Garfield 16 Gazette

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Like many school districts, Garfield 16 is exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used appropriately and safely in schools. At the February 10th School Board meeting, Nathan Humphrey, Chief of Operations and Innovations, shared information about an internal assessment of Garfield 16's readiness with AI. Using the AI maturity rubric provided by The Consortium of School Networking (CoSN), Mr. Humphrey provided the School Board with Garfield 16's current status.

The AI maturity rubric looks at seven domains to consider when implementing AI tools: 1) vision and leadership, 2) teaching and learning, 3) policy and governance, 4) data privacy and security, 5) infrastructure and access, 6) professional learning, and 7) continuous improvement. Each domain is rated as emerging, developing, operational or transformational. Overall, Garfield 16 is developing, "And that is exactly where we need to be," said Humphrey.

Garfield 16's AI Survey

Garfield 16 surveyed staff and students in grades 6-12 about how they are using AI for work, learning, and personal interest. The anonymous survey asked what AI tools are used, why those tools are used, and what would help them use to tools more effectively. Staff reported that they do use AI tools for work and personal interest, and they want to learn more about how to use it effectively. This is especially true with teachers wanting to know how to teach with AI and which AI tools are appropriate for students. The students reported using AI to try to understand topics better and to help with assignments. The students also reported using AI on their phones more than on school-issued devices. Both teachers and students want more clarity as to when AI can be used.

The survey results point to one of the critical reasons why students need to learn how to use AI, and how use it safely. School-issued devices have filters and features to protect students' privacy and safety on the Internet. Personal cell phone may not have these features, leaving students vulnerable.

Using AI

There are many ways to access AI tools. There is narrow, or open, AI which is available on the internet. It is free to use, and it scans the world of data to provide answers to questions. There is generative AI that can learn and mimic thinking. Generative AI tools can be free, but often require a subscription to use at the optimum level. AI tools are also working in the background, like the suggested "watch next" on Netflix, to Siri on iPhones, to AI mode on Google.

When school districts look at using AI for learning, they often use purchased programs that layer on top of one of the three major AI platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude). The purchased programs create a school district silo where the student data and privacy is protected. The purchased programs have features that allow AI to act as a coach or guide to help students improve their work rather an give them the answer, or worse yet, do it for them. The purchased-programs provide guardrails so students can safely learn how to use AI and increase their learning.

The key to using AI effectively is knowing how to ask questions and prompts in a way that gets the most accurate results. Now more than ever, critical thinking is essential to using AI. One needs to know enough about a topic to discern whether or not AI is on the right track or pulling in random or erroneous information. It is all about asking the right types of questions. Teaching critical thinking skills is not new in education, but now it is vital to ensure students are using AI to get the best results possible, especially when they are using open AI.

Grand Valley High School (GVHS) is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Make-A-Wish Colorado Wish Week, taking place February 24–28, bringing students, staff, and the community together to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Colorado. This year, GVHS has set a fundraising goal of $7,500 to help make a life-changing wish come true.

This year’s Wish Week celebrates Violeta, a brave young local girl who has overcome significant medical challenges and is now officially cancer-free. Violeta’s wish is to meet her favorite K-Pop group, and schools across the Western Slope are rallying to help make wishes come true for kids like Violeta.

Wish Week is a week-long, student-led fundraising and awareness campaign in partnership with Make-A-Wish Colorado. Each participating school highlights a local wish kid, helping raise funds so life-changing wishes can be granted to children facing critical illnesses.

As part of the week’s events, GVHS will host a Half-Court Shot Fundraiser Tuesday, February 24, 2026 during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game; the game begins at 7:00 p.m.. GVHS will also host a Silent Auction on Thursday, February 26, at 5:00 p.m., featuring a variety of items generously donated by local businesses and community sponsors. Proceeds from the auction will directly support Make-A-Wish Colorado.

