The Colorado Department of Education recently released data from the state’s October 2025 student count, an annual snapshot that helps school districts understand enrollment trends and plan for the future. Statewide, Colorado experienced a 1.2% decrease in pre-K–12 student enrollment compared to fall 2024.

This year’s data shows that Garfield Re-2 experienced a small decline in enrollment, reflecting a trend seen across many rural and mountain communities. District enrollment decreased from 4,695 students in fall 2024 to 4,642 students in fall 2025, a net loss of 53 students. After a slight increase the previous year, current enrollment remains comparable to levels seen in the 2023 school year.

When Rifle Middle School eighth graders head to PE, some lace up more than sneakers—they slip into climbing shoes and tackle the walls at the Rifle Climbing Center.

PE teacher Lukas Hill saw a collaboration with the Rifle Climbing Center as the perfect way to connect students with a world-class resource in their own backyard.

For four days at Rifle Middle School, students in Kate Cardenas’ class stepped into their Hero’s Journey, not through textbooks, but through art. Using markers and watercolor, sheets of paper blossomed with splashes of bright blues, yellows, and deep blacks, and the RMS Cubs realized that art could be more than colors on a page.. 

The Voices Hero’s Journey Project and local artist Gabriela Mejia spent time with Cardenas’ class for four days at Rifle Middle School, helping students use art as a way to express themselves and vision their goals for the future 

The Garfield Re-2 School Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 25 at the district office. Thank you all who came to the meeting!

We began the evening by celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our high school spring sports athletes. Heather Grumley and Lisa Pierce shared heartfelt and enthusiastic reports on the incredible success of our student-athletes. This meeting also marked their final presentation before retiring. We extend our deepest gratitude to both Heather and Lisa for their years of dedicated service to our students, schools, and community. We will miss you both! 

The Garfield Re-2 School Board celebrated outgoing Board President Britton Fletchall at their June 25, 225 school board meeting and declared a vacancy in Director District A.

Fletchall submitted a letter of resignation on June 18 and shared that his decision is rooted in the growth of his business, which now requires more travel and extended time away from the area.

“Serving has never been a burden, but a true motivator,” he explained. “While I value the ability to participate remotely, I believe this level of board service is most effective when done in person.”