Roaring Fork Schools: Threat made to Aspen School District

Roaring Fork Schools

March 1, 2023, 10:07 a.m. – We have been made aware that this morning the Aspen School District has received a similar threat to the one they received last Wednesday. According to law enforcement, this appears to be the same message or recording that  was previously determined to be a hoax. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be increased law enforcement presence at our schools today, and we will be ready to implement safety protocols if needed. We are working very closely with law enforcement agencies today regarding this situation and will share any updates if we have them. 

You can learn more about our approach to school safety by reading our emergency and crisis information guide for parents online.

Roaring Fork Schools: Threat made to Aspen School District

Schools released from Secure Protocol

Safety protocols lifted for Glenwood Springs schools

RE-2 schools released from secure status

All schools are currently being released from SECURE status. The valley law enforcement issue has been determined to no longer present an issue to our district.

Specifically this issue was in response to a threat originating in Roaring Fork School District that could have impacted Garfield Re-2. The safety of your students is the top priority and Garfield Re-2 went to secure as a precautionary measure only due to advice upon law enforcement.

All students and staff are safe. We are grateful for all of our local law enforcement partners and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

Again, ALL SCHOOLS ARE CLEAR and the SECURE has been lifted.

If you have questions, please contact 970-665-7300.

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Hola familias de Garfield Re-2:

Todas las escuelas están siendo liberadas actualmente del estado SEGURO. Se ha determinado que el problema de la aplicación de la ley del valle ya no representa un problema para nuestro distrito.

Específicamente, este problema fue en respuesta a una amenaza que se originó en el distrito escolar de Roaring Fork y que podría haber afectado a Garfield Re-2. La seguridad de sus estudiantes es la máxima prioridad y Garfield Re-2 se aseguró como medida de precaución solo debido a los consejos de las fuerzas del orden.

Todos los estudiantes y el personal están a salvo. Estamos agradecidos por todos nuestros socios locales encargados de hacer cumplir la ley y apreciamos su paciencia y comprensión.

Una vez más, TODAS LAS ESCUELAS ESTÁN DESPEJADAS y se ha levantado el SEGURO.

Si tiene pregun

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A lockdown is currently activated at GSHS. All other Glenwood Springs and Carbondale schools are on Secure per law enforcement.

The safety and security of your child is our top priority. We are actively responding to the situation and collaborating with emergency responders. We will share more information as we get it.

At this time, we ask that parents stay where they are and remain available to receive updates and instructions as needed. You can learn more about our approach to school safety by reading our emergency and crisis information guide for parents here.

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Español:

Un Lockdown (cierre de emergencia) está actualmente activado en GSHS. Todas las demás escuelas de Glenwood Springs y Carbondale están en “Secure” de acuerdo a las autoridades.

La seguridad y la protección de su hijo es nuestra principal prioridad. Estamos respondiendo activamente a la situación y colaborando con los servicios de emergencia. Compartiremos más información a medida que la obtengamos.

En este momento, les pedimos a los padres que se queden donde están y estén disponibles para recibir actualizaciones e instrucciones según sea necesario. Puede obtener más información sobre nuestro enfoque de la seguridad escolar leyendo nuestra guía de información sobre emergencias y crisis para padres aquí.

Schools released from Secure Protocol

Roaring Fork Schools, Re-2 implement secure protocol due to online threat

Carbondale Police Department

Press Release -Threat made to schools

Comunicado de Prensa – Amezana hecha a las Escuelas (Abajo)

On January 25, 2023 at 8:11 am, Carbondale Police Department were made aware from Dillon Police Department of a potential threat made to schools.

Officers received information from Dillon Police Department of a man who made an online threat threatening school. The man’s phone GPS location was found to be in Carbondale. Law enforcement agencies, Roaring Fork School District and RE-2 School District decided to issue a “Secure” on all schools out of an abundance for caution and safety of students and community. Later, the man’s phone GPS location was found to be at a local business in Carbondale where he works. The man’s car was found in the parking lot. The man had started his shift and was tracked to Old Snowmass. The man was located and safely taken into custody by Pitkin County Sheriff’s deputies.

