Weld RE-1 Community Newsletter

Dear Weld RE-1 Families and Community Members,

I am excited to share the release of Weld County School District RE-1's 2026 Viking Vision: A Community Update, our annual report highlighting the accomplishments, progress, and future direction of our schools.

A printed copy of this report has been mailed to households throughout the Weld RE-1 school district, including our communities of Gilcrest, LaSalle, and Platteville. We believe it is important for our families and community members to stay informed about the great things happening in our schools, the challenges we are working to address, and how we are planning for the future.

This year's report provides a comprehensive look at our district, including:

• Academic Achievement and Student Growth: Celebrating improvements in student learning, our 97% graduation rate, and growth in our state performance ratings.

• Our Five-Year Strategic Plan and Graduate Profile: Sharing our Graduate Profile Vision for preparing students to be community-focused, resilient, responsible, and trustworthy.

• Teaching and Learning: Highlighting our commitment to rigorous instruction, high expectations, and meaningful learning experiences for every student.

• Opportunities for Students: Showcasing Career and Technical Education, college partnerships, work-based learning, and expanded learning pathways.

• School Celebrations: Recognizing the unique programs, accomplishments, and successes across all five Weld RE-1 schools.

• Facilities and Financial Stewardship: Providing updates on long-range facility planning, school safety, district finances, and our commitment to responsibly managing taxpayer resources.

Our annual report is more than a collection of accomplishments and data. It reflects the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community partners who make Weld RE-1 a special place to learn and grow. It also reflects our commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and building a strong future for our students.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE 2026 VIKING VISION ANNUAL REPORT

I encourage you to take a few minutes to explore the report, celebrate the many accomplishments of our Vikings, and learn more about the important work happening across our district.

Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support of Weld RE-1. Together, we are preparing lifelong learners for a changing world.

Viking Strong, United As One!

Kimberly Bloemen, MA, Ed.S.
Superintendent of Schools
Weld County School District RE-1

I want to thank the residents of Gilcrest, LaSalle, and Platteville who took the time to learn about Weld RE-1's proposed $1.3 million Mill Levy Override (MLO), ask questions, participate in conversations, and vote in the November 3 election. Although the MLO was not approved, I respect the decision of our voters and appreciate the engagement and thoughtful conversations that took place throughout this process. The purpose of the MLO was to provide additional funding to help Weld RE-1 attract and retain quality teachers and staff through more competitive compensation. As we have shared, our district continues to face challenges in competing with neighboring school districts for qualified employees. Without this additional funding, these challenges remain, and we will need to continue exploring financially responsible ways to address employee compensation while maintaining the district's long-term financial stability.

While our local MLO did not pass, there are some positive financial developments and potential opportunities on the horizon for Weld RE-1. Based on preliminary election results, it appears that both Proposition NN and Amendment 87 were approved by Colorado voters. Both measures have potential financial implications for school districts, including Weld RE-1.

At this time, we are awaiting additional guidance from the State of Colorado to better understand how these measures will be implemented, what funding may become available, and what the long-term financial impact could be for our district. Although there are still many unknowns, these outcomes provide reasons to remain optimistic as we look toward the future. As we learn more about the potential financial benefits and what they mean specifically for Weld RE-1, I will continue to keep our staff, families, and community informed.

I also want to remind our community of another positive financial development. In September 2026, Weld RE-1 successfully refinanced its existing bonds, which is projected to save taxpayers approximately $1.3 million in property taxes over the next five years. This refinancing reflects our district's ongoing commitment to responsible financial stewardship and finding opportunities to reduce costs for our taxpayers while meeting our financial obligations.

I also recognize that many families and community members are navigating their own financial challenges. We understand that decisions about additional taxes are not made lightly, and we appreciate the different perspectives shared throughout this process. While the MLO outcome was not what we had hoped for, it does not change our commitment to the students, staff, and families of Weld RE-1. Our teachers and staff continue to do incredible work each day, and our responsibility is to support them while ensuring our students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.

Moving forward, I will continue working closely with our Board of Education, staff, families, and community members to identify priorities, explore available resources, and make thoughtful decisions about our district's future. We will remain focused on supporting our employees, strengthening educational opportunities for students, and maintaining the financial stability of our district.

I am proud of our Weld RE-1 community and the dedication of the people who make our schools special. Our commitment to preparing students for success remains unchanged.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Weld RE-1.

Viking Strong, United As One!

