What's Up at Washington Square

In the fall, the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) partnered with Washington Square to host several leading industry representatives, including 21st Century Equipment, 4Rivers Equipment, AGCO Corporation, Bobcat of the Rockies, Ditch Witch, and Potestio Brothers Equipment. Students in Washington Square's Diesel and Welding programs had the chance to meet with these companies, participate in mock interviews, and even operate a mini-excavator.

Students took away several lessons from the day:

• Armando Jimenez Rodriguez ('28) appreciated discovering new career paths:
  “Honestly, all of these companies I didn’t even know existed until I took this program.”
  
  

• Ethan Harris ('28) valued the opportunity to network with future employers:
  “It’s always good to be able to talk to companies. We can get to know them and what they offer, and they get to know about us as future employees.”
  
  

• Joelyssa Schnepp ('28) summed up many students’ favorite part of the day—getting hands-on with the equipment.

What started as a passing conversation at a 5-Star Leadership Academy meeting during COVID, blossomed into one of Washington Square’s first major industry partnerships. In 2020, when Austin and Heather White heard Principal Marv Lewis sharing his vision for Washington Square, they immediately recognized the potential. As new business owners launching Iron Buffalo, they saw how collaborating with the school could benefit both students and their growing company—and they wanted to get involved from the ground up.

Since then, Iron Buffalo has become a vital part of Washington Square’s Diesel Technology Program. The company serves on the program’s advisory committee, consistently donates vehicles and supplies, sends industry professionals to guest-teach classes, and even brings in heavy machinery for hands-on demonstration days.

The partnership has paid off for both sides. One of the toughest challenges in the skilled trades is finding qualified technicians. Ian Matje, Iron Buffalo’s technical trainer and a former Washington Square Diesel instructor, put it plainly:

“Good techs don’t look around for jobs. You have to grow your own if you want to be successful.”

That’s exactly what Iron Buffalo set out to do. Their partnership with Washington Square has become a cornerstone of their technician development program. In addition to helping design the first- and second-year Diesel curriculum, Iron Buffalo also welcomed three of Washington Square’s first senior interns.

The results speak for themselves—today, over 10 Washington Square alumni have worked at Iron Buffalo with 7 currently employed. The steady pipeline of skilled Diesel technicians has fueled Iron Buffalo’s rapid growth, expanding from its original location in Denver to Kalispell, Montana, with plans to continue spreading across the Front Range—from Colorado Springs to Loveland and into the mountains.

Three of our programs (Construction, Diesel, and Welding) offer third-year internship opportunities. These following students are participating in industry internships where they work half a day at a local business while earning an hourly wage and get credit towards their high school graduation. Congratulations to all these students!

SkillsUSA held its monthly meeting and is excited to announce its newest officers:

• President - Krisy Munguia ('26)
• Vice President - Charly Cundari ('26)
• Secretary - Allie Pugh ('27)
• Treasurer - Metta Parodi ('26)
• Reporter - Joscelynn Hernandez Renteria ('26)
• Historian - Lorenzo Rotundo ('26)
• Parliamentarian - Landyn Peterson ('27)

SkillsUSA is wrapping up its giving campaign on Friday, December 12. All students and families are encouraged to participate in this meaningful effort to give back to our community. The initiative supports our local partner Hope House of Colorado with donations of essential items including clothing, hygiene products, food, and baby supplies, as well as toys for children. If you are able, please purchase these items and bring them to Washington Square so we can fill our trailer full of essentials and gifts. You can see the types of items needed here.

These contributions will directly benefit families in need, including teen mothers and their children. By taking part, students are making a positive impact in the lives of Adams County families while also strengthening the connection between Washington Square and our broader community. Thank you for your support!

Washington Square is excited to welcome its newest club Future Farmers of America (FFA).Through our local FFA chapter, our veterinary sciences students will have access to compete in state wide competitions, apply for scholarships, and connect with other veterinary like-minded students.

The inaugural club's officers are:

• President: Raelyn Del Real ('26)
• Vice President: Abbie Clarke ('26)
• Secretary: Bailey Cohen ('26)
• Treasurer: Mackenzie Castle ('26)
• Reporter: Emma Hickman ('26) & Mariah Salazar ('26)
• Sentinel: Aden Estrada ('26) & Thalia Ochoa ('26)

December 17 & 18 - Academic Support Day (8-3) - No Classes - NO BUSES

December 19 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Work Day

December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break

January 5 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Work Day

January 6 - Semester 2 Classes Begin

January 15 - Open House (4:30 to 7:30)

January 19 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 12 - Show Your Skills @ Parent Teacher Conferences (4 - 7)

February 16 - NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day

February 17 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Work Day

We would like to invite everyone in our community to join us for an open house at either one of the FutureForward CTE-focused campuses in our district: Washington Square and Bollman. Both campuses offer a variety of programs that focus on developing skills in several careers that are important in our community. From public service and healthcare to welding and transportation, we use industry standards and partners to develop relevant and timely information for students wishing to pursue these important jobs in our community.

When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026

Who: All community members, parents, students, and future and past students

Where:

FutureForward at Washington Square, 12521 Washington St., Thornton, 80241

&

FutureForward at Bollman, 9451 Washington St., Thornton, 80229

Click here for more information.

What's happening in each program

Washington Square and Adams 12 want to thank you for supporting 5B. Our superintendent Chris Gdowski said it best:

“The passage of 5B is not only a huge win for our students, it’s a win for our community. Thank you, voters! Your support of education is an investment in our community, opening new doors for our students and strengthening our future workforce.”

A special thank you comes from all the staff at Washington Square. We appreciate the belief you have in the power of CTE!

Cold weather is here! Be sure to give yourself more time when making it to school, be careful of icy roads and sidewalks, and wear warm winter clothing.

If the district determines that due to inclement weather we will operate on a 1-hour delayed start, FutureForward at Washington Square will have school, and will operate on a 1-hour delayed schedule. Buses will also be on a delayed bus schedule. Please check the bus schedule link for more detail.

If your student will be missing class, please communicate with Washington Square and their home high school. Our attendance guidelines are posted here.

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If you or your family are facing challenges this school year, Adams 12 is here to help. We offer a variety of resources, including health services, academic support, mental health services, and access to community programs.

For more information on available resources or how we can assist, please visit our district resource web page. We're here to support you!

Families who qualify for free or reduced benefits must reapply every year. Submitting this application may also waive some of your student’s required fees. Submit your application online at Adams 12 Five Star Schools.

Don’t miss out and apply now for Free and Reduced Benefits for the 2025-26 school year. Apply today on the SchoolCafe Family Hub.

Check out our new Facebook and Instagram pages! Give us a like and a follow at “FutureForward Washington Square."