Center of Focus

May the 4th be with you, 2025

Focus on the Fabulous

We’re thrilled to recognize two outstanding staff members whose dedication and heart continue to shape the success of our students and school community.

Laurice Butler – Center School District Educator of the Year

With 34 years in education, Laurice Butler is the definition of excellence. A master of language arts instruction, Laurice creates a classroom environment where every child feels valued, heard, and supported. Her student-centered approach, deep content knowledge, and tireless dedication to instructional time make her a true standout. Laurice has a natural ability to connect-with students, colleagues, and the broader school community. She is approachable, easygoing, and carries a consistently positive attitude. Despite her veteran status, she has never lost her love for learning or her drive to inspire. 

Beyond the classroom, Laurice shows up for kids at games, extracurriculars, and academic events, living out the Viking spirit each day. Her warmth, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make her an irreplaceable part of our district. Congratulations, Laurice!

Misty Lambert – SLV Support Person of the Year

A newly added category in the SLV annual recognition honors those who make a difference beyond the traditional classroom, and Misty Lambert is the perfect example. As our Secondary MTSS Coordinator, Misty greets students every morning with a personal greeting and friendly smile, building a culture of belonging. Her work ensures that all students, especially the most at-risk, get the academic, social, and emotional support they need. Misty’s leadership on the District Ownership Team, her professional development efforts, and her statewide recognition for MTSS work speak volumes. Misty is a true champion for kids and a vital force in our school community.

Let’s celebrate these two amazing staff members who go above and beyond every day!

Haskin Elementary Spring Concert Hits All the Right Notes

One of the most beloved traditions at Center Schools is the Haskin Elementary Spring Concert, and this year’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Under the direction of Mr. Swanson, students took the stage confidently, showcasing their musical talents through song, dance, rhythm, and pure enthusiasm.

The concert was a fun celebration of student creativity and growth, from harmonizing vocals to choreographed movement.

Mr. Swanson once again choreographed and directed a performance that had the audience smiling, clapping, and cheering throughout the night.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mr. Swanson and everyone who supported the production behind the scenes. Your efforts helped create another memorable event that brought our school community together and gave our students a chance to shine.

This concert continues to be a highlight of the year!

Vikings in the News!!

The Center Vikings Wrestling Team has once again made us proud by earning top honors from the All-Southern Plains League. Center was named Team of the Year, solidifying our program’s reputation for excellence and dedication. The team also secured eight All-League selections, including five First Team honors.

Aaron Valadez led the pack with dual honors as a First Team selection and Co-Wrestler of the Year. He was joined on the First Team by Martin Palma, Nicolas Palma, Andree Meraz, and Caden Ruggles. Michael Archuleta earned a well-deserved spot on the Second Team, while Derriq Thompson and Noah Swanson were recognized with Honorable Mentions for their strong performances throughout the season.

Adding to the celebration, our own Coach Jose Chavez was named Coach of the Year—a testament to his leadership, passion, and commitment to his athletes. We are incredibly proud of our wrestling program and the student-athletes who continue to represent the Viking spirit with excellence, sportsmanship, and heart.  Way to go, Vikings!

Our wrestlers weren’t the only ones making headlines. Center Schools was also recognized statewide for excellence in family and community engagement. At the annual state FSCP (Family, School, Community Partnership) conference in Estes Park, the team was honored for having the most examples of parent engagement strategies in the state.

Representing the district at the conference were Brisa Macias, Dalia Molina, Stephanie Rodriguez, Misty Lambert, and Sharon Valadez. These five dedicated team members work tirelessly to build strong, meaningful connections between families, the school, and broader community. Their work has not only benefited our students and families but is now being used as a model for other districts across Colorado.

We are proud of their efforts, leadership, and impact. Their passion continues to move our district forward and reflects the best of what we stand for in Center Schools.

District Ownership Plan at Work

Priority #1 – Curriculum and Instruction

Goal: CCSD staff lead rigorous, engaging, collaborative learning experiences that align with CCSD Instructional Expectations in every classroom.

