent Night." Briana L. then performed "Away in a Manger on her clarinet. The complete band then performed "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." Natalie C. and Monica M. closed this section of the show, performing "Angels We Have Heard on High" on their trumpets. The 7th/8th Grade Band is led by Flute Section Leader Vivian A., Clarinet Section Leader Briana L., Alto Saxophone Section Leader Morgan H., Bass Clarinet Section Leader Madison M., Trumpet Section Leader Joseph R., Band Captain and Tuba Section Leader Aeowyn C., and Percussion Section Leader Gabriel W..

The final performance of the night was a mass ensemble with choir, ukuleles, and all band members on stage to perform "Jingle Bells." The middle school auditorium came alive with harmonious melodies as the band, choir, and ukulele ensemble collaborated to deliver a delightful and diverse musical performance that showcased the students' talents and the vibrant musical culture within the school.

Thank you to GVMS Music Teacher Mrs. Jones, GVMS staff, our performers, all the GVMS families who came to support, Jacob Schuelke, Jordin Carpenter, Chris Bank and Jazz Aspen, Ed Wilson and Glenwood Music, Harrelson's Music, GVMS office ladies, GVMS' fabulous janitorial staff, Scott Carpenter for running sound, Kristen Knox for taking video, Emeline Mayo for helping run the bake sale, and to all music parents for supporting your music student's goals!

On December 12, 2023, BUE hosted 4th Grade, Drake's Class, and 5th Grade's Musical. The students performed "The Elves' Impersonator" by Teresa Jennings. In the whimsical and enchanting "Elves' Impersonator" musical, audiences were captivated by students singing, dancing, playing instruments, and delivering speaking parts. The heartwarming tale came to life when the elves realized instead of rejecting the newcomer, "Elfis," they should embrace their differences and welcome "Elfis" to their community. With spellbinding performances and a toe-tapping soundtrack, this musical extravaganza celebrates the joy of embracing one's true self, accepting others, and embracing differences.

On December 14, 2023, BUE hosted another musical featuring 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, and Scilla's Class. Students sang, danced, played instruments, and delivered speaking parts. The performance included the songs: "Here We Come A-Caroling," an English Wassail song arranged by Tom Anderson; "Jingle Bells" words and music by James Pierpont, arranged by Tom Anderson; "Up on the Housetop" words and music by B.R. Handy, arranged by Tom Anderson; "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," a traditional American carol, arranged by Tom Anderson; and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" arranged by Tom Anderson.

Thank you to BUE Music Teacher Mrs. Humphrey, BUE staff, our performers, all the BUE families who came to support, Ms. Kinsey for helping with lines and all practices, Mrs. Schuckers for creating props, Ms. Webster for helping with practices and instruments, paras for helping students at the practices, Elaine Callister for helping with practices and props, Sam Humphrey for creating backdrops, Addi/Mrs. Hartman/Mr. E for greeting parents, all 2nd through 5th grade teachers for helping with grade level practices and being at the performances, Ms. Johnson for being Mrs. Humphrey's assistant, Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Scott for their support of our concerts, Addi and Mrs. Strong for videoing, Mrs. Severson for handing out programs, Mrs. Lujan for folding programs, Mrs. Miles for printing programs, maintenance staff for transporting risers and chairs, BUE custodial staff for setting up, and Dr. Baugh and our school board for supporting arts education in our schools.

This month, the residents of Mesa Vista Assisted Living were pleasantly surprised with GVMS Choir, GVMS Ukulele Class, and BUE 2nd Graders. GVMS Choir and Ukulele Class performed several songs for residents on December 6, 2023. BUE 2nd Graders then walked around the outside of Mesa Vista on December 14, 2023 singing holiday songs for residents inside to hear.

According to 8th grader Rhianna Munoz, performing for Mesa Vista "was important because then we could share the holiday spirit with other people." Ms. Mayerle, BUE 2nd Grade Teacher who organized the event explained, "In our literacy unit, we are learning about how we can help our community. Our goal was to bring joy and inclusiveness to the elderly up here, and help them feel happy this time of year." Mesa Vista Resident Elizabeth Taylor spoke about the performances, "I thought the performance was a blessing. It was very, very nice for these young people to acknowledge we are here, and wanting to do something special for us, and it was very nice."

Grand Valley High School would like to, once again, organize our annual Cardinal Sponsorships.

The intent of this fund will be used to:

• continue the Mt. Callahan Scholarship opportunity.

