Weld RE-1 Community Newsletter

Welcome Back to the 2026–2027 School Year

As we begin another exciting school year, I want to personally welcome every student, family, staff member, and community partner back to Weld County School District RE-1. I hope your summer was a wonderful time to relax, recharge, and create meaningful memories with your family and friends. My husband, Jim, and I were grateful to spend time with both of our new grandchildren this summer.

We also had the opportunity to travel to Canada and Alaska, where we experienced breathtaking glaciers and incredible wildlife. Those moments reminded me how important it is to pause, appreciate the people we love, and return with renewed energy for the work ahead. I am excited to welcome our students and staff back for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity.

Our district theme continues to be “Viking Strong, United As One”, and I truly believe those words reflect who we are. Together, we are committed to preparing lifelong learners for a changing world while ensuring every child is known, valued, challenged, and supported.

As we begin the year, I also want to thank our community for your incredible engagement in the conversations surrounding our facilities, Bond, and Mill Levy Override (MLO). Over the past year, hundreds of community members attended meetings, completed surveys, participated in focus groups, toured our schools, and shared thoughtful feedback. Your voice has been instrumental in helping shape the future of Weld RE-1.

Based on community polling completed this summer, the Board of Education has chosen to move forward with a Mill Levy Override (MLO) on the November 2026 ballot while delaying the proposed Bond until the 2028 Presidential Election. While affordability remains a significant concern for many families, one message came through clearly—our community values outstanding teachers and exceptional educational opportunities for students. The proposed MLO would allow Weld RE-1 to remain competitive in attracting and retaining the exceptional teachers and staff who make a difference in our classrooms every day.

Although the timeline for our facilities has changed, our needs have not. We remain committed to being transparent, fiscally responsible, and worthy of the trust our community places in us. Over the next two years, we will continue serving students with excellence while planning responsible for the future of our schools.

I firmly believe the future of Weld RE-1 has never been brighter. We have exceptional educators, remarkable students, supportive families, dedicated community partners, and a clear vision for where we are headed. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and belief in our schools. Together, we will continue building a district where every student is challenged, every family feels welcomed, and every graduate is prepared to succeed in a changing world.

Here's to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year. Viking Strong, United As One!

With gratitude,

Kim Bloemen
Superintendent of Schools

Last school year marked the first year of implementing our five-year Strategic Plan, and I couldn't be more proud of what our students, staff, families, and community accomplished together. Together, we built the foundation that will guide our district for years to come.

Some of our greatest accomplishments included:

Creating a Clear Vision for Student Success

Working alongside teachers, parents, students, and community members, we developed our new Weld RE-1 Graduate Profile, identifying the qualities we want every graduate to possess:

• Community-Focused

• Responsible

• Resilient

• Trustworthy

These characteristics will be intentionally developed throughout every student's educational journey.

Strengthening Teaching and Learning

Last year, our educators worked together to create a districtwide instructional framework designed to provide every student with consistent, high-quality learning experiences regardless of which school they attend.

This year, families will begin seeing:

• Clear learning goals shared with students

• More consistent expectations across classrooms

• Increased opportunities for students to reflect on their learning

• Teachers working together to review student progress and improve instruction

• Greater consistency in what students are expected to know and be able to do

These improvements are designed to help every child experience success and continue growing academically.

Expanding Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

We also continued expanding opportunities that prepare students for life after graduation by:

• Strengthening career exploration opportunities

• Expanding college and career readiness planning

• Continuing development of future Career Pathways

• Increasing student, family, and community involvement in shaping district programs

These efforts ensure our students graduate prepared for college, careers, military service, or whatever path they choose.

One of our greatest accomplishments was strengthening relationships with our families and communities.

Through our Every Voice Matters initiative and numerous community meetings, we listened carefully to your ideas and feedback. Your input directly influenced:

• Our Graduate Profile

• Family engagement initiatives

• Communication improvements

• Facility planning

• Strategic priorities for the future

Thank you for helping shape the future of Weld RE-1.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back to our schools. School supply lists will be sent by the school office staff through Bloomz and on the school websites.