Kimberly Bloemen
Superintendent of Schools
Weld County School District RE-1

I want to share an important update regarding the future leadership of Valley Middle School as we begin planning for the 2027–2028 school year. After thoughtful consideration of the leadership needs of Valley Middle School and the long-term direction of Weld RE-1, I have made the decision to move forward with an internal posting for the Valley Middle School Principal position, with Mrs. Tara Savolt being considered for promotion to this role.

As Superintendent, I believe strongly in recognizing, developing, and promoting talented leaders within our district. We have dedicated educators and administrators who understand our students, families, communities, and the values that make Weld RE-1 special. When we have highly qualified leaders within our own organization, I believe it is important to provide opportunities for continued professional growth and leadership.

Why I Am Considering Tara for This Leadership Opportunity

Tara has dedicated 26 years of service to Weld RE-1, serving as a middle school teacher, secondary instructional coach, high school assistant principal, and athletic director. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional excellence, student success, staff development, and building meaningful relationships throughout our Viking community.

As a secondary instructional coach, Tara helped lead the instructional improvement efforts that contributed to North Valley Middle School being recognized as both a National Blue Ribbon School and a John Irwin School of Excellence. During the past five years as Valley High School's Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, she has continued developing her leadership skills in school operations, student engagement, staff supervision, and school culture. What I especially value is Tara's understanding of our district's history, our communities, and our commitment to continuous improvement. She knows our Viking students and families, understands our instructional priorities, and has established relationships across our schools.

Looking Ahead: Leadership for the Future of Weld RE-1

As we continue advancing our Five-Year Strategic Plan and long-term Master Facility Plan, including the vision for a future 6–12 secondary campus, it is important that we have strong instructional leaders who can help shape the future of secondary education in Weld RE-1.

Our work ahead will require collaboration across grades 6–12, strong academic programming, expanded Career and Technical Education opportunities, and a shared commitment to preparing students for their futures. I believe Tara's experience at both the middle and high school levels positions her well to contribute to this important work while maintaining a strong focus on the unique needs of middle school students and staff.

Equally important, we have an opportunity to plan a thoughtful leadership transition alongside our retiring principal, ensuring continuity, stability, and continued progress for Valley Middle School.

Internal Principal Position Posting: November 5–9, 2026

In accordance with our district's internal hiring process, the Valley Middle School Principal position will be posted internally from November 5–9, 2026. While Tara is being considered for promotion, the position remains open to all principal qualified Weld RE-1 employees who wish to apply.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Valid Colorado Principal License

• Minimum of three years of successful administrative experience at the secondary level as a Principal, Assistant Principal, or Athletic Director.

View the Valley Middle School Principal Job Description

Questions regarding the position or application process may be directed to Jen Brownhill, Human Resources Director or myself.

I want to emphasize that this process is about more than filling a principal position. It is about identifying the right leadership to build upon the strengths of Valley Middle School, support our outstanding staff, and continue creating a school where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

I appreciate the dedication each of you brings to Valley Middle School and our Viking community. I look forward to working together as we plan for a successful leadership transition and an exciting future for our students.

Viking Strong, United As One!

Kimberly Bloemen, MA, Ed.S
Superintendent

I am sharing an important and exciting leadership announcement about the future of Valley High School and Weld County School District RE-1. After 15 years of dedicated service as Principal of Valley High School, Mr. Rich Dalgliesh is being recommended for a promotion to a new district-level leadership position: Principal on Special Assignment for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Master Facility Planning. This two-year assignment will span the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 school years, after which Mr. Dalgliesh plans to retire from Weld RE-1.

This transition represents both an opportunity to celebrate a legacy of leadership at Valley High School and an exciting next chapter for our district. For the past 19 years, Mr. Dalgliesh has been a dedicated leader and advocate for students, staff, and families across Weld RE-1. His leadership journey began with four years as principal of North Valley Middle School, followed by 15 years of service as principal of Valley High School. Throughout his tenure, Rich has been a champion for students, staff, families, and the greater Viking community. His dedication has helped shape the culture, traditions, and identity of Valley High School and North Valley Middle School while making a lasting impact across our district.

Nearly two decades of leadership and service to one school district is a remarkable accomplishment. Throughout these years, Rich has positively influenced the lives of thousands of students, built meaningful and lasting relationships with staff and families, and helped shape the educational experiences of generations of Vikings. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to public education has left a lasting legacy that will continue to impact the Weld RE-1 community for years to come.

While Mr. Dalgliesh will be stepping away from his role as Valley High School Principal at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 school year, he will not be stepping away from his commitment to Weld RE-1 students. Instead, he will have the opportunity to extend his leadership and experience across our district.

