Featuring back to school tips and information
- MARKETING FEATURE -
Table Of Contents Milk Caps for Mooola®..................................................4 What’s for Lunch? ...........................................................5 Back-to-school 101 for kids with allergies and asthma....6 Seeing things clearly.........................................................8 Getting to School Safely...................................................9 Getting involved in sports................................................10 Immersing students in astronomy ....................................11 Tech: the wave of the future.............................................12 The benefit of Performing Arts ........................................14 Superintendent letter / academic calendars ......................16 Private school spotlight....................................................18 Charter school spotlight ..................................................19
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BACK TO SCHOOL – AUGUST 2016
Contributing Writers: Emma Castleberry, Rhema Zlaten, Andy Stonehouse Additional Content: Greenshoot Media, Brandpoint Advertising Features Coordinator: Misty Kaiser
Back to School is a marketing feature published by the Times-Call. ©2016 Prairie Mountain Publishing.
Milk Bottle Caps Net Local Schools $150,000 in Donations LONGMONT — Local school students, from Loveland to Parker, have been collecting old-fashioned milk bottle caps and turning them in for cash for their schools. Milk Caps For Mooola© is a program sponsored by Longmont Dairy Farm that helps students earn money for their schools. Students can bring caps from Longmont Dairy glass bottles to their participating schools to be redeemed for 5 cents per cap. Only caps that come from Longmont Dairy glass bottles are eligible: milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, half and half, whipping cream, orange
juice, lemonade, raspberry lemonade, classic eggnog and cinnamon eggnog. There is no limit to the number of caps that can be redeemed and, so far, nearly $150,000 in cash donations have been returned back to the schools. Through this program, area schools have been able to buy some of the extras that don’t always fit into their regular budgets, but that directly benefit their kids. The dairy has heard about purchases such as a parachute, computers, playground equipment and software. “Four years ago, when we started our school support program, Milk Caps for Mooola©, we never expected the
creativity and enthusiasm from the students that we’ve seen,” stated Katie Herrmann, Coowner of Longmont Dairy. “Some students have made papier mâché cow heads, with open mouths to “eat” the caps, as they are collected into a large jar. Others use the caps to play checkers. We are working with nearly 300 schools now.” Milk Caps for Mooola© is open to any schools that fall within the Longmont Dairy delivery area. For more information on the program and how to sign up your school, visit Longmontdairy.com.
AUGUST 2016 – BACK TO SCHOOL
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What’s for LUNCH?
Lunchtime can be fraught with dietary pitfalls when it comes to keeping your budding scholar satisfied and energized for the day. Prepackaged meals are easy, but often full of fat, sodium and sugar. What’s a parent who’s low on time (and who isn’t these days) to do? HEALTHY PACKED OPTIONS
One of the biggest changes for a kid coming off of summer vacation is getting back into the habit of quick, easy lunches. This can be a challenge for parents too. After a summer of having time to prepare a variety of meals, the school lunch structure can take some getting used to. Many of us want the healthiest options for our children, but finding the time to make this happen can be difficult. With creativity — and a child who isn’t too picky — there are many ways to incorporate a diverse array of healthy foods.
FRUITS AND VEGGIES
The meat-cheese-cracker lunch package options are convenient, but they’re also lacking fruits and vegetables. As more and more research comes out showing the effects of processed foods on our overall health, consider making your own variety pack for your child’s lunch. Fresh meats and cheeses can still be a staple of the meal, but don’t forget to add a container of grapes or a full apple. Celery sticks with a side of peanut butter is a convenient option, and green peppers can easily be sliced and packed for a healthy side option.
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Lunch doesn’t always have to be cold. Your A-plus student deserves a little variety. Purchase a lunchbox-sized thermos that can store heated foods for up to a full day. Instructions will vary with each product, but you basically will need to fill the container with boiling water and let it stand for a few minutes. Next, heat up your food to the desired temperature and replace the water with the food in the thermos. This approach opens a whole new world of lunchtime options, including soups, casseroles and leftovers. It also allows you to send fresh, healthy meals for your child and gives you great variety throughout the course of the school year.
PREPARE
We’ve all done the lunchtime packing rush. You lose track of time in the morning and are forced to throw together a hodgepodge meal for your child’s lunch. This can lead to packing for convenience instead of healthfulness. When possible, try to at least come up with the idea for lunch the night before. You can still pack it in the morning, but having a plan in place before the rush of the school day can go a long way toward making sure you’re sending your child with a healthy lunch.
