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Custer County School Board addresses staff changes and offers updates on NV-5
The Custer County Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 where they tackled a full agenda.
Recognition: Trinity Huffman, representing Triple T Construction, was acknowledged for their numerous contributions to the varsity athletic department and also to Glenn Shock, pastor of First Baptist Church in Westcliffe for donating and renovations completed on the Teacher’s Lounge.
Heard: Dark Skies spoke during public comment on the upcoming Sangres Star Festival. The organization encouraged involvement from students and expressed the hope that students from National Honor Society (NHS), would volunteer during the festival. Dark Skies also hopes that the district would allow them to use school buses for transporting back and forth between A Painted View Ranch and The Bluffs, both in Westcliffe.
Board Committee Reports:
Bully Prevention Family Night- There were 35 people that came out for the event sponsored by “Sources of Strength.”
Legislative Updates- There are currently 581 bills before the legislature. Of those, 105 are specifically geared toward education.
Custer County Kid’s Council- Stacy Terrill is new to the Council. Terrill encouraged families to do preschool screening on their child(ren). These screenings are free and conducted in the Custer County School Library the second Thursday of each month, from 3-4 p.m.
NV-5- Superintendent Mike McFalls gave the report. He stated that the HVAC issues were addressed, as there are noise and temperature variations. Clover will work on the clocks, bells, and Public Announcement (PA) system during spring break.
Reports from the public:
Excellence in Education- A Volunteer Appreciation Tea will be held on April 21 at 4 p.m. in the Commons Area.
Kaya Huffman, representing Student Council, reported that information on prom would be announced soon. The upcoming Talent Show will be held on April 9.
Approval/Action Items:
2020-2021 District calendar. (It will be printed in an upcoming issue of TVB when it becomes available.)
Also approved were the following staff changes: Cheree Philpy as Reading Aide; Edith Seright as Substitute Nurse; the Resignation of Monica Dean Kreckle as School Librarian, and Julie Olomon as the Quad Property Manager.
- by Tracy Ballard
Recognition: Trinity Huffman, representing Triple T Construction, was acknowledged for their numerous contributions to the varsity athletic department and also to Glenn Shock, pastor of First Baptist Church in Westcliffe for donating and renovations completed on the Teacher’s Lounge.
Heard: Dark Skies spoke during public comment on the upcoming Sangres Star Festival. The organization encouraged involvement from students and expressed the hope that students from National Honor Society (NHS), would volunteer during the festival. Dark Skies also hopes that the district would allow them to use school buses for transporting back and forth between A Painted View Ranch and The Bluffs, both in Westcliffe.
Board Committee Reports:
Bully Prevention Family Night- There were 35 people that came out for the event sponsored by “Sources of Strength.”
Legislative Updates- There are currently 581 bills before the legislature. Of those, 105 are specifically geared toward education.
Custer County Kid’s Council- Stacy Terrill is new to the Council. Terrill encouraged families to do preschool screening on their child(ren). These screenings are free and conducted in the Custer County School Library the second Thursday of each month, from 3-4 p.m.
NV-5- Superintendent Mike McFalls gave the report. He stated that the HVAC issues were addressed, as there are noise and temperature variations. Clover will work on the clocks, bells, and Public Announcement (PA) system during spring break.
Reports from the public:
Excellence in Education- A Volunteer Appreciation Tea will be held on April 21 at 4 p.m. in the Commons Area.
Kaya Huffman, representing Student Council, reported that information on prom would be announced soon. The upcoming Talent Show will be held on April 9.
Approval/Action Items:
2020-2021 District calendar. (It will be printed in an upcoming issue of TVB when it becomes available.)
Also approved were the following staff changes: Cheree Philpy as Reading Aide; Edith Seright as Substitute Nurse; the Resignation of Monica Dean Kreckle as School Librarian, and Julie Olomon as the Quad Property Manager.
- by Tracy Ballard
Tax payers have three-month extension to pay their 2019 tax bills, per the IRS and state of Colorado
Even though we have been bogged down with all the business closures, friends and relatives
sick with COVID-19, and uncertainties all around us, both the federal and state government have
decided to allow tax payers a three- month extension to pay their taxes for the 2019 year.
It was announced last Friday that due to the COVID-19 pandemic an extension was in order.
What does this mean for you? You will not be assessed penalties or interest during the
extension, if you need to pay your taxes after April 15 or before July 15. It is a move that the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State of Colorado hope will help Americans hardest hit
during these trying times.
- by Tracy Ballard
sick with COVID-19, and uncertainties all around us, both the federal and state government have
decided to allow tax payers a three- month extension to pay their taxes for the 2019 year.
It was announced last Friday that due to the COVID-19 pandemic an extension was in order.
What does this mean for you? You will not be assessed penalties or interest during the
extension, if you need to pay your taxes after April 15 or before July 15. It is a move that the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State of Colorado hope will help Americans hardest hit
during these trying times.
