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Elevate Monthly—December 2025

Posted Date: 03/05/26 (02:41 PM)


A child performs a handstand on a grassy hill near a playground.

District News

LCSD1 students spread holiday cheer

A group of children in festive attire stand in front of an audience in an auditorium.
A diverse group of children in festive attire stand on risers, performing on a stage.
A wall displays a collection of handmade Christmas cards, many featuring drawings and handwritten messages.
A diverse group of elementary school students sit on the floor in a classroom, holding up holiday-themed cards.
A group of students and an adult pose with large brass instruments, likely tubas, indoors.
Two young girls smile and pose with peace signs in a classroom, with art supplies on the table.

Excellence in Our Schools

Arp Elementary recognized as model PLC school

Arp Elementary School was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s implementation of the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process—which emphasizes a focus on learning, collaboration and results—has played a role in improving outcomes for students. 

Arp is one of 28 schools in Wyoming to be recognized for this achievement. Schools must demonstrate a long-term commitment to PLC practices, implement them for at least three years and show clear evidence of improved student learning. 

Arp Principal Steve Loyd said, “We are honored to be recognized as a model PLC at Work school. This dedication reflects the dedication of our staff, students and greater school community to creating a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and high levels of learning for all. 

“We believe this recognition acknowledges that we are on the right track and making meaningful progress toward our goal of ensuring success for every student.” 

According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, recognized schools demonstrate a commitment to helping students achieve at high levels. Arp is now listed on allthingsplc.info, where model PLC schools share strategies, structures and performance with other educators.
 

Alta Vista Elementary nationally recognized for student success

Alta Vista Elementary has been named a National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School by the Wyoming Department of Education. This prestigious honor, awarded to only 100 schools nationwide each year, highlights the school’s exceptional achievement and commitment to student success. 

Alta Vista was recognized for closing the achievement gap between student groups. The school continues to see positive results for all members of the community by staying focused on student growth, engagement and data.

“This honor reflects the heart of our staff and our commitment to ensuring that every student matters,” said Alta Vista Principal Brook Yearsley. “Through dedication, collaboration, and a joyful, hardworking culture; our team has created an environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.” 

The 2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools will be formally recognized at the 2026 National ESEA Conference in Denver, CO, Feb. 10–12.
 

Laramie County School District 1 Employee Spotlight

Misty Binstock, the kitchen manager at East High School has been selected as the Laramie County School District 1 Board Employee Spotlight for the month of December.

Binstock is known for her dedication and for consistently going above and beyond her performance and leadership. She takes great pride in her work for the students in the East Production Unit, overseeing the district’s Summer Feeding Program and managing catering operations for the Smart Spoon Café. 

Her colleagues say she’s involved in every part of the department, bringing creativity, initiative and consistency that builds trust across the district. 

“Her contributions don’t just move work forward but instead elevate the entire organization,” said Nutrition Services Program Director Ashley Roth. 
A smiling woman wearing glasses and an apron stands in a commercial kitchen.
 
LCSD1 Student of the Week
 

South High hosts Career and Technical Education showcase

South High hosted its first annual CTE Showcase and it was a huge success! The CTE students displayed their skills and even got to sell some of their creations—well done!
A large chalkboard display features a painted buffalo and the words 'Welcome To Our CTE Showcase'.
A group of smiling students and an adult pose behind a table displaying folded blankets and a tablet.
A young man stands behind a table displaying a laser engraver and 3D printer, with an "ENGINEERING" banner in the background.
Three smiling people behind a table displaying colorful handmade ornaments and ceramic cups.
 

Saddle Ridge students present sea animal projects

Saddle Ridge Elementary third graders have been studying ocean animals in language. They even had a chance to show off their various projects to their parents! Nice work!
A teacher smiles while interacting with students at desks with tablets in a classroom.
A family admires children's artwork displayed on a classroom wall, featuring ocean and savanna themes.
 

Central High students participate in national collaborative art piece

Central High art students had the opportunity of a lifetime! They were selected by the Kennedy Center to represent Wyoming in a collaborative art piece celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. This legacy project is comprised of fabric scrolls made with colors representing an Indian Paintbrush and the Rocky Mountains and will become part of the National Archives in Washington, D.C.!
Students work on a craft project at a table, surrounded by colorful ribbons, markers, and small containers.
A young woman holds a small red object while a man stands with his hands clasped, both in a room with colorful fabric.
 

East High students bake pumpkin rolls

East High's professional baking students made pumpkin rolls to sell to teachers for the holiday season—yum!
Three young people in a commercial kitchen, two wearing chef hats, stand around a dessert roll dusted with powdered sugar.
Two young women smile and make peace signs while sitting at a stainless steel counter in a kitchen.
Two young people in a commercial kitchen, one holding a plate with food and a fork, the other wearing a chef's hat and apron.
 

