From the Board, February 14, 2025

It looks like winter finally decided to show - a perfect Valentine's Day gift from Mother Nature. I
hope everyone stays safe and warm. I’d like to congratulate our Bears and Titans who are
representing Garfield Re-2 at state wrestling this weekend. Please be safe traveling to Denver
or back this weekend from supporting our student-athletes, we know you’ll represent well and
make us proud!

There is a lot for us to celebrate, and it was very apparent when we were invited into Highland
Elementary School for our February 12th School Board Meeting. I always enjoy going into the
schools and seeing how unique our schools are. We heard about the different clubs and
activities at HES. Anything from Board Game Club, Student Council, who has
volunteered at the Veterans Home and served at Extended Table, to the homework club where
some of our HS kids come and help. We heard how the new math program that was adopted
this year is working in the classrooms. I appreciated hearing from the Highland Tribe and their
plans and goals to continue to increase their scores. They’ve seen a decrease in discipline this
year, and their attendance rate is at a 95%.

In this meeting we went over the results of our financial audit, and our economic forecast. I’ve
heard the scary stories of where we once were, and to see where we are now and the hard
work that has been put in by our finance team, they are truly nothing short of amazing.

In Family and Community Partnerships we were able to see all the events that go on in our
community. There will be free showings of Screenagers Under the Influence: Vaping, Drugs,
and Alcohol in the digital age, Thursday, February 20 th at 6:30pm at the Brendan Theater. There
are also many other opportunities to get out and see what else we have going on. Coming up is
the Daddy Daughter Dance at Graham Mesa tomorrow Saturday February 15 th , and Riversides
Family Fun Night fundraiser Thursday February 27 th . Wamsley Elementary has rolled out the
new communication platform, ParentSquare, that will be in effect district-wide the start of the
2025-2026 school year.

I can not stress enough how important the partnership that the district, the schools, have with
the families and community members. If you’d like to get involved, please look to your child’s
school for opportunities.

Thank you to all the district staff for all they do and the challenges they overcome regularly.
With that, please keep in mind that if there is anything you would like to discuss with your child’s

school, the district, or the board, we are here for the kids and their families.
See you at our next school board meeting at the district office Wednesday, February 26th at
5:30pm.