A shout out to Chris Hintz for supporting the district in the big job of District Assessment Coordinator.  Chris did an excellent job making sure that our annual CMAS tests ran smoothly, and she is currently working to get everything in place for the end-of-year NWEA testing. Our last PLC of the year took place on Thursday.  Ashley Lane helped to coordinate the end-of-year data analysis related to the writing sweeps at the elementary school.  Students participated in a week-long writing process that included planning, drafting, editing/revising, and publishing.  This activity was meant to encourage students in the writing process and showcase student work. 

Priority #2 – Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR)

Goal: CCSD develops hard-working learners who are contributors, problem solvers, effective communicators, and empowered to thrive in today’s world.

Over the weekend, the Parents Involved in Center Schools (PICS) team continued their annual tradition by taking fourteen families and students on a college visit to the University of Colorado Boulder. This ongoing initiative offers students and their families a meaningful opportunity to experience college life firsthand. Families become more informed and confident in supporting their children's postsecondary journeys by exploring a university campus, learning about college programs, and understanding the admissions process.

This experience is vital in making college a real and tangible possibility for all students in our district. Beyond the campus tour, the group enjoyed time together by dining out and visiting local attractions—this year’s trip included a fun and educational visit to the aquarium.

The PICS college visits are a valuable component of our Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) efforts, helping ensure that every student is equipped with the knowledge and experiences needed to explore all options available after high school.

Priority #3 – Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Goal: Maintain high expectations for student learning and behavior, with structures in place to support all students’ academic and behavioral needs.

Students who have demonstrated positive behavior throughout the school year—academically, socially, and behaviorally—are being recognized with a special end-of-year reward: a trip to a Colorado Rockies game! This past week, qualifying middle and high school students enjoyed a fun-filled day at the ballpark. Next week, our Haskin Elementary students who earned the same recognition will get their turn to celebrate.

Congratulations to these students for exemplifying what it means to be a Viking! Your hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to making good choices have not gone unnoticed.

Priority #4 – Recruitment and Retention (R&R)

Goal: Recruit, train, and retain highly qualified teachers—because effective educators are the single most important school-based factor in student success.

I mean… why wouldn’t you want to work here???

Fast Forward

Calendar Dates- We are getting into all the activities and events associated with the end of the year.  Make sure to get these dates on your calendar! 

Monday, May 5th- Cinco de Mayo, Teacher Appreciation Week, SLV Superintendent Planning Retreat, Staff Potluck, MLT, Health Open Enrollment Meeting @ 4:00 pm in library, CHS Athletic Awards

Tuesday, May 6th- Teacher Appreciation Week, Secondary Universal Writing Assessment, NWEA Testing, Senior Showcase, CHS Academic Awards @ 6:00 pm- Auditorium

Wednesday, May 7th- Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurse Appreciation Week, Rural Alliance, Opportunity Coalition, NWEA Testing, SLV Superintendents PLC, CNA Pinning @ 6:30 pm- Auditorium, SLV Educator of the Year Banquet

Thursday, May 8th- Teacher Appreciation, Nurse Appreciation, Elementary Rockies Trip, PWR Meeting with CEI, NHS Induction- Auditorium

Saturday, May 10th- Prom- 7:30 pm- Main Gym, Commons

Monday, May 12th- End of Year Band Concert- 6:30- 7:30 pm- Aux Gym

Tuesday, May 13th- HS Day Awards- 8-10 am- Auditorium

Wednesday, May 14th- Senior Walk-11:15 am, Senior Exit Interviews- 9-11 am

Thursday, May 15th- 5th Grade Continuation-1:30-3:00 pm- Auditorium, Author Art Show- 5-7 pm

Tuesday, May 20th- Kindergarten Graduation

Wednesday, May 21st- MS Awards- 8-10 am, 8th Grade Continuation- 7:00 pm

Thursday, May 22nd- Preschool Graduation @6:00 pm- Auditorium- Haskin Field Day, CHS Graduation Practice

Saturday, May 24th - CHS Graduation- 10 am- Main Gym