Davis students celebrate STEAM

Davis Elementary had a STEAM day filled with many fun, educational activities. Students scrapbooked, participated in an alphabet scavenger hunt, made slime, bread, pop rocks, lava lamps, turkey traps and more!
Two children are actively engaged in a cooking activity, stirring pots on an electric burner.
Children build structures with marshmallows and toothpicks at a table.
Two young boys are engaged in a craft project at a wooden desk in a classroom.
 

Meadowlark students dissect chicken wings

Meadowlark Elementary sixth graders ended their unit on skeletal and muscular systems by dissecting chicken wings!
Students in a classroom wear safety goggles and gloves while dissecting specimens at lab tables.
Students in a classroom wearing blue gloves and safety glasses conduct a dissection at their desks.
 

Triumph High students participate in SkillsUSA leadership conference

Triumph High students recently participated in the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference. All Triumph students who competed earned the Statesman award—way to go!
Six individuals stand in front of a brick wall, each holding a "Statesman Award" certificate from SkillsUSA.
 

Afflerbach students learn fire safety

Pedro the Preparedness Penguin helped teach Afflerbach students about fire safety. Thank you, American Red Cross volunteers, for presenting this lesson to our students!
A teacher in a penguin hat presents a lesson on emergency preparedness to young students in a classroom.

Parent Updates

Winter Break

  • Dec. 22, 2025–Jan. 2, 2026—No school, all students

District administrative offices will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26, as well as January 1 and 2, in observance of the holiday break. In addition, due to limited staff coverage across many departments, all LCSD1 facilities will be closed to the general public throughout the Winter BreakPlease note that this closure does not apply to scheduled athletic practices. 

Have a wonderful break!
 

Last chance! Sign up for Navigating Laramie 1

Community members and parents who are interested in learning more about Laramie County School District 1 are encouraged to apply for the fifth cohort of the district’s community outreach program, Navigating Laramie 1. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 19, 2025.

This five-month program meets once a month to learn about various topics regarding the district. Participants will network with like-minded community members and district administrators, make lasting connections and learn how to increase their involvement with the district and its schools. The program courses will run from 9 a.m.–noon on the following dates:

  • Finance: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026
  • Human Capital and Talent: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
  • Academic Learning (session 1): Thursday, March 19, 2026
  • Academic Learning (session 2): Thursday, April 16, 2026
  • Facilities and Board Members: Thursday, May 14, 2026 

Space is limited and participants will be selected for the program following an application process. Application forms are available on the LCSD1 website, www.laramie1.org.

For more information, contact Megan Case at megan.case@laramie1.org or 771-2326.
 

Inclement weather procedures

As the potential for inclement winter weather approaches, Laramie County School District 1 would like the community to be aware of the district’s procedures for handling challenging conditions.

LCSD1 monitors weather in coordination with Emergency Management Services (EMS) and the National Weather Service (NWS). As inclement weather approaches southeast Wyoming, EMS notifies and coordinates with multiple departments to prepare for conditions that may arise.

Along with LCSD1 and NWS, these agencies include Laramie County, Laramie County Public Works, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne-Laramie County Public Health, LCSD2, City of Cheyenne, State of Wyoming, Wyoming Department of Transportation, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne Police Department, Board of Public Utilities, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Laramie County Community College, Black Hills Energy and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Mass notifications are sent to all agencies prior to the predicted event to determine the course of action. This is followed by a 4 a.m. snow call the next day. LCSD1 will physically assess road conditions, driving, visibility, temperatures, etc. The Executive Director of Support Operations will confer with the LCSD1 Superintendent prior to the snow call.

During this decision-making process, all agencies collaborate to reach a conclusion that is in the best interest of all agencies and allows them to work together to reduce the impacts of the decision.

Decisions may include cancellations, delayed start, alternate bus routes, virtual day, etc. Parents will be formally notified of the decision through the district’s ParentSquare mass notification system no later than 5:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

If it is determined that school will be in session, parents/guardians who are not comfortable sending their students to school may keep them home. Parents should call the school to notify the attendance clerk, and the absence will be recorded as excused.
 

LCSD1 virtual days alleviate need to extend the school year

In case of inclement weather and other conditions, Laramie County School District 1 would like the community to be aware about how a virtual learning day is deployed.

Throughout the course of the school year, the superintendent may enact a district-wide or school-wide virtual learning day due to inclement weather, facilities issues, natural disasters, etc. Conducting a virtual day, rather than shutting down school completely, enables LCSD1 to meet the Wyoming statutory requirement of 175 school days without needing to extend the school year into June.

When inclement weather is predicted, teachers will work to ensure student iPads are charged and in students’ hands prior to them leaving at the end of the school day. Additionally, they will work with students to ensure they are able to log into Canvas or the online platform they will use for the virtual learning day.

If a student cannot access the online platform, teachers will make alternative learning arrangements for them.

Formal notification of a virtual learning day or delayed start will take place through the district’s ParentSquare mass-notification system no later than 5:30 a.m. on the day of the event. 
 

Follow us on social media

Stay connected with us through the district's social media platforms to stay up to date with what's happening throughout the district.

Row of social media logos: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
 
Logo for Laramie County School District 1 featuring a stylized figure reaching for a star.