In his new role, Mr. Dalgliesh will lead important districtwide work focused on expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE), strengthening career pathways, and helping align our long-term facility planning with the future needs of students. This position will focus on developing a more comprehensive and connected approach to career exploration and preparation across grades K–12. Importantly, Weld RE-1 will be able to leverage state CTE/CTA funding and grant resources to pay for the cost of this position, allowing us to strategically invest in strengthening student opportunities across the district.

What Does This Mean for Valley High School?

For the first time in 16 years, Valley High School will have an open principal position. We recognize that a leadership transition of this significance brings both excitement and questions. Our goal is to approach this transition thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with a strong commitment to finding a leader who will honor the traditions of Valley High School while continuing to move the school forward.

Weld RE-1 will conduct a comprehensive local, statewide, and national search for the next Valley High School Principal. We invite all VHS staff, parents, students, and community members to complete a brief survey identifying the leadership qualities, priorities, and characteristics they believe are most important in our next high school principal.

Please share your input through the Valley High School Principal Search Survey: CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE VHS PRINCIPAL SEARCH SURVEY

Valley High School Principal Search Timeline

We have developed the following timeline to ensure a thorough and collaborative selection process.

November 19–December 31, 2026 – Principal Recruitment

• Valley High School Principal position posted.

• Local, statewide, and national recruitment conducted to attract highly qualified candidates.

December 7, 2026 – Interview Committee Preparation

• Selected staff and community interview committee members meet at 3:30 p.m.

• Review survey feedback and identify the leadership qualities and priorities that will guide the interview process.

January 5, 2027 – Applicant Screening

• Applications reviewed and screened.

• Four to six candidates identified to advance in the selection process.

• Reference checks conducted.

January 11, 2027 – First and Second Rounds of Interviews

• Structured interviews with staff and community representatives.

• Interviews with the Superintendent's Secondary Student Leadership Council.

• Candidate tours of Valley High School.

January 12, 2027 – Final Interviews

• Final interviews with the Superintendent and District Cabinet.

• Candidate discussions focused on instructional leadership, student achievement, school performance, and the future of VHS.

• Selection of the preferred candidate.

January 20, 2027 – Board of Education Approval

• The finalist will be presented to the Weld RE-1 Board of Education for consideration and approval.

If you have questions about this transition or the principal search process, please reach out to me (bloemenk@wcsdre1.org) or Jennifer Brownhill, Director of Human Resources (brownhillj@wcsdre1.org)

Thank you for being part of this important next chapter for Valley High School and Weld RE-1.

With appreciation,

Kimberly Bloemen
Superintendent of Schools

A HUGE THANK YOU to our Student Council and all the class sponsors for putting on one heck of a Homecoming week at VHS!

Our Student Council students begin planning these festivities back in August, and the time, effort, creativity, and leadership they put into making Homecoming special for our entire school community are truly remarkable.

At Valley High School, we believe our students are not only our future leaders but our leaders today. Every day, they demonstrate that they have what it takes to lead a school, make a difference, and positively impact our community.

And what a week it was! Our band, choir, and cheerleaders put on an amazing halftime show, bringing Viking spirit to the field. If you have not had the opportunity to hear our band and choir students perform, you are missing out. We truly have something special going in that department. The star spangled banner this year with both our band and choir performing was amazing. The sophomore class and the Barbecue Club did a fantastic job feeding everyone during the tailgate. Thanks to our community members who donated the hog for the pig roast and several community members made large donations for the remainder of the food. Our football team brought home a win. They have won 3 out of their last 4 games. The Homecoming dance was simply excellent!

As if that wasn't enough, we had a few extra reasons to celebrate! Our volleyball team delivered an exciting come-from-behind victory against Strasburg, and our softball team continues to pile up victories as they prepare to compete at the state tournament this Friday! What a great time to be a Viking!

Homecoming is a great example of student leadership, but it doesn't stop when the festivities end. Throughout the year, our students continue to step up, serve others, and show us what it means to be leaders in our school and community.

Thank you to our Student Council, their sponsors, our students, staff, families, and everyone who helped make this year's Homecoming one to remember.

🎓 Student Voice in Action!

Our Secondary Student Leadership Council held its first meeting on September 25 with Superintendent Bloemen!

Students came together for an open conversation about three important questions:

⭐What is working well for students in our schools?
🚧 What is getting in students’ way at school?
💡What do you wish students understood about what they need to learn and why it matters?

The council gives our secondary students a meaningful opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives directly with district leadership. Their voices will help us better understand the student experience and identify opportunities to strengthen our schools.

We are excited to continue listening and learning from these student leaders throughout the year.

