The Sopris Sun has a new classroom space connected to our office here at the Third Street Center. Written on the blackboard (thanks to Contributing Editor James Steindler, also our youth journalism program lead) are the four pillars of ethical journalism: seek the truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, be accountable. A recent […]
Roaring Fork School District
Posted inEducation
RFSD proceeds with cautious optimism and determination after autumn insurance pivot
In late September, news broke that the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) was making an unexpected shift from a self-insurance health plan back to a managed health care plan, at significant cost to the district. While a shock to the public, the decision was the result of months of review on the first year of […]
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From law enforcement to education
After nearly a decade in law enforcement, Dustin Gehring found himself at a crossroads. “At the time, I was married, we had kids growing up and the long hours were not congruent with having a family,” he recalled. The demanding nature of the job began to clash with his personal life, prompting a pivotal decision […]
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Carbondale schools reaffirm commitment to music education amid challenges
Chris Bank, the in-school director for Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS), has stepped in to fill a critical gap in Carbondale’s music education for the 2024-25 school year. He acknowledges that Carbondale school’s music programming is pivotal, stating, “I am now hopefully the one-year person until they can get it back on track.” In response to […]
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Downvalley schools see early enthusiasm for hands-on learning models
Introductory-level environmental education has become a staple for Valley elementary schools. Each year, Basalt Elementary, Crystal River Elementary and Aspen Elementary welcome full-time educators from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). This program, which started at the Aspen schools in 1975, is a cherished facet of elementary education for many local children and adults who […]
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CO State Board of Educationvisits local school districts
The Colorado State Board of Education (CSBOE) visited the Roaring Fork Valley last week. State Board of Education Commissioner Susana Córdova shared insights with The Sopris Sun about what they learned. On June 11, Córdova and the CSBOE toured the Roaring Fork School District’s (RFSD) Meadowood staff housing project in Carbondale. Located near North Face […]
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Roaring Fork schools enrollment ‘relatively flat’
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly disrupted public education nationwide with the move to remote learning. This exacerbated educational inequalities and led to declines in student achievement, as well as shifts in student enrollment. Post-pandemic, public school enrollment trends show a decline, influenced by increased homeschooling and private and charter school enrollments. Many parents of public school […]
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RFSD Safe haven policy comes to fruition
A safe haven policy, years in the making, was codified into policy during the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education meeting on May 8. The push for a formal policy intensified in March 2023 when the U.S. Border Patrol had a table at a career expo at Glenwood Springs High School. Their presence […]
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RFSD embarks on journey toward equity and diversity
The quest for equity and diversity has taken center stage in a pivotal moment for the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD). With a student body of 60% Latino students, the district confronts significant challenges in fostering an inclusive educational landscape. A resolution passed at the April 10 Board of Education meeting marks the beginning of […]
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RFSD testing goes online
Gone are the days of filling in multiple-choice answer bubbles using freshly sharpened #2 pencils. Students across the United States will welcome the digital age as they take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) online.The College Board, which conducts SAT testing, states the exam evaluates students’ problem-solving abilities and measures literacy, numeracy and writing skills needed […]