The new school year signals afresh start, from blank notebooks to achance to set new academic goals. But across Boulder and Adams counties, schools are also taking advantage of the start of anew academic year to usher in some changes.
Ahead, alook at what’snew at schools across the region for the 2024-25 school year
Boulder ValleySchool District
Boulder Valley School District will continue the expansion of its “Grad Plus Framework,” which aims to provide students with more than adiploma when they graduate from high school. The program gives students access to work-based learning, college credits, industry certifications and the Seal of Biliteracy,a recognition for students who have achieved proficiency in two or more languages.
Another highlight forBVSD are Phase 1construction projects that are reaching completion from the 2022 Building for Students Success
Bond Project. Some examples of these projects include athletic field improvements at Justice High School and HVAC updates at Columbine Elementary School. Universally accessible playground projects at Eisenhower,Foothill, Kohl, Louisville and Nederland elementary schools are scheduled for August.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) improvements are also in the works at Angevine Middle School, Broomfield High School, Broomfield Heights Middle School and the Teaching Kitchen at the BVSD Culinary Center.
See more information about current and future School Improvement Programs online at: bond.bvsd.org/schoolprojects.
St. Vrain ValleySchools
The biggest news coming out of St. Vrain Valley Schools is that the district is preparing to make arecommendation to the Board of Education to place a $739.8 million bond initiative on the ballot in 2024. The proposed bond would fund anumber of projects,
Rendering of BoulderCountry Day School’s new Dining Commons and Centerfor Innovative Learning -Opening Fall 2024. (Photo courtesy: Sopher SparnArchitects)
including five new schools –ahigh school, aCTE center,anelementary school, aMontessori school, and a PK-8 school. Roofing projects, HVAC replacements and more critical infrastructure projects would be funded by the initiative.
St. Vrain says it hasthe highest graduationrate in the Denver Metro Areaat93.3%, with thelowest dropout rate at 0.6%.
WatershedSchool
Watershed is moving to anew campus in July 2024. The new home at 5400 Spine Road in Boulderoffers vibrant and flexible learning studios, plus smalland all-school gathering areas, according to Watershed School.
The new space alsoallows forenough space to meet growing enrollment needs. The new space is in amixeduse area about 12 minutes northeastofits current location. The schoolsays it will be close to outdoorand open spaces, with convenient access to Highway 119, which allows students to engage in fieldwork. The new location
is also offofthe LOBO bike path andthe Diagonal Highway,making it easy for families to reach Watershed from locations across Boulder County.
Boulder CountryDay School
Boulder Country Day has made anumber of enhancements to its campus over the lastfew years including allnew playgrounds andarenovation of their gym in 2023.
In fall2024, the school will openits new Commons Building that will house a state-of-the-artdining hall with locallysourced, scratchmade food servicefor all students.
The Commons Building also houses the Boulder Country Day School’s new Center for Innovative Learning, which brings about asynergy between the arts and technology,providingstudents an environmenttoexplore design solutions, creativity, collaborative activity and inquiry-based problem solving.
The ribbon cutting for the new building is set for the first day of school,August 21.
EDUCATION
of assignments, testsand extracurricular activities. Help them develop ahomework routine that includes a specific time and place for studying. Encouraging these habits early on can foster asense of responsibility and self-discipline that will benefit them throughout their academic career
Promotea healthylifestyle
Back-to-School
Ensuringasuccessful start to the academic year
Asthe summer winds down and the school bells begin to ring once more, families everywhere are gearing up for the back-toschool rush. The transition from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured schedule of theschool year canbechallenging for both parents and students. However,with abit of planning andpreparation, you can set your childupfor asuccessful and stress-free academic year.Here are some tried-and-true tips to help get your student off to agreat start.
Establish aroutine early
One of the mosteffective ways to ease the transition back to school is by establishing aroutine before the first day.Start by gradually adjustingyour child’ssleep schedule. Begin putting them to bed and waking them up at the times they will need to adhere to during the school year.This helps reset their internal clock and makes the early mornings less jarringwhen school starts. In addition to sleep, incorporate other schoolrelated activities into your daily routine. Have your child spend some time each day
reading, working on puzzles or engagingineducational games. This will help them get back into the habit of focusing on academictasks.
Organize school supplies together
Involveyour child in the process ofgatheringand organizing schoolsupplies. Make achecklist of items they will need, such as notebooks,pencils, folders and backpacks. Takethem shopping andlet them pick out some of their supplies. This not only makes the process moreenjoyable but also helps them feel asense of ownership and responsibility for their schoolwork.
Once youhave allthe supplies, spend some time organizing them. Label notebooks and folders for each subject andcreate a designated study area at home where everything can be easily accessed. Having an organized spacecan reducestress and make it easier foryour child to stayontop of their assignments.
Review and set goals
Before theschoolyear begins, sit down withyourchild andreview theprevious
year’saccomplishments and challenges. Discuss what went well and what areas need improvement. Use this conversation to set realistic and achievable goals for the upcoming year.Whether it’simproving grades in aparticular subject, participating in extracurricular activities, or developing better study habits, setting goals gives your child aclear sense of purpose and direction.
Communicate with teachers
Establishing agood relationship with your child’s teachers is crucial for a successful school year.Attend any back-to-school events or parent-teacher conferences to meet the teachers and understand their expectations. Don’thesitate to reach out to them if you have any concerns or questions. Open lines of communication ensure that you are aware of your child’s progress and any potential issues that may arise.
Encourageindependence
As children grow,it’s important to encourage independence and selfmanagement. Teach your child to use aplanner or calendar to keep track
Ahealthy body supports ahealthy mind. Ensure that your child is getting a balanced diet,regular exercise and enough sleep. Limit screen time, especially before bed, to promotebetter sleep quality.Encourage physical activities that they enjoy, whether it’s playing asport, dancing or simply going for awalk. Ahealthy lifestyle can significantly impact your child’sability tofocus and perform well in school.
Foster apositiveattitude
Finally,fostering apositive attitude towards school and learning can make a significant difference in your child’sacademic experience. Encourage curiosityand a love for learning by showing interest in their schoolwork and praising their efforts. Celebratetheir successes, no matter how small, and provide support and encouragement during challenging times. A positive mindset can help your child approach school with enthusiasm and resilience.
The start of anew school year is an exciting time filled with opportunities for growth and learning. By establishing routines, organizing supplies, setting goals, communicating with teachers, encouraging independence, promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering apositive attitude, you can help your child get offtoa great start and set the stage for asuccessful year.With these strategies in place, your family can navigate the backto-school transition smoothly and make the most of the academic year ahead.
HOMEWORK
HARMONY
BY KATHLEEN DUFF for Raised in the Rockies
Colorado educators are turning the page on making homework more relevant to students and parents.
Hoping to erase the days of kids becoming frustrated and parents feelinghelpless, teachers are using homework to build confidence andboost communication between the school andhome.
“Weuse (homework) for additional practice opportunities andto build executive function developmentfor students to be more responsibleand focus more on organization,” said Rachel Miller,principal at Aspen Ridge PrepSchool in Erie.
Anne Hecox, Upper School director at Alexander Dawson School in Lafayette, agrees.
“Overall, there is some benefit to amoderate amount of practice for things like languages and math. Going home and practicing
something you learned in school is important,” she said. “(Still), Idon’tthink massive amounts of homework on top of aseven- or eight-hour school day is agood idea.”
Learning skills such as following through and being accountable for work is just as important as completing math problems.
“I like to tell people, the student can say,“Itook my bag home, Itook something out of the bag, Idid something with it, put it back in the bag, brought it back to the school and turned it in,’” said Honor Taft, Head of School at Friends SchoolBoulder
Of course, not all schools take the same approach. For example, teachers at Bixby School in Boulder do not assign homework at all.
Historically,some teachers may have relied on homework because they didn’thave time to teach an entire textbook. However, with a“flipped classroom,” today’steachers
lectures andpresentations to be viewed at home and then use class time to focus on active learning and group participation.
And there are opportunities now to use homework as aconduit between parents, students and their teachers. If achild hits aroadblock during homework,parents may do adisservice to their children if they answerthe questions or do the work, the local educators explained. Abetter approachistoask questions to help guide students to the answer. If that doesn’thelp, parents should assist their children in contacting the teacher Children mayalsowant to reach out to friends, or parents can contact other parents withintheir community for some help. In the middle school range, parents canteach children how to advocate for themselves and communicate when the student needs more help.Miller said, “If they are struggling with an assignment, instead of the
parents emailing, maybe parents can walktheirkids through the emailing process on their behalf. It’sOKtolet the teacher knowyou need help.”
