The Montezuma-Cortez School District Re-1 administration building.
The Montezuma-Cortez School District Re-1 administration building.

Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 school district released details about the new school year in an advertisement Wednesday in The Journal. The first day of school is Monday.

Athletic physicals

Sports physicals are available at several locations.

Montezuma-Cortez High School Health Center: 418 Sligo St., Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Dr. Moriah Tarpey’s clinic: Southwest Medical Group, 1311-A N. Mildred Road, Suite B, by appointment on Aug. 14. Call (970) 564-2662.The Mancos Valley Clinic: 111 E. Railroad Ave. Walk-in physical, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7.Southwest Health System Walk-in Care Clinic: 1413 N. Mildred Road, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Student meals

The Health School Meals for All program will provide free meals for all students in the 2024-25 school year.

Student performance

In the paid advertisement, Superintendent Tom Burris asked parents to help raise attendance rates and student reading levels.

According to Burris, high school attendance improved 3 percentage points last year, to 89%, while the other district schools were in the “low 90% range.” Burris said attendance rates need to be 94% or higher to “show significant gains.”

Only 40% of district students read at their grade level. Burris asked parents to help students improve their reading skills by reading to them and having them read to parents.

Tutoring will be available for students who need help, and a new management system will be offered this year, allowing parents to log in and see their child’s grades and attendance.

Performance data from last year won’t be available for a few months, but Burris said the data look “promising.”

Accountability committees

Dates were also given for the accountability meetings.

District Accountability Committee: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 400 N. Elm St. in Cortez on Aug. 19, Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 13, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7 and May 5.
Native Parent Advisory Committee: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., 400 N. Elm in Cortez on Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Jan. 14, April 8, and in Towaoc on Nov. 12, Feb. 11 and May 5.
District corrections

The district released an incorrect schedule for open houses at Kemper and Mesa elementaries. Correct dates follow.

Kemper: Thursday, Aug. 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.Mesa: Thursday, Aug. 8, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Lewis-Arriola: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.Beech Street Preschool: Thursday, Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Cortez Middle School: Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m.