📅 Thursday, August 6
🕓 8:00 - 3:40 pm

📅 Tuesday, August 11

📅 Tuesday, August 4
🕓 4:00–5:30 p.m.

📅 Tuesday, August 4
🕕 6:00–7:30 p.m.

📅 Wednesday, August 5
🕓 4:00–6:00 p.m

📅 Wednesday, August 5
🕓 4:00–5:30 p.m.

📅 Thursday, August 6
🕓 During the First Day of School

📅 Monday August 3
🕓 Football Student Practice

📅 Monday August 10
🕓 Cheer, Cross Country, Boys' Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

Note: In order to be eligible to practice, student-athletes must have completed the athletic portion of online registration in Infinite Campus and either uploaded a copy of a current CHSAA physical, emailed the copy to Kim Crawford, VHS Athletic Secretary, or dropped a copy in the VHS front office.

2026-2027 Calendar - English and Spanish

We are excited to welcome our students back for the 2026-2027 school year!

To help your family prepare for the first day of school, school supply lists are now available. Please click on your child's school below to view and download the appropriate supply list.

• Gilcrest Elementary School - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p9Mk1qjvgOKe5sGkdTIyWDM9Xequlr6mpGjN4QpUT7M/edit?usp=sharing

• Platteville Elementary School: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A-l17s409INd5MUKa3mJI1Pzbo-ypQobakzu1GRA-9I/edit?usp=sharing​

• Pete Mirich Elementary School: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cFQ8nQRw9ThYlnlPEfDq9JgblxpMoTySsE2znYtLyA8/edit?usp=sharing

• Valley Middle School: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wqxRTDPeu4VIg0BxTwjeEXfPaAGSEaqZ3aN4K4ZFEbg/edit?usp=sharing

​If you are in need of a new backpack or school supplies the district is holding a Back to School Resource Fair Friday July 24, 2026 from 8 - 11 am, which will be located in the East gym at Valley High School.

If you have any questions about the supply list or need assistance obtaining school supplies, please contact your school's office. We are here to help and want to ensure every student is prepared for a great school year.

We look forward to seeing our students soon and partnering with you for another outstanding year at Weld RE-1!

As we begin the new school year, families are encouraged to review the 2026–2027 Student Code of Conduct with their students. The Code of Conduct outlines districtwide expectations for student behavior, attendance, safety, discipline, and the rights and responsibilities of students and families.

The Student Code of Conduct is available in both English and Spanish. School handbooks and the Student Code of Conduct were also included as part of the district’s annual online enrollment registration process.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for every student.

As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year, we ask that all families complete the required Online Registration (OLR) before the first day of school.

Completing your student's Online Registration ensures we have the most current information needed to keep your child safe and provide the best possible experience at school. This includes:

• Current parent/guardian and emergency contact information

• Medical and health information

• Transportation information

• Required permissions and district forms

• Accurate student information for attendance and school records

For the safety of all students, students will not be permitted to attend school until their Online Registration has been completed. In addition, students will not be eligible to participate in athletics or activities or ride a district school bus until the registration process is complete.

We understand that life gets busy, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us ensure every student's information is accurate before school begins. Having up-to-date information allows our staff to respond quickly in an emergency, communicate effectively with families, and ensure students are properly accounted for through daily attendance.

If you have already completed your student's Online Registration, thank you! We appreciate your prompt attention.

If you need assistance completing the registration process, please contact your child's school office. Our staff is happy to help.

Thank you for partnering with us to make the start of the school year safe and successful for every Viking.

As we prepare for another great school year, we want to remind families about Weld RE-1's districtwide student cell phone expectations.

Colorado recently enacted House Bill 25-1135, which requires every school district to adopt and publicly post a student communication device policy. We are pleased to share that Weld RE-1 is already in compliance with this law through our existing Board Policy JICJ – Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices.

