Craig Daily Press, April 24, 2015

earning Todayeading TomorrowLearning Todayeading TomorrowL

Photo b

y Lauren Blair

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE CRAIG DAILY PRESS

2 | April 2015 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressLearning Today Leading Tomorrow

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press April 2015 | 3Learning Today Leading Tomorrow

Story by Craig Daily Press publisherRenee Campbell

The Craig Daily Press is pleased to bring to you Learning Today… Leading Tomorrow — a special section highlighting the academic achievements of the youth in Moffat County.

Many students from elementary through high school are taking advantage of academic clubs and extracurricular activities. The clubs meet to develop programs, thought-provoking discussions, competitions and community volunteerism opportunities. The purpose of the academic club is to generate enthusiasm while encouraging student involvement and achievement.

I spent several years watching my children grow up through Moffat County education, participating in football, basketball, track, cross country, DECA, FBLA, Key Club and Moffat County Youth United Way. It was fascinating seeing them grow with the various organizations that were at their fingertips.

Although Moffat County School District is going through financial strife, it still works incredibly hard to help students excel both inside and outside the classroom.

Yet, it’s not just the school district that must be responsible in making sure students are involved in activities that stimulate brain growth, it’s also the responsibility of the students and parents to get involved and stay involved.

I remember when my son Jeremiah was involved in sports. I attended every game I could, sporting my blue and white, cheering him and the rest of the team on.

More recently, I’ve watched my step-daughter Aubrey Campbell grow throughout her time with the district being very involved with the academic clubs DECA, FBLA, Key Club and Moffat County Youth United Way.

The clubs have provided her valuable opportunities in leadership roles, volunteering — the sense of community and relationship building, skills which are essential to her future.

Alternative learning is also available through Northwest Colorado Homeschooling Association and GOAL Academy.

I loved participating in my children’s educational growth, and it’s exciting to see other parents doing the same.

Despite hurdles we face as parents, it’s important to support educational opportunities for our kids.

This special section highlights a few of the wonderful educational aspects in Moffat County. I hope you enjoy reading our newest publication Learning Today… Leading Tomorrow.

From The Publisher:Supporting MoffatCounty education

Renee Campbell, publisher of the Craig Daily Press

Friends of Moffat County Education:Funding learning opportunities

The Friends of Moffat County Education Board meets once a month to discuss business and also to hear from those who seek funding. Photo by Andy Bockleman

Story by Craig Daily Press editorNoelle Leavitt Riley

Friends of Moffat County Education has an extremely important role in Craig’s educational community.

It’s a nonprofit that obtains funds through grants, business donations and Moffat County United Way and turns around and puts that money back into the community’s hands.

Basically, teachers, principals or anyone in Moffat County can go before the FMCE board and ask for financial assistance. The board listens to requests and decides how much money it wants to allocate to people and organizations in the community.

At its April 13 monthly board meeting, a total of $3,900 was allocated to those who asked for financial assistance.

Most of the financial support provided goes to teachers needing new books or educational tools. But the funding goes beyond just the classroom. In October of 2013, FMCE brought a Sky Dome Planetarium to Craig, giving children an opportunity to learn about the stars and planets.

“We try to fund ideas and programs that show kids a different perspective on the world,” said FMCE President Chris Jones.

“We purchased lab equipment for the science program. If someone uses the lab and want to become a scientist.”

Jones feels that FMCE provides excellent opportunities for students to learn from new purchases that the organization funds.

FMCE was formed in 2012, and that year it gave roughly $50,000 back to the community, Jones said.

“We’re excited about that,” Jones said. “We’d like to do more, but it’s hard. We want the teachers and the educators to tell us what they want.”

In addition to educational support, the organization also hosts two annual races — the Leaf Cruncher and Wake the Whittler 5K that commences the morning of Whittle the Wood Rendezvous, which is one of Craig’s biggest annual festivals.

The nine-member volunteer board is looking for other fundraising ideas, and board member Mardi Anson suggested creating a race at the Moffat County Fair in August.

Each race raises funds through registration also promotes healthy exercise. Another positive aspect of FMCE is that it has no overhead costs, Jones said.

Its mission is clear and concise: Funding initiatives to enhance the educational environment and experience in Moffat County.

“I think it gives teachers a way to fund their ideas and be creative,” said board member Luke Tucker. “We have the freedom to be autonomous. We can think outside the box.”

Board member Aida Crookston said she enjoys serving on the board because “it’s all about the kids.” Anson seconded her sentiment.

“I joined because I thought there was a need, and we all represent a different school, so it’s all covered evenly and no one is left out,” Anson said.

Melany Neton is the only teacher on the board, giving her a good understanding of what the district needs in terms of funding.

“I’m just honored to be a teacher and represent on this board,” Neaton said.

FMCE has a quote from Nelson Mandela that it uses: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Reach Noelle Leavitt Riley at 970-875-1790 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @noelleleavitt.


KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION MATRICULACION PARA EL KINDER

Monday, April 27 -‐ Friday, May 1 lunes, 27 de abril & viernes, 1 de mayo

7:30 am -‐ 3:30 pm

Children must be five years old on or before Aug 31, 2015

Los niños deben tener cinco años de edad antes del 31 de agosto 2015

Unsure which elementary school to register? Contact any elementary school or the school district office at 824-‐3268 ? Sin saber a qué escuela elemental para registrarme? Póngase en contacto con cualquier escuela primaria o la oficina del distrito escolar al 824-‐3268

At the time of registration, a special Kindergarten visitation day will be

scheduled for you and your child on either Wed, May 20th or Thurs, May 21 st.

En el momento del registro, un día especial visitación Kindergarten será programada para usted y su hijo a

ambos 20 de mayo o jueves, 21 de mayo. Mar 19 de mayo o el Wed, 20 de mayo.

WHAT TO BRING: ü Proof of Residency (utility or phone bill, lease

agreement, etc) Prueba de residencia (utilidad o cuenta de teléfono, contrato de alquiler, etc)

ü Child's Birth Certificate -‐ El niño Certificado de Nacimiento

ü Immunization Record -‐ Registro de vacunas ü Record of Physical Exam or Health Information is

suggested. Registro de Examen Físico o información médica se sugiere.

Register for 2015-‐16 School at your child’s Elementary School Regístrate escolar 2015-‐16 en la Escuela Primaria de su hijo

Sandrock Elementary: 201 E. 9th St. – 824-‐3287 Ridgeview Elementary -‐ 600 Westridge Rd. 824-‐7018 Sunset Elementary -‐ 800 W. 7th St. 824-‐5762 East Elementary -‐ 600 Texas Ave. 824-‐6042

Story by Craig Daily Press reporterLauren Blair

Students often hear about the “real world” outside of school, but few organizations prepare them for it as well as Moffat County High School’s DECA and FBLA clubs.

Members of DECA — previously known as Distributive Education Clubs of America — and Future Business Leaders of America are getting a jump on how to be successful in the adult world, from practicing job interviews to launching their own marketing campaigns.

“It’s a lot of networking ability, public speaking and building confidence for not just dealing with their peers but being confident with people who have far more experience and being able to hold their own with them,” DECA/FBLA advisor and MCHS business teacher Krista Schenck said.

Schenck has seen many of her students go on to have great success in college and in their careers.

“They have no problems dealing with adults because they learned those skills,” Schenck said. “I’m just so proud. They are leaders in their colleges and in their jobs.”

MCHS graduate and former DECA/FBLA

member Kirstie McPherson, class of 2012, will graduate from Montana Tech in May with a double major in business science and information technology marketing and management. McPherson first became an entrepreneur at the age of 14 and recently launched her new company, Edeveco.

“This is essentially what I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life,” McPherson said.

The company will focus on public relations and business development for startup companies as well as established businesses in several major cities nationwide. McPherson is Edeveco’s chief executive officer. She already has two employees — an operations officer and a venture seeker and business development manager — and is looking to add two more.

“Honestly, what I do now is so much of the networking thing, being able to feel comfortable in big crowds of people, being comfortable with myself, and DECA/FBLA is the biggest cause of what helped me to do that,” McPherson said. “Also learning about different business concepts, writing business plans, talking about your ideas to groups of people — all of that was incredibly important to me and my life.”

McPherson will return to Craig this summer

to launch a community development pilot program, rounding out her company’s work with a rural development component.

Whether students launch into the business world like McPherson or simply learn how to shine in an interview and land a job, DECA/FBLA is helping students to build successful careers.

“I feel like when I apply for a job, I’ll probably be better prepared, like I might know what

to expect. I don’t feel as nervous,” MCHS sophomore Makayla Thompson said. “I learned how interviews go in real life, what they say, what they ask you, situations you have to deal with. I got amazing experience from it.”

Kirstie McPherson can be reached at [email protected].

Contact Lauren Blair at 970-875-1794 or [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @CDP_Education.

Moffat County High School DECA/FBLA:Teaching real world skills to create leaders in business

Moffat County High School DECA/FBLA members practice for the upcoming FBLA state competition. From left, clockwise, seniors Katelyn Peroulis and Aubrey Campbell, sophomore Makayla Thompson, and seniors Conner Kopsa and Hannah Beckett will be attending the competition, while junior Marisa Hulstine helps them practice.

Photo by Lauren Blair


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Story by Craig Daily Press reporterAndy Bockelman

Measure for measure, the music programs of Moffat County High School can make some high quality sounds.

The singers and band students of MCHS have had a busy year, and though the specialties have taken different paths, there’s no denying their capabilities.

For the choir program, turnover has been an issue — in the last year, the groups have been overseen by three separate instructors, with Keri Rusthoi currently working with vocalists. The founder and artistic director of Steamboat Springs’ Emerald City Opera, Rusthoi has been a facet of arts in Northwest Colorado for more than a decade.

