Weekly Superintendent Update, Feb. 4

Weekly Superintendent Update, Feb. 4
Posted on 02/04/2022
Dr. Sirko

Dear D51 Families and Colleagues: 


Congratulations to two of our District 51 students who participated in National Signing Day! Kevin Sjogren, a senior at PHS, signed with the University of Wyoming to play football and Joseph Shepardson, a senior at FMHS, signed with Western Colorado University. I would also like to congratulate the CHS Winter Warriors who competed this past Saturday, in Leadville, for the Snowshoe National Championships. Both the men’s and women’s teams walked away with not only first place but a State and National Championship!


COVID-19 Update

On Feb. 1, the Board of Education voted to remove any mask requirements in schools starting Feb. 7. Beginning Feb. 7, masks will no longer be required in schools for students, staff, and visitors, but will continue to be highly recommended. Here is a link to the letter sent out to staff that details how we will address positive cases, isolation after a positive test and quarantine guidance.  


As a reminder to our families there are three ways that you can test if you suspect a positive Covid case. 

In school:  Voluntary, free COVID-19 testing at school for students who become symptomatic while at school. Parents must register their students ahead of time in order for staff to test a student.  To sign up, go to: Here


Community testing sites: Mesa County Public Health and COVID Check Colorado, information here


At-Home tests:  D51 can now accept At-Home test results for positive or negative results. 


Black History Month

Every year in February since 1915, we honor Black History Month. This is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. National Black History Month serves as a reminder of the many ways in which African Americans helped develop and strengthen our nation. Join D51 this month in honoring National Black History Month. 


National School Counselor Week

Next week is National School Counselor Week.  We would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all District 51 school counselors.  At a time when the national spotlight on mental health has never shone brighter, National School Counseling Week is a time to recognize the unique challenges and pressures placed on counselors in the U.S. school system and focus public attention on their hard work and dedication to a difficult yet rewarding profession. School Counselors are an integral part of our education system and often work behind the scenes. Thank you for all you do. We are better together. 



Strategic Plan Update

At Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting a resolution was signed to approve the Strategic Plan presented at last month's Board Meeting.  More information on the strategic plan will be coming from Dr. Brian Hill and will also be posted to our district website. 


2022-23 Adopted Calendar

On Tuesday at the Board of Education meeting, Jennifer Marsh, Director of Curriculum and Learning Design; Tim Couch, MVEA President, and Bookcliff Middle School Principal, Jim Butterfield presented to the Board two different calendar options for the 2022-23 school year. The board approved the attached calendar for the 2022-23 school year. The calendar committee also compiled a list of FAQs to help our staff and families understand how the calendar was developed. I would like to thank the Calendar Committee for all of their hard work in compiling the calendar. 


Warm regards,


Diana

Dr. Diana Sirko

Superintendent of Schools

Mesa County Valley School District 51

(970) 254-5193