Vilas School District RE-5

Investing in Our Staff, Investing in Our Students! Nine members of the Vilas School District staff recently traveled to Las Vegas to attend the Innovative Schools Summit Conference. Throughout the conference, our team participated in professional learning focused on student engagement, innovative teaching methods, leadership, school culture, and creating meaningful learning experiences for every student. We are committed to bringing new ideas back to our classrooms and continually improving opportunities for our students. Learning doesn’t stop with our students—it extends to our educators as well. Thank you to our dedicated staff for investing their time to grow professionally and for their commitment to providing the best possible education for the students of Vilas School District.

Our students recently took an unforgettable learning trip to Galveston, Texas, where the classroom extended far beyond our school walls! During their adventure, they explored the Galveston beaches and learned about ocean tides and marine life. They also visited NASA, where they discovered the science, technology, and innovation behind space exploration. The trip included visits to the Dealey Plaza and George H.W. Bush presidential museum, giving students the opportunity to learn more about our nation’s history. Experiences like these bring learning to life by connecting science, history, and real-world exploration. We are proud of our students for representing Vilas School District so well and for embracing every opportunity to learn!

🌟 We're getting ready for an amazing school year at Vilas School District! 🌟

Join us for two fun community events before school starts!

🏊 Sunday, July 20 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Walsh Swimming Pool

School provides hot dogs & hamburgers
Community, please bring a side to share
Pick up enrollment packets
Visit with staff, students, and families

🍔 Sunday, August 10 | 5:30 PM
Back-to-School BBQ & Enrollment

Complete enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year
School provides the main meal
Community, please bring a side to share
Meet teachers and kick off the new school year!

📚 First Day of School – Wednesday, August 12
🥣 Breakfast begins at 7:30 AM
📝 Classes begin at 7:55 AM

✨ We're still accepting new student enrollments! If you're looking for a personalized education with small class sizes, caring teachers, and unique learning opportunities, we'd love to visit with you.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact:
📧 Enrique Gutierrez – enrique@vilask12.org
📞 719-523-6738

We can't wait to welcome both returning and new families to the Vilas School District community. Go Vilas! 💙🤍🐴

🌱 Meet the crew keeping our food growing this summer! 🌱 Students are participating in our Food Production Internship, where they’re gaining hands-on experience planting, maintaining, harvesting, and processing fresh produce. The fruits and vegetables they grow are processed to be served in our school cafeteria, providing healthy, locally grown food for our students and staff. This is learning with purpose—building agricultural skills, developing a strong work ethic, and giving back to our school community. 🍅🥬🌽

📚 The 2026–2027 School Supply List is available! 🎒

Find the supply list here:
https://www.vilask12.org/page/2026-2027-enrollment

Vilas EDGE Program
Explore • Discover • Grow • Engage
The Vilas EDGE Program provides flexible K-12 learning opportunities designed to meet the unique needs of every student while maintaining the personalized support and family-centered values that define Vilas School District RE-5.
Through the EDGE Program, students can choose the educational pathway that best fits their goals and learning style, including fully online, hybrid, and traditional in-person learning options. Whether students are seeking greater flexibility, accelerated coursework, alternative scheduling, or expanded academic opportunities, the EDGE Program provides a supportive environment where they can thrive.
Students enrolled in the Vilas EDGE Program have access to a wide variety of courses and individualized support from district staff. Personalized learning plans help students stay on track academically while exploring future college and career opportunities through ICAP guidance and career planning.
In addition to core academic coursework, the EDGE Program expands opportunities for students through concurrent enrollment courses, industry-recognized certificates, internships, work-based learning experiences, and career exploration opportunities. These pathways allow students to earn college credit, develop workforce skills, and gain real-world experience while still enrolled in high school.
The EDGE Program also ensures students remain connected to the Vilas school community. Students may participate in athletics, clubs, activities, Knowledge Bowl, educational trips, and other extracurricular opportunities available through the district.
At Vilas School District RE-5, we believe learning should be flexible, engaging, and meaningful. The Vilas EDGE Program empowers students to explore their interests, discover their strengths, grow academically and personally, and engage with opportunities that prepare them for success beyond graduation.

🦩 The flock has landed in South Baca !🦩 Uh oh… looks like a flock of flamingos has made a surprise stop in Vilas! If they’ve landed in your yard next, don’t panic—there are options to help guide their migration 🦩✨ 💗 Targeted Migration – $25 Assist the flock in finding their next migration destination 🦩 Bird Control – $30 Call or text for “bird control” to have the flock removed 🌴 Migration Assistance – $40 Send the flock from YOUR yard to someone else’s! 🛡️ Flock Repellent Insurance – $50 Protect your yard from future flamingo landings for one month 📞 Contact Coach Larkin or any South Baca Patriots Cheerleader to participate. 💵 Please make checks payable to South Baca Patriots Thank you for supporting South Baca Cheer and helping our flamingos continue their migration! Please be respectful of our flock—this is fundraising fun! 🦩 Flocks “naturally” migrate every 1–2 weeks 🦩 Flocks cannot land in fenced yards

Support the South Baca Cheerleaders while adding a little fun to the community! Every donation helps our athletes grow, compete, and represent South Baca with pride!

