NEWSLETTER
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
WELCOME TO THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
Dear Center Schools Families,
Welcome to September! We are excited to begin a new month filled with learning, growth, activities, and opportunities for our students and families. In this newsletter, you will find important school updates, upcoming events, resources, important dates, and ways to stay connected with Center Schools.
Thank you for being an important part of our Viking Family! Your involvement and support make a difference in the success of our students. We look forward to a great month together!
Go Vikings! 💙
THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Every Day Counts! / ¡Cada Día Cuenta!
Regular school attendance is one of the most important things families can do to support their child’s education. When students attend school consistently, they have more opportunities to learn, participate in classroom activities, build relationships with teachers and classmates, and stay on track academically.
Missing just a few days can make it harder for students to keep up with lessons and assignments. Over time, absences can create learning gaps that become more difficult to overcome.
How Families Can Help
- Encourage your child to attend school every day and arrive on time.
- Establish a consistent bedtime and morning routine.
- Prepare backpacks, clothing, and school materials the night before.
- Schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Talk with your child about the importance of being present and ready to learn.
- Contact the school if your family needs help overcoming attendance challenges.
Remember: Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Together, families and schools can help every student make attendance a priority!
SLV COLLEGE FAIR 2026
SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
LET'S WELCOME OUR SUPERINTENDENT BENJAMIN DUTTON TO CENTER SCHOOLS
Mr. Dutton brings nearly 20 years of experience as an educational leader, including service as a secondary principal, rural Colorado superintendent, and university administrator. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Nebraska and Colorado State University, respectively, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He is licensed to teach vocational business in Arizona and holds K–12 principal and administrator licenses in Colorado.
Dutton currently serves as Rural Prosperity Lead Educator in the University of Nebraska system, where he leads regional initiatives focused on workforce readiness, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and community vitality. Throughout his career, he has worked to connect schools with the broader community and expand opportunities for students both in and beyond the classroom.
Dutton is a relationship-first leader who believes trust and communication are the foundation of successful schools. He enjoys getting to know people, listening to their stories, and working collaboratively to move organizations forward. He is especially passionate about helping districts create meaningful pathways for students beyond high school while continuing to strengthen day-to-day classroom learning.
Having spent much of his life in rural communities, Dutton values the role schools play as the heart of the community. He and his wife, Janet, both speak Spanish and value living in multicultural communities, recognizing the important role culture and community play in student success. Outside of work, Dutton and his family enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors. He is excited about the opportunity to become part of the Center community.
Ben Dutton said, “I am honored and excited to join the Center community. Throughout this process, I was impressed by the pride, resilience, and strong sense of family that exists throughout the district and community. It is clear that Center cares deeply about its students and their future. I look forward to building strong relationships, listening and learning from the community, and working together to provide outstanding opportunities for every student.”
“Benjamin Dutton emerged from this process as a leader of strong character, deep experience, and clear commitment to students, staff, and community. The Board is confident he has the leadership qualities, values, and vision needed to serve Center Consolidated School District well,” Kimberlee Duran, Board President.
The Board of Education thanks the staff, students, families, community members, and search consultants who contributed their time, perspectives, and support throughout this important process. Their engagement played a vital role in helping the Board identify the leadership qualities, priorities, and experiences most important to the future of Center Consolidated School District.
WE WANT TO HEAR YOU OPINION, PLEASE FILL OUT THE CELLPHONE SURVEY
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
September 15 – October 15
Celebrating Our Roots, Culture, and Community
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the history, traditions, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. It is an opportunity to learn about our countries, music, art, food, languages, and the people who have made a difference in our society.
At our school, we invite students and families to celebrate their heritage, share their traditions, and learn from one another. Our diversity makes us stronger, and our culture is an important part of who we are.
💙💙 FAMILY ACTIVITY💙💙
Share Your Culture!
As a family, prepare a traditional meal, listen to music, share a family story, or learn about a Hispanic person who has inspired others.
Let's celebrate our roots and our diversity! 🌎🎉
VIKING RESOURCE CLOSET COMING SOON
EXPLORE A CAREER IN HEALTHCARE!
