Center of Focus

September 7^th, 2025

Focus on the Fabulous

The preliminary performance frameworks were released publicly last week. As a district, we remain in the Priority Improvement category; however, we are making progress, with our overall score increasing by 0.7 points.

Our long-term goal is to achieve Accredited status, with at least half of our students performing at or above the state average in academic achievement. Although we are not where we want to be yet, there are some definite highlights and celebrations. Skoglund Middle School advanced from Improvement to Performance, the highest rating a school can earn.

Growth scores exceeded state averages in multiple areas, particularly in math. Highlights include:

-Mrs. Pepper’s 4th-grade math students

-Mrs. Butler’s 6th-grade ELA students

-Ms. Rue’s 7th and 8th-grade math students. Our 7th graders achieved an extraordinary 70th percentile growth median—20 points above the state expectation.

-District-wide, we saw a 27.6% increase in ELA students meeting or exceeding expectations. Our Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) scores increased by 9 points from last year, moving us into the Approaching Expectations category.

These results show that the hard work in our classrooms is paying off. We are seeing growth in the right areas, and with continued focus and collaboration, we will achieve our goal of ensuring that all students reach high levels of achievement. Our growth trajectory is already meeting, and in some cases exceeding, state expectations.

Our staff makes a difference every day, leaving a lasting impact on our amazing students.

One shining example is Mr. John Noriega. Just this past week, a Center graduate reached out to share how much Mr. Noriega influenced his life. It’s pretty remarkable when a young adult takes the time to write to a former teacher, expressing gratitude for the lessons and life skills learned along the way. Way to go, Mr. Noriega—you are a true example of what it means to be a Center Viking!

Another Viking making an incredible impact is Mr. Joe Martinez. Did you know he was recognized as a 9News Teacher Who Cares? It’s no surprise to us that Joe builds strong connections with students and equips them with a solid foundation in healthy living. As a proud Viking graduate himself, he models what it means to be #VikingStrong. Students respect him, look up to him, and benefit from his expertise. We are truly fortunate to have Joe as part of our Viking family.  He’s a legend in our community and a role model for generations.

District Ownership Plan at Work

Our District Ownership Plan continues to guide and shape our efforts.

Priority #1 – Curriculum and Instruction:  CCSD staff lead rigorous, engaging, collaborative learning experiences in every classroom that align with CCSD Instructional Expectations.

This past week, the administration team had the opportunity to visit classrooms, and we were excited to see high-quality instruction in action.

As part of our walkthroughs, we conducted an Inter-Rater Reliability walk to ensure that our leadership team is aligned, looking for the same key elements, holding consistent expectations, and using common definitions of high-quality instruction.

We also completed our first sweep for objectives, DFAs, and cell phones, and the results are worth celebrating:

·        98% of staff had objectives and DFAs posted.

·        Skoglund: 100% posted.

·        CHS: 100% posted, though one objective was from the previous day.

·        Haskin: Only one classroom did not have objectives/DFAs posted.

Our district expectation is 100%, and we know our staff can hit that mark. Remember, objectives and DFAs are the bookends of instruction. Objectives set a clear purpose for learning, and DFAs ensure students demonstrate their understanding by the end of class.

We also want to give a huge shoutout to students and staff for their work with cell phones. Phones were put away in every classroom except one, helping us create focused learning environments free from distractions.

Let’s finish strong this week, Vikings- 100% with objectives, DFAs, and phones away! Together, we can make every class period purposeful and distraction-free.

Priority #2 Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR):  CCSD seeks to develop hard-working learners who 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.

At the high school, students are provided with a wide range of opportunities designed to empower them for success beyond graduation. Our goal is to ensure every student gains real-world experiences that prepare them to transition confidently into life after high school.

You can see this happening daily in our classrooms:

District Nurse Wendy is guiding students in her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, giving them hands-on experience in the healthcare field.

Mr. Sperandio is engaging students in nutrition and culinary arts, equipping them with practical skills that can lead to future careers or healthy lifestyles.

Mr. Martinez, a veteran educator in our district, continues to provide students with valuable knowledge and habits for lifelong health and wellness through his Physical Education classes.

Together, these opportunities show our commitment to preparing students not only for academic success but also for the real world that awaits them.

Priority #3- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS):  CCSD will maintain high expectations for student learning and behavior.  Structures are in place to support the academic and behavioral needs of all students. 

The MLT team met on Thursday to review the District Ownership Plan and set goals for the year.

We are proud to share some great news from last year’s data.  Center students are showing up! Compared to state averages, Center School District had:

Lower chronic absenteeism: 18.3% vs. 28.4% (10% lower!)

Higher attendance rate: 93% vs. 91.4% (2 percentage points higher)

Lower truancy rate: 1.7% vs. 3.6% (2 percentage points lower)

This means our students are in class more often than students across Colorado. These positive results highlight the impact of the extra support our staff, especially our MTSS team, provide to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

The message is clear:  Every student, every day, matters!

Fourth-grade classes operate on a community classroom system. Students who had earned classroom money for hard work, good behavior, and overall appropriate classroom conduct had the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with popsicles in the park! This is an excellent real-world opportunity for students to learn about the economy and the rewards that hard work and positive efforts can bring.

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 determining student success. 

The R&R team met on Tuesday to plan for the upcoming school year.  We revisited our goals for the DOP and made the necessary adjustments.  Our first event of the year will be our annual tailgate party, open to staff and the community.  This will happen during homecoming week.  The R&R team will have festivities at both the volleyball game and the football game!  Come and join the fun. 

Fast Forward

Monday, Sept. 8^th- Admin. IRR, Class Meetings, Curriculum and Instruction Data Meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 9^th- Haskin Picture Day, Superintendent's Advisory Council, CDE Monthly Superintendent Meeting, Regular BOE Meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 10^th- CHS Picture Day, CRSA Meeting, College Fair, Superintendents PLC

Thursday, Sept. 11^th- Health Screenings, HS Knowledge Bowl Meet, Preventing School Violence Meeting, Center OAC, Viking Volleyball vs. Buena Vista

Friday, Sept. 12^th- ½ PLC- Data Dive, ½ PD- Activ Panel Training- No Students; Lady Vikings Volleyball vs. Cotopaxi, CHS Football @ Cedaridge, X-Country @ Lamar