A new prom location, student success at academic competitions, a proposed new football field, and extra school funding were all topics at the recent Dolores school board meeting.
In an effort to boost attendance, the prom committee won board approval to hold the April 23 event at the Dolores River Campground instead of on campus.
“The venue is free, and the change of scenery will be good for student morale,” said prom organizer Bailey Boyd.
The Grand March will take place at the campground, but dinner will not be served so dates will have to make their own dining arrangements.
Sheriff deputies will be on hand to patrol prom, there will be event signs posted on the highway, and students must pass a Breathalyzer test before entering the dance hall at the lodge. Tickets are $20.
Academic standoutsDolores students are performing well at this year’s academic competitions, advancing to regionals in history, and onto state in knowledge bowl and science contests.
Eighth-graders Madison Lankford, McKenzy Howerton, and Kiley Breitenbach advanced to state in science for their penicillin project. The students grew their own penicillin and showed how it was more effective against bacteria than pharmaceutical varieties.
Science students Jordan Elder and Paige Featherman also advanced to the state level with their project about the power of praise and positive self talk.
A competition on history topics held Monday in Dolores will send several students to regionals in Frisco over Spring Break.
In a recent knowledge bowl, several students advanced to regionals. Tommy Nelligan, Kit Kelley, Autumn Seeber, and Tristan Holgate went onto the state round held in Fort Collins earlier this week. They took fourth place in the 2A category.
“This year they competed in regionals in Grand Junction, winning against larger schools to advance to the state level,” said superintendant Scott Cooper. “It’s a source of school pride to see our students do so well in these competitions.”
Also, a Dolores Schools FFA Quiz Bowl Team won the March 8 regionals competition in Durango. Students Tatum Majors, David Schmittel, and Codi Archuleta advanced to the state convention in June.
Exploring a new football fieldThe school wants to form a community committee to explore the possibilities of building a new football field and track at Joe Rowell Park. The idea was initially explored in 2005, said board president Linnea Vass, and a set of plans were drawn up.
“Our football field is in bad shape,” said coach James Biard. “A new field at Joe Rowell would better support our kids and be good for sponsors. With a nice track, the school could host regional events.”
District gets funding bumpThe district received an additional $20,000 in per pupil funding this year, Cooper said. The state redistributed $24 million to school districts across the state after they over budgeted for an increase in student population that did not materialize. Tommy Nelligan, Kit Kelley, Autumn Seeber, Tristan Holgate. 4th place 2a state knowledge Bowl.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com