Carbondale officers determined there was no direct threat to Carbondale schools. School districts lifted the “Secure” after determining there was no threat.

Carbondale Police Department takes any threats made to the school, students, or the community seriously. We work together with the Roaring Fork School District, and other agencies to protect students and the local community.

Carbondale officers and Roaring Fork School District employees are trained in the I Love U Guys Foundation protocol. Attached to this press release you will find the protocol terms and definitions.

No further information will be released.

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El 25 de enero de 2023, a las 8:11 am, el Departamento de Policía de Carbondale fue informado por el Departamento de Policía de Dillon de una amenaza potencial hecha a las escuelas.

Los oficiales recibieron información del Departamento de Policía de Dillon de un hombre que hizo una amenaza en línea amenazando a las escuelas. Ubicaron al hombre por GPS del teléfono en Carbondale. Departamento de policías, el Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork y RE-2 decidieron emitir un “Seguro” en todas las escuelas por precaución y seguridad de los estudiantes y la comunidad. Más tarde, ubicaron el hombre por GPS del teléfono que estaba en un negocio local en Carbondale, donde trabaja. El auto del hombre fue encontrado en el estacionamiento. El hombre había comenzado su turno y fue rastreado hasta Old Snowmass. El hombre fue localizado y puesto bajo custodia de manera segura por oficiales del Condado de Pitkin.

Los oficiales de Carbondale determinaron que no había una amenaza directa a las escuelas de Carbondale. Los distritos escolares levantaron el “Seguro” después de determinar que no había amenaza.

El Departamento de Policía de Carbondale toma en serio cualquier amenaza hecha a la escuela, los estudiantes o la comunidad. Trabajamos junto con el Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork y otras agencias para proteger a los estudiantes y a la comunidad local.

Los oficiales de Carbondale y los empleados del Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork están entrenados en el protocolo de la Fundación I Love U Guys. Adjunto a este comunicado de prensa encontrará los términos y definiciones del protocolo.

No se dará a conocer más información.

In an emergency take action
En caso de emergencia tomen medidas

Pitkin County Sheriff’s Department

Subject Taken Into Custody After Search

DATE OF INCIDENT:January 25th, 2023
DEPUTY IN CHARGE: Undersheriff Alex Burchetta
CASE NUMBER:  23P000967

Charles Draughn was arrested

Pitkin County, Colorado –01/25/2023 –  The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was notified Wednesday morning by the Garfield County Communications Authority of an individual who made a threat to a school in Summit County, CO. The individual was believed to be in Pitkin County Wednesday morning and information obtained from law enforcement sources suggested the individual was armed.

As a safety precaution, all schools in Pitkin County went on “secure” status at approximately 08:50 a.m. Location data obtained from law enforcement partners indicated the individual was in the Old Snowmass area, a rural section of central unincorporated Pitkin County. Watson Divide Road and Snowmass Creek Road were closed to restrict the public’s access to the Old Snowmass area of Pitkin County to ensure the public’s safety, and to allow law enforcement to operate safely. The road closures were lifted at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Deputies from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office along with additional law enforcement from various regional law enforcement agencies actively searched for the individual, and took the subject into custody at 10:02 a.m at an address in the Old Snowmass area.

The subject’s name is Charles Draughn and is currently being held in the custody of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, held on an active felony warrant out of Summit County, CO.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank the Carbondale Police Department, Snowmass Police Department, Aspen Police Department, Basalt Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Dillon Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Garfield Sheriff’s Office, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigations for their participation in the safe apprehension of this wanted individual.

Glenwood Springs Police Department

January 25, 2023 – 10:03 a.m. – Suspect in custody, GSPD assisted other agencies in this investigation. Any further information will be put out by the investigating agencies. Schools are no longer on secure protocol.

