La Veta Public Schools
Home of the Redhawks
Senior Feature: Miguel Rivera
Senior Feature: Kayden Romero
Senior Feature: Kaia Coram
✨ Prom 2026 is officially in the books! ✨
This was truly a night to remember — from a beautiful Grand March shared with family and friends to an unforgettable dance party led by our very own DJ Mark Lofgren! 🎶💃🕺
The evening was packed with games, prize giveaways thanks to generous local business donations, and a jaw-dropping charcuterie spread by The Tipsy Gypsy Mobile Bar Service. 🧀✨
Thank you to everyone who helped make Prom 2026 such a smashing success! ❤️
This was truly a night to remember — from a beautiful Grand March shared with family and friends to an unforgettable dance party led by our very own DJ Mark Lofgren! 🎶💃🕺
The evening was packed with games, prize giveaways thanks to generous local business donations, and a jaw-dropping charcuterie spread by The Tipsy Gypsy Mobile Bar Service. 🧀✨
Thank you to everyone who helped make Prom 2026 such a smashing success! ❤️
Big shoutout to 7th grader Willa Gripka for representing the Redhawks at the Colorado State Science & Engineering Fair at CSU Fort Collins! 🧪✨
Competing alongside hundreds of students from across the state, Willa experienced 3 days full of innovation, discovery, and inspiration—complete with campus tours, meeting other curious and hardworking friends, and learning from diverse and creative projects.
She wasn’t alone in the excitement—Alexandra Gheghechkori (5th), Neo Downs (6th), and Lula Gripka (9th), all regional science fair competitors, joined in to explore and get inspired for next year.
It was an unforgettable experience for all, and we’re already looking forward to bringing even more students next year!
Competing alongside hundreds of students from across the state, Willa experienced 3 days full of innovation, discovery, and inspiration—complete with campus tours, meeting other curious and hardworking friends, and learning from diverse and creative projects.
She wasn’t alone in the excitement—Alexandra Gheghechkori (5th), Neo Downs (6th), and Lula Gripka (9th), all regional science fair competitors, joined in to explore and get inspired for next year.
It was an unforgettable experience for all, and we’re already looking forward to bringing even more students next year!
🚨 LA VETA SCHOOLS — COMMUNITY UPDATE 🚨
Hard to believe we're in the home stretch of the 2025–26 school year! Here's what's happening:
📅 THIS WEEK
• Mon 4/27 — Hooper Pool Trip (rescheduled) | CTE Open House @ Walsenburg HS, 5–7 p.m. | School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Tue 4/28 — HS Baseball @ Sierra Grande (DH), 2 p.m. | After-School Programming, 4 p.m.
• Wed 4/29 — 📸 Class Picture Day | HS Girls Golf @ Hollydot | JH Baseball vs. Monte Vista, 3 p.m.
• Thu 4/30 — HS Track @ Spanish Peaks League Meet (Del Norte)
• Fri 5/1 — HS District Baseball @ Del Norte (TBD)
🏛️ BOARD MEETING — MONDAY 4/27 @ 6 p.m.
The community is welcome. The Disciplinary Matrix — part of our C.L.A.W.S. framework (Community, Leadership, Attitude, Work Ethic, Safety) — will go before the Board for first reading.
🌟 CHARACTER FOCUS
April = Attitude ✅
May = Work Ethic 💪 Let's finish strong, Redhawks!
🎓 SAVE THE DATES — END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATIONS
• May 20 — Athletic Banquet, 5 p.m.
• May 21 — Pre-School Graduation 8 a.m. | Kindergarten Graduation 9 a.m. | Elementary Music Concert 6 p.m.
• May 23 — 🎓 Class of 2026 Graduation, 10 a.m.
• May 25 — No School (Memorial Day)
• May 26 — Grades 6–11 Academic Awards & 8th Grade Promotion, 3 p.m.
• May 27 — Grades 1–4 Awards & 5th Grade Promotion, 3 p.m.
• May 28 — Elementary Field Day (graduated Kinders welcome with adult — contact Ms. Roel)
Questions? 📞 719-742-6417
Go Redhawks! 🔴⚫
#LaVetaSchools #GoRedhawks #FinishStrong
Hard to believe we're in the home stretch of the 2025–26 school year! Here's what's happening:
📅 THIS WEEK
• Mon 4/27 — Hooper Pool Trip (rescheduled) | CTE Open House @ Walsenburg HS, 5–7 p.m. | School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Tue 4/28 — HS Baseball @ Sierra Grande (DH), 2 p.m. | After-School Programming, 4 p.m.