She’s been the temporary choral teacher at MCHS during the spring semester, and in that time Rusthoi said she has been blown away by the abilities of Moffat County singers.

“There’s a great tradition here, and there’s kids who really love to sing, and that’s what’s important is being into it,” she said.

The Concert Choir and the audition-only Center Stage will be performing for the community May 12.

Rusthoi also hopes to help the program set up some additional travel shows and workshops for the following year, ideally getting some fundraising rolling soon, which begins with people attending shows whenever they get the chance.

“They’re great kids, and they deserve some support,” she said.

As for the other music programs, the band classes of MCHS have been

thriving in recent months. Following a peak performance at the Western Regional Qualifier for Colorado Bandmasters Association in March, the group went to CBA’s state event earlier this month in Fort Collins, part of an altogether busy month in which the bands also attended Jazz Fest in Greeley and students Veronica Mead, Ryan Secules and Laura Secules also joined in All-State activities.

Teacher John Bolton, with MCHS since 2004, said having “a lot of leaders” has helped keep practices in good form.

“We’ve got some upperclassmen who really have it together and freshmen and sophomores who want to keep it happening,” he said. “It’s kind of developing its own leadership base, really. They’re able to create some good continuity and good adhesion.”

Having also been the sole leader of the Craig Middle School band since 2011, Bolton can see musicians through as much as seven years of rehearsals.

It’s been in recent years that he’s started to raise his expectations, and he has yet to be disappointed, with group members nearly always bringing out the best in each other during practices.

The sixth-grade class will perform its recital May 15 at CMS, with the ensemble of seventh- and eighth-graders and high schoolers taking the stage May 21 at MCHS, and Bolton anticipates they will finish the school year better than ever.

“A superior band comes from the band, and the kids who really want it, they’re stepping up to it,” he said.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or [email protected].

Moffat County High School

makes beautiful music

Keri Rusthoi directs the Moffat County High School concert choir during a rehearsal. The music programs at MCHS include two sections of choir and several of band, as well as band classes throughout Craig Middle School.




High school student councils can often be either a glorified popularity contest or an easy resume-builder for overachievers. But Moffat County High School Student Council is a group of students that know how to get things done and are learning to practice leadership in the spirit of service.

Led by science teacher Evan Gaffney, the robust student organization is always busy. From planning dances and activities to organizing fundraisers for the community, every student has a job.

“A lot of student councils are social clubs, they put on a great homecoming dance and for the rest of the year, it’s something to put on resume,” Gaffney said. “I envisioned a group of students that has an actual effect on their school and community culture.”

This month, student council raised $430 for the local chapter of Special Olympics Colorado. The group also donated funds and organizational assistance this year to the adopt-a-family drive — organized by MCHS student Ashley Derick — to help local families in need during the holiday season. Last year, student council raised more than $2,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

“We have a system that functions really well,” Gaffney said. “My job as of recently is pretty much to sit back and watch my kids accomplish things that they wanted to do.”

Rather than just a handful of officers doing all the work, the students divide and conquer. Dance, activities and humanitarian committee leaders delegate tasks to committee members, while council officers oversee the committees.

“Student council’s taught me a lot about being motivated and staying organized when you have lots of people depending on you,” said activities committee head Rebekah Bird, a junior at MCHS.

Bird is running against junior Wes Atkin for president next year and said she is proud of the work that student council accomplishes.

Though several of the organization’s leaders are, in fact, straight-A students, Gaffney praises members for being involved out of a genuine desire to help.

“When I got here, it was all straight-A students. We have a much better representation of the demographic of the student body than we used to. And that’s a good thing because they come with good ideas,” Gaffney said. “I’m really proud that… every one of our kids is there because they actually want to accomplish something. There’s no one there for a college resume.”

Current student council vice president Calden Scranton, a senior at MCHS, is preparing to move on from his four-year tenure in student council with a strong ethic for leadership.

“It’s about being in the sense of leadership with service,” Scranton said. “We’re serving our school, we’re trying to get events for them and doing community service… I hope to go into any field in my life and be a leader… Not leading to be in charge of things but knowing I’m giving the best help that is possible.”


Moffat County High School Student Council:Creating leaders that serve

Student council committee leader Wes Atkin, a junior at Moffat County High School, right, discusses the Day Without Hate with fellow council members, including student council president Tiffany Lingo and vice president Calden Scranton, at a meeting in March.


Student council activities committee leader Rebekah Bird debriefs successes and needed improvements in regards to the Sadie Hawkins dance with fellow committee members and adviser Evan Gaffney. Moffat County High School student council members are responsible for planning not only the homecoming dance and other fun events for students, but also fundraisers to support local community organizations.



CONGRATULATES THELEADERS OF TOMORROW

Aubrey Campbellwill graduate in May from Moffat County High School and CNCC. She will graduate with her associates degree from CNCC will be Associate of Science and she will be attending Colorado Mesa University in the fall of 2015 majoring in Graphic Design with an emphasis in Visual Print Communications and minor in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing.

