Message from Superintendent of Schools 4/22/2020

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Community members:

It is with great sadness that I announce all Huerfano RE-1 schools will be closed for in person instruction the remainder of the school year (through our last day of May 22nd) as stipulated by Governor Polis late Monday evening. We, as educators and compassionate people, are devastated that we will not have the opportunity to gather with our young people for in person instruction, celebrating end of year events or saying “goodbye” to our students. Kids, I can tell you for a fact, your teachers miss every one of you.

I know everybody entertained the hope that we could possibly resume normal instruction, events and activities in May. Unfortunately, these items will not occur. Also, to be clear, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has “canceled all performances, festivals, competitions and all athletics for the remainder of the 2020 season” , ending on June 1, 2020.

Parents and students, remote learning will continue through May 22, 2020. I ask that you please finish strong and make every effort to do the best that you can.

There are still many school related items such as: IPad return, classroom book returns, locker clean-out, outstanding fees paid etc. that will need to be addressed many of which will depend on the status of the Corona virus and regulations put in place by the Huerfano and Las Animas Health Department. We will let you know any plans considering the above-mentioned end of year items as soon as they are developed.

On a positive note, we do have plans for an alternate format of graduation on May 22nd that will be held downtown at the intersection of 5th and Main similar to a homecoming parade with recognition of each graduate and issuance of their diploma. A 2nd, more traditional graduation,  with a very limited number of guests along with extensive social distancing will be held on June 13th at the football field complex if allowed to do so by our health department at that time. These plans have not been finalized at this point yet we do know that we want to recognize our fantastic graduates with the recognition they so rightfully deserve. This will be a historic and memorable time for our seniors considering the extraordinary health crisis we are enduring. The specifics of our nontraditional and traditional graduation ceremonies will be released in due time.

This “closure” of schools will not affect our free breakfast and lunch pick-up program. This will remain available for those wanting to participate.

All these changes to the delivery of instruction, stay at home orders, loss of income and fearing for our health and that of loved ones have been unexpected, frustrating, challenging and frightening, to say the least.

However, I know that our students, families, teachers, administrators and staff members have risen to the occasion during these most difficult times.

I, personally, want to thank everyone for your flexibility, patience, understanding, thinking safety first for all our community and your continued support.

May you all remain positive, safe and healthy!

With kindness and respect,

Michael J Moore

Superintendent/Huerfano Re-1

PDF copy of this letter

February 22, 2018 Bedbugs letter from Health Department

Here is the letter sent to us by the LAS ANIMAS-HUERFANO COUNTIES DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT regarding bedbugs.  http://huerfano.k12.co.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bedbug2222018.pdf

February 22, 2018

Rhonda Hribar
201 5th Street
Walsenburg, CO 81089

Dear Ms. Hribar

I received notification from you regarding a bed bug issue that was noted at Peakview School on February 20, 2018. It is my understanding that the school nurse verified that one bed bug was found on a student at the end of the day. A letter was sent out to the parents of all students advising them of the situation and also some guidance on bed bugs.

In response to your notification, I conducted an inspection at Peakview School on February 22, 2018 to verify whether there was any evidence of bed bugs. After examining the classrooms and library, no bed bugs or signs of infestation were noted. I advised the staff to disinfect the seating and table areas of these rooms and keep them vacated until Monday February 26, 2018.

Thank you for contacting me regarding this situation, please contact me if you have questions.

Respectfully

Robin Heupel, REHS
Environmental Health Specialist III

DAAC Committee

The first DAAC meeting of the year will be on October 19th at 6pm at Peakview Elementary. If you would like to join the DAAC, please contact the District office.

As this group serves the Colorado Preschool Program as well, the committee needs a diverse number of members. This includes but is not limited to:

  • At least three parents of students enrolled in the district
  • One teacher employed in the district
  • One school administrator employed in the district
  • One business person from the district

In addition, the committee must have these areas represented for CPP.

  • Two parents of children currently attending the district preschool program
  • Two members of the business community
  • Representatives from the following:
    •  County or district health department
    •  Department of social services
    •  County agency involved in job services and training
    •  Publicly funded early childhood education agency located in the school district
    •  Privately funded child care center located in the school district
    •  Charter school located in district that has a preschool program

For full information, check out the District Accountability Handbook and the Colorado Preschool Handbook

Huerfano RE-1’s Town Meeting

Huerfano RE-1 will be holding a Town Hall meeting on August 11th, at 6pm in the Washington School Auditorium. Our host for the evening will be Larry Patrick.

We are inviting our County Commissioners, City Council, businesses, parents, and the general public. We plan to discuss the health and needs of the district. Please bring your ideas and questions. We want the community to have input on what happens in the district. Come out and give your voice a chance to be heard. Please join us!