News & Events

The Colorado Department of Education recently released data from the state’s October 2025 student count, an annual snapshot that helps school districts understand enrollment trends and plan for the future. Statewide, Colorado experienced a 1.2% decrease in pre-K–12 student enrollment compared to fall 2024.

This year’s data shows that Garfield Re-2 experienced a small decline in enrollment, reflecting a trend seen across many rural and mountain communities. District enrollment decreased from 4,695 students in fall 2024 to 4,642 students in fall 2025, a net loss of 53 students. After a slight increase the previous year, current enrollment remains comparable to levels seen in the 2023 school year.

On a busy afternoon at Highland Elementary School, the kindergarten students in Mrs. Dalton’s afternoon class rush to the door. Suddenly, the room is in motion, and Liliana Ruiz is surrounded. She stands at the center of a joyful cluster of smiling five-year-olds - arms hugging, voices calling her name, unable to move as she laughs and smiles, wrapped in a swirl of kindergarten energy.

Liliana, a senior at Rifle High School, is one of the first student mentors in Highland’s growing mentor program. While she helps wherever she is needed, her heart and much of her time live in the kindergarten classroom. Three days a week, she steps into the role of trusted helper, translator, role model, and steady presence for some of Highland’s youngest learners.

All State Honors & a Prestigious Scholarship for Rising Vocal Leaders

Garfield Re-2’s choral programs continue to shine across the Western Slope, with students from both Rifle High School and Coal Ridge High School earning top statewide honors. Whether through acceptance into the elite All State Choir or winning a scholarship awarded to only one senior in the state, these students demonstrate what talent, discipline, and heart look like in action.

All-State auditions are open to high school juniors and seniors. Students can achieve a total score of 100 points as part of their All-State audition. Students must perform a musical solo, typically a classical or folk song. Jazz, pop, and musical theater songs are not permitted. Judges are looking for tone quality, singing in tune, accuracy of the notes and rhythms, diction, and musicality — the vocal dynamics, sensitivity to text, and articulation to convey the appropriate meaning. 

Three Rifle High School students spent this election season seeing democracy up close as student election judges for Garfield County. For each of them, the experience offered a rare look behind the curtain at how local elections truly function.

Jaslyn Valencia, Alejandro Sanchez, and Kincaid Perdue completed two hours of security training and four hours of election training. According to Garfield County Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon, this is the same requirement for all election judges.

The Garfield Re-2 School Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 25 at the district office. Thank you all who came to the meeting!

We began the evening by celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our high school spring sports athletes. Heather Grumley and Lisa Pierce shared heartfelt and enthusiastic reports on the incredible success of our student-athletes. This meeting also marked their final presentation before retiring. We extend our deepest gratitude to both Heather and Lisa for their years of dedicated service to our students, schools, and community. We will miss you both! 

The Garfield Re-2 School Board celebrated outgoing Board President Britton Fletchall at their June 25, 225 school board meeting and declared a vacancy in Director District A.

Fletchall submitted a letter of resignation on June 18 and shared that his decision is rooted in the growth of his business, which now requires more travel and extended time away from the area.

“Serving has never been a burden, but a true motivator,” he explained. “While I value the ability to participate remotely, I believe this level of board service is most effective when done in person.”

Rifle High School graduate Abdon Rivera took his oath of enlistment as “Future Soldier” yesterday. His new title is the United States Army’s term for those joining its branch of service.

Rivera took the oath before family and friends, as well as a mentor teacher from school. He chose to take the oath at the Garfield County Commissioners’ chamber, an indication of his interest in public service. He is now part of the U.S. Army’s delayed entry program after considering his decision for a few years, and took this oath prior to entering basic training. He will take army preparatory training for three weeks and then basic training for nine weeks.