Mountain Valley Principal's Corner, 04/04

It’s hard to believe we are in the month of April already. The third quarter of school flew by, and we now have eight weeks to completion of the 2018-2019 school year. Teachers and staff have been busy gearing up for the spring season and the many activities and events coming up until the end of school on May 23.  
The state CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) testing window is April 8-18. CMAS and PSAT/SAT are the only common measuring tools for all Colorado students. Measuring real-world skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, the tests are aligned to classroom work so teachers do not have to “teach to the test.”
Instruction based on the standards is the best preparation. Additionally, state assessment results provide: 1) Information districts can use, in combination with other district information, to evaluate programs. 2) Information educators need to help improve instruction. State testing is required by Colorado Law and students in grade 3-11 will participate in these important tests. For more detailed information visit https://www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/generalinfo-colaw
Juniors Leo Glenn and Ethan Volkman along with sophomore McKensie Innes will be attending the state FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) competition April 22-24. These students take on challenges such as marketing, business ethics, public speaking, interviews and speeches. Good luck to these students. The Envirothon team will also be heading to a state competition later in April.  Our team members learn real-world hands-on science while showing their expertise in environmental science.
Middle school students will be traveling to the Ute Cultural Center in Ignacio to visit the museum and learn about the culture and history of the Ute Indians. Students will bring that knowledge back to our school to share with others as we honor the Ute history right here in Saguache. The pre-school will be riding the Royal Gorge train later in the month. What an exciting and fun adventure for our youngest MVS students!
Counselor Lisa Powers will take two college tour trips with juniors and seniors. They will tour Adams State University, Trinidad Junior College, and Western State University to find out what courses and opportunities a college degree may offer.
We will have our monthly FREE community dinner on April 18 and Lisa Powers will provide an informative training on how to help someone who may be considering suicide. Please join us for a wonderful meal and then an extremely vital presentation.
Finally, Prom 2019 will be held on Saturday, April 27 right here in Saguache. Junior class members from Moffat and MVS will be working together to create a fun and festive atmosphere to celebrate this exciting culminating dance for our high school students.