Garfield 16 Gazette

This newsletter can be automatically translated into 108 different languages. If you open this newsletter on your phone, look for the "Accessibility Icon" for language options. Press the "translate" button, and select your language.

To translate from a laptop or computer, please watch this short informational video in English or in Spanish:

How to translate Smore Newsletters (English) or Cómo traducir boletines informativos de Smore (Spanish)

At the December 9 school board meeting, the School Board approved the purchase of two propane buses. The purchase was made possible by a Federal Mineral Lease District grant, along with the matching funds that are required from the school district. The cost of the two buses is $391,960. The $200,000 FMLD grant award was matched with $191,960 of school district funds from capital reserve.

Along with the purchase of two propane buses during the 2024-25 school year, Garfield 16 has improved its bus fleet with four new propane buses and one activity bus. The new buses will replace the existing buses that are over or approaching 20 years of age. The Colorado Department of Education recommends that students are not transported in buses over 20 years old. School districts in Colorado cannot use buses over 25 years old to transport students.

From July 2024 to July 2025, the Garfield 16 bus fleet had over 211,000 miles. Most of the miles are from athletics and activity trips that can be as far as Gunnison and Denver.

The Garfield 16 School Board and Administration are budgeting for bus replacements in each fiscal year to continue to replace buses at an age no longer recommended for student transport. Garfield 16 has two to three additional buses that will need to be replaced due to age and mechanical reasons.

Grand Valley High School Principal Kelly McCormick and Assistant Principal Jim Butterfield presented information about the high school's growth and achievement results from the 2025-26 school year at the December school board meeting. Grand Valley High School students have the highest growth among the western slope high schools as measured by the PSATs and SATs administered in grades 9, 10 and 11 as part of the Colorado school accountability model. Growth is measured by the increase in students scores from the PSATs in grade 9 to the SATs in grade 11.

Principal McCormick explained that while the growth the students make at the high school is commendable, the administration and staff are also focused on student achievement. As students close the gaps they have in reading, language arts and math, Grand Valley High School will start to see less growth and increased achievement.

Garfield 16 has focused on adopting and implementing new curriculum that is aligned to the Colorado state standards. The School Board is committed to ensuring that the teachers have the instructional materials that meet the needs of all students, including English language learners and students with special needs.

G16 Families,

Please review our procedures for winter weather, snow days, and two-hour delays.

As we prepare for the winter months, these are the school closing and two-hour delay procedures. School closing, delay, and cancelation decisions are made based on the weather and road conditions in the Garfield 16 area and neighboring areas.

School Closing/Snow Day

If there is inclement weather, the District will decide to close school by 5:15 a.m., based on the conditions at 5:00 a.m.. Parents will be notified by 6:00 a.m. if there is a snow day or delayed start.

After School Activities for a School Closing/Snow Day

All after school activities will be evaluated throughout the day if the District is closed for weather or weather conditions become hazardous during the day. The District will notify staff, students, and families of after school activities cancellations by 1:00 p.m..

Two-Hour Delay

A two-hour delay will be used when the road conditions are not suitable for travel at 5:00 a.m., but are expected to improve throughout the day. The District will decide to call a delayed start by 5:15 a.m.. This will allow snowplows additional time to clear the roads. On a two-hour delayed schedule, buses will begin their routes two hours late, and all classes will begin two hours late.

Schools will operate on a modified schedule. Start times will simply be pushed back by two hours. Students will have breakfast and lunch. Students will be dismissed at the regular time.

In the event that the District has a two-hour delay and the road conditions do not improve, the District may decide to close schools for the day. The District will make this decision by 7:30 a.m. based on the conditions at 7:15 a.m.

AM Cardinal Club will be canceled on a two-hour delay day. PM Cardinal Club will continue as scheduled on a two-hour delay day. Find the two-hour delay bell schedules on our G16 Communications webpage: https://www.garfield16.org/communications/school-closure-information

Early Dismissal

In the event that weather conditions start or worsen once students are in school, the decision to have an early dismissal will be made by 10:00 a.m.

All after school activities will be canceled.

AM Cardinal Club will continue as scheduled on an early dismissal day. PM Cardinal Club will be canceled on an early dismissal day.

Communication

All families will be notified of a school closing through the district messaging system, media outlets, and social media as soon as possible.

Please be sure that your contact information is current by checking in with the secretaries at your child's school so that in the event of school closures, Garfield 16 is able to contact you.

Alternatively, you can login to your Infinite Campus account to ensure your contact information is correct.