From unboxing fresh new books thanks to the Colorado Department of Education and the Early Literacy Grant, to watching their amazing 5th and 6th graders shine during their Quarter 1 Music and PE showcases, our school was buzzing with excitement!

To top it all off, their annual Loop-a-thon was a huge success. The students worked hard, played hard, and showed what active learning and growth look like. Thank you to our incredible teachers, staff, families, and PTO for supporting our learners every step of the way!

Platteville Elementary School is proud to celebrate students who demonstrated the Graduate Profile trait of being Responsible throughout the first quarter. From taking ownership of their learning to being leaders in and out of the classroom, these students are setting a wonderful example for our whole school community.

Students at Platteville and Gilcrest Elementary got to hang out with the Platteville Gilcrest Fire Department for fire prevention week. Students learned about what to do if there is a fire and also went through the smokehouse to learn how to get out in a fire. We are grateful to the fire department for partnering with Weld RE-1.

Wish for Wheels (Chevron) donated bikes to their 2nd grade students, bringing lots of smiles and excitement! 5th graders enjoyed a field trip to the Poudre Learning Center, where they received compliments for being such a respectful and wonderful group. They also explored science through a hands-on worm dissection. The PMES robotics team kicked off their first practice.

VMS highlights the incredible people who make their school community shine! Please join in giving a huge round of applause to our Athletes: Jaymarie Sanchez, Holly Featheringill, Mattias Ortiz, Emmalyn Holguin. Students: Jayleigh Sanchez, Dylan, Mendez Medina, Cain Frias, Sadie Ulrich, and Staff of the Month Elizabeth Beina-Diaz!👏🎉

These outstanding individuals have gone above and beyond—showing dedication, hard work, leadership, and true VMS spirit every single day.

Congratulations to our students for an outstanding performance October 1. We are incredibly proud of the time, talent, and dedication they continue to demonstrate.

A special thank you to our directors, Ms. Scarselli (Choir) and Mrs. Smith (Band), for their commitment to our students and for building such an amazing music program at VHS. They are building something special in our music programs, and our students deserve to have their community behind them.

Friday, October 2nd was Manufacturing Day. Valley High School’s Construction Trades and Work-Based Learning programs took students to tour the Golden Aluminum and Merritt Aluminum plants in Fort Lupton! Students learned how aluminum is manufactured, the many ways it is used in everyday life, and about hands-on career opportunities in welding, electrical and mechanical technology, engineering, and more.

LULAC students had the opportunity to attend a performance at the Denver Performing Arts Complex’s Boettcher Concert Hall, where they enjoyed Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Americas.

Anora Zirk first to complete one of the certificate programs with HBI, PACT Core. PACT Core = Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) Core. It is part of the Home Builders Institute (HBI) credentialing system and is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills for careers in construction and the skilled trades. CDE identifies HBI PACT Core among the industry-recognized credentials used in Colorado’s Career Development Incentive Program.

As we approach the holiday season, we are entering what many feel is the “most wonderful time of the year.” However, research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shows that the winter holiday season brings a notable decline in child and adolescent mental health. Consequently, it can be beneficial to maintain close communication with your student(s), monitor for changes in baseline behavior and refer them to a School Counselor if deemed appropriate. A Behavioral Health Resource list is also available on our Family Resource page.

Please note that the Weld County Mobile Health Screening unit will NOT be accompanying the Weld Food Bank Mobile distribution in Gilcrest on 11/12/26. Once I receive information about whether or not the mobile unit will be onsite on the second Thursday in December, I will make a post on Bloomz.

Family Resource page

Please note that the Family Resources page is now hyperlinked to the District’s home page. Look for the following icon:

Once on this page, the banner at the top has resource information regarding the following areas: Basic Needs, Behavioral Health, Child Mental Health, Diaper Resources, Digital Safety, Grief & Loss, Gun Violence Prevention, Legal Assistance, McKinney Vento, Talking to Children about Violence, Violence, Threat and Risk Assessment (VTRA), and Parenting Resources. If you have difficulty navigating this information or would like further assistance accessing local resources, please contact Daniel May at (970) 347-2263 / mayd@wcsdre1.org, or, if Spanish is your preferred language, contact Julian Aponte at (970)-350-4210 / apontej@wcsdre1.org or Natalia Fuentes at (970)-350-4338 / fuentesn@wcsdre1.org.

The competencies in our Graduate Profile are reinforced in a variety of ways in each of our schools. At Pete Mirich Elementary School, the competencies that support students in becoming Community-Focused and Resilient are relevant through the Love on a Leash program.