Explore a Career in Healthcare!
SLV AHEC invites 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students interested in healthcare careers to join a year-long program.
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Learn from healthcare professionals.
- Connect with students from across Colorado.
- Participate in virtual or in-person sessions every 4–6 weeks.
- Build their resume and prepare for college.
Students who complete 3 or more sessions may apply to the H.O.P.E. Institute at UCCS and Anschutz Medical Campus. There is no cost to students; room and board are covered.
📅 First session: Monday, September 14, 2026
📲 Applications are now open! Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply.
SAT WILL BE GIVEN AT CENTER SCHOOLS
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the SAT will be given at Center Schools. It will begin at 8:00 with signing in and is expected to last a little over two hours. If you are a junior or senior and would like to sign up to take the test, sign in to your College Board account or come to take a picture of the QR code on the poster by my office. You will most likely be able to use one of your fee waivers if you have not used all of them if you want to test. Some of the scholarships like the Boettcher or Daniels Fund Scholarship want your scores, so if you want to improve them, you would need to test/retest before the scholarship deadline. Sign up for the October test is September 18, 2026. This is the only time we will offer a weekend test at school. If you want to take the test in the spring, you will need to sign up to take it somewhere else.
Adele Alfson, Counselor
Center High School/Skoglund Middle School
550 S. Sylvester Avenue
Center, CO 81125
(719) 754-2232
FUTURE GRIZZLY WEEKEND AT ADAMS STATE OCT. 2ND-4TH
OUT- OF -SCHOOL- TIME ( OST) SURVEY
HELP SHAPE FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENT & FAMILIES
Help Shape Future Opportunities for Our Students & Families
We invite students ages 11 and older, parents/caregivers, and educators to participate in a regional survey about out-of-school-time (OST) opportunities across the San Luis Valley. Your feedback will help partners understand what activities, programs, career experiences, and resources students and families want and need. The information will also help support regional priorities such as industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning (WBL), and concurrent enrollment, while identifying opportunities for internships, career-connected experiences, and other pathways. Survey responses can also help bring additional funding and resources to our region so more youth and families can access affordable opportunities.
There are three surveys available: Student Survey (ages 11+), Parent/Caregiver Survey (K–12), and Educator/Provider Survey. Please share your voice and help us plan opportunities that reflect what our communities want.
The goal is to collect as many responses as possible by September 4.
English Survey: https://bgcslv.paperform.co
Your voice matters! Together, we can help shape future opportunities and bring more resources to students and families throughout the San Luis Valley.
TAKE THE SAT AT OUR SCHOOL!!!
🎓 TAKE THE SAT AT OUR SCHOOL!
REGISTER BY SEPT. 18TH
REGÍSTRATE A MÁS TARDAR EL 18 DE SEPTIEMBRE.
¡TOMA EL SAT EN NUESTRA ESCUELA!
MAKE YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION STAND OUT!
Make your college application stronger with the SAT.
¡HAZ QUE TU SOLICITUD UNIVERSITARIA SE DESTAQUE!
Fortalece tu solicitud universitaria con el SAT.
THE SAT COULD BE FREE!
¡EL SAT PODRÍA SER GRATIS!
You may qualify for a FREE SAT waiver!
Check to see if you are eligible.
¡Podrías calificar para una exención GRATUITA del SAT!
¡Verifica si eres elegible!
GET READY FOR THE SAT!
¡PREPÁRATE PARA EL SAT!
Download your FREE SAT Study Plan and get started today!
¡Descarga tu PLAN DE ESTUDIO GRATUITO para el SAT y comienza hoy!
$40,000 EVERY MONTH!
¡$40,000 CADA MES!
TWO STUDENTS CAN WIN $40,000 EVERY MONTH!
¡DOS ESTUDIANTES PUEDEN GANAR $40,000 CADA MES!
Scan the QR codes below to learn more and get started!
¡Escanea los códigos QR a continuación para obtener más información y comenzar!