She said of students, “I just feel like they should relax alittle bit when it comes to homework. It’sabout trying; it’sabout effort. It’sabout building grit and resilience and doing something on your own,”she said. “I always tell my staff that if homework is causing major stress, then pause. Students may need additional instruction fromtheirteacher. Parents may look at it as having higher stakes than it does. Itell parents to tell them to take abreath.We try to approach it froma balanced perspective.” Online resources, such as KhanAcademy.org, can help studentsonvarious
topics if they need additional informationbeyondthe classroom. The emerging ChatGPT providesboth challenges andopportunities. Educators said the service can provide plenty of information, but students must be taught how to use it correctly without relying on it to replace creativity and critical thinking.
“Kids learn bestwhen they’ve had alot of sleep and had time to spend withfriends and family.”
Taft said she believes the parent-teacher relationship facilitates the independence of the child. As a parent, she has asked her child to check in with the teacher, and she has asked the teacher to check in with herchild. Still, she said the relationship between children and their parents is more valuable than anyhomework.
“Never let homework come between you and your child. The most important thing we as parents can do is maintain an openand positive relationship with our
children. Maybe pass that argument (over homework) to the teacher and child.”
She said, “It’snot worth it –especially in the middle school years –that relationship can start to be unpredictable and even fragile. Iamastrong advocate of giving that space, particularly for adolescents and pre-adolescents, to feel they can come to their parents with concerns.”
No matter the approach, homework should be part of an overall balance, Hecox emphasized.
“Working all the time–although it’ssomething our culture often celebrates –is not actually healthy.Kids learn best when they’ve had a lot of sleep and had time to spend with friends and family. Toomuch homework is not good for kids. It’sbetter to be outside playing and learning new things. They are built to play; they are built to be out exploring. Ithink we need to work hard to reverse that trend.”
EDUCATION
Choosing the RightAcademicMethodology &SchoolEnvironmentfor Your Student
BY EMMA CASTLEBERRY for Raised in the Rockies
Our region boasts a bounty of different kinds of schools, allowing families to select the academic approach and philosophy that
resonates best with them and their lifestyle. The many different types of schools can feel overwhelming, but understanding the differences between them makes it much easier to choose what’sbest for your student and your family.
Religious Schools
Religious schools offer aspecific,focused form of education that creates continuity between your religious practices at home and your child’sschool experience.
Rocky MountainChristian Academy,for example, offers aChrist-centered education based on the philosophy of Charlotte Mason, which focuses on the personhood of achild and prioritizes learning as an atmosphere, discipline and life. “RMCA’sprimary concern is the kind of student each child is becoming –not the mastery of particular data or aparticular technique, but the mastery of the art of learning,”says head of school James Price. “Students who master the art of relating well to God, self, others, ideas, and creation will attain the fullness of life for which they were created.”
There is variety even among the religiouslyfocused schools in the region. Vista Ridge Academy is aChristian school that takes an Adventist educational approach, reinforcing values taught at home and emphasizing learning through the lens of the Bible. “Adventist education was founded upon the philosophy that students at all levels of schooling possess individuality and should be educated to use
their God-given capacities to become individuals of principle, qualified for any position of life,”says Vista Ridge principal Marsha Bartulec.
CharterSchools
Charter schools also abound in our region, and they offer agreat option for folks who are eager to be part of the public school system but also want adaptability and responsiveness in their child’slearning environment.
“Charter schools are public schools that draw enrollment from multiple neighborhoods, which allows students and families to build relationships over agreater reach, ensuring that students have exposure to diverse communities both in and outside of school,”says Katie Gustafson, executive principal of the charter school Flagstaff Academy.“We are agile in our ability to respond and innovate, as compared to the larger network of district schools.”
Classical Schools
Classical education is another option that appeals to many families because it centers on conversation and human interaction over technology
“A classical education is based on the timeless value of creating critical thinkers who seek truth, beauty,and
Religious schools offer aspecific, focused form of education that creates continuity between your religious practices at home andyourchild’s school experience. (Photo courtesy: Vista Ridge Academy).
goodness, whileacquiring foundational skills and knowledge, in ateacher-led classroom,”says Alycia Burns, secondary principal at Twin Peaks Classical Academy,a public charter school in St Vrain Valley School District.
“A classical school explicitly teaches character and values through the study of great works of literature.”
Aclassical education is focused on academic rigor alongside character developmenttosupport the developmentofwell-rounded
individuals
Choosing the right school: combine your values
Many academic approaches and school types can overlap, so there is truly something for everyone in our diverse and robust school system. For example, if youwant your religious beliefs reflected in your child’seducation, and you’realsoinspired by the classicaleducation methodology, aschool like the Summit Classical Academy
might be agood fit.
“Weteach the classical Christian model,”says Brigette Modglin, afounding family member and board member at Summit Classical Academy.“In aClassical approach, students are taught how to learn rather than what to learn. In classical Christian education, each subject, whether it’smathematics, science, or creative writing, is approached through the lens of abiblical worldview.”
Choosing the right school foryour family is about identifying your values personally, academically, and in terms of lifestyle. By considering all of these factors, youcan ensure acollaborative and meaningful school experience foryour child and your family.
Aclassical education is focused on academicrigor alongside character development to support the development of well-rounded individuals.
(Photo courtesy: Twin Peaks ClassicalAcademy).
Charter Schools offer agreat option for folks who areeager to be part of thepublic school system but also want adaptability and responsiveness in their child’slearning environment. (Photo courtesy: Flagstaff Academy).
EDUCATION
The UseOf RHYTHM in Early Childhood Education
BY DARIAN ARMER for Raised in the Rockies
Rhythm flows throughout our days whether we areaware of it or not. Fromthe times we eat or sleep to the way we move about ourday, rhythms are created to help us understand, explain and exist in the worldaround us.
That’swhy rhythm is so important and hugely incorporated into early childhood education, both in the way the dayflows and the way children learn.
Sara Godwin, Director of the Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten, says they incorporate rhythm
Apple Tree ChristianPreschool and Kindergarten incorporates rhythmwith both writtenand visual schedulesthroughout the day.
(Photo: Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten).
with both written and visual schedules throughout the day
“Weuse visual timers for the kids so they can see what’scoming up and take control of their day. Forkids whohaveahardtimewith transitions,they can really look and see and predict, which helps tremendously with breakdowns,”Godwin says. “Children don’thave a lot of control in their lives, and when they feel in control, they can control what they’re doing. We stay consistent.”
Godwin says they also use rhythm in their teaching.
“It’samazing how mucha child can retain if it’sput into asong. We teach amonthly bible verse, and rather than just sayingit, we set it to asimple tune. Music and rhythm are super important in teaching kids to count andthe ABCs. They use rhythm with clapping, rhythm sticksand other things that help with gross motor skills.Rhythm
helps withself-regulation, too.
We say,‘Ican see you have big feelings. Breathe in and breathe out.Weuse rhythmic breathing and do alot of yoga to createa quiet space in their heads to starttocalm down.”
At Ziji Early Elementary, teacher Megan Flaherty says they incorporatesound cues to help guide the rhythm of the day.
“Wering abell to call kids to lessons. It’stied into what Iwould callrate andrhythm. It helps create apredictable routine for kids, which is incredibly important. It gives the day aflow,” saysFlaherty.
“The sound cue starts to guide the routine, so theyknow it’s time to transition.”
For moreinformation about Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten, visit broomfieldumc.org/ apple-tree-christian. For more information about Ziji EarlyElementary,visit zijiearlyelementary.org.
“It’samazinghow much achild canretain if it’s putintoa song.”
BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
ENGAGEDINCHILD FIND
BoulderValleySchoolDistrictwants to locate childrenages3to21with disabilitieswho livewithindistrict boundariesaspartofChild Find.
Underthe Individuals withDisabilitiesEducationAct (IDEA),achild withadisabilitymeans achild evaluated anddeterminedeligible for specialeducationand related services (ages 3to21) in accordance withIDEAunder the followingcategories: Hearing Impairment,Including Deafness,Multiple Disabilities,Deaf-Blindness, Autism Spectrum Disorder,Orthopedic Impairment,OtherHealth Impairment, Brain Injury, Developmental Delay,Serious Disability, SpecificLearningDisability, Speechor Language Impairment, or VisualImpairment, Including Blindness.
As of May1,2022, all referrals andevaluations for children underthe age of 3withdevelopmentalconcerns or disabilities are coordinatedthrough EarlyIntervention Colorado, at 833-733-3734
If youhaveapreschoolagedchild, or you areaparentofa child attending privateorhome school, andyou suspect your child mayhavea disabilityorisexhibiting delaysin his/her development, and you are aresidentofthe BoulderValleySchoolDistrict, contact ChildFindat:
If yourchild is already enrolled andisattending oneof the BoulderValleySchoolsites, thentalktoyourchild’s teacher or school administratorabout your concerns regardingyourchild’sdevelopment, or thatyou suspect your child mayhavea disability.
www.bvsd.org/childfind
OutdoorLearning
agreat connector forkidsand leads to alot of
BY DARIAN ARMER for Raised in the Rockies
Photos courtesy: Thorne NatureExperience
Look no further than Thorne Nature for outdoor educational opportunitiesfor your kids. Thorne Nature Experience and Thorne Nature Preschool,
aprogram of Thorne Nature Experience, offers summer sessions for kids and even family sessions to get outdoors and into learning.