Roaring Fork Schools

January 25, 2023, 10:29 a.m. – Dear Roaring Fork Schools families,

The Secure Action in all Roaring Fork Schools has been lifted because there is no longer an external threat to schools. All schools have returned to normal operations.

We know that situations like this are frightening for staff, students, and parents alike. The safety of students and staff is our first priority, which is why we implement our protocols whenever there is any possible threat to safety. You can learn more about our approach to school safety by reading our emergency and crisis information guide for parents here.

Law enforcement inadvertently asked some schools to go into Lockdown before amending the order to the proper precaution for this situation, Secure. We know that asking students and staff to go into Lockdown can be traumatic; we will be working with law enforcement to ensure that the correct precaution is always called. We appreciate our partnership with law enforcement and the prompt response from all of our schools.

Sincerely,

Jesús Rodríguez

Superintendent

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25 de enero, 2023

Estimadas familias Roaring Fork,

El protocolo “seguro” en todas las escuelas de Roaring Fork se ha levantado porque no existe una amenaza externa para las escuelas. Todas las escuelas han vuelto a sus operaciones normales.

Sabemos que situaciones como esta son aterradoras para el personal, los estudiantes y los padres por igual. La seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal es nuestra prioridad, por lo que implementamos nuestros protocolos cada vez que existe una posible amenaza a la seguridad. Puede obtener más información sobre nuestro enfoque de la seguridad escolar leyendo nuestra guía de información sobre emergencias y crisis para padres aquí.

La policía local pidió que las escuelas entraran en “Lockdown” antes de modificar la orden y luego pidieron entrar en protocolo “seguro”. Sabemos que pedirles a los estudiantes y al personal que entren en Lockdown puede ser traumático; trabajaremos con la policía para garantizar que siempre se tome la precaución correcta. Agradecemos nuestra asociación con la policía local y la pronta respuesta de todas nuestras escuelas.

Atentamente,

Jesús Rodríguez

Roaring Fork School District (Re-2)

January 25, 2023, 9:54 a.m. –

ALL CLEAR

Hello Garfield Re-2 Families:

All schools are currently being released from SECURE status. The valley law enforcement issue has been determined to no longer present an issue to our district.

Specifically this issue was in response to a threat originating in Summit County that could have impacted Garfield County. Garfield Re-2 went to secure as a precautionary measure only.

All students and staff are safe. We are grateful for all of our local law enforcement partners and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

Again, ALL SCHOOLS ARE CLEAR and the SECURE has been lifted.

If you have questions, please contact 970-665-7300.

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Hola familias de Garfield Re-2:

Todas las escuelas están siendo liberadas actualmente del estado SEGURO. Se ha determinado que el problema de la aplicación de la ley del valle ya no representa un problema para nuestro distrito.

Específicamente, este problema fue en respuesta a una amenaza que se originó en el condado de Summit y que podría haber afectado al condado de Garfield. Garfield Re-2 fue a asegurar solo como medida de precaución.

Todos los estudiantes y el personal están a salvo. Estamos agradecidos por todos nuestros socios locales encargados de hacer cumplir la ley y apreciamos su paciencia y comprensión.

Una vez más, TODAS LAS ESCUELAS ESTÁN DESPEJADAS y se ha levantado el SEGURO.

Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese al 970-665-7300.

January 25, 2023, 9:26 a.m.

Hello Garfield Re-2 families:
As a precautionary measure, all Garfield Re-2 Schools are currently on SECURE in response to a law enforcement issue in the valley. Secure means that no one will be allowed in or out of the school buildings, and no outside recess, but school will continue to operate as normal within the building.

All students and staff are safe. This is a precautionary measure ONLY. We appreciate your patience and understanding. We will let you know as soon as the secure status is lifted. If you have questions, please contact 970-665-7300.