SCAN • LEARN • PREPARE • SUCCEED
ESCANEA • INFÓRMATE • PREPÁRATE • TRIUNFA
[ QR CODE ]
FREE SAT STUDY PLAN
PLAN DE ESTUDIO GRATUITO DEL SAT
[ QR CODE ]
$40K MONTHLY OPPORTUNITY
OPORTUNIDAD DE $40,000 AL MES
🎓 YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW!
🎓 ¡TU FUTURO COMIENZA AHORA!
Take the SAT. Prepare for college. Invest in your future.
Toma el SAT. Prepárate para la universidad. Invierte en tu futuro.
Bullying & Harassment Reporting Form
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. To help us address concerns quickly and effectively, we have a Bullying and Harassment Reporting Form available for students, parents, and staff.
This form allows anyone to confidentially report incidents of bullying, harassment, or unsafe behavior so that school staff can respond appropriately and provide support to all students involved.
Your voice matters. Working together, we can ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and respected at school.
Thank you for your continued support in creating a positive school community.
STAY CONNECTED WITH INFINITE CAMPUS
Infinite Campus is an important tool for families to stay informed about their child's education. Parents can use it to check grades, attendance, assignments, schedules, and school information.
Make it a habit to check Infinite Campus regularly. Staying informed allows families to celebrate successes, identify concerns early, and communicate with teachers when additional support is needed.
Need help accessing your account? Please contact the school for assistance.
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
September : Important Dates for Students & Families
📅 IMPORTANT DATES – SEPTEMBER 2026
DateImportant DayFamily Engagement Idea
September 7🇺🇸 Labor DayEnjoy Family Time! Take time to relax, talk, and enjoy an activity together.
September 8📚 International Literacy DayRead Together! Spend 15–20 minutes reading with your child or talking about a favorite book.
September 11🇺🇸 Patriot Day & National Day of RemembranceTake a moment as a family to remember and honor those affected by September 11.
September 15🇲🇽 Start of Hispanic Heritage Month*Celebrate Our Heritage! Share a family story, tradition, recipe, song, or cultural tradition with your children.
September 17🇺🇸 Constitution Day Talk with your student about what it means to be a responsible and active member of the community.
September 18🎉 National Arts in Education Week begins*Encourage your child to draw, paint, dance, make music, or express themselves creatively.
September 21☮️ International Day of Peace. Choose Kindness! Ask your child: “What is one thing we can do to make our school and community more peaceful?”
September 26📖 Native American Day*Learn about and appreciate the history and cultures of Native American communities.
September 28🏫 National Family Health & Fitness Day*Get active together! Take a walk, play outside, or choose a fun family activity.
*Some observances have dates or recognition periods that vary by organization or state.
STUDENT CHALLENGE AND FAMILY CHALLANGE
STUDENT CHALLENGE / DESAFÍO PARA ESTUDIANTES
“20 Days of Success / 20 Días de Éxito”
Challenge yourself to complete one positive action each school day:
- Read for 15 minutes / Lee durante 15 minutos.
- Complete your homework / Completa tu tarea.
- Ask a question in class / Haz una pregunta en clase.
- Help a classmate / Ayuda a un compañero.
- Say something positive to someone / Dile algo positivo a alguien.
- Take a break from your phone / Tómate un descanso del celular.
Family Challenge / Desafío Familiar
“15 Minutes Together / 15 Minutos Juntos”
Spend 15 minutes together each day without phones or distractions. Talk, read, cook, walk, play a game, or simply ask your child about their day.
HS VOLLEYBALL 2026 SCHEDULE
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE
Wrestling
The complete wrestling schedule will be released closer to the start of the season.
Mark Your Calendars
· January 29-30 – Valley Classic Wrestling Tournament (Hosted by Center)
Baseball
The baseball schedule will be released closer to the spring season.
Track & Field
The track and field schedule will also be released closer to the spring season.
We are excited for another outstanding year of Center Viking Athletics! We hope to see our community packing the stands, cheering on our student-athletes, and helping make Viking Nation one of the best places to compete.
Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose!
Go Vikings!
MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
MIDDLE SCHOOL VIKING FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
GUNS VIOLENCE PREVENTION MATERIAL
BREAKFAST MENU
LUNCH MENU
SOCIAL COMPASS
Bullying is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares, or threatens another person on purpose. It can happen in many ways, like:
Physical bullying – hitting, pushing, or taking someone’s things.
Verbal bullying – name-calling, teasing, or saying mean things.
Social or relational bullying – spreading rumors, excluding someone, or embarrassing them in front of others.
Cyberbullying – using phones, social media, or the internet to say mean things or hurt someone.
The key part is that it’s intentional and happens more than once, making the person feel unsafe or unhappy.
Warning Signs of Bullying |
Unexplained injuries, lost belongings, sudden changes in mood or behavior, and avoidance of school.
What to Do
Tell a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, parent)
Don’t retaliate or bully back
Support the person being bullied
Keep evidence if online
Remember
Bullying is never the victim’s fault. Everyone deserves respect and safety.
COUNSELING RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
CROSSING GUARDS VOLUNTEERS
FREE MEALS
LInda's Newsletter
PLEASE TAKE OUR TWO MINUTE SURVEY
DISCTRIC CALENDAR
PICS
PARENTS INVOLVED FOR CENTER STUDENTS
PICS CALENDAR FOR 2026-2027
WE WILL POST A ZOOM LINK FOR OUR ACADEMIES PLEASE JOIN US.
HOUSING FORM
HAVEN'T FILLED OUT THE HOUSING FORM? PLEASE COME TO THE SCHOOL AND PICK ONE UP. THANK YOU
NEED SCHOOL SUPPLIES? ASK FOR BANNING
CELL PHONE POLICY
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
Keeping Our Schools Safe
At Center Schools, student safety is always our top priority. Like most schools across the country, we use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).
This is a simple and clear plan that helps everyone—students, staff, and families—know what to do in different situations.
We want you, as parents, to feel confident knowing that your child is learning and practicing these safety steps throughout the year.
👉 [https://iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html]
✅ The 5 SRP Actions
Hold – Students stay in their classroom while hallways are kept clear.
Secure – Everyone comes inside; learning continues as normal.
Lockdown – Doors locked, lights out, students stay quiet and out of sight.
Evacuate – Students move safely to another location (like during a fire drill).
Shelter – Students take safety steps for severe weather or hazards.
By practicing these steps, students and staff are prepared and ready—helping us create a safe place for learning every day.
PARENTS WAYS TO GET INVOLVED AT CENTER SCHOOLS
CAFECITOS
We’re excited to share that our school is working on bringing our fun Cafecitos to the warehouses! We’ve started planning and are just waiting for the green light to get things rolling. We can’t wait to connect, chat, and share some good vibes with even more of our amazing team. We’re also looking forward to meeting with our wonderful families and community—see you soon for coffee and conversation!
NEW APP
SECONDARY AND ELEMENTARY PARENT ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT TIP OF THE MONTH
You don't need hours of conversation to stay connected with your child. Taking a few minutes each day to talk can make a big difference.
Try asking:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What did you learn today?
- Was anything difficult today?
- Is there anything you need help with?
Showing interest in your child's school day helps them feel supported and reminds them that their education matters.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT CORNER
Connecting Families. Supporting Students. Building Success Together.
Dear Families,
My name is Dalia Molina, and I am honored to serve as your Middle and High School Parent Engagement Coordinator. My goal is to build strong partnerships between home and school so that every student has the support they need to succeed.
Parent engagement is more than attending events — it is about communication, collaboration, and connection. When families and schools work together, students achieve more academically, socially, and emotionally.
Throughout the year, I will:
Provide helpful resources and parenting support
Host parent workshops and family nights
Connect families with community services
Support communication between parents and school staff
Encourage family involvement in school activities
You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Your voice, your involvement, and your partnership matter.
If you ever have questions, need support, or want to get involved, please reach out. I look forward to working together to make this a successful school year for our students and families.
Together, we are stronger.
Warmly,
Dalia Molina
Parent Engagement
