Center of Focus
- Carrie Zimmerman
- Oct 5
- 5 min read
October 5th, 2025
Focus on the Fabulous
Safety Update from Center Schools
Safety is a top priority at Center Schools, and our district is committed to maintaining a secure learning environment for all students and staff.
Our District Safety Team met this past week to review safety processes and procedures to ensure we have the necessary systems in place to keep our schools safe. Since the start of the year, we have conducted multiple safety drills, including fire drills, holds, and secures. These drills help us identify areas for improvement and strengthen our emergency responses through continuous practice.
Center Schools follows the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a nationally recognized system used by schools and colleges across the country. SRP provides a uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident and serves as the foundation of our district’s safety plan.
Below are the SRP directives and what each means:
Hold – “In Your Room or Area.”
Used when hallways need to be kept clear, such as during a spill, a medical emergency, or another minor hazard. A hold is not a high-risk situation, and no community alert will be issued.
Secure – “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors.”
Used when there is a potential threat in the community, not in the school. Activities inside continue as usual while exterior doors remain locked. The district will share updates as appropriate, but our top priority will always be the safety of students and staff.
Lockdown – “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.”
Used when there is a threat inside the building. Students and staff follow trained safety procedures to ensure a secure and quiet environment. This is a serious situation, and staff will take the most appropriate actions to protect everyone.
Evacuate – “To a Location.” Used to move students and staff to a different area inside or outside the building. Evacuations may occur if the current location becomes unsafe—for example, during an environmental hazard. Students will only be relocated when it is safe to do so.
Shelter – “For a Hazard Using a Safety Strategy.” Used when protective action is needed due to weather or other hazards.
More information about the SRP is available at: https://iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html
The district will communicate with families through Thrillshare, which includes text alerts, website updates, the district app, and social media. We kindly ask that families not call or come to the school during these times. Staff will be fully focused on ensuring students’ safety, and all information will be shared as soon as it is available. All official information will be provided as soon as possible through district channels.
We appreciate our families and community for supporting our safety efforts. Working together ensures the best outcomes for our students.
If you would like to share feedback or learn more about district safety planning, please join us at the District Accountability Committee Meeting on Tuesday, October 14th at 4:15 p.m. in the Community Room.
It’s beginning to look a lot like fall with all the beautiful colors and leaves changing around us. The weather is shifting, and our facilities crew is hard at work getting everything winterized. Cameron has been busy cutting back foliage and keeping our district looking shipshape and ready for the season.
Our Lady Vikings had an outstanding showing on Friday against Dove Creek, both JV and Varsity brought home wins!
The night was made even more special as Coach Misty Lambert was honored for her dedication, heart, and service to our students and district. Misty is a true example of our Viking family and is currently facing some challenging medical issues. Our district, along with many neighboring districts, has come together to support her as she prepares for upcoming medical procedures.
Misty is the embodiment of #VikingStrong, and we know she will face this next chapter with the same courage, grace, and positivity she shows every day. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support for our colleague, coach, and friend.
Our football team continues to demonstrate incredible heart and determination, even if the scoreboard hasn’t fully reflected their effort. We are so proud of our student-athletes, Coach Garcia, and all the parents who continue to cheer them on. The lessons learned through perseverance and challenge often become the most valuable ones in life—and our players are learning what it truly means to never give up.
Finally, our Cross Country team continues to shine and will be competing this Friday in San Luis. We wish them the best as they race toward another strong finish!
District Ownership Plan at Work
Priority #1 – Curriculum and Instruction
CCSD staff lead rigorous, engaging, collaborative learning experiences in every classroom that align with CCSD Instructional Expectations.
Priority #2 – Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR)
CCSD develops hardworking learners who are contributors, problem solvers, effective communicators, and future-ready with the skills needed to succeed.
The PWR team met on Monday to establish annual goals for the upcoming school year.
Priority #3 – Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
CCSD maintains high expectations for student learning and behavior, with structures in place to support the needs of all students.
Our MTSS Coordinators, Jazmynn, Itzel, and Misty, have been hard at work getting supports and resources in place to help our students succeed. The PBIS Store is now up and running, and students are being recognized for their positive efforts throughout the district.
This year, we’re continuing to place a strong focus on positive student behaviors. Staff are on the lookout for students who demonstrate responsibility, respect, and hard work, as well as those who go above and beyond to meet district expectations.
At the elementary level, Viking Super Students are being celebrated for demonstrating our Viking Habits of Character, serving as great role models for their peers. We’re proud of the positive culture our staff and students are building together!
Priority #4 – Recruitment and Retention (R&R)
CCSD is committed to attracting, training, and retaining highly qualified teachers, knowing that effective educators are the single most important school-based factor in student success.
R&R met on Tuesday, Sept. 30th to make plans for Harvest Party, upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences, and staff appreciation.
Fast Forward
Monday, Oct. 6th- NAFSCE Conference, Staff Meeting- Safety Talk
Tuesday, Oct. 7th- NAFSCE Conference, Lady Vikings vs. Las Animas
Wednesday, Oct. 8th- CRSA Statewide Weekly Meeting, SLV IOG Meeting, NAFSCE Conference, Operation Wise Owl Planning Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 9th- NAFSCE Conference, Center OAC Meeting, Center Audit Entrance Meeting
Friday, Oct. 10th- NAFSCE Conference, Seidlitz Professional Development, CHS Football @ Centauri
Saturday, Oct. 11th- X-Country at San Luis