March 9, 2025
Focus on the Fabulous- Vikings in Action
Both of our Viking Basketball teams showcased their hard work and determination at the regional basketball tournaments this past weekend. The Lady Vikings secured an impressive 30-21 victory over Dayspring Christian in the first round, advancing to the second day of play. While both teams’ seasons came to an end this weekend, we are incredibly proud of their dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit throughout the year. Way to go, Vikings!
In addition to athletic achievements, we are proud of the continued efforts to support student wellness at Center Schools. Wendy Murillo, our district nurse, coordinated dental screenings for our students with the help of Mobile Smiles. Over 60 students received screenings, reinforcing our commitment to Core Belief #2: With our support, all students can be successful and achieve at high levels.
By addressing the whole child, including their health and well-being, we are ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive. Thank you to our nurses and the Mobile Smiles team for their dedication to keeping our students healthy and ready to learn.
Students demonstrated their creative and artistic talents by decorating our district crane, which will be displayed on the main drag in Monte Vista throughout the annual crane festival. Thanks to Mrs. Alfson for sponsoring the crane for our district this year.
District Ownership Plan at Work
Priority #1- Curriculum and Instruction: CCSD staff lead rigorous, engaging, collaborative learning experiences in every classroom aligned with CCSD Instructional Expectations.
Center High School students participated in the 2025 State Envirothon Competition this past week. Competing for the first time, our students impressed sponsors Ms. Archuleta and Mr. Roberts with their dedication and effort. Both coaches expressed pride in the team's performance and are excited to see our students compete again next year.
The competition challenged students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address environmental issues and identify species. Students tackled questions in five key areas: Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and this year’s current issue — Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change.
We are proud of our participating students for their hard work and dedication: Ezekiel Hernandez, J.J. Morales-Guzman, Romeo Villagomez, Kort Beiriger, Jose Cendejas, Derriq Thompson Baker, Jose Tomas-Lopez, Johnny Fager, and Eric Segura.
Congratulations to our Envirothon team for representing Center High School so well!
Priority #2 Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR): CCSD seeks to develop hard-working learners that are contributors, problem solvers, effective communicators, future-ready, and empowered with the skills necessary to meet and handle the challenges they will face in today’s world.
Haskin Elementary students recently participated in their second ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) event of the school year, which featured their first-ever career fair. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Jerica Gonzalez, students had the opportunity to explore a variety of careers in an engaging and meaningful way.
Over the past few weeks, students researched a career of their choice, learning about the required skills and education, daily job responsibilities, potential earnings, and unique facts about their chosen profession. They showcased their findings by creating detailed presentation boards.
On Thursday, students proudly presented their projects to fellow students and staff, demonstrating their hard work and newfound knowledge.
Meanwhile, SMS and CHS students participated in ICAP activities featuring dynamic presentations from Cool Speak, an organization that partners with our district to inspire and empower students. Through engaging presentations and interactive workshops, students gained valuable insights and left feeling motivated and energized.
Priority #3- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): CCSD will maintain high expectations for student learning and behavior. Structures are in place to support academic and behavioral needs of all students.
All staff participated in Parent Teacher Conferences this past week. Misty Lambert, our secondary MTSS Coordinator, and Mike Martinez, our 9th-grade success coach, shared with families our PBIS process and the support we have in place to help students be successful.
Our family, school, and community partnership is integral to our educational program. We work hard to involve and partner with families and the community to provide students with the best education possible.
The ARC/CVA and PICS hosted a family informational night for their students and family members. The evening included dinner and an informational session on parents' rights. There was a great turnout, and the information provided was valuable to those who attended.
Amanda Alanis is a valued member of our CLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) team, and her dedication to supporting our students is truly appreciated.
At the start of the semester, Amanda worked diligently to ensure our middle school students completed their ACCESS testing. In addition to providing direct instruction and valuable support to students developing their English language skills, Amanda goes above and beyond to uplift her colleagues. Earlier this month, she shared some special treats with her team — a thoughtful gesture that reflects her positive spirit and commitment to building community.
Priority #4- Recruitment and Retention:
CCSD is committed to attracting the best and brightest to teach our students. Our goal is to recruit, train, and retain highly qualified teachers. Effective educators are the single most important school-based factor in determining student success.
Ownership in Action: Building a Positive Culture and Climate
As part of our retention efforts, we are committed to building and sustaining a positive culture and climate in our district. Through our ownership work — where everyone contributes to the greater good — several staff members have stepped up to strengthen our sense of community.
Mr. Swanson brought some fun to Haskin Elementary by organizing a baby picture guessing game. Staff submitted their baby photos, and colleagues enjoyed the challenge of identifying their peers — a great way to connect and share laughs.
Mrs. Mikeljack has been working closely with the local newspaper to highlight the many successes happening across our district. As a member of the Sunshine Committee, she and Joy Massey ensure we always have cards on hand for staff to sign — whether to celebrate milestones or offer support during difficult times. They also coordinated the spring door decorating contest!
Mrs. Quintana, Mrs. Stilly, and Mrs. Maldonado have done outstanding work preparing our recruitment gear for upcoming job fairs. Thanks to their efforts, our team looks polished and professional as we connect with potential new staff members.
Susan Banning coordinates the monthly birthday celebration for the secondary staff and she has been doing this for years. She makes sure to recognize staff during their birthday month and organizes special treats to be provided by and for the staff.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to our district’s positive momentum. Your dedication keeps the Viking ship afloat and moving forward — this is Ownership in Action!
Fast Forward
Calendar Dates
Monday, March 10th- 1st day of 4th quarter! Department Head Meeting, MLT Meeting
Tuesday, March 11th- Secondary B-day celebrations, CDE Superintendents Call, Superintendents Advisory Council, Meeting with Rep. Hurd, District Accountability Committee
Wednesday, March 12th- Rural Superintendent Advocacy, Opportunity Coalition, Superintendent PLC
Thursday, March 13th- Spring Negotiations, Calendar Committee, Center School OAC Meeting
Friday, March 14th- CHS Track @ Bayfield
March 17th- 21st- Spring Break!
Saturday, March 18th- CHS Baseball vs. Hoehne- DH in Trinidad
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