Dove Creek Schools Weekly Update
Week of October 12th - 15th, 2026
Great Things Are Happening at Dove Creek Schools! ππ
There have been so many wonderful things happening in both of our school buildings over the past couple of weeks! From educational field trips and leadership opportunities to athletic accomplishments and staff members going above and beyond, we have plenty to celebrate. Letβs take a look at what our Bulldogs have been up to!
π‘οΈ Safe2Tell & STUD: Making Good Choices
During Homecoming week, our students participated in two important presentations focused on safety, responsibility, and making good decisions.
Safe2Tell is Coloradoβs anonymous reporting program that allows students, parents, and community members to report concerns about school safety or the well-being of others. Whether the concern involves bullying, threats, substance use, or a student who may need help, Safe2Tell provides a way to share information so the appropriate people can respond. It reminds our students that speaking up when something doesnβt seem right can make a real difference.
Our STUD organization also arranged for Branson Smith to speak with students about the dangers of drinking and driving just before our Homecoming festivities. This was an especially important message as students prepared for a week filled with activities and celebrations.
Thank you to STUD for organizing this presentation and reminding our students of the importance of making responsible choices and looking out for one another!
π Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our students have enjoyed some wonderful opportunities to step outside the classroom and experience firsthand the incredible natural resources that surround us.
Mrs. Becky Short and Mrs. Shellie Russell took some of their classes to Telluride to study the changing leaves and the environment. Students learned about the natural world while enjoying the beautiful fall scenery. From all accounts, they learned a great deal and had a wonderful time!
Our fifth graders also participated in their annual Lone Cone field trip, led this year by our new fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Amber Fisher. This was Amberβs very first field trip as a teacher!
The Lone Cone experience brings together several government agencies to teach fifth graders about our natural resources, the work their agencies do, and how our public lands are managed. Students learn why caring for our environment is so important and how these resources can continue to benefit future generations.
We are fortunate to live in an area with such incredible natural resources, and we appreciate the organizations and individuals who make these learning experiences possible.
A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Charlene Buffington, who accompanied Amber on her first field trip. Charlene is serving as Amberβs mentor this year and has done an outstanding job supporting her as she begins her teaching career. From sharing years of fifth-grade teaching materials to answering questions and offering guidance, Charlene has gone above and beyond to help Amber succeed.
It is wonderful to see an experienced educator investing in the next generation of teachers. Thank you, Charlene, for your mentorship and for helping make Amberβs first year a successful one!
π€ Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences: Working Together for Success!
Parent involvement is a key part of a childβs educational journey, and parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity to work together as a team to support each studentβs success!
Our elementary teachers had a busy Wednesday evening and Thursday morning meeting with families to discuss student progress, celebrate accomplishments, and work together to help every Bullpup grow and succeed. Thank you to all the families who took the time to meet with our teachers and be an active part of their childβs education!
Mrs. Forst was also busy welcoming families Wednesday evening and sharing several opportunities to get involved! Families had the chance to complete our Parent & Family Survey, sign up for Boo Grams π, register for Dove Creek Rec Basketball π, and sign up for Bible Explorers π. (If you need any of these please contact the elementary office)
A special THANK YOU to our Family Partnership Committee for showing appreciation for our hardworking staff by providing dinner Wednesday evening and breakfast Thursday morning! π½οΈ Your kindness and support are greatly appreciated.
When families and schools work together, our students benefit! Thank you for being part of the Dove Creek Elementary team! πππΎ
π§ Knowledge Bowl Continues to Impress
Knowledge Bowl challenges students to think quickly, work together, and draw on knowledge from a wide variety of subjects. We are proud of the effort these students are putting in and the way they represent Dove Creek Schools.
Keep up the great work, Bulldogs! πΎ
π± FFA Freshmen Attend Leadership Camp
Our FFA freshmen recently traveled to Hesperus Leadership Camp with Ms. Devon Lane to learn more about leadership, teamwork, and the opportunities available through FFA.
These experiences help students build confidence, strengthen relationships, and discover their potential as leaders.
A special thank-you goes to Mr. Travis Randolph, who volunteered his personal time to attend as the male sponsor. Travis, we appreciate your willingness to give your time to support our students! Having positive role models who invest in our young people makes a difference, and we are grateful for your help.
π Bulldog Athletics: Lots to Celebrate!
π Middle School Volleyball:
A huge congratulations to our middle school volleyball team for taking FIRST PLACE at the San Juan Basin League Tournament! What an accomplishment! We are proud of these young ladies and their coaches for their hard work, teamwork, and determination.
π Middle School Football:
Congratulations to our middle school football team for finishing fourth in the San Juan Basin League this season! We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our players and coaches.
π Middle School Boys Basketball:
The season is getting underway, and we look forward to another great year of Bulldog basketball!
Way to go, Bulldogs! Keep showing that Bulldog spirit! ππ
π Staff Shoutouts: Teachers Making a Difference
π Mrs. Amber Fisher β Fifth Grade
Amber joined us this year as a brand-new teacher, and she has already shown that she is a natural in the classroom.
She works hard, her students love her, and she continues to grow and improve week after week. Teaching is not an easy profession, especially during that first year, but Amber has jumped in with both feet and is doing a wonderful job.
One thing we especially appreciate about Amber is where her heart is. She frequently reminds us,
βWeβre doing it for the kids.β
And Amber, that we are!
It is clear that you care deeply about your students and want what is best for them. We are fortunate to have you at Dove Creek Schools, and we have a feeling you will be making a difference here for many years to come!
π Ms. Alyssa Vialpando β Second Grade
We also want to recognize Alyssa Vialpando, who stepped up to take over our second-grade classroom while Mrs. Sanchez is away.
Alyssa joined us a few years ago as a paraprofessional, and it has been a pleasure watching her grow professionally. Over the years, she has learned our instructional systems, developed her skills, and gained a strong understanding of what it takes to manage a classroom and help students learn. When we needed someone to step into second grade, we had confidence that Alyssa could do the job wellβand she has certainly proven that!
She has done such an outstanding job that many of us have encouraged her to consider becoming a teacher permanently. She has the ability, the dedication, and, most importantly, the heart for it.
It has been wonderful to watch her confidence and abilities grow, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her.
Amber and Alyssa, we are proud of both of you! You are making a difference for our students every day, and we appreciate the care and effort you bring to your classrooms.
π Mark Your Calendars
π Upcoming Events & Important Dates π
Monday, October 12
πΏ Environmental Science Field Trip
Tuesday, October 13
π HSVB vs. Dolores β Home, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14
π High School / Middle School Conferences β 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 15
π¬ 6th & 7th Grade Science Field Trip
π Midterm
π HSVB @ Ouray β 4:30 p.m.
π MSBBB vs. Nucla β Home, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17
π MSBBB @ Ouray β 11:00 a.m.
Letβs go Bulldogs! ππΎ
**Dates/times subject to change - please look at https://www.dc2j.org/ for the most updated information.
π Lunch Menu | October 12β16 ππ
Monday, October 12 π
Chili Dogs
π Diced Pears
π Crinkle-Cut Fries
Tuesday, October 13 π
Hamburgers
π Applesauce
π₯ Baby Carrots & Baked Beans
Wednesday, October 14 π
Spaghetti & Meatballs
π Diced Peaches
π₯ Baby Carrots & Salad
Thursday, October 15 π
Chicken Alfredo
π Mandarin Oranges
π₯ Baby Carrots & Green Peas
π₯ Garlic Breadstick
π₯ Milk choices available daily!
ππ Fueling our Bulldogs for a great day of learning!