St. Vrainnovation Magazine, 2024

A St. Vrain Valley Schools Publication | 2024

In this issue:

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT THE FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS Let your future take flight

GAMEPLAN FOR EXCELLENCE

WHERE FUTURES TAKE FLIGHT Our students are the creators, innovators, and leaders who will shape the future and drive the success of our community, state, and nation. The sky is the limit. Public education is the catalyst from which our future is born.

Instructions:

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Cut along gray dotted line and flip to front

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2 Fold top corners in (front)

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5 Fold in half

6 Fold out

Launch your plane and share with us on social media

Watch Innovation Center students attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for the largest RC powered paper airplane.

(Back)

FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to ST. VRAINNOVATION, a publication celebrating the impact of education in our community. Public education plays one of the most significant roles in the advancement of our nation.

To ensure the success of our children, economy, and our future, it is essential that we prepare students to meet the challenges they will face.

Please join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our students, staff, and community. Together, we are advancing our future.

ST. VRAINNOVATION and other district initiatives are generously supported by these and many other community sponsors.

Sincerely, Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent

Learn more about our district partners and sponsors at stvra.in/partnerships

ST. VRAINNOVATION is produced in-house by St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Department of Communications.

OUR TEAM Liz Allen

Graphic Design and Digital Content Specialist

Caroline Chutkow

Director of Communications and Marketing

Aaron Ford

TABLE OF CONTENTS Plan 1 AforGame Excellence St. Vrain Valley Schools is rewriting the playbook for public education.

Senior Web Development and Systems Administrator

Heather Hammarstrom Marketing and Communications Specialist

Jane Lim

Communications Department Secretary

Kerri McDermid, Ed.D Chief Communications and Global Impact Officer

Colin Rickman

Director of Communications and Engagement

Owen Willis

Communications Intern

CONTRIBUTORS Sienna Arellano

Niwot High, Class of 2024

38 All Aboard!

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40 Full Circle

A graduating senior reflects on her time and opportunities as a St. Vrain student.

Lewis Geyer

Para-Educator, Altona Middle School

Please contact communications-group@svvsd.org with any questions or comments.

The Digital Renaissance St. Vrain is home to the next generation of innovators who will lead our AIpowered future.

12 Cultivating Community

School gardens across St. Vrain grow lessons in academics, mentorship, and teamwork.

16 Charting a Course

A teacher’s journey in middle school mathematics.

18 Our Creative Minds

The visual arts play a crucial role in building the infrastructure of learning.

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The Future is in Our Hands

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Mentors in Uniform

Andy Freeman

Teacher, Longs Peak Middle School

Planning for growth to best serve the communities that will arrive years from now.

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Eunice Peinado

Marketing and Communications Specialist

34 Blueprints for the Future

St. Vrain is preparing the students of today for an ever-evolving world of tomorrow.

School Resource Officers and Campus Supervisors enhance our school communities.

32 Dear Future Me

Eighth grade students write letters to their graduating selves.

A student-led Cyber Explorer Mobile Lab is coming to St. Vrain.

From student to teacher — we are growing the future of the profession that creates all others.

44 Making a Mark

Celebrating our volunteers’ impact on our St. Vrain communities.

are Won 46 Championships in the Preparation

The lessons both on and off the field drive our students to excel in sports and beyond.

52 Adaptive Innovation

Engineering new experiences with Adaptive Physical Education.

Placement 54 Advanced Opportunities: A Snapshot Take a glimpse into six of our rigorous AP courses around the district.

58 The Sky is the Limit

Our students’ journeys in aviation start in St. Vrain’s aeronautics pathways.

62 The St. Vrain Advantage Para español, visite stvra.in/magazine o escanee el código QR.

A GAME PLAN for EXCELLENCE ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS IS REWRITING THE PLAYBOOK FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

BY DON HADDAD, ED.D. SUPERINTENDENT PHOTO BY COLIN RICKMAN

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H I S S U M M E R , I HA D T H E OPPORTUNITY to visit Switzerland on a trip sponsored by Governor Polis, alongside other state leaders. A common sentiment I heard repeatedly was ‘Wir konzentrieren uns auf die Zukunft – we’re focused on the future.’ We were touring several Swiss schools and companies to explore the strategies and structures the Swiss have implemented. Their approach has created a leading global model of workforce innovation through career-connected learning and apprenticeships. This is the world our students are entering – a highly competitive, complex, and globalized world, driven by rapid, unprecedented technological advancements and change. In St. Vrain Valley Schools, we too are laser-focused on the present and the future.

In the competitive arena of our modern world, St. Vrain Valley Schools isn’t just engaged in the game of career and workforce readiness, we’re rewriting the playbook. Vision, strategy, talent, execution, evaluation, and advancement – these are the defining characteristics of championship teams. Education innovation begins with strong, informed leadership that challenges the status quo and fosters a culture where creative ideas can take root and grow.

In the competitive arena of our modern world, St. Vrain Valley Schools isn’t just engaged in the game of career and workforce readiness, we’re rewriting the playbook.

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NBA legend Michael Jordan once said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it could happen, others make it happen.” Jordan embodied that championship mindset as someone who was not only going to dream big and take the action necessary to realize success for himself, but also to inspire those around him. In St. Vrain, we have made it a top priority to not only advance the best educational system for our students and community, but strengthen public education statewide and nationally. St. Vrain routinely hosts companies and organizations, such as the Reagan Institute, Apple, and Cisco, as well as numerous school districts and education leaders from across the United States who aspire to learn how to replicate our system. Additionally, St. Vrain hosts a well-attended National Innovation and Leadership Institute where district leadership teams from across the U.S. and Colorado come to our Innovation Center for three days of deepdive learning with our district leadership team.

In partnership with the Colorado Education Initiative, this program is designed to support public education leaders in accelerating their process of designing for district excellence and student advancement.

St. Vrain has also been awarded approximately $64 million in competitive grants, including a recent, highly sought-after $7 million Opportunity Now grant to strengthen our workforce pathway opportunities, and lead other districts in replicating our unique Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH) program. Additionally, we were awarded an Innovative School System Grant (ISSG) from the Center on Reinventing Public Education to continue to grow our Advanced Global Interactive Learning Environments (AGILE) program. Our AGILE program enables students throughout our district to take courses taught at any one of

St. Vrain now has the highest graduation rate (93.3%) and lowest dropout rate (0.6%) of any other district in the Denver Metro Area, with higher graduation requirements than those districts. our 11 high schools by leveraging technology to support engaging, high-quality synchronous online instruction. Recognizing the disparities in many rural districts for students to have the same access and opportunities as those in St. Vrain, we have also expanded access to courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus and others to students attending rural schools, increasing access and opportunity for high-quality instruction and learning across the state.

This is all part of our strategic and systematic game plan for excellence – our commitment and focus on delivering a championship culture and school system to ensure a strong future for our community, state, and nation – and our playbook is yielding significant results. Our on-time graduation rate is the highest it has been in the history of our district, at 93.3% for all students, alongside a dropout rate of 0.6%. St. Vrain now has the highest graduation rate and lowest dropout rate of any other district in the Denver Metro Area, with higher graduation requirements than those districts. This represents an extremely rigorous academic core and strong elective courses that ensure a strong education foundation.

Our student participation rates in high-quality co-curricular opportunities also continue to rise.

If you follow me on X (@SVVSDSupt), formerly known as Twitter, you’ve seen the numerous celebrations of our students winning state, national, and global championships in robotics, athletics, debate, welding, the arts and so much

more. As other districts are significantly reducing their music, performing arts, and other programs, we are committed to increasing and advancing these programs in St. Vrain. Accordingly, we’ve been recognized as a top district in the nation for music education and other co-curricular activities.

Further, student achievement continues to climb.

Last year our third grade reading levels were the highest they’ve been in the district’s history, and our iReady scores across all grade levels continue to increase.

A champion doesn’t just show up on the day of the game; they put in the work every single day.

They work, they strive, and they refuse to retreat.

That’s the same spirit we bring to public education.

We believe in the champion’s mindset – each and every one of us is committed to unlocking the great potential within every student. With each innovative initiative, we’re advancing and leading the state and nation toward educational excellence. Because, in the competitive game of life and the complex world our students are entering, the reward we’re all striving towards is a great future for every student. In St. Vrain, we will relentlessly keep our eye on student achievement and success.

Learn more about the economic impact of high quality public schools and St. Vrain’s return on investment.

