St. Mary's Foster Grandparent Program of Mesa County is in need of volunteers to tutor kids at elementary schools throughout Mesa and Delta counties. Volunteers must be 55 or older; those who have limited incomes may qualify for a non-taxable stipend of $200-$400 per month based on hours served.

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Photo by Sam Cox

Way to S.O.A.R. students!

On Jan. 11, the following Paonia Elementary School students were recognized for demonstrating S.O.A.R. behavior: Jordyn Survis, Alex McJunkin and Mariah Callen for Order; Hazel Dirk, Maky Nolan, Avalon Brinton and Katya Schwieterman for Achievement; Carly Horn, Jesi Muse and Dominic Felice for Respect; Jade Ellenberger for Safety, Order, Achievement, and Respect.

There are just six contract schools in the state of Colorado, and five of them are located in Delta County. The Vision Home & Community Programs in Delta, the Surface Creek Valley and the North Fork, as well as North Fork Montessori and the Delta Academy of Applied Learning, operate under special waivers from the Colorado Department of Education.

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Photo submitted Blazing Bulldogs for December from the third grade class include Lottie Hollembeak, Emma Miller, Sara Morris, Addison Neal, Matthew Pachl, Caleb Roberts and Isaac Rung.Each month Hotchkiss K-8 School gives students a pat on the back for distinguishing themselves in select areas.Photo submitted Blazing Bulldogs for December from the sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes include sixth graders Sierra Baker, Trenton Carr, Carson Collins, Caitlyn Littlefield, Taralee Mautz, Presley Pene, Katie Powers, Kayla Rood and Jacob Trefren; seventh graders Daniella Baxter, Fatima Rodriguez and Braxton Trujillo, and eighth graders Jorge Govea, Jamal Helm, Parker Katzdorn, Wade Katzdorn and Lacey Rodriguez.Photo submitted Blazing Bulldogs for December from the kindergarten through second grade include kindergartners Jesalynn Borgman, Mitchell Finlayson, Madilynn Fowler, Aralyn Gallob, Austin Paris, Payson Pene, Mathew Sanchez and Athziry Vazquez Mendoza, and second graders Carter Ballard, Marcus Broadbent, Yasmin Campos, Lilly Jardon, Kiera Lewis, Ciara Lutz, Zach Owsley and Abigail Rayburn.

Teachers nominate students based on their achievement in one or more of the following categories: attendance, display of community of caring (citizenship), effort, accomplishments, or other.

The Blazing Bulldog recipients receive a certificate, a coupon from Bananas Fun Park, and a coupon for a doughnut or a small fountain drink from Hotchkiss City Market. Their names and pictures are also posted outside the office, and in the Delta County Independent.