Focus on the Fabulous
Congratulations to Lupita Ortega, our district librarian, who received an American Rescue Plan Grant specific to library sciences. The $6000 grant was awarded in October and Lu is making plans on how best to use those funds to benefit our students and the library. Grant funds have been provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Colorado State Library to help communities respond to the pandemic as well as to related economic and community needs through equitable approaches in digital inclusion and library services.
Tayler Kriss, Skoglund Middle School Science teacher, and Alex Magness, one of our 5th-grade teachers at Haskin Elementary, were both recognized at the November Board meeting for the great work they are doing in their classrooms this year. Mrs. Magness had a group of her students present to share out about all the exciting things they are doing in their classroom. Their presentation was an excellent example of student-led learning. The students prepared the presentation on their own and shared out about the student-led projects that they are working on in their classroom, including a 5th-grade yearbook project. Students that presented were: Eymy Bustillos, Landry Neufeld, and Elliot Cardoza.
Mr. Kriss has had the scientists in his class conducting a variety of experiments and project-based learning activities. Ms. Donaldson shared with the Board how Mr. Kriss is keeping kids actively engaged in his classroom and his efforts are getting students excited about science!
There are a lot of great things going on in the classrooms throughout Center schools. Mrs. Stilly's students are participating in a cross-curricular lesson that incorporates science and language arts.
You might have noticed some of the great decorations in the hallways lately. Thanks to our paraprofessionals who worked hard to make our entryway more inviting. Several teachers have gotten in on the action too with some fun bulletin boards and artwork spicing up the halls.
On Friday of last week, Wendy Murillo held a vaccination clinic with public health and they provided vaccines for 136 people including 53 five to eleven-year-olds! We appreciate the time the ladies put in making sure our students and community are getting vaccinated. Speaking of nurses, we have another new member of our nursing team. Please welcome Tiffany Smith. She is coming on board as part of our COVID relief efforts and will be helping with testing, contact tracing, and providing health support for our after-school programs.
Our Parents Involved in Center Schools (PICS) group met on Monday evening. The PICS team is going strong under the leadership of Lucia Miranda. Anita Rodriguez and Gabrielle Rodriguez are also actively involved in the PICS work. Jared Morgan and Linda Donaldson presented to the group and shared with parents what was going on in each of the buildings. The principals answered questions and Linda worked with parents to help them access the parent portal through Infinite Campus. PICS has some great activities planned for this school year. The next event will be Quermes, this Saturday, November 20th, from 2:00- 8:00 pm. This is a celebration of the Mexican Revolution. There will be mariachi dancers from Adams State, games, and food. Come and join the celebration.
