Dolores Elementary School is off to a great start this year. Our students continue to grow academically and socially.

The fall NWEA testing cycle is complete, and our results exceeded those from spring, furthering our supposition that the spring testing cycle was not very valid.

In reading, first and third grades came in with higher scores than we typically see in the fall. Both classes exceeded the national norm for their grade level. Although summer regression remains a struggle for second and third grades, all other classes demonstrated growth over the summer. In math, grade levels show scores close to the national norm, another improvement over last year's results. In the language arts, students scored strongly and showed the least amount of summer regression.

The elementary is adopting the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching reading. In October, six teachers traveled to Denver to train under Dr. Yoshimoto, an OG expert. Shanti Savage, one of our interventionists, is working on becoming a certified OG trainer. The teachers returned very excited and ready to implement the program. Plans are in the works to get all primary teachers trained in OG.

The school has worked hard to help our students maintain their skills over the summer. More than 60 completed the summer reading program, earning a family picnic and a trip to the Cortez Recreation Center. An additional 75 students completed parts of the program. All participating students earned a certificate, free books, reading trinkets and points toward a prize.

In order to support some of our struggling students, the elementary is starting two optional programs during early release Wednesdays. Lori Harris is starting an after-school tutoring program for students who need support with learning English or using English to learn. The school also is offering a tutoring program for students who need extra help in math. Both programs began during the second quarter of the year.

This year, the elementary started the Professional Attendance program, which rewards students who make regular school attendance a priority. We have already seen decreased absences and tardiness from last year's record high.

In spring, we introduced our Watch Dogs - dads who donate one day a year to volunteer in the school. The object of the Watch Dog program is to increase the visibility of men in our school and to add adult presence for safety. This fall, we kicked off the program by hosting a pizza party for our Watch Dogs, and 56 dads showed up. Students love having the dads on campus, especially on the playground. Andy Bennetts is doing a great job as Top Dog. Without him, this program would not be possible.

The PTA continues to be a strong force. The PTA has purchased 18 classroom computers and this year will purchase nine new computers for the second grade. The PTA also is saving funds for basketball court renovation and other playground enhancements.

The elementary continues to add programs that support our students with extra-curricular opportunities such as Girls on the Run, Destination Imagination and club volleyball and basketball.

Girls on the Run is a parent-led group that uses running to help girls develop positive self images. This is our second year of GOTR, and our numbers are growing. The culminating meet was in Telluride this month.

Destination Imagination is a competitive and collaborative problem-solving program for second- and third-graders. Students compete with regional teams in March. This too is parent-led. Please call if you'd like to be a team leader.

Finally, a school's success is dependent on the expertise of the teachers and the support of the community. We thank our community for its continued support of our youngest citizens.