Garfield 16 Gazette

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As we get ready for Spring Break the week of March 23rd, it is hard not to think that graduation is right around the corner. High school seniors are in the midst of apply for scholarships, finalizing their plans for after graduation, and looking forward to prom and other events that mark the end of their twelve years together as peers and friends.

Like many high schools across Colorado, Grand Valley High School continues to implement the revised cut scores for the Math SAT for the Class of 2026. The Colorado State Board of Education changed the math cut score from 500 to 480 in 2024. This is a temporary change for the graduating classes of 2025 and 2026. The Reading, Writing, and Communicating SAT cut score will remain at 470.

The combined score for math and reading, writing, and communicating is 950. A SAT score of 950 is a competitive score for students applying to four-year colleges. This score is below the national average SAT score of 1024-1050. Student who have a SAT score of 950 meet the minimum standard in Colorado for graduation and are relatively prepared for college with some additional support.

Not all students will continue their education in college after high school. Many will go into a trade with some additional preparation and certification. Others will go into the workforce or military service. The important thing is that all students who are graduating are prepared for whatever they choose to do.

SAT prep begins well before high school. The basic reading and math skills students learn in elementary and middle school carry over to the more complex skills they will need in high school and beyond. When students do not have consistent and regular attendance, they miss the opportunity to learn. They also miss out on other skills in life that are equally as important as developing positive relationships and friendships with peers and good adulting habits like responsibility and time management.

We want every student, from the time the student enters kindergarten until the time the student walks across the stage with diploma in hand, to be ready for what comes next. We never want the lack of opportunity to learn and grow to get in the way of their goals.

Important Upcoming Events:

• GVHS Spring Sports- Find schedules at https://gvhs.garfield16.org/athletics
• GVMS Spring Sports- Find schedules at https://gvms.garfield16.org/athletics

• Mar. 13: GVHS Senior Pictures Due

• Mar. 13: GVMS Dance 5:30PM

• Mar. 16: GVHS Key Club to Journey Home in Rifle

• Mar. 17 - 20: GVHS FFA Week

• Mar. 17: GVMS Wrestling Pictures 4:15PM

• Mar. 18: GVHS Shark Tank Round 2 6:00PM

• Mar. 19 GVHS & GVMS Winter Special Olympics on the Grand Mesa

• Mar. 19: BUE Spring Picture Day

• Mar. 19: Kindergarten Spring Concert at CFL 6:00PM

• Mar. 23-27 SPRING BREAK- NO SCHOOL, NO CARDINAL CLUB, NO MONDAY PROGRAMS, SCHOOL-BASED FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER CLOSED

• Mar. 30: GVHS FFA District 2 Leadership Development Events in North Fork

• Apr. 1: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

• Apr. 2: GVHS Choir Contest/Festival at Rifle High School

• Apr. 2: GVMS NJHS Induction 7:00PM

• Apr. 2-3: GVHS Band CBA Band Festival in Pueblo

• Apr. 3: CFL Spring Picture Day

• Apr. 3: GVHS FFA District 1 Career Development Events in Craig

• Apr. 6: K-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences 8AM- 4PM

• Apr. 6-10: Assistant Principals Week

• Apr. 6-9: BUE Scholastic Book Fair

• Apr. 8: GVHS NHS Induction 7:00PM

• Apr. 11: GVHS Prom at The Ute Theater in Rifle

• Apr. 12: GVHS Key Club to YMCA Estes Park

• Apr. 13: GVHS Key Club to Journey Home in Rifle

• Apr. 14: Board of Education Meeting 5:00 pm. 460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635. Find agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/garfield16/Board.nsf/Public

• Apr. 15: GVHS PSAT/SAT Test Day & Senior Trip to Get Air and Lincoln Park

• Apr. 17-18: GVHS Spring Musical- You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

• Apr. 20: CFL Preschool Roundup for school year 2026-2027 9:30AM- 11:30AM

• Apr. 22: Administrative Professionals Day

• Apr. 24: GVHS Seniors- Graduation Forms Due

• Apr. 24: GVMS Band to Colorado West

• Apr. 24: CFL Coffee with the Principals 9AM

• Apr. 26-27: FFA State Career Development Event in Ft. Collins

• Apr. 28: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

• Apr. 29: GVHS Key Club Induction Meeting in Library 6PM

• May 1: School Principals Day and School Lunch Hero Day

• May 2: MayFest at Cottonwood Park. For more information, visit https://sbfrc.garfield16.org/mayfest