Our goal is to provide every student with a safe, focused, and engaging learning environment where instruction remains the priority. Last school year, we found that consistent implementation of our districtwide expectations helped reduce distractions, improve student engagement, and strengthen the learning environment for everyone.

Please remember the following district expectations:

• Student cell phone expectations apply in every Weld RE-1 school and every classroom.

• Students are not permitted to use personal cell phones during class, including for classroom, school, or district assignments, unless specifically authorized through an accommodation outlined in district policy.

• Staff members will consistently enforce these expectations across all schools.

We encourage families to partner with us by discussing these expectations with your child before the first day of school. If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call the school office, and we will ensure your message is delivered. Likewise, if your child needs to contact you, school staff will assist them.

Thank you for partnering with us to create learning environments where students can focus, participate, and succeed. By working together, we can provide a consistent experience for every student while ensuring Weld RE-1 remains in compliance with state law.

This school year, our teachers and staff will continue building upon the strong foundation established last year.

Parents can expect classrooms where students:

• Know exactly what they are learning and why it matters.

• Receive clear feedback about their progress.

• Set learning goals and celebrate growth.

• Experience engaging lessons that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

• Learn in classrooms where every student is supported and challenged.

• Build the character traits outlined in our Graduate Profile while mastering academic standards.

Our goal is simple: Every student, every day, every opportunity.

“NEW” Weld RE-1 Family and Community Engagement Framework

Welcome back! It’s hard to believe that summer has flown by, but we are eager and prepared for another fantastic year ahead. We are excited to announce that we have received a grant to incorporate more local products into our meal offerings. This initiative will allow us to partner closely with community and regional farmers, enabling us to provide students with a variety of healthy, scratch-made meals.

In addition, I would like to inform you that the new 2026-2027 Free and Reduced Family Data Forms have been uploaded to our district website under the Food Service tab. Click here for the form - https://wcsdre1.org/en-US/food-services-31d0caf2

To assist families, we have included clear instructions for completing these forms online, or you may print one out and return it to your student's school at any time. One form is needed per family.

We are fortunate once again this year to qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows us to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students within our district. However, we strongly encourage all families to still complete the Free and Reduced Family data forms. This ensures that we continue to receive full funding for other district programs. Please remember that these forms need to be completed annually.

Families that qualify may also receive discounts on sports and additional community programs, as well as have their students' technology fees waived within the district simply by submitting a form.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a wonderful school year filled with nourishing meals to fuel your students throughout the day.

Welcome Back!!

Here are some resources to get our students off to a great start.

How do you know when to send your student to school if they do not feel well? How do we decide to send a student home if they do not feel well at school?

The How Sick is Too Sick guide is a great tool to help. Here is the link to it in multiple languages.

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/communicable-diseases/infectious-disease-guidelines-schools-childcare

Does your student have all the required immunizations for school? If not, don’t worry. There is still time.

Colorado State law requires certain immunizations for attendance to school. Here are a couple resources to help determine what your student will need and how to get them.

Pre School

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization/requirements-to-attend-childcare-preschool

K-12th Grade

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization/requirements-to-attend-school-k12

For questions or concerns, please reach out to Teryn Webster

webstert@wcsdre1.org

720-417-4280

As we prepare for another exciting school year, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Alfredo Rodriguez (Fred), and I am honored to serve as the new Transportation Manager for Weld County School District RE-1.

I am excited to join the Weld RE-1 family and look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff. Our transportation team is committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation each day so that every student begins and ends their school day safely.

Our team has been working throughout the summer to prepare buses, finalize routes, and ensure we are ready to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year.

Bus routes and pickup/drop-off information will be available to families on July 29. Please watch your email and district communication channels for additional information on how to access your student's transportation details.

As the school year begins, we appreciate your patience during the first few days of service. Minor route adjustments are sometimes necessary as we account for new student enrollments and ensure routes are operating as efficiently as possible.