Abigail Gonzaleswill graduate in May from Moffat County High School and CNCC. She will graduate with her Associate of Science degree and will be attending Colorado Mesa University in the fall to major in elementary education.

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Music teachers new and old give Moffat County’s elementary students a playful introduction to the world of music. From drums to keyboards in Phyllis Reed’s class at Ridgeview Elementary School to guitars and singing in Julieann Matheson’s music class at Sandrock Elementary, kids develop a foundational knowledge in music while having fun.

“We do a lot of singing and a lot of moving. I think children learn best through play, and so I try to make music as playful as possible,” Matheson said, a Craig native who went through Moffat County School District’s music program herself before going onto become a professional opera singer.

When Matheson switched gears to become a teacher, she brought with her an enthusiasm for music which enriches students’ learning. Kids learn music through games, singing playful songs, practicing simple choreography

and playing instruments such as recorders, xylophones and drums.

“I believe that we have a heritage of music as Americans, and I do what I can to teach the kids the songs that have been part of our culture for 100 plus years in our country,” Matheson said. “Music makes you smarter.”

In Reed’s class, kids often take their talents on the road with the famous drum group that performs at community events during the holiday season or at places like Sandrock Ridge Care and Rehabilitation.

Reed, who will retire at the end of the school year, has been teaching at MCSD for 14 years and has been teaching music for 45 years total.

“I just like little kids. They have an honesty about them,” Reed said. “I like to see them grow. I get to know them in a whole different way.”

In her classroom, students spend a lot of time on keyboards, progressing at their own pace through beginner

keyboard books which help students get familiar with both the treble and bass clef.

“Music is all around us, in nature sounds, on the radio. We’re going to hear music, good and bad,” Reed said.

“The more you know, you can make decisions about what you want to listen to… and you know what goes into it.”


Moffat County Elementary Music Program: Learning through music and play

Sandrock Elementary School third-graders sing about prepositions, adverbs and other parts of speech as part of a music concert this winter. Students from Kalee Voegtle's and Julie Sperl's third-grade class sang under the direction of Sandrock music teacher Julieann Matheson.



Story byTiffany Lingo

Education holds the building stones for a great future.

In Moffat County, my education was shaped firmly. My foundation was elementary school. In kindergarten, I remember learning the basics: phone number, address, days of the week. In f irst through fourth-grade I learned multipl ication, states and the famous Planet Song. These things were arbitrary then, but it held my knowledge for what was to come. To this day, I remember the Planet Song and every multiple of seven.

Middle school was a predictable time of preteen angst, but the teachers who helped me added walls to my foundation. I began algebra, biology and world history. Though the times were confusing, they were necessary. Teachers in this district work well with children and knew just how to give me every opportunity I needed to succeed. The three years I spent in the building on the north of town are what supported high school’s teachings.

My four years of high school are almost to an end, and I have learned nothing but great things from the teachers around me. Here I've given speeches that ranged from completely incoherent, to ribbon-winning. I’ve sat on a council being a small voice, and have become the one to hold the gavel. I’ve written essays with red markings on every inch and have now been head editor for two Moffat County High School publications. I can only give thanks to every teacher and mentor I’ve come across. When times of struggle came my way I was not given an answer. I was given a path for a solution. This, to me, was what began the transition to adulthood. These teachers and advisors have placed a roof on my other building stones.

In a few short months, I wil l be off to college — grateful ly with no fears in mind. Every aspect and transit ion wouldn’t have been possible without the others. Elementary school, middle school, and high school created the student I am today. Moffat County School District has teachers, staff, administration and programs that were implemented to build a perfect foundation for any student.

Story byBrent Curtice

Many times while walking the halls of school buildings I have seen students jumping up to touch the ceiling panels.

The activity usually starts off with one or two learners trying the jump and before long there will be eight or so jumpers, leaping through the air to achieve the same goal of touching the ceiling panel.

These learners are testing their skills, stimulated by the challenge of reaching for something beyond their normal grasp. Now imagine a school where all the ceiling panels are easy to reach. Image a place where there is no jumping and no challenge. There are no attempts to stretch beyond their normal day-to-day existence.

The future does not belong to those who are content with a low ceiling of expectation. The future belongs to those who set their eyes upon the high ceilings and then jump with all their resource to touch that point of the ceiling, which beckons them.

Moffat County School District is a district where there is a positive environment for learning, therefore creating a climate that is conducive to

change.

The resources and staff help create this vision. A shared vision becomes a vision shared.

In an effort to build upon the district’s strengths and to create a shared vision for the future, we will build with a structured plan.

The purpose of the plan is to first, reconnect the school organization and community by interacting with a variety of stakeholders and community leaders with diverse perspectives.

Second, our district is committed to higher levels of achievement and innovation. We must collectively build on the progress we’ve made over the past two years developing an aligned curriculum with Understanding by Design framework.

Third, build a multi-year financial plan. Moffat County schools will maintain and sustain the financial integrity of our district while providing quality programs that meet or exceed the needs of all students.

