Lions and Learning in Leadville, Oh Yeah!

Schools Benefit From Lions’ Grants

If you live in Leadville Today there’s nothing quite like seeing those American flags out on historic Harrison Avenue flapping in the breeze. It evokes a sense of civic pride! So thanks to the Leadville Lions Club and their flag program which makes sure Old Glory is on display downtown on holidays and special occasions. But this service-oriented group does a lot of other things behind the scenes, helping hundreds in Lake County. LT wanted to shine the light on some of the Leadville Lions Club’s recent good deeds. ROAR!

Grants awarded to:

• $500 – Bindings for middle and high school nordic teams
• $500 – Social worker supplies
• $1900 – Small weight equipment (currently only have heavier weights)
• $500 – Speaker fees for a visit from Carlotta Walls LaNier.
• $600 – Science supplies and scales

According to Leadville Lion Carol Glenn, if you’re Lake County High School (LCHS) group or organization is interested in applying for a Leadville Lion Club grant, here are the details.

The criteria for the grant money is:

• The money awarded must be used directly by students
• Supplies and equipment may be purchased with money
• Any LCHS club, organization or student activity in the school may apply

Application information required:

• Name of teacher, coach or sponsor
• Item or items requested
• Dollar amount requested
• How will this grant benefit LCHS students
• Number of students who could possibly benefit

The selection committee is comprised of:

• 4 Lions club members
• LCHS school representative
• The high school principal or representative

“We find that the school representatives are able to help us weed through the grant applications and often have suggestions of other avenues for the requests,” explained Lion Carol. Some examples of previous grants are a camera for the LCHS yearbook and newsletter, chess supplies, scientific calculators, whiteboards, equipment for the performing arts program, supplies for the National Honor Society, supplies for FBLA, and science camp fees. Thanks, Leadville Lions Club!

Contact the Leadville Lions Club, PO Box 526, Leadville Colorado 80461 or email Lion Carol Glenn at carol@centennialre.com.

School District Monitoring Coronavirus Situation

Reading Is Cornerstone of Learning

By Joyce Rankin, Colorado Board of Education

If you think you’ve heard enough about reading and you’re OK with the fact that only 40% of our third graders are reading at grade level stop reading right now.  If, on the other hand, you’re concerned that so many children cannot read at grade level and you’re bothered that 70% of those incarcerated in our prisons are reading at a fourth-grade level read on.

Joyce Rankin

Before we get into remedying the reading problem let me summarize what is happening in the legislature and State Board meetings.

First, the legislature has already dropped 62 bills that relate specifically to education. These bills include; Behavior Analysts in Public School (HB-1058), Sixteen-year-olds Voting in Local School District Elections (HB-1149), Safe and Healthy Learning Environments for Students (HB-1238), Administration of Inhalers for Respiratory Distress (HB-1283), and Excused Absences in Public School for Behavioral Health (SB-014). These bills come before the State Board for a vote of support.  We can either vote for, against or continue to monitor the bills. At this point, most of the bills are being monitored because they haven’t passed through their committees or are lacking a fiscal note.

Another activity of the board is to evaluate and make decisions on schools that had been on priority improvement or turnaround status.  Two Denver High Schools, Manual, and Abraham Lincoln were voted by the Board to become innovation schools, where hopefully with more flexibility they will improve. HOPE Online Learning Academy Elementary schools were voted to be closed.

Fact: only 40% of Colorado third graders are reading at grade level according to state education reports.

Now, back to reading, which I believe to be the most important subject taught in elementary school. A short explanation for teaching reading is found in the Simple View of Reading (SVR).  Reading comprehension is the desired outcome of decoding words and language comprehension.

Decoding X Language Comprehension = Reading Comprehension

If students cannot decode printed English, they cannot understand it. If students cannot comprehend spoken English, they cannot know written English. Recognizing a word quickly and accurately is essential for comprehension. If you’re spending too much time trying to figure out a word, the understanding of the text will be challenging.

Learning how to teach the evidence-based science of reading in the classroom is not easy.  It takes time and dedication by district and school leaders with an earnest desire to ensure that every student can read proficiently by the third grade. Teacher education courses are currently being evaluated by the department of education.

This month I’ll introduce you to the Reading Wars or why we haven’t been teaching according to the READ Act. Meanwhile, keep your eye on House Bill-1288, amending the READ Act so that districts will post their reading curriculum on their school website. How is reading being taught at your school?

Joyce Rankin is on the State Board of Education representing the Third Congressional District which includes Leadville and Lake County. She writes the monthly column, “Across the Street” to share with constituents in the 29 counties she represents. 

Snow, Then Sunshine in Week’s Forecast

Mountain Music And Upcoming Performances

The Old Church in downtown Leadville will set the stage for next musical performance on March 5

This Thursday, March 5 the Lake County High School Performing Arts Department’s Chamber Choir, along with the Symphonic Choir, and the Old Church Singers will be holding a concert.

The community is invited to the Old Church located in downtown Leadville on the corner of 8^th and historic Harrison Avenue. The music begins at 7 p.m. Then be sure to mark the calendar for the students’ upcoming 2020 theatrical performance Once on This Island.

Performances will take place April 16-20 in the Lake County High School Performing Arts Center. The production is directed by Scott Carroll, music directed by Celesta Cairns and choreographed by Michelle Mejeski.

Musical Mountain Video