WATCHING IT GROW We’ve all heard that kids are more likely to eat food that they’ve had a hand in preparing—even the healthy ones. But at Boulder Valley Waldorf (formerly Shepherd Valley Waldorf) they take it one step further by getting kids involved with the land from which it springs. By many other standards Shepherd Valley is a traditional kindergarten through eighth grade school, but they also place an emphasis on creativity. That unconventional approach to a conventional education shows in a unique program: incorporating farming and biodynamic agriculture into their traditional curriculum. Through this experiential program, kids are exposed to age-appropriate sustainable life skills that they may not learn otherwise. Through their partnership with Aspen Moon Farms, agriculture and valuable time outdoors is woven into their academic emphasis, so that the kids get to spend more time with nature. “Fundamentally we want students who are grounded in the real world, who remain practical even as they go on to develop higher-order abstract cognitive capacities in middle school and beyond,” said School Administrator, Daniel Hindes. That’s a value that’s held across the Waldorf School model. “Third graders in Waldorf schools have had a farming block ever since the educational approach was established back in the 1920s. We are fortunate that at Boulder Valley Waldorf that they don’t need to go very far to connect with the soil,” says Hindes. If you’re interested in learning more about Waldorf Schools, visitshepherdvalley.org.
AUGUST 2016 – BACK TO SCHOOL
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL 101 for kids with allergies and asthma
(BPT) - There are lots of things kids get excited about when they go back to school. From brand new lunch boxes loaded with pudding cups, to shiny 64-packs
of crayons and catching up with friends they haven’t seen for awhile, anticipation is in the air. But if you’re a parent of one of the 28 million children who suffer
from allergies, or one of the 7.1 million children who have asthma, sending kids back to school can cause anxious moments. “Many parents look forward to their child returning to the classroom,” said allergist Janna Tuck, spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “But for parents of children with allergies or asthma, school raises questions about conditions that can’t be controlled or monitored. They want to make sure their child is safe, has adequate resources and that systems are in place if they have an asthma or allergy attack.” By following these suggestions
from the ACAAI, you can help ensure your child has a safe, fun start to the school year.
Know their triggers.
Students with pets at home can bring pet dander into school. Other common allergens such as pollen and dust will definitely find their way into the classroom. If your child suddenly develops a runny nose, has difficulty breathing or comes home with a rash, it may be related to classroom triggers. Check with your allergist if previously unseen symptoms occur or if existing symptoms worsen.
Make an appointment with an allergist. If you think your child might
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have allergies or asthma, making an appointment with a boardcertified allergist is the first step to accurately developing a game plan. An allergist can determine what’s causing your child’s symptoms, as well as provide guidance to help both of you cope with allergies and asthma. Through prescribing medication and creating treatment plans, your allergist can provide the care that leads to fewer school absences.
Talk to your child about lunch time. Younger children especially might be excited to share food with friends or try new things on the lunch menu. If your child has a food allergy, it’s important they know why they cannot eat certain things or share food. If your child is prescribed an epinephrine auto injector, make sure the staff is trained in how to use it, and knows where your child’s is located.
Meet with the school. This is one of the biggest steps in preparing for the new school year. Your child’s teachers, coaches, school nurse and principal should all be informed about your child’s asthma and/or allergies, and what medications they carry with them.
All 50 states have laws allowing children to carry their needed medication. If your child is old enough, teach them how to use their epinephrine auto injector or rescue inhaler. Make sure they understand warning signs and symptoms, what precautions to take and who to talk to if a reaction develops.
Talk with your child’s friends and other parents. Communication is always a good policy when it comes to managing your child’s allergies and asthma. Talking to your child’s friends, or asking their parents to talk to their children about asthma and allergies, adds another layer of support. This is important for social reasons, as the more your child’s friends and classmates understand allergies and asthma, the less chance your child will feel isolated. It can be a challenge to keep your kids free from allergy and asthma triggers. To help get you started on developing an action plan and find an allergist in your area check out the ACAAI allergist locator tool. The ACAAI website has lots of resources to ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable school year.
