The Montezuma-Cortez school district is preparing to welcome students back to school in August with registration events, back to school nights, sport physical days and more in the weeks leading up to the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 11.
Registration events start with Lewis-Arriola Elementary on Tuesday, July 29, from noon to 6 p.m. Towaoc’s registration night will also take place Tuesday at the Towaoc Community Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with refreshments.
The Cortez Registration Night and Family Resource Fair will take place on Wednesday, July 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at MCHS Commons. Refreshments will be provided at this event as well.
Transportation staff will be on hand both nights to assist with bus sign-ups. Those who cannot attend by need to register their child for the bus can reach the transportation staff at (970) 565-8130, extension 8100 or 8113. Additional registration support is scheduled at MCHS on Monday, July 28, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, July 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Back-to-school nights are set for Thursday, Aug. 7, at Beech Street Preschool, Kemper Elementary, Lewis-Arriola Elementary and Mesa Elementary from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Montezuma-Cortez High School from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Montezuma-Cortez Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Online registration and calendars are available at www.cortez.k12.co.us.
The Healthy School Meals for All program will also be returning for the 2025-26 school year, providing free meals for all Montezuma County students.
A community backpack and school supply giveaway, hosted by the Salvation Army, Osprey and LOR Foundation, will occur on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Evangel Assembly of God, 209 W. Fifth St., Cortez.
The backpack giveaway is free for pre-K through 12th grade students in Montezuma County and Dolores County. Pre-registration is open until Tuesday, July 29, online at bit.ly/SalvArmBackpacks25. Pre-registration guarantees a backpack of supplies, but does not guarantee an Osprey pack. Backpacks must be picked up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will also be a series of sports physical days to ensure students in the districts are ready for athletic participation. The sports physical days welcome students from all districts and offers both walk-in and appointment options in Cortez and Mancos for $35 per physical.
The Mancos Valley Health Clinic kicks off the season on Monday, July 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing walk-in and appointment services. The clinic is at 111 Railroad Ave. in Mancos and can be reached at (970) 533-9125 for scheduling.
Dr. Moriah Tarpey of Southwest Medical Group will host sports physical days on Monday, Aug.t 4, and Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1311-A N. Mildred Road in Cortez. Appointments are encouraged and can be booked by calling (970) 564-2662.
Participants are reminded to bring a signed sports physical form, parental consent with attendance confirmation and payment via cash, card or check. Parents do not need to be present.
The School-Based Health Clinic, at 418 S Sligo St. in Cortez, will offer appointment-only sessions on Wednesday, July 30; Thursday, July 31; Friday, Aug. 1 and Thursday, Aug. 7 by appointment only.
Walk-in appointments are available on Friday, Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To schedule for the other days offered, leave a message at (970) 564-4855, and staff will return calls to confirm. For those unable to attend these specified dates, alternative appointments are available with a primary care provider at Southwest Primary Care Clinic (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the Walk-in Care Clinic (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Panther Stadium will also be closed for school use from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday during the school year, with public access at the Second Street entrance.