• provide financial support to students who participate in activities (i.e. to go to summer camp, pay fees, or other specific trainings).

• provide support where the school budget doesn’t reach specifically related to athletics, activities, clubs, recognition of student success, and student spirit

• support the after prom program.

Please review the brochure below for more information.

Thank you to Danny Medina and Gordon Hoyt for volunteering to be our GVHS football radio announcers on KSUN radio! We appreciate your time, dedication, and knowledge of the game. Without you, we wouldn't be able to broadcast our GVHS football games to our community.

We are looking for announcers for girls and boys basketball. Please call Sean at 970-285-2246 if interested.

As the snow flies and temperatures become cooler, Garfield 16 is gearing up for fun winter movements. Here are some happenings throughout the District.

Officer James Miller has been leading efforts in the GVMS grow dome! We have been busy getting ready for a winter growing season by working on the heating, aquaponic systems, irrigation, and soil preparation in the greenhouse. He will be planting hearty winter crops such as potatoes, carrots, chard, kale and beets; while also experimenting with summer crops such as tomatoes and peppers. Students in science classes will also have space available to connect their life science studies by growing various plants in different environments to measure their effects. "My love of gardening started when I was three years old working in the garden with my grandma and mom," Miller says. "I have continued it all my life. It is one of my stress reliefs and helps keep me centered. I look forward to being able to share the joy of gardening with the next generation. There really is nothing cooler than placing a tiny seed into good dirt, adding water and watching it grow. All the great food is also a plus" said Miller. Thank you as well to Kristie Radel, school secretary, for bringing over some fertilizer from her ranch to help put nutrients back in the soil.

The GVMS Outdoor PE class has been active in getting kids some hands on, real-world learning experiences. These past weeks, students have been focusing on survival strategies, backcountry navigation, winter travel, and first aid. This class has been an excellent means for students to explore and present their interests in the outdoors and connect with one another to share their knowledge. Students have been learning to cross country ski, build shelters, and read maps to prepare them for a life of exploring the outdoors. Next semester, we will see a new group of students and we are excited to continue to build the class and fuel the stoke for the outdoors.

Both BUE (4th and 5th graders only) and GVMS are inviting students to participate in the Learn to Ski Program in partnership with Powderhorn Mountain Resort. The mountain's PHAST program is a way for first time and beginner skiers and snowboarders to improve their skills and become confident little shredders. Roughly 12 qualified students from each school will be allowed to participate in three free lessons, February 19th, 26th, and March 4th, including gear rentals, meals, and transportation to and from the mountain. Please contact Sarah Kinsey at BUE and Jenn Hoyt at GVMS if you are interested in your child joining the program or for more details.

Powderhorn also offers free ski and snowboard lessons on select dates through their Bob Beverly program for students eight years old and up. This is a wonderful opportunity to get out on the hill and instill a lifelong joy of the winter sport. For more information or to sign up, please visit their website HERE. January 12th is Skier Appreciation day at Sunlight Mountain Resort where participants can purchase a lift ticket for $25. The day's events also include games and costume contests.

Mark your calendars for the Garfield Family Winter Outdoor Day. See the graphics below. Saturday, February 3rd, Garfield County Outdoors will be hosting an open snow day event at West Elk Trails near New Castle where students and families can rent snowshoes and cross country skis free of charge. In partnership with the US Forest Service and West Elk Trails organization, we will be giving the community a taste of some winter recreation on the edge of the Flat Top Wilderness. Please be aware that the road is typically snow packed. Four wheel drive or snow chains are recommended. Please sign up to reserve your gear ahead of time.

This winter break is a great opportunity to get kids outside. As always when exploring in the outdoors please make sure to adequately prepare. The SBFRC has a variety of winter and snow clothing to keep everyone dry and warm while playing outside in the cold. Sledding hills at Community Park, along the BUE playground, and Rifle airport park are great ways to watch the smiles grow. Here are some winter activity ideas for families and their kids to enjoy over the break:

• Sled building challenge using duct tape and cardboard;
• Winter crafts such as paper snowflakes, snowman building, and ice ornaments;
• Ice skating at River City Sportsplex in Grand Junction, New Castle Recreation (no rental skates available), or Colorado Extreme hockey program in Rifle (see flyer attached) are all great opportunities to get on the ice this winter.
• Check out one of the Pop Up Cross Country Ski days on the Grand Mesa sponsored by our Gen Wild partner, The Nature Connection.

