Center of Focus

May 3, 2026

 Focus on the Fabulous

This week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, and we are incredibly grateful for the outstanding instructional team we have here in Center. Our teachers are committed to their profession and work tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the best possible educational experience. Thank you, teachers, for your dedication, passion, and the impact you make each day.  You truly are the best, and we are proud to have you as part of our Viking Team!

We also recognized National Principals Day on Friday and want to extend our appreciation to the administrators in each of our buildings. The role of a principal is more demanding than ever, and our leaders continue to rise to the challenge. They remain focused on advancing our District Ownership Goals, always putting students first and working diligently to provide the high-quality education our students deserve.

Center is a special place because of the collective effort of our entire team. Together, we continue to move forward, live out our core beliefs, and create meaningful opportunities for our students. Thank you to all who make this work possible!

Mr. Swanson and the Haskin Elementary students once again treated families to an incredible Spring Concert. Kindergarteners kicked off the evening with a creative twist on a classic favorite, Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Each grade level proudly showcased their developing talents-singing in tune, keeping the beat, and entertaining the audience with fun choreography.

The 1st graders kept the farm theme going with Somebody Stole My Cow!, while the 2nd graders brought energy and enthusiasm as they Whomped Out Loud. The 3rd graders impressed the crowd with their percussion performances, and the 4th graders confidently rocked out on their recorders. The audience enjoyed an evening that highlighted all the skills students have been building in Mr. Swanson’s class.

The Honor Choir added a special touch, performing a couple of more challenging pieces that showcased their growth and dedication throughout the year. The night concluded with all grade levels joining together for the Grand Finale of Forward. 

Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success. Our facilities team has been working hard during this busy season of end-of-year events, handling setup and teardown of a number of different events.  We also appreciate our tech team for ensuring the performance was recorded and that the sound system enhanced the experience for all in attendance.

Our district was proud to participate in the first-ever Saguache County Resource Fair. In partnership with the Moffat and Mountain Valley school districts, as well as the SLV Interagency Oversight Group, we helped bring together approximately 24 booths offering valuable resources and information for families. The event also featured great music, free food, and fun activities for attendees.

While turnout from the public was lower than anticipated, our Viking team turned out in force, and it was encouraging to see so many community organizations and school districts come together in support of our families We look forward to building on this collaboration and growing the event in the years to come.

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.  

Mrs. Thompson’s students worked hard studying about Sandhill cranes in a cross-curricular lesson that incorporated math, literacy, and art. The culmination of this learning experience is currently displayed in the 3rd-grade hall. 

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 CNA students have been staying busy, completing clinical hours and gaining valuable real-world experience. They’ve been supporting staff at the local nursing home, where they are developing hands-on skills and exploring potential careers in the healthcare field.

On top of that, students participated in the Saguache County Resource Fair, where they provided hands-on CPR demonstrations for community members while earning additional clinical hours. Their willingness to serve and engage with the community reflects both their growing expertise and their commitment to helping others.

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 Parents Involved in Center Schools (PICS) group took their annual college visit trip this weekend, providing students and their families with valuable exposure to postsecondary opportunities. Experiences like this help make college a more tangible and achievable option for our students as they begin thinking about their futures.

This year, the group visited Metropolitan State University of Denver, where they participated in a campus tour and learned more about college life and academic programs. The PICS team always goes above and beyond to make these trips meaningful, incorporating fun and engaging activities along the way.

During their visit, students also explored the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, where they went behind the scenes, learned about acting, and attended a performance of Somewhere. On day two, the group visited the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, adding even more hands-on, educational experiences to their trip.

It was a jam-packed and memorable experience for everyone involved. Thank you to our PICS team for organizing such a meaningful opportunity and continuing to create experiences that inspire and support our 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.

Our team of educators had the opportunity to attend the Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference this past week, hosted by the Exceptional Student Services Unit of the Colorado Department of Education. This family-centered conference is designed to provide valuable support, information, and learning opportunities for both parents and professionals across Colorado schools.

We are proud of our staff for their commitment to continuous improvement and their dedication to ensuring we have the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to best serve our students and families. Opportunities like this strengthen our ability to build meaningful partnerships and provide high-quality support for all.

Fast Forward-

Teacher Appreciation Week! May 4^th- May 8^th

Nurse Appreciation Week- May 6^th- May

Monday, May the 4^th be with you-  Principal Meeting, VPEG Gathering, Dept. Head Meeting

Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo-  National Teacher Appreciation Day, NWEA Testing, Planning Meeting, Tech Meeting, Triple D Track Meet, SLV Educator of the Year Banquet

Wednesday, May 6^th-  National Nurses’ Day, CRSA Statewide Weekly Meeting, Opportunity Coalition, CASB Crew Monthly Meeting, Senior Showcase

Thursday, May 7^th- HS Knowledge Bowl, Superintendent Candidates Day in the District, OAC Meeting, Author and Art Show

Friday, May 8^th-  SMS Baseball Tourney @ Sierra Grande, CHS Track @ Monte Vista, CHS Baseball vs. South Park

Saturday, May 9^th- SMS Track @ Del Norte, SMS Baseball vs. Buena Vista