• May 4 - 8: Teacher Appreciation Week

• May 4: GVHS In-Session- Regular School Day

• May 4: Student-Led Conferences K-8 10:30AM - 6:30PM

• May 6: School Nurse Day

• May 8: GVHS Last Day to Request Early Finals

• May 11: GVHS In-Session- Regular School Day

• May 11: Student-Led Conferences K-8 8AM- 4PM

• May 12: Board of Education Meeting 5:00 pm. 460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635. Find agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/garfield16/Board.nsf/Public

• May 13: GVMS STEM Club / Aspen Science Center 4:30PM

• May 14: GVMS & GVHS Spring Pops Concert at GVHS 6:30PM

• May 14: GVHS NHS Blood Drive at GVHS 9:30AM

• May 15: BUE 5th Graders to GVMS

• May 15: GVMS Theatre Performance 7PM

• May 18: GVHS Key Club to Journey Home in Rifle

• May 19: GVMS Night at the Museum 5:00PM

• May 20: GVHS Senior Sunset 7PM

• May 21: Last school day for GVHS Grade 12. End of 4th Quarter

• May 21: GVMS Choir and Ukulele Concert 6:30PM

• May 22: GVHS Baccalaureate 7PM

• May 23: GVHS Graduation 10AM

• May 25: Memorial Day- School-Based Family Resource Center Closed

• May 28: GVMS 8th Grade Continuation 10AM

• May 28: Last Day of School PK-11

Trey Hawkins, a standout student from Grand Valley High School, has been selected to receive a scholarship for the esteemed Normandy Academy program hosted by The National WWII Museum. Normandy Academy is an 11-day immersive, educational journey that invites high school students from across the country to explore the history, leadership lessons, and personal stories of the Allied forces during the historic Battle of Normandy in World War II.

One of our District's partners, the Aspen Community Foundation (ACF), facilitated a scholarship for the Normandy Academy. ACF received 22 applications for the 12 student slots available. Trey has been awarded a 80% scholarship to attend the academy, along with six other students from local high schools from Aspen to Parachute.

Scheduled for summer 2026, the program begins with an in-depth learning experience at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, where participants engage with interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and discussions with Museum professionals. From there, students embark on an international journey to France, visiting historic sites including the D-Day landing beaches, key battle locations, war memorials, and the Normandy American Cemetery. The experience culminates with cultural exploration of Paris, broadening participants’ understanding of history in a global context.

Normandy Academy challenges students to answer essential questions about the significance of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, develop research and critical thinking skills, and cultivate an appreciation for the sacrifices of the WWII generation. Many participants also have the option to earn college credit through an affiliated university course.

For more information about The National WWII Museum’s Normandy Academy and other educational programs, visit https://www.nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/educational-travel/student-travel-national-wwii-museum/normandy-academy

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!

Garfield School District 16 has been making the most of this wild and wacky winter—proving that a little unpredictable weather is no match for outdoor learning!

Here’s a look at the adventures keeping our students active, curious, and connected to the world around them:

• Our annual 4th grade winter ecology trip—generously sponsored by the Parachute Kiwanis—once again brought students to the snowy wonderland of Mesa Lakes. Many students experienced more snow than they’ve seen all season! Between snow play and hands-on exploration, students dove into winter survival skills and beaver ecology, turning the outdoors into their classroom.
• Students at Grand Valley High School had a truly unique hands-on learning opportunity. Thanks to local Colorado Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Nathan Harrel, students participated in butchering, processing, and packaging a donated elk. Working alongside knowledgeable community volunteers, students sharpened their knife skills (literally!) and learned about ethical harvesting, meat processing, and food systems. Students were able to take home fresh elk meat, with additional packages donated to school staff and the Family Resource Center—an incredible example of community partnership in action.
• Kindergarten and 1st grade students have been busy exploring animal adaptations and habitats through a series of engaging, in-class lessons tied to their animal science units. To bring learning to life, 1st graders visited Lion’s Pond and the River Stop in Rifle for a hands-on wetland habitat experience. Students hiked around the pond, examined furs and skulls from local wildlife, played interactive games, and even met live birds like ravens and crows. This memorable field trip was made possible through partnerships with the Middle Colorado Watershed Council and the PSS Wildlife Foundation—thank you for helping create such meaningful outdoor learning experiences!
• Kindergarten went this week to put their learning about animal comparisons to the test by visiting horses at the RIDE equestrian therapy ranch in Silt.
• 6th graders at Grand Valley Middle School are prepared for their winter ecology field trip with classroom lessons connecting food webs and ecology to the ecosystems of the Grand Mesa. They also took advantage of the season’s biggest snowfall by strapping on cross-country skis and touring around campus—an unforgettable way to blend fitness and science. Since the weather has quickly changed, we switched gears by providing biking lessons for a week during student's PE classes. Kids got to get more comfortable biking on the football field through obstacles, leading up to a class trail ride on the nature trail located on campus along the greenhouse. Great way to fuel the stoke for the spring trail season.
• The GVHS Outdoor Club went on their annual winter camping trip on Grand Mesa this past weekend. Students ice fished, skied, built snow shelters and slept under the wintery stars during their meaningful team building experience. Students gained a vast respect for mother nature and the precious resources like snowpack, while also building confidence by gaining new skills in the outdoors. Some of the legacy Seniors were recognized for attending the trip all four years of high school and growing to become some reputable outdoors men and women. Thank you to Mesa Lakes Lodge for hosting our club and for Alison Hofmister, for sponsoring the GVHS Outdoor Club.

