Dolores parents and students, you don't have to wait until Nov. 27 to sink your teeth into some yummy turkey.

Today, Nov. 13, is the day to enjoy roast turkey and gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans, hot rolls, pumpkin pie and cranberry relish, during the annual Thanksgiving lunch served by the staff at the Dolores School District's cafeteria.

And the meal is at a good price: $3.50 for adults and visitors, $1.50 for children visitors and $1.65 for elementary kids, unless the students qualify for free and reduced meals.

And for the first time this year, students who qualify for free and reduced lunches, get their meals for free, all year round, thanks to a grant from the Colorado Department of Education, said Chuck Soukup, Dolores Schools food service director.

Soukup said he is bringing in a few extra hands to help serve the big meal.

All families are invited to the dinner. This year, the cafeteria staff will keep the salad bar open as well for those looking for a leafy green option.

"But, I think everyone wants turkey dinner," Soukup said.

Served today will be 400 pounds of potatoes, 624 pieces of pie and 120 pounds of turkey.

Now that is a big Thanksgiving dinner.

Planning on attending the dinner? Here is a list of when the students will eat: Kindergarten at 11:00, 1st at 11:10, 2nd at 11:20, 3rd at 11:30, 4th at 12:45, 5th at 12:50.

Food drive underway

From Dolores Elementary School Principal Sherri Maxwell:

"Every year during the month of November, Dolores Elementary has a food drive sponsored by the PTA. This year is not different from any other, except this year what we do with the food is going to change.

In the past, we donated all the food we collected to Hope's Kitchen, one of the soup kitchens in Cortez. Our donations usually amounted to a full sized pickup bed full and then some. Hope's Kitchen used the donated food to serve meals to families in need of a hot meal.

This year, some of what we collect will be kept right here in Dolores. We will use the donated items to feed some of students and their families on weekends when school is not in session. On the back of the recent Schoolarama flier was a list of food items that we will keep on hand for this program. We also have a list posted on the front doors to the school. Do not worry: we are not forgetting Hope's Kitchen! All food items not on the list will go to them. So donate what you can. We will find use for all that is donated.

Teachers will collect food items up through Friday, Nov. 21 in your child's classroom. The classes are taking part in a little friendly competition to see who can collect the most items. The winning classes will receive a prize. As this is the season for giving thanks, I thank all of you for your generosity and support. We live in a truly wonderful community."

Winter sports have begun

Boys and girls basketball tryouts for High School begin today, Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 in the Aux Gym. The boys will practice from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. The girls will practice from 5:35 to 7:15 p.m. both nights. The rest of practice times will be announced later. The high school needs six to eight parent volunteers and managers there the first two nights to help score at each of the stations.

Important dates

Nov. 13: Middle school boys basketball vs. Dove Creek at home, 4 p.m.

Nov. 13: Picture retakes, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

NOv. 24-28: Thanksgiving Break

Do you have School News to report? Email Shannon Livick at slivick@cortezjournal.com.

Shannon Livick