Thank you,

G16 Communications

Important Upcoming Events:

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

• Dec. 12: GVMS Theatre Performance. Doors Open at 6:30PM

• Dec. 13: Holidays in the Grand Valley at Parachute Visitor's Center 2:30-6:00PM

• Dec. 15: GVHS Winter Sports Pictures 3PM

• Dec. 16 - 19 Jolly Week

• Dec. 16: BUE Winter Concert "Presents on Parade." 2nd Grade 6PM, 3rd Grade 7PM

• Dec. 16 - 19 GVHS Jolly Week

• Dec. 17: GVMS Winter Concert 6:30PM

• Dec. 18: BUE Winter Concert "Dashing Through the Snow." 4th Grade 6PM, 5th Grade 7PM

• Dec. 19: End of 2nd Quarter

• Dec. 22 - Jan. 2: WINTER BREAK- NO SCHOOL, NO CARDINAL CLUB, SBFRC CLOSED.

• Jan. 13: 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

• Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday- School-Based Family Resource Center closed.

• Jan. 20-23: GVHS Winterfest Week

• Jan. 21: GVHS PSAT/SAT Practice Test

• Jan. 24: Winterfest Dance 8:00 pm

• Jan. 30: CFL's Coffee with the Principals 9:00AM- 9:45AM

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!

At Garfield 16 schools, the Outdoor Program has been preparing for winter like a bear before hibernation.

Pre-K students at CFL got to gobble, waddle and flap during their in class "turkey talk" lesson. Kids got a chance to dance, camouflage and "yelp" like a turkey to learn more about a turkey's home, resources and adaptations.

The GVHS Outdoor Club enjoyed a day of hiking along the Palisade Rim Trail to connect and enjoy some outside exploration.

The GVHS Outdoor Science class has been pulling out the maps and compass to strengthen their navigation and orientation skills.

GVMS PE classes have started their two week rock climbing unit. Kids are working on strength building, climbing technique, and balance to reach "new heights" in school.

After the break, we will hit the ground gliding with a variety of winter activities.

The GVMS Special Ed. classes have been preparing for their winter cross country ski day with some practice lessons. This will prepare students for their adaptive cross country ski day with Challenge Aspen up on the Grand Mesa.

We will also be taking kids on a variety of ski programs.

The Learn to Ski Club is open to all students 4th-8th grade who are looking to improve their ski and snowboard skills with a series of 3 Monday lessons at Powderhorn. Please see the flyer attached.

After the break, we will have a busy winter season of exploration throughout the district so stay tuned for more winter fun to come.

Here are some events and programs to get you motivated to rockin n' rollin (n' slidin) this winter:

• Bob Beverly free ski n' snowboard lessons for first timers at Powderhorn.
• Skier appreciation day @ Sunlight includes a $25 lift ticket, January 9th. And teacher appreciation day to follow, January 10th for free lift tickets with School District staff ID badge.
• There is a new climbing gym called the Rifle Climbing Center with some fun interactive walls to keep you fit throughout these short winter days.
• Check out one of the Pop Up Cross Country Ski days on the Grand Mesa sponsored by our Gen Wild partner, The Nature Connection.

Stay tuned for more information and activities to come.

The face behind the name: Bob Beverly was one of Powderhorn’s founders and a Colorado Ski Hall of Famer, dedicated to bringing snow sports to the Western Slope. Every year we honor his legacy with our Bob Beverly Free Learn-To program for folks who have never skied or snowboarded before.

Visit powderhorn.com/bob to reserve now—complete three sessions to be eligible for the deeply discounted Rookie Season Pass. For last year’s Rookies, the Sophomore Season Pass will be available to purchase in-person at the Ticket Office this season.

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.

November and December have been an exciting and productive time for the School-Based Family Resource Center.

Throughout the holiday season, the Center has been actively engaged in our annual food drive and distribution, the Giving Tree (Christmas gift assistance), Shop with a Hero, and two career-exploration field trips, all while supporting families across the district.

We deeply value the partnership, generosity, and community spirit that help make the holidays a little brighter for so many. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to: GVHS Leadership Club, GVHS Key Club, GVHS National Honor Society, GVHS LULAC, Amy Baysinger–State Farm Insurance Agency, Rifle Elks Lodge, Glenwood Springs Moose Lodge, ECOS, Town of Parachute, Parachute Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Ashleigh’s Angels, Alpine Bank, Grand Valley Methodist Church, All Saints Episcopal Church, Parachute Library, Battlement Mesa Metro District, GV Recreation Center, and the many community members and leaders whose generous support makes our work possible.

In December, the Resource Center also hosted a two-part career exploration series to help students learn about local careers, internships, and future pathways.

• Part 1: Students visited the Grand Valley Recreation Center, where they explored various career booths and participated in a guided tour of the facility.
• Part 2: Students traveled to Grand Junction to learn about careers connected to the train station and local tourism. They also received a tour of the Hotel Colorado and learned about opportunities within the hospitality industry.

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

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.

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.