Center of Focus

May 26th, 2025

Focus on the Fabulous

We did it! We wrapped up another successful school year at Center Schools, and the final week was as busy and exciting as ever, making every moment count.

This week was filled with celebrations, milestones, and memories as our students marked major educational transitions. From our littlest learners to our graduating seniors, each event reflected the growth, dedication, and future-focused mindset of our Viking community.

We kicked things off with our Kindergarten Graduation. With big smiles and even bigger dreams, our young learners crossed the bridge into first grade. As they shared their aspirations, whether it was to become a teacher, a police officer, an employee at McDonald's, or even an influencer, it reminded us of the power of dreams and the importance of nurturing them. They can achieve anything they set their minds to!

The celebrations continued with our 8th Grade Continuation Ceremony. Mr. Guerrero shared heartfelt words and offered advice as students prepare to take on high school.

Landry Neufeld, Melissa Sigala, and Johnathan Valadez were the student speakers who reflected on middle school memories and shared the meaningful events that stood out during their middle school careers.  

It was a wonderful tribute to their journey so far and a strong send-off to what lies ahead.

On Thursday, our preschoolers stole the show with singing, dancing, and plenty of personality!

It’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown—and though it tugs at the hearts of their families, it’s such an exciting step forward in their lives.

Then came the grand finale: Saturday’s High School Graduation. We honored 31 seniors who proudly crossed the stage and received their diplomas.

Parents, families, teachers, and staff, all of whom have supported these students along the way, cheered with pride. We are beyond proud of each of our graduates and can’t wait to see the incredible paths they will forge in the world.

In addition to all the ceremonies, there were some other fun events that took place.  Mrs. Enquist dedicated her spring to coaching and mentoring 3rd through 8th-grade girls in the Girls on the Run program.

This program is more than just running; it helps girls build confidence, learn life skills, and develop lasting friendships. With lessons focused on managing emotions, expressing empathy, and supporting each other, this program helps our girls grow into strong, resilient young leaders.

Our JV Knowledge Bowl Team placed 3rd at the end-of-year competition!

Way to exercise your minds Vikings!

As we close out the year, we reflect with gratitude and pride. It’s been a year full of learning, laughter, and growth. Thank you to everyone, students, families, and staff, who helped make this year successful. We’re already excited for what the future holds.

#VikingPride #CenterSchoolsStrong

District Ownership Plan at Work

Priority #1 – Curriculum and Instruction

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

Even though it was the final week of school, the learning didn’t stop in our classrooms! Teachers and students stayed engaged, curious, and committed to making every moment count.

The kids enjoyed the beautiful weather and bubbles in our staff toddler room!

In Ms. Lane’s science class, students wrapped up their unit on animal defense mechanisms with a hands-on experience they won’t soon forget. They observed a Mexican kingsnake and a red-tailed boa feeding, documenting their observations and applying what they had learned throughout the unit. What a powerful and memorable way to bring science to life!

First-grade classrooms transformed into magical spaces as students celebrated the wonder of imagination with a Disney-themed day.

Dressed as their favorite characters, students enjoyed creative, joy-filled activities that made the last week of school extra special. A huge shoutout to Mrs. Stilly, Mrs. Cantello, and Mrs. Enquist for turning their rooms into “the happiest places on earth!”

Even on the very last day of school, excellence remained a priority. In Mrs. Archuleta’s class, learning objectives were still posted, and students were fully engaged. Her dedication to teaching and student success never wavered—what a great example of Viking commitment!

At our end-of-year celebration, we had the honor of recognizing Mrs. Laurice Butler as the District Educator of the Year. Laurice has been a tremendous asset to our team, working tirelessly with middle school students to strengthen their literacy skills. She brings warmth, dedication, and a constant smile to everything she does. We are grateful for the impact she makes every day in our schools.

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.

We’re proud to celebrate another Viking success story! Devannie Nunez recently completed her Dental Assistant training and graduated from the dental program at Trinidad State. This accomplishment is a shining example of how our students are preparing for the real world by earning valuable certifications that open doors to meaningful careers.

Stephanie Archuleta completed her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State. She demonstrates her commitment to being a lifelong learner and is a great role model for our students.

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.

At our End-of-Year Staff Celebration on Friday, we recognized some of the amazing individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in our district.

Brisa Macias and Dalia Molina took a special moment to honor Dr. Ruggles for her unwavering commitment to our families and the broader community. One of our district’s core priorities is building strong, positive relationships with families and community partners. These connections are essential to achieving our shared goal of providing every student with the best education possible. Brisa and Dalia have been instrumental in leading this work for several years, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued dedication and impact on student success.

We also proudly recognized Misty Lambert as the District Support Staff of the Year. Misty has a special gift for building meaningful relationships with students, always going the extra mile to ensure they feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Her warmth, commitment, and student-centered approach make a lasting difference in our schools daily.

We also took time to recognize our mentors who provide guidance and support to our new teachers and staff members who are new to the district. Our mentoring program has evolved over the past several years into a structured and supportive network that fosters professional growth, collaboration, and retention.

Congratulations to all, and thank you for being a shining example of what it means to serve with heart and purpose!

Priority #4- Recruitment and Retention

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

As we close out the school year, we bid farewell to several staff members moving on to new opportunities. While it’s always hard to say goodbye, we are excited for the journeys ahead for each of them.

We’re also proud to celebrate a major milestone, Haskin Elementary had no staff turnover this year! This is a strong testament to our district’s ongoing efforts in recruitment and retention. A stable, committed team benefits everyone, especially our students, and we’re grateful for the consistency and dedication of our Haskin staff.

At the secondary level, we extend our best wishes to Mr. Hacking and Mr. Frederickson, our secondary social studies teachers, as they move on. We appreciate your contributions to our students’ learning and growth, and we wish you nothing but success.

We also congratulate Mr. Lavier on his exciting new role as superintendent in the Ault Highlands School District. His leadership and vision have made a meaningful impact here, and we know he will continue to do great things in his next chapter.

And after 15 years of service, we tentatively say goodbye to Mr. Mark Jones, who is retiring (for real this time!). Although he attempted to retire in 2020, we were fortunate to keep him a few more years, continuing to benefit from his wisdom and dedication. Mr. Jones has left a lasting legacy in our district, teaching hands-on construction and mechanics, math, supporting athletics, and coaching basketball. He has truly been a “True Blue Viking,” and we thank him for the incredible impact he’s had on our students and community.  It’s not so long… It’s ‘til next time. 

We wish all of our departing staff members the very best. Once a Viking, always a Viking!

Fast Forward

Monday, May 26th- Happy Memorial Day!  Thank you to our service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. 

Tuesday, May 27th- Payday

Wednesday, May 28th- EOY Evaluations

Thursday, May 29th- Weekly OAC Meeting

Saturday, May 31st- Complete Open Enrollment for Health Insurance

Monday, June 2nd- July 2nd- Summer School

Saturday, June 7th- ARC Graduation