“All of our programs during the summer are outdoor based. We offer summer camps in Boulder,Lafayette and brand new this year –Longmont. We also just had the grand opening of our brand new nature center
in Lafayette,”says Carrie Riesberg,marketing manager for the Thorne Nature Experience. “We’ve been running programs outdoors since the 1950s. We love to get kids outdoors because we hope to buildenvironmental stewardship. Studies show that the more time kids spend outside connecting with nature, the more interested they are in stewardship.”
Programs follow the seasonality of the different open space locationsthe groups utilize. It allows participants to see the different phases of the seasons.
“Our programs arevery play-based. We find what kids love to do in nature and keep an open-ended format to follow kidsaswego. Some want to build dams in the creek, while other groups are into arts and crafts thatare nature-based. We’re meeting the kidswherethey’re at and using what’s happening in nature to inform their learning,”Riesberg says. “Wework with the idea of emergent curriculum.That’s the curriculumthat comes up from the experiences the kids are having. There aredefined activities we have that are happening throughout the day,but we’reable to shift if we see acool bald eagle, for example.”
Riesberg says outdoor learning allows kidstosee theincredible thread that goes through and connects everyone.
“The outdoors is agreat connector for kids and leads to alot of emotionaland social learning. They learn how to build friendships, be respectful, and build confidence. Alot of skills we want humans to have,” she says.
For more information about Thorne Nature, visit thornenature.org
Train Smart, Train to Win ATHLETICS
BY JULIE KAILUS for Raised in the Rockies
Developing athletes are all unique and need training that grows with them. That’sthe idea behind M3Kinections, an age-appropriate curriculum that develops athletic skills from first grade through high school. Participants build athleticstability through challenging pairings of vision and balance, explains Kristen Rubow,who founded the innovative Boulder-based neural movement studio. Youngsters in the program practice exercises that improve peripheral vision and “shift-set,”the ability to
rapidly move between two or more points of focus.
“Thisallowsathletes to ‘see better to be better’ on the field,”Rubow says.
“Our strategic, multi-level movement exercises are the foundations of rapid andaccurate decisionmaking and the ability to physically respond during play.Shift-set is particularly essential in playing at an advanced level in court and field sports.”
Neural-basedathletic performance
M3Kinections grew from amashup of Rubow’s personal experiences and training in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation,brain wiring, PSTD,anxiety and executive functions.
Aformer professional classical harpist who experienced intense performance anxiety, Rubow was inspired by an interest in athletics
to blend her extensive training on the neural effectsofrhythm, brain function and athletic performance. M3K’s unique reACT curriculum provides accessible exercisesand practices that support body regulation and managing performanceanxiety, increasing the abilityto stay focused on and off the field.
M3K offersprivate and small-group sessions focusing on the goals of each athlete. Session lengthand specifically chosen exercises are designed to keep young clients engaged and having fun while developing skills that leadtosuccess.
“Welove our athletes and want to see them succeed, whether that’splaying their favorite sport or participating in academic pursuits and otherareas of interest,” Rublow says.
“Our goal atM3K is to help themtrain smart.”
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
TopAfter-School Programs to Inspire and EngageYour Kids
BY PAMMOORE
for Raised in the Rockies
With fall comes anew school year,fresh pens and pencils, and plenty of opportunities for after-school fun. From climbing to cartwheeling, connecting with nature, and more, there’snoshortage of ways for your child to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and enjoy themselves outside of the classroom. Here are some of the best options the area has to offer
ABC Kids Climbing
From toddlers to teens, the ABC has aclass that’sright
for every level. With a7200 square foot state-of-the-art facility,there are myriad options for kids ages 2.5 to 19 to engage in after-school programs to help build confidence. ABC is where a strong body fosters astrong mind.
For details, visit: abckidsboulder.com
Airborne Colorado
“Weare agymnastics and dance studio for children and young adults. We believe in teaching life lessons through sport and art, and we love offering asuper fun and safe environment for children of all ages,”saysAirborne
(Photo: Boulder Rock Club)
Colorado co-owner Laura Amaya.
Offering classes and camps for students ages 1 to 18 in gymnastics, dance, obstacle fun, trampolineand tumbling, Airborne Colorado offers competitive programs for gymnastics, dance and trampoline and tumbling. With arecord number of entry-level competitive gymnastics students and a dance company that competed in Nationals this summer, there’ssomething for everyone.
For details, visit: airbornecolorado.com/ dance-classes
Boulder Rock Club
“Weprovide the community of Boulder with high-quality climbing and climbing instruction as Boulder’s original climbing gym,” says programming manager Josh Hill.
This fall’sprogramming features After School Climbing clubs, designed to
give kids ages 4to17the opportunity to climb with their peers while working on age-appropriate climbing activities ranging from getting comfortable in the climbing space and getting on their own harness to learning training techniques
and more advanced methods of climbing such as lead climbing on bolted terrain, says Hill.
For information on specific programming, visit boulderrockclub.com/youth/ climbing-club.
The Spot Gym
The Spot offers acommunity gathering place for climbers at five locations in the Denver-Boulder area. “Our mission is building strong bodies, healthy minds, and friendships for life,”says marketing coordinator James Woolridge.
Their after-school climbing club, Gravity Academy,serves children ages 2-1/2to17 and includes age-appropriate activities including games, team-building exercises, and, of course, climbing Programsspan four to eight weeks, or you have the option to sign up for drop-in lessons, which are perfect for beginner climbers aged 6to12. There’s also aYouth Team program for young enthusiasts who want to get more serious about climbing. Team tryouts begin in August. To register, visit thespotgym.com/ the-spot-team.
For moreinformation about any of the programs, visit: thespotgym.com/gravityacademy-confirm-home-gym.
(Photo: Airborne)
Thorne NatureExperience
For kids who wanttoexplore nature, Thorne Nature Experience is the place to be. Thorne’sweekly after-school programs, offered at Boulder and St. Vrain Valley School District elementary schools, run for 12 weeks andgive kids the chance to engage in unstructured outdoorplay with amentor.Each week’sprogram also features anew activity to facilitate curiosity and wonder As awhole, the curriculum helps children develop an emotional connectiontonature that builds on classroom learning while motivating them to incorporate nature into their daily lives.
For moreinformation, visit: thornenature.org/schoolprograms/after-school
YMCA of Northern Colorado
“The Yoffers programsand services thatfoster youth development,boost health and wellness and inspiresocial responsibility,”says Andra CoberlyWebster,Executive Director of Communications at theYMCAof Northern Colorado.
TheYMCAofNorthern Colorado provides before and after school care for grades K through 5atlocations including Boulder,Lafayette, and Longmont and beyond, as well as extracurricular activities like volleyball, soccer, hockey,swim lessons,and more.
For all programs, visit ymcanoco.org.
In Colorado, There’snoshortageofways foryourchild to challenge themselves, develop newskills and enjoythemselves outside of theclassroom.
The curriculum at Thorne Natureexperience helpschildren develop an emotional connection to naturethat builds on classroom learning. (Photo: Thorne NatureExperience).
THINGS TO DO
ARTS GETTING INVOLVED IN THE
BY LINDA THORSENBOND for Raised in the Rockies
Students’ success in the classroom is enhanced by many factors, but avery valuable factor is involvement in the Arts. Throughout the Rockies, there are many organizations that provide access to visual and performing arts. Raised in the Rockies has chronicled a wide variety of outstanding opportunities for students in the Arts.
Laura Amaya, co-owner and operations manager, said Airborne offers
something for everybody
She said, “Airborne is a gymnastics &dance studio that specializes in physical
development in children.We offer recreational programs for students 1to18andalso have competitive programs in gymnastics, dance, and trampoline &tumbling. We believe in teaching life lessons through sport and art, and we offer students the ability to overcome challenges in the mostfunways possible! When we teach cartwheels and pirouettes, we also teach students to learn from failed attempts, keep trying new strategies, andlearn how their mindset can help them achieve their goals. We love seeing those huge smiles when the students learn something new; we knowit’s not about finally learning their pullover; it’sabout gaining that self-esteem. Gymnastics and dance are also really important tools in brain development for children Physical activity enhances learning (you can get lost in the numerous studies & articles about this topic!); the use of right& left, balancing, proprioception, strength, flexibility,andtechnique (following specific directions) all help kids learn in ways that don’tinclude screentime or sitting at adesk. Students LOVE comingtoclass, and it’s so healthy for their bodies and their developing brains!