Fourth, build an instructional plan with the instructional coaches that will provide teachers support with district wide goals.

MCSD is a district where we promote a harmonious relationship between the school, the home, and the community. The growth of this relationship will be stimulated by staff expertise, modern

educational facilities, and community support. This relationship will be enhanced by a comprehensive school district program within the framework of a rural school setting with limited class size.

MCSD is a district where all students can be successful. We believe student success is created through a variety of principles: Success through personal responsibility, concern for and acceptance of individuals, open and honest communication, cooperation, discipline, respect, high expectations, critical thinking, digital learning, lifelong learning activities and providing various options to succeed.

MCSD is a district where we strive to provide a progressive, creative and innovative education within the framework of the school district policies.

The educational environment will be conducive to self-development through lifelong learning activities, intellectual, physical and moral pursuits.

Our foremost goal is to graduate students with technological skills for the 21st century that will fulfill their needs, desires and obligations to become a productive member of our society.

We will make certain that every student that graduates from Moffat County School District will have multiple options for his or her future.

Brent Curtice is the superintendent of Moffat County School District RE-1.

Tiffany Lingo:Growing with Moffat

County education

Tiffany Lingo

Brent Curtice:Moffat County School District works to reach various goals

Brent Curtice

Cartoon provided by Ridgeview Elementary.


Story byConnie Sue Ellis

Northwest Colorado Homeschool Association (NWCHSA) is a nondenominational Christian homeschool support group embracing families in Northwest Colorado for over 20 years. It is a diverse and friendly group; one that welcomes newcomers and new ideas readily. From field trips to co-op classes to celebrations and graduations, NWCHSA offers much to home educating families — for learners, teachers and supporters alike.

Homeschooling can be the most rewarding endeavor a family will ever embark upon, and support and sharing lift the bar to new heights. Whether a family is new to the challenge and looking for information, or well-seasoned and wanting to pass along life lessons, or just looking for some like-minded families to fellowship with, we provide people resources to meet each family’s needs.

NWCHSA is dedicated to providing encouragement and enrichment while keeping high moral and character standards. As a cooperative with no paid staff, each family shares its resources to benefit others who are also seeking to educate, evangelize and equip their children through the nurturing environment of the home. All members contribute with time, ideas, plans and suggestions.

Our mission includes promoting public awareness of home education and serving as an informational network to our members. Toward that goal, NWCHSA has active representation in Moffat County Global (MCG), a collaboration of all educators in Moffat County. While by law homeschooling families have always had access to involvement with public schools, additional options for homeschool families have blossomed through MCG partnerships. GOAL Academy has provided classes and tutors, Moffat County School District has opened its libraries, classes, sports teams, career and college guidance, among many other resources, and Colorado Northwestern Community College has provided dual enrollment, tutoring and use of their amazing facility for special functions. With barriers dissolving and homeschooling becoming mainstream in our society, we envision a long and exciting future for NWCHSA.

Connie Sue Ellis is the current president of NWCHSA. Reach her at 970-824-6911. Haley Barber is also available for questions regarding homeschooling at 970-620-2449.

The Craig Daily Press recently caught up with the Moffat County High School Bulldog mascot himself to discuss the sports and activities of the institution he loves.

Craig Daily Press: All these years, I've only ever heard of you referred to as the Moffat County High School Bulldog. Do you have a proper name, or is that one of your great secrets?

Bulldog: My name is very top secret and nobody can know it because my identity is hidden so that the upcoming kids and other teams have no idea who I am and that way I can blow them away!

CDP: Speaking of secrets, what kind of things have you buried in the MCHS football field? If we dug up the Bulldog Proving Grounds, would we find chew toys, old book reports or something even more shocking?

B: There are lots of things buried in the field like old trophies that the team has won because those are a secret — I mean, I l ike to hide my bones there too so no other dog can find them!

CDP: Earl ier in the school year, you got to ride in a helicopter as part of the Homecoming game. What was it l ike being the only airborne canine in Moffat County?

B: What can I say? I knew dogs could fly. It ’s always been my dream to fly because I always see those sil ly winged things flying over my head, and I wanted to f ly l ike they were. So me being the only canine has to be one of my greatest experiences.

CDP: How does the dog community feel about the song "Who Let the Dogs Out?" Back when I was a student, that was a big part of pep ral l ies and other activit ies, but nowadays you don't hear it at MCHS. Is that because it wore out its welcome as a one-hit wonder, or does the tune come off as offensive with terms l ike "f lea-bitten mongrels?"

B: The song has fal len off the Earth is what we dogs in Moffat County believe because we hear it once in a while but not al l the time. We dogs l ike the song, thinking it’s humorous and great for the school to get pumped up with.

CDP: Is there a lot of temptation to chase after the ball when you see a fumble or incomplete pass on the field or court?

B: Tons of temptation. When I see the ball, al l I want to do is play and

catch the passes from the wonderful quarterback. But, every time I bark at them, they don’t throw it to me. One day they wil l, I hope...

