School Community Youth Collaborative

05/06/2026

❤️❤️👏🏼👏🏼

We love our Sources of Strength and Youth Leadership Council Middle School students!

05/05/2026

We still need volunteers for the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde Race this Saturday!

There are shifts Thursday, race day, and Sunday—something for everyone!

Sign up: https://12hoursofmesaverde1.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=109178

Be sure to select SCYC as your associated organization!

05/04/2026

🌟Program Positive

Program Positives now on Mondays—because there’s no better way to start the week than by highlighting the incredible things happening in our programs.

This is Michelle McDaniel, our Art Club Instructor (among many other things!) at MCMS. She and her students created this sign together, and it will soon be hanging in their school—a lasting reminder of their creativity and pride.

Moments like this matter. Students aren’t just participating—they’re contributing, creating, and leaving their mark on their school community.

04/28/2026

We will have a tech assisting this weekend. We hope to see you there!

Making sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly can make all the difference in a crash- and we’re here to help!

Join us for a FREE Car Seat Checkup Event, where certified technicians will be on-site to:
-Check your car seat for proper installation
-Ensure your child is in the right seat for their age and size
-Answer any questions you may have about car seat safety

Did you know that a large percentage of car seats are installed incorrectly? This quick check can give you peace of mind and help keep your little ones safe on the road.

No appointment needed- just stop by, bring your car seat (and your kiddo!), and we’ll take care of the rest.

Senior Center parking lot- 117 N Chestnut St, Cortez
Saturday, May 2, 2026
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Because when it comes to your child’s safety, every detail matters.

04/27/2026

There's still time to register!

Through our partnership with a certified driving school, we’re offering a 30-hour in-person course designed to help youth gain the knowledge and confidence they need to become safe, responsible drivers. Even better—costs are fully covered for eligible participants, including the class and permit test.

Limited spots available!

This is a great opportunity for teens to learn in a supportive, local setting while building skills that will last a lifetime.

If you have questions or want to be added to our interest list, feel free to message us at [email protected]

04/24/2026

The spark that makes clubs come alive: Program Instructors

Our story continues with the people who bring their passions to life after school, our Program Instructors.

Because SCYC uses a club based model, instructors get to choose a topic or activity they love, and then share it with students. Many are teachers during the school day, yet after school, students get to see them in a different light, not just as educators, but as people with hobbies, talents, creativity, and big dreams. The relationships formed in this setting are unique, joyful and deeply meaningful.

This week, we want to give a special shout-out to Martha Endres and Kim Russell who have spent years keeping Running Club … well… running! They’ve turned it into one of the most beloved clubs for young students at Mancos. Their energy, kindness, and commitment make running, and being together, an absolute blast. We could not be more grateful for how they continually show up for our kids.

And of course, Running Club is just one example. So many of our Program Instructors go the extra mile, turning clubs into theatre productions, band performances, competitions, and celebrations of learning. The skills, confidence, friendships, and memories created in these clubs reach far beyond what any measurement could capture. The impact is real, lasting, and powerful.

One participant said the following about their club this year, “Everyone is very kind and supportive and Mrs. Gabardi has made it a safe place. I feel like I can be myself without being judged. There are solid expectations put in place and strong student leadership.”

While another said, “My club is one of the major reasons I've enjoyed this year. It provides a friendly and welcoming place to go after a long school day.”

04/23/2026

Please come join us! Remember you get a free book!

Movie Fundraiser Alert!

We’re showing Zootopia,and you’re invited!

📅 April 25
📍 Sunflower Theatre
⏰ 1:30 PM

Tickets: https://sunflowertheatre.org/product/scyc-presents-zootopia/

SCYC supports youth across Montezuma County by creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build skills, confidence, and strong relationships.

04/23/2026

The heartbeat of out-of-school time programs: Our Site Coordinators

Each day afterschool, both Mancos Schools and Montezuma-Cortez Middle School continue to bustle with activity, thanks in part to SCYC’s free out-of-school time programs supported through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. And the center of it all? Our Site Coordinators!

Ms. Desiree in Mancos (giving snacks) and Ms. Morgan (leading an activity) at MCMS.

Before the bell rings to let students out for the day, these two incredible professionals get ready to transform the school atmosphere from “school day” to “afterschool adventure.” They make sure that snacks are ready, club options updated, and everything is set for the 30-60 students who will soon come racing their way.

In Mancos, you’ll find the line of students snaking down the rainbow hallway. At MCMS, students gather on the 8th grade lawn, taking a moment to “chill” before signing in and choosing their clubs. In the middle of this excited chaos, Ms. Desiree and Ms. Morgan somehow manage to greet students with compassion, humor and warmth; asking about their day, cheering them on, offering encouragement, and making each student feel seen.

And when they are not running check-in? They’re buying snacks, collecting timesheets and paperwork, jumping in to support a club, or covering for a program instructor who couldn’t make it. Jack-of-all-trades doesn’t even begin to describe them.

One moment they’re helping with crafting, the next they’re helping students learn a new dance move or trick for their game. Each time, talking with students about the new skills they’re learning, what excites them, and what they’ve experienced in out-of-school time programs. These small moments are the magic of SCYC, and our Site Coordinators are the ones who make them possible.

04/22/2026

3 DAYS TO GO!

Join us April 25 at 1:30 PM for a special screening of Zootopia.

Tickets: https://sunflowertheatre.org/product/scyc-presents-zootopia/

SCYC Highlight!
6% of youth showed growth in empathy and interpersonal awareness, and 85% built strong relationships with trusted adults.

04/20/2026

As we head into the final week of our Out-of-School Programs, we’re feeling all the gratitude

This season has been full of learning, laughter, creativity, and connection—and it wouldn’t have been the same without our amazing students, families, and staff.

Let’s make this last week one to remember!
Be sure to check your schedules, join in on the fun, and celebrate all the growth from this program cycle.

Thank you for being part of our community!

04/19/2026

Trivia time!

What animal works at the DMV in Zootopia?

Answer below and don't forget to grab your tickets, they'll be gone in a flash!
https://sunflowertheatre.org/product/scyc-presents-zootopia/

SCYC Highlight!
SCYC helped provide over 3,800 safe rides at community events, keeping our roads safer for everyone.