A Great Day to Be a Bobcat

Join us for the annual FFA Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and Dance at the Ag Shop May 10!

Ignacio School District is partnering with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office to re-introduce a K-9 detection program aimed at maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. This initiative will be piloted during the fourth quarter of the current school year.As part of the program, a trained K-9 unit will conduct periodic visits to school campuses to assist in detecting prohibited substances. These searches will be conducted in common areas, hallways, lockers, parking lots, and other school district properties to ensure a drug-free and safe space for students and staff.We are excited to be working alongside local law enforcement in this proactive effort.  This partnership underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and the importance of a healthy school environment.The Ignacio School District, the La Plata County Sheriff's Office, the Ignacio Police Department, and the Southern Ute Police Department are dedicated to educating students about the significance of a drug-free lifestyle while fostering a culture of safety and accountability.For more information about this initiative, please contact Christopher deKay, (970) 563-0500.

V.I.P. (Very Important Parent) awards go to … Carlie Hight, Pedro & Rose Vigil, Ellen Baker and Leila Baker at the IES Rise and Shine Assembly held Tuesday, Nov. 2.

As we approach the end of the first semester, Ignacio High School has much to celebrate and look forward to. Here are some highlights from this semester and our plans for the next. 

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has been bustling with activity. One of the biggest projects currently underway is the construction of a chicken coop and pump house shed by Ms. Klinger’s Agricultural and Mrs. Turner’s Wood Manufacturing classes. These structures are expected to be operational by spring, marking a significant milestone for the program. Additionally, six students recently attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The convention, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, drew over 71,000 FFA members and included tours of various agricultural operations. This experience was invaluable for our students, offering them a unique glimpse into the world of agriculture. 

Mrs. Turner’s program is also contributing to the community by finishing three playhouses for the Ignacio Early Learning Program and Ignacio Elementary School. Moreover, Woods 1 students have embarked on their OSHA 10 training, while two advanced students are pursuing their OSHA 30 certifications. In a significant boost to safety and industrial hygiene, the program was awarded an $8,000 AWI Education Foundation Grant for the second consecutive year, enabling the purchase of industry-grade equipment to enhance air quality and dust control in the shop. The Middle School CTE Exploration class for 8th graders is also in its second rotation, receiving positive feedback from participants. 

A recent field trip to the Hubbell Trading Post, Canyon de Chelly, and Aztec Ruins organized by Mr. Trejo and Ms. Gruber proved to be an enriching educational experience. At the Hubbell Trading Post, 13 students delved into the history of Navajo weaving, practicing traditional techniques on authentic looms under the guidance of a skilled Navajo weaver. This hands-on experience aligned with Colorado state educational standards, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to evaluate, design, and create textiles while reflecting on their cultural contexts. The visits to Canyon de Chelly and Aztec Ruins offered students the opportunity to connect historical and geographical knowledge, studying the adaptive strategies of ancestral Pueblo peoples and the impact of human-environment interactions. This interdisciplinary trip, involving the Fashion Design and Native/Southwest Studies departments, fostered a deeper appreciation for Indigenous contributions and cultural relationships. 

The performing arts department has also been active. The band and choir held their first concert of the year in October, showcasing the significant growth of our music program under the direction of Mr. Perrotti and Ms. Walker. Their exceptional leadership has instilled a passion for music in our students. The next concert is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m., featuring a combined performance with the drama department led by Ms. Farrow. If you haven’t attended a performance this semester, there will be several opportunities next semester. 

Our student senate, led by Mr. Gillin, successfully organized this year’s Homecoming celebration. The Senate is now planning the Snow-Coming festivities for February, with a primary goal of increasing school spirit through various activities, including multiple pep rallies throughout the year. 

Looking ahead to the next semester, we are excited to announce that our students will be attending the La Plata County Futures Fair. This event will connect students with professionals from diverse fields such as nursing, hospitality, trades, outdoor adventure guiding, parks and wildlife management, clean energy, emergency response services, and the arts. The fair aims to foster meaningful interactions between students and industry partners, providing valuable insights into potential career paths. 

We are incredibly proud of the hard work our students have put into their studies and the dedication of our staff. As we move into the second half of the year, we remain committed to supporting our students and families in every way possible. Have a wonderful holiday season, and as always, please contact the school with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support.

Ignacio Middle School (IMS) has had an excellent start to the 2024/2025 school year and a productive first quarter. At the beginning of the year, we celebrated our growth in CMAS, hosted a Family Science Night, and held our first Pep Assembly. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher enjoyed an Honor Roll Breakfast, and we conducted our first quarter Character Counts assembly. Additionally, we organized our first in-school dance, which was one of the best ever, welcomed the Navajo Magician, Brian Yazzie, and enjoyed a Rosie the Riveter performance through Colorado Humanities. These past 13 weeks have been incredibly busy and fulfilling. 

Our volleyball season was a success, with 34 girls participating and the A team finishing their regular season with a record of 9-1. In football, 36 boys participated, and we secured third place in our league. Our cross-country team had seven athletes, many of whom improved their personal records by the end of the season. We are currently in the Boys Basketball season with 30 athletes participating. 

With the implementation of a four-day school week, our district aims to enhance family time and engagement while maintaining a strong focus on academics during school hours. Our school day begins at 7:50 a.m. with core classes for 6th and 7th graders, while 8th graders participate in high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Band, during their first hour at the high school. This collaboration between buildings provides our students with valuable exposure to various CTE pathways. We are also pleased to offer Band classes for our 5th grade elementary students and Choir for our middle school students, enriching our arts programs and supporting student engagement. The school day concludes at 4:05 p.m., and on game days, events will start at 4:30 p.m. to ensure a safe environment for clearing the building and allowing parents in after 4:15 p.m. 

Ignacio Middle School is actively seeking parents, guardians, and community volunteers to join the Building Accountability Committee. This committee meets on the first Monday of each month at 4 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2 at the middle school. The committee serves as an advisory group, providing opportunities for input from parents, volunteers, and community members to support student needs and learning. For more information, please contact Dayna at dtalamantemontoya@ignacioschools.org. 

IMS students are also preparing for Literacy Night, which will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, we are gearing up for our school-wide Science Fair in December, where all students should be researching, testing their hypotheses, and preparing to present their findings to judges on Wednesday, Dec. 18.  

We are thankful for the many opportunities our little community has for students. We are proud Bobcats! 

Courtesy of the Southern Ute Drum