CDP: My guess is you'd make a fine addition to any of the sports teams at the school, but if you had to pick one to play, which would it be?

B: I would play baseball because that t iny l itt le ball gets hit far, which means I get to run farther and bring it back, plus they play catch with each other al l the time so I would be an expert at the game.

CDP: I f you were free to participate in other endeavors at MCHS, what groups would you join? Band, speech and debate, FFA, or would you want to do it al l?

B: FFA would be my choice because they have lots of plants that I can play in and smell. Also they judge that yummy meat that I would love to eat. Plus, they are expert builders and mechanics so they could build me a doghouse to l ive in and something to make me move faster or f ly higher then the helicopter did.

CDP: Does being colorblind affect your abil ity to cheer for Moffat County athletes, or do you have a system to remember which team is which?

B: I have a sense that I use that helps me sometimes. I can tel l who is who because not only do our

teams play the best, but they have a smell l ike me! They have that bulldog scent that I can smell and that’s how I know who to cheer for. Sometimes I smell myself and forget who I cheer for!

CDP: We never see you eat, but you must be well-fed to keep up your energy. Any favorite foods before game time? Purina, Kibbles n' Bits or does your appetite demand something bigger?

B: I eat a ton of food before games so that my energy is well-f i l led for the cheering. I prefer Purina dog food over anything because it gives me lots of energy! Also I sneak away at the games to down a Beggin’ Strip or two or three before going back to the game for more cheering!

CDP: We're sorry to reveal it this way, but our records indicate you never graduated from Moffat County Obedience School. Do you have any plans to obtain your diploma to set an example for future Bulldogs?

B: I have a plan hopefully soon to graduate and have my diploma so that the younger Bulldogs can one day grow up to be strong l ike me and also have the amazing brains l ike me! Because every student at Moffat County High School should be Bulldog smart and Bulldog strong! GO BULLDOGS, BARK BARK BARK!

— Interview by Andy Bockelman

Connie Sue Ellis

Homeschooling brings families togetherMeet Moffat County's mascot

The Moffat County High School Bulldog flexes his muscles and shows his support for breast cancer awareness during the varsity basketball pink games in February. The mascot is a fixture of the school and its sports.

Photo by Andy Bockelman


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Two teams of third through fifth-graders from Ridgeview and Sunset Elementary Schools won first place in different divisions at a Destination Imagination competition in Rifle in mid-March, allowing them to advance to the state competition in Denver April 24 and 25. Left to right Emma Jones, Abbe Adams, Ryan Peck, Olivia Profumo, Michael Profumo .

Parents and community members view the Craig Middle School band during the winter concert Tuesday night at Moffat County High School. Groups from both CMS and MCHS performed.

Photo by Andy Bockleman

Photo courtesy of Amy Peck



Future Farmers of America incorporates much, much more into its academic learning than just farming techniques.

Nowadays, FFA members learn how to grow plants, weld materials, build houses and fix engines, to name a few skills.

According to the National FFA website, “The letters ‘FFA’ stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change. But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more.”

The organization still focuses on learning about farm life, livestock and county fair activities, but the most important aspect of FFA is the leadership it provides to students, said Moffat County High School FFA Adviser Rick Murr.

“One way we try to work with students is by instilling leadership, growth and success,” he said of the FFA program at the high school. “I think the best part for me is being able to teach kids a skill they’re going to use for the rest of their lives. Seeing kids excited about things is exciting to me."

Rick Murr works as an FFA advisor alongside Angus McIntosh, teaching students a plethora of skills, including public speaking.

“Some kids are completely terrified of that,” Murr said, outlining that one student who was scared of speaking in front of his class saw huge improvement facing his fears through FFA’s program.

Regardless of the craft that they’re learning, it’s easy to see that the students absolutely love FFA. They get to weld metal materials, build shacks, fix car engines and grow flowers.

“It’s a lot of real life things you apply to everyday living,” said Ary Shaffer, 17. “It’s something you can rely on if you needed a job.”

Agricultural skills are also widely taught to students. Last November, MCHS ranked 17th out of 43 teams participating in the Meat Carcass Evaluation and Technology competition.

Additionally, students participate in milk and dairy food learning, horse evaluations, floral designs and horticulture.

The flowers that FFA students grow in

class are used for flower beds at Yampa Valley Golf Course and for the Craig Beautification Committee that plants flowers throughout Craig each spring.

Residents can also buy the flowers at a reduced price.

All the money generated by FFA goes right back into the program.

“I like doing stuff with my hands, exploring new stuff,” said Riley Allen, 15.

Another important aspect of FFA is that students learn to work together. For example, a group of students work as a team to rebuild a gas engine. Much of their success depends on how well they communicate and work as a group to accomplish the end goal.

That goal often is creating something that can be sold to the public so that the program can regenerate the money into its funds.

FFA students recently completed building a shed that was up for sale for $1,200.

“I like the fact that (FFA) gives the kids an opportunity to test themselves and expand their knowledge,” said McIntosh. “It builds personality, self knowledge.”


