Garfield 16 Gazette

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Welcome Our New Administrators

Garfield 16 welcomes Mr. Andy Parks as the district-wide Athletic Director, Mr. Jake Cooper as the Transportation Director, Mr. Jim Butterfield as the Grand Valley High School Assistant Principal, and Ms. Jessica Hartman as the Bea Underwood Elementary School Assistant Principal.

Back-to-School Nights

The Back-to-School nights are moving to the third and fourth weeks of August. We made this change so that teachers can get to know the students before meeting their parents and guardians. It also allows for time for the classrooms to look and feel more like what the students experience every day. The principals and teachers are working together to develop a Back-to-School night that is welcoming to parents as well as informative about their children's learning for the year.

Transportation

Bus riders may experience some delays the first two weeks of school. This is due to daily changes made to the bus routes and times to accommodate new riders.

Garfield 16 purchased three, new transportations vehicles, and they will be phased into circulation. The two large buses and one small bus are propane-fueled buses. Garfield 16 purchased the propane buses because they are better suited for the bus routes in the Parachute, Battlement Mesa, and Rulison areas.

The transportation department is hiring bus route drivers, activity bus drivers, and small vehicle drivers. Garfield 16 will provide the necessary training, including Class B CDL. Those interested in any transportation position, can apply here: https://www.applitrack.com/garco/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=730

Construction Projects Update

The HVAC and wastewater construction project at Bea Underwood Elementary School finished on time and under budget. The ten-week project included the replacement and cure-in-place pipe lining of all waste water pipes, installation of a new HVAC and electrical system, and upgrade to the second floor handrails to meet safety and ADA requirements. Staff was able to access the school for the first time this summer on August 5th. The tight timeline this summer was a challenge, but the school was ready for the students. After punch list items are addressed, the custodial and maintenance teams will finish the routine summer cleaning in classrooms, such as carpet shampooing and touch up work.

This project was possible because Garfield 16 was awarded a BEST grant. Colorado's Building Excellent Schools Today program supports new school construction projects and renovations through a competitive grant process with a district-funded match. Garfield 16 was awarded $8,268,069.29, with a 50% match of district funds. The HVAC and wastewater pipes were identified as critical deferred maintenance projects in the Master Facility Plan that was completed in the summer of 2023. The comprehensive architectural and engineering study of the district's facilities provided Garfield 16 with a prioritized list of various maintenance projects.

Follow this link for TreanorHL's Master Facility Plan Volume 1 of 2, and this link for Volume 2 of 2.

New Curriculum and Professional Learning

Under the leadership of Ms. Amber Clark, Assistant Superintendent, the School Board approved the new curriculum for the 2025-26 school year. Working with teachers in each subject area, the team evaluated curriculum resources and students current needs. The teams selected new textbooks for math in grades 6-12, new science textbooks and lab resources for students in grades 6-12, new health curriculum in grades 6-12, new financial literacy curriculum for students in grades 9-12, and early reading and writing supplemental curricula for students in grades K-1.

Bea Underwood Elementary School received a grant from the Colorado Department of Education. The Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant enabled teachers to receive specialized professional development in teaching reading, specifically to students who are struggling and instructional coaching supports. As part of the Transformation Network, teachers and administrators are focusing on the core elements of learning that include high quality instruction, student engagement, and a positive learning culture.

Important Upcoming Events:

• GVHS Fall Sports- Find schedules by following this link: https://gvhs.garfield16.org/athletics
• GVMS Fall Sports- Find schedules by following this link https://gvms.garfield16.org/athletics
• Aug. 14-17: Grand Valley Days https://gvdays.com/

• Aug. 19-20: CFL Preschool Soft Start

• Aug. 20: CFL Back-to-School Night 6-7PM

• Aug. 21: CFL Preschool First Regular Day

• Aug. 22: CFL Pancake Breakfast

• Aug. 22: GVMS Fall Pictures

• Aug. 25: GVHS Fall Sports Pictures

• Aug. 26: GVHS Back-to-School Night 4-7PM

• Aug. 27: BUE Back-to-School Night 6-7PM

• Aug. 28: GVMS Back-to-School Night 6-7:30PM

• Aug. 29: CFL Fall Pictures

• September- Resource Center Halloween Costume Drive- drop off Halloween costumes you no longer use to the Resource Center (251 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute, CO 81635)

• Sept. 5: GVHS Fall Photos

• Sept. 6-7: Art in the Park- Wasson McKay Park 9AM-4PM

• Sept. 9: Board of Education Meeting 5:00 pm. 460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635. Find agenda here: https://go.boarddocs.com/co/garfield16/Board.nsf/Public

• Sept. 11: Grand River Health Charity Basketball Game at Rifle High School 6:30PM

• Sept. 13: Golf Tournament- SBFRC

Don’t forget about our before and after school childcare program, Cardinal Club. Cardinal club is childcare for children in grades kindergarten through 5. Students must be enrolled in Garfield 16 schools.

Cardinal Club is located at CFL and BUE before and after school.

Cardinal Club at BUE and CFL will be held from 6:30 am until the start of school, and again from dismissal of school until 6:00 pm.

The fees for the CFL and BUE Cardinal Club are per child, and reduced rates are available for eligible families.

CARDINAL CLUB IS NOW ACCEPTING CCCAP!

