Garfield 16 Gazette

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Garfield 16 applied for a traditional Federal Mineral Lease District (FMLD) grant for a new propane bus and propane station in the amount of $323,717. The complete project costs were $401,960. Traditional FMLD grants require 30% matching funds. The District was awarded $200,000 which it will use towards the purchase of the propane bus and continuing to lease a propane station.

Garfield 16 seeks any grant funding opportunity to help offset the costs of needed facility maintenance and improvements. Most grant require matching funds. However, without the grant funding, the District may not be able to purse these projects. Garfield 16 is appreciative of the support it has received through the FMLD program.

At the November 11 school board meeting, Brent Baker, Hunter Long, and Sam Stewart took the oath of office as school board directors for new term of office. All three school directors were unopposed and the Board declared their election to the office by affirmation at the October school board meeting.

Hunter Long is the newest school board director in Garfield 16. Hunter Long is a graduate of Grand Valley High School, and she has remained a member of the Garfield 16 community.

Kim Whalen, who served on the school board since 2019, decided not to seek another term. Kim provided important insights from her her years of teaching experience, and she demonstrated her dedication to the Garfield 16 staff and students.

The school board held its board reorganization after the the swearing in ceremony. Vinnie Tomasulo will continue to service as school board president. Keith Gronewoller will serve as school board vice president. Sam Stewart will service as school board secretary and treasurer.

We would love your feedback regarding the Halloween events hosted at Bea Underwood Elementary this year.

Please follow this link to fill out a quick survey: https://forms.gle/7Quz5ZJy3f63ta836

Thank you,

G16 Communications

Important Upcoming Events:

• GVHS Fall Sports- Find schedules at https://gvhs.garfield16.org/athletics
• GVMS Fall Sports- Find schedules at https://gvms.garfield16.org/athletics
• Nov. 20: GVHS Volleyball Banquet 6:30PM

• Nov. 21: CFL's Harvest Feast 11AM - 1PM. NO SCHOOL CFL ONLY.

• Nov. 22: GVHS Honor Band to GJ High School

• Nov. 24: GVHS Outdoor Club to Palisade Rim Trail

• Nov. 24-28: FALL BREAK- NO SCHOOL, NO CARDINAL CLUB, SBFRC CLOSED.

• Dec. 3-5: GVMS NWEA Winter Testing

• Dec. 5: CFL's Coffee with Principals 9-9:45AM

• Dec. 9 - 12: BUE's Penguin Patch

• Dec. 9: GVMS Boys Basketball Pictures 4PM

• Dec. 9: 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

• Dec. 10: CFL Kindergarten Winter Music Program 6PM

• Dec. 10: GVHS & GVMS Choir Winter Concert 7PM

• Dec. 11: CFL 1st Grade Winter Music Program 6PM

• Dec. 12: GVMS Theatre Performance. Doors Open at 6:30PM

• Dec. 13: Holidays in the Grand Valley at Parachute Visitor's Center 2:30-5:30pm

• Dec. 15: GVHS Winter Sports Pictures 3PM

• Dec. 16: BUE 2nd and 3rd Grade Winter Concert "Presents on Parade" 6PM

• Dec. 16 - 19 GVHS Jolly Week

• Dec. 17: GVMS Winter Concert 6:30PM

• Dec. 18: BUE 4th and 5th Grade Winter Concert "Dashing Through the Snow" 6PM

• Dec. 19: End of 2nd Quarter

• Dec. 22 - Jan. 2: WINTER BREAK- NO SCHOOL, NO CARDINAL CLUB, SBFRC CLOSED.

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!

By Andy Parks, District Activities Director

Cheer: The cheer team had a busy fall supporting all of our student-athletes at GVHS. With growing numbers and a very committed coaching staff, the team cheered at nearly every home contest this fall. They also travelled to support the football team at away games, logging many miles as they made their way across the Western Slope. They are now busy preparing for a full winter season including their own competitions in Grand Junction and at state in Denver. This past weekend, they won the Game Day division at the 2023 Western Colorado Spirit Championships. According to head coach Dana Speakman, "Cheer season this year was intense since we started cheering for all home games for soccer and volleyball, as well as home/away games for football. The team did amazing and supported each team with enthusiasm and positivity." Cheer Captain Adeline Harris shared the sentiment, "Hard-work, dedication and pushing ourselves to be better today than yesterday. Also knowing your squad will always be there to catch you made this an unforgettable season."

Cross Country: The runners on the cross country team worked extremely hard throughout the season starting in the near 100 degree temperatures of early August. It was an exciting season with many athletes experiencing personal records or "PRs" at different races. According to Head Coach Lance, "We had 15 kids on the cross country team this year and we had a lot of fun. Quite a few beginner runners that learned and raced very well and I'm looking forward to seeing all of them back next year." The year wrapped up on a high note with Junior Kellen LeFevre finishing his season at the state cross country championships in Colorado Springs, crossing the line in 18 minutes and 45.7 seconds. According to LeFevre, "Every run was a personal victory, whether I won or didn't because the joy of doing something difficult made it worthwhile."