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FFA grows new skills for Moffat County’s youth

FFA students Riley Allen, 15, and Ary Shaffer, 17, participate in welding at Moffat County High School.Photo by Noelle Leavitt Riley


Story by Craig Daily Press reporterAndy Bockelman

A student soon to graduate from high school planning to move on to the next level of their education may have some considerable transitions in store for them. Although, the shock of college life will be lessened for those who start it early.

Colorado Northwestern Community College provides a method for young students to get ahead on higher learning with concurrent enrollment. The program has been in place at the establishment for many years, but like many schools, it was bolstered by state legislation in 2009 that enhanced the access of college courses for those currently enrolled in high school.

Besides servicing students in Craig, CNCC features concurrent enrollment for Rangely, Meeker, Oak Creek, Hayden and many more communities. More than 150 students in Moffat County currently receive dual credit through the offering.

Some of the more popular classes are the automotive program, for those who want practical training to get into the job world, or general education, like English composition, biology or psychology, which are easily transferrable to four-year schools.

Those who apply themselves can complete their coursework for an associate’s degree

before their high school graduation.

The benefits are many — financially, it can amount to some huge savings, but it’s also an environment where students can get a feel for college demands without being overwhelmed.

“Because we’re a community college and smaller, we’re more one on one with the students, so you can get more of a picture of where you’re going and that path becomes clear,” said Donna Theimer, dean for CNCC’s Craig campus. “That personal attention is what we’re known for.”

Flexibility is also a factor.

Kristen Cox, of Hamilton, has been able to put together a schedule in the past year that includes college classes, a part-time job and studying through Rocky Mountain Digital Academy. Currently studying everything from ceramics to human growth and development to economics, she’s also looking at some further matriculation at schools outside the area, but she credits CNCC for being available to get her in the college frame of mind.

“When you look at the statistics, you see the kind of earnings of people who go to college, so it just makes sense to start early,” Cox said.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or [email protected].


When talking about education in Moffat County, it’s important to know that Moffat County School District is not the only educational institution available to students.

GOAL Academy launched in Craig three years ago, offering high school students an alternative way to learn outside of the traditional classroom.

The institution gives students an opportunity to get their high school diploma on their own time and at their own pace through online and face-to-face teaching.

GOAL stands for Guided Online Academic Learning and is essentially an online public charter high school, and those who attend have a gamut of different needs.

“They can be students who excel. They can be students who need a little

more assistance,” said Nikki Robinson, and ICAP specialist at Craig’s GOAL Academy.

The academy personalizes the learning experience for each student.

“This approach to schooling combines face-to-face instruction with online learning and has yielded strong results. In fact, according to a 2010 study from the U.S. Department of Education, blended learning classes produce statistically better results than their face-to-face, non-hybrid equivalents,” according to GOAL’s website.

It’s also allows students who have non-traditional lives — those who have to care for elderly loved ones or teens who have kids — to engage in online learning at their convenience.

All the classes are online, and students can instant message with instructors. The company is based in Pueblo, so most of the teachers that students interact with are from Colorado.

Classes are available 24 hours a day, which means that if a 17-year-old students has to work during normal school hours in order to support his or her family, that student can participate in

curriculum in the evening after work.

“These students can complete high school sooner than an average brick and mortar,” Robinson said, noting that many students graduate as juniors.

It also is a place where students who have been severely bullied in the traditional classroom setting go to feel accepted.

Alexandria Cruz, 17, and her brother Johnathan Cruz, 15, both attend Goal Academy in a large part because they were bullied when they were in the school district classroom.

“When I came here for the first time, I thought that I could get the help that I need,” Alexandria Cruz said. “I like coming here because there’s not so many bullies. I feel more accepted.”

Her brother agrees.

“I like the school. Every teacher at this school is so nice to you,” Johnathan Cruz said. “It gives me more time to think about getting a job and take care of my mom and my three sisters.”


High school students get jump start with dual credit

Kristen Cox leans on the entrance sign of Colorado Northwestern Community College's Craig campus. Cox is one of many in the area who takes college classes before finishing high school.

Photo by Andy Bockelman

GOAL Academy offers online platform learning

Siblings Johnathan Cruz, 15, and Alexandria Cruz, 17, study together at GOAL Academy. Both students will graduate high school their junior year.

Photo by Noelle Leavitt Riley


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Moffat County elementary schools:Encouraging positive behavior


Gone are the days of rappings on the knuckles or writing things 100 times on the chalkboard. In our modern day, teachers have discovered that rewarding good behavior is more effective than simply punishing bad behavior.

Moffat County School District’s elementary schools have created a simple way to encourage kids to be their better selves through the PAWS program, which stands for practice respect, act with kindness, work together and stay safe.

Used throughout all four schools, the program is part of a nationally researched system for encouraging positive behavior in schools.

“It’s helping promote and prevent behavior issues and to create universal systems across the whole building, so teachers are using similar ways of rewarding and disciplining behavior,” said East Elementary School principal Sarah Hepworth.