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TAKING FLIGHT A ST. VRAIN STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

BY SIENNA ARELLANO, CLASS OF 2024 PHOTO BY COLIN RICKMAN

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N INTRODUCTION FROM THE EMCEE FILLED THE AUDITORIUM, “Please help me welcome Niwot High School student Sienna Arellano…” As I walked up onto the stage, I kept my eyes focused on the podium. Legs shaking, vision blurring, I set down my speech. Looking up for the first time, my eyes met a room full of 500 educators, administrators, and staff who have supported and empowered me and countless others to succeed. My nerves began to settle as I glanced at all who have paved me a path of success in which I am now ready to take flight.

In the spring of my junior year, I was asked to present a speech to the St. Vrain Valley School Education Foundation’s Tribute to Teachers event about how the school district has made an incredible impact on who I am – and who I will become.

Beginning my speech, my eyes wandered the ballroom and landed on the table belonging to Niwot High School.

Having my principal and Niwot High School staff in the room calmed my nerves and reassured me, as the kind and caring community fostered at Niwot High had followed me to this big moment. Throughout my four years, I have been given extensive opportunities that have bettered my

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education. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, Niwot has provided a multitude of challenging coursework, which pushed me, and also encouraged me to become more globally aware and step outside of my academic comfort zone.

Starting high school I struggled with being vulnerable while learning and resisted asking questions, as I was fearful of being judged. At Niwot High there is an overwhelming community of support where every student is able to excel in whichever path they choose.

I became comfortable taking risks that bettered my learning. I love being a part of a community of driven and passionate people who actively strive to better themselves, their peers, and the local community. Niwot High School creates an engaging, safe, and gracious learning environment, always challenging their students to try new things.

Back in the ballroom, I continued my speech and glanced at the Innovation Center table. Not only has this group of teachers helped me become a young professional, but they have built my confidence and inspired me to believe in myself. In eighth grade, I took my first computer science class and started to become involved in STEM-related activities such as Cyber Patriots and VEX Robotics. My middle school teachers encouraged me to start getting involved at the Innovation Center. The first time I stepped into the building, I was struck with a new feeling – a feeling of limitless possibilities. I’m not sure if it is the modern architecture, the amazing aquatic robotics fish tank, or the incredible community, but I always feel inspired to explore new ideas. As a shy freshman, I was intimidated by the advanced projects and leading upperclassmen.

I wondered if I could also lead the charge and design something new.

The teachers at the Innovation Center encouraged me to get involved in all fields of STEM and have taught me incredible skills such as networking, presenting, and leadership that I will take with me beyond my time in St Vrain. They have built my confidence so that shy ninth grader has grown into a leader. As a graduating senior, I have been a part of five student-led project teams that aid my community. As a member of the Future-Ready

Mobile Innovation Lab, I have traveled to nearly 20 elementary schools to teach computer science and spark curiosity to motivate future engineers. As the leader of the Cybersecurity Technology Team, I have founded a series of cybersecurity classes taught to over 150 local senior citizens. The impact the Innovation Center makes in the community is unmatched, and I have been honored to help that mission.

Two days after my second session teaching senior citizens cybersecurity tips and tricks, I received an email from an attendee explaining her joy as she successfully maneuvered around a phishing email and was saved from a scam. That email filled me with emotion, showing me that the work I do at the Innovation Center really impacts lives.

In the ballroom once more, my gaze shifted away from the Innovation Center table, roaming across the entire room. As I reflect on the community, I am filled with a sense of belonging that comes from shared connections and support. Community is a large staple of the school district and St. Vrain has given me the chance to gain hands-on experience and work with local community leaders.

In my sophomore year, I became the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce student intern and got a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work of our local community. Collaborating with businesses and charities, I provided a student perspective and bridged the gap between education and industry. From wearing a professional suit for the first time, to being an active member in a 50-person board meeting, I engaged in a world beyond my classrooms.

Photo: Niwot High senior Sienna Arellano.

Nearing the end of my s p e e c h , my ey e s scanned the room for the final time and I was met with the eyes of those who have encouraged, challenged, inspired, and most of all cared for me. Their eyes were filled with pride and hope for my future. With closing remarks, I announced, “Thank you St. Vrain Valley Schools, and most of all, thank you for being the catalyst and inspiration for the future.”

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Photo: A gallery of AI-generated reimaginings of classic paintings to represent our tech-enabled future.

The

Renaissance

BY KERRI MCDERMID, ED.D. PHOTO BY COLIN RICKMAN

ST. VRAIN IS HOME TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS WHO WILL LEAD OUR AI-POWERED FUTURE.

You What would the experience have felt like to be standing in Michelangelo’s studio as he was preparing to sculpt David or create any of his defining artwork of the early 16th Century?

ChatGPT Standing in Michelangelo's studio in the early 16th Century, one would have been enveloped in an atmosphere thick with the scent of marble dust and the earthy aroma of clay, the air alive with the palpable buzz of creative genius at work.

Amidst the clutter of chisels, sketches, and half-formed ideas, the sense of witnessing the birth of something transcendent was overwhelming, as if each strike of the master's hammer against chisel was not just shaping stone, but the very course of art history. In this sacred space, where raw materials were transformed into timeless masterpieces, every shadow and shaft of light seemed to whisper of limitless possibilities and the profound power of human creativity.

‘A whisper of limitless possibilities and the profound power of human creativity’ – this phrase captures the essence of several significant periods in human history. Each era, marked by its own creative and intellectual giants, has pushed humanity forward.

During the Renaissance, figures like Nicolaus Copernicus and Michelangelo spurred a cultural and artistic awakening. Centuries later, the likes of Vincent van Gogh and Ada Lovelace emerged during the intersection of the Industrial Revolution and the Post-Impressionist movement, fundamentally altering our perception and experience of the world. More recently, visionaries like Steve Jobs and Toni Morrison have inspired hearts and minds. Today, we see a new wave of innovators like Sierra Ryan and other students and teachers across St. Vrain Valley Schools, poised to spearhead a new digital Renaissance – the next generation of creators, artists, thinkers, and innovators who will lead our AI-powered future.

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Ren·ais·sance Per·son

/ˈrenəˌsäns ˈpərs(ə)n/ noun • a cultured person of the Renaissance who was knowledgeable, educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields.

• (sometimes lowercase) a present-day person who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in more than one field.

The dictionary definition of a renaissance person might as well have Sierra Ryan’s photo next to it. The Erie High senior, who has been signed to Arizona State’s Lacrosse program next year, spends her days balancing AP Computer Science and Cloud Computing classes, with running her own AI automation start-up company, and her work on the Innovation Center’s Artificial Intelligence team. Sierra – like so many students across St. Vrain – has a vision for her future that is rooted in the hopeful optimism and empowerment that has driven transformative change throughout our history.

“With every advancement that we’ve had in society – such as the internet or even the discovery that the Earth revolves around the Sun, not that the Sun revolves around the Earth – there’s always naysayers who think it’s going to be the end of the world or the end of human intelligence, and I greatly disagree with that,” shared Sierra. “Technology makes us better at being creative and coming up with new ideas, and I think the key right now is for people to flip the script and change their thinking.”

St. Vrain Valley Schools has become a leader for its technological preparation and readiness to embrace Artificial Intelligence and other rapidly emerging technologies, through the district’s emphasis on strategic adoption, student safety, cybersecurity, and successful implementation.

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Teachers like Mai Vu, AI Program Manager at the Innovation Center, also recognize the possibilities.

“Teaching AI is the ability to touch the future,” she said.

Vu doesn’t view AI as a threat to replace teachers or stifle creativity, but as a liberating force. “We cannot put AI back in the bottle. We would do a disservice to our students if we don’t change how we assess learning to push critical thinking skills.”

One of the greatest opportunities in artificial intelligence technologies is to leverage the infinite potential of these systems to increase one of our most finite and precious resources: time.

“I’m most optimistic about the potential of AI reducing the amount of time that people have to spend doing mundane or repetitive tasks that really don’t require a lot of unique human intelligence to be creative and to be social,” added Sierra. “I’m excited for five years down the road, when AI has freed up the time for the human brain to focus on bigger ideas and bigger things, and to see the ideas and innovations that develop when people have more freedom to experiment with new ways of thinking instead of rote memorization.”

This benefit is something that is already having an impact on classrooms and teachers across St. Vrain.

In Carol Woods’s preschool classroom at Red Hawk Elementary School, ChatGPT, Canva, and other AI technologies are working behind the scenes – as a

“AI on its own will never be as effective as AI and a human together, and the same can be said that a human on its own, will never be as effective as a human and AI together.”

