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While Stewart was selected to fill one open position on the school board, another director issued a resignation letter, leaving one position still open. See below.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Appointment to Board of Education

The Board of Education of the Garfield County School District 16 is accepting applications from persons interested in serving on the Board of Education from the date of appointment until the next regular biennial school election in November 2025.

To be eligible for appointment, each candidate must be a registered elector of the school district for at least twelve consecutive months prior to the date of appointment. The applicant must also be a resident of the school district in which the vacancy exists.

Any person who meets the qualifications and who desires to be considered for the appointment is invited to file a written notice of such intention with the secretary of the Board of Education by 4:30 pm on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO. The Board will interview prospective candidates on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at a public meeting. For further information, contact Marilyn Mondragon 970.285.5701.

The calendars for the next two school years have been carefully developed to ensure a well-balanced and enriching educational experience for our students. Key dates, including the start and end of each term, holidays, and special events, are outlined in the calendars. Please note a change in Spring Break. We have moved our Spring Break to the last week of March to align with surrounding school districts. We hope this helps our families who live and work in neighboring districts. We will update the calendars with the dates of the Board of Education Meetings as soon as they are finalized.

You can find updated calendars here: https://www.garfield16.org/calendar121

Click on the red blocks on the right-hand side of the page for the yearly calendars. Sort and filter the electronic calendar in the center of the page by school by selecting the blue filter button, and selecting the schools you would like to show on your calendar of events.

You can also sort and filter events on our app, Garfield 16 Schools. Find it in the app store: Apple or Google, and learn how to navigate here: https://www.garfield16.org/communications/new-app-navigation

Important Upcoming Events:

• GVHS Basketball @ Districts- GJ Central. February 24, 2024 Girls 4:30 pm, Boys: 6:00 pm.
• District Accountability Committee Meeting- February 29, 2024 6:30 pm.
• GVHS Spring Concert- March 6, 2024 7:00 pm.
• GVMS Spring Concert- March 7, 2024 6:30 pm.
• BUE Family Art Night- March 8, 2024 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm.
• BUE Lip Sync Battle- March 15, 2024 3:00 pm
• SPRING BREAK March 18 - 22, no school. Classes will resume March 26.
• Parent/Teacher Conferences PK-12- April 1, 2024
• GVHS Musical- April 11-13, 2024
• Colorado Opera Performance at BUE- April 17, 2024 6:00-7:30 pm.
• CFL Spring Music Program- April 18, 2024. Kindergarten at 6:00 pm, 1st at 7:00 pm.
• BUE Spring Musical- April 30, 2024 2nd grade at 6:00 pm, 3rd grade and Scilla at 7:00 pm, and May 2, 2024 4th grade and Drake at 6:00 pm, 5th grade at 7:00 pm.
• BUE Spring Bike Derby- May 4, 2024
• GVMS & GVHS Pops Concert- May 14, 2024 6:30 pm.
• Student-Led Conference K-8, May 6 & 13
• Graduation- May 25, 2024
• Last Day of School- May 30, 2024

G16 students go outside for recess, even on cold/snowy days.

Please ensure your child has adequate clothing so they are comfortable when they play outside. If you are in need of coat, hat, gloves, snow pants, boots, etc - please reach out to your student's school office or the School-Based Family Resource Center, and we can help you.

According to the National Weather Service, “parents should take the time to learn about the weather conditions they send their kids into every morning and afternoon, whether they are bus riders or walkers. Parents should also teach their children a plan if a child is stranded in inclement winter weather. If a child drives, be sure that there is a winter driving kit in their child’s vehicle. Parents need to be aware that school includes outdoor recess time every day as part of their elementary child’s development, and having appropriate clothing for the day is important. All schools have resources for families who may be financially challenged at purchasing appropriate weather clothing for their kids. Having appropriate clothing before, during, and after school is necessary for a child’s safety and comfort.”

As we face the winter months, these are the school closing and two-hour delay procedures. School closing, delay, and cancelation decisions are made based on the weather and road conditions in the Garfield 16 area and neighboring areas.

School Closing/Snow Day

If there is inclement weather, the District will decide to close school by 5:15 a.m., based on the conditions at 5:00 a.m.. Parents will be notified by 6:00 a.m. if there is a snow day or delayed start.

After School Activities for a School Closing/Snow Day

All after school activities will be evaluated throughout the day if the District is closed for weather or weather conditions become hazardous during the day. The District will notify staff, students, and families of after school activities cancellations by 1:00 p.m.

Two-Hour Delay

A two-hour delay will be used when the road conditions are not suitable for travel at 5:00 a.m., but are expected to improve throughout the day. The District will decide to call a delayed start by 5:15 a.m.. This will allow snow plows additional time to clear the roads. On a two-hour delayed schedule, buses will begin their routes two hours late, and all classes will begin two hours late.

Schools will operate on a modified schedule. Start times will simply be pushed back by two hours. Students will have breakfast and lunch. Students will be dismissed at the regular time.