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SEEING Things Clearly By Rhema Zlaten for Back to School When preparing to go back to school for the fall, parents have a lot on their minds. One important aspect of student health that may be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of transitioning from summer to classroom timetables is a vision check. Lori Edwards, the franchise owner of Pearl Vision in Longmont, recommends doing an initial formal vision exam the first year a child starts school. “A lot of times kids just don’t know how to communicate that they are not seeing things well,” Edwards said. “You have to kind of watch for signs: how are they holding things? Are they squinting? Are they nearsighted or farsighted? If there’s any family history or if parents see kids holding things really close or sitting close to the TV, you would do it before kindergarten.” Jennifer Harvilla of Harvilla Vision based out of Target Optical in Longmont recommends beginning child vision checks as early as 6-months old. “While the child may not leave with a pair of glasses following their 6-month exam, it is important for us to have a baseline for future exams to track the child’s changes as they grow and develop,” Harvilla said. “Annual eye exams do so much more than determine eye health and if glasses or contacts are needed, especially in children. Nearly 80 percent of a child’s learning is done through vision, so catching an eye tracking issue early can mean a child is more interested in learning to read later on. In some cases, the root cause of an unexplained learning challenge can be unearthed by diagnosing a child’s focusing issue.” To prepare for a first optical visit for a school-aged child, Harvilla recommends connecting with the child’s teacher to see if they have noted any vision issues in the classroom, such as squinting, eye rubbing or avoiding near or far tasks. To ease anxiety, she also recommends that parents talk to the child about what will happen during the visit, and play up the fun parts of the exam. “At a child’s first exam, we really try to get to know the types of activities she enjoys so we can determine how she uses her eyes,” Harvilla said. “Does she do sports, play music, like to draw? We want to know if she is experiencing 8
BACK TO SCHOOL – AUGUST 2016
any vision issues at home or at school that could be interfering with her activities or learning.” After determining if vision correction is needed, Harvilla will evaluate ocular health through dilation. “This part of the exam is just as important as getting a prescription for glasses or contacts for vision correction because we can see things though dilation that help us assess aspects of the child’s overall systemic health,” Harvilla said. Children with vision correction needs commonly have a need to correct farsighted vision or have a little bit of astigmatism. “However, we are finding that more and more children are in need of nearsighted correction at increasingly younger ages,” Harvilla said. “All of these findings can be normal in a healthy child and are typically easily corrected with glasses and contacts.” Annette Zick, the Optical Team Lead at Target Optical in Longmont, recommends letting children who need vision correction pick out the eyewear that gets them excited. “If they are excited they will wear them without fail,” Zick said. “In our optical center, we like to create a celebration, almost a partylike atmosphere. Engaging the child as well as all of their family members in being a part of the decision will enhance the child’s excitement about wearing their glasses. Another pointer for parents is to have their optician preadjust the glasses they are considering as an
option for their child. Make sure they can be customized to a perfect fit for their child. Another pointer is to have a backup pair of glasses as well as a protection plan on their new eyewear to help protect them when damage occurs, and to have that back up pair in case there is a mishap.” When Edwards’ team at Pearl Vision helps a child pick out their vision solution, she typically begins with eyeglasses rather than contact lenses. As the child matures, contact lenses become a better option. And, if children are playing sports, she likes to get them into a second pair of sports glasses. “Sports glasses are kind of a big thing,” Edwards said. “A lot of times kids will just have one pair of glasses and then play sports. Emergency room doctors can attest to the stitches they’ve seen, stitches that could be avoided if they were wearing glasses made for sports.” Children might also opt for transition lenses, glasses that change to sunglasses when they are outside. And because children are using computers a lot, Edwards also recommends anti-reflective lenses. “When light passes through [regular] lenses, it can cause a glare and quite a bit of fatigue to the eye,” Edwards said. “Doctors are also predicting that this generation of kids, who are practically using devices at birth, will have higher statistics of macular degeneration.” So, she also recommends filtering out blue light with lens treatments.
Getting to School Safely
There comes a time when your little boy or girl transforms into a young adult, fully capable of driving to school. While this can be an overwhelming experience for mom and dad, it also is one that can teach your child great independence and responsibility. As technology continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to outline the dangers of distracted driving. Below are some eye-opening statistics that could lead to further conversation with your teen on the importance of staying focused while driving. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that distraction was a factor in nearly six out of 10 moderate to severe teen crashes, which is four times as many as official estimates based on police reports.
The most common forms of distraction leading up to a crash by a teen driver, according to the AAA, include: • Interacting with one or more passengers: 15 percent; • Cell phone use: 12 percent; • Looking at something in the vehicle: 10 percent; • Looking at something outside the vehicle: 9 percent;
• Singing/moving to music: 8 percent; • Grooming: 6 percent; and • Reaching for an object: 6 percent. Child Passenger Tips You may decide to enlist the help of your teen driver in transporting younger siblings to school or daycare. Here are some
tips on passenger safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics: • All passengers should wear a seat belt or use an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. • Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a beltpositioning booster seat. • Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat. • Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4-foot-9 in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age).
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Getting involved in sports Joining an athletic team is a great way for student-athletes to build relationships with others and confidence in themselves. From football and basketball to volleyball and golf, there is a sport for every season depending on the size and location of your child’s school.
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arents play a key role in encouraging their children to join an athletic team without being overly pushy. If your child shows an interest in a sport, there are various things you can do to make sure it is an enjoyable experience.