-SIERRA RYAN, ERIE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, FOUNDER OF BOTERRA.AI

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thought partner, assistant, and organizer – to increase Carol’s capacity to focus on what teachers do best – build relationships and authentic connections with students to advance their learning. One way that she has used ChatGPT as a thought partner is to create activities to engage students using resources already in the classroom, such as 10 different ways to use hula hoops for structured movement after recess.

“Using AI as my ‘planning partner’ has saved me so much time and given me great new ideas to implement in the classroom,” shared Woods. “I don’t want to always use the same activities I’ve done in the past, and AI has sparked new ways of thinking, completed a lot of the repetitive aspects of lesson planning, and allowed me to engage more deeply into the science of learning – all to become a better teacher.”

Carol, alongside hundreds of St. Vrain teachers, has been gaining skills and experience with AI at one of the district’s many AI pop-ups and professional development events, often led by students, including Sierra and other members of the Innovation Center’s AI team. Idaly Gomez-Peña, a senior at Skyline High School, has been a part of the AI team for three years, and has seen firsthand the impact that these learning experiences have had within the St. Vrain community.

“Before I started learning to use AI tools, if I needed help with an essay, sometimes it could be difficult to find the right time or place to ask questions, but with AI, I have that support available in my pocket, all the time,” added Idaly. “I’ve also seen AI really benefit teachers who come to our events to learn, as well as senior citizens in the community that we have been working with to teach them AI and cybersecurity skills.”

In addition to advancing the AI journey of others in the community, the Artificial Intelligence team is also focused on advanced applications of AI to address some of our world’s most pressing challenges. Last year, students partnered with Boulder County Parks and Open Space to build a system that is powered by AI to conduct research that benefits the St. Vrain watershed.

“We have been working on a computer vision artificial intelligence model that was designed to track 10

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“AI has sparked new ways of thinking....and allowed me to engage more deeply into the science of learning — all to become a better teacher.”

-CAROL WOODS, PRESCHOOL TEACHER RED HAWK ELEMENTARY

fish species in the local St. Vrain River. The system records data on the fish that pass by an underwater camera and sends it back to scientists that are monitoring the health of our rivers,” shared Sierra.

“I think this has been one of the most interesting aspects of the AI project team, learning to overcome any bumps in the road and work with a client to create something from beginning to end that is having a realworld impact.”

Projects like this represent the future of education and student learning by accelerating the boundaries of creative thought and community impact.

“If we want to push students to have these critical thinking skills, we’ve got to give them a chance to do that. There are so many challenges in the world that need solving, and if we don’t provide opportunities, they won’t get solved,” shared Vu. “But I do know this, I do know that I am very optimistic that cancer will be solved in my lifetime, with these students, and with the use of AI.” Over 500 years ago, Michelangelo believed that hidden inside every block of stone was a statue waiting to be freed. Today, students in St. Vrain view their laptop screens, keyboards, and phones in much the same way. With generative artificial intelligence as their hammer and chisel, they are chipping away digital marble to unleash creative masterpieces and new ideas that will define our collective future.

“AI on its own, will never be as effective as AI and a human together, and the same can be said that a human on its own, will never be as effective as a human and AI together,” said Sierra.

Industry-Leading Focus Pathways

Artificial Intelligence is one of the many industry-leading focus program pathways offered in St. Vrain. We are giving students a strong competitive advantage for success in postsecondary studies and careers that span every interest.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD, & NATURAL RESOURCES

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

• Agrisciences: CETC

• Hospitality: MHS • ProStart/Culinary Arts: CETC

ARTS, A/V TECHNOLOGY, & COMMUNICATIONS • Interior/Fashion Design: NHS • Journalism and Broadcasting: EHS, IC • Multimedia and Video/Audio Production: CETC, IC • Virtual and Digital Design: IC • Visual and Performing Arts: All Schools • Visual and Performing Arts Academy: SHS

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION • Business: FHS, MHS, SCHS • Entrepreneurship: IC • High School of Business: LHS • P-TECH in Business: LHS

EDUCATION & TRAINING • International Baccalaureate: NHS • Pathways to Teaching (P-Teach): IC

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION • Leadership Academy: SCHS • District Student Senate: All Schools

HEALTH SCIENCES • Athletic Training: CETC • Biomedical Sciences Academy: FHS • Bioscience and Neuroscience: IC • EMT Certification: CETC • Medical and BioScience Academy: LHS • Medical/Clinical Assistant: CETC • P-TECH in Biochemistry: FHS • Nurse Aide: CETC

SCHOOL/PROGRAM ACRONYM KEY

• • • • •

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ST. VRAIN’S FOCUS PATHWAYS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY • Artificial Intelligence: IC • Computer Science: All Schools • Cybersecurity: IC • Information and Communication Technologies: IC • P-TECH in Computer Information Systems: SHS • P-TECH in Cybersecurity: SCHS • Robotics: IC • Virtual and Augmented Reality: IC

LAW, PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS & SECURITY • EMT/Paramedic: CETC • Police Academy: FHS • Pre-Law: CETC

MANUFACTURING • Advanced Manufacturing Academy: CETC • Welding Fabrication: CETC

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS • Academy of Engineering and Aerospace: EHS • Aeronautics: IC • Bioscience and Data Science: IC • Energy Academy: MHS • Mobile Innovation Lab: IC • Robotics: IC • Science and Environmental Leadership: LMSHS • STEM Academy: SHS

TRANSPORTATION • Automotive Technology: CETC

CETC: Career Elevation and Technology Center EHS: Erie High School IC: Innovation Center FHS: Frederick High School LHS: Longmont High School

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LMSHS: Lyons Middle Senior High School MHS: Mead High School NHS: Niwot High School SCHS: Silver Creek High School SHS: Skyline High School

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Cultivating

COMMUNITY 12

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BY HEATHER HAMMARSTROM PHOTOS BY LIZ ALLEN

SCHOOL GARDENS ACROSS ST. VRAIN GROW LESSONS IN ACADEMICS, MENTORSHIP, AND TEAMWORK.

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N A S U N N Y W E D N E S D AY A F T E R N O O N A T LY O N S ELEMENTARY, students eagerly gathered in the school’s garden. With baskets in hand, the young gardeners set out to explore the lush rows of vegetables that were thriving under their care. A group of students collected cherry tomatoes, while others explored under the expansive leaves of squash plants, searching for ripe zucchinis. Beyond the act of harvesting, each picked vegetable tells a story, suggesting the greater impact it will have on the community.

Established more than 15 years ago with the goal of providing lettuce for school lunches, Lyons’ school garden has evolved into a thriving ecosystem that offers valuable educational experiences for students while also contributing to the local community through donations.

“Second grade students act as stewards of the garden and have harvested hundreds of pounds of produce each year to deliver to LEAF, the local food bank,” explains garden volunteer Andy Doering. “Every Wednesday, students donate the food they harvest, and it is served to members of the community that night.” First graders also contribute to the success of the garden by caring for the local pollinator population. Students monitor the on-site school beehive, care for the pollinator garden, and refine the pollinator hotels.

Maintaining the garden is a collective effort involving students, staff, and volunteers. On late start days, high school students from Lyons Middle Senior High are present to help with the garden by engaging in various activities such as watering, pruning, and harvesting plants. Students from the Career Elevation and Technology Center’s (CETC) Agriscience Program also play an important role in supporting the garden as part of a mentorship program.

THE FARM-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM’S INFLUENCE ACROSS THE DISTRICT An $11,700 farm-to-school grant from the Colorado Department of Education laid the foundation for St. Vrain Valley Schools to develop a Farm-to-School Program which has been instrumental in supporting not only Lyons’ school garden but school gardens and greenhouses across the district. The mentorship component of the Farm-to-Schools Program sends high school students from the CETC Agriscience Program into schools to teach lessons on agriculture and provide hands-on experience in gardening, sustainability, and future food systems.

“Our Agriscience students create ageappropriate lessons on topics such as Colorado

Photo: Fifth-grader Melanie Grasso searches for ripe strawberries in the geodesic greenhouse at Burlington Elementary.

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agriculture, pollinators, and soil health,” shared Theresa Spires, RDN, School Wellness Coordinator. “They develop the lessons themselves in accordance with Colorado health standards, so it’s part of our farm-to-school ethos and programming. Our students go to schools that have gardens and present their lessons during class time or at after-school green team or garden club meetings. They learn how to interact with younger kids and act as a mentor to them, which our preschool through eighth grade students absolutely love.”

Anna Kragerud, a Longmont High School senior enrolled in the Agrisciences Program and a Farm-to-School mentor, visits Burlington Elementary once a month to provide instruction to students. “One of the highlights for me is engaging with students in lessons about agriculture. I enjoy helping them with the hands-on aspects of gardening and sharing tips about ideal times to plant seeds or cultivation techniques. It’s rewarding to teach lessons to students because they are always eager to learn.”

