Dear Students and Families,

We are thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for Southern Ute high school students, ages 15-18, to participate in a study abroad program this summer! This program is designed to provide students with a unique cultural experience, enhance their educational journey, and broaden their global perspectives.

Participants will have the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn from diverse educational systems, and develop valuable skills that will benefit their future endeavors. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the world and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.

For more details about the program, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, please refer to the attached flyer.

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact the Southern Ute Education Department at (970) 563-0237.

- Tribal Information Services

Here's a chance to visit Washington D.C. this summer!

The Youth Tour is an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from June 16–22, 2025. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for high school juniors to:

Explore Washington, D.C.: Visit historical landmarks, meet state representatives, and immerse themselves in the nation’s history.

Build Leadership Skills: Participate in seminars and discussions that enhance leadership abilities while connecting with peers.

Make New Friends: Join 1,500 students from across the country, creating bonds that last a lifetime.

We’ve extended the application deadline to Monday, January 20, 2025, to give students more time to apply.

Applications and additional details are available at https://lpea.coop/lpea-youth-tour.

As we approach the end of the first semester, Ignacio High School has much to celebrate and look forward to. Here are some highlights from this semester and our plans for the next. 

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has been bustling with activity. One of the biggest projects currently underway is the construction of a chicken coop and pump house shed by Ms. Klinger’s Agricultural and Mrs. Turner’s Wood Manufacturing classes. These structures are expected to be operational by spring, marking a significant milestone for the program. Additionally, six students recently attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The convention, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, drew over 71,000 FFA members and included tours of various agricultural operations. This experience was invaluable for our students, offering them a unique glimpse into the world of agriculture. 

Mrs. Turner’s program is also contributing to the community by finishing three playhouses for the Ignacio Early Learning Program and Ignacio Elementary School. Moreover, Woods 1 students have embarked on their OSHA 10 training, while two advanced students are pursuing their OSHA 30 certifications. In a significant boost to safety and industrial hygiene, the program was awarded an $8,000 AWI Education Foundation Grant for the second consecutive year, enabling the purchase of industry-grade equipment to enhance air quality and dust control in the shop. The Middle School CTE Exploration class for 8th graders is also in its second rotation, receiving positive feedback from participants. 

A recent field trip to the Hubbell Trading Post, Canyon de Chelly, and Aztec Ruins organized by Mr. Trejo and Ms. Gruber proved to be an enriching educational experience. At the Hubbell Trading Post, 13 students delved into the history of Navajo weaving, practicing traditional techniques on authentic looms under the guidance of a skilled Navajo weaver. This hands-on experience aligned with Colorado state educational standards, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to evaluate, design, and create textiles while reflecting on their cultural contexts. The visits to Canyon de Chelly and Aztec Ruins offered students the opportunity to connect historical and geographical knowledge, studying the adaptive strategies of ancestral Pueblo peoples and the impact of human-environment interactions. This interdisciplinary trip, involving the Fashion Design and Native/Southwest Studies departments, fostered a deeper appreciation for Indigenous contributions and cultural relationships. 

The performing arts department has also been active. The band and choir held their first concert of the year in October, showcasing the significant growth of our music program under the direction of Mr. Perrotti and Ms. Walker. Their exceptional leadership has instilled a passion for music in our students. The next concert is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m., featuring a combined performance with the drama department led by Ms. Farrow. If you haven’t attended a performance this semester, there will be several opportunities next semester. 

Our student senate, led by Mr. Gillin, successfully organized this year’s Homecoming celebration. The Senate is now planning the Snow-Coming festivities for February, with a primary goal of increasing school spirit through various activities, including multiple pep rallies throughout the year. 

Looking ahead to the next semester, we are excited to announce that our students will be attending the La Plata County Futures Fair. This event will connect students with professionals from diverse fields such as nursing, hospitality, trades, outdoor adventure guiding, parks and wildlife management, clean energy, emergency response services, and the arts. The fair aims to foster meaningful interactions between students and industry partners, providing valuable insights into potential career paths. 

We are incredibly proud of the hard work our students have put into their studies and the dedication of our staff. As we move into the second half of the year, we remain committed to supporting our students and families in every way possible. Have a wonderful holiday season, and as always, please contact the school with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support.

Don't forget Powderpuff Wednesday at 5 pm

Please join the tutoring program if there are low grades or need help with an assignment!

Head over to the Ignacio Community Library every Wednesday after school for games, music and some extra help with assignments if needed.

Get refreshed on all the ways we communicate and stay up-to-date at the Ignacio School District!

Infinite Campus - https://ignacioco.infinitecampus.org/.../portal/ignacio.jsp

Class Dojo (Elem Only) - https://student.classdojo.com/#/login?redirectTo=%2Fstory

School Calendar - https://www.ignacioschools.org/calendar

Athletic Calendar - https://athletics.ignacioschools.org/en-US/calendar

Band App - https://athletics.ignacioschools.org/en-US

Bus Routes - https://www.ignacioschools.org/.../bus-route-pick-up...

Activity Friday - https://forms.gle/1oUTd3vJyzhHE1BQ9

Join us Aug 15, 4:30 - 7 pm to meet your teachers and get familiar with the school and classrooms.

Don't forget about Freshman Orientation 5:30 - 6 pm in the auditorium.