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SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Sports aren’t solely about game day. There is extensive work required during practices and camps that may not be on your child’s radar just yet. Before signing your child up to play a competitive sport in middle school or high school, be sure he or she understand the commitment that will go into being a member of the team. Encourage your child to talk with the team’s coach to get an idea of the amount of time associated with the schedule. Check this time requirement against other activities – both school and family-related – in which your child is currently involved. This kind of research can be a big help in making your decision as a family. POTENTIAL BENEFITS Playing sports is not only fun but can have a big impact on your child’s fitness levels. According to a report from the National Federation of State High School Associations, a study found girls had a healthier weight and body mass when they were given more opportunities to participate in high school athletics. Studies also suggest that student-athletes are less likely to participate in risky behavior when they are part of an athletic team. The more a child is engaged in something productive that requires both mental and physical commitment, the more likely they are to stick to healthy life decisions. Other potential benefits, according to research by national organizations, include higher grade point averages, better attendance, stronger social relationships and enhanced skills in leadership, time management, creativity and concentration.
There’s no question that playing sports is good for kids’ mental, physical and social development. There’s also no question that sports increase the risk of injury. While that doesn’t mean that they should be avoided, you should know that if injury does occur, the right treatment is key. At Front Range Orthopedics and Spine in Longmont, they specialize in sports medicine and sports-related injury, making sure your future pro has the proper care and treatment right away.
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TECH: the wave of the future Innovative programs see students immersed early in programming skills By Andy Stonehouse for Back to School There is perhaps no clearer sign of the tremendous cultural and technological change underway than the notion of preschoolers being taught rudimentary computer programming skills. Sound like something you’d expect to hear happening in China? Guess again. To keep up with a globalized market – and to make sure that American students are as well-prepared as their counterparts in techrich supplier nations around the globe, even Boulder county educators are thinking far in the future and beginning to offer students an early opportunity to learn the high-tech skills they’ll need to compete in the coming
decades. For Tom Buckett, president, physical education teacher and co-owner of Mountain Peak School, a private K-to-6th grade school, the notion of starting his students in a tech-friendly direction as early as possible only makes sense, especially with the growth of technology businesses in the Longmont-Boulder corridor. “We have a lot of parents who work in the high-tech industry,
and one said to me, ‘you know, if these kids aren’t able to program by the time they’re in college, they won’t be able to get a job, at all,’” Buckett says. “Are things really changing that much? Yes. When you look at the differences in the world between 2003, when we started, and now, things really have changed that much.” And while it may sound like a huge stretch to get kids that young to be actively involved in programming, Buckett says
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the skills that his students are learning are already showing great results. Mountain Peak has partnered with the national Code.Org, an entity created to help foster the notion of computer skills training, and has begun to include programmingrelated activities among his entire student body. “The great thing is that by doing this, kids get to see a direct result of their actions,” he says. “They’re learning
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creative thinking. It’s not like video games, where they’re just learning how to beat the game. We have third and fourth grade kids doing base two math operations – that is really cool.” At Flagstaff Academy, a charter school with approximately 900 Kindergarten to 8th graders, technological learning is beginning to permeate many different aspects of students’ lives, with the school taking the extra step of hiring a full-time “innovations” teacher to provide some multidisciplinary tech input to virtually every subject. Lisa Trank-Greene, communications coordinator for the school, shares Buckett’s notion that tech skills will indeed be invaluable, and that while public schools have recently begun to include similar efforts, the 11-year-old Flagstaff
program was founded with technology in mind. “Our aim is to make students competitive as workers, and our middle school students graduate with high school-level computer science skills,” she says. “We’re a core knowledge school, with technology and science woven into the entire curriculum, even art and social studies. Kids are definitely getting exposure on a daily basis.” Trank-Greene says an inspiring example was the school’s recent experience in having eighth grade programming students turn around and serve as teachers for kindergarten kids, part of a sequential and cumulative effort to help foster basic programming and digital skills for even the youngest learners. Flagstaff’s entire school is inundated with tech-related
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efforts, including a geodesic classroom and a variety of robotic and full programming classes for older students, and Trank-Greene says efforts to provide Chromebook computers to all middle school students and teach using in-class touchscreen monitors versus whiteboards also helps raise the bar for technology. Many of those programs, she adds, were largely due to the recent bond refinancing the school underwent, as well as the support of an active parentteacher organization. In the St. Vrain Valley School District, a push for technological training has also moved into high gear with the new Pathways in Technology Early College (P-TECH) program, which debuted locally this year. Brandon Shaffer, executive director of legal, government
affairs and community outreach for the district, says the innovative, national program – which allows students to stay in high school for two extra college-credit-worthy years, focusing on high-tech careers – has been successful in nearly 30 East Coast schools, and will serve as an instrumental bridge for many kids hoping to maximize on their skills. Students at Skyline High School can begin studies in the ninth grade and continue to a virtual 14th grade, at which point they’ll be eligible for an Associates’ degree in Computer Information Systems from Front Range Community. Some 50 students are set to take part this year, with internships and support from partner IBM also in the works.