PLANTING SEEDS FOR SUSTAINABLE LEARNING Burlington Elementary’s grow dome is a geodesic greenhouse that was constructed to teach students about plant biology, sustainability, and environmental science in a year-round, hands-on environment. “The dome is used for transdisciplinary learning for all students in the school,” explains Abigail Ellis, STEM teacher at Burlington Elementary. “Younger students contribute by learning about seed anatomy, seed saving, and the life cycle of plants. In STEM class, they start plants that eventually get transplanted in the grow dome. Older students harvest and seed save, and the Green Team does much of the manual maintenance.”

Students in grades K-5 visit Abigail Ellis’s fifth-grade classroom weekly, where a gardening curriculum is integrated into their lessons. High 14

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school mentors also visit monthly to facilitate agriscience lessons with K-2 students. Green Team member Adella MacFerrin, fifth-grader at Burlington, looks forward to working in the grow dome and enjoys, “getting to experience lots of different types of plants and working with everyone to make them grow. You can have lots of cool experiences with growing plants and learning what types of nutrients they need.”

“Students are actively involved in decision-making, from choosing seeds to experimenting with planting techniques.”

GROWING “UP” WITH INNOVATIVE GARDENING Members of Coal Ridge Middle School’s Garden Club are getting hands-on lessons about the environment, how food is grown, and the benefits of healthy eating. The garden at Coal Ridge consists of six raised beds and an outdoor classroom. In the winter months, the Garden Club maintains two indoor hydroponics and a three-level growing station. Food produced in the garden is shared with students, their families, and staff.

Jodi Marsolek, the Garden Club advisor, highlighted the role students play in garden maintenance. “They’re actively involved in decision-making, from choosing seeds to experimenting with planting techniques. This year, they’re also planting a mix of vegetables to explore with companion planting and using our three-level growing station to study plant responses to humidity.”

Similar to Lyons Elementary, support from the CETC has been instrumental in the garden’s success and their collaboration has enabled Coal Ridge to provide garden starter kits to its feeder elementary schools. “The goal is for our feeders to start garden clubs in their school so when they come to Coal Ridge, they have a little bit of

exposure to gardening,” shared Marsolek. “My hope is that students will develop an interest in gardening when they’re in elementary school and it will grow as they progress through middle school, high school, and beyond.”

Seventh grader Lilia Stringham’s favorite part of the Garden Club is, “working in the community garden, helping others, and teaching new members the ropes. Because I was able to participate in the club last year, I learned a lot and now I can help others.” One important lesson she’s learned from the club is the art of waiting. “It takes a while for plants to come up, and there are a lot of pieces that you have to wait on, which has taught me patience.”

Anna also finds it rewarding to support the garden and mentor students on the Green Team at Coal Ridge. “It’s fun seeing how the students really get into working in the garden and engage in classroom activities throughout the year. Teaching them more about plants and agriculture helps them connect with the environment and their food, and I enjoy being part of that experience.”

St. Vrain Valley Schools has embraced the growing movement of integrating school gardens into the curriculum, recognizing the many benefits they offer. These green spaces serve as classrooms and provide lessons in biology, ecology, nutrition, and teamwork. The impact of the gardens goes beyond the plants they produce; it’s about the sense of community they cultivate, growing alongside them.

Photos, top to bottom: Students collect plant starts from an indoor hydroponic growing station at Burlington Elementary; Jackson Doughan works in the CETC’s greenhouse.

-JODI MARSOLEK, COAL RIDGE MIDDLE

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CHARTING A TEACHER’S JOURNEY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS

BY ANDREW FREEMAN, MATH TEACHER AT LONGS PEAK MIDDLE SCHOOL PHOTO BY COLIN RICKMAN

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Y JOURNEY AS A MATH EDUCATOR HAS BEEN ONE OF CONSTANT REDISCOVERY. It began when I applied for my first full-time teaching position and learned that it would be a combination of math and science. This kickstarted a furious study campaign for my official math endorsement to complement my teaching license in science. What I did not study for, however, was the delivery of math instruction. I was under the foolish assumption that teaching and understanding math was as straightforward as learning algorithms and substituting variables.

But it means much more than that. It means to not only give students the map with which to plot a course through mathematics, but also the tools to create their own maps as they journey into new concepts and uncharted territories.

Throughout my first few years, I established a mathematical philosophy by observing master educators. I was fortunate enough to visit math teachers in other buildings with my

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COURSE instructional coach as a result of the district’s new teacher induction program. What I saw through their lens was a learning environment X of safety, support, and empathy. This vision of mathematics education was integral to my own perception as a math teacher. I wanted to create a classroom that is a microcosm of our community, in which students could grow together and success is attainable for everyone.

I have been able to teach sixth through eighth grade math in my time as a middle school teacher. Seeing the full spectrum of middle-level mathematics gave me a deeper understanding of the sequential nature of our standards and the comprehensive flow from one grade to the next. This included assisting with our feeder high school’s Jump Start, a summer program to support the transition from eighth to ninth grade, for incoming freshmen. Knowing what our eighth graders would soon be faced with impressed upon me the crucial nature of our role. Middle school mathematics paves the way

Photo: Andrew Freeman works with students at Longs Peak Middle on math problems.

“Teaching is not only giving students the map with which to plot a course through mathematics, but also the tools to create their own maps as they journey into new concepts and uncharted territories.”

-ANDREW FREEMAN, MATH TEACHER

for many of the career paths that our students begin to explore in high school and beyond. My purpose now included becoming a navigator for the limitless opportunities found within my students’ futures.

Recently, my colleagues at Longs Peak Middle School and I have been utilizing standards-based grading practices. Rather than assigning activities or tasks for the sake of having scores in the grade book, each assignment has a clear connection to a standard within our unit of study and shows the progression of a student’s understanding. I have realized that middle school math should be an opener of doors, not a keeper of gates, and how we convert understanding into a numerical quantity has a very tangible effect on our students’ consciousness as learners and doers of mathematics. A genuine and accurate assessment of comprehension can give students a compass for which to direct their learning, rather than a roadblock.

My most profound discovery to date has been the most personal. For far too long, I considered myself to be a science teacher who also happened to teach math. My teaching license is in science, as is my bachelor’s degree. But this view has stunted my growth as I reflect on my educational travels. Only in the past few years, in the middle of my career, have I been able to shift my thinking toward a more holistic

version of myself. Part of this shift occurred when I found a master’s program that serendipitously fit my needs. Enrolling in the STEM (emphasis on math) pathway at the University of Colorado Denver has exposed me to rich teaching strategies and vastly furthered my mathematical pedagogy. Another shift occurred when I was asked to help develop lessons for the middle school Jump Start program and design a new elective for our school. Others put their trust in me; I should be able to trust myself.

I am frequently grateful that I get to be a part of St. Vrain Valley Schools. Educators and district employees seamlessly work together to build a route for students from the primary level up to high school and beyond. Through this effort, mathematics in St. Vrain has become a living and breathing entity that allows students to construct mathematical X knowledge, bolster their reasoning, and effectively collaborate with their classmates.

It is our journeys that define us. Each discovery, whether we are aware of it or not, lays the groundwork for what is to come. My journey has been filled with inspirational role models, encouragement from peers, and the indelible influence of my students, all of them remarkable.

May we each have the same.

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“TO DEVELOP A COMPLETE MIND: STUDY THE SCIENCE OF ART. STUDY THE ART OF SCIENCE. LEARN HOW TO SEE. REALIZE THAT EVERYTHING CONNECTS TO EVERYTHING ELSE.” - LEONARDO DA VINCI

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T’S THE LATE 1490S, AND PAINTER AND INVENTOR LEONARDO DA VINCI IS SKETCHING, prototyping, and creating wing after wing, determined to build a set that can achieve human-powered flight.

Fast forward a few hundred years, to a classroom at Skyline High School. Here, senior Minh Miller is creating a very different set of wings. Feather by feather, she is sending designs to a laser cutter for a falcon wing art installation by her school’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society.

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STORY AND PHOTOS

BY LIZ ALLEN

Shared by both projects is a blending of the arts and sciences. Refusing to see them as separate fields, da Vinci is perhaps the most famous practitioner of what we now call STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. Minh is carrying on this tradition as the first student to simultaneously complete both the STEM Academy and the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Academy at Skyline High School. The arts play a crucial role in building the infrastructure of learning all of these other subjects, while also developing key skills for life.