1816 Boston Ave. Longmont, 303.651.1456, airbornecolorado.com
Boulder Ballet School
Director Andrea Basile said Boulder Ballet School
Airborne
(Photo:Airborne) (Photo: Boulder Ballet School)
(Photo: Frequent Flyers)
is committed to fostering awelcoming and vibrant community for dancers, parents, and faculty.She said, “Our diverse curriculum and Five Point Dancer Wellness Program are designed to support dancers in achieving theirgoalswithin aholistic and nurturing environment. Throughout their journey with us, dancers engage in performance opportunities that are rich in artistry and technical challenges, experience ongoingclasses led by highly skilled instructors, and build lasting friendships and mentorship relationships. Additionally,our program
emphasizes the development of time management, fosters creativityand resilience, and enriches socialskills, ensuring awell-rounded and enriching experience for every dancer.”
Dairy ARTS Center,2590 Walnut Street, Boulder, 303.443.0028, boulderballet.org
Boulder Opera
Boulder Opera offers adiverse rangeofprograms throughout theyear,according to Executive &ArtisticDirector Dianela Acosta. She said,” Ourseason kicks off with an annual open-air concert at the
Boulder Bandshell, drawing around 600 attendees. Following this, the family series program presents “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Jonathan Dove in December, targeting young audiences and families. These performances also include partnerships with local schools, providing field trip opportunities for students. Additionally, Boulder Opera tours “Xochitl and the Flowers” to bilingual schools, incorporating a flower paper tissue workshop. Last season, our programs for younger audiences reached 3,000 students. In the winter, Boulder Opera willpresent a
mainstage double bill of Puccini’soperas, “Il Tabarro” and “Gianni Schicchi.”atthe Dairy Arts Center.”
Acosta said Boulder Opera’s programs are designed to enrich students’ school experiences, develop their skills, and enhance their ability to achieve in various ways. “By introducing students to opera, they are exposed to arich blend of storytelling, music, and scenic arts,”she said. “These elements help cultivate their creativity and imagination, encouraging them to think more deeply about the stories and characters they encounter.
Participating in workshops and attending live performances provides students with ahandson understanding of the artisticprocess, fostering an appreciation for the arts and enhancing their cultural literacy.These experiences can improve their communication skills, boost their confidence, and inspire them to explore their own artistic interests.
Moreover,engaging with
(Photo: Boulder Opera)
opera and related activities helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as they analyze the narratives and emotional journeys of the characters. The interdisciplinarynature of opera, combiningmusic, drama, and visual arts, also supports their learning across multiple subjects, enriching their overall educational experience.”
Performances at the Dairy,Etown, Bandshell, Boulder;303.731 2036, boulderoperacompany.com
Frequent FlyersAerial Dance
Ariana Papousek, Education Director of Frequent Flyers
Aerial Dance, explained their program. She said, “We offer everything from weekly session classes,toprivate lessons, weeklong camps, day camps,workshops, and performance companies. We offer scholarships for at-risk youth and work trade for our older students. Aerial dance creates an environmentof empowerment and growth. Students uplifteach other and inspire each other through
AKIDS-ONLY
playful aerial dance. They gain confidencethrough taking risks in controlled and safe environments. They develop body awareness through learning new skills. They gain artistic vision through performances. They createa community of friends through uplifting classes.”
3022 E. Sterling Cir.#150, Boulder, 303.245.8272, frequentflyers.org
HB Woodsongs
According to Sondra Blanchard, HB Woodsongs has arobust band, orchestra, fretted instrument rental program, and abusy retail shop. It also offers private music lessons for all levels of students.
Blanchard said, “In supporting school band, orchestra, and guitar/ ukulele programs through reasonably priced, highqualityrental instruments, we are facilitating student access to learning music. The band and orchestra experience gives kids asense of belonging and practice in working together (the ensemble) and requires practice. The practice of “practice” builds tenacity and grit, which are great life skills! The saying “music makes you smarter” is true in that new neural pathways are built in the study and practice of music: It’slearning anew language, developing sensory-motor and listening skills, and improving cognitive skills such as visual memory.All of these skills
(Photo: Frequent Flyers)
(Photo: HB Woodsongs)
are relevant to learning and achieving in academic settings. Itruly believe that art saves lives through enrichment, expression, and beauty.”
At KinesisDance in Boulder, the programs are designed to not only develop students’ dance skillsbut also to enrich their overall school experience and improve their ability to achieve in all areas of life.
Artistic Director Cynthia Burdine said,“Through dance, students learn discipline, focus, teamwork, and time management skills,which are all transferable to their academic and personal lives. Participatinginour programs helps students develop physicalfitness, coordination, and flexibility, which can improve their overall health and well-being. The creative expressionand self-confidence gained through dance can also booststudents’ self-esteemand helpthem navigate social situations with greater ease. Additionally, our programs offer performance opportunities that allow students to showcase their talents and buildtheir stage presence. This can help students develop valuable presentation and public speaking skills that can be beneficial in-school presentations and future career endeavors. Overall, ourprograms at Kinesis Dance provide aholistic approach to educationand personal development, helping students become well-rounded individuals whoare prepared to succeedinall aspects of their lives.”
Kinesis Dance youth programs cater todancers of all agesand skill levels, from the “For The Littles” program for ages 2-6tothe “Everybody Dance Program” for ages 6-17 and the competitive Frequency Dance Company. Cynthia said, “AtKinesis Dance, we offer avariety of exciting opportunitiesfor young dancers, including Twinkle Dance and Play Parties, School Day Off and SummerCamps,Super Spectaculardance classes, free days of dance, and our popular Winter Fest featuring princesses, characters, and activities.Plus, we partner withlocal organizations to provide performanceand scholarship opportunities for our dancers. Our experienced instructors arededicated to creating apositiveand supportive environment where children can explore their creativity,build confidence, and develop alove for dance.”
Carrie Colton, the Artistic Director at Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids, explained, “Weoffer summer camps where we put up big beautiful shows, and we do after-school classes in acting, singing and dancing. We also have aconservatoryprogramfor
really dedicated students that goes through the whole school year with advanced training in the performing arts. We don’tjust put up plays and wear costumes. Students who engage in storytelling and art are learning empathy, discipline, cooperation, coordination, intonation, articulation and imagination. They are doing all of this while also having agood time and making lasting friendships! Theatre builds confidence, problem-solving, and so many social skills. The benefitsgoonand on and on.”
Jennifer Moriarta, owner and general manager of the School of Rock Broomfield said the performance-based music programs areuniquely designed to experience the joy of playing music together She said, “Wecombine 1-on-1 music lessons with group instruction, and mostofour programs culminate in alive rock concert. We teach guitar, bass, keyboard, vocals,and drums, and we currently teach students age 5-75! Students learn music in their 1-on-1 lessons and also work collaboratively in rehearsals to prepare songs that will be performed on stage. School of Rock creates incredibly wellrounded musicians, but our students also learnteamwork, gain self-confidence, make friends,and have tons of fun along the way!”
6500 W. 120th Ave., Unit A-B, Broomfield, 303.325.3772, broomfield.schoolofrock.com
(Photo: Kinesis Dance)
(Photo: Rocky Mountain Theatrefor Kids)
(Photo: School of Rock)
MAKING ADIFFERENCE
BVSDFoundationMakes ABigImpactOnEducation
BY SHELLEY WIDHALM for Raised in the Rockies
Impact on Education fills Boulder Valley School District’sbudget gaps to create even better classrooms for students.
“Our work engages students and empowers educators to make sure students have access to the resources they need when they needthem,” said Catherine Wessling, director of marketing and communication forImpact on Education, based in Louisville. “Wemake sure every investment we make addresses equity in the school district.”
Impact on Education, an independent nonprofit founded in 1983, supports 28,000 students and 4,000 educators in the district’s 56 public schools to meet critical needs and eliminate opportunity gaps.The state spends$3,000 below the national average per student per year,which in 2024will be $14,840
“We’reaclose partner with the district,”Wessling said. “They help us identify where we can make the most impact, and we work with them to deliver programs.”
Impact on Education provides the school district with supplemental funding and resources through anumber of programs, including high school drop-in wellness centers for mental health support during the school day, a Career Readiness Academy with after-schoolworkshops focused on professionalskill development, and access to career and college pathways for 200under-resourced students by covering their fees forconcurrent enrollment courses, tests and applications and supporting their access to Career and Technical Education.
Duringthe 2023-24 school
year,1,300 studentsvisited the district’s six wellness centers, and 70 attended the academy Also that year,the nonprofit awarded $150,000 across 140 grantstoeducators and schools tobridge opportunity gaps and make education more equitable.
