Grand Valley High School

WELCOME TO THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR!

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We’re excited to have everyone back at Grand Valley High School and are looking forward to another great year together. Our goal is simple: build strong relationships, create opportunities for every student, and provide an environment where students are challenged to grow, compete, and prepare for life after high school. We know success happens when schools, families, and our community work together, and we appreciate the trust you place in us every day. We’re committed to helping every student develop the character, confidence, and skills they need to succeed, both now and in the future.

Student Welcome Letter

Click for Full Letter

CARDINAL STORE

SENIOR Parents/Guardians 2027!

First meeting is Thursday, August 6th at 5:30pm.

Senior Parents, this one's for you! Senior year goes fast. We encourage every senior and at least one parent/guardian to attend our 30-minute Senior Parent Meeting on Thursday, August 6th at 5:30 p.m. We'll walk through the senior timeline, graduation requirements, scholarships, senior pictures, cap and gown information, important deadlines, and post-secondary opportunities. It's the best way to get everyone on the same page before the year takes off. The attached Senior Information Letter and Important Dates Checklist will be reviewed during the meeting.

Senior Letter/Flyer

We will cover all enclosed information at our first meeting!

Senior Parking Lot Painting!

SENIORS, Come and claim your parking spot and make it your own, you've earned it!

SENIOR Parking Spot Painting: Thursday, August 6th 7:00a.m - 4:00p.m.

Requirements to paint your parking spot:

Valid Driver’s License / Drivers Permit or getting one...bring that info
Cost: Students must purchase their own paint and supplies and be able to paint their spot on the assigned day.
Painting Day will be Thursday, August 6th: 7:00am-4:00pm.
Painting cannot take place at any other time.
The following form must be turned in on August 6th (sketches must be in color)
The parking lot spot is yours (not to be shared with friends) Tuesday - Friday 7AM to 4:00PM
Parking spots will be selected “first-come, first-serve” beginning at 7:00 am. (Showed up at the same time….“Rock, Paper, Scissor” showdown!) You will choose from designated spots in the Senior Parking lot and you must use that spot.

Click the link below for additional information.

Materials Needed
Design Criteria and Guidelines
Painting Tips
Design Approval Form (Must be completed prior to painting)

Senior Parking Lot Painting: Class of 2027

Click for additional information and "Design Approval Form"

Need Painting Supplies? Thank the Parachute Branch Library!

Stop by the Parachute Branch Library and see Ivett Sanchez to pick up your free painting supply bag. There are 24 bags available, one per senior, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each bag includes:

Sunscreen
Blue painter's tape
White chalk
Paint brushes
Roller cover & roller
1" detail brush
Paint tray
Plastic drop cloth
Pringles, Ritz Dips, Fruit Snacks, and a Rice Krispies Treat

Paint is NOT included.

Once the 24 bags are gone, they're gone!

FRESHMEN ORIENTATION! (Thursday, Aug. 6th @ 12:30)

Incoming freshmen, here's your chance!

We encourage every freshman to attend. This is your chance to walk into the first day of school with confidence. You'll tour the building, meet teachers and classmates, find your classrooms, and get a feel for what life at GVHS is all about before the school year begins.

The day starts at 12:30 p.m. and wraps up around 3:30 p.m. You'll leave knowing where to go, what to expect, and with a few more familiar faces when school starts on August 11th.

Start Strong! Every freshman who attends Orientation will be entered into a drawing for one of TWO pairs of Apple AirPods! It's our way of rewarding students who show up, get involved, and start the year off right. Must be present to win...tell your friends!

New Student Registration

New Students to the District Only: 9th-12th Register at the District Office (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Parents and guardians only need to register their child if they are new to the district. If your child attended GVMS as an 8th-grade student then we already have all your information. The District Office is located at 0460 Stone Quarry Road Parachute, CO 81635

GVHS Student Handbook 26-27

GVHS Student Handbook

Click to View

Get everything done in one night!

Join us on Thursday, August 6th as we kick off the school year. Our Open House is a casual, come-and-go event where families can walk the halls, visit classrooms, meet teachers, and see where the year will begin. There are no formal presentations or scheduled start times, so stop by anytime between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

If you have a senior, be sure to attend our Senior Parent Meeting from 5:30–6:00 p.m. We'll cover important dates, graduation reminders, scholarships, post-secondary opportunities, and what to expect throughout senior year.

If your student is participating in a fall sport or activity, our Athletic Parent/Athlete Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. Attendance is required for all fall participants.

Evening Schedule:

5:30–6:30 p.m. – Open House (Come and go. Visit classrooms, meet teachers, and check out the Senior Parking lot painting.)
5:30–6:00 p.m. – Senior Parent Meeting
6:00–7:30 p.m. – Athletic Parent/Athlete Meeting

We look forward to seeing everyone on August 6th!

Student Schedules

Student Schedules are available. Access your schedule through the Infinite Campus portal. If you have trouble logging in or need assistance please call the GVHS office at 970-285-5705 after August 3rd .