The program rewards students with

a paper ticket whenever teachers or school staff observe them following the rules, such as helping a peer. At East Elementary, the tickets are pooled and one is drawn at a PAWS assembly each Friday to recognize one student from each grade level for their good behavior.

The tickets also add up to classroom

totals, which earn kids certain prizes once they reach 100 tickets, and on a school-wide level.

At Sunset Elementary School, students recently earned themselves a play hour by earning a total of 2,000 tickets throughout the school. The kids could roam freely between activities such as

karaoke, cup-stacking and playtime on the playground.

“It’s actually really helpful, it’s fun,” said fifth-grader Lauryn Jones during the play hour. “I think it shows responsibility and respect… like if some kid is getting bullied and you say, please stop, he’s my friend.”

The program is especially profound for kids who tend to struggle more with behavior issues.

“For all the students, especially special education, when they receive one, it’s a really big deal,” said Sunset Elementary special education teacher Janalee Adams.

Hepworth found similar results with her students.

“We have to be mindful and really watch for those kids... (and) really reinforce positive behaviors with those kids,” Hepworth said. “Those are the kids that really make a switch after a while.”


Students at East Elementary School are called up during the weekly Friday PAWS assembly to receive special recognition from their peers for doing something kind or helpful.



We want to recognize you... Alyssa Tague,

Calden Scranton,Andrew Keiss and

Patrick Eike...for your years of dedication and high achievement of the Citation Award in the AWANA program,

and for your positive involvement in our community!

You truly are future leaders, thank you for making a difference!

Alyssa Tague Calden Scranton

Andrew Keiss

Patrick Eike

Moffat County High School Key Club officers Hannah Beckett, Aubrey Campbell, Conner Kopsa and Katelyn Peroulis, bottom right, present Love INC, represented by executive director Pat Jones, with a check for $336.54 in March from money raised at concession stands in the fall.


Sandrock Elementary School students are greeted by sunshine and warm temperatures as they head home from school Friday. Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders completed their second week of PARCC testing this week and will wrap up the PARCC on Friday. CMAS testing begins in April.


Parent Erika Miller reads with Danaka Miller, Braxton Miller, Isabella Vanzo and Sofia Vanzo at East Elementary School's Muffins for Mom event. East also hosted Donuts for Dad; the events were designed to encourage parents to read with their kids.


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Ridgeview Elementary Principal Amber Clark received some exciting news. She found out that one of her teachers won the Peabody Energy Leader in Education for the 2014-15 school year. Special Education teacher Crystal Miller was awarded $1,000 in front of the entire school at a special assembly. "A remarkable Special Education teacher, Crystal is tireless in her dedication, supports children and families who cannot support themselves, and advocates for best practices that allow all children to be successful," stated a press release announcing her award. "By developing and implementing a total remake of Ridgeview’s intervention system for its students who have gaps in their education, she helped Ridgeview make extraordinary gains in student achievement in a very short time. Crystal helps classroom teachers organize and structure their learning and instruction time to meet the needs of kids who struggle with everything from speech disorders to severe autism. Because of her leadership, Ridgeview Elementary is able to serve the needs of all students in an inclusive environment." Pictured left to right: Fifth-grader Bubba Harding, fourth-grader Tanner Musser and Special Education Teacher Crystal Miller.

Photo by Noelle Leavitt Riley

Lacey Wiseman and Caitlen Krause display their Special Award of Achievement for Best Project in Western History from the Museum of the West. They were presented the award for their Junior Group Exhibit entitled “The Importance of Sacagawea" at the Western Slope Regional National History Day competition March 7 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. Six eighth-graders from Craig Middle School competed against over 130 young historians from seven middle schools. Abigail Fritz and Alexis Main garnered first place in the Junior Group Performance for their self-penned “Your Faithful Servant, Abigail Adams." Second place in Junior Group Websites was taken by Kincaid Perez and Hunter Petree. These students will advance to the State National History Day competition in Denver on May 2.


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The Craig Daily Press proudly recognizes thescholastic achievements of our youth.

Kindergarten students in Angela Glispy's class wear handmade hats to celebrate East Elementary School's 100th day of learning. The kids wrote 100 practice words on each of their hats. Students throughout the school wore hand-decorated shirts with 100 things on them, ranging from candy to toy soldiers to plastic eyeballs.

Students from Craig Middle School and Moffat County High School convene in the lobby of Colorado Northwestern Community College's Craig campus. About 280 students attended CNCC's Taste of College, which provided a glimpse at the variety of classes and subjects available for those who pursue high education. Among the topics were paleontology, poetry, photography, psychology, ceramics, history, marine science, aviation maintenance and flight, music, massage therapy, business, nursing and dental hygiene.

Terra Firma (Laura Spakes) has a pair of brothers — played by Bill Ronis, left, and Cory Spakes — in the palm of her hand in "The Taming of the Wilderness." The original show, written and directed by David Morris.


Documents

Craig Daily Press, April 24, 2015