Each year,Impact on Education offersa full-day summerschool program for 274 rising kindergartners that helps them preview the kindergarten curriculum. The program boostsclassroom readinessfor students who didn’tattend preschool or are from marginalized communities.
In another program, Crayons to Calculators, the nonprofit provides essential
school supplies, headphones, and backpacksfor 5,000lowincomestudentsayear,which has been in operation since 2005. Impact on Education purchases the school supplies and backpacks wholesale and delivers them to the district’s schools so that the supplies are available to students before the first day of school.
“This program helps alleviate difficult financial decisions forfamilies, such as buying groceries or school supplies,”Wessling said. “It can impact students’success in the classroom and later in life.”
BVSD used to run the program withSt. Vrain Valley School District, but two years ago, the districts separated, with St. Vrain adopting
Supplies for Success. Apeerto-peer community challenge in August alsoencourages businesses and community organizations to raise funds to help support BVSD’sprogram. Impact on Education is funded by grants, fundraisers, and corporate and individual donations. Options to get involved with the nonprofit include making adonation, volunteering and joining the monthly newsletter to get informed about the work the nonprofit is doing. The nonprofit hosts quarterly volunteer orientations to share about opportunities, as well as about its missionand programs.
Another way to get involved is to attend Impact on Education’sannual fundraising gala, which this year will be on Aug. 23 with a tropical theme, “Together We Grow.”’
“Impact on Education’s work ensures that all students have accesstoexcellent and equitable education, which expands their future opportunities,”Wessling said. “Providing access to highquality public education is the most impactful way to disrupt the cycle of poverty and improve the lives of students and families.”
LEFT:Kinder Bridge 2024. RIGHT:Wellness Center at Fairview High School. (Photos courtesy: Impact on Education).
Career Readiness Academy –mock interview workshop at Boulder High. (Photo courtesy: Impact on Education).
For nearly 60 years, Longmont Dairy has been delivering fresh milk to residents’ doorsteps, but now it’snot just milk but another 20 or so local products.
“People like the convenience of receivingperishable items regularly.That way,they don’thave to take trips to the store as much,”said Katie Copeland, co-owner and president of Longmont Dairy Farm,Inc. “People appreciate buying local from us and other businesses in the area that we support.”
Copeland and herbrother, Dan Boyd, co-owner and CEO of Longmont Dairy,purchased the business as thirdgenerationowners in 2015 after growing up in it. They appreciated the old-fashioned idea of milk being delivered in glass bottles, ensuring it has no supplemental rBSTgrowth hormones.
In 2018, Copelandand Boyd expanded the dairy’s processing plant to include their own fresh-brewed tea, cold brew coffee, coffee creamers and other bottled products. Theyalso partnered
with other Colorado vendors to be able to deliver items like eggs, yogurt, bread and cookies, realizing the importance of innovating and bringing in new products as milk consumption continues to decline internationally
Longmont Dairy delivers to thousands of customers from Loveland to Parker,mapping out the routes to certain times and days of the week for greaterefficiency.Most of the deliveries aredone at night when traffic is lighter.
“We’ve become very efficient doing speed routes at night and during the day,” Copeland said.
Customers leave their used glass bottles, and delivery drivers pick them up and drop off new productsinLongmont Dairy coolers. The bottles are then cleaned, sanitized and reused.
But customers aren’t locked intoa schedule.They can manage their standing orders online, through an app or personally through customer service forany requestedchanges, suchasfor avacation.
“The milk is very fresh, roughly within 48 hours of the cows being milked,” Copeland said. “Our
Longmont Dairy donates 5cents for every milk cap turned in as part of it’sMilk Caps for Moola program. As of early 2024, they have donated $700,000 for the 14 millionth cap (Photo: Longmont Dairy).
customers say milk tastes better in glass bottles, and we can control the quality from start to finish.”
Over the years, the cows have been at different locations in Longmont and Loveland, and they are currently on afarm in Loveland, totaling more than 500. The dairy delivers five days aweek but is sure to bring in milk daily since cows don’ttake days off.
“Wehave our own cows–that make us unique because we’re aproducer and a handler,” Copeland said. “We bottle and process our own product.”
Milk Caps forMoola
Longmont Dairy gives back to schools in its delivery area through its Milk Caps for Moola program,founded in 2012. The dairy donates 5 cents for every cap turned in and, as of early 2024, donated $700,000 for the 14 millionth
cap. Right now, 440schools participate in the program, but more continue to be added.
“Wedon’treuse them; we just recycle them, then we send them acheck,” Copeland said.
In the first year of the program, LongmontDairy collected around 25,000 caps and nowcollects aweekly average of40,000 caps. The program helpsfund field trips, sports andplayground equipment, art supplies and iPads.
“The schools and teachers need all the money they can get to support thekids and the programs,”Copeland said. “It’safun way for kids to help their schools, and it’san easy way forschools to make money.”
To sign up forthe Milk Caps forMoola program, visit longmontdairy.com/ mooola.html.
Katie Copeland andher brother Dan Boyd purchased the business as third-generation owners in 2015 after growing up in it. (Photo: LongmontDairy).
BACKTOSCHOOL PREP
Beyond the Basics
Local Finds foraBalanced Back-to-School Season
Prepping forback to
school doesn’talways mean buying books, pencils and notebooks
These days, the life of atypicalgrade school student is complex. Maintaining ahealthy balancebetween academics, extracurricular activities, and time to relax is tricky and requires aunique kind of balance–and aunique set of supplies.
That’swhy it’suseful to know where to find supplies that aren’tnecessarilyonyour student’sclassroom supply list. Boulder County boasts plentyoflocalvendors that can make thereturntoschool amore welcoming experiencefor students, whether they love to supplement the school day with dance, need to take ahike outdoorstodealwith the pressure of the classroom, or need to find that perfect space at home to study,decompressand findtheir center.
Here are some off-the-beaten-track places to stockupon materialsfor the schoolyear
Brown’sShoe Fit
The active Colorado lifestyle isn’tonly for adults. Kids need to hike, explore and enjoy the state’spicturesque stretches just as much as their parents,and Brown’sShoeFit in Longmont offers footwear that can withstand the elementsofaColorado trail, and look good in the classroom. The women’sSawtooth II shoe model ($140) or the men’sBridgerB-Dry($200) are both great options that are equallyfashionable andrugged.
McDonald Carpet One
Creating awelcoming, comfortable and durable home can be acritical partofgiving students the resources they need to rest, recharge and be allthey can be in the classroom. For example, McDonald Carpet One in Boulder is aperfect place to go to update the flooringinachild’sroom, a step thatcan make any space amore welcoming place for study.Luxury vinyl plank(LVP) flooringisagreat option for updating flooring in households with kidsdue to its durability and ease of maintenance. One of the primary benefitsofLVP is its resistance to thetypical spills, stains and scratches that are common in homes with children.
Budget Home Supply
Similarly,it’scritical that students have enough light and spacetoproductively do their work outside of school. Budget Home Supply in Longmont has long beenlocalexperts in all different facets of home repair,from roofing to flooring to landscaping. Their skill in electrical maintenance and lighting is equally well-known, and they’re the go-to place to find efficient, affordable and effective ways to reinvent the lighting, electrical and exposure in aroom to make it even more welcoming than a school library
Boulder Body Wear
Dance is aperfect way to keep physically active and mentally sharp amid abusy school schedule, and ballet is away to add haute culture into the mix as well. Boulder Body Wear specializes in all the best materials for the aspiring dancer,including professional shoes like the Hanami Leather series by Capezio at $42, which features hammered pleats forsmooth floor contact and leather sole and heel patches.
Summit ClassicalAcademy is a privateschoolgroundedin biblical teaching anda timeless Classical Christiancurriculum. Currentlyserving K-10 andis expandingbya gradeeach year to become K-12 by 2027!
We arededicated to thespiritual, emotional, mental,and physical livesofour students andour families,and area fiercely intentionalChristian community, partnering with parentstofostera joyful loveoflearningand each child’suniqueessence andgifts
info@summitclassicalacademy.org 720-633-9300
www.SummitClassicalAcademy.org
•Exercises
•Mindful
•Creativity•
Thecurriculumisspecific
FromTheSuperintendent
BoulderValley School District
BVSDisthePlacetoBe
Wehope everyoneis having awonderful summer!
As we look forward to the beginning of the newschool year in just afew short weeks, Ican’twait to welcome students and staff back to class and to see what they accomplish during the 20242025 School Year
Back to School is always filled with promise and opportunities –and that is especially true in the Boulder Valley School District.