Find more information about our before and after-school childcare program (Cardinal Club) located at both BUE and CFL by following this link: https://www.garfield16.org/parents/pagecardinal-club

Cardinal Club registration forms will also be available at back-to-school nights.

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

Top 10 Reasons To Come to School Every Day 🏆

1. Reading on Grade Level📖

Studies show that consistent attendance from Pre-K gives the best start for early literacy development. Students who aren't reading on grade level by 3rd grade have a lower chance of graduating. It starts that early!

2. Joining Classmates on Exciting Field Trips🚌

Don't miss out on hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, like visits to museums, nature centers, science centers, parks, and performances of all kinds. These enriching experiences help students figure out their passions.

3. Forming Lasting Friendships😍

Attending daily allows students to foster strong social bonds and an inclusive peer network. Even if not all friendships work out, developing the skills is only possible with ongoing interaction. Students who develop their social skills through school attendance have more positive relationships, overall.

4. Developing Effective Study Habits Early⏰

Good attendance instills vital skills like punctuality, time management and self-discipline. A big part of succeeding is learning how to learn. Daily attendance from elementary onwards helps students build their toolbox of strategies for success.

5. Demonstrating Responsibility and Commitment🙌

Employers value established patterns of dedication and follow-through. Whether students are getting after school jobs in high school, or securing employment after graduation, good work habits are formed by consistent school attendance. It's also how students get teachers to serve as references!

6. Maximizing Instructional Time with Teachers✍🏽

Fewer disruptions means more personalized learning and academic support. Sometimes, students don't come to school because they're struggling with the material in class and staying home is a way to avoid it. But the better choice is to come to school -- that's where the support is. The more time students have with their teachers, the more successful they will be.

7. Greater Self-Esteem and Confidence😁

Not having to play catch-up reduces stress and boosts self-assurance. This is exactly what will carry students successfully through graduation and beyond.

8. Higher Grade Point Averages🚀

Abundant research links stellar attendance to higher GPAs and test scores. In fact, one study shows that the #1 reason students fail a course is from being absent.

9. More Scholarship and College Opportunities🎓

Colleges want applicants with strong attendance showing perseverance. And it's not just colleges! If you're choosing a new school for middle school or high school, students must demonstrate good attendance above all.

10. Increased Lifetime Earnings and Success💰

Excellent attendance correlates to higher career achievement and earnings potential. And not just that! It correlates to better physical and mental health, healthier relationships, and a happier quality of life. Something we want for every child!

The end of the school year saw a variety of trips and programs to get students and families more connected to their backyard spaces.

Our annual 5th grade camping trip had to make last minute adjustment and was located at the field of the District Administration Building. While the change came as a sudden surprise, the stoke was higher than ever. Students got to climb the challenge course and try their hand at archery while at camp. Each day also brought new adventures like hiking and fishing at Rifle Falls.

Our 2nd annual Parachute Pond Fishing Derby was a big success. Over 60 participants tried their hand at casting for the biggest catch of the day, with the largest fish coming in at 14 inches. Thank you to CPW for donating rods and reels to each kid without one, Parachute Branch Library, Alpine Bank for the fantastic lunches, and the Town of Parachute.

Summer break might have come and gone but in Garfield 16 outdoor learning takes no time off.

Our Cardinal Camp summer program consists of week-long camps for students in grades 1st-3rd and 4th-6th and included the camp Outdoor Explorations. Each age group was offered a week of adventure through exploring topics like hiking, camping/survival, animal exploration and fishing. Students made trips to local waterways including Rifle Falls and Parachute Pond.

The School-Based Resource Center is here to support you! We are open Tuesday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Mondays by appointment.

Our services include student mental health support, substance education, family resources, help with government assistance, adult education classes, legal aid, a clothing closet, and a food pantry. Stop by and see us at 251 Parachute Avenue, or give us a call at 970-285-5700 ext. 5190 to learn more.

Upcoming September Events

Monday Market- Every Monday from 4pm- 7pm until September 15th.

Halloween Costume Drive – Donate gently used or new costumes to help local kids celebrate!

Golf for a Cause – Join us for a fun fundraiser benefiting the School-Based Family Resource Center.
Clothing Distribution – Free clothing for those in need, while supplies last.

Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on all our programs and events! Garfield County School District NO. 16 School-Based Family Resource Center

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

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.

If you need to contact transportation for any reason, including a missing student, please call the Transportation Office at the number below:

Office: 970-285-5701 ext. 5133

The school bus is an extension of the school building. All of the rules and expectations in school apply while riding a school bus or waiting at a bus stop.

1. Students should be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.

2. Students should enter the bus and immediately sit in the seat.

3. Students must remain seated at all times. This is to ensure the safety of all students in case of a sudden stop, and standing is distracting to the driver.

4. Students must keep their hands and heads in the bus at all times.

5. Students should keep the bus aisle clear at all times.

6. Students should use indoor voices while riding the bus. Shouting and load noises are not allowed.

7. Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus.

8. Students must follow the directions of the bus driver and bus monitor at all times, without exception.

9. Students should collect any trash they have and throw it into the trash can when exiting the bus.

10. Kindergarten and first grade students must be met at the bus stop by a responsible adult to exit the bus. If a responsible adult is not at the bus stop, the students will be returned to the Center for Family Learning for the parent/guardian to pick up the student.