Grand Valley High School

We’re excited to kick off another year of learning, growth, and connection at Grand Valley High School. At GVHS, we believe every student can succeed, and it takes all of us working together to make that happen. This year, we’re placing a renewed focus on being present and on time, because showing up matters. It builds the character and habits that lead to success in the classroom and beyond. We are grateful for the trust you place in us and the opportunity to partner with you in your child’s education. Our team is committed to creating an enriching and supportive environment that engages all students and helps them achieve both academic and social success. We’ll keep things simple, stay united, and show up, because every day prepares us for tomorrow.

Seniors, we congratulate you on your accomplishments, and the success you have achieved to this point. Take time to thank those who have been instrumental in helping you reach this milestone. You now stand at the starting line of life and what a great moment it is!

SENIOR Parking Spot Painting: Thursday, August 7th 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 7th: 7:00am-4:00pm.
• Painting cannot take place at any other time.
• The following form must be turned in on August 7th (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)

This is your chance to get comfortable and confident before the year officially begins. No need to be nervous, we're all in this together!

We are EXCITED to welcome the Class of 2029 to GVHS! Our day will begin at 12:30 PM on Thursday, the 7th, and we'll wrap up around 3:30 PM. Get to know your teachers, find your classrooms, and reconnect with your classmates! So come shake off those "new year jitters" and join us on the 7th!

(STUDENTS ONLY)

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

We’re excited to invite all families to Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 26th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at GVHS! This year, we’ve scheduled the event after the school year begins so teachers will have a chance to get to know your student, and your child will already be familiar with their schedule and where their classes are, making the night even more meaningful and efficient. You’ll be able to meet teachers, explore classrooms, and hear about what’s ahead for the year.

It’s also Volleyball GAME NIGHT! So plan to stay and support the Cardinals as they take on SOROCO.

• C-team at 4:00 (if they have a team)
• JV at 5:00
• Varsity at 6:00 PM.

We’ll have $1.00 hotdogs to keep you fueled while you visit! We look forward to a fun, positive evening building partnerships that help our students thrive.

Of course, if any student or parents would like to come look around and locate their classes or get familiar with the layout of the school, you are more than welcome to come on Monday the 11th. If you'd like to come the week prior, just call the office, we’re open! (970-285-5705)

Student Schedules will be available on or before the end of the day Tuesday, August 5th. 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 5th.

If you would like to request a schedule change please fill out the "Schedule Change 2025" form and be available on the designated times below.

If your schedule request has been resolved Ms. Paine will let you know via email and there is no need to come in person.

• In-person:

• Jr./Sr. Wednesday, August 6th 9:00-12:00, 1:30-3:30

• Fr./Soph. Friday, August 8th 9:00-12:00, 1:30-3:30

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.

A student is deemed eligible for participation if:

1. 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.

2. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Grand Valley High School "Fall Sports Practice" begins on Monday, August 11th. (Football starts a week earlier on Monday the 4th.) 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.

AT-HOME ImPact testing (Required for Athletics)

The ImPact test is required before you practice on Monday Aug 11th.

Please have this test COMPLETED by the end of the day on FRIDAY the 8th. 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 8/8 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.

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.)

Q: When is the 1st day of School?

A: Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

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: Student schedules will be available on or before the end of the day on Tuesday the 5th. Log into Infinite Campus. If you forgot your password or log-in information please call the GVHS office. 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?

1. Freshmen Orientation will happen on the 7th 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)
2. Open House for GVHS students and parents will be Tuesday, August 26th from 4:30 pm - 7:00 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.

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

Monday, August 4th:

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

Thursday, August 7th:

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 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 11th:

Fall Activities/Athletics Begin

Tuesday, August 12th:

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

Tuesday, August 26th:

4:30 - 7:00 - Back to School & Volleyball Game Night