Good Morning, Trojan Nation!
Thank you to all who attended our Strategic Planning Engagement session yesterday evening!
This information is designed to be passed forward to engage additional community members and staff.
If you are willing, we would really appreciate your feedback. Please open this document, which is the one used during the presentation:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JAHEz-qPJNa7jN-AGbPJ683t__VeK8gfTWs-N9VwHzs/edit?usp=sharing
Once that document is open, please play the video linked here and follow along:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yMTdanT2o1fqfDC2Igh2SgJbE-bUMF5m/view?usp=sharing
The video lasts 30 minutes.
After the video plays, we'd like participants to answer the 8 questions in the links at the bottom of the engagement document. For ease, I'm also linking them right here, as I'd encourage anyone who might like to simply answer the questions to do so.
Question 1:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeiTYiNraNtXwKUMOWcPQAdQDzxwoThNyYkMQ1MEA-dLM9FQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Question 2:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiaQUaWp4_ikmF6Uwsx4eAB6J9Z9CcFF7lX6D8uMhBCDX8fA/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Question 3:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfc8Cj4Orhi1Qi4H3A3GVTavKc5g_hJLeRNllBbXPlEupLApg/viewform?usp=dialog
Question 4:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBQU685dm2tFD0jt4IZycTYCta5AG9uS_8Xe49XTp3hBGlNw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Question 5:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIyQI0J1m23M3Y50ysDmH6_Y3JZWSNcGmf4m4hNJ6FuxRtLg/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Question 6:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsQdPtZfV23VKFmr5Qj4UVM60g5V6Kn-M4CUNc2Mmxtqn1cg/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Question 7:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSvWhlvyTOaBn31Z6voll27Z6Qimk7385oEWQLau1HJmjW0w/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Question 8:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdd6zQ66Mp7kcl5Njupj4jRurkGx6AdLz2hvVBQdLp3q1NqQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor
We would greatly appreciate your input, as this information will be used to develop a strategic plan. The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap to guide the district toward its long-term goals by aligning our vision, mission, and actions. Strategic plans help set priorities, allocate resources, and focus efforts on key objectives. It will also provide a framework for measuring performance, making informed decisions, and adapting to changes.
The deadline for providing input is Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Joshua Lopez
jlopez@southconejos.com
or
George Welsh
gwelsh@coloradoedinitiative.org
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Sam Demma will be joining us to present on February 5, 2026. Please view the YouTube video below for a brief introduction to Mr. Demma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GakQZlTxIts
Our elementary students had the special opportunity to meet and ask questions of our honored guests, and we thank our veterans for taking the time to share their experiences and wisdom. A special thank you goes to Mr. Jeffrey Gallegos for his engaging presentation with our secondary students and for hosting a Q&A panel featuring veterans from our building and the community.
We are also grateful to our cafeteria staff for preparing a delicious and thoughtful meal, our custodians for setting up, and our students for helping serve and support the event. A big thank-you to Dylan Gray and Mrs. Gettel for providing wonderful entertainment that added to the celebration’s spirit.
Additionally, we are so proud of our cheerleaders who represented South Conejos in the Veterans Day Parade in Alamosa!
What an amazing day honoring those who have bravely served our country! Thank you, veterans, for your courage and commitment. We are forever grateful.
This week La Voz is recognizing Jada Gutierrez as the Student of the Week! We are very proud of her.
https://lavozcolorado.com/2025/11/05/student-of-the-week-jada-gutierrez/
Our 8th-grade students have been diving deep into Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe García McCall and exploring the rich world of Latin American folklore. After studying traditional legends, students reimagined mythical characters in their own modern narratives — blending culture, creativity, and storytelling.
To showcase their learning, each student wrote a compare and contrast essay connecting their modernized folktale with the original story, highlighting how major themes still connect to today’s world.
Click the link below to see their incredible work and celebrate the voices of our young authors!
https://sites.google.com/southconejos.com/8thgradeenglish/home
Out of 348 schools in Colorado, only 15 were honored with this prestigious award for consistently demonstrating excellent food safety practices in their food service operations. This recognition is a true testament to the dedication, care, and professionalism our cafeteria staff show every single day.
A huge congratulations to our cafeteria team for going above and beyond to keep our students and staff safe and well-fed!
Dear Trojan Families,
We are preparing for our Fall Student-Led Conferences along with our Celebration of Learning event on November 13, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. There will not be a specific sign up so while you are waiting you will be able to view the student displays for the Celebration of Learning. Parents and student participation is required for this to be successful.
The parent’s role in a student-led conference is to help students reflect upon the piece they are presenting. The intent is to help students see improvements, next steps or work habits that supported or impeded success. Consider asking them about their process for creating their piece, what they are proud of, what they might do differently next time. Your questions and involvement are vital in this being a beneficial experience for your student.
What’s the parent role during the student-led conference conferences?
The adult’s role is to ask probing questions that help students reflect upon the piece that they are presenting. We are trying to help students see improvements, next steps, or work habits that support or impede success.
For those that have never been a part of a student-led conference, what are some good questions to ask during the portfolio portion? See these examples below:
What was the process for creating this piece?
What skills and knowledge does this piece demonstrate?
How did you improve your work over time?
How did your work change from the first draft to the final draft?
What are you most proud of?
If you were to do it over again, what would you do differently?
Please support growth by asking questions that make students think about their work. Criticism will lead a student to be less likely to share about himself/herself. If you have specific questions for your child’s teachers, you can ask them after the student-led portion or set up a time in the near future.
Respectfully,
Josephine C. Montoya, Principal
Guadalupe Elementary
jomontoya@southconejos.com
719-376-7022
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We want to inform you that cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have recently been reported in our area. This common childhood illness is caused by a virus and is most often seen in young children. While it is usually mild, it spreads easily, so we want to share some important information on how to prevent it and when to keep your child home.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
HFMD usually begins with a fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite. Within a few days, painful sores can develop inside the mouth, followed by a skin rash or small blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks.
How It Spreads
The virus spreads through:
Direct contact with nose or throat secretions (like coughing or sneezing)
Contact with fluid from blisters
Touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus
Close personal contact, such as hugging or sharing utensils
How to Help Prevent It
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers or wiping a child’s nose.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys regularly.
Avoid sharing cups, utensils, or towels.
Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes.
When Should My Child Stay Home?
Please keep your child home if they:
Have a fever
Have mouth sores causing excessive drooling or difficulty eating/drinking
Have open blisters that cannot be covered
Are not feeling well enough to participate in regular school activities
Your child may return to school when:
They have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication,
They are feeling better, and
Any blisters are dry and can be covered.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if your child is unable to stay hydrated, seems unusually tired, or symptoms worsen.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep all students healthy and safe. If you have any questions, please contact the school office or your child’s healthcare provider.
Subject: Help Shape the Future of Our Schools – Join Our Strategic Planning Session
Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
South Conejos School District is having two strategic planning sessions, and we invite you to be part of shaping the future of our schools. Your voice and perspective are essential as we set priorities and goals for the next several years.
Strategic Planning Community Session
Date: November 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Strategic Planning Community Session
Date: November 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual
During this session, participants will:
Share ideas and feedback about district strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Help define priorities that guide student success, equity, and innovation.
Collaborate with educators, families, students, and community partners.
Your participation ensures that our plan reflects the diverse voices of our community. Please RSVP by November 9, 2025, using the following link: RSVP link.
Thank you for helping us build a strong and forward-thinking vision for our schools. We look forward to working with you.
Warm regards,
Joshua Lopez
Superintendent
South Conejos School District
719-376-7000
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