BVSD is the Place to…
Be Successful
BVSD has long been aleader in education here in Colorado –known for its rigorous instruction and resulting excellence of our graduates. In fact, the BVSD Class of 2024 had:
•1 U.S. Presidential Scholar
•12National Merit Scholars
•2 Boetcher Scholars
We are also proudtoshare that more than 60 percent of BVSD graduates go to college and have what it takes to finish the job. This is demonstratedbythe fact that 92 percent of BVSD graduates return for the secondyear
We aim to give all of our graduatesanadvantage through the Grad Plus Framework (learn more at www.bvsd.org/grad-plus). Before leaving high school our students can earn college credits (and sometimeseven college degrees), workbased experience,industry certificates and the Seal of Biliteracy.
•2,176 BVSD graduates in the Classof2024 participated in Grad Plus earning medals at graduation, and the following:
•2,035 studentsearned college credits.
•10x moreBVSD students participated in Colorado’sASCENT program,which offers a free year of college
•725 students earned nearly 1,938 industry certificates
•More than 626 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy
•299 studentsenrolled in BVSD courses connected to acareer pathway participating in high level WorkBased Learning experiences
Be Supported
Lifted by the best teachers and support staffin Colorado, our goal is to help every student succeed in their academic, career and personal lives.
•The district has been named one of the top companies in Colorado by Forbes Magazine twice in the past four years (#1 in 2000 and #2 in 2024).
•Two BVSD schools were in the top 10 of the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colorado Schools
•First school district in Colorado to implement universal dyslexia screening for all kindergartenstudents
Be Green
As aleader in whole district sustainability,BVSD creates healthy learning environments and experiences that equip all studentsand staffwith the knowledge and skills to create more equitable and sustainable communities.
•First school district in the nation to pass Green New Deal resolution
•First school district in the nation to earn REAL Certified designation
•2023 Best of Green Schools -School System -Green Schools National Network
•2022 GreenPrint Trailblazer LeadershipGreen Schools National Network
Be Safe
BVSD is committed to keeping our school communities safe. We know that before learning is possible, our students and staff must feel safe and supported.
•Demonstrated leader in crisis response
•Strengthened and layered security measures through bond project improvements
Be Well
We are focused on students’ well being and the integration of social emotional learning in our schools.
•Implemented Wellness Centers across BVSD’s high schools
•Successfully sued Juul to end marketing of vaping to students
•RISE Influencer District
-Kaiser Permanente and Colorado EducationInitiative
Be You
We are striving to create a welcoming environment for student, family and staff member in BVSD –with inclusivityand equity always at the forefront
•Developing first neurodiversity policy in the nation
•Decade of leadership in supporting transgender students
BVSD is the Placefor You
Learn more about all about the district, our 56 amazing schools and the diverse array of programs they offer and enroll by visitingour website www.bvsd.org/the-place Additionally,besure to mark October 9onyour calendar.Wewill once again be holding the BVSD is the Place toBeShowcase, an opportunitytolearn about all of our schools and meet our principals in one place, at one time at the CU EventsCenter At BVSD we are #AllTogetherforAllStudents. Together,wecan achieve amazing outcomes for our students, families and communities.
Sincerely,
Dr.Rob Anderson Superintendent Boulder Valley School District
RobAnderson
From TheSuperintendent
Don Haddad
St. Vrain Valley SchoolDistrict
AcceleratingStudent Achievementand Success
Wehave much to celebrate in the St. Vrain Valley community,and Iwantto extend my gratitude foryour continuedpartnership and supportinadvancingour students,teachers, staff, and schools. As we return for the 2024-2025 school year,we will build on an unprecedented level of success across all of our schools.
Students within St. Vrain Valley Schools have access to numerous high-quality instructional programs and opportunities designedto provide astrong academic foundation and advance their engagement and exploration in cutting-edgefields. These experiences will providethem withastrongcompetitive advantage in our complex, globalized world. This past year,our on-time four-year graduation rate has reached the highest level in our district’shistory,at93.3% –higher than any district in the Denver Metro Area, whilemaintaining the highest graduation requirements.
We have alsocelebrated increased studentachievement at alllevels,PK-14, including outpacing the state on 100% of state standardized tests.Thisincludes advancing reading andmath achievements and significantly increasing enrollmentin college-level Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, concurrent enrollment, honors,and Pathways through Technology Early CollegeHigh School (P-TECH) coursework. Further,our students have achieved excellence through an unprecedented number of state, regional,national, and international awards in various fields such as robotics, athletics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity,visual and performing arts, business, debate,career and technical education,and many other academic and co-curricular areas.
Additionally,every school in our system was moving forward thissummer by providing multiple highquality activities.This
included advanced learning opportunities, robust cocurricular activities, and construction projects that support growth and enhance the quality and safety of our schools. Toward this end, thousands of students continued their learning through our Project Launch program, which provides four additional weeks of high-quality,rigorous, fullday instruction in math and language arts. Within our state-of-the-art, 55,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center,hundreds of studentsparticipated in coursework and pursued advanced STEM opportunities in robotics, biomedical engineering, aeronautics, artificial intelligence, and music innovation. While our students were highly engaged in rigorous summer programs, our teachers and staff focused on professional development designed to advance their knowledge and skills. Thousands of teachers and staff enrolled in St. Vrain courses over the summer,with alaser focus on collaboration and accelerating student achievement through highquality instruction.
Iwant to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our students, teachers,and staff. Your continued commitment is pivotal in the success and progress we celebrate each year,and it humbles me to witness the powerful impact that we achieve when we work together to elevate the success of our students, schools, and community.Incollaboration with multiple communities,
the St. Vrain Valley Schools Board of Education will decide in August on the placement of abond measure on the 2024 ballot. This bond initiative is designedtoensure our continuedcommitment to academic excellence, accountability,safety,and providing the education that today’sstudents will need for tomorrow’sjobs and careers. Importantly,the 2024 bond initiative will NOT increase property taxesfor our residents. This significant investment in our community’s future is made possible by several factors, including existing population growth, strong financial management, and community investments.
This fall, I’ll be hosting annual open forums in each of our geographic areas in order to dialogue with our community,respond to questions and suggestions, share our many student successes, and discuss the 2024 bond and our bold vision for continuing to build new schools as our student enrollment continues to climb. Ilook forward to seeing everyone at one of our upcoming community meetings and personally thanking you for everything that you do to support our students, teachers, and staff. Together,weare championing astronger future for our children, our communities, our nation, and our world.
Sincerely,
Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent St. VrainValley
Chris Gdowski
Adams 12 Five Star Schools FromTheSuperintendent
ElevatingStudentSuccess intheFiveStarDistrict
AsAdams 12 Five Star Schools approaches its 75th anniversary one year from now, we have much to celebrate! As we begin to look forward to the 2024-2025 school year,weare thankfulfor the partnership we have with our Five Star community and are excited to build on our collective successes in theyear ahead
FiveStar Proud
We have alot to be Five Star Proud and thankful about in Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Our students andstaff are demonstrating amazing growth andsuccess across our 50-plus schools. I’ll highlight just afew indicators of that success.
•Reaching an all-time high, the district celebrated an on-time graduationrate of 86.4 percent for the Class of 2023. This was an increase of 2.5 percent compared to the previous year and more than three percent higher than the statewide average.
•Five Star Schools continues to see more students taking, and receiving high scores on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. For 2023, the district saw an alltime high 67 percent of AP exams taken received ascore of 3orgreater, an increase of nearly 10 percent overa five year span.
•Pathways Future Center’sClass of 2023 recordedthe school’s all-time high on-time graduation rate of 71.2 percent. Pathways is an alternative education campus which offers a small and supportive learning environment that models a professionalbusiness atmosphere.
•Celebrating two of our nationally recognized STEM schoolsNorthglenn High School and STEM Launch -for being recognized as a Project LeadThe Way’s (PLTW) Distinguished Programs. Students engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, allowing them to use and stretch their imaginations in brand new ways.
•Inits firstyear, the district’sNewcomer Centerserved 188 newcomer high school students, with 9 graduates, all of whom moved to the United Statesatthe start of the school year,accepted to postsecondary institutions. Locatedat Thornton High School, it provides academic, social-emotional and extracurricular opportunitiestorecently arrived immigrant and refugee students and families.
Blueprint: Investing in Student Success
Blueprint is acommunitydriven plan that defines and prioritizes the needs of the district, as they relate to the continued implementation of the district’sstrategic plan called ELEVATE. Through acollaborative process, investment opportunities were identified that address what the community values and wants to see the district provide for students.
Through Blueprint, the district looks to reenvision the school environment where both operational and building investments work together to create the best possible experience for students, staff and families.
There are two primary investment areas –facilities and programming– that the Five Star community has helped the district identify Additional funding is needed to address the prioritiesin both investment areas and the district may ultimately ask voters to decide on how best to fund them.