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Educators laud the benefits of
PERFORMING ARTS
By Emma Castleberry for Back To School
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Most people can recognize that the performing arts - dance, gymnastics, theater, and more -- are fun to both watch and participate in. But Jon Leise, owner and technical director at Dance Dimensions, says it might be easy to miss a number of other developmental and educational benefits offered by a performing arts education. “People who are not involved with the arts, they don’t look at it as being of value, or something uplifting, or something that changes the world,” he says. “It’s just fun.” Leise has a long list of the benefits of a performing arts education: development of imagination, concentration, memory, spacial awareness, and synchronization, to name a few. Many, if not all, of these
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“The performing arts, or any kind of art, it’s very disciplined... That gives them responsibility and makes them follow through.” skills - especially teamwork and socialization - will serve children throughout their lives. “They start to learn in a noncompetitive team atmosphere that is collaborative, which is one of the primary things that is wanted in new age work environments,” he says. Sara Calabrese, Dance Director at Airborne Dance, says dance offers undeniably positive effects for mental and emotional development, in addition to the obvious physical benefits. “Aside from the health benefits, being in shape and that sort of thing, it’s been proven that dance helps improve moods and helps with mental clarity,” she says. “The performing arts do so much for students.”
Calabrese says it is imperative to offer children a break from the pressure of the formal classroom. “Some kids have a hard life now,” she says. “There is so much more pressure from school and testing. Kids need an art, especially to escape from that sometimes.” Calabrese and Leise both listed increased confidence as one of the most tangible benefits of a performing arts education. “Once they start that tide of relationship with themselves and other people -- their teachers, the other students -- they have a tremendous advantage,” Leise of Dance Dimensions says. “They get this self assertiveness, self-worth, and self-value because they are being successful without being pandered to.” Kimberleigh Spencer, owner and artistic director at Broadway Performing Arts Academy, says that this confidence is built by offering a haven for students during their most formative years. “It’s a safe place,” she says of her studio. “They can be themselves. They can make mistakes and feel like it’s okay.” Although a nurturing environment is a key part of any performing arts education,
Spencer is careful to include that this is balanced with clear expectations to teach responsibility. “The performing arts, or any kind of art, it’s very disciplined,” she says. “You are expected to be at certain rehearsals on time. That gives them responsibility and makes them follow through.That works into their life skills for a job, too. They can’t just quit when it’s not easy.” Spencer says that, despite all the evidence supporting the performing arts as important to whole-child development, many school arts programs are suffering from budget cuts. “The schools are taking out the performing arts because of funds, which is very sad,” she says. “Kids are better students when they perform, whether it’s in band, a performing arts
studio, or dance.” Leise of Dance Dimensions says, in order to see an increased appreciation for the performing arts in education, the culture needs to change. “We are inside of the system of a culture that we need to work on,” Leise says. “It’s not a matter of whether you can afford it or not, it’s a matter of whether you want to do it. Money shouldn’t be the driving force behind values.” These educators prioritize the performing arts as an important part of educating the whole child. Spencer of Broadway Performing Arts Academy says schools need to follow suit. “Kids would be better students if they put in the performing arts and made it a huge part of school,” she says.
Boulder Valley Waldorf School
Formerly Shepherd Valley Waldorf
Enroll for natu NOW re-b Kinderg ased arten
Imagine a classroom that allows your child to blossom while preparing him or her for a lifetime of academic success and engagement. Our classrooms include imagining, moving and creating. Experienced teachers continue to make us one of the most innovative schools in the county.
Exceptional in-school & after-school programs Expansive campus & gardens
Pre-K through 8th
8 Over 23 Years
Call to schedule your personal tour!
6500 W. Dry Creek Pkwy, Niwot www.shepherdvalley.org (303) 652-0130
Waldorf - the Future of Education AUGUST 2016 – BACK TO SCHOOL
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FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | St. Vrain Valley School District
In St. Vrain, learning never ends The start of a new school year is a very exciting time for the students, teachers and staff of St. Vrain Valley Schools. While many might see the start of the year as a new beginning, in St. Vrain, it is a continuation of the advanced coursework, highquality teaching and outstanding experiential learning that take place year-round. This summer, hundreds of students attended our Innovation Academy for a Smarter Planet. In partnership with mentors from IBM and the University of Colorado, students entering first through sixth grade worked in highly interactive and collaborative learning environments on various community-related
issues. Students problem-solved and prototyped ideas to make the world and our community a better place. In addition to the Innovation Academy, St. Vrain hosted summer learning in almost every school building across the district. Students have engaged in STEM camps, Community Schools programs, summer music practices, athletic training, literacy programs, Young Ameritowne financial literacy camps and much more. Additionally, over 2,400 St. Vrain teachers and staff enrolled in 102 professional development courses over the past 80 days. For the students, teachers and staff of St. Vrain Valley Schools, learning never ends.