• Wed 4/29 — 📸 Class Picture Day | HS Girls Golf @ Hollydot | JH Baseball vs. Monte Vista, 3 p.m.
• Thu 4/30 — HS Track @ Spanish Peaks League Meet (Del Norte)
• Fri 5/1 — HS District Baseball @ Del Norte (TBD)
🏛️ BOARD MEETING — MONDAY 4/27 @ 6 p.m.
The community is welcome. The Disciplinary Matrix — part of our C.L.A.W.S. framework (Community, Leadership, Attitude, Work Ethic, Safety) — will go before the Board for first reading.
🌟 CHARACTER FOCUS
April = Attitude ✅
May = Work Ethic 💪 Let's finish strong, Redhawks!
🎓 SAVE THE DATES — END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATIONS
• May 20 — Athletic Banquet, 5 p.m.
• May 21 — Pre-School Graduation 8 a.m. | Kindergarten Graduation 9 a.m. | Elementary Music Concert 6 p.m.
• May 23 — 🎓 Class of 2026 Graduation, 10 a.m.
• May 25 — No School (Memorial Day)
• May 26 — Grades 6–11 Academic Awards & 8th Grade Promotion, 3 p.m.
• May 27 — Grades 1–4 Awards & 5th Grade Promotion, 3 p.m.
• May 28 — Elementary Field Day (graduated Kinders welcome with adult — contact Ms. Roel)
Questions? 📞 719-742-6417
Go Redhawks! 🔴⚫
#LaVetaSchools #GoRedhawks #FinishStrong
Big shoutout to Greddy Stroud & Joaquin Gallegos for earning this month’s CLAWSome Awards! ✨
This month’s focus was **ATTITUDE**—because attitude is a choice, and positivity wins! These two lead the way as incredible role models, showing kindness, helpfulness, and positive energy to everyone around them. Keep shining, Greddy & Joaquin! 💛
This month’s focus was **ATTITUDE**—because attitude is a choice, and positivity wins! These two lead the way as incredible role models, showing kindness, helpfulness, and positive energy to everyone around them. Keep shining, Greddy & Joaquin! 💛
🌸☕ PreK-4 & Kindergarten High Tea ☕🌸
Join us for an adorably charming High Tea on Thursday, April 23rd at 10:00 AM in the school commons! Students will be released for the rest of the day after the event.
We invite students to dress to impress (Sunday best)—they can arrive ready or families are welcome to come help them get dressed after 9:15 AM.
Parents & family are warmly encouraged to attend! This special event helps our young learners practice manners and social graces in a fun, memorable way.
For more information, please contact Kelly Roel at kelly.roel@lvk12.org💌
Join us for an adorably charming High Tea on Thursday, April 23rd at 10:00 AM in the school commons! Students will be released for the rest of the day after the event.
We invite students to dress to impress (Sunday best)—they can arrive ready or families are welcome to come help them get dressed after 9:15 AM.
Parents & family are warmly encouraged to attend! This special event helps our young learners practice manners and social graces in a fun, memorable way.
For more information, please contact Kelly Roel at kelly.roel@lvk12.org💌
2026 Prom
Check out this sweet teaching moment with our K–2 Art Teacher, Mr. Anderson, and some first grade students in the elementary library! 🎨📚
Learning happens everywhere—often in the most unexpected moments. We’re so grateful for our amazing teachers who turn everyday experiences into opportunities to grow.
Learning happens everywhere—often in the most unexpected moments. We’re so grateful for our amazing teachers who turn everyday experiences into opportunities to grow.
CTE Opportunities in LV Schools
La Veta Students Shine at Arkansas Valley Regional Science Fair! 🧪✨
Students from La Veta Elementary and Middle School earned multiple awards at the regional fair held at Otero College.
Top Honors:
Evelyn Dutton (4th grade): 1st Place, 3rd–5th grade division + U.S. Air Force Award
Willa Gripka (7th grade): 1st Place, 6th–8th grade division → advancing to Colorado State Science & Engineering Fair
Special Recognitions:
Alexandra Gegechkori (5th) – Association of Women Geoscientists Award
Neo Downs (6th) – RICOH Sustainable Development Award
Dusty Pacheco (4th) – Colorado Soil & Water Conservation Society Award + $20 prize
Other participants: Molly Daniels, Gyda Northrup, Jaydra Goemmer, and Madix Andreatta.
Educator Highlight: Molly Gripka, Science Fair Coordinator, received the Arkansas Valley Science Fair Coordinator Award for her leadership.
