La Jara Elementary School History
La Jara Elementary School was built in 1912. It was first used as the North Conejos School District Office, and later as the first High School in La Jara. Several renovations have been made since then. In 1956 a band room was added on, in 1979 a new Cafeteria was added on. In 1985 an upstairs Title I room was added on. In 1997 a new Library, Computer Lab, Conference Room and Classroom were added. In 2009 an new Playground was put in, and in 2010 an new roof was put on the school using a CDE grant. In 2011 a new walking trail, PE Stations, Pavilion and Parking Lot with a "Drop-off/Pick-up Zone" was added, as well as additional play pieces for 0-5 year old children. Much of these improvements were made possible through a grant received from Great Outdoors Colorado. Our very active PTA wrote the grant and did much of the work, as well as community members and students. Thank you EVERYONE for donating your time and money to improve our school!
Staff
La Jara Elementary school has about 30 staff members; Twelve teachers, two Title I teachers, three Specials teachers (Art, Music, PE, Library and Computers), one principal, one secretary, one Special Ed teacher, one counselor, one school nurse, two custodians and three cooks. Our staff is experienced and talented! They have high expectations for all students.
Students
La Jara Elementary has about 200 to 250 students at any given time. There are about 15-20 students in each classroom.
School Achievements
La Jara Elementary received the Commissioners Cup Award from the Colorado Department of Education in September of 2008 for closing the achievement gap.
In 2009, La Jara Elementary School received the National Title I Distinguished School Award. This award recognizes schools accross the country for thier innovation in helping Title I populations achieve high educational standards. The Distinguished Schools Program is a project of the National Title I Association and provides an opportunity for Title I schools from every state to be publicly recognized for their educational achievements. Distinguished Schools are selected from each state in one of two categories: 1) Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years, and 2) Closing the achievement gap between student groups.
At La Jara Elementary we've created a cohesive environment of teamwork where everyone works hard, everyone is respected, and everyone can succeed. Student needs are identified early, and everyone works together to provide the necessary interventions to meet their needs. Our belief is that there is no replacement for hard work and quality instruction in the classroom. We have a very supportive community that values education and instills hard work in their children. We have created a positive environment where students know they can succeed and work their hardest to succeed.
We believe all children can succeed no matter what economic background they come from.
La Jara Elementary is ranked "High" in the state of Colorado.