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and is encouraging local residents to apply. Positions are expected to be posted on Feb. 20 at USAJOBS.gov.

The GMUG is recruiting for a variety of roles throughout GMUG’s five districts, including:

• Recreation and visitor services
• Trail and facility maintenance
• Active resource management

Additional information about seasonal hiring will be available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/working-with-us/careers.

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.

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

Calling all trinket/food/non-profit vendors and local bands to MayFest 2026!

We are excited to invite you and your organization/business to participate in the 2nd Annual Mayfest, a youth-led community event organized by the G16 Family Resource Center with help from the Town of Parachute, the Aspen Community Foundation, and JDMCL Foundation.

The event is designed to bring youth, their families, and community organizations together to learn about local resources, career opportunities, and internships, all while enjoying a day of fun activities and ending with a Battle of the Bands competition!

If your business or organization is interested in hosting a booth at the event, or selling food or trinkets please register before March 24th here: https://forms.gle/i2qLUaeKGvePTHNf7

If your band is interested in entering the Battle of the Bands competition, please register before April 1st here: https://forms.gle/5DtF9TqFeAYNqWUG7

Please contact the Family Resource Center if you are interested in becoming a sponsor or entering a car in the car show.

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

School-Based Family Resource Center

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

Due to the high number of cases of stomach-related illness, as well as other illnesses, we are asking that parents/guardians keep their children home until the are symptom-free for 48 hours. Symptom may include include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and dehydration.

If your child has a fever due to another illness, please keep your child home until your child has been fever-free without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours.

Our staff will work over the weekend to disinfect all surfaces in the schools and buses.

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 16 is excited to participate in the Healthy School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters, which provides all students in our district with access to free, nutritious breakfast and lunch.

Just like in previous years, families should continue to provide their household income information by filling out the Free/Reduced Meals Application. While meals will be provided for free to all students in participating schools, it's important to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to federal funding, which goes directly back to schools to help cover the cost of meals and support after school and other nutritional programs.

Thank you for your support in helping maximize federal funding for our district and schools.

Healthy School meals for all cde webpage resources

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.

Are you reading a book you absolutely love? How about one you couldn’t stand? Come talk about it with your fellow teens at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at the Parachute Branch Library and see what they are reading too! It’s free and open to all. For more information call the library at 970-285-9870.

Join us at the Parachute Branch Library at 5 p.m. on the rare fifth Tuesday in March for your chance at an extra dose of fun! Learn a new board game or play an old favorite. Games are available from our collection and you are also welcome to bring one of your own. Free and open to all. For more information call the library at 970-285-9870.

Teens are invited to the Parachute Branch Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Mondays in March to take some great books and make the covers even better through the magic of bedazzling. All supplies will be provided during this 5-week workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own book(s) to bedazzle It’s free and open to all teens. For more information call the library at 970-285-9870.

Young children and their accompanying adults are invited to the Parachute Branch Library every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and music with friends! It's free and open to all. For more information call 970-285-9870.

Find information about rental counseling, prepare to buy a home, receive pre-purchase counseling, find help with closing costs, reverse mortgage counseling, financial counseling, help for those facing foreclosure, and help with home repairs. **

**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.