“NO SUCH THING AS MISTAKES, JUST HAPPY LITTLE ACCIDENTS.” - BOB ROSS Study after study over the past couple of decades has demonstrated that arts participation and arts education have been associated with improved cognitive, social, and academic performance.

Students who participate in arts education are five times less likely to drop out of school and four times more likely to be recognized for high achievement.

The reason for this might lie within our brains themselves. Arts participation is shown to help increase our brain’s plasticity, the ability to adapt in response to new experiences. Basically, it helps us create new synapses and connections – also known as learning. In their book, Your Brain on Art, Susan Magnussen, Director of International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University, and Ivy Ross, Google’s Vice President for Hardware Design, write that “art enhances the ability of your brain to perform the tasks they were designed to do by increasing the synaptic circuits.”

Art accesses advanced parts of the brain that relate to our executive functioning, which includes time management, retention of information, collaboration, and more. It helps us focus, express ourselves, and have patience for the process while learning from mistakes.

A group of seven fifth grade students sit in a circle in their classroom at Sanborn Elementary School, agreeing energetically that while they all had different favorite projects in art class – watercolor, pottery, and perspective drawing are the most mentioned – their favorite aspect of each was the challenge. “My favorite part of coming to class is probably when our teacher, Mr. Johnson, reveals what we’re going to be working on, because it’s always something different,” summarizes Arianna Gutierrez, one of the fifth graders. “And sometimes it can be easy, or sometimes it can be hard, but it’s practice no matter what, and it can help you grow.”

Shane Johnson, Art Teacher at Sanborn Elementary, adds that his art classroom is a place where students can make mistakes and grow from them. “If they mess up or don’t like how a project

Photo: Shane Johnson works with fifth-grader Ella Noffsinger on grid drawing at Sanborn Elementary.

“Art is the world where all of the aspects of students’ education can come together.”

-SHANE JOHNSON, ART TEACHER, SANBORN ELEMENTARY

turned out, they can try again. Our goal is to grow that mindset of, ‘I can do hard things,’ which is something they can take beyond our classrooms and into the world, no matter what age.”

Arts education is particularly powerful from an early age, providing scaffolding for future learning.

St. Vrain is proud to have arts classes at every level as a key part of its comprehensive education. At Sanborn Elementary, core to Johnson’s teaching philosophy is that art is interconnected with every other subject and can help drive home things taught in other classrooms in tangible, powerful ways.

“What they’re learning in math class, I can reiterate in my art class,” says Johnson. “Art is the world where all of the aspects of their education can come together.

Whether it’s math, history, technology, or actual physical application, they can take these abstract concepts and put them to a concrete application in their art projects.”

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Photo: Senior Minh Miller 3D prints part of her lampshade at Skyline High School.

“ART AND SCIENCE ARE THE HIGHEST FORMS OF HUMAN CREATIVITY.” - ELLEN JORGENSEN, MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST

While the arts help build skills in every field, they are particularly relevant to STEM education. At the high school level, in her engineering courses, Minh realized the design-thinking process of empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test, evaluate, and repeat, is extremely similar to the Studio Habits of Mind process learned in her art courses: develop craft, engage and persist, envision, express, observe, reflect, stretch, and explore. “I realized I’ve been combining the two the entire time.”

In an independent study, Minh leaned into this as she researched, designed, and printed a lampshade for the lights in her French classroom. She had to find ways to blend the aesthetic ideas for her shade with the practical needs of fire safety and materials, all the while using her knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing.

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The visual arts require many of the same skills as scientific inquiry and innovation. Both processes are fueled by curiosity and tactile learning. In addition, visual arts nurture the ability to envision and communicate both abstract concepts in science on one level, or complex feelings that younger students might not yet have the words for on another.

“I think art is important in or out of school because it helps you grow your perspective on things, and the more ways you can see other things, the more ways you learn,” notes Arianna, back in Mr. Johnson’s classroom.

Creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, and communication – these are the essential skills for future success in a world of rapid change and innovation. As we prepare students for this future, St. Vrain Valley Schools’ is instilling an arts education as a foundation for success for all of our students to give them a strong competitive advantage.

Aaditya Pandey, Indian Peaks Elementary, 4th Grade

Alexa Jacobo, Rocky Mountain Elementary, 5th Grade Cade Casey, Hygiene Elementary, 5th Grade

Dominique DeFoe, Fall River Elementary, 5t Grade

Siria Rueda, Columbine Elementary, 4th Grade

Gloria Stem, Erie High, 10th Grade

Gavin Calmeyn, Legacy Elementary, 5th Grade

River Dudden, LaunchED, 10th Grade Giselle Garcia, Thunder Valley K-8, 5th Grade

Charlotte Kelley, Altona Middle, 7th Grade

Student Art on Display

Evan Elmendorf, Skyline High, 12th Grade

Every school in St. Vrain submits student work to the annual Unframed Student Art Show, held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds and open to public viewing. These works display the range of mediums taught across the district at every level. Here are some of the 2023 winners —view them all at stvra.in/artshow.

Jules Romero, Niwot Elementary, 1st Grade

Autumn Walker, Mead High, 9th Grade Brinley Kaiser, Prairie Ridge Elementary, 4th Grade

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The Future is in Our

BY CAROLINE CHUTKOW PHOTOS BY CAROLINE CHUTKOW & COLIN RICKMAN

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HANDS

ST. VRAIN IS PREPARING THE STUDENTS OF TODAY FOR AN EVER-EVOLVING WORLD OF TOMORROW.

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N A SHORT SPAN OF TIME, THE DEFINITION OF WORKFORCE READINESS HAS TRANSFORMED. The world has shifted, and so have the tools required to shape it. No longer are we preparing students for industry; we’re preparing them for an ever-evolving, dynamic world where the assembly line is digital, the gears are lines of code, and the hands shaping tomorrow design with computers alongside traditional manual tools. The future, once built with nuts and bolts, is now being constructed with bits and bytes, and the architects are our students, equipped with industry-level skills and the adaptability to be successful in a rapidly changing world.

INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE BY GROWING OUR OWN To address the growing workforce demands in manufacturing, information technology, and education in Colorado, St. Vrain Valley Schools has proactively prepared students for these industries. Recently awarded the Opportunity Now grant, a three-year, $7 million state-funded initiative, the district is set to amplify its efforts to ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS

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accelerate industry credential attainment and college completion in the state’s most in-demand careers.

The Opportunity Now grant supports programming in St. Vrain where students gain practical knowledge, participate in rigorous work-based learning experiences, and earn relevant industry certifications and college credits aligned with workforce needs and specific post-secondary education programs.

“We’re envisioning a future where students become integral contributors to the industry’s growth,” said Lynn Eckart, Industry Certification Facilitator for St. Vrain Valley Schools. “Our focus is on reaching students who are seeking direction in their career planning. With tech jobs set to double, this presents an opportunity to connect, guide, and channel valuable skills into a thriving workforce.”

St. Vrain is leveraging the Opportunity Now grant to create a Pathway to Cloud Computing and IT program, which includes industry certification options in networking, cloud computing, and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.

These certifications provide students with a diverse skill set applicable to various roles in the IT industry.

Students take certifications asynchronously with guided support from St. Vrain staff.

“Certifications are the gold standard,” added Eckart.

“They demonstrate a skill set and pave the way for higher pay, enhanced skills, and a broader professional network. Whether students choose college or another path, certifications offer a valuable credential.”

Silver Creek junior Brynne Geittmann, one of the students piloting the district’s Pathways to Cloud Computing and IT program, refers to herself as an “OG iPad kid” and expresses her lifelong interest in computers. “Throughout my life, I’ve been able to do things because I’ve had access to technology.” Brynne took her first Intro to Programming class as a sixth grader at Altona Middle School, and is currently enrolled in the Cybersecurity Pathway of P-TECH at Silver Creek High School. She sees technology as a change agent in society, and mentions inspirational 24 MAGAZINE.SVVSD.ORG

The $7 million Opportunity Now grant supports programming in St. Vrain where students gain practical knowledge, participate in rigorous work-based learning experiences, and earn relevant industry certifications and college credits. studies she has learned about through her coursework where the role of technology has improved outcomes for those with health issues such as hearing loss and paralysis. “It’s hopeful to think about how computers can play a part in making positive change.”

Brynne sees a future for herself in engineering – either computer or mechanical. She finds the field of automation fascinating and one with countless career avenues. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities to achieve my goals, whatever they turn out to be.” Opting for the Salesforce Platform certification, she appreciates building on her cybertech skill set, where the content focuses on data management and relationship building.

