📢 VSD Daily Announcements
Daily announcements will be posted here as they become available. We are currently piloting this platform as a way to share timely updates with students, families, and the community. Our goal is to make communication more consistent, accessible, and effective for everyone.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gzk321kvykqOVIEmRTm9_Yrxrn7Y3c7jJZiN_obXlMU/edit?usp=sharing
S-CAP provides a strong accountability and feedback process that helps districts like ours ensure alignment with whole child education and set meaningful goals for the future.
As part of the process, educators from other districts spent the day with us collecting data from conducting classroom observations, focus groups, and reviewing documents.
🙏 A huge thank you to our students, staff, families, and reviewers for your input and involvement during our first System Support Review (SSR). Your voices help us continue to grow and provide the very best for our students! 💙💛
Our students are diving into hands-on building, problem-solving, and teamwork as they prepare for this year’s challenges. 🧩🤖
Stay tuned for more updates as their creativity takes shape and they enter competitions! 💡
We are proud to share that two outstanding students from Baca County have been selected to serve on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) this year! 🎉
✨ Anabelle Pettinger – Vilas School District
✨ Parker Arbuthnot – Springfield School District
COYAC is a statewide program that gives Colorado teens (ages 14–19) a powerful voice in the state lawmaking process. Created by the Colorado Legislature in 2008 (House Bill 08-1157, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Roberts, HD59-Durango), COYAC allows youth to advise legislators on issues important to young people and their communities.
Through this council, students build leadership skills and civic engagement while helping shape policies that impact the future of Colorado. Learn more here: 👉 coyac.org
These two students completed a rigorous application process to earn the honor of representing Senate District 35. Their selection is a true testament to the incredible educational opportunities in our rural Baca County districts.
We couldn’t be prouder of Anabelle and Parker for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a difference! 💙✨
Students observed different types of rocks and described their color, size, texture, and hardness. They even compared them through a fun “rock mining” activity. Hands-on learning makes science come alive! ✨
📚 NWEA Testing is Next Week! 📚
We want every student to feel confident and ready to show what they know—so we can meet them where they are and help them grow. Here’s how you can help your child prepare and reach their academic goals:
✅ Get plenty of rest – A good night’s sleep boosts focus and memory.
✅ Arrive on time – A calm, unrushed start sets the tone for success.
✅ Offer encouragement – Remind your child that doing their best is what matters most.
✅ Review skills – Read together, practice math facts, and make learning part of everyday life all year long.
Together, we can help students do their best and shine! ✨
The first two days of school were a huge success! 🎉
Students connected with their teachers, rekindled friendships, set meaningful goals for the year, and explored their own personalities as well as their classmates’. With Vilas Grit, they’re ready to take on the year and hit individualized targets. We’re excited for all the learning ahead! 📚✨
First Day of School is August 13th with breakfast at 7:30am and the first bell at 7:55am.
Is your child under the age of 5 and not yet in kindergarten?
This free screening helps identify children who may benefit from early intervention or special education services.
Have questions? Call us 719-523-6738 or tanya@vilask12.org
We’re excited to welcome DeMarkus Swan to the Vilas School family as our new JH/HS History and Physical Education Teacher! Coach Swan will also be coaching with JH/HS boys Basketball Coach.
He brings energy, leadership, and a passion for both academics and athletics that we know will inspire our students on and off the court. We’re thrilled to have him join us this school year!
Hattie Swan is joining the Vilas School family as our new science teacher and bringing her energy and enthusiasm to the South Baca cheer team as our cheer coach! 📚📣
Hi everyone! My name is Hattie Swan — I’m a proud girl mom, wife, Disney lover, and longtime cheer enthusiast who’s super excited to be your coach. When I’m not on the sidelines, I’m usually with my family playing dress-up, making memories, and living life with lots of laughter and love. I can’t wait to cheer, grow, and have a blast with all of you this season! 💕📣✨
We’re so excited to have Hattie on board—get ready for a fantastic year filled with science, spirit, and smiles! 🙌
