Mustang Musings

Even though our snow has melted and it has been a beautifully warm December, the sparkle of a snowflake is something that causes me to pause with wonder. It is the same awe and wonder and appreciation that I have for our students and staff here at West Grand: seeing wonderful things, unique, individual and yet a part of the whole.

Have a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing you in 2026!

Past newsletters are posted on our district website.

Also, if there are specific items or questions you have, please reach out to Mrs. Bauer at bauere@wgsd.us or 970-724-3217.

We are Grand Today. Greater Tomorrow.

Go Mustangs!

The West Grand Board of Education recognized our Profile of a Learner trait of Adaptable at the regular Board meeting on December 9, 2025. Staff and students are nominated and recognized by other staff and students when they see them demonstrate our profile skills.

Those recognized included:

1. Staff: Vanessa Gillespie, Alexis Johnson, Erin Drape, Lydia Rohrer, Marijose Marquez, Anna Nelson, David Wolfe, James Holmes, Dave Heil.

Newly elected Board of Education members are: Lee Bruchez, Bryan Klotz, Fletcher Flanigan, Grover Pryor, and Sheena (Darland) Terryberry. We are excited for their leadership and their services to the district.

We didn't get to share the picture of Brad Probst and recognizing him for his service as he moves on from the Board of Education, so we are making sure to share it here!

Each month, the Multi-Lingual (ML)Connection Newsletter is also shared. Check out the PDFs of this newsletter below

Post Secondary Exploration Updates From The WG College and Career Department:

November Intern of the Month - Nitzy Munoz Sierra

Thanks to Community Partner Grand River Aviation, Keith and Joanna Whitemarsh

4th Annual Alumni Panel Shared "Real World" Experiences with the Jr. and Sr. High

Thanks to Alumni Participants:

1. Ollie Bergman
2. Callie Freitag
3. Grace Wahl
4. Sara Lechman
5. Ryan Van Oosten
6. Emily Osborne
7. Luci Bruchez

Jingle All the Way... students at the elementary got to start off the last day of school before holiday break with the annual Jingle Jog! Not only is it a healthy way to start the day, it sure gets those wiggles and giggles flowing!

Students and staff got into the festive spirit with a friendly door decorating competition. Even though the competition was at the K6 building, the Jr/Sr High joined in, too! Mrs. Nelson's 4th/5th grade door won!

Each year, the Kremmling VFW Auxiliary holds the Wreaths Across America event in Kremmling on December 13, 2025 to "Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom."

Many West Grand students and staff were in attendance in various roles. Different groups included: Kremmling VFW Auxiliary, Middle Park Fair & Rodeo Royalty, 3 Rs 4-H Club, and Girl Scout Troop 50292 to name a few.

We appreciate the different opportunities our students have in this community to honor others and show civic engagement.

Photos courtesy of Taedra Hickam.

RIDE stands for Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy, and our Elementary building is emphasizing these four characteristics throughout the year. Students in grades 4–6 applied to become RIDE Ambassadors, serving as leaders who help plan quarterly RIDE assemblies, model positive behavior, and demonstrate RIDE through their words and actions each day.

This past month, RIDE Ambassadors led the Quarter 2 RIDE Assembly and helped welcome families to the K–6 Christmas Concert.

The first (1st) grade classes along with their teachers, Mrs. Shiflett and Ms. Tagle, wrote and performed a RIDE chant for the entire elementary school at their RIDE assembly. Check it out:

The elementary music program hosted a festive evening of song and celebration before break. Students in grades K–6 filled a packed auditorium with joyful voices as they performed a mix of fun and cherished holiday favorites.

It was a great reminder of two things: 1) our auditorium is a great space, and 2) seeing and hearing our students perform was heartwarming and a demonstration of joyful learning.

Make sure to get in your order for hanging baskets from the West Grand High School Greenhouse!

West Grand tries to recognize and celebrate all of the different "days" for our various staff and their different roles throughout the district. While we are all one team, our individual roles and strengths play an important part of the success of the entire district. We are grateful for ALL of our West Grand staff, coaches, substitutes, and volunteers!

This past month, we recognized Athletic Director day. Thanks, AD Pedersen!

A reminder of encouragement for those who walk the halls of the K6:

As always, seeing student artwork and creativity displayed shows off their talents, skills, and learning!

Our district website has a plethora of information for staff, students, and families alike! Most of the information you would need is linked somewhere on this website.

Potential items you might check out on the website include:

• Calendars (see next post for example) -- Google calendar of events and year long school calendar
• Handbooks
• Alma information and "How Tos"
• ParentSquare information & "How Tos"
• District Strategic Plan
• Student Centered Accountability Program (SCAP) -- improvement planning
• Board of Education Information -- including agendas and minutes
• WGSD Policies
• Employment Information -- come be a part of the West Grand team!

As mentioned above, if you go on the District Website, you can go to "Calendar: Events" and it will take you to the K6 and Jr/Sr High School Public Events Google Calendars. You can choose to see one or both buildings. This is the best way to stay up-to-date regarding events and schedules as they often change.

ParentSquare is an application that we have used for several years now communicating as the entire district, separate buildings, each classroom, and with individuals.

You can set up your account to go directly to an email, a phone number text, or the app (free download).

The "Week at a Glance" is sent out each Sunday afternoon via ParentSquare. It gives you an update of events happening during the week, note from building principals, and other pertinent information for the upcoming week as well as resources and general information.

We received positive feedback from this last year and are continuing to share it. Make sure you are signed up for ParentSquare so you don't miss out!

WGSD has a Facebook page where we post information, highlight classrooms and students, and share highlights via social media. Follow us: District Page

The West Grand Booster Club also does a great job sharing pictures and athletic updates every week on Facebook. If you are a Mustang fan, following their page is a great way to have athletic updates from all of Mustang sports: Booster Club Page

WGSD partners with Colorado AeroLab for after school and summer programming. There are a lot of great opportunities for students outside of the school hours with this collaboration. While the school shares out information regrading AeroLab, you can also visit their website at: https://www.coloradoaerolab.org/

Here are the numbers and administrator emails for each office:

1. District Office
1. 970-724-3217
2. Superintendent Bauer, bauere@wgsd.us
2. Elementary Office
1. 970-724-1000
2. Principal Winter, winterb@wgsd.us
3. Jr/Sr High Office
1. 970-724-3425
2. Principal Stuart, stuartj@wgsd.us

We have our holiday break for the next two weeks; however, we cannot wait to see you all on Monday, January 5th for the second semester and a great start to the year 2026!

Check out this short video from Mrs. Bauer