In the event that the District has a two-hour delay and the road conditions do not improve, the District may decide to close schools for the day. The District will make this decision by 7:30 a.m. based on the conditions at 7:15 a.m.

AM Cardinal Club will be canceled on a two-hour delay day. PM Cardinal Club will continue as scheduled on a two-hour delay day.

Early Dismissal

In the event that weather conditions start or worsen once students are in school, the decision to have an early dismissal will be made by 10:00 a.m.

All after school activities will be canceled.

AM Cardinal Club will continue as scheduled on an early dismissal day. PM Cardinal Club will be canceled on an early dismissal day.

Communication

All families will be notified of a school closing through the district messaging system, media outlets, and social media as soon as possible.

Please be sure that your contact information is current by checking in with the secretaries at your child's school so that in the event of school closures, Garfield 16 is able to contact you.

Alternatively, you can login to your Infinite Campus account to ensure your contact information is correct.

This month has been filled with exciting outdoor education trips and learning opportunities for our students!

Family Outdoor Day

Unfortunately, our Garfield County Family Outdoor Day has been cancelled. If you have questions, please email aphilipson@garfield16.org. We would like to highlight other opportunities for families to connect in nature:

• February 24, 2024 is the "Trail User Appreciation Day" as West Elk Trails in New Castle. There will be free nordic ski demos courtesy of Defiance Cyclery. See flyer below.
• March 16, 2024: Community Cross Country Ski Pop Up Days sponsored by The Nature Connection, please visit https://thenatureconnection.net/ski-pop-ups-on-grand-mesa/ for more information.

Our 4th graders took their annual trip up to the Grand Mesa for a day of snowshoeing, winter ecology, and fun. Sponsored and lead by Parachute Kiwanis Club, each class traveled to Mesa Lakes Lodge. There they learned about beaver habitats and survival while playing games and the friendly snow fight with GVFPD's Chief Jackson. Students also got to learn from former Chief David Blair about winter survival by hearing stories of nights in the backcountry and digging snow pits. Thank you to all the volunteers from Kiwanis and GVHS Key Club for helping to make it a fun and engaging trip for over 90 of our students.

CFL 1st grade Animal Unit:

1st graders have been learning all about animals in this unit. Ari has come in for lessons about animal adaptations to classrooms. Students have been playing games that model survival and adaptations that help animals thrive in our harsh winters. They also got a chance to visit and learn from guest speakers on February 20th. We had five dog handlers and their service K9s come in to teach students about the various ways that animals help people and are trained to do specific tasks.

Next week they will be putting their skills to the test by taking their own snowshoe trip to Grand Mesa.

CFL Kindergarten Animal Unit:

Kindergarten classes have been abuzz with excitement. They have seen their own guest speakers coming into the school with a variety of feathered, scaled and furry friends including bunnies, hawks, spiders, and snakes.

They will be visiting some animal homes by taking a trip this Friday, February 23rd, to the Sopris Alpaca Farm, PSS Wildlife Foundation and Honey House. Students will get to feed and get up close and personal with livestock and rehabilitated animals in the area.

Pre-K shelter unit:

Ari also got to visit Pre-K students to teach a lesson on temporary shelters. Kids played games, listened to stories and assessed different tent designs to express how well they protect from the wind, cold, and rain as part of their shelter unit.

Learn to Ski and Ride:

This year we have expanded our Learn to Ski and Ride Program by taking over 22 students from 4th-8th grade at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. February 19th was our first of three days where students get to go to the mountain for a full or half day of lessons, rentals and lift ticket. Grand Valley High School students are invited to attend as mentors this year as well. Thank you Jenn Hoyt and Sarah Kinsey for coordinating this opportunity for students to get to grow and shred on the mountain.

GVMS Outdoor PE:

The GVMS Outdoor PE class got to take their Winter Survival trip up to Grand Mesa on February 22nd. Students got some hands-on survival experience by accomplishing tasks using various materials to model a survival scenario. Students got to experience the challenges of building snow shelters, litters (used to carry someone), and clothing with limited materials. They also were able to experience some cross country skiing and biathlon style games.

GVHS Outdoor Club:

The GVHS Outdoor Club went ice skating on January 29, 2024. Students were able to enjoy the newly established Colorado Extreme ice rink located at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle.

On February 5, 2024, the School-Based Family Resource Center took students to the Colorado Extreme Ice Rink. The newly established ice rink located at the Garfield County Fairgrounds allowed students to get out of their comfort zones and try a new hobby. Students experienced a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and unique learning experiences. As they laced up their skates and stepped onto the glistening ice, students not only engaged in a fun physical activity but also learned valuable lessons in balance, coordination, and teamwork. The crisp air and the rhythmic sounds of blades cutting through the ice created an invigorating atmosphere, fostering a sense of joy and accomplishment among the students. Beyond the sheer enjoyment of gliding across the rink, this outing encouraged social interaction and resilience as students supported each other during the inevitable wobbles and slips. The ice rink adventure asw more than just a recreational activity; it became a memorable journey where students built friendships, overcame challenges, and created lasting memories that extended far beyond the frozen surface.

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

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.

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.

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

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