Innovation Academy. Building on our Success The start of a new school year is also a time to reflect on our successes and look ahead to how we will continue to advance quality public education for our students and community. This fall, the district’s first Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)
class will begin. This program, announced in December, is a first for the state of Colorado. P-TECH is a new type of school that brings together the best elements of high school, college and the professional world. It gives students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems at no cost to the student. The program includes significant internship and mentorship opportunities with IBM, giving students a head start on their career after graduation. P-TECH joins an already robust portfolio of instructional focus academies and challenging academic programs that are prep9aring students for success in the 21st century’s highly competitive, globalized economy. These include: Honors and Advanced
GYMNASTICS DANCE | |TUMBLING TUMBLING&&TRAMPOLINE TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS | DANCE NINjACLIMBING ZONE | CAMPS | ADULT GYMNASTICS ROCK | CAMPS | ADULT FITNESS || BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAYPARTIES PARTIES
OPEN HOUSE TourOur OurFacility Facility Meet Our Airborne” Teachers Tour at & “Expedition
SATURDAY, SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 AUGUST 16 9:30-11 AM 9:30-11AM
Now ENrolliNg for fall 2016
Children of all ages are invited! *Must be accompanied by a parent.
See what we have to offer: Dowhat Circuits onZone theis all about ••See the Ninja Gymnastics • Do Circuits on theEquipment Gymnastics Equipment Bounce our Trampolines onTrampolines ••Bounce on our Tour our Styles Dance Studios ••Try Different of Dance ••Scale the the Climbing Scale 25’ Wall Climbing Wall F Faallllcclalass sseess bbegin i n Auuggust ust 218th. 2nd
• Children eight weeks – six years • Year round programs • Low adult-child ratios in each classroom • A diverse and inclusive learning environment • Proven, research-based curriculum • Colorado Shines, Level IV Program
1816 Boston Ave., Longmont
we offer half and full-day, full-year programs that meet the needs of working families, as well as the needs of children eager for more time in a school environment.
Now Open in Frederick! 3773 Monarch St. Unit A
for information, call Cindy at 303-776-7417
303-651-1456
Visit our website for all class offerings.
AirborneGym.com AirborneGym.com
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Preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond.
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611 Korte Parkway, longmont www.learningwithtlc.org
Placement, International Baccalaureate, CU Succeed Silver and Gold, the Career Development Center, and focus academies in Energy, Engineering and Aerospace, Medical and BioSciences, Leadership, STEM, Visual and Performing Arts and more. Rigorous coursework, 1:1 technology integration through our Learning Technology Plan and enrichment opportunities in fine arts, athletics, academic clubs and industry partnerships are creating well-rounded students who will become strong leaders that will continue to advance our society. Largest growth in Colorado With great success can also come some challenges. St. Vrain Valley Schools is experiencing some of the fastest growth in the state with 800-1,000 additional
students joining our district every year. This is a testament to the quality and vibrancy of our community. We live in a region with excellent schools, outstanding neighborhoods and a strong workforce that attracts families and new businesses to our area. Everything we do has always been and always will be about advancing our students and our community. Towards this end, we would like to thank our parents, business partners, community leaders and elected officials for helping us continue our work to ensure our students are achieving at the highest level. It is through your support and the dedicated work of our outstanding teachers and staff that we are transforming public education for our children and our community’s future. Don Haddad, Superintendent
BROADWAY
PERFORMING
AcAdemy
Voice oice • Musical Theater Acting • Dance
*Offering fferin ing Y Youth & Adult Perfo ormiing Companies!* tud New Studio!
