Center of Focus

September 14^th, 2025

Focus on the Fabulous

We had another fabulous week at Center Schools! Our 3rd-grade students enjoyed a fantastic field trip to the Monarch Crest Tram. For many, it was their very first time riding a gondola up the mountain. From the top, students got to see the beauty of the Rockies, practiced using cardinal directions on the observation deck, and oriented themselves toward the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, imagining how Earth’s waters flow across continents.  Students made the two-mile hike down the mountain, which was quite an accomplishment.  Thanks to Miss Massey, Mrs. Quintana, and Mrs. Thompson for making this memorable experience happen.  It will definitely be a field trip that our students will never forget. 

Mr. Swanson is working to showcase our Viking talents by bringing back the Honor Choir!  Haskin students participated in Honor Choir tryouts which consisted of students performing a song of their choice, echoing melodies played by Mr. Swanson on the piano, and demonstrating rhythm skills by clapping a posted pattern. Students were also required to request teacher recommendations as part of the process. This was a great learning experience and we are proud of our Vikings for demonstrating courage and confidence, by performing individually in front of an audience. We look forward to hearing the Honor Choir perform this year!

Our Lady Vikings showed great teamwork on the court as they defeated Cotopaxi in three straight games!  They are starting the season strong and we can’t wait to see them in action again this week! 

At our Board Meeting on Tuesday night, Marisa Aguilar was sworn in to fill the vacant board position left by Mr. Garcia.

Mrs. Aguilar was appointed to this position by the Board of Education. Miguel Rios was appointed to the Board last year to fill the position vacated by Mr. Barela. We currently have two open Board seats that will be voted on in the November election.

Board Vice President Misty Palacios' seat will be open, as she is term-limited at the end of this term. The two candidates running for her position are Eidy Guaderrama and Amanda Garcia. Director Lyn Bogle's position will also be open, as he is also term-limited. The two candidates running for District A are Eddie Wilson and Sonya Flores.

Our building project is progressing smoothly.  The exterior panels and framing is nearing completion.  We are still on track for the end of November, early December completion, for an anticipated move-in over Christmas break. 

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.

Friday, teachers dove into data during our PLC time.  Haskin Elementary looked at NWEA and DIBELS data.  Skoglund compared NWEA results with the state assessments.  CHS conducted a thorough review of the Horizon data.  Staff focused on our efforts of data-driven instruction, which helps teachers see exactly where students are excelling and where they are struggling, allowing for targeted support.  By analyzing assessment results, teachers can adjust their instruction to ensure that they are teaching the critical content and using instructional time efficiently.

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. 

Our counselors, Stephany and Jerica, reminded us that September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day. To celebrate life and remind everyone that they are not alone, they wore purple and shared small treats with staff as a gesture of appreciation for the wonderful work we do each day. Thank you for helping us keep this important message of hope and support at the forefront.

This week, our nursing team also conducted health screenings for students. Screenings included height, weight, and vision checks to ensure that our students are healthy, strong, and ready to learn.

Great work to our counseling and nursing teams for supporting both the well-being of staff and the health of students. This reflects Core Belief #2: With our support, all students can perform at high levels and be successful in life.

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. 

Thanks to Mrs. Pepper’s efforts, our staff once again has the opportunity to exercise together after school! She kicked off the Boot Camp last year, and it’s back by popular demand. This program not only promotes health and wellness but also provides staff with a fun way to connect, reduce stress, and foster a positive climate and culture within our school.

Way to be #VikingStrong!

Fast Forward

We are looking forward to an action-packed Homecoming Week.  Check out all the fun festivities below!

Monday, Sept. 15^th- Pajama Day, Pep Rally/Ruff ‘n Tuff Volleyball, Powder Puff Football

SSN Room Meeting, BEST Project Open House

Tuesday, Sept. 16^th- Blue and White Day, Volleyball vs. Buena Vista, District Ownership Team Meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 17^th- Haskin:  Crazy Sock Day, SMS/CHS:  Frat Boy, Sorority Girl, BBQ Dad, Soccer Mom Day, Parade @ 3:30 pm, Bonfire

Infinite Campus Training, CRSA Statewide Weekly Meeting, SLV Sups PLC

Thursday, Sept. 18^th- Jersey Day, Volleyball @ Monte Vista

Infinite Campus Training, Center School OAC Weekly Meeting

Friday, Sept. 19^th- X Country @ Gerald Archuleta Meet, Volleyball @ La Veta, Tailgate @ 5:30 pm, Football vs. Ellicot, Homecoming Royalty Coronation

Infinite Campus Training, Optional PD Day

Saturday, Sept. 20^th- Homecoming Dance- 7-11 pm