La Veta Schools celebrate hands-on learning, critical thinking, and student curiosity! Community members interested in supporting next year’s fair can contact mgripka@lvedu.org.
Calling Future Redhawks!
This week Student Council awarded Jayce Baudino and Gavyn Lard CLAWSome students of the month!
Jayce Baudino brings so much to the La Veta School community. From his humor to his kindness and willingness to help others, he truly embodies what it means to earn the CLAWSOME Student Award. Jayce stands out not only in the classroom, but also on the court and field. He’s a strong team player, a natural leader, and always keeps people smiling. Thank you for making our school even better!
Gavyn Lard is a very admirable student who gives his best in everything he does. He’s a great listener, consistently makes positive choices, and leads by quiet example. Gavyn is always paying attention and supporting those around him. Whether on the field or the court, he shows up as his genuine, dependable self. Thank you for being such a fantastic part of our school!
Jayce Baudino brings so much to the La Veta School community. From his humor to his kindness and willingness to help others, he truly embodies what it means to earn the CLAWSOME Student Award. Jayce stands out not only in the classroom, but also on the court and field. He’s a strong team player, a natural leader, and always keeps people smiling. Thank you for making our school even better!
Gavyn Lard is a very admirable student who gives his best in everything he does. He’s a great listener, consistently makes positive choices, and leads by quiet example. Gavyn is always paying attention and supporting those around him. Whether on the field or the court, he shows up as his genuine, dependable self. Thank you for being such a fantastic part of our school!
🎨 Student Art Show at SPACe Gallery! 🎨
Join us April 1st from 4:00–6:30 p.m. at SPACe Gallery for an inspiring evening celebrating our talented student artists! Browse (and buy!) incredible original artwork, enjoy light refreshments, and support young creatives in our community.
Can’t make opening night? The show will be on display through April 11th — come see what our students have created!
Join us April 1st from 4:00–6:30 p.m. at SPACe Gallery for an inspiring evening celebrating our talented student artists! Browse (and buy!) incredible original artwork, enjoy light refreshments, and support young creatives in our community.
Can’t make opening night? The show will be on display through April 11th — come see what our students have created!
🌿 Help Us Green Up Our Libraries! 🌿
The La Veta School District is looking to brighten our library spaces with beautiful house plants, and we’d love the community’s help! If you have a healthy house plant you’re willing to donate (no cactus, please), we would be grateful.
Please bring your plant to the front office to help us create a more welcoming, lively space for our students to read and learn.
🎉 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL – LET'S CELEBRATE! 🎉
Can you believe it?! We are almost at 100 DAYS of school, and we are going BIG to celebrate on Thursday, March 12!
Every Redhawk is invited to bring a 100 Day Project to show off! Get creative and have fun with it! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
👕 Decorate a shirt, hat, or cape with 100 things — stickers, buttons, patches, you name it!
👑 Make a crown or headband with 100 gems, foam shapes, or stickers
🖼️ Create a poster or collage with 100 drawings, photos, or cutouts
📦 Bring a jar or bag with 100 small items — coins, buttons, rocks, marbles, LEGO pieces
✨ Or dream up your own amazing 100 Day idea!
Here's how each part of the building will be celebrating:
🐣 Elementary— Elementary students will enjoy special 100 Day activities in their classrooms all day, capped off with 100 minutes of non-stop fun from 2:00 – 3:40 p.m. (That's right — exactly 100 minutes! 🎉)
🎒 Junior High — Middle schoolers will kick off the day with special 100 Day activities at breakfast and keep the fun going at lunch!
🦅 High School — Our high schoolers will have special 100 Day activities sprinkled throughout the day!
Start planning your 100 Day project NOW — we can't wait to see what our Redhawks come up with! 🦅
La Veta School Staff Feature:
Brittney Geiser is our High School English teacher and Junior High Cheer Coach, now in her 8th year with the district! She also serves on the Teacher Leadership Team, helping support and strengthen our school community. Her favorite part of being on the Redhawks team is the meaningful relationships she builds with students and colleagues. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her husband and kids—and stays busy creating custom shirts on the side!
📚 IT'S READ ACROSS AMERICA SPIRIT WEEK!
All ages are welcome & encouraged to dress up!
📅 Monday, March 2 — I am NOT Going to Get Up Today!
😴 Dress Up: Wear Your Favorite PJs!
📅 Tuesday, March 3 — We Are Thing One & Thing Two
👯 Dress Up: Twin with your bestie or your favorite teacher!