Grand Valley High School invites the entire community to participate, donate, and attend events throughout the week. You can donate to the school's fundraising here: http://site.wish.org/goto/GVHS2026

If you are interested in donating a silent auction item, please contact:
Amy Largent or Travis Porter
GVHS Leadership
970-285-5705

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) celebrated National School Counselor Week February 2-6. As part of the celebration, CDE received nominations for school counselors throughout the state going above and beyond for our students.

Garfield County School District 16 is proud to announce that our Grand Valley Middle School Counselor Jennifer Hoyt was nominated! According to Mrs. Hoyt, she "believes a comprehensive school counseling program is essential in removing barriers to learning. It also empowers middle school students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."

Thank you Mrs. Hoyt for all you do for our students!

Important Upcoming Events:

• GVHS Winter Sports- Find schedules at https://gvhs.garfield16.org/athletics
• GVMS Winter Sports- Find schedules at https://gvms.garfield16.org/athletics

• Feb. 16 - 20: CFL Book Fair

• Feb. 16: School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

• Feb. 16: President's Day Holiday- School-Based Family Resource Center closed.

• Feb. 24: 100th Day of School

• Feb. 24-27: GVHS Wish Week benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation

• Feb. 25: GVHS Art Club to Aspen Art Museum

• Feb. 26: GVHS Wish Week Silent Auction 5:00PM

• Feb. 27: CFL's Coffee with the Principals 9:00AM- 9:45AM

• Mar. 3: GVHS FFA District Leadership Development Events in Craig

• Mar. 3: GVHS Mandatory Senior Meeting during Advisory

• Mar. 4: GVMS Spring Concert

• Mar. 6: End of 3rd Quarter

• Mar. 10: Board of Education Meeting 5:00 pm. 460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635. Find agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/garfield16/Board.nsf/Public

• Mar. 12: CFL 1st Grade Spring Concert 6:00 pm

• Mar. 13: GVHS Senior Pictures Due

• Mar. 16: GVHS Key Club to Journey Home in Rifle

• Mar. 19 GVHS & GVMS Winter Special Olympics on the Grand Mesa

• Mar. 19: Kindergarten Spring Concert at CFL 6:00 pm

• Mar. 19: BUE Spring Picture Day

• Mar. 23-27 SPRING BREAK- NO SCHOOL, NO CARDINAL CLUB, NO MONDAY PROGRAMS, SCHOOL-BASED FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER CLOSED

• Mar. 30: GVHS FFA District 2 Leadership Development Events in North Fork

• Apr. 1: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

• Apr. 2: GVHS Choir Contest/Festival at Rifle High School

• Apr. 2-3: GVHS Band CBA Band Festival in Pueblo

• Apr. 3: CFL Spring Picture Day

• Apr. 3: GVHS FFA District 1 Career Development Events in Craig

• Apr. 6: K-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences

• Apr. 6-10: Assistant Principals Week

• Apr. 6-9: BUE Scholastic Book Fair

• Apr. 11: GVHS Prom at The Ute Theater in Rifle

• Apr. 13: GVHS Key Club to Journey Home in Rifle

• Apr. 14: Board of Education Meeting 5:00 pm. 460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635. Find agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/garfield16/Board.nsf/Public

• Apr. 15: GVHS PSAT/SAT Test Day

• Apr. 17-18: GVHS Spring Musical- You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

• Apr. 20: CFL Preschool Roundup for school year 2026-2027 9:30AM- 11:30AM

• Apr. 22: Administrative Professionals Day

• Apr. 24: GVHS Seniors- Graduation Forms Due

• Apr. 24: GVMS Band to Colorado West

• Apr. 24: CFL Coffee with the Principals 9AM

• Apr. 26-27: FFA State Career Development Event in Ft. Collins

• Apr. 28: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

• Apr. 29: GVHS Key Club Induction Meeting in Library

• May 1: School Principals Day and School Lunch Hero Day

• May 2: MayFest at Cottonwood Park. For mor information, visit https://sbfrc.garfield16.org/mayfest

Don’t forget about our before and after school childcare program, Cardinal Club. Cardinal club is childcare for children in grades kindergarten through 5. Students must be enrolled in Garfield 16 schools.