If you would like to request a schedule change please fill out the "Schedule Change 2026" form and be available on the designated times below.

If your schedule request has been resolved one of our counselors will let you know via email and there is no need to come in person.

In-person:

Jr./Sr. Wednesday, August 5th 9:00-12:00, 1:30-3:30
Fr./Soph. Friday, August 7th 9:00-12:00, 1:30-3:30

Schedule Change Request Form

Use this form to submit your request.

GVHS Grading System

Back to the basics! We hope to increase effective school-to-home communication while decreasing confusion. The following grading system will be used at Grand Valley High School.

Grade Weight:

60% - Summative: tests, projects/papers, quizzes, presentations, labs

20% - Formative: homework, participation, daily activities, preparation

10% - attendance: two points per day - one for being in class and one for being on time

10% - Semester Final

Make-up Work: (Garfield 16 School Board Policy JH: Student Absences and Excuses)

Make-up work will be provided for any class in which a student has an excused absence unless otherwise determined by the building administrator or unless the absence is due to the student’s expulsion from school. It is the responsibility of the student to pick up any makeup assignments permitted on the day returning to class. There will be 2 days allowed for make-up work for each day of absence. Make-up work will be allowed following an unexcused absence or following a student’s suspension from school with the goal of providing the student an opportunity to keep up with the class and an incentive to attend school. This work may receive full or partial credit to the extent possible as determined by the building administrator.

Late Work:

Late work will be accepted for up to 2 weeks from the due date or at the end of the quarter, whichever comes first. Exceptions may be made in order to comply with Garfield 16 School Board Policy JH: Student Absences and Excuses.

Assignments labeled as “Missing” can still be turned in and will be calculated in the cumulative grade as a zero. Once the assignment is turned in or completed the grade will be updated when applicable. (Please note that current lessons and assignments will take priority.)

All late work will be docked 10% and labeled as “Late.”

Assignments scored as a “zero” will remain as part of the student's cumulative grade as the make-up and late work policies have expired.

There is no extra credit assigned at GVHS, except at the discretion of the teacher for demonstrating mastery or extending the learning of standards beyond the expected level. This will be explained clearly in Canvas or by the instructor.

Assignments labeled as “Missing” can still be turned in and will be calculated in the cumulative grade as a zero. Once the assignment is turned in or completed the grade will be updated when applicable. (Please note that current lessons and assignments will take priority.)
All late work will be docked 10% and labeled as “Late.”
Assignments scored as a “zero” will remain as part of the students cumulative grade as the make-up and late work policies have expired.

FINALS:

Finals are mandatory for ALL students.

Early Finals: Early finals will only be allowed in emergency situations and a physician’s note may be required. If a student needs to take a final early, administrative approval is required with an “in-person” parent/guardian meeting.

Students who do take the final will be held to the following incentive:
- If they have missed 14 class periods or less for the semester,
- Have 6 or fewer tardies,
- And have a 75% class grade going into the final,
They will be awarded a 10% cushion on the final. Students with a 65% or better will be awarded a 5% cushion on the final. (These percentages apply only to the final exam, not the overall class grade.)

Early Finals: Early finals will only be allowed in emergency situations and a physician’s note may be required. If a student needs to take a final early, administrative approval is required with an “in-person” parent/guardian meeting.

The attendance policy for Grand Valley High School is designed and administered so that regular attendance is encouraged and great emphasis is placed upon full time classroom participation. Students who have missed 14 class periods or less for the semester, have 6 or less tardies, and have a 75% class grade going into the final will be awarded a 10% cushion for their finals. (NOT the overall class grade) Those that have a 65% or better going into the final will be awarded a 5% cushion for finals. Finals are mandatory for ALL students.

2026 - 2027 GVHS Finals Schedule

Click for Finals Schedule

Eligibility

This includes athletics, activities, and dances.

A student is deemed eligible for participation if:

In the judgment of the principal of the student's school he/she is representative of the school's ideals in matters of citizenship, conduct and sportsmanship.
A student must be enrolled in at least 5 courses per semester. Here is the breakdown of eligibility for number of courses taken:

5 courses: Must pass all classes to remain eligible (Can fail 0 courses)

6 courses: Must pass 5 out of 6 classes to remain eligible (Can fail 1 course)

7 courses: Must pass 6 out of 7 classes to remain eligible (Can Fail 1 course)

***Weekly checks will be done on THURSDAY of each week and will apply to the next Monday through Saturday. Student-Athletes MAY NOT REGAIN during this week once deemed ineligible.

***If a student does not meet eligibility requirements at the end of a semester, he/she is not eligible to participate the entire next semester. Please see Athletic Director for "regain" options.

School Supplies

The supply list is posted on our website. Go to "Quick Links," then select "Parent Center." These are basic high school supplies. Additional supplies maybe required depending on the class.