In addition to collaborating with local industry experts, St. Vrain Valley Schools is creating invaluable internship opportunities for students within the district. The District Technology Services (DTS) department pairs employees with student interns, offering them practical job experience in areas such as information security, networking, and DevOps. Genaro Montes, a 2022 Skyline High School graduate and current Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) student, enriched his skill set as an intern for DTS during the summer of 2023. His exceptional performance led to the extension

Photo: Senior Emilio Guzman uses a manual mill to create custom parts during an Advanced Manufacturing class at the CETC.

of his internship into the fall. “I was genuinely interested in everything I was learning leading up to my internship,” said Genaro. “It was an honor to contribute within St. Vrain, and I was excited to learn about the inner workings of a technology department within a school district.” Genaro approached his internship with a growth mindset and expressed his willingness to learn in an environment where he was entrusted with significant responsibility.

Now, Genaro is on track to graduate in the spring of 2024 with his Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Front Range Community College, representing his family as a first-generation college student. He plans to transfer to a four-year college and is interested in pursuing a variety of career paths involving networking and computer science. According to him, the internship

experience, coupled with his participation in the P-TECH program, has prepared him for the workplace by instilling good work habits and opening doors to job opportunities. Genaro encourages fellow students to seize such opportunities, emphasizing the importance of gaining hands-on learning experiences and applying classroom knowledge in practical, realworld settings. He believes that “the sky’s the limit” for students in St. Vrain.

WHERE ARTISANSHIP MEETS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES The landscape of manufacturing has evolved significantly throughout the years. In the past, the field relied heavily on manual labor and hands-on skills.

As technology has advanced, so have manufacturing processes. Automation and computerization has ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS

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revolutionized the industry, introducing robotics, optics, artificial intelligence, and computer-aided design (CAD) to streamline production. Students at the Career Elevation and Technology Center (CETC) are learning these highly sought-after industry skills through the center’s Advanced Manufacturing program, the first of its kind in Colorado.

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Julia DeGracia and Emilio Guzman, seniors at Erie High School, have spent several years in the Advanced Manufacturing Pathway, developing the skills necessary to qualify for the new Manufacturing and Welding Project Team funded by the Opportunity Now grant. The Advanced Manufacturing program is well-paced, beginning with foundational knowledge

Photo: Senior Julia DeGracia uses a pendant to train a robotic arm as part of Advanced Manufacturing pathway coursework at the CETC.

and skills-based learning during the first year and progressing to project management and client relations by year three.

“The project team provides students with valuable exposure to real-world projects, expectations, and customers,” said Austin Reid, Advanced Manufacturing Instructor. “These projects utilize our highly-capable machine shop and welding and fabrication area in a productive way, and the community can take advantage of low-cost, high-quality metal work while feeling good about supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”

The grant funding allows the program to pay students for their work while the CETC establishes a customer base, develops a catalog of capabilities, and builds up operating funds until the program can become self-sustaining in the near future.

When Emilio first toured the CETC as an eighth grade student, he couldn’t believe this was a program site available to high school students. “I thought I was entering a big corporate building, but then I saw it was students who were working on things I never thought I’d be able to learn at my age.” The project team’s semester-long task is to create a compressed air engine for their client, Metro State University. Emilio emphasizes that there are high expectations that come with the work. “I feel a lot of responsibility to my team to meet deadlines and move the project forward.”

His teachers are highly supportive with answering questions and guiding the students’ success, and they also assume the role of a job site supervisor when the students work on projects for clients.

“It’s great to have this experience where we can learn skills and also learn to collaborate with peers and have a supervisor oversee our project,” continued Emilio. “We are learning a lot of things beyond normal classes – we are having real-life experiences.”

Emilio plans to build on these experiences by pursuing a business degree in college, where he aims to incorporate his advanced manufacturing background.

For Julia, she originally thought she wanted to pursue engineering as a career path, but her exposure to advanced manufacturing has fostered her passion for design, and she now plans to focus on architecture.

Julia appreciates her strong foundational knowledge in how the parts that go into a design are created.

“I’ve gained knowledge in teamwork, design, and computer work. The program has strengthened my problem-solving abilities, especially when dealing with tool paths and machine issues.”

Julia feels strongly that her experience in the program has given her a solid background in understanding how manufacturing machines operate, and she has the evidence to support her workforce readiness with the multiple industry certifications she has earned during her education, along with her demonstrated work experience. “The certifications emphasize that I do know what I’m doing, and I am doing it well.”

EMPOWERED EDUCATION PATHWAYS The educational journeys of students like Brynne, Genaro, Emilio, and Julia demonstrate that our collective tomorrow is in good hands. Through a strategic blend of experiential learning, industry partnerships, and forward-thinking programs, students are not merely equipped for the future; they are actively constructing it. St. Vrain Valley Schools is committed to addressing the real-world demands of our local and globalized workforce and preparing students to craft their professional success in a continuously changing landscape.

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Mentors IN UNIFORM

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AND CAMPUS SUPERVISORS ENHANCE OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES.

BY CAROLINE CHUTKOW PHOTOS BY LIZ ALLEN, CAROLINE CHUTKOW, & COLIN RICKMAN

Photo: SRO Sierra Martinez reads to students at Mountain View Elementary.

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S

CHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER BRETT RIMSKY MOVES THROUGH THE HALLWAYS of Westview Middle School, methodically progressing through a thoughtful checklist. At the forefront of his responsibilities is ensuring the safety of the school, and he continuously confirms that safety protocols are in place. Beyond the physical environment, Officer Rimsky serves as a support system for the school community. He checks in with students, connecting them with the help they might need, and takes a moment to engage with educators, genuinely interested in their well-being. In his daily rounds, he fosters both a sense of security and community.

“Relationship-building is a huge part of my role here,” says Officer Rimsky. On this afternoon, he can be found in a STEM elective surrounded by students as they work on measurements for the fleet of airplanes they are building to showcase at their upcoming open house. They ask him questions, share jokes, and focus on the task at hand. This is just one area where Officer Rimsky engages with his community; he’s also involved in the school’s wrestling, cross country, and robotics programming. “Building trust with my community supports a safe school environment where students can focus on their learning.” His extensive engagement demonstrates his dedication to the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Westview.

BRIDGING SAFETY AND COMMUNITY St. Vrain Valley Schools maintains a team of 25 school resource officers (SROs) in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. These law enforcement professionals are specially trained to support and safeguard students, teachers, and staff, while also developing positive relationships within the school environment. School safety teams are enhanced with campus supervisors, who are stationed at every school, including elementary schools, and provide additional support to maintain a safe and positive school culture.

Across St. Vrain, these dedicated individuals take on multiple roles exceeding their job descriptions.

They coach sports teams, mentor students, and create

connections that promote collaboration among law enforcement, education, and campus management.

Fellow SRO at Longs Peak Middle School, Officer Sierra Martinez visits the feeder elementary schools, where she reads with students at Mountain View Elementary and talks with students at Sanborn Elementary for their Academic All-Stars program. She values being a part of the educational community. “I enjoy watching the growth of students over time.”

Longmont High School Campus Supervisor, Todd Marcacci, greets every student when they enter the building in the morning. He also manages the school’s Unified Basketball team. “The most important part of my job is to help students,” says Marcacci. He checks in with students constantly, gets breakfast for those who need it, and keeps them focused on their academics by ushering them to class. “I love it when I see them at graduation – they transform so much from ninth to 12th grade.”

St. Vrain’s school safety teams also contribute their expertise in the classroom, teaching subjects like law enforcement, civics, health, and finance. At Frederick High School, SRO Andrew Fairbanks leads an elective class that explores various aspects of criminal justice and public safety. “He has a lot of connections to the law enforcement community and he brings in speakers from federal and local agencies,” says Peyton Ciders, senior at Frederick High School. Officer Fairbanks creates an environment where students feel comfortable engaging in meaningful conversations.

Students describe him as interactive, engaging, and funny, and they value learning from him. “It’s really easy to talk to him and he offers great advice,” adds Peyton.

Regardless of their individual interests and skill sets, our SROs and campus supervisors share a collective desire to impact our school communities in a positive way. They serve as mentors to students instilling values like teamwork, integrity, and resilience, and helping students excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Their influence and engagement enrich the school environment, creating a place where students connect and succeed together.

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By the Numbers

STUDENT WELL-BEING AND SAFETY

170 School Counselors, Psychologists, Interventionists, and Social Workers who are dedicated to supporting student mental health and overall well-being. In recent years, St. Vrain Valley Schools added a counseling position to each high school, as well as increased counseling support at all elementary schools across the district.

