Grand Valley Middle School

The staff at GVMS are so excited to start the 26-27 school year. We have been busy with the maintenance and custodial staff cleaning up the building and making preparations for an incredible school year. The big summer project was the replacement of the windows! FCI Construction has been busy all summer replacing our old windows with new, more energy efficient windows. Some work will continue into August, but the safety and security of the building continues. The windows look great!

Our hope is that you all were able to enjoy some downtime and maybe a few adventures with family and friends. We have some great things planned for the start of the year and can't wait to meet the new students and welcome back returning learners!

Ms. Davis and Mrs. Speakman

Because of changes in our transportation configuration, Grand Valley Middle School will be starting and ending the day 5 minutes later than last year. The transportation department will be getting bus information to you before the start of school. The important thing for you to know is that our school day is now from 8:05 - 3:55. We will continue serving breakfast at 7:45 am. The bell for students to enter school will ring at 8:00 am and the tardy bell for all students will ring at 8:05 am. The day will end at 3:55 pm with buses leaving at 4:00 pm.

This 5 minute change is small and should support a smoother transportation interface at all bus stops.

We will begin school on August 11th at 8:05 am.

Parents will drop off in the front of the school and buses out back. All students can come in and enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria at 7:45 am.

At 8:00 am, teachers will bring students into their grade level doors at the back of the building. Students will receive schedules, lockers and get to know their teachers. Please have your child bring their supplies with them that morning.

Every year, we need to confirm your information. This means that there will be some required paperwork that your child will bring home on the first day of school. Please complete this promptly and return no later than August 14, 2026.

• Transportation Forms: These are required for ALL students who may ride the bus. Yes we need it even if your child usually gets a ride from you, but may need to ride the bus a couple of days this school year.
• Technology Agreement: Middle School students will be issued a Chromebook. We ask that student keep their devices at school unless they need them for specific homework. No device will be issued to your child without the technology agreement.
• Census/Contact Verification: All families need to verify that the information we have o file match your current address, phone numbers, emergency contacts, etc.
• Free and Reduced Lunch Application: It is essential that every family fill out the Free and Reduce Lunch Application. This information ensures that we are allotted appropriate funding to cover the free breakfast and lunches that we provide every student every day! Even if you think you will not qualify, please fill out the information so that we can receive our funding for the meal program.

Your child's safety is very important to us. Parent drop-off and pick-up to the front of the school off Siprelle Dr. Use a parking spaces if you are coming into the building or needing to wait in your car. If you are simply pulling through, please pull all the way forward and be prepared to continue forward as traffic moves. Students should exit and enter vehicles along the sidewalk only, and as always, please, stay alert for pedestrians in the lot.

The bus loop in the back of the building is reserved for buses and school personnel only! NO parents should be at the back bus loop.

Please refer to the diagram below, and we will be at the lots to help you as we get started.

As we prepare for another great school year, we'd like to remind families that Grand Valley Middle School maintains a no cell phone policy from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the school day, phones should remain off and put away in lockers.

Our priority is creating a safe, engaging learning environment where students can focus on building knowledge, relationships, and independence. Research consistently shows that the presence of cell phones can reduce attention, increase distractions, and negatively impact learning. Studies have also found that frequent phone use during the school day is associated with increased anxiety, social conflict, and cyberbullying, making it more difficult for students to build healthy, face-to-face relationships.

In the event of an emergency, it is also important that students do not use their phones. Large numbers of personal calls and messages can create confusion, spread misinformation, and interfere with emergency responders and school officials as they work to communicate accurate information and ensure everyone's safety.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting this expectation. If you ever need to reach your child during the school day, please contact our main office at 970-285-5707, and we will ensure your message is delivered promptly. Likewise, if your child needs to contact you, they may do so through the school office.

Thank you for helping us keep the focus where it belongs—on learning, meaningful relationships, and a safe school environment for every student.

Any student who is new to Grand Valley Middle School is welcome to come to the school on Friday, August 7th from 1-3. You can get a schedule, tour, and practice your locker! Teachers will be in the building, but working with their teams, so the National Junior Honor Society and Student Council members, counselor and administration will be available to help you get to know your new school. If you can't make it on Friday, but would like to visit the school, please contact the office. 970-285-5707

Mr. Parks is our district Athletic Director. Mr. Parks is supported by Molly Mendoza, the athletic secretary.

If your child is interested in playing football or volleyball this fall, they will need to complete the registration process online, ensure that they have a current physical on record, pay fees, and complete their Impact testing.

Football practice will begin on August 13th and Volleyball practice will begin on August 18th. Athletes can only practice if their registration is complete.

Athletic Registration

Athletic Registration

Athletic Registration Instructions

Please address any questions to aparks@garfield16.org or mmedoza@garfield16.org.

Did you know that there is an affordable way to obtain accident insurance for your school age children? It is easy to enroll, and can be done online at www.studentinsurance-kk.com