Archery is coming to Dolores schools, after the school board unanimously approved funding up to $2,500 for the sport to be incorporated into the physical education curriculum.

The decision at last Thursday’s regular meeting followed a presentation by physical education teachers Brooke Elder and Gina Hollen, who were seeking matching funds to secure a grant offered jointly by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department and the National Archery in the Schools Program.

Hollen highlighted the benefits of archery, including its emphasis on safety. She said that her goal as a high school gym teacher is to expose students to as many activities as possible.

“You don’t have to be a super-strong or athletic person to be able to pull that bow string,” she added.

At the time of the presentation, the teachers had already received the grant and were waiting for the board to approve matching funds. The CPW and NASP grant would supply the district with up to $3,000 to implement NASP curriculum into gym classes.

However, Elder and Hollen didn’t anticipate needing the full $3,000, as they estimated total startup costs of $4,215.50 to purchase bows, a bow rack, arrows, targets, arrow curtain/cable, repair kit, floor quivers, arm guards, gloves, score cards, classroom banners and practice string bows.

Once the program is up and running, archery will be taught to students in grades four through 12. Hollen said she hoped to start teaching archery to high school students as soon as possible, while elementary teacher Elder anticipated beginning the program in fall for her students.

Also at last week’s meeting, the board approved raising tuition rates at Teddy Bear Preschool, debated the makeup of the superintendent search interview committees, and listened to a handful of reports regarding the draft budget, a new cost-saving copier contract, and an ongoing curriculum audit.

ealvero@the-journal.com