Focus on the Fabulous
This week has been one for celebrating success! On Thursday, the Colorado Department of Education recognized Center School District for a remarkable increase of 5% or more in our graduation rates for 2024—what a fantastic accomplishment for our students and staff!
Our wrestlers put on a strong performance at the Centauri meet on Saturday, and now they’re gearing up for the upcoming Valley Classic at home next weekend. We hope to see a big turnout—let’s show our Viking spirit and support these athletes! They’ve been having an impressive season.
Speaking of impressive seasons, our basketball teams have been having success on the court! It’s been an exciting week for our basketball teams!
On Thursday, the boys claimed a thrilling win against Sargent, bringing their record to 9-5. Then on Friday, they edged out Crested Butte, with Jaiden Martinez hitting crucial free throws to seal a hard-fought victory.
The girls had a tough loss to our rivals down the road but bounced back strong with a decisive win over Crested Butte, bringing their record to 11-4.Keep it up, Viking athletes—we’re proud of you!
The first grade team at Haskin Elementary was out of this world with their annual Space Day! Mrs. Stilly, Mrs. Cantello, Mrs. Enquist, and Mr. Swanson made learning fun for our students and transported them to a fun learning system!
We were excited to have the Adams State leadership team visit our district and present to all of our secondary students on the importance of furthering their education with college degrees and the impact that can make on our students' lives. President Tandberg shared his personal story that included his alma-mater- Adams State University.
Mid-Year Focus
Last week, Center School District staff participated in a mid-year survey to assess progress on our district priorities. Thanks to everyone who took time to complete the survey,the feedback has been incredibly insightful. We will be looking at the results in our DOT meetings and using the feedback to gauge next steps.
First-semester rating:Â 3.86/5
District Ownership Plan rating:Â 4/5
Let’s break it down:
District Ownership Plan at Work
The District Ownership Team (DOT) has established long and short-term goals for each of our improvement strategies.Â
Priority #1- Curriculum and Instruction: At CCSD, staff are committed to leading rigorous, engaging, and collaborative learning experiences in every classroom, ensuring alignment with CCSD Instructional Expectations.
Priority #1 directly supports our core beliefs:
The overall rating on this priority standard is 3.89.Â
Our commitment to providing rigorous, engaging, and collaborative learning experiences continues to shine. This is a top priority, and we’re seeing great results! In classrooms this week:
-Mr. Hacking guided students through a well-structured lesson with a clear plan and organized materials.
-Mr. Guerrero had students engage in a collaborative reading session using popcorn reading and comprehension check-ins.
-Miss Cordova used formative assessments to track reading fluency, noting growth across the board.
-Ms. Lane kept her students actively engaged in reviewing animal defense mechanisms, reinforcing academic vocabulary, and encouraging peer-to-peer sharing.
Throughout the halls, I witnessed rigorous instruction from Ms. Junio, Mrs. Rounds, Ms. Hays, and Mr. Vigil—keep up the fantastic work, everyone!
Priority #2 Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR): CCSD seeks to develop hard-working learners that are contributors, problem solvers, effective communicators, future-ready, and empowered with the skills necessary to meet and handle the challenges they will face in today’s world.
Priority #2 directly supports:
Haskin teachers are working towards getting our elementary students thinking about careers and choices after high school. In the 3rd grade hallway, you see that concept being reinforced through math instruction!
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Priority #3- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): CCSD will maintain high expectations for student learning and behavior. Structures are in place to support the academic and behavioral needs of all students.Â
Core Belief #2: With our support, ALL children can achieve at high levels and be successful in life, is the foundation of Priority #3.
Haskin Elementary staff met on Thursday to conduct their RTI meetings. These meetings directly reinforce our goal to support students academically and behaviorally. Staff has put specific interventions in place based on students' needs. They use this time to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and make necessary changes.  Michele Hammel, our MTSS Coordinator at the elementary, led the conversations.Â
Haskin staff are also doing a great job rewarding students for positive behaviors. The fourth grade class won the Merit Competition and the students had the chance to go to the movies with their teacher. Jazmynn Valadez is coordinating the PBIS program at the elementary and recognized staff that met the district expectation for rewarding students with Viking Bucks!
 Priority #4- Recruitment and Retention:Â
CCSD is committed to attracting the best and brightest to teach our students. Our goal is to recruit, train, and retain highly qualified teachers. Effective educators are the single most important school based factor determining student success.Â
Core Belief #4- Everyone must be committed to excellence in ALLÂ they do, every day.Â
Fast Forward
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Calendar Dates
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Monday, January 27th – Skoglund Access Testing, Mid-Year Evals, Skoglund MS Spelling Bee
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Tuesday, January 28th- Â Mid-Year Evaluations, Family-Community Team Meeting
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Wednesday, January 29th- Rural Alliance Advocacy Call, Opportunity Coalition, Mid-Year Evaluations, Superintendent PLC, Special Board Meeting @ 5:30 PM
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Thursday, January 30th- Weekly Construction Meeting- Spencer Architects
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Friday, January 31st- Viking Athletic Association Wrestling Tournament
Saturday, February 1st- Viking Athletic Association Wrestling Tournament, CHS Basketball @ Custer County