Bus Routes

In an effort to even out busloads and to achieve quicker drop-off times, some bus routes have changed. Please check the district website for updated routes. This can be found in the "Departments" dropdown under "Transportation" If you have questions please call the Transportation office at 970-285-5700 ext. 5130.

Student Drop-off and After School Pick-up

Please see the parking and entry map below. Please use the designated routes and parkings areas to help with traffic congestion, student safety and secure entry.

GVHS Athletics

Grand Valley High School "Fall Sports Practice" begins on Monday, August 10th. (Football starts a week earlier on Monday the 3th.) In order to practice, athletes must complete all the required paperwork to practice: Activities Handbook, Current Physical, Impact Brain Test, Copy of Insurance Card or Waiver, Parent Code of Ethics, and Activity fee paid. All materials must be turned in at the same time. For any further questions please contact the GVHS Activities Office at 970-285-5705 and ask for Mrs. Mendoza for help.

Fall Sports Schedule

The most current update of this schedule can be found at http://gvhs.garfield16.org/

GVHS Activities Handbook

Print, sign and return to the GVHS main office if you plan on participating.

GVHS Activities Handbook (Spanish)

AT-HOME ImPact testing (Required for Athletics)

The ImPact test is required before you practice on Monday Aug 10th.

Please have this test COMPLETED by the end of the day on FRIDAY the 7th. This will ensure that you are able to practice on the first day.

Check your school email for an email from AtHomeTest@Impacttest

If you did not receive the email by 8/6 then email Mrs. Mendoza and she will send it to you again.

(MOBILE PHONES OR TABLETS WILL NOT WORK)

(TESTING MUST BE DONE ON A DESKTOP OR LAPTOP COMPUTER.)

Click on the step-by-step instructions below.

ImPact AT-HOME TESTING Instructions

Click for step-by-step instructions.

OPT - OUT FORMS:

Student Image Publishing:

Student Image Publishing (District Policy: JRA/JRC-E-3-) Classroom activities and school events are sometimes photographed or videotaped by the school or media groups (newspaper, television, university, district public relations, etc.) In addition, the district or school may want to post articles, video, or photography on district or school websites.

If you DO NOT want your child’s photograph, video, and/or electronic image to be published for news media or school publicity purposes, please complete this form, and return it to your child’s school by September 12th.

(Public events such as sporting events, theatre productions, etc. are open to the public and are not covered by this form.)

Opt-Out Form for Student Image Publishing

I do NOT want my child's image to be published for news media or school publicity purposes. (Print and return to the GVHS office)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the 1st day of School?

A: Tuesday, August 11th, 2026

Q: What are school start and end times

A: The first bell rings at 8:10 and the first class starts at 8:20. The last bell rings at 4:00.

Q: Where can I get my schedule?

A: Log into Infinite Campus. If you forgot your password or log-in information please call the GVHS office after August 3rd. 970-285-5705

Q: What school supplies will my child need to provide?

A: The supply list is posted on our website. Go to "Quick Links," then select "Parent Center." These are basic high school supplies. Additional supplies maybe required depending on the class.

Q: Can my child ride a bus to school.

A: Yes! We have bus routes for GVHS which can be found on our district website located under "Transportation" Please contact our director of transportation, for any questions or for more information at (970) 285-5700 ext 5130.

Q: What kind of technology will my child have access to?

A: All students at GVHS will have their own Chromebook. They will be able to take their Chromebooks home with them. We highly encourage you to purchase Chromebook insurance to protect you in case of accidental damage. Technology insurance forms will be sent home with students on the 1st day of school.

Q: Will there be a back-to-school event this year?

Freshmen Orientation will happen on the 6th from 12:30 am to 3:30pm. There will also be time for questions and a tour so students can get used to the building. (Students Only)
Open House for GVHS students and parents will be Tuesday, August 6th from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm.

Q: I didn't see my question here, who do I ask?

A: You are always welcome to call our office at (970) 285-5705. You are also always welcome to reach out to our school principal Mr. McCormick via email (kmccormick@garfield16.org) and he will get back to you as soon as possible.

Grand Valley High School

Website: http://gvhs.garfield16.org/
Location: 800 Cardinal Way PARACHUTE, CO 81635
Phone: 970-285-5705

SAVE THE DATE

Important Upcoming Dates:

Monday, August 3rd:

Football Practice Begins (All other sports is the following Monday on the 11th.)

Thursday, August 6th:

7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Senior Parking Lot Painting

12:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Freshmen Orientation (Students Only)

5:30–6:30 p.m. – Open House (Come and go. Visit classrooms, meet teachers, and check out the Senior Parking lot painting.)
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Senior Parent Meeting (Reminders, important dates, things to expect)
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Athletic Parent/Athlete meeting (All those participating in a Fall Sport or Activity)

Monday, August 10th:

Fall Activities/Athletics Begin

Tuesday, August 11th:

First Day of School! First Bell Rings at 8:10

Grand Valley High School