You might know Maria Villagomez as the energetic behavioral support specialist serving both the elementary and the secondary. You might also know that she and her family were one of the first ones to contract COVID early in the pandemic, as she made it public. What most of us might not know is that her experience dealing with COVID led to her involvement with a local group of caring individuals that wanted to help others dealing with the pandemic and the direct effects of COVID. Promotores del Valle de San Luis is a group of 16 caring, community leaders who act as a bridge between local agencies and families directly impacted by COVID and agricultural workers. Promotores works with the local agencies to tap into available resources and get those resources to families with the highest needs. Promotores seek justice and cultural and linguistic equity in the community. Maria has been a light for many families in our community in many ways. She is a listening ear, she delivers food boxes and medicinal kits to people in need, and she relates to families by simply sharing her story and words of encouragement with anyone who needs them. Maria is a tireless worker. Her second work week starts on Thursday at 4:00 P.M. She often puts in 15-20 hours per week doing the work to help our community be as safe as we can be. We appreciate all she does for our community, our students, and our Viking Team! Thanks for all you do Maria.
Staff Appreciation
Our Recruitment and Retention team put together a festive Mardi Gras week last week to celebrate and honor our amazing staff! Every day there was a special treat for the staff and the week ended in a day of pampering with manicures, pedicures, massages, reflexology, adjustments, haircuts, and stress therapy! The staff also got to feast on some amazing Cajun food from the Colorado Grille! When you have the best staff you want to make them feel special!! A big shout out to Lupita Ortega who transformed the library into a historic street in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans! Staff had the chance to dress up in some festive attire and celebrate Mardi Gras style!
Viking Strong!
Our Center basketball teams are having fabulous seasons! Center boys have won 7 of their 9 games and have a 78% win percentage! They had two big wins this weekend. Friday night they crushed South Park 71- 48. Saturday they had a great competition against Calhan and pulled out the win 63-60! The Lady Vikings are also having a stellar season with a 7-2 win ratio. The girls have won all four of their league games! They have won every game since the beginning of February and have won the last seven games in a row! Way to go Lady Vikings. Keep up the great work!!
Focus On All the Great Things Going On!!
Walking around the buildings, it’s so exciting to see all of the great things happening in our classrooms and hallways! Kids are engaged in text at every turn. Our elementary teachers are spending quality time reading with kids. Sometimes we take it for granted that kids are reading throughout the day. It’s important to be intentional about that and our elementary team is doing just that, scheduling quality time for kids to be engaged in literature!
Mr. Garcia has done a great job keeping kids active and moving throughout the pandemic. Last week the kids were having a blast with a cooperative learning activity with the parachute!
Once again, teachers have pivoted due to our current situation to make sure kids still get to have some of the fun traditional holiday experiences. Valentine ’s Day looked a little different this year, but teachers adapted and still provided the kids with some fun experiences. You have probably seen the tokens of appreciation that Mrs. Stillwagon’ s class left around the district. Her students took the time to thank staff throughout the school for their hard work. What a great way to spread the love!
Mrs. Archuleta has been working hard with her high school students on Science Fair. Last week students presented their projects to their peers. This week the students will be participating in the local competition!
Have a great week!