25 School Resource Officers (SROs) who support student safety in every school across the district through strong partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies.

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Coal Ridge Middle SRO Luke Dunker embraces a 2023 Frederick High graduate as they visit the halls of their former schools.

Campus Supervisors who support school administrators, SROs, teachers, and staff in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy school environment. New for the 2022-2023 school year, campus supervisors were added to all elementary schools and Spark! Discovery Preschool.

$48 Million Invested in school safety and security upgrades in the past 15 years, including secured double-vestibule entrances, security cameras, and other building upgrades.

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Lyons SRO Mitch Rosebrough coaches the high school football team before the state final four championship game.

SRO Brett Rimsky assists seventh-graders Noah Camacho and Owen Pearson during STEM class at Westview Middle.

Longmont High Campus Supervisor Todd Marcacci highfives senior Cassidy Means during a Unified Basketball game.

Campus Supervisor Stephanie Montanez coaches the Coal Ridge Middle girls basketball team.

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Dear Future Me, EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS WRITE LETTERS TO THEIR GRADUATING SELVES.

BY HEATHER HAMMARSTROM

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A

HUSH SE T TLED ACROSS THE ROWS OF DESKS as students sat in quiet contemplation. One by one, they picked up their pens and began to write, pouring their hopes and dreams onto the blank pages in front of them. Their compositions weren’t just another assignment; they were personal messages that would serve as time capsules until their high school graduation.

At Mead Middle School, eighth graders take part in a unique tradition that sets them on a path toward reflection and self-discovery. The process begins with a simple prompt: write a letter to your future self, to be opened when you graduate from high school. Students are given free rein to express their thoughts, hopes, fears, and dreams, with no limits on length or content. Some choose to write about their academic and future goals, while others delve into personal reflections or observations about the world around them. “They can write about what they want, and we do not read the letters,” said eighth-grade teacher Michaela Campbell. “Before students start writing, we provide them with a list of ideas. Students also brainstorm ideas with the help of a guide we provide.”

The letter-writing assignment is a milestone for eighth graders who are preparing to leave the familiar halls of middle school and embark on a new chapter in high school. According to Anna Youngs, an eighth-grade English and Social Studies teacher, the goal of the exercise is to encourage students to think about their future selves in a positive and constructive way. “We think it’s important for them to see how they changed over time and be proud of how far they’ve come throughout high school.”

Sealed in envelopes with each student’s name and address written on the front, the letters are collected by the eighth-grade teachers, who hold onto them for four years. In the weeks leading up

to Mead High School’s graduation, they are mailed to the students who wrote them.

What is typically a routine trip to the mailbox becomes a nostalgic journey back in time as they open their letters, and read them again with fresh eyes.

Many seniors found that the goals they wrote in their letters have become exciting accomplishments they are now celebrating.

Izzy Campbell, a 2023 graduate of Mead High School, aspired to achieve a high GPA in high school, graduate from both high school and college, and pursue a career as a middle school teacher. Currently, she is a freshman at Pacific Lutheran University, majoring in education to fulfill her dream of becoming a middle school English teacher.

Another Mead High School graduate from the class of 2023, Taylon Adler, wrote in his letter, “If my athletic pursuits don’t materialize, I would be thrilled to attend the Air Force Academy and acquire the skills to become a pilot.” Taylor is now pursuing his passion as a freshman at the University of North Dakota, where he is studying to become a commercial pilot.

As the seniors reflect on the hopes and dreams they had when they were younger, their letters, now cherished keepsakes, serve as a meaningful conclusion to both the school year and their primary and secondary education. “Looking back on my four years in high school, I’m excited to see that a lot of what I wrote in my letter, I actually accomplished,” shared Adler. “I think my eighthgrade self would be proud.”

Watch the Mead High School Class of 2023 read letters from their eighthgrade selves.

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BLUEPRINTS

FOR THE

future

BY KERRI MCDERMID, ED.D.

PLANNING FOR GROWTH TO BEST SERVE THE COMMUNITIES OF TODAY AND TOMORROW.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS & GOOGLE MAPS. CONCEPT ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY HCM ARCHITECTS.

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Photo: St. Vrain’s landscape has changed over time, from agricultural uses in 1939 to a future of growth and limitless possibilities.

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HILE ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS MAY NOT HAVE A TIME MACHINE made out of a Delorean or a flux capacitor on a school bus to travel back to the future, district leaders still must travel in time, imagining themselves into the future of the 13 communities across the 411 square miles of St. Vrain’s geographic boundaries, in order to best serve the children, neighborhoods, roads, and schools that will arrive 5, 10, 20, and 50 years from now.

FORECASTING GROWTH St. Vrain Valley Schools is one of the few districts in Colorado that has experienced growing enrollment over the past decade, to approximately 33,000 students today, with a full build-out plan to approximately 70,000-75,000 students. New growth can come with challenges, more importantly though, growth brings great opportunities.District leaders must travel to the future to best plan and prepare for what’s ahead.

The planning process in St. Vrain begins years, sometimes decades, in advance as the district’s operations team strategizes and navigates the significant complexities of planning and building new schools.

Forecasting population changes and growth over time is both a science and an art. The planning department in St. Vrain uses state and community data to track birth rates, building permits, and population movement to make informed estimates of district enrollment growth over time.

Economic forecasts are also a factor, predicting population changes that reshape student demographics. “Growth spurs new jobs, homes, and kids,” said Brendan Willits, Planning Director for St. Vrain Valley Schools. “We blend economic and population data to anticipate which industries draw younger families.”

BUILDING NEW SCHOOLS Once planning forecasts demonstrate the need for a new school, the district must begin to determine where the school can and should be built.

“To secure an ideal site, we have to collaborate with developers as they prepare land for residential neighborhoods, otherwise, only problematic parcels are left once subdivisions are approved,” added Willits. “We have estimates of where future growth is going to happen in the next 30 years, and we make estimates based on the current land use code of the population density and houses to help guide us on where to acquire property and where we’re going to need those new school sites.”

The district holds over 950 acres of land, some of which was acquired through land that developers must set aside when building new neighborhoods, or through purchases and other acquisition processes. However, many school sites in the district’s real estate portfolio may not

be ideally suited for a future school. The land acquisition process can take years, and includes environmental and geographic surveys, as well as considerations related to existing oil and gas infrastructure, flood plains, historical mining development, road infrastructure, acreage, growth, land use restrictions, and development.

Once a need for a new school has been determined and the school site has been secured, the next step is financing the construction of a new school. Schools are built when communities pass bond measures to finance the construction, and can cost anywhere from $50-60 million for a neighborhood elementary school, to upwards of $150-200 million for a comprehensive high school. Bonds can only be used for brick-andmortar projects and cannot be used for hiring, salaries, or school operational costs. In addition to new schools, bonds also fund safety upgrades, building maintenance and infrastructure needs, career and technical education facilities to support workforce development, and other improvements to educational spaces. St. Vrain Valley Schools passed a $260 million bond in 2016, which was used to build Soaring Heights PK-8, Grand View Elementary, Highlands Elementary, the Innovation Center, build a new Mead Elementary, complete substantial safety and security upgrades, add ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS

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thousands of feet of classroom space to existing schools, renovate older buildings, and make necessary repairs and maintenance to buildings.

“The planning process for additional schools has been in process for many years,” said Brian Lamer, Assistant Superintendent of Operations. “We continue to prioritize our approach to planning and preparation so that we can stay ahead of inflation, and be strategic and responsible stewards of our community’s resources and investments in our schools.”

Since the passage of the 2016 bond, the district has continued to experience significant growth.

St. Vrain’s administration, in collaboration with multiple communities, is preparing to make a recommendation to the Board of Education to place a bond on the ballot in 2024 that will ensure the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence, accountability, safety, and providing the education that today’s students will need for tomorrow’s jobs and careers. St. Vrain’s 2024 bond initiative will not increase property taxes, and will represent a significant investment in advancing the future of our community.1 This is due to existing community investments, growth in population and economic strength, and strong financial management that has included budget outperformance, debt restructuring, and early debt payoff. The district has saved taxpayers more than $82 million over the past two decades, including $36.8 million this past December.

The 2024 bond initiative will provide the education that today’s students will need for tomorrow’s jobs and careers, including skilled trades (plumbing, electrical, and construction), computer systems, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more; improve safety and security in school buildings; perform critical building maintenance and replace outdated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; continue the district’s commitment to academic excellence, safety, and accountability; and provide classroom additions Passage of the 2024 bond will not impose any new school district property tax and will not increase the district’s existing annual debt repayment obligation. Based on the current tax formula, it is specifically designed to not increase your existing school district taxes, and may even result in a lowering of existing property taxes, similar to the tax reduction the district made in January 2024.