ion Open, Registration Ages 2½ 2½+ ½+
Visit our website for full schedule & details
1225 Ken Pratt #225 • 303-990-4210 • BroadwayPerformingAcademy.com
2016-2017 Academic Calendar Aug. 8-10 Aug. 11, 12, 15 Aug. 16 Sept. 5 Oct. 14, 17 Nov. 21-25 Dec. 19-30 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Mar. 24 March 27-31 May 23 May 24 May 24 May 25 May 25 May 26 May 27
May 27 May 29
New Teacher Orientation Non-Student Contact Days First Day of School for Students Labor Day Non-Student Contact Days Thanksgiving Break Winter Break Non-Student Contact Days Martin Luther King Jr. Day Non-Student Contact Day Presidents’ Day Non-Student Contact Day Spring Break Graduation - Life Skills ACE Completion Ceremony Last Day of School for Students Graduation - Universal HS Non-Student Contact Day Graduation - Olde Columbine HS Graduation - St. Vrain Online Global Academy Graduation - Erie HS, Frederick HS, Longmont HS, Lyons Middle/Senior, Niwot HS, Silver Creek HS Graduation - Mead HS, Skyline HS, - Staggered Memorial Day
AWARD WINNING K–12 tuition free public school with dedicated and supportive faculty and community.
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CONTACT US TODAY FOR ENROLLMENT INFORMATION. www.twinpeakscharter.org 303.772.7286 340 South Sunset Street, Longmont
AUGUST 2016 – BACK TO SCHOOL
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PRIVATE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Messiah Lutheran Early Learning Center
Boulder Valley Waldorf School (formerly Shepherd Valley)
With our new focus on affordability, a private Waldorf education is more accessible than ever. Our proven play-based curriculum for preschoolers and kindergartners makes school a joyful experience, emphasizing movement and sensory integration in a natural environment as a foundation for academic success. In elementary and middle school our unique and proven approach to education guides students through a rich curriculum in mathematics, sciences, language arts, history, geography, German, Mandarin, movement and physical education, handwork, woodworking, painting and instrumental music. Grades served: Preschool to 8th and parent-child program Address: 6500 W. Dry Creek Parkway, Niwot Phone: 303-652-0130 Website: bvwaldorf.org Outreach/Admissions Director: Ruth Godberfforde
A quality program of Christian education for children age 2 years and 6 months through Jr. Kindergarten. The preschool program is designed to allow children many opportunities to learn about the world around them. Special emphasis is placed on Biblical learning, socialization, and learning through actual experience. Part of the time is spent in free choice activities. These may vary, but will include: Dramatic play, book corner, block center, manipulative toys and games, science, sensory development, math, and computers. Pre-K and Jr. Kindergarten build on preschool skills with age appropriate activities. Grades served: Preschool (Ages 2½-3), Pre-K (Age 4), Jr., Kindergarten(Age 5) Address: 1335 Francis St, Longmont Phone: 303.776.3466 Website: mlcslongmont.org Director: Kirsten Danile Enrollment: 22 Capacity: 50
Enrollment: 130
Average student-teacher ratio: 1:8
Capacity: 150 Annual tuition: $5,900-$8,900 Daily schedule: pre-K/K-8th is 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., after-school until 5:30 p.m. Open house/visitation: 3 to 6 p.m., Nov 19 and Feb. 4; tours available by request.
Tuition: Registration: $75; Tue/ Thu (Preschool Class) $170/ month; Mon, Wed, Fri (Pre-K Class) $220/month; Mon- Fri (Jr. Kindergarten Class) $250/month Daily schedule: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Offered daily for $10 Open house/visitation: Back to School night, August, 11 6 to 7 p.m.
Rocky Mountain Christian Academy
Mountain Peak Private School Offering affordable private school education providing individualized curriculum while focusing on educating the whole child. Small class learning experiences are offered that reach beyond the core academic areas such as Art, Music, French, STEM, Daily P.E. and Coding. Mountain Peak strives for excellence by nurturing each child’s intellect, curiosity, and social growth. Student responsibility and respect for self and others are emphasized. Creative thinking in a hands-on manner introduces students to exciting and challenging subjects.
Grades served: Preschool to 8th
Grades served: Preschool to 6th
Address: 9447 Niwot Rd., Niwot
Address: 1833 Sunset Place, Longmont
Phone: 303.652.9162
Phone: 720.494.162
Website: rmcaonline.org
Website: mountainpeakschool.com
Executive Director/Principal: Sylvia Robinson
Director: Alison Buckett
Enrollment: 185
Enrollment: 56 Capacity: 81 Annual tuition: $2100-$4500 preschool, $7950 K-6th Daily schedule: Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Open house/visitation: Daily tours available by appointment 18
Rocky Mountain Christian Academy provides an integrated classical and Christian curriculum. Teachers nurture each student and create a learning environment that fosters character development. Parents are our partners to create a community that is vibrant and supportive. The well-rounded curriculum includes art, music, and physical education, as well as Latin and formal Logic.