- by Tracy Ballard
Take care of your mental health during COVID-19
March 18, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact, Gwen Ferguson gwenf@solvistahealth.org 719-671-7322
Take care of your mental health during COVID-19
Mental health is an essential part of overall health and wellness. At times like these, we face challenges that test us and impact our mental health. “It’s important to note that everyone responds to challenging situations differently,” said Mandy Kaisner, LPC, Solvista Health Chief Operating
Officer. “While many people are experiencing anxiety and fear during the COVID-19 spread, it is also important to note that others may be experiencing loneliness, depression or even anger, in reaction to social distancing.”
In response to the need for social distancing, Solvista Health is delivering services through telephone and telehealth. Telehealth is talking with a mental health professional by a secure teleconference link from a personal computer or other device like a smartphone. “By delivering services remotely, we have increased our capacity to serve community members who may be experiencing symptoms of mental health or substance use issues during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kaisner.
Community members can reach all Solvista Health offices 24/7 at, 719-275-2351, and schedule a time to speak to a counselor about the impacts being experienced. Individuals can also text the statewide crisis line by texting TALK to 38255.
While it’s important to know some of the common emotions people may experience with social
distancing, it’s also important to remember that people are resilient. As community members, there can be widespread support through this tough time, it just needs to be done in different ways than usual. Consider checking in with friends and family using video or Facetime options.
Most importantly, remember the purpose of social distancing. Communities are doing this to protect the most vulnerable and to stop the spread of this virus in order to get back to normal.
Reminders and Ideas for Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family’s Mental Health:
Contact, Gwen Ferguson gwenf@solvistahealth.org 719-671-7322
Take care of your mental health during COVID-19
Mental health is an essential part of overall health and wellness. At times like these, we face challenges that test us and impact our mental health. “It’s important to note that everyone responds to challenging situations differently,” said Mandy Kaisner, LPC, Solvista Health Chief Operating
Officer. “While many people are experiencing anxiety and fear during the COVID-19 spread, it is also important to note that others may be experiencing loneliness, depression or even anger, in reaction to social distancing.”
In response to the need for social distancing, Solvista Health is delivering services through telephone and telehealth. Telehealth is talking with a mental health professional by a secure teleconference link from a personal computer or other device like a smartphone. “By delivering services remotely, we have increased our capacity to serve community members who may be experiencing symptoms of mental health or substance use issues during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kaisner.
Community members can reach all Solvista Health offices 24/7 at, 719-275-2351, and schedule a time to speak to a counselor about the impacts being experienced. Individuals can also text the statewide crisis line by texting TALK to 38255.
While it’s important to know some of the common emotions people may experience with social
distancing, it’s also important to remember that people are resilient. As community members, there can be widespread support through this tough time, it just needs to be done in different ways than usual. Consider checking in with friends and family using video or Facetime options.
Most importantly, remember the purpose of social distancing. Communities are doing this to protect the most vulnerable and to stop the spread of this virus in order to get back to normal.
Reminders and Ideas for Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family’s Mental Health:
- It’s typical to experience a range of emotions during times like these - anxiety, frustration, numbing. Many folks feel uncertain. You may experience changes in appetite, energy, sleep, and your ability to concentrate.
- Make sure you are meeting your basic needs. Eat regular meals, exercise, do your best with a good sleep routine. These are the foundation of feeling good. Often when we are stressed, these things go out the window.
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Now that the kids are home for a while, you might need some healthy snack and meal ideas for them.
For breakfast, healthy, affordable options are always oatmeal or eggs. You can make pancakes with oats, eggs, and bananas easily. No need to use sugar- filled mixes. Top with some fresh or frozen fruit instead of syrup!! Oatmeal muffins or egg bites with vegetables are great too, and can make a healthy snack throughout the day as well. Or make a mock banana split...a banana filled with yogurt, then top with healthy yogurt, nuts, or granola. Looks like a treat, but healthier! Enjoy snack ideas, such as stuffed celery. Stuffing can be cream cheese, peanut butter, hummus, etc.. Apples with natural peanut butter, rice cakes topped with peanut butter and strawberries, etc. are also great snacks. You can make cute little faces on them too to make them more desirable for the kiddos!! Lunch ideas: An easy idea is a bento box. Basically, a Bento box is an assortment of goodies. Maybe half a sandwich, some grapes, hard boiled eggs, some nuts, some carrot and celery sticks. It is so easy to mix it up fruit and yogurt with some nuts. Step out of the traditional mind frame of a full sandwich and chips. We can do healthier than that!! |
Dinner:
Let’s go with something easy and healthy, because after a day of homeschooling and dealing with the current stress of the world, you want easy, right? The crock pot is a great way to go. One pot dishes are helpful. Roast with veggies, protein- packed salad if your child will do salad, healthy quesadillas, casseroles, etc. Don’t forget breakfast for dinner is always a good thing, too. Here are a couple links for more ideas: https://ahundredaffections.com/30-healthy-easy-weeknight-dinners-for-busy-moms/ https://www.cynicalparent.com/8-healthy-meals-kids-will-love/ I hope everyone stays healthy and sane during these times. It is a great time to focus on your health. No excuses, we probably all have the time to work out now, as well as cook healthy meals! |
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