Roaring Fork Schools

January 25, 2023 – Dear Roaring Fork Schools families,

All Roaring Fork Schools have been asked to implement a Secure protocol (exterior doors locked but business as usual inside) this morning as a precaution due to a general online threat to school safety in Summit County. While the threat is not specific to our schools nor immediate communities, out of an abundance of caution, local law enforcement asked our schools to go into Secure. We know that situations like this are frightening for staff, students, and parents alike, and we want you to know that the safety of students and staff is our first priority.

The Secure action is called when there is a potential threat or hazard outside of the school building. Secure uses the security of the physical facility to act as protection. During Secure, all students and staff are brought into the secure building and all exterior doors are locked. Classes are able to continue uninterrupted inside the building. You can learn more about our approach to school safety by reading our emergency and crisis information guide for parents here.

Please know students are safe in their schools at this time. We ask that you not come to our schools to pick up students at this time.

Thank you for your continued trust in our team. We will continue to be diligent and observant in keeping the safety of our kids our utmost priority.

Sincerely,

Jesús Rodríguez

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25 de enero, 2023

Queridas Familias de Roaring Fork Schools

Se les ha pedido esta mañana a todas las escuelas de Roaring Fork que implementaran un protocolo llamado “seguro” (que las puertas exteriores están cerradas pero que todo siga igual adentro) como precaución debido a una amenaza general en línea de la seguridad escolar que pasó en el condado de Summit. Aunque la amenaza no es específica para nuestras escuelas ni para las comunidades inmediatas, por precaución, la policía local pidió a nuestras escuelas que se pusieran en modo “Seguro.” Sabemos que situaciones como esta son aterradoras para el personal, los estudiantes y los padres por igual, y queremos que sepa que la seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal es nuestra primera prioridad.

El protocolo “seguro” se llama cuando existe una amenaza o peligro potencial fuera del edificio escolar. “Seguro” utiliza la seguridad de la instalación física para actuar como protección. Durante “Seguro”, todos los estudiantes y el personal entran al edificio de manera segura y todas las puertas exteriores están cerradas. Las clases pueden continuar sin interrupciones dentro del edificio. Puede obtener más información sobre nuestro enfoque de la seguridad escolar leyendo nuestra guía de información sobre emergencias y crisis para padres aqui.

Tenga la seguridad que los estudiantes están seguros en sus escuelas en este momento. Les pedimos que no vengan a recoger a los estudiantes en este momento.

Gracias por su continua confianza en nuestro equipo. Continuaremos siendo diligentes y atentos para mantener la seguridad de nuestros niños como nuestra máxima prioridad.

Sinceramente,

Jesús Rodríguez

Superintendente

Roaring Fork Schools, Re-2 implement secure protocol due to online threat

Roaring Fork Schools: BMS transitions 8th grade to distance learning

A student or staff member at Basalt Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. Families of students who may have been exposed and need to quarantine have been contacted directly. The entire 8th grade class will begin distance learning with online classes starting immediately on Friday, April 9 and continuing through Monday, April 12. Students will return to in-person classes on Tuesday, April 13. Sports practices and games are canceled April 8 and 9 and resume Monday, April 12 after 3:15pm.

The affected areas in the school will be deep cleaned and disinfected prior to the return of non-impacted students and staff. Students in grades 5-7 will remain in normal session.

Roaring Fork Schools: BMS transitions 8th grade to distance learning

Roaring Fork Schools: CMS transitions 8th grade to distance learning

A student or staff member at Carbondale Middle School tested positive for COVID-19 resulting in the quarantine of almost all of the 8th grade class because the entire grade and its teachers are considered a cohort. 

CMS parents and students received notice that 8th graders would transition to distance learning starting Monday, April 4. This cohort will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, April 13. 

Roaring Fork Schools: CMS transitions 8th grade to distance learning

Glenwood Springs High School girls varsity basketball team and all Basalt High School boys basketball games canceled while teams quarantine

Two separate quarantines affected basketball teams at Glenwood Springs and Basalt High Schools. All GSHS girls varsity basketball athletes had exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 on February 19. All BHS boys basketball athletes had exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 on February 22.