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Average student-teacher ratio: Preschool 8:1, K-8 12:1 Annual tuition: Preschool and 1/2 day Kindergarten $2,260- $5010, Full Day K-8 $6,170 Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Open house/visitation: Campus tours every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. To RSVP, call 303.652.9162 or email admissions@rmcaonline.org
CHARTER SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Carbon Valley Academy
Flagstaff Academy
Carbon Valley, a K-8 charter school, opened in fall 2005 in Frederick. The school uses a Core Knowledge curriculum and ability grouping. Spanish is offered, beginning in kindergarten. High academic standards, a structured learning environment, a passionate teaching staff, effective school leadership and a positive school culture are the cornerstones of Carbon Valley. Address: 4040 Coriolis Way, Frederick
Flagstaff Academy, an award-winning Preschool-8th grade public charter school, is an academically rigorous school with a Core Knowledge foundation and a strong focus on science and technology. The school focuses on the individual learner, subject mastery grouping, progressive levels of difficulty and ongoing assessment for advancement. The school offers inquiry-based science, robotics, computer programming, integrated technology, a greenhouse classroom, and the leading Restorative Practices program in the region providing a strong focus on character development and ethical leadership. Spanish is offered as a foreign language starting in 3rd grade, as well as Spanish and French in middle school. Physical Education and wellness is emphasized beginning in preschool and continues through elementary school and middle school with healthy food initiatives, a climbing wall, and middle school athletics. A robust arts program including music, band, and visual arts integrating technology round out Flagstaff Academy’s one-of-a-kind educational environment. Address: 2040 Miller Drive, Longmont
Phone: 303.774.9555
Phone: 303.651.7900
Website: carbonvalleyacademy.org Administration: Tony Carey, Executive Director, Julie Johnson (Principal) Enrollment: 356 Daily schedule: 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Website: flagstaffacademy.org Leadership and Principals: Wayne Granger (Executive Director), Robin Lowe (Executive Principal), Terri Long (Asst. Principal K-5), Katie Gustafson, (Asst. Principal 6-8); Patricia Quinn (Preschool); Jeanna Peppler (Before and After School Care) Enrollment: 933 Daily schedule: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Average student-teacher ratio: K-5,18:1 6-8, 13:1
Twin Peaks Charter Academy Established in 1997, Twin Peaks Charter Academy (TPCA) is an award winning, K–12 tuition free public school with a strong emphasis on academics and achievement, character education, and parent involvement. Core Knowl-
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1400 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont 300 Exempla Circle, Ste. 120, Lafayette
303.772.3300 www.eyecaresite.com
edge (K–8) coupled with Classical Education and a college preparatory approach (9–12) sets achievable high expectations through the sequential, cumulative building of knowledge and skills. TPCA offers numerous AP and Honors courses, world languages, advanced science and math, liberal arts, visual and performing arts, technology, PE, and CHSAA athletics, including lacrosse.
Phone: 303.772.7286
Address: 340 S. Sunset St., Longmont
Daily schedule: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Website: twinpeakscharter.org Administration: Joe Mehsling, Executive Director; Danielle Feeney, Principal K–5; David Yu, Principal 6–12 Enrollment: 1,031 (in 2015)
Back To School Kids’ Packages
Option #1: $99
Single vision lenses with poly budget frame
Option #2: $139
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Comprehensive Eye Exam: $99 Not valid with any other offers or insurance. Glasses package price does not include comprehensive eye exam. Other restrictions may apply. Expires 09/30/2016.
1 in 4 children have an undetected vision problem that can interfere with learning. AUGUST 2016 – BACK TO SCHOOL
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The quality of a neighborhood school increases the value of your property. The average home in our district is approximately $300,000. Studies show the value of these homes can be impacted significantly based on the quality of the area neighborhood school. An investment
in your schools is an investment in your home.
A person’s earning potential is tied directly
to the quality and quantity of their education.
Research shows that the quality and quantity of one’s education can increase individual productivity significantly. By investing in our
education system, we exponentially lessen our dependency on health care, welfare, and the likelihood that our citizens will become incarcerated.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE DRIVING A VIBRANT ECONOMY
We in St. Vrain Valley Schools see ourselves as much more than a high quality educational institution. We are committed to ensuring that our 32,000+ students receive the very best education possible in order to be successful in a highly competitive global environment. Towards this end, we are committed to providing a highly qualified workforce throughout our community and beyond. Of the approximately 55 million K-12 aged children in the United States, research indicates that 90% are enrolled in a public school. We believe the longstanding institution of public education is second only to high quality parenting in determining the success of our communities. We are shaping today’s children to be tomorrow’s young adults, parents, business owners, industry leaders and senior citizens. Truly, the quality of our schools will play a significant role in determining the future of our nation.
WWW.SVVSD.ORG | FOLLOW US @SVVSD 20
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"Out of the public school grows the greatness of the nation." – Mark Twain