🎒 Elementary After-School Programming, 4:00–5:20 p.m.
📅 Wednesday, March 4 — Fox in Socks
🧦 Dress Up: Wear Your Silliest Socks!
📅 Thursday, March 5 — Oh, the Places You'll Go!
🚀 Dress Up: Dress as what you want to be when you grow up!
📅 Friday, March 6
🤼 La Veta Junior High Wrestling hosts its home tournament — come cheer on our Redhawks!
📅 Saturday, March 7
🏃 HS Track heads to CSU Pueblo for the first meet of the season with Coaches Ron Ortivez and Liz Talafuse.
🤼 JH Wrestling travels to Sierra Grande.
🔭 LOOKING AHEAD
🎉 Thursday, March 12 — 100 Days of School!
We're celebrating across the whole building! Elementary students enjoy 100 Day activities all day, capped off with 100 minutes of non-stop fun from 2:00–3:40 p.m. Junior High kicks things off at breakfast and keeps going at lunch. High School students will have 100 Day surprises throughout the day. We can't wait!
📌 Mark Your Calendars:
- March 16 — Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
More info: https://lvk12.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/
- April 18 — FFA Banquet, Awards & Member Auction
- May 20 — Winter Athletic Banquet
- May 23 — Class of 2026 Graduation 🎓
🏆 CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to our Regional Science Fair participants, led by Mrs. Molly Gripka!
🥇 Evelyn Dutton (Grade 4) — 1st place, grades 3–5, and U.S. Air Force Award
🌱 Dusty Pacheco (Grade 4) — CO Soil & Water Conservation Society Award and $20 prize
🌍 Alexandra Gheghechkori (Grade 5) — Association of Women Geoscientists Award
♻️ Neo Downs (Grade 6) — RICOH Sustainable Development Award
🥇 Willa Gripka (Grade 6) — 1st place, grades 6–8, and advances to State in April!**
Nice work, Redhawks! 🦅
📆 Check the district calendar at www.lvk12.org for all events — schedules are subject to change.
All ages are welcome & encouraged to dress up!
📅 Monday, March 2 — I am NOT Going to Get Up Today!
😴 Dress Up: Wear Your Favorite PJs!
📅 Tuesday, March 3 — We Are Thing One & Thing Two
👯 Dress Up: Twin with your bestie or your favorite teacher!
🎒 Elementary After-School Programming, 4:00–5:20 p.m.
📅 Wednesday, March 4 — Fox in Socks
🧦 Dress Up: Wear Your Silliest Socks!
📅 Thursday, March 5 — Oh, the Places You'll Go!
🚀 Dress Up: Dress as what you want to be when you grow up!
📅 Friday, March 6
🤼 La Veta Junior High Wrestling hosts its home tournament — come cheer on our Redhawks!
📅 Saturday, March 7
🏃 HS Track heads to CSU Pueblo for the first meet of the season with Coaches Ron Ortivez and Liz Talafuse.
🤼 JH Wrestling travels to Sierra Grande.
🔭 LOOKING AHEAD
🎉 Thursday, March 12 — 100 Days of School!
We're celebrating across the whole building! Elementary students enjoy 100 Day activities all day, capped off with 100 minutes of non-stop fun from 2:00–3:40 p.m. Junior High kicks things off at breakfast and keeps going at lunch. High School students will have 100 Day surprises throughout the day. We can't wait!
📌 Mark Your Calendars:
- March 16 — Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
More info: https://lvk12.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/
- April 18 — FFA Banquet, Awards & Member Auction
- May 20 — Winter Athletic Banquet
- May 23 — Class of 2026 Graduation 🎓
🏆 CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to our Regional Science Fair participants, led by Mrs. Molly Gripka!
🥇 Evelyn Dutton (Grade 4) — 1st place, grades 3–5, and U.S. Air Force Award
🌱 Dusty Pacheco (Grade 4) — CO Soil & Water Conservation Society Award and $20 prize
🌍 Alexandra Gheghechkori (Grade 5) — Association of Women Geoscientists Award
♻️ Neo Downs (Grade 6) — RICOH Sustainable Development Award
🥇 Willa Gripka (Grade 6) — 1st place, grades 6–8, and advances to State in April!**
Nice work, Redhawks! 🦅
📆 Check the district calendar at www.lvk12.org for all events — schedules are subject to change.
Get ready for a week of FFA fun as we celebrate 50 years of FFA at La Veta Schools! Students and staff, join the excitement with themed dress-up days and wrap it all up with family fun at the Fair Barn on Saturday! 🎉