Cardinal Club is located at CFL and BUE before and after school.

Cardinal Club at BUE and CFL will be held from 6:30 am until the start of school, and again from dismissal of school until 6:00 pm.

The fees for the CFL and BUE Cardinal Club are per child, and reduced rates are available for eligible families.

CARDINAL CLUB IS NOW ACCEPTING CCCAP!

Find more information about our before and after-school childcare program (Cardinal Club) located at both BUE and CFL by following this link: https://www.garfield16.org/parents/pagecardinal-club

Cardinal Club registration forms will also be available at back-to-school nights.

Download our app and easily see events for all schools, or just selected schools, and add events to your device (phone) calendar!

The School-Based Resource Center is here to support you! We are open Tuesday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Mondays by appointment.

Our services include student mental health support, substance education, family resources, help with government assistance, adult education classes, legal aid, a clothing closet, and a food pantry. Stop by and see us at 251 Parachute Avenue, or give us a call at 970-285-5700 ext. 5190 to learn more.

Calling all trinket/food/non-profit vendors and local bands to MayFest 2026!

We are excited to invite you and your organization/business to participate in the 2nd Annual Mayfest, a youth-led community event organized by the G16 Family Resource Center with help from the Town of Parachute, the Aspen Community Foundation, and JDMCL Foundation.

The event is designed to bring youth, their families, and community organizations together to learn about local resources, career opportunities, and internships, all while enjoying a day of fun activities and ending with a Battle of the Bands competition!

If your business or organization is interested in hosting a booth at the event, or selling food or trinkets please register before March 24th here: https://forms.gle/i2qLUaeKGvePTHNf7

If your band is interested in entering the Battle of the Bands competition, please register before April 1st here: https://forms.gle/5DtF9TqFeAYNqWUG7

Please contact the Family Resource Center if you are interested in becoming a sponsor or entering a car in the car show.

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our School Based Family Resource Center for more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Claudia Flores Cruz

Center Coordinator

970-285-5262

cflorescruz@garfield16.org

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, we would like to inform you about the resources available for accessing information on registered offenders. At the beginning of each school year, we provide written details on where and how you can obtain this information from local law enforcement agencies. This information is also posted on the district’s website for your convenience.

We believe it is crucial for parents and guardians to have access to this information to stay informed about their community and to take any necessary precautions to protect their children. By keeping you informed, we hope to foster a safer environment for all our students.

You can find the Garfield County Sheriff's Office Offender Search here: https://www.garcosheriff.com/sex-offender-search/

Garfield 16 provides all students with counseling services through the school counselors. School counselors work with students to support their academic growth and success as well as their social and emotional development. School counselors work closely with teachers, principals, and parents to support students experiencing issues that impact their learning. These issues can be, but are not limited to, declining grades, poor work habits, organizational skills, distracting behaviors, school avoidance, anxiety, trauma, and transient personal or family issues, such as the loss of a loved one or change in family dynamic. A school counselor may work with a student on an individual basis or as part of a group. In addition, school counselors work with the administration to assess at-risk students.

At the elementary level, school counselors provide direct instruction to all students in social and emotional growth and wellbeing. Topics include social skills, recognizing emotions, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. For students who may be experiencing difficulty with social skills, regulating behaviors, or school counselors provide individual and group coaching.

At the secondary level, school counselors begin to support students with college and career planning and decision making. School counselors work with students on their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) requirements. School counselors facilitate college and post-secondary career and workforce exploration. At the high school level, school counselors work with students to ensure they are on pace for graduation.

