Garfield 16 Gazette

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Garfield 16 was awarded two grants that focus on literacy. The Comprehensive State Literacy Development Grant was awarded in the 2025-26 school year and will continue through the 2028-29 school year. This grant can support literacy professional development, curriculum, and assessment in grades K-12. The Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant was award for the 2026-27 school year and will continue through the 2029-2030 school year. This grant focus on literacy development in grades K-3.

With the funding these grants provide, Garfield 16 is making literacy a top priority. This does not mean that Garfield 16 isn't focusing on math. It means that reading and math performance are closely connected for most students. In fact, if a student is struggling in reading, it has an effect on math from misreading the question, solving word problems, and thinking abstractly. Improving reading performance will have a positive impact on math performance along with solid math instruction. One can say that reading is the foundation to all other learning.

Grant funding gives Garfield 16 the opportunity evaluate the current instructional materials and teaching practices in reading without having to sacrifice other subject areas' funding support. Grant funding has a number of requirements to demonstrate how the grant is used effectively, and this creates the opportunity to refocus on the K-12 literacy plan and program.

These grant opportunities would not be possible without the hard work of the administrative team from writing the grant applications and reports to the financial reporting that is monitored and required.

Our goal in Garfield 16 is to ensure that students at all grade levels can read, think, and write about grade level material and be good connoisseurs of the information they see in the media, social media, and beyond. Proficient reading is the key for all other learning.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute § 22-31-129(c), a vacancy occurs if the person who was duly elected or appointed submits a written resignation to the Board of Education and such resignation is duly accepted by the Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, on September 8, 2026, Brent Baker, a member of the Board of Education of the Garfield County School District No. 16, submitted a written resignation to the Board of Education and such resignation has been duly accepted by the Board of Education; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, in accordance with state law, the Board of Education declares a vacancy in the school director office on this date, September 8, 2026, and the Board of Education of the school district in which the vacancy occurs shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy within sixty days after the vacancy has occurred in accordance with the following procedure:

1. Interested persons are invited to send a letter to the Board of Education with a statement of interest and related qualifications/experience by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026. Send to: Attention Board of Education, Garfield County School District 16. PO Box 68, 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO 81635
2. The Board of Education will interview prospective candidates on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at a work session of the Board of Education before the public.
3. No person is eligible to hold public office unless that person fully meets the qualifications for office. To be eligible for appointment, any candidate for the office of school director of a school district shall have been a registered elector of the district for at least twelve consecutive months prior to the date of appointment and shall be a resident of the district that the candidate will serve as an at-large director. Any person who has been convicted of commission of a sexual offense against a child shall not be eligible for the office of school director of a school district. Each candidate for appointment to the vacancy shall establish their eligibility to hold office by submitting a sworn affidavit attesting to their qualifications for office by Friday, October 2, 2026, to the address provided above.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, if the appointment is not made by the Board of Education within the sixty-day period, the president of the Board of Education shall forthwith appoint a person to fill the vacancy.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, an appointee to the office of school director shall serve until the next regular biennial school election when the successor for the remainder of the term is elected and has qualified.

Adopted and approved this 8th day of September 2026.

Our District is an "opt-out" district, meaning every student has the option to opt-out of "student image publishing." Here is a link to the policy, with forms in English and Spanish included.

These "photo opt-outs" are not due to your student's school September 15th.

The photo opt-out form does NOT cover public events (sporting events, theater productions, anything the public is invited to).

Grand Valley High School (GVHS) invites you, friends, family, alumni, and the community to join us for our Homecoming celebrations.

PLEASE NOTE, all schools will be released early for the Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 25, 2026.

EARLY RELEASE FOR HOMECOMING PARADE

CFL AM Preschool Students Released as normal, at 11:10 am. No PM preschool.

CFL K/1 Students Released at 11:15 AM.

BUE Students Released at 11:30 AM.

GVMS & GVHS Students Released at 12:15 PM.

PM Cardinal Club CANCELLED. AM Cardinal Club as normal.

All students will be fed breakfast AND lunch.

TRANSPORTATION FOR EARLY RELEASE

Buses will drop off students at their normal stops.

Your child will arrive at their bus stop about 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier than the normal schedule.

For example, if your child normally arrives at their bus stop after school at 3:15pm, they will arrive around 11:30am.

ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

Here is a schedule of the homecoming activities. We invite our community to participate as much as possible.

