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. In 1979 a new Cafeteria was added on. A classroom upstairs was added in 1985. In 1997 a new Library, Computer Lab, Conference Room and Classroom were added. In 2009 a new Playground was put in, and in 2010 an new roof was put on the school using a CDE grant. 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 in 2011. 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 a dedicated team of 28 staff members, including 12 general education teachers, 1 reading interventionist, 3 specials teachers (PE, Music, Library/Computers), 2 paraprofessionals, 1 special education teacher, 1 counselor, 2 school nurses, 2 custodians, 2 cooks, 1 principal, and one secretary. Ours staff is highly experienced and committed to providing the best educational experience for every students!
Students
La Jara Elementary services about 195 students, with class sizes ranging from 15-20 students. We are proud of our wonderful students who consistently strive to meet high expectations. They embody the spirit of teamwork and are committed to being respectful, responsible, and safe in all they do. Together, we create a positive and supportive learning environment where everyone can thrive!
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 across the country for their 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. School Mission At La Jara Elementary, our mission is to create a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to develop strong character and achieve their highest potential. We are dedicated to academic excellence, social and emotional growth, and teaching our students to be respectful, responsible, and safe. Through high expectations and a strong partnership with parents and community, we build a positive community that supports the whole child and prepares them for a successful future. Our school Motto: We come to school ready to learn. We are respectful, responsible,and safe. We take pride in ourselves and our community. We are better together! WE ARE FALCONS! TOGETHER WE SOAR!
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