Dove Creek Schools Report Shows Strong Student Engagement, Progress

The district principal released a detailed November report that highlighted instructional initiatives, student recognitions and community activities across Dove Creek Schools. The November 19 posting on the district website emphasized teacher professional development, a continuing rollout of a new elementary reading curriculum, and a focus on character education under the Bulldog Way program.

On the instructional front, middle school teachers Shellie Russell, Becky Short and Jenna Tuseth attended the RTI at Work conference in Idaho Falls to strengthen intervention practices and refine the district response to struggling learners. Elementary teachers continued implementing the new reading curriculum with fidelity, supported this month by a visiting implementation coach who provided classroom observation and feedback. The report also cited social emotional learning efforts led by staff including Angela Beanland, and character education activities that promoted grit and positivity, such as a picture scavenger hunt at the middle and high school levels.

Student achievement highlights featured named recognitions and competitive results. Students of the Month were Riley Jack and Kara Harrington. Teammate and activity recognitions included Teagan Larimore, Champ Gardner and Mason Forst. Bulldog of Character honors went to Evie Stowe and Olivia Edwards. In academic and leadership competitions, the middle school knowledge bowl placed first at Ignacio while the high school placed third among nine teams. Future agricultural leaders in FFA earned district honors, with Hayden Forst advancing to State as District Creed Speaking Champion, and River Mikhail and Mason Forst finishing second in district speaking contests.

Athletics results for the fall season showed football with four wins and five losses overall and two wins and three losses in league competition. Volleyball finished with four wins and seventeen losses overall and three wins and eight losses in league. The record underscores strong participation even as teams work to improve competitive outcomes.

The report also documented staff recognition and community engagement. Devon Lane and Angela Beanland were named staff members of the month, while kitchen staff and operations lead Bobby Taber received special acknowledgment. Practical learning and civic activities included marketing students and Janesse Garcia producing materials for the district Banner Program, Student Council hosting a community blood drive, and Veterans Day assemblies organized by Cassie Burnham.

For local residents, the mix of targeted instruction, extracurricular success and community partnerships suggests investments in both immediate student supports and long term human capital for Dolores County. The principal closed the report with thanks to students, staff and community partners as schools move into the Thanksgiving week.