Wednesday, September, 23 2026:

• Chili Cook-Off at GVHS 6:00 pm
  • Want to participate? Please fill out the HOCO Chili Cook-Off Entry Form
  • All entries should be at the school by 5:00 pm on Sept. 23rd.
• Studman Volleyball at GVHS 6PM
• Powderpuff Football at GVHS 7PM
• Car Smash/Bonfire at GVHS 8PM

Thursday, September 24:

• GVHS Boys Soccer Game vs Lake County V4PM, JV6PM

Friday, September 25: 1/2 DAY OF SCHOOL FOR HOMECOMING PARADE

• Parade on Cardinal Way (Start at 1:15pm) HOCO Parade Entry Form
• PARENT HELP NEEDED! GVHS is looking for a few awesome parents with trucks and trailers to help each class build their Homecoming parade float! We need one truck/trailer setup for each class: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors. If you have a truck and trailer and would be willing to help your student’s class, we’d love to have you join the fun! It’s a great way to support our students and help make the Homecoming parade a success! Interested? Please contact the GVHS office (970) 285-5705 or your student’s class advisor.

• GVHS Homecoming Tailgate at GVHS 5PM
• GVHS Volleyball Game vs Olathe C-Team 3PM, JV 4PM, V 5PM
• GVHS Homecoming Yearbook Sale and Face Painting 6PM
• GVHS Football Game vs Olathe 7PM - Royalty Crowning at Halftime

Saturday, September 26:

• Homecoming Dance 8-11PM (for GVHS students only)

DRESS UP DAYS- ALL SCHOOLS:

• Tuesday, September 22: Birds of a Feather (match with a friend wearing bright colors).
• Wednesday, September 23: Wild in Rio (animal print, vacation, tourist, tropical vibe).
• Thursday, September 24: Football Vs. Futbol (wear a football jersey or a soccer jersey).
• Friday, September 25: Cardinals Carnival (wear Cardinal pride colors).

• CFL = Grand Valley Center for Family Learning (Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade)
• Phone: 970-285-5702
• Address: 100 East 2nd St., Parachute, CO 81635
• BUE = Bea Underwood Elementary (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Grades)
• Phone: 970-285-5703
• Address: 0741 Tamarisk Trail, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635
• GVMS = Grand Valley Middle School (6th, 7th, 8th Grades)
• Phone: 970-285-5707
• Address: 0364 Sipprelle Drive, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635
• GVHS = Grand Valley High School (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades)
• Phone: 970-285-5705
• Address: 800 Cardinal Way, Parachute, CO 81635
• SBFRC = School-Based Family Resource Center
• Phone: 970-285-5700 Ext. 5190
• Address: 251 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute, CO 81635
• St. John's Administration Building (District Office)
• Phone: 970-285-5701
• Address: 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635

• 2026-2027 School Year Calendar: https://www.garfield16.org/calendar121
• GVHS Fall Sports Schedules: https://gvhs.garfield16.org/athletics
• GVMS Fall Sports Schedules: https://gvms.garfield16.org/athletics
• September 14: GVHS Sports Pictures 3:00pm
• September 18: BUE Fall Picture Day

• September 19: Golf for the Cause Tournament 9:30am at Battlement Mesa Golf Club, benefitting the SBFRC.
• September 22-25 Homecoming Week (SEE DETAILS ABOVE FOR SCHEDULE AND MORE INFORMATION)
• Friday, September 25: 1/2 DAY OF SCHOOL FOR HOMECOMING PARADE
• CFL AM Preschool Students Released as normal, at 11:10 am. No PM preschool.

• CFL K/1 Students Released at 11:15 AM.

  BUE Students Released at 11:30 AM.

  GVMS & GVHS Students Released at 12:15 PM.

  PM Cardinal Club CANCELLED. AM Cardinal Club as normal.

  All students will be fed breakfast AND lunch.

• September 26: GVHS Marching Band Regionals Competition
• October 4: GVHS College Fair in Aspen
• October 5: SBFRC Diaper Depot Registration Open (see the SBFRC section below for more details)
• October 6-9: CFL Book Fair
• October 7: GVHS Fall Concert 7PM
• October 8: GVMS Fall Concert 7PM
• October 9: End of 1st Quarter
• October 13: BOE Meeting 5:00pm
• October 14: CFL Fire Safety Day
• October 15: GVHS Marching Band Regional Competition- Stocker Stadium in GJ
• October 16: GVHS FFA 1st Annual Calf Fry and Auction 6PM at GVHS
• October 24: GVHS Key Club Halloween Carnival 6PM at GVHS & GV Recreation Center Trunk R Treat at the Grand Valley Recreation Center
• October 26: G16/Theatre Aspen Edu Performance of Mad Tea Party at GVMS 3PM
• October 26: GVHS State Band Competition
• October 30: Trick R Treat Street at BUE 4:30PM

All students in grades 3-8 are able to join the Theatre Aspen/G16 Monday Program. The program will take place on the following dates and times at Grand Valley Middle School (GVMS 0364 Sipprelle Drive, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635). Register before September 16, 2026 by filling out this online form: https://forms.gle/Z3GbnQMxLTz4V52m7

• September 21 | 9am-3pm
• September 28 | 9am-3pm
• October 5 | 9am-3pm
• October 12 | NO CLASS
• October 19 | 9am-3pm
• October 26 | 9am - 3:30pm Performance at 3pm!