We will be back after the winter break with more news about our upcoming educational programs including student cross country ski days with GVMS, 4th grade winter ecology sponsored by Parachute Kiwanis club and 1st grade snowshoe trips. Happy Holidays to everyone and thank you for a fun 2023. Cheers to 2024 outdoors.

The School-Based Family Resource Center has been bustling with volunteers, local community members providing donations, and families in need getting assistance.

GVHS Leadership and National Honor Society provided 100 bags of stocking stuffers for local families in need. In addition, a local community member handmade 150 knitted hats for local families this winter season.

If you were unable to come to the Resource Center before the Winter Break, please stop by January 2nd to get some goodies!

Thank you to GVHS Leadership and Caerus Energy for supporting local families in need. GVHS Leadership hosted food drives at BUE and GVHS, Caerus Energy hosted a food drive at their office. Once the food drives were completed, GVHS Leadership students and Caerus employees assembled the food baskets for local families in need. Thanks to their efforts, the Resource Center was able to distribute 50 Food Baskets to local families.

Thank you Caerus Energy and GVHS Leadership for all of their hard work!

Grand Valley Givers placed giving trees at the Parachute Branch Library, Clark's Market and the Craft Fair at GVHS in November 2023. Tags with information of a student or family in need were hung on the trees. Community members selected a tag, went shopping, and delivered the gifts back to the Resource Center.

With the community's help, the Resource Center was able to help make the holiday season brighter for 91 families in need of assistance! We would like to thank Clark's Market, Parachute Branch Library, Grand Valley Recreation Center, and our community for making this program possible.

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 twelve 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.

The Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center was awarded a $18,000.00 grant from the Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) as part of the Community Grantmaking program.

According to the organization, the "Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) builds philanthropy and supports nonprofit organizations by connecting donors to community needs, building permanent charitable funds, and bringing people together to solve community problems. ACF has been working since 1980 to improve the quality of life in the region. Based in Basalt, Colorado, the Foundation’s efforts have an impact in communities throughout the greater Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Through ACF’s broad perspective of the region, and depth and breadth of knowledge of community trends, issues, and needs, the organization directs funding where it is needed most to fill gaps in services and programming. Learn more at aspencommunityfoundation.org."

“It’s exciting to see the community grantmaking program grow,” said Erica Snow, President and CEO of Aspen Community Foundation. “This community grantmaking program is possible because of our partnership with Aspen Skiing Company and the incredible philanthropic spirit and commitment of this region’s donor community. We’re extremely proud to partner with these mission-driven nonprofits in our community and inspire philanthropists to make this a region where all children and families can thrive.”

ACF has been a major supporter of Garfield 16's School-Based Family Resource Center since its inception five years ago. According to Garfield 16's School-Based Family Resource Center Coordinator, Claudia Flores Cruz, "We are extremely grateful for all the support the Aspen Community Foundation has given us throughout the years. The funding they provide allows us to achieve our goal of helping families in need in our school district, and we couldn't do it without the support of our community, and organizations like the Aspen Community Foundation."

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

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
• Call 970-285-5702

BUE:

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

GVMS:

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

GVHS:

• Grades 9 and 11, email Mrs. Largent
• Grades 10 and 12, email Mrs. Paine
• Call 970-285-5705

Student immunizations need to be updated/current by the end of 2023. Please review the following document: 2023 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old. This document was prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Please review the attached guidance from Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment regarding when to keep your child at home due to an illness.

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

Our free breakfast and lunch program is a yearly grant process. Our district has qualified again for a free breakfast and lunch program for SY 2023-2024.

• Breakfast Program: All students can receive breakfast free of charge. It is important that your child arrives at school on time in order to have time to enjoy a meal before a long day of learning!

• Lunch Program: All students can receive lunch free of charge. If your child brings lunch from home, please make sure it does NOT need to be heated in a microwave as there are no microwaves available.

Please do not send soda pop in your child’s school lunch. We ask that you send a healthier choice such as juice, water, or milk.

Parents wishing to eat lunch with their child may do so, please call the school office by 9:00am if you would like to order a hot lunch. The charge for an adult lunch is $4.25 and for a visiting child it is $2.75. Please remember that the school only accepts cash or a check for payment.

Menus for the new schools year will be found on our school district Nutrition Website.

Meal Prices for Visitors:

Student Lunch $2.75

Milk $0.70

Adult Lunch $4.25

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 by January 5th.

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 by January 5th.

Get "The Deets"

Find the G16 online calendars by clicking this link: https://www.garfield16.org/calendar121