FacilitiesInvestment Areas
•Improving school safety
•Replacing aging roofs, heating, cooling, and plumbing systems
•Repairing and improving school grounds
•Rebuilding and modernizing aging schools
•Expanding career and technical educational facilities
•Expandingaccess to more special classes for elementary students, including adding Computer Science classes at all schools
•Hands-on courses such as architectural design,aviation,and engineering that equip students with skills aligned with emerging industries
•Exploratory career and technical education (CTE) classes for middle schoolgrades (6-8), allowing students to discover interests in business/ entrepreneurship, computer science/ robotics/digital arts, family and consumer sciences, pre-engineering and construction trades.
As part ofits Blueprint planningprocess, the Board of Educationwill consider placing ballotmeasures that would ask voters to approve funding for these investments in November 2024.
Youcan learn more at adams12.org/engage.
Enjoy the rest ofyour summer and we look forward to welcomingyou back for the 2024-2025school year!
Sincerely,
Chris Gdowski Superintendent
Private, Charter &Preschool Spotlight
Actors Academyfor the Performing Arts
Actors Academy for the Performing Arts offers year round pre-professional training in dance, voice, and acting, as well as, aprofessional theater experience. Auditions for our Academy program take place June-Sept, call our office for additional details or to schedule your audition! Our Rocky Mountain Theatre forKids division offers summer camps and after schoolclasses for kids at all experience levels, ages 5 to 18.
Grades served: 1st through 12 th grade
Address: 5311 Western Ave., Ste 135, Boulder
Phone: (303)245-8150
Website: theaterforkids.net
Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten
Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten is anonprofit, Christian organization providing early childhood programsfor ages 2½ through kindergarten. Our preschool program curriculum is developmentally ageappropriate and provides a balance of child-centered choices and teacher guided experiences inaChristian environment.
Grades served: Ages 2½to 6years old
Address: 545 W10th Ave., Broomfield
Phone: (303) 466-8365
Website: broomfieldumc.org/ apple-tree-christian
Aspen Ridge Preparatory School
Aspen RidgePreparatory School is aKindergarten through 8th grade tuition-free charter school with aprivate preschool program. The school was built BY the community to build UP the community. It has small class sizes, highly skilled teachers, and acontent-rich curriculum. At Aspen Ridge Preparatory School, each student has apersonalized education plan, updated annually, to reflectacademic and behavioral goals focused on each student’s needs. Students have daily opportunities to build confidence, academic success and positive character traits. Email info@ aspenridgeprepschool.org to learn more or schedule your tour!
Flagstaff Academy Charter School, located in Longmont, is atuition-free kindergarten through 8th grade public charter school. The school also offers afee-based preschool program for three- to fiveyear olds. The schooloffers an academically rigorous Core Knowledge-based curriculum with astrong focus on scienceand technology that includes inquiry-based science, robotics, computer sciences, integrated technology and agreenhouse classroom. Flagstaff Academy is also home to the leading RestorativePractices program in the region, providing a strong focus on character development and ethical leadership.
Grades served: Preschool through 8th Grade
Address: 2040 Miller Drive, Longmont Phone: (303) 651-7900
Website: flagstaffacademy.org
Bixby School
Bixby School offers a progressive education where we know each student deeply and provide handson learning experiences in small classes with expert teachers who fuel and celebrate curiosity every day. Our beautiful, inspiring three-acre campus includes natural play areas and an indoor pool.We are awelcoming place for family and community, with year-round events and many social and volunteer opportunities.
At Friends School, we value all learners. Ourcreative academically-challenging, safe environment allows every student from preschool through 8th grade to be seen, knownand loved. Small class sizes allow us to meet each studentwhere they are as learners, helping themto know themselvesand settheir own path.A FriendsSchool education promisesanessential foundation for alife of success. Our vision is as clear today as it was when we started in 1987: Makingthe world better by challengingminds, nurturing spirits and honoring individuality.
Grades Served: Preschool (starting at age 2.5) through 8th Grade
Address: South Campus (Preschool &Elementary) 5465 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder; North Campus (Middle School &Teacher Prep Program) 3800 KalmiaAve., Boulder Phone: (303) 499-1999 Website: friendsschoolboulder.org
Private, Charter& Preschool Spotlight
Boulder Country Day School
BCD is atop-rated preschool through middleschool in Boulder, Colorado where every child has the opportunity to discover their own unique excellence We believe that students should be engaged through experiences offered in an atmosphere of encouragement, joyand high expectations. We understand that children taught by inspiring and creative teachers, who care deeply about each child’sprogress and development, are more likely to flourish.
Grades served: Preschool through 8th grade
Address: 4820 Nautilus Court North, Boulder
Phone: (303) 527-4931
Website: bouldercountryday.org
Boulder Valley School District Early Childhood Education
Boulder Valley School District’s integrated preschool program welcomes children who qualify for the Colorado Preschool Program, Special Education, or who pay tuition, all in one classroom. Children learn through play. Our classrooms are set up as centers of discovery, and the children’s curiosity directs their learning. Teachers facilitate the children’s experiences while making sure they feel nurtured and safe.
Grades Served: Preschool Address: Most BVSD elementary schools
Phone: (720)561.5075
Website: ece.bvsd.org
Boulder Valley WaldorfSchool
38-acre agricultural campus provides apeaceful yet stimulating environment for children from Preschool through 8th grade! Forpreschool and kindergarten, aplay-based loving community is the perfect place for children to begin their educational journey. Teachers in the elementary grades present as role models whomchildren will naturally want to follow, fostering rapport and nurturing curiosity, imagination and creativity. Students areactiveparticipants. Celebrating unique strengths and talents throughabroad and diverse curriculum. In the middle school, children arenow empowered to take that “front seat” in their ownlearning,with discussion groups.
Grades Served: Preschool through 8th Grade
Address: 6500 W. DryCreek Pkwy., Niwot
Phone: (303) 652-0130
Website: bvwaldorf.org
Dawson School
Dawson is aprivate, collegepreparatory day school serving Adams, Boulder and Weld Countyfamilies We have aspectacular and safe campus surrounded by 700 acresofopenspace in Lafayette.Weare more than aschool. We are a community. .Wehave crafted an inclusive campus experience where students are known and recognized as individuals. We value their abilities, encourage their unique interests, and deliver world-class education. This commitment is the reason our students have 100% college acceptance.
Grades Served: Kindergarten through 12th grade
Address: 10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette
Phone: (303) 665-6679
Website: dawsonschool.org
Private, Charter &PreschoolSpotlight
Holy Family High School
Holy Family High School offers aCatholic learning environment that stresses academic excellence, fosters mutual respect, demands responsibility, and encourages self-growth. Founded in 1922, we celebrate our 101st year as aCatholic high school serving the front range. The people in the building change, and the building itself has changed, but what remains consistent is Holy Family’s mission to educate the Whole Person: Spirit, Mind, and Body. As aCatholic high school, we offer smaller class sizes, allowing us to connect personally and intellectually with each student in an intimate and inspiring academic setting.
Grades served: 9th through 12th grade
Address: 5195 W. 144thAve., Broomfield Phone: (303) 410-1411 Website: holyfamilyhs.com
Kohl StreetKids at United Church of Broomfield
Kohl Street Kids strives to provide quality childcare that meets the needs of each individual family,inasafe and healthy environment.This is a program wherewestressthe importance of having good listening and cooperation skills School children need to be given words of encouragement, help with boosting their self-esteem and treated withrespect, in order to mature into theirrole of caring young adults. Children today have to face many difficult issues and pressures… making them feel valuable and important needs to be apriority for us all.
Rocky Mountain Christian Academy is aChrist-centered, Preschool through 8th grade school located in Niwot, Colorado. Rocky Mountain Christian Academy fosters educational renewal based on Charlotte Mason’sphilosophy and practice. We serve the Northern Colorado community by providing aliving education to students and families.As part of Ambleside Schools International, we are one of 25 Member Schools acrossthe world. Here your child is viewed as acomplete person, created by God with adesire to learn.
The St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) offers a preschool program with locations available in Longmont, Niwot, Lyons,Mead and Erie, as well as the Spark! Discovery Preschool serves families in the Carbon ValleyArea. Registration continues for tuition-based programs with opportunities for tuition assistancethrough Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) and scholarships. The program is free for children who qualify for Special Education Services. “Families can rest assured that their childrenwill be loved and cared for by educated teaching staff who work hard at helping each student reach their highestpotential,” says Director Shela Blankinship.
Grades served: Preschool Address: Various locations Phone: 303.702.7815 Website: svvsd.org/preschool
Private, Charter &Preschool Spotlight
Summit Classical Academy
Summit Classical Academy is aprivate school grounded in atimeless Classical Christian curriculum. We are currently serving grades K-10 and will be adding agrade each year through 12thgrade. We are dedicated to the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical lives of our students and our families, and are afiercely intentional Christiancommunity, partnering with parents to foster ajoyful love of learning and each child’s unique essence and gifts We model theWarrior’s Creed and emphasize God’struth, goodness andbeauty.
