Center of Focus
- Carrie Zimmerman
- 6 minutes ago
- 5 min read
January 18, 2026
Focus on the Fabulous
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose vision of equality, justice, and service continues to inspire us. As we reflect on his message, we are reminded of the importance of kindness, respect, and standing up for what is right. May we continue to serve our communities and work together to create a more just and inclusive future for all.
We are proud of our very own Drake Chavez, who is getting out into the community and taking advantage of job shadowing opportunities as he plans for his post-secondary future. Drake spent the week shadowing REC/Ciello mechanic Jarred Gardner, exploring possible career paths in the field. A big thank you to REC for their continued partnership and for providing our students with these meaningful, real-world experiences.
We also held our Second Annual Board Meet and Greet this past week and had a great time getting to know our board members a little better. Staff participated in a fun quiz where they guessed board members’ favorite foods and songs. Board members also shared why they chose to serve and offered a little information about their families.
A good time was truly had by all. Congratulations to Christy Mikeljack and Gabe Swanson, who teamed up to win the competition as the staff members who knew the board best. A special thank you to Dawn Frank and Agnes Salazar, our “hostesses with the mostest,” for putting together a beautiful and delicious spread. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the event so enjoyable.
On Friday, staff participated in a Data Day, where they reviewed mid-year data to assess student learning and current progress. This time is used to ensure that our efforts and instructional time are aligned to best support student learning. Reviewing mid-year data allows us to track progress, identify students who may need additional support, adjust teaching strategies, and ensure students are on track to meet grade-level expectations. It also helps us pinpoint areas for improvement, celebrate successes, and make instructional adjustments before the end of the year so students have the support they need to succeed.
As we move forward, we continue to work toward the goals outlined in our District Ownership Plan. A great deal of progress has already been made during the first semester. Our four goals, to be accomplished by June 2027, focus on academic achievement, student growth, teacher quality, and recruitment and retention. We are proud of the work being done and remain committed to continued improvement for our students, staff, and community.
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.
Here is the summary data from the first semester instructional observations.
1st Semester Observations:
Administration conducted 147 observations in the first semester.
Haskin- 76
Skoglund- 29
CHS- 42
Sweeps:
On average, 94% of staff post objectives and DFAs daily. This past week, 100% of our staff had objectives and DFAs posted. We are off to a strong start for the second semester.
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 (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness) Team has successfully accomplished several goals outlined in this improvement strategy. The ICAP curriculum is fully aligned to state standards, ensuring consistency and rigor across grade levels. Haskin participated in two ICAP events last year and has already hosted one ICAP event this year, featuring Penny Wars and partnerships with local non-profit organizations.
At Center High School, five CTE pathways have been established: Certified Nursing Assistant, Agriculture, Multimedia, Culinary Arts, and Coding. Course descriptions are current and accurately coded, supporting clear pathways for students. Graduation Guidelines are firmly in place and aligned with our Viking Profile, reinforcing expectations for student readiness.
Additionally, project descriptions and aligned rubrics have been developed for Capstone Projects, Senior Exit Interviews, Graduation Profiles, and PWR Competencies, ensuring consistency in expectations and meaningful assessment of student learning and postsecondary readiness.
Current Status for PWR
Approaching- 41.7%
Need to get to 62.5% to meet expectations
CCSD will meet state expectations with dropout and graduation rates by June 2027.
By 2027, the district graduation rate will be at 100%.
2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
CHS Meets- 91.3% | CHS Meets- 91.7% |
District Approaching- 75% | District Approaching- 75.7% |
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.
Total student referrals (excluding classroom-managed incidents) will decrease by 20% from the 2024–25 baseline, as reported in Infinite Campus.
End-of-Year Target: 240 referrals– Current Referrals: • Elementary: 39 • Middle School: 29 • High School: 36 • Total to Date: 104 referrals
Students with 3+ Referrals: The number of referrals for students receiving 3 or more referrals will be reduced by 20% from the 2024–25 baseline, as measured in Infinite Campus.– Baseline: 196 referrals– Reduction Goal: 39.2 referrals– End-of-Year Target: 156.8 referrals
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.
Recruitment Efforts
CCSD will sustain recruitment efforts by attending 2-3 high-quality job fairs annually.
Status: Two fairs were attended last year. This year, CCSD has already attended the UNC Job Fair and is registered to attend CERF, meeting the annual goal.
Promotion of the District
Successes: CCSD leaders and staff will highlight district successes at the local and state levels at least 4 times per year (once per quarter).
1st Semester Results: • 6 local stories • 3 state-level stories • 1 national promotion. These efforts exceed the first-semester target and demonstrate strong visibility and outreach.
Community Outreach and Feedback (Center of Focus)1st Semester Engagement: • Total views: 4,394 • Average weekly views: 244. These metrics indicate consistent community engagement and effective communication efforts.
Staff Retention
CCSD will maintain a minimum annual retention rate of 85%.Current Status: • 19 separations out of 151 staff members (13% turnover) • Current retention rate: 87%Comparison: • State average turnover rate: 18% • State retention rate: 82%
CCSD is exceeding retention expectations and performing above the state average, reflecting positive staff support, recruitment, and retention practices.
Fast Forward- Winter Fest
Monday, Jan. 19th- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Anything but a Backpack Day, Morning Duty, Mid-Year Evaluations
Tuesday, Jan. 20th- Crazy Hair Day, Morning Duty, Grant Meeting, Budget Review, Pep Assembly
Wednesday, Jan. 21st- Country vs. Country Club Day, Morning Duty, Rural Schools Alliance, MLT, Admin. Team Meeting, DOT
Thursday, Jan. 22nd- Hawaiian Day, Morning Duty, OAC Meeting, CHS Hoops @ Sargent
Friday, Jan. 23rd – CHS Basketball @ Crested Butte
Saturday, Jan. 24th- Hawaiian Night, CHS Basketball vs. Hoehne, CHS Wrestling @ Ignacio