Football: Throughout the GVHS football season, the Cardinals and a core of hard working players displayed a level of heart and resilience that doesn't always show up on the scoreboard. While the wins may not have come yet, their character, commitment, and refusal to quite made them a team worth rooting for. Maybe most impressive was the group that came together for the final game at Meeker and though their numbers may have been slight, they were willing to finish what they started with energy and enthusiasm. According to Team Captain Victor Cruz, "The season brought improvement to the team and showed who stayed strong during tough battles. Regardless of the young team, we played our hearts out on both sides of the ball during every game. It was a pleasure playing with my team and coaches." Head Coach Chris Hasenbalg agees with Cruz's statement, saying "The 2025-2026 Grand Valley High School football program laid the foundation for the future. This group of young men, majority were sophomores, battled larger schools and did not quit on each other no matter what the score was, which is a win to me"

Boys Soccer: Boys soccer had high expectations coming off a state tournament appearance in 2024 and continued that excitement with a co-league championship and another extended season in 2025. The team finished 5-1 in the 2A Western Slope League, tying for a first place finish and winning the automatic playoff berth in a tie-breaker with Moffat County. The playoff game didn't end as hoped for, but the team certainly left a positive mark on GVHS soccer. According to Team Captain Erik Gallardo, "This season was the showing of many individuals to conquer and manifest their own fate, to fight for our own outcome as brothers." Head Coach Michael Kelly had the following to say about their season: "I would like to thank my captains, Erik Gallardo and Andy/Angel Quintanilla. They have done an amazing job of keeping this team on track. I would also like to highlight the improvements made by Jesse Zahner, Noel Astorga, and especially JJ Reyes. All three of them started on the JV squad and worked their way up to onton the varsity roster, and JJ is even a varsity starter in his first year playing soccer."

Volleyball: GVHS volleyball faced multiple challenges on and off the court this year. As the season progressed, the team repeatedly found ways to rally around each other and support each other through some difficult times. With five seniors on the team, their leadership was counted on to keep the team focused and moving forward. A definite highlight was travelling to Moffat County and Hayden on the same day and still coming home with two victories. According to Team Captain Taylor Pittman, "It was definitely a rebuilding season, but it reminded us why we love volleyball and helped us rediscover the passion to keep going. We were lucky to have an amazing coach who, even while facing challenges in her personal life, showed up for us every day. She taught us not just how to play, but how to truly love the sport."

Marching Band: Our high school marching band wrapped up an exciting season marked by major growth and new creative elements. This year, the band incorporated more movement, dance, and a vibrant color guard, bringing fresh energy and visual impact to their performances. We’re proud of the hard work and dedication our students put in all season long. According to Music Director Abbey Beaton, "While we didn't win the regionals competition, we did get the highest score our band has ever gotten! One of our goals was to break 50, which we did this year with a score of 50 even. In the past, we've only ever gotten scores in the 40's."

This past month students have gotten to get outdoors in a variety of ways.

Kindergarteners went on their first ever field trip by visiting Cottonwood Park as part of their little explorer discovery. Students got to get up close and personal by using discovery tools, like binoculars and magnifying glasses, to explore nature. Thank you to the GVHS Key Clb students that were able to help run stations and get kids seeing the teeny tiny universe under their feet and the great big world all around them.

3rd graders from BUE went on an iconic trip to Colorado National Monument to find "what makes this place special." Students are learning about National Parks in the classroom and this field trip provided a re-world connection by hiking, identifying, learning, and sharing the parts of the Monument like colorful cliff edges, towering rock formations, bighorn sheep, and desert flora that makes Colorado National Monument an special backyard outdoor space.

7th graders received an in-class lesson on the science of Hanging Lake, relating the living and nonliving factors of the ecology within Glenwood Canyon. Students then got a chance to visit the hanging garden on top of the 1.2 mile Hanging Lake trail to see first hand the fragile ecosystem of one of Colorado's most scenic places.

Middle school classes received two weeks of PE integration by learning some archery skills. The GVHS Personal Fitness class has also been showing off their archery proficiency with a series of lessons aimed at personal improvement in the sport.

GVHS Environmental Science classes have been putting their learning to practice by diving deep into the geology of Bang's Canyon, Mica Mine trail. Students identified unique desert formations while drawing inferences and learning the story of geologic processes making our own backyard a natural wonder and beautiful place to explore.

Stay tuned for next month with a deep dive into future winter programming and opportunities to get outside.

The face behind the name: Bob Beverly was one of Powderhorn’s founders and a Colorado Ski Hall of Famer, dedicated to bringing snow sports to the Western Slope. Every year we honor his legacy with our Bob Beverly Free Learn-To program for folks who have never skied or snowboarded before.

Visit powderhorn.com/bob to reserve now—complete three sessions to be eligible for the deeply discounted Rookie Season Pass. For last year’s Rookies, the Sophomore Season Pass will be available to purchase in-person at the Ticket Office this season.

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.

November Events

• Giving Tree
• There is a tree located at the Parachute Branch Library and another will be located at the Craft Fair at GVHS November 22nd from 10am - 1pm. The trees have tags with names of children and/or families in need of gifts this holiday season. Please pick up a tag and return a gift with the tag to the School-Based Family Resource Center (251 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute, CO 81635) before December 17, 2025. Drop off gifts Tuesday through Friday. If you have any questions, please call 970-285-5700 Ext. 5190.

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.

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.

All six branches of the Garfield County Libraries will be closing early on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. and remain closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 in celebration of Thanksgiving. You can still browse and request books, movies, and more on our website, www.gcpld.org, during the closure. Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful holiday!

Teens are invited to the Parachute Branch Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Mondays in November to create book bags. All supplies will be provided during this 4-week workshop, and you will learn the basic functions of a sewing machine as well as some hand sewing techniques. It’s free and open to all teens. For more information call the library at 970-285-9870.

Enjoy the Parachute Branch Library’s seasonal series of hands-on adult craft workshops where each session features a unique and engaging project, from traditional techniques to modern, eco-friendly designs. There Saturday session for November is on the 15th featuring upcycled melted glass jar succulent garden. All will run from 2 to 4 p.m. and no experience is needed. Free, but space is limited. Register by visiting or calling the library at 970-285-970. Bring your creativity and enjoy an inspiring afternoon of crafting!

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.