🎉 Congratulations to our own Luke Nantz and Kalob Carter!

We are proud of Luke and Caleb for investing in their future by completing their CNA certification this summer. Their hard work and dedication are opening doors for future success.

We are proud of them for continuing to learn and grow,! 👏💙💛

💦☀️ Summer Enrichment at Garden Rapids! ☀️💦
Our Summer Enrichment students recently enjoyed a fun-filled day at Garden Rapids at The Big Pool in Garden City, Kansas!
Students had the opportunity to cool off, stay active, and spend time with friends while enjoying the water slides, pool attractions, and summer sunshine. Trips like these provide students with opportunities to build friendships, create lasting memories, and stay engaged throughout the summer.
We were proud of the way our students represented Vilas School and grateful for the staff and volunteers who helped make the day a success.
Take a look at some of the highlights from our day at Garden Rapids! 📸😎🌊

🚌📚 AR Trip Adventure! 🏔️🐾
Our students recently had the opportunity to take part in an exciting Accelerated Reader (AR) trip filled with learning, exploration, and unforgettable experiences!
Throughout the trip, students visited the historic Stanley Hotel, toured the Celestial Seasonings tea factory, explored a candy factory, experienced the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, and visited The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado.
These experiences gave students the chance to connect their learning to the world around them while creating memories with their classmates. From wildlife and nature to history and industry, the trip offered something for everyone to enjoy.
We are incredibly proud of our students for the way they represented Vilas School throughout the trip. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes made this adventure a tremendous success.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. We hope you enjoy a few highlights from our AR trip! 📸✨

🎓 Senior Trip 2026 🎓
Our seniors recently returned from an unforgettable trip filled with new experiences, great memories, and plenty of fun along the way.
Senior trips provide students with the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, strengthen friendships, and experience new places as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
We are proud of the way our students represented Vilas School throughout the trip and grateful for the support of our families, staff, and community who help make opportunities like this possible.
Congratulations once again to the Class of 2026! We hope you enjoy a few snapshots from their adventure. 🎉

🎓📚 Principal's Honor Roll & Superintendent's Honor Roll 📚🎓

Vilas School is proud to recognize the students who earned placement on the Principal's Honor Roll and Superintendent's Honor Roll for their outstanding academic achievement.

Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, these students have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the classroom. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and thank the families and staff who support their success.

Please join us in celebrating these outstanding students! 👏🌟

☀️ ACTIVE PULSE – SCHOOL EDITION ☀️
Did your student receive their end-of-year packet or report card materials? If so, they already have everything they need to get started with the Active Pulse – School Edition Summer Program!
Through this program, students can earn points and incentives by completing activities that encourage:
✅ Physical activity
✅ Healthy eating and hydration
✅ Positive mental health habits
✅ Reading and learning
✅ Family engagement
📅 Program Dates: June 1 – August 31, 2026
Students received checklists with their end-of-year materials. Be sure to complete activities and return checklists by their due dates to earn points toward incentives and prizes!

As we wrapped up the school year at Vilas School District, our day was filled with leadership, connection, creativity, and celebration.

Our NHS and JH and HS leaders began the morning by reading one-on-one with elementary students and gifting them personalized books to take home.

Students then worked together on a STEM marble run challenge, using teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity to design and build their projects.

We ended the day by celebrating the accomplishments of our students through our End of Year Awards Ceremony, National Honor Society inductions, and 8th Grade Continuation.

As we close another school year, we are proud of the growth, leadership, grit, and accomplishments of our students. Thank you to our staff, families, and community for supporting our students every step of the way. We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful summer!

Our district is proud to be a recipient of the Fishing in Schools- NFSP grant this year! Students had a great time during the last lesson as they practiced their learned fishing skills and enjoyed hands-on outdoor learning. It was a successful and exciting day for all of our elementary students, filled with smiles, learning, and new experiences! 🎣

What a fun day at the Kim Elementary Track & Field Day! 🏃‍♀️🏅☀️

Our elementary students had a great time competing, cheering each other on, and showing amazing sportsmanship throughout the day. From races to field events, it was wonderful to see students encouraging one another, trying new things, and representing our school so well.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible, and great job to all of our students for their effort, teamwork, and positive attitudes! 💙💛

Congratulations to Eliana Gutierrez on successfully graduating from Lamar Community College with her Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice — one day before graduating from Vilas School District RE-5!

Eliana’s hard work, determination, and commitment to her goals have been inspiring to watch. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and excited to see her soar as she transitions to University of Denver.

Congratulations, Eliana! Your future is bright! 🎓

Join us Thursday for our End of Year Awards Ceremony as we celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and hard work of our students throughout the school year — including recognition of our 8th grade continuation students! 🎓💙