Center of Focus
- Carrie Zimmerman
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
March 29, 2026
Focus on the Fabulous
We had Center Vikings doing great things throughout the week and shining bright on many stages.
Several of our basketball players were named to the SPL All-League Team. Anjel Palma and Yanixan Padilla earned First Team honors, while Jaiden Martinez and Ivan Guaderrama were recognized as Honorable Mention. On the girls’ side, Emiliana Valdez was selected to the First Team, and Analicia Villagomez received Honorable Mention honors.
In addition, Emiliana Valdez, Yanixan Padilla, and Anjel Palma were all selected to the CHSAA All-State Team, highlighting their outstanding performances this season.
We also had Viking athletes represent our school at the annual Arby’s All-Star Games this weekend. Congratulations to Ruben Rendon, Ivan Guaderrama, and Alyciana Lujan for earning the opportunity to compete in this exciting event.
Our Track and Field team had an outstanding meet at Sangre this weekend, showcasing both talent and teamwork.
The girls’ team captured 1st place, dominating the competition with a powerful overall performance. The boys also put in a strong effort, delivering a solid showing and demonstrating great determination throughout the meet.
Our Vikings excelled across the board- running, jumping, and throwing with energy and skill. This meet marks an excellent start to the season and highlights the hard work and dedication of our athletes and coaches.
Way to go, Vikings!
It wasn’t just our athletes who were shining bright. Our artists also had the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Southern Peaks League Art Show. Students competed in drawing, painting, photography, digital art, and video. We had several students who were recognized in these categories.
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.
Mr. Sperandino had students in his culinary arts class cooking up some impressive Italian dishes while listening to Frank Sinatra. Kids are getting real-world experiences in and out of the classroom at Center schools!>
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 students recently competed in a Career Development Event (CDE) in Lamar, showcasing their skills, resilience, and dedication across multiple contests.
Agriculture Sales:Students delivered an 8-minute sales presentation on Carbon Credits to a farmer or rancher, along with completing a written exam and individual scenario. Elijah Garcia and Romeo Villagomez represented our team, earning 3rd place in the SLV district. They demonstrated strong knowledge and adaptability, especially when the task was unexpectedly changed just before the competition.
Floriculture:Participants designed a boutonniere for a “prom” scenario and completed rigorous plant science components, including identifying 50 plant specimens, 25 pests/diseases, and solving real-world floral math problems. Temperence Douglas and Belinda Martinez showed tremendous growth and effort in their first competition. Out of 111 competitors, Temperence placed 60th and Belinda placed 88th—an impressive accomplishment for newcomers.
Livestock Judging:Adrian Gurrola, our only senior and participant in this event, took on the challenge of evaluating livestock classes and delivering oral justifications for his rankings. Despite the difficulty and limited preparation time, Adrian demonstrated perseverance and strong character while exploring an area connected to his interest in cattle breeding.
We are proud of our students for stepping outside their comfort zones, representing our program, and demonstrating true Viking grit!
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.
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.
Martina and Lindsay represented us at the UNC Career Fair this past week. Thanks to their efforts, we are getting our district’s name out in front of possible applicants and future teachers in our district. Great work, ladies. You are making Center look good!
Fast Forward-
Monday, March 30th- Morning Duty, Grant Work, Health Wellness Meeting, Policy Update
Tuesday, March 31st- Adventure Vision Exams, Calendar Committee, CHS Baseball @ La Veta
Wednesday, April 1st- April Fools’ Day, CRSA Statewide Weekly Meeting, Opportunity Coalition, CASB Crew
Thursday, April 2nd- Weekly Superintendent PLC, Weekly OAC Meeting, CHS Knowledge Bowl
Friday, April 3rd- Good Friday, CHS Baseball @ Ignacio, MS Opening Season Track Meet @ Home
Saturday, April 4th- CHS Baseball @ Buena Vista, CHS Track @ Bayfield Invitational
Sunday, April 5th- Easter