Grades Served: Currently serving Kindergarten through 10th grade
Address: 3031 W144th Ave
Broomfield
Phone: (720) 633-9300
Website: summitclassicalacademy.org
Temple Grandin School
TempleGrandin School is more thanjust aschool -it’s acommunity. Located on 22 acres of ruralland inBoulder, TempleGrandin School provides adynamic, strengths-based learning environmentfor neurodivergentstudents in grades 6to12. Its comprehensive socio-academic program serves students whoare intellectually curious, and who benefit from smallclasses withintegrated socialand executive function support. We providea full academicprogram aligned with Colorado AcademicStandards, aschool-wide positive behavior support program, social communication coaching embedded throughout theschool day, individualized enrichment activities, and student-centered transitionplanning
Grades served: 6th through 12th grade
Address: 3131 Indian Road, Boulder
Phone: (303) 554-7363
Website: templegrandinschool.org
Thorne NaturePreschool
Thorne Nature Preschool is built on the simple belief that kids grow better in nature. At Thorne Nature Preschool, young children learn, grow and reach their full potential through daily immersion in nature with caring, attentive mentors. With dual goals of fostering the development of the whole child and nature connection, Thorne Nature Preschool prepares young children to succeed in school and in life. Thorne Nature Preschool, based at the NEW Lafayette Nature Center, is for children ages 3 to 6. We have half and full-day options available, along with optional early care. Thorne Nature Preschool is aprovider of Colorado’s Universal Preschool program. Enrollment applications are accepted year-round.
Grades Served: Preschool, ages 3to6
Address: 300 Old Laramie Trail East, Lafayette
Phone: (303) 499-3647
Website: thornenaturepreschool.org
TLC Learning Center
TLC has nurtured and supported the cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development of children for over 67 years. We offer high-quality, inclusive infant and toddler care,preschool and pediatric therapy services to provide comprehensive early childhood education and therapeutic services to assist each child in reaching their highestpotential. We are aLevel Four Colorado Shines infant, toddler, and preschool program that serves children with a variety of needs and from awide range of backgrounds, combined with on and off site therapeutic services that complement our educational curriculum,while being tailored to the needs of each child.
Grades served: Six weeks until Kindergarten-ready
Address: 611 Korte Parkway, Longmont
Phone: (303) 776-7417
Website: learningwithtlc.org
Private, Charter &Preschool Spotlight
TreehouseLearning
Treehouse Learning provides quality care, responsivelearning experiences andwhole-child development opportunities for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. Familyowned and independently operated since 1997, we exist to help human beings thriveand co-create the world we want to see. Treehouse Learning’s mission is to provide asafe, stimulating environment to foster optimal, intentional early learning experiences, healthy social-emotional growth, and nurture the whole child. Our relationship-basedand culturally-competent curriculum is rooted in play, creative arts, movement
Grades served: Infant through Kindergarten
Address: 175 N. 96th St Louisville
Phone: (303) 666-1950
Website: treehouselearning.com
YMCAInspirePreschool
The YMCA of Northern Colorado provides programs and offerings that help children learn, grow and thrive.From preschoolstoafterschool care, we expand young minds, focus on developing character, help foster positive friendships, createalifelong love forlearningand have ridiculous amountsoffun.The Yhas preschools locatedinLongmont, Johnstown and, coming in 2024, Loveland as well as after-school care and school day off campsin four school districts.
Grades served: Preschool through 5th Grade; options for teens
Address: 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette
Phone:(303) 664-5455
Website: ymcanoco.org
Twin Peaks ClassicalAcademy
Twin Peaks is aPreschool through 12th grade, tuitionfree, public, charter school in Longmont, Colorado. We offer a auniquechoice in SVVSD with an exceptional classical education availabletoall students. A classical education isbasedonthe timeless value of creating critical thinkers who seek truth, beauty and goodness, while acquiring foundational skills and knowledge, in ateacher-led classroom that lays the foundation foradvanced study. The heartofaclassical school is acomprehensive Latin masteryprogram, beginning in kindergarten.Aclassical school explicitlyteaches character and values through the study of great works of literature.
Grades Served: Preschool through 12th grade
Address: 340 South Sunset St. Longmont
Phone: (303) 772-7286
Website: twinpeaksclassical.org
Ziji Early Elementary School
Ziji Early Elementary meets MondaythroughThursday for kindergarten, first, and second grade children. School hoursare 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At Ziji we are inspired to create ameaningful and embodied entryinto the world of academics for young students. Our curriculum offers an organic transition from play to study. When free play and academicsare broughtintobalance the child’s inner unfolding is not sidetracked, and whotheyare and what brings them joy is not discounted. Ziji students learn through creativeengagementand potent academics within aplay-based environment that holdsstrong values around emotional safety and nourishing thewhole child
Gradesserved: Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
Address: 6390 JayRd, Boulder
Phone: (303) 530-0844
Website: zijiearlyelementary.org
Vista Ridge Academy
Vista Ridge Academy is a preschool through eighth grade private Christianschool located in Erie, Colorado. Through our Christ-centered community and personally attentive teaching philosophy, we nurture the unique talents of each student aslearners and leaders—aiming to grow confident minds, strong bodies, and loving spirits. Vista Ridge Academy is part of the Adventist education system, one of the largest Christian educationalsystems in the world, which emphasizes awholistic approach to educating students academically, physically, and spiritually—according to our core values.
Grades served: Preschool through 8th grade
Address: 3100 Ridge View Drive,Erie
Phone: (303) 828-4944
Website: vistaridge.org
Watershed School
Aprogressive independent school in Boulder, the Watershed School is committed to aprogram and school culture that inspires and educates students to become highly capable, healthy, wiseand engaged citizens prepared to take on the world’sgreat challenges. Our students engage in work that matters —work that is important to the student and hasapositive impact beyond the walls of the school.
Grades Served: 6th to 12th grade
Address: 1661 Alpine Ave., Boulder
Phone: (303) 440-7520
Website: watershedschool.org
Joinusfor aspellbinding rendition of Jonathan Dove’s “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” featuring an ensemble orchestra conducted by the talented Mario Barbosa. Thisone-hour operaisperfectly crafted for family enjoyment, bringing the timeless story of the wooden puppet with dreams of becoming arealboy to life. With its enchanting music and anarrative that captures the hearts ofbothchildren and adults, thisshow is an ideal outing for families seeking a magical cultural experience.
Don’tmiss thisunforgettablejourney into aworld of adventureand wonder! DEC 14/15 -eTown Hall
TheSt.Vrain Advantage
We areproviding currentand future generationsa strong competitiveadvantage so that allstudentscan achieve successina globalized world.
CareerandCollege Readiness
693Certifications
Last year,693 certifications were awardedtostudents enrolled in oneof 17 programs offering industry-recognized certifications. Theseinclude EMT/paramedic, manufacturing trades,automotivetechnology, welding, aeronautics, engineering, information technology,and more
702Students
$12Million in Savings
ThroughAdvanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment courses, last year students hadthe opportunity to save families approximately $12million or more in future tuitionexpenses.
Over 700studentshavebeenenrolledinone of St.Vrain’s four P-TECH programs that includesignificantmentorshipand internship opportunities, alongsiderigorouscollege coursework St.Vrain hasP-TECHprogramsfocused on information technology,biochemistry, cybersecurity, andbusiness.
HighestOn-Time Graduation Rate
St.Vrain Valley Schoolshas achieved the higheston-time graduation rate of anydistrictinthe Denver Metroareaat93.3%, andthe highest of anydistrictinColoradowithmorethan300 graduates. St.Vrain’s Hispanicgraduationrate, at 88.3%,isalsothe highest of anydistrictinthe Denver MetroArea.
Signatureprogramsfor students that area first of itskindand/or nationally recognized:
• Four P-TECH Programs
• Pathways to Teaching Program
• Mobile Innovation Lab
• CybersecurityMobileLab
• Underwater Robotics Programming
• DronePerformance Team
• Advanced Manufacturing Academy
• Toyota TECS Program
• ArtificialIntelligence StudentTeam
• andsomuchmore
Athletics,Arts, andActivities
78%Engagement
Over 78%ofSt. Vrainsecondary studentsare engagedinco-curricular or extracurricular activities outsidethe regularschoolday
200+ Athletic Championships
Since2019,St. Vrain athletes have brought home more than 200total statetitlesincludingteamand individual titles.
240 Robotics Teams
St.Vrain is home to over 240competitive robotics teams, as well as numerous state, national,and world champions.