“This is a situation that we knew could come about but it doesn’t make it any easier for our players, coaches, families, or our community,” GSHS Athletic Director Craig Denney said. “I am incredibly grateful for our players and coaches and the way in which they are dealing with the situation. The fact that it happened when it did is difficult because our girls are in the hunt for the post-season tournament. The one saving grace is that they will be able to return for the last Saturday of competition, and there is a possibility that they will still make it into the tournament.”  

CHSAA policy states that group training and competition for those exposed individuals must be canceled for 14 days from the last date of exposure. Thus, BHS boys games on Friday, February 26; Saturday, February 27; Tuesday, March 2; and Thursday, March 4 are canceled at this time. GSHS girls varsity games on Tuesday, February 23; Friday, February 26; Saturday, February 27; Tuesday, March 2; and Friday, March 5 are canceled at this time. The GSHS girls JV games will still be held as scheduled. 

“Our team has worked very hard to have a successful season and compete for a playoff spot, and it is unfortunate that they will have to quarantine for the remainder of the season. However, I am incredibly proud of how the boys have handled this situation despite being disappointed in the abrupt ending of their season,” BHS Athletic Director Jason Santo said. 

During quarantine, students will attend school via distance learning and will not participate in any in-person school activities, including athletics. There is a discrepancy between CHSAA and local quarantine lengths. Because CHSAA is the authority for all athletics, there will be no athletics for 14 days, but students will be able to return to in-person learning after 10 days. 

Based on contact tracing, additional students were exposed and are quarantining at BHS. All students and families were contacted directly.

Glenwood Springs High School girls varsity basketball team and all Basalt High School boys basketball games canceled while teams quarantine

Roaring Fork Schools: Basalt Middle School transitions 7th grade to distance learning

A student or staff member at Basalt Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. Families of students who may have been exposed and need to quarantine have been contacted directly. There will be no class for 7th grade students on Monday, February 8, and the entire 7th grade class will begin distance learning on Tuesday, February 9. They will return to in-person classes on Tuesday, February 16, since Monday, February 15 is a holiday.

All 7th grade boys basketball games and practices are cancelled through February 14. Practice will resume on Tuesday, February 16. 

The affected areas in the school will be deep cleaned and disinfected prior to the return of non-impacted students and staff. 

Roaring Fork Schools: Basalt Middle School transitions 7th grade to distance learning

Roaring Fork Schools: Basalt Middle School transitions 8th grade to distance learning

A student or staff member at Basalt Middle School is a probable positive for COVID-19 based on the individual’s symptoms. Families of students who may have been exposed and need to quarantine have been contacted directly. The entire 8th grade class will begin distance learning with no school tomorrow and online classes starting Thursday, February 4. They will return to in-person classes on Tuesday, February 9th.

Eighth grade boys basketball practice, as well as their games on Wednesday, February 3 against Riverview and Monday, February 8 against Aspen, have been cancelled. Practice will resume on Tuesday, February 9. 

The affected areas in the school will be deep cleaned and disinfected prior to the return of non-impacted students and staff. Students in grades 5-7 will remain in normal session.

Roaring Fork Schools: Basalt Middle School transitions 8th grade to distance learning

Roaring Fork Schools now allowing one spectator for each student-athlete at competitions

Starting February 2, the Roaring Fork Schools are inviting one spectator for each student-athlete to attend home competitions. (This will be space-permitting as some auxiliary spaces will not accommodate spectators whatsoever.) Since the county-wide health and safety plan for athletics, which prohibited spectators, was presented to the Garfield County Commissioners in December, local and state guidelines have changed to allow some flexibility around spectators at high school athletic competitions.

