Garfield 16 Gazette

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Student transportation safety is the top priority. Over the past six months, Garfield 16 has been evaluating the condition of its school buses and small vehicle fleet. Garfield 16 is balancing the cost of purchasing new buses with the ongoing cost of maintenance on its current buses. Garfield 16 is also evaluating the pros and cons of diesel, gas, propane, and electric buses for regular routes and activity trips. Propane buses are the best option for the District based on the needs.

Garfield 16 purchased two school buses and one minibus in March of 2025. The school buses are propane buses, and the initial plan was for the District to lease a propane station that would be located at the transportation building.

Because of the cost for new buses, Garfield 16 explores grant funding to offset the full cost of additional buses to add to the fleet. In September 2025, Garfield 16 submitted a grant application to the Federal Mineral Lease District for two propane buses and the purchase a propane filling station. If awarded, the District would receive a grant for $323,717 and have to contribute a 30% match of $138,736. A district-owned propane station enables the District to purchase propane at wholesale and reduce the operating costs for transportation.

Garfield 16 will also add a white fleet minibus that can be used for activity trips only.

Garfield 16's goal is to refresh and update the transportation fleet to provide safe and reliable transportation for our students.

On September 9th, the School Board voted to cancel the school board election for 2025. Garfield 16 met the statutory requirements for the cancelation by having either three candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates for the three vacant positions. Mr. Brent Baker and Mr. Samuel Stewart will continue to serve on the school board, and Ms. Hunter Long will take the oath to serve on the school board in November.

Superintendent Jennifer Baugh presented the preliminary assessment results from the Colorado spring assessments. Garfield 16 maintained the same accountability status from 2024 to 2025 as Accredited with Improvement Plan. The two main areas for improvement continue to be meeting the academic achievement and participation in the assessments. Garfield 16 demonstrates academic growth by the time the students reach the high school.

The presentation included data about the performance of subgroups, such as students receiving free or reduced lunch and English language learners. Over the course of their education at the elementary schools and middle school, these students start to close the gap in their academic growth.

Garfield 16 has made an investment in updating core and elective curriculum as well as recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers. School districts provide numerous services to their communities. Academic achievement and growth are the most important service is preparing students for their futures. As new curriculum resources are implemented this school year, Garfield 16 anticipates a positive trend in its state accountability ratings.

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

• September- Resource Center Halloween Costume Drive- drop off Halloween costumes you no longer use to the Resource Center (251 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute, CO 81635)

• Sept. 23-27: Homecoming Week

• Sept. 24: GVHS Chili Cook Off 5:30 pm, Studman, Powderpuff, Bonfire, Car Smash 6PM - 11PM.

• Sept. 25: GVHS Homecoming Volleyball Game C-Team 4PM, JV 5PM, V 6PM

• Sept. 26:

  • EARLY RELEASE FOR HOMECOMING PARADE
  • CFL AM Pre K & All Day Pre-K Release at 11:10 am. No PM preschool
  • CFL K/1 & BUE Students Released at 11:30 AM.
  • GVMS & GVHS Students Released at 12:30 PM.
  • All students will be fed breakfast AND lunch
  • PM Cardinal Club CANCELLED. AM Cardinal Club as normal.

• Sept. 26: Homecoming Parade 2:30pm on Cardinal Way (theme: Blast from the Past), GVHS Community Pep Assembly 3PM, Tailgate 4:30PM - 6PM, and Football Game 7PM

• Sept. 27: GVHS Disco Fever Homecoming Dance- GVHS student only. St. John's District Administration Building 8PM.

