Center of Focus

March 1, 2026

Focus on the Fabulous

Both of our basketball teams fought hard at Regionals and have secured solid positioning heading into the first round of the state tournament.

Our Viking men earned an impressive victory over Centennial Rams on Friday night, winning by more than 20 points. On Saturday, they battled hard against Crested Butte Titans but came up just short in a tough 39–43 loss. The team showed grit and resilience and is ready to carry that momentum into state competition.

Our Lady Vikings opened regional play with a thrilling, down-to-the-wire win over Trinidad Miners on Tuesday night. They continued to compete fiercely but fell to Sanford Mustangs and then narrowly to Del Norte Tigers to close out regional action. They now turn their focus to the first round of the state tournament, where they will face the Byers Bulldogs. Let’s go, Vikings!

We also celebrated our 100th day of school- and our elementary halls were filled with the most adorable “centenarians” you’ve ever seen! Gray hair, canes, hunched backs, and all- our youngest Vikings fully embraced the spirit of the day. While this school year may have taken a “toll” on them, they have persevered through 100 days of learning and growing. Way to go, Vikings, 100 days down and many more accomplishments ahead!

A special thank you to Jerica Gonzalez for coordinating a girls’ ROX (Ruling Our Experiences) group. As part of this empowering initiative, she organized a leadership panel featuring our female administrative team to highlight the power of female leadership and encourage our girls to dream big. Participation in ROX requires students to maintain a 4.0 GPA, believe in themselves and their abilities, and confidently pursue their dream careers. During this session, students asked thoughtful, pre-formulated questions, gaining insight into the successes and challenges our female leaders have experienced along their career journeys. It was an inspiring opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and vision for the future.

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.  

Thanks to the dedication of our Science Teacher, students of all ages had the opportunity to participate in the annual San Luis Valley Regional Science Fair at Adams State University.

This experience fosters curiosity and cultivates a deeper awareness and appreciation for science. Students strengthen their research and presentation skills while exploring diverse scientific pathways, including robotics, pathology, space art, and the scientific method.

Beyond competition, the event encourages innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.

We are proud of our teachers for creating and supporting this opportunity, and even more proud of our students, who competed with confidence and represented Center Schools with excellence, professionalism, and Viking pride. They even had some time for fun at the ice rink after all the hard work!

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.

We had a fantastic ICAP Day on Thursday, filled with meaningful experiences designed to help our students explore future careers and take intentional steps toward their postsecondary goals.

Our secondary students participated in an engaging Career Fair that connected them directly with a wide range of organizations and industry professionals. A special thank you to Adele Alfson for coordinating this outstanding event and bringing a multitude of businesses and community partners on site to invest in our students’ futures. Opportunities like this provide invaluable exposure, real-world insight, and networking experiences that help students make informed decisions about their career pathways.

At Haskin Elementary, students participated in an interactive “Skills Safari,” rotating through dynamic stations centered on discovery, imagination, exploration, and skill-building. These hands-on experiences encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity about the many possibilities their futures hold.

ICAP Day was a reminder that career exploration begins at every level, and we are proud to provide intentional opportunities that inspire our Vikings to dream big and plan boldly for what lies ahead.

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.

Mrs. Donaldson treated the 2^nd quarter POWER students to lunch at Dairy Queen on Thursday.  These students have followed through with expectations related to behavior and academics.  Congratulations for a job well done!  Let’s keep it going into the 2^nd semester. 

Fast Forward-

 Monday, March 2^nd-  PBIS Rewards, Classroom Observations, Grant Work

Tuesday, March 3^rd- Concurrent Enrollment PD, State Reporting

Wednesday, March 4^th-  CRSA Statewide Weekly Meeting, Opportunity Coalition, Mini Training-FSCP Safety Promotion, Staff and Community Superintendent Search Focus Groups

Thursday, March 5^th- Weekly Superintendent PLC, Weekly OAC Meeting, Staff and Community Superintendent Search Focus Groups, MS Knowledge Bowl, Family Student Concurrent Enrollment Session

Friday, March 6^th- Colorado School Finance Project Advisory Meeting, 1^st Round State Basketball- Lady Vikings @ Byers, CHS Boys @ Custer County

Saturday, March 7^th-  State Basketball Competition Continues