Local school welcomes Riley and Hank to support student wellbeing

Mountain Valley School is excited to announce a heartwarming addition to their campus community: two certified therapy dogs named Riley and Hank will be joining students starting Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Meet the Four-Legged Faculty

Riley, a golden retriever, and Hank, a poodle mix sporting a cheerful blue jersey, are both highly trained therapy dogs who will provide comfort, encouragement, and emotional support to students. These gentle companions will work under the supervision of their handler, Ms. Byron, to create positive interactions throughout the school environment.

The Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Schools

Research consistently shows that therapy dogs can make a significant impact on the school experience by:

• Reducing stress and anxiety levels
• Increasing feelings of safety and comfort
• Creating a more welcoming and inclusive school environment
• Supporting students' emotional and social development

The dogs will rotate their visits on campus, ensuring students have regular opportunities to benefit from their calming presence.

Respecting Individual Preferences

Mountain Valley School recognizes that while many students will enjoy interacting with Riley and Hank, participation is completely optional. Parents who prefer their children not interact with the therapy dogs can complete an opt-out form that was included with the school's announcement letter. The school has also implemented safety protocols for students with allergies or other concerns.

A Valuable Investment in Student Wellbeing

"We are excited to see the joy and calm Riley and Hank will bring to our school," the administration shared in their announcement. "We believe their presence will be a valuable part of supporting our students' wellbeing and growth."

This initiative represents Mountain Valley School's continued commitment to innovative approaches to student support and creating a nurturing educational environment.

For questions about the therapy dog program, parents can contact Principal Byron at BYRONL@VALLEY.K12.CO.US.

The therapy dog program begins September 16, 2025, with both dogs rotating weekly visits to campus.

There will be no School on Monday Sept. 15th!

We will have school on Friday Sept.19th

🏈🏐✨ HOMECOMING WEEK IS COMING! ✨🏐🏈

Mark your calendars for Spirit Days during Homecoming Week: September 15-20!

📅 SPIRIT DAYS SCHEDULE:

• MONDAY - No School 🚫📚
• TUESDAY - Teacher\Student Swap 🔄
• WEDNESDAY - Anything but a Backpack 🎒❌ (Nothing alive and something you can carry)
• THURSDAY - Favorite Character Day 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️
• FRIDAY - WOLVES PRIDE 🐺💚

Important Schedule Notes:

• NO SCHOOL on Monday, Sept 15th
• We WILL have school on Friday, Sept 20th

Get ready to show your school spirit all week long! Start planning those creative outfits - especially for "Anything but a Backpack" day!

Who's excited for Homecoming Week?! 🎉👗🤵‍♂️🏐

#HomecomingWeek #SchoolSpirit #SpiritDays #WolvesPride #Homecoming2025

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

COLORADO REVISED STATUTES § 24-6-402 POSTING REQUIREMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regularly scheduled meeting of the Mountain Valley School Board of Education originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, has been RESCHEDULED to:

RESCHEDULED MEETING DETAILS:

• Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: 403 Pitkin Ave., Saguache, CO 81149 Upstairs Board Room

AGENDA: The meeting agenda will be posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at the following locations:

• District website: mountainvalleyschools.org
• District office: 403 Pitkin Ave.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: This meeting is open to the public. Public comment will be accepted during the designated portion of the meeting. Citizens wishing to address the Board may sign up upon arrival.

ACCESSIBILITY: If you require special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the district office at least 48 hours in advance at 719-655-2578.

RECORDING: Please be advised that this meeting will be recorded.

For questions regarding this rescheduling or meeting details, contact the district office at 719-655-2578.

Posted: 9/4/2025 4:00PM Posted by: Phyllis Christiensen Posting locations:

• District website
• 403 Pitkin Ave.

Mountain Valley School Board of EducationThis notice complies with Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-6-402 regarding advance notice of public meetings.

Come out and support the Volleyball Team as the Wolves are hosting our annual tournament Friday, Sept. 5th. Wrangler Grill will be offering concessions! See you all there!

Ready to represent the Pack? Your favorite Wolves merchandise is just a click away!

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/colorado/saguache/mountain-valley-high-school

Whether you're cheering from the stands, walking the halls, or just want to show your Mountain Valley pride around town, we've got everything you need to gear up in style. The BSN Sports Sideline Store has launched an incredible collection of officially licensed Mountain Valley Wolves fan gear that's perfect for students, families, and supporters alike.

What's Available

From classic "Home of the Wolves" t-shirts in that signature cardinal to cozy hoodies featuring the fierce Mountain Valley logo, there's something for every fan. Looking for game day essentials? Check out the Wolves #18 jersey or grab a sleek baseball cap to complete your look. Need something practical? The Wolves backpack combines school spirit with everyday functionality.

Why Choose BSN Sports Sideline Store?

• Hundreds of products available - way more than what you see here
• Ships directly to you - no hassle, no waiting in long lines
• Full customization options - add your name, sport, number, and more to make it uniquely yours

Get Your Gear Today

Shopping is easier than ever! Simply scan the QR code to browse the full collection, or visit sideline.bsnsports.com to explore all available options. With brands like The North Face, New Era, Marmot, Carhartt, and Port Authority, you know you're getting quality gear that will last.

Share Your Spirit

Don't forget to tag @bsnsports and use #sidelinespiritwear when you show off your new Wolves gear on social media. You might just get featured on our pages!

Ready to join the pack? Order your Mountain Valley Wolves fan gear today and let everyone know where your loyalty lies!

Go Wolves! 🐺

Volleyball - Wednesday Sept. 3rd

Football - Tuesday Sept. 9th

You can pre-order by scanning the QR Code on the flyer.

We will be on a 2 hour delay because of the Power Outage. All school services will be 2 hours late. School will begin at 10am