• Sept. 30 - Oct. 3: GVMS Smiles for Students

• Oct. 2: GVHS 10th & 11th Grades at Career Expo at Rifle Fairgrounds

• Oct. 3-4: Festi-Fall- OHV trail rides, parade, games, cornhole tournament, live music, food trucks, and more. Find more information at https://parachutefestifall.com/. Register for the Cornhole Tournament, a fundraiser for the Grand Valley Educational Foundation, at https://share.scoreholio.com/pGi9XoEMeWb

• Oct. 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

• Oct. 17: End of 1st Quarter

• Oct. 23: GVMS Fall Pictures and Retakes

• Oct. 25: Trunk-R-Treat at Grand Valley Recreation Center

• Oct. 25: Key Club Halloween Carnival

• Oct. 31: CFL Coffee with the Principals 9-9:45AM

• Oct. 31: Trick-R-Treat Street 4:30PM-6PM and Monster Mash 6PM-8PM. Both at BUE (0741 Tamarisk Trail, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635)

• Nov. 3-7: BUE's Scholastic Book Fair

• Nov. 3: Parent/Teacher Conferences K-12

• Nov 4: Parent/Teacher Conferences K-5. NO SCHOOL CFL & BUE. GVMS & GVHS IN-SESSION AS NORMAL.

• Nov. 11: 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

• Nov. 21: CFL's Harvest Feast

• Nov. 24-28: FALL BREAK- NO SCHOOL, NO CARDINAL CLUB, SBFRC CLOSED.

• Dec. 5: CFL's Coffee with Principals 9-9:45AM

• Dec. 9: 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

• Dec. 10: GVHS Winter Concert 7PM

• Dec. 19: End of 2nd Quarter

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

Town of Parachute's Fall Festival! OHV Trail Rides, parde, community campfire, Buck Fever 5K Fun Run, games for kids, free music, food truck, and much more!

Register for the Cornhole Tournament, a fundraiser for the Grand Valley Educational Foundation, at https://share.scoreholio.com/pGi9XoEMeWb

Join us at BUE on October 31st for the Trick-or-Treat Street with free candy, free hot dogs provided by Alpine Bank, and a Monster Mash costume and dance party hosted by the Parachute Branch Library. Come see us for free food, free candy, games, prizes, and much more!

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!

Happy Fall! Leaf peeping season is some of the best times to get outside because of the cool temperatures and easy access to everything pumpkin spice.

Due to a low snowpack last winter and a warm, dry summer, the colors will be changing a little earlier than usual.

Whether you're driving along Grand Mesa or hiking up to fish the Battlement Reservoir, we hope you get to embrace the golden glow of Fall in the Rockies.

Recently, the GVHS outdoor club took a Fall camping trip on Grand Mesa. High School students cooked, camped, stayed warm in the rain, fished and hiked over two nights. This was a great way for students to share their skills and teach one another how to enjoy and connect with nature.

Students at GVMS are kicking off the school year by getting their hands dirty in the growing dome. Mr. Steckle’s Advisory class was in there today pulling weeds and harvesting a summer crop of carrots, greens and potato’s. More classes are set to join in as Officer Miller aims to make Friday morning gardening a year round activity.

Coming later this month, Grand Valley Middle and High School students are invited to join us for a day of downhill mountain biking at Powderhorn on September 28th. Space is limited so please grab a permission slip from the front office and return it to reserve your spot.

We are excited to be working with the Town of Parachute and Grand Valley Parks and Rec. to contribute some fun activities at the Festiv-Fall on October 4th. We will be hosting the third annual Buck Fever 5K in the morning and a 3D archery clinic in the afternoon. Please check out parachutefestifall.com for more information.

Keep an eye out for more events, weekend trips and expeditions to come. Until then, enjoy the colors!

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.

September Events

Halloween Costume Drive – Donate gently used or new costumes to help local kids celebrate!

Clothing Distribution – Free clothing for those in need, while supplies last.

Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on all our programs and events! Garfield County School District NO. 16 School-Based Family Resource Center

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

School-Based Family Resource Center

• 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.

Enjoy the Parachute Branch Library’s seasonal series of hands-on adult craft workshops where each session features a unique and engaging project, from traditional techniques to modern, eco-friendly designs. There will be three Saturday sessions: September 20 featuring Japanese kumihimo braiding, October 18 featuring beaded wire jewelry, and November 15 featuring upcycled melted glass jar succulent garden. All will run from 2 to 4 p.m. and no experience is needed. Free, but space is limited. Register by visiting or calling the library at 970-285-970. Bring your creativity and enjoy an inspiring afternoon of crafting!

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.