Describes nine of Colorado's smallest rural elementary school communities. Shows how they fall into six community types (agricultural, rural industrial, stable recreational, ranching/railroad, rural commuter, loosely structured/isolated). Notes the interdependence of rural schools and their communities. Explains how the idea of school as community…

Describes how two rural Colorado communities, threatened by the loss of their elementary schools, established a charter school based in two existing facilities. Discusses the benefits of local autonomy, the value of networking with other rural charter schools, the role of the community in school innovations, and emphases on staff development and…

Colorado's 22 school districts on a four-day week schedule, as authorized by Colorado Senate Bill 78, show comparable student achievement levels as those on a five-day schedule; support from parents, teachers; and students; improved energy savings and/or time savings; and cost savings. Five other possible benefits are listed. (LC)

The Colorado Rural Recreation Director's Project, based on a 1981 national survey identifying recreation/leisure needs of rural Americans, provided summer recreation for 11 western Colorado rural communities. Clinics in New Games, frisbee, hackisac, and tennis were given. Successful networking of resources by all involved parties produced positive…