This season's Monday Program will present Mad Tea Party: A Radio Play

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

See Homecoming information above.

September 10, 2026- Parachute, CO – The Grand Valley High School Future Farmers of America (GVHS FFA) chapter in Parachute, CO has been awarded $3,000 as part of the Grants for Growing program. The nationwide program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, provides grant funds to local FFA chapters to support the development or improvement of agricultural education projects that enhance the classroom experiences for students through chapter engagement activities.

GVHS FFA plans to launch a floriculture pathway to give students hands-on experience in floral design and retail operations. Grant funds will support the purchase of a floral refrigerator and supplies for a student-run monthly flower subscription. Students will gain real-world skills in production, marketing, and customer service through running a functioning floral business model.

This grant will significantly increase student learning by shifting floriculture instruction from traditional classroom lessons to hands-on, project-based experiences. Students will actively apply concepts in floral design, care, storage, pricing, marketing, and customer service through a real monthly flower subscription program. By operating a functioning floral business, students will gain experience in industry practices such as inventory management, customer communication, and product presentation. This experiential learning model allows students to make real decisions, solve real problems, and see the direct impact of their work. As a result, students develop deeper understanding, stronger career skills, and increased confidence in floriculture and small business operations.

The grant program provided over $900,000 to FFA chapters in 47 states. Funding is provided through consumer donations made during checkout at a Tractor Supply Company store by purchasing a $1 FFA Paper Emblem. The fundraising period aligns with National FFA Week in February.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

# # #

About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. A separately registered nonprofit organization, the foundation is governed by a board of trustees that includes the national FFA president, educators, business leaders and individual donors. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.

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.

Join Breanna for a Meet & Greet as we kick off a new Circle of Parents group in our community!

Come meet other parents, share ideas, ask questions, and help shape a group that supports, empowers, and connects us all.

September 16th

1:00 PM–2:30 PM

251 Parachute Ave, Parachute, CO*

We’d love to see you there!

Questions? Call or text *970-309-1815*

The School-Based Family Resource Center (SBFRC) is excited to offer diaper and pull-up assistance to families in the Garfield 16 School District!

Eligible families may request up to 37 diapers or pull-ups per child, per month, based on availability and size.

Sign-ups will be available during the 1st week of each month through our Facebook page, while donated supplies last. If you do not have Facebook, you can sign-up by following this link: https://forms.gle/KEw76J1fxbnzjpFv6

(PLEASE NOTE, THE FORM IS ONLY OPEN DURING THE 1ST WEEK OF EACH MONTH).

This program is made possible through the generosity of our amazing community donors. Thank you for helping us support local families!

Inglés como segundo idioma (ESL)

Ubicación: Family Resource Center

251 N Parachute Ave. Parachute, Co 81635

8/24/26 - 11/11/26 los lunes y miercoles de 7pm-8:30pm

Para más información o registrarse, comuníquese con Melisa al 970-625-6901

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English as a Second Language (ESL)

Location: Family Resource Center

251 N Parachute Ave. Parachute, CO 81635

8/24/26 - 11/11/26 Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm-8:30pm

For more information or to register, please contact Melisa at 970-625-6901

Garfield County Public Health and the Healthy Beverages Partnership are working together to reduce sugary drink consumption across Colorado. The goals are to reduce sugary drink marketing in public spaces and restaurants, decrease the availability of sugary drinks to children, and improve healthy options for families. Additionally, the partnership provides education about the relationship between chronic diseases and sugary drink consumption. The Healthy Beverage Partnership is funded through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Pulmonary Disease Grant Program.

For more information, visit the Garfield County Public Health Healthy Beverages webpage by following this link: https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/public-health/healthy-beverages/

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

If you have any questions please call the district nurse at 970-285-5707

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 your student(s) wish to ride the bus to and/or from school, you must fill out a Bus Registration Form and return it to your child's school. Here is a link to the form: Bus Registration Form.

All bus registration forms are due before September 11, 2026.

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.

On behalf of Headwaters Housing Partners, I am sharing a link to their Roan Flats waiting list. This is the new apartment complex that was the old Parachute Inn. If you would like more information, please fill out the form and their property management team will get back to you. **

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En nombre de Headwaters Housing Partners, comparto un enlace a su lista de espera para Roan Flats. Este es el nuevo complejo de departamentos que fue el antiguo Parachute Inn. Si deseas más información, por favor llena el formulario y su equipo de administración te responderá. **

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.