How to contact your school counselor:

CFL:

• Referral Form
• Email Ms. Landry
• Call 970-285-5702

BUE:

• Referral Form
• Email Mrs. Sherraden
• Email Mrs. DeMaio
• Call 970-285-5703

GVMS:

• Parent Referral Form
• Student Referral Form
• Email Mrs. Hoyt
• Call 970-285-5707

GVHS:

• Email Mrs. Paine
• Email Mrs. Largent
• Call 970-285-5705

• All students and their families.
• Fill out the referral form, found by clicking this link.
• Drew Hogan- SBFRC Counselor
• Leslie Pinaire- SBFRC Counselor

Due to the high number of cases of stomach-related illness, as well as other illnesses, we are asking that parents/guardians keep their children home until the are symptom-free for 48 hours. Symptom may include include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and dehydration.

If your child has a fever due to another illness, please keep your child home until your child has been fever-free without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours.

Our staff will work over the weekend to disinfect all surfaces in the schools and buses.

Did you know that we can administer medication to your students if they have a need. What we need from you is a doctor's order/care plan, that needs to be signed by the doctor and by you as the parent. Parents then need to bring in medication to the school and we have trained staff that are able to administer medications. If you have any questions please call the district nurse at 970-285-5707

Find information about G16's Health Services by clicking the link below. Information includes: recommended immunizations, what to do if your student needs medication at school or has a severe allergy, and vision and hearing screenings by grade.

Garfield 16 is excited to participate in the Healthy School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters, which provides all students in our district with access to free, nutritious breakfast and lunch.

Just like in previous years, families should continue to provide their household income information by filling out the Free/Reduced Meals Application. While meals will be provided for free to all students in participating schools, it's important to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to federal funding, which goes directly back to schools to help cover the cost of meals and support after school and other nutritional programs.

Thank you for your support in helping maximize federal funding for our district and schools.

Healthy School meals for all cde webpage resources

If you need to contact transportation for any reason, including a missing student, please call the Transportation Office at the number below:

Office: 970-285-5701 ext. 5133

The school bus is an extension of the school building. All of the rules and expectations in school apply while riding a school bus or waiting at a bus stop.

1. Students should be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.

2. Students should enter the bus and immediately sit in the seat.

3. Students must remain seated at all times. This is to ensure the safety of all students in case of a sudden stop, and standing is distracting to the driver.

4. Students must keep their hands and heads in the bus at all times.

5. Students should keep the bus aisle clear at all times.

6. Students should use indoor voices while riding the bus. Shouting and load noises are not allowed.

7. Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus.

8. Students must follow the directions of the bus driver and bus monitor at all times, without exception.

9. Students should collect any trash they have and throw it into the trash can when exiting the bus.

10. Kindergarten and first grade students must be met at the bus stop by a responsible adult to exit the bus. If a responsible adult is not at the bus stop, the students will be returned to the Center for Family Learning for the parent/guardian to pick up the student.

Teens are invited to the Parachute Branch Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Mondays in March to take some great books and make the covers even better through the magic of bedazzling. All supplies will be provided during this 5-week workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own book(s) to bedazzle It’s free and open to all teens. For more information call the library at 970-285-9870.

Come learn about seed planting at the Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Rifle, and Parachute Branch Libraries. On Saturday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. participants will get to plant seeds in trays that will then be grown, transplanted to pots in an upcoming second workshop, and then get distributed for free to food-insecure neighbors throughout the network of Lift-Up food pantries in our region. Participants will also get to choose free organic seeds to take home! The events are free and open to adults and teens, with children accompanied by an adult are also welcome to attend. Brought to you by SANA, Growing Empowerment, and your Garfield County Libraries. This bilingual event will also be held online via Zoom. Visit www.gcpld.org or more information.

Find information about rental counseling, prepare to buy a home, receive pre-purchase counseling, find help with closing costs, reverse mortgage counseling, financial counseling, help for those facing foreclosure, and help with home repairs. **

**Garfield County School District #16 is not responsible for, and does not endorse, any statement, sentiment, or opinion published or expressed in this document. This document is not part of, and has not been distributed as part of the District's curricular or extracurricular programs.