In recognition of National Volunteer Week, Archuleta School District extends its sincere thanks to the many volunteers who support our students, staff and schools. Their time, energy and dedication help create a strong, connected learning community.
Volunteers play an important role in our schools, whether assisting in classrooms, supporting events or serving on school and district accountability committees. These contributions make a meaningful difference for students and staff alike.
Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out to their local school to learn about current opportunities, or visit www.mypagosaschools.com.
Thank you to all who help make our schools a place where students and staff can thrive.
Following are a couple of the district’s dedicated volunteers.
Eric Johnson
Eric Johnson has been volunteering at Pagosa Springs Elementary School for the past two years, getting involved when his children entered kindergarten. Since then, he’s become a familiar and valued presence in classrooms, supporting teachers in whatever ways are most helpful, from reading with students and practicing sight words to assembling materials and helping with projects.
Johnson also recently joined the District Accountability Committee (DAC) and School Accountability Committee (SAC) to engage in broader conversations about district priorities and provide feedback.
After retiring from the military, Johnson was inspired to spend more time involved in his children’s education.
“The education of our kids is very important,” he shared, noting that his sister’s experience as an educator also influenced his decision to volunteer.
What keeps him coming back? “The awesome kids.”
One moment that stands out to him is helping a student master sight words and seeing the pride on their face as they gained confidence.
First-grade teacher Tiffany Kinne shared, “He comes to read with my students on Wednesdays. He also presented to my class about his heritage, and his family helped assemble the second half of our decodables this year — which was a major help!”
Johnson’s advice for others: do what you can, big or small.
“All of our time is limited, but it makes a difference. The kids really enjoy seeing other adults at school,” he said.
Fun fact: Johnson recently started paragliding — and even got to learn alongside one of our teachers, Iris Frye.
Dee McPeek
Dee McPeek has been volunteering with Archuleta School District since the formation of the Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC). She first became involved after attending a community meeting to better understand the condition of our school facilities and the challenges facing the district.
What stood out most to McPeek was that the first MPAC meeting brought together a diverse group of community members united around a shared goal: improving our schools for Pagosa’s students. She values both the flexibility of volunteering and the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.
“I love seeing a project be adopted by interested people, unfold and grow into something successful,” she shared.
McPeek is motivated by the importance of ensuring students have safe, functional spaces to learn and grow — something she believes the entire community can take pride in.
Her advice for others: Find something you care about and get involved.
“Everyone has skills and experiences to share, and your involvement can make a bigger difference than you imagine,” she said.
Fun fact: McPeek admits she’s afraid of heights — but that hasn’t stopped her from jumping out of helicopters and tackling multi-pitch climbs alongside her husband of 57 years.
>