Weld RE-1 students achieved gains in their performance in 11 of the 12 grade levels measured for growth in reading on the 2026 Fall NWEA assessment, in comparison with the Fall 2025 assessment. In mathematics, 9 of the 12 grade levels measured for growth achieved gains on the 2026 Fall NWEA assessment, in comparison with the Fall 2025 assessment. K-12 students and staff are working hard and are demonstrating positive results.

This flyer is designed to support caregivers in understanding their rights and their child’s rights as it relates to language and disability supports in the school setting. It includes ways caregivers can prepare for school-based meetings, including IEP meetings. English Espanol

If you have questions about your child’s services for multilingual learning or special education, you are welcome to contact their teachers and school principal. The district coordinators, Shavaun Strzesak, Special Education Coordinator, strzesaks@wcsdre1.org and Catherine Weichel, Multilingual Coordinator, weichelc@wcsdre1.org are available, as well.

Centennial BOCES recognized Pete Mirich Elementary School special educator Brenda Soliz in their recent regional newsletter. She was nominated by colleague Tiffany Rogers for going above and beyond by aligning her program with CDE standards, seeking additional training, and closely collaborating with CDE and her team of paraprofessionals. Her program focuses on the whole child and addresses academics, functional life skills, social-emotional development, independence, and inclusive opportunities. She was recognized for balancing a big heart with high expectations, ensuring her students feel safe, cared for and supported.

PES will be partnering with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program and its Autism Education Network for specialized training, field consultations, and technical assistance for our educators and school teams working with students on the autism spectrum. This is a rare opportunity for weekly or biweekly virtual coaching for staff for 1-2 months, conducted via CDE and Children’s Hospital Colorado. The coaching focuses on Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) for intensive behaviors.

November Menu- Full menus are also posted on the district website under Food Services

As we look toward November, our focus is on:

National Backpack Awareness: Pack Smart, Carry Strong!

Improperly worn or excessively heavy backpacks can contribute to back, neck, and shoulder pain in students. Please share these simple guidelines with staff, parents, and students to promote safe carrying habits for a healthy school year.

Pack Smart, Carry Strong!

• Weight Limit (Pack Smart): A student’s backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight. Encourage students to only carry essential books and supplies and to use their lockers often.

• Packing Technique (Pack Smart): Instruct students to place the heaviest items—such as large books—closest to their back to prevent strain and leaning backward.

• Use Both Straps (Carry Strong): Always use both padded shoulder straps. Carrying a backpack on only one shoulder can shift weight unevenly, causing muscle imbalances and discomfort.

• Adjust for Fit (Carry Strong): The backpack should sit snugly against the back and should not hang more than two inches below the waist. Straps should be adjusted so the pack rides high and close to the body.

• Look for Features: Encourage the use of backpacks with a padded back and, ideally, a chest or waist strap to help distribute weight more evenly.

At Weld RE-1, we are dedicated to providing our students, staff, and community with safe, reliable, and modern spaces to learn, work, and gather. As part of our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and infrastructure maintenance, our dedicated teams are hard at work on several key projects across the district:

• Facility Enhancements at the ECC: Our maintenance team is currently working to upgrade the Education and Community Center (ECC) garage unit with fresh siding and a new coat of paint. These improvements ensure our facilities remain well-maintained, functional, and welcoming for everyone.

• Preparing Grounds & Athletics for Winter: With cooler weather ahead, our grounds team is initiating seasonal winterization. In the coming weeks, we will be winterizing sprinkler systems and stadium athletic facilities across the district to protect our infrastructure and ensure our fields remain top-quality year after year.

• Upgrading Network Infrastructure (Grant-Funded): Continuous digital connectivity is essential for today’s learning environments. Thanks to grant funding secured through the federal E-rate program, our IT team is launching our annual E-rate improvement project. This work includes replacing network switches across several district buildings, strengthening network stability, and ensuring reliable, high-speed internet access for all students and staff.

Whether through hands-on campus care or behind-the-scenes technology upgrades, Weld RE-1 remains committed to stretching every dollar and maintaining top-tier environments for our school community. Thank you for your continued support!

Have you ever thought about giving back to your community while earning extra income? Join our transportation team and help us get our students safely to and from school!

• Make a positive impact on local students and families.

• Earn money while serving your community.

• Become part of a team that helps keep our schools moving.

• Training and guidance are available for qualifying candidates.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to the Weld RE-1 Transportation Department to learn more about available positions and how to get started.

Your community needs you. Let's get rolling!

https://www.applitrack.com/weldcounty/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Transportation

Transportation@wcsdre1.org or Rodrigueza@wcsdre1.org