La Veta Public Schools is introducing C.L.A.W.S. this school year—a character and leadership program designed to help every student succeed in school and beyond. Here's what families need to know.
What is C.L.A.W.S.?
C.L.A.W.S. stands for five values that define what it means to be a La Veta Redhawk:
Community – Building connections and helping others
Leadership – Taking initiative and setting a positive example
Attitude – Staying positive and bouncing back from challenges
Work Ethic – Working hard and taking pride in what you do=
Safety – Looking out for yourself and others
These values came directly from La Veta teachers and community members who know what helps students succeed in college, careers, and life.
Why C.L.A.W.S. is Different
C.L.A.W.S. was created right here by La Veta teachers who work with your children every day. It's not a program bought from an outside company. Instead, our teachers are building it piece by piece to fit our students and community perfectly.
This means the program will grow over time. Teachers create lessons, activities, and ways to recognize students that work specifically for La Veta. Think of it like building a house - we've laid a strong foundation with our five values, and now we're adding rooms one at a time, making sure each one is just right.
The best part? Because we're building it ourselves, we can adjust as we go. When something works well, we can do more of it. When students have great ideas, we can include them. This flexibility makes C.L.A.W.S. truly ours.
What's Happening Now
Right now, teachers and staff are helping students learn what C.L.A.W.S. looks like in everyday life. You might hear a teacher say, "Great Community!" when a student helps a classmate or notice recognition for Work Ethic when someone keeps trying on a tough problem.
This is building awareness - helping students spot these values in action and understanding what they mean. It's an important first step that sets the stage for activities teachers are developing.
Student Leaders in Action
Our new Junior-Senior High Student Council is already showing C.L.A.W.S. in action. Led by Ms. Kathy Coe, the council brings together students from grades 6-12 who are practicing leadership, building community across grades, and creating a welcoming school for everyone.
As these student leaders plan activities and represent their classmates, they're showing younger students what these values look like in real life.
C.L.A.W.S. in the Classroom
Teachers use C.L.A.W.S. language throughout the day to help students understand their choices. Instead of just saying "good job," teachers connect positive actions back to the values. When a student shares supplies, that's Leadership. When someone keeps working through frustration, that's Work Ethic.
This approach helps students understand why their choices matter and gives them tools to make good decisions on their own.
Connecting School and Home
The great news is that you're probably already teaching these values at home—now you'll have the same language your child's teachers use. You might hear your child say, "That's good Work Ethic!" when they see a sibling finish their homework or talk about Community when discussing family responsibilities.
This shared language strengthens the connection between what students learn at school and practice at home.
How C.L.A.W.S. Works with Wayfinder
C.L.A.W.S. and Wayfinder work together as one program, not two separate ones. Think of it this way: C.L.A.W.S. defines what we value as La Veta Redhawks—Community, Leadership, Attitude, Work Ethic, and Safety. Wayfinder provides the how—the lessons and tools teachers use to help students develop these values.
Wayfinder's six core competencies (like self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills) are the building blocks that help students practice our C.L.A.W.S. values every day. When students learn to manage their emotions through Wayfinder lessons, they're building the Attitude and Safety skills from C.L.A.W.S. When they practice relationship skills, they develop Community and Leadership.
Our teachers use Wayfinder as their teaching toolkit to bring C.L.A.W.S. to life. The two work seamlessly together to give students both the skills and the character they need to succeed.
Common Questions
Does this take time away from regular classes?
No. C.L.A.W.S. fits into what students are already doing. It's a framework that connects their learning, not extra work on top of it.
What activities will my child do?
Teachers are creating appropriate grade-level activities that will be introduced when they're ready. You'll hear about new parts of the program as they are launched. Right now, the focus is on helping students understand and recognize these values.
What if my child needs help with one of the values?
Just like reading or math, character skills grow with practice and support. Teachers will work with you to help your child develop in any area where they need it.
How will I know how my child is doing?
Teachers will share updates through regular communication. As the program grows, there may be more formal ways to track progress and celebrate successes.
How You Can Help at Home
Supporting C.L.A.W.S. is easy and doesn't require extra work. Here's what helps most:
Notice when your child shows these values and name them: "That took real Work Ethic!" or "You showed great Community spirit."
Ask your child which C.L.A.W.S. values they saw at school that day
Share stories from your own life that show these values
Read updates from the school about new activities and programs
Share your feedback and questions with teachers
Built by Our Community
What makes C.L.A.W.S. special is that it comes from our own teachers who understand La Veta students and families. Because it's homegrown, the program can grow and change based on what works best here.
Your thoughts throughout the year will help make C.L.A.W.S. even better. The school is committed to keeping families informed about what's happening and how the program is developing.
We're starting with strong values, clear language, and student leadership. From there, our teachers are building thoughtfully, always keeping what's best for students at the center.
Looking to the Future
When your child graduates from La Veta, they'll take more than a diploma with them. They'll have strong character, leadership skills, and an understanding of how to contribute positively wherever they go - all built on the C.L.A.W.S. values they practiced throughout their school years.
These aren't just school values - they're life values. The student who learns to push through hard assignments is building the Work Ethic they'll need in college or job training. The middle schooler on Student Council is learning skills they'll use at work. The high schooler who shows Community becomes the adult who makes our town stronger.
Your partnership matters. Together - teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members - we're helping La Veta students become the leaders our community needs.
Go Redhawks! Show your C.L.A.W.S.!