However, the Roaring Fork Schools are still limited by CHSAA and Garfield County in the total number of individuals the district can safely host at home competitions. After accounting for essential personnel, all student-athletes on a team (JV and Varsity), and the individuals necessary to successfully host a competition (e.g., scorekeepers, team managers, etc.), the Roaring Fork Schools can invite one spectator for each student-athlete and still meet the health and safety requirements.

For a trial period, the district will provide each student-athlete with one admission ticket that the family may use at their discretion, up to a total of 12 per game. If crowd management becomes too distracting for coaches, administrators, athletes, or officials, the program will be discontinued. Visitors who violate safety precautions or who create distractions will be removed from the game.

Roaring Fork Schools now allowing one spectator for each student-athlete at competitions

CDPHE, Public Health investigate possible case of COVID variant

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County Public Health and Roaring Fork Schools have been made aware that a Sopris Elementary student and/or staff member may have been exposed to a COVID variant earlier this month. The health department is working with a dedicated team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to determine potential exposure and contain any further spread.  

Public Health can confirm that no students or staff members in this cohort have reported symptoms to the health department, and the normal quarantine window has already ended. Families of students in the impacted cohort have been contacted and school staff and the health department are continuing to monitor for any signs of COVID symptoms. However, public health and the schools are not aware of any students having symptoms during the past 14 days. While there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the different COVID variants, the greatest concern is the possibility of increased contagiousness.

Out of an abundance of caution, the CDC and CDPHE have requested additional contact tracing, testing for impacted individuals and Public Health is working directly with those families. In addition, the staff of Sopris Elementary received their COVID-19 vaccinations on Friday, Jan. 29. 

We know this news may raise additional questions and more information will be shared as soon as it is available. Parents who have concerns may call: 970-625-5200, extension 8135.

Governor Polis announced today that beginning the week of February 8, all in-person school staff and licensed child care providers are eligible to be vaccinated. All three school districts in Garfield County have submitted a list of those staff members.

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INFORME COMUNITARIO

30 de enero, 2021

CDPHE (por sus siglas en inglés) y Salud Pública investigan posible caso de variante de COVID

CONDADO GARFIELD, CO – Se ha informado a las escuelas del Roaring Fork y a Salud Pública del Condado Garfield que un estudiante de la primaria Sopris y/o un miembro del personal pueden haber estado expuestos a un variante de COVID a principios de este mes.  El departamento de salud está trabajando con un equipo dedicado en los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) y el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado (CDPHE) para determinar una posible exposición y contener cualquier propagación adicional.

Salud Pública puede confirmar que ningún estudiante o miembro del personal de este grupo ha informado síntomas al departamento de salud y que el período normal de cuarentena ya ha finalizado. Se ha contactado a familias de los estudiantes del grupo afectado y al personal de la escuela y el departamento de salud continúan monitoreando cualquier signo de síntomas de COVID. Sin embargo, salud pública y la escuela no tienen conocimiento de algún estudiante que haya tenido síntomas durante los últimos 14 días. Aunque todavía existe mucha incertidumbre en torno a las diferentes variantes de COVID, la mayor preocupación es la posibilidad de un aumento de contagio.

Por precaución, el CDC y el CDPHE han solicitado rastreo de contactos adicionales, pruebas para individuos afectados y Salud Pública está trabajando directamente con esas familias. Además, el personal de la escuela primaria Sopris recibió vacunas contra el COVID-19 el viernes 29 de enero.

Sabemos que esta noticia puede generar preguntas adicionales y se compartirá más información tan pronto como esté disponible. Los padres que tengan inquietudes pueden llamar al: 970-625-5200, extensión 8135.

El Gobernador Polis anunció hoy que, a partir de la semana del 8 de febrero, todo el personal escolar y proveedores de guardería/cuidado infantil con licencia son elegibles para vacunarse. Los tres distritos escolares del Condado Garfield han presentado una lista de del personal.

CDPHE, Public Health investigate possible case of COVID variant