Center of Focus

February 8, 2026

Focus on the Fabulous

Center School District is Out of this World!!

Our students, staff, and families are truly stellar, and we had an out-of-this-world week across our district! Our incredible 1st grade team launched learning to new heights as they celebrated Space Week. Students explored the solar system, learned about astronauts, and discovered how astronauts survive and thrive in space. They even had the opportunity to sample space food and then put their math skills into orbit by graphing their taste-test preferences. Classrooms were transformed into cosmic learning environments, and our halls were filled with astronauts on Thursday as students and staff fully embraced the theme. A huge thank you to Mrs. Cantello, Mrs. Enquist, and Mrs. Stillwagon for creating unforgettable learning experiences for our students. These are the kinds of lessons that inspire future dreams, and who knows… one day we might launch a Viking into space!

Our Viking athletes are also delivering galactic-level performances on the court and on the mats. The boys’ basketball team is currently orbiting at the top of the league standings after strong victories over Del Norte and Cotopaxi this weekend. Our Lady Vikings battled hard during the Steve Martinez Memorial game, falling just short in a close contest, but quickly re-entered the win column Saturday night with an impressive victory over Cotopaxi.

The Lady Vikings continue to soar this season with a 12-5 record, and our very own Coach Vigil has blasted past an incredible milestone, surpassing 100 career coaching wins and continuing to shoot for the stars. Congratulations, Coach! You make our Viking community proud.

Our Viking wrestlers are shining like constellations as well. The boys team placed 5th at the Sierra Grande Tournament, highlighted by Xavier Berry capturing a championship in his weight class, Devin Garcia earning 2nd place, and Jonas Valadez securing 3rd place. It was an outstanding team effort. Unfortunately, our Lady Viking wrestlers were unable to compete due to tournament cancellation, but they continue to have an exceptional inaugural season. We are proud of the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of all our athletes. They truly are shining stars in our Viking galaxy.

Our cheerleaders also brought stellar spirit and energy this week as they hosted their minicamp, working alongside our future little cheerleaders. They delivered a fantastic performance at the Steve Martinez Memorial game in Del Norte, energizing the crowd and showcasing tremendous teamwork and Viking pride.

Strong constellations are built through connection, and we are incredibly grateful for the partnerships that help our district shine brighter. Collaboration between our schools, families, and community is essential to student success. We are especially thankful for our continued partnership with SLV Federal and their generous investment in our district’s new addition project. Their support is helping provide sporting equipment, basketball hoops, and volleyball standards for our new gym. This new facility will create expanded opportunities for our younger athletes while also allowing us to host larger middle school and high school competitions, helping our programs continue to grow and reach for new horizons.

Thank you, SLV Federal, for helping our students and district continue to reach for the stars.

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.  

Our Curriculum and Instruction team gathered on Monday to begin charting the course for next year’s professional development, ensuring our staff continues to reach new heights in teaching and learning. This coming Friday marks our final PD day of the year, and we are excited to celebrate our annual Staff Appreciation Week with a well-deserved day of recognition and pampering for our incredible team.

Our secondary literacy team also launched their learning to the next level this past week by attending the CCIRA Conference in Denver. Our educators are committed to staying on the cutting edge of instructional best practices to ensure we continue providing our students with the highest quality educational experiences possible. Their dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth helps propel our district forward and keeps our learning systems aligned with innovative and effective strategies. 

Great job to Mr. Guerrero, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Butler, and Ms. Hays for continuing to strive for excellence in all you do.    

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.

Our FFA team was decked out in their official gear for a career fair event in Monte Vista this past week. Looking great and making a difference!

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 very own Adele Alfson was recognized during National Counselor Appreciation Week at Adams State University for her many years of service and dedication to the counseling profession. She was awarded the 2025 Jenna E. Gilbert Hall of Fame Award and the 10 Years of Service Award by the Colorado Council of High School/College Relations. Congratulations, Adele. Our students are truly blessed to have you guiding them as they complete their high school careers and prepare for their futures.

Our MLD team ensures that our MLL students receive high-quality instruction and resources to support their success.  Since we returned from Christmas break, this team has been dedicated to completing the annual ACCESS testing.  It’s a lot of coordination, hard work, and dedication to complete this, and it does take its toll, as you can see in the before-and-after pictures. 

Thanks to our A-Team- plus Christy, for getting this completed… and to all of our other staff that jumped in to help get this accomplished.  You, ladies, are superstars. 

We had a great second round of Parent-Teacher Conferences and home visits. Our staff continues to demonstrate an incredible commitment to building strong family partnerships because we know that student success is not a solo mission- it is a collaborative journey. When families and schools work together, students are better supported academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them reach new heights and achieve at the highest levels.

Continuing our intergalactic journey toward student success, our staff launched mid-week home visits on Wednesday evening.  On Thursday, all staff members were on site and ready to welcome families for conferences, creating another opportunity to communicate, collaborate, and celebrate student growth.

Just like any successful space expedition, it takes a united crew to navigate challenges and chart a course toward success. Our families are essential co-pilots in our students’ educational journey, and we are grateful for the trust, partnership, and support they provide. Together, we will continue exploring new galaxies of learning and ensuring every student is prepared for a bright future.

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.

Congratulations to Mrs. Maldonado who completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership!  She accomplished this while working full time as our Multi-media teacher, being a full time mom, and a high school class sponsor.  We have a number of staff that are currently taking classes to extend their expertise and model for our students what it means to be a lifelong learner.  Congrats Alondra!  Job well done. 

Fast Forward- Staff Appreciation Week- Mardi Gras Style

Monday, Feb. 9^th-  Pick up Swag in Library, Emergency Planning Meeting with Town of Center,

Tuesday, Feb. 10^th- Wear GOLD, Bobalicious Coffee in Library. Superintendents’ Advisory Council, District Accountability, Regular BOE Meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 11^th- Wear Green, Fried Pies for Staff, CRSA Statewide Weekly Meeting, Opportunity Coalition, PICs Meeting- Vaping/Substance Abuse

Thursday, Feb. 12^th-  Wear Purple, NO Green, Ice Cream for Staff, OAC Meeting, CHS Hoops vs. Sanford

Friday, Feb. 13^th-  Mardi Gras Day, Staff Pampering, Colorado School Finance Project Meeting, CHS Wrestling Regionals

Saturday, Feb. 14^th- Valentine’s Day, CHS Hoops vs. Sierra Grande, CHS Wrestling Regionals