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and construction of new school buildings to address overcrowding and future enrollment.

A STRONG RETURN ON INVESTMENT A high-quality public education system is a catalyst for powerful economic development that attracts industry and jobs to our area. The quality of a neighborhood school has an enormous influence on the quality of the community, and is one of the most important factors in a home buyer’s decision regarding where to purchase a home. High-quality public schools also have other significant economic and social impacts. As the quality of a community’s public education system increases, its productivity, income, social stability, and economic development also rise, while crime rates, healthcare dependence, and public service costs decrease.

Over the course of a lifetime, a high school graduate earns $331,000 more than a student without a high school diploma, and $754,000 more if they have an associate degree. If Colorado had reduced its dropout rate by 50 percent last year, the long-term benefit for those students would have been over $1.4 billion in increased earnings and economic gains. St. Vrain’s current on-time graduation rate is the highest in the Denver Metro Area at 93.3% and our dropout rate is the lowest in the Denver Metro Area at 0.6%.

THE FUTURE IS IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS The well-known proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now,” speaks to the significance of intent and time to advance positive outcomes that enhance and advance our world. When we choose to plant a seed, we are looking to the future with hopeful optimism that our efforts will provide a benefit that will improve our lives. We invest in the things that matter to us, and in what we believe will provide the strongest returns. Toward this end, St. Vrain will continue to travel in time in order to best prepare our system and community to welcome the children who will come into this world, five, 10, and 50 years into the future.

St. Vrain Valley School District’s 2024 bond initiative will NOT increase property taxes , and will represent a significant investment in advancing the future of our community. *

HERE IS HOW St. Vrain voters pass bonds that are paid through property taxes. Bonds are used to make investments to increase school safety, complete critical building maintenance, add classroom and instructional space, build schools, and complete other bricks and mortar infrastructure projects.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Through strong financial management, budget outperformance, debt restructuring, and early debt payoff, the district has saved taxpayers more than $82 million over the past two decades, including $36.5 million this past December. This district also decreased the property tax rate for 2023.

2024 Bond

Due to existing community investment, strong financial management, and growth in population and economic strength, the 2024 bond will not increase property taxes*.

STRONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT The St. Vrain community continues to experience growth in both population and economic strength, increasing the number of resources available to invest in our public schools.

POPULATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH *Passage of the 2024 bond will not impose any new school district property tax and will not increase the district’s existing annual debt repayment obligation. Based on the current tax formula, it is specifically designed to not increase your existing school district taxes, and may even result in a lowering of existing property taxes, similar to the tax reduction the district made in January 2024.

SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT WITH

NO INCREASE IN TAXES *

Provide the education that today’s students will need for tomorrow’s jobs and careers, including skilled trades (plumbing, electrical, and construction), computer systems, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more Improve safety and security in school buildings Perform critical building maintenance and replace outdated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems Continue the district’s commitment to academic excellence, safety, and accountability Provide classroom additions and construction of new school buildings to address overcrowding and future enrollment

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ALL ABOARD!

CYBER EXPLORER LAB COMING TO ST. VRAIN STORY AND PHOTOS BY OWEN WILLIS

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HE SOUND OF CLICKING COMPUTER KEYS AND THE TICKING CLOCK signifies time slipping away as students work to solve the complex challenges presented to them aboard St. Vrain’s Cyber Explorer Lab. They are deeply focused on “securing the bus” by solving vastly different cybersecurity topics that are similar to those they would encounter as industry professionals working in the field.

This nail biting scene will soon be a reality with the new Cyber Explorer Lab coming to students across St. Vrain Valley Schools. Similar to an “escape room,” the lab will challenge students to crack various cybersecurity codes in a race-against-the-clock style competition. The idea for the Cyber Explorer Lab was spurred from a student project team at the Innovation Center who, in collaboration with St. Vrain’s Transportation Department, will convert a retired bus within St. Vrain’s fleet into the lab, allowing the opportunity for a district resource to be repurposed into a new asset that will continue to serve St. Vrain schools in an innovative and cutting-edge way.

To prepare the lab for launch, student leaders are working diligently to design a meaningful program for their younger peers with the goal to educate them about specific cybersecurity concepts in fun and engaging ways that will drive their curiosity and interest in the field. “It’s about inspiring kids to want to pursue a career,” shared Gavin Crawford, junior at Silver Creek High School. “We want to lift the veil to make cybersecurity more approachable for students.” As part of their design process, the team visited an escape room to help inspire creative ideas to implement an engaging learning opportunity for students. Fellow junior at Silver Creek and member of the RaptorTECH program and Cyber Explorer Design Team, Kaylee Crouthamel uses her younger self’s perspective for inspiration to design interesting challenges for competitors. “Seeing how interested I am in cybersecurity now and thinking through what would have gotten me interested sooner has been very helpful in the design process.”

Aboard the Cyber Explorer Lab, the curriculum is designed for middle school students from St. Vrain and beyond to work together to defend against cyberattackers and “secure” the bus. “Our goal is to simulate a real-world cyber situation that incorporates what one would face if they were to work in the industry,” shares Crawford. To accomplish these goals, the project team students will be programming all of the activities and challenges for the participants and ensure that all systems and programs work together seamlessly.

To keep the bus secured, students will have a limited amount of time to work through a variety of cybersecurity-focused activities and challenges that will require critical thinking and collaboration, including password security, risk assessment, and multi-factor authentication strategies. The primary goal of the activities is to “teach underlying cybersecurity concepts that are especially engaging to younger students,” adds Crouthamel.

One task that students will need to complete to secure the bus is properly configuring a firewall to keep information safe. “Students will need to find a clue telling them, for example, that port 22 should be open and that port 23 should be closed,” shares Crouthamel. The

Photos: Cybersecurity project team members Kaylee Crouthamel and Gavin Crawford design engaging cybersecurity activities for younger students.

students will be using a program on a computer that will allow them to control what ports are active and where the computer is sending data.

The Cyber Explorer Lab will build upon the work being done by St. Vrain’s Mobile Innovation Lab to continue to fulfill St. Vrain’s mission of spreading innovation both inside and outside of the district.

The student designers look forward to the thunderous sounds of cheering that will erupt when the students successfully “secure the bus” just before the last seconds of the clock expire. These celebrations are not only for their successes in the challenge, but also for the new cybersecurity knowledge and inspiration that each student takes with them, inspired to continue their learning and become even more aware citizens of the online community. The Cyber Explorer Lab will be hitting the road in late spring of 2024.

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Full Circle

A PATHWAY FROM STUDENT TO TEACHER STORY AND PHOTOS BY COLIN RICKMAN

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ANY OF US HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EXPERIENCES. The teacher greeting us at the door with a warm smile, sitting down on the classroom carpet and listening to the way our teacher’s voice changes for every character in the book, the excitement of finding out you will be using the giant parachute in PE, and the feeling of pride and accomplishment when you finish singing the songs for the school choir performance. The connection we make with others through these shared experiences helps to sew the fabric of our lives far beyond the years of our schooling. The nostalgia of those moments is like a warm quilt that can wrap us up and bring comfort merely at the thought.

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Deejha Blash-Lopez enjoyed similar experiences with her classmates and teachers at Mountain View Elementary. Deejha reflects on her time there as a second grader in Ms. Horowitz’s class, “I remember writing postcards to Mrs. Horowitz’s son as he traveled overseas.

She was able to create an engaging lesson that students will remember while still meeting the [literacy] standard.

I want to create lessons that way as well.”

Memories like these and teachers like Ms. Horowitz are what inspired Deejha to explore a career in teaching.

In addition to finding inspiration through her own experiences and the great teachers in her life, she was also given a unique opportunity when she was in high school by signing up for the Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH) program. P-TEACH is a program that introduces St.Vrain high school students and classified staff to a career as an educator by offering a variety of concurrent enrollment courses. Students can earn credit through the University of Colorado Denver, as well as participate in a variety of experiences that give students an opportunity to see if teaching is something they want to pursue as a career. So that’s what Deejha did. Not only did she take advantage of the free college credit, she continued down the pathway and earned her bachelor’s degree in education with a teaching license.

The P-TEACH program is one of many career pathways that students have an opportunity to explore and pursue. Partnerships with universities, college credit, real work experience, and connections all play a part in giving students a competitive advantage when they graduate high school. Colorado has recognized the importance of giving students these options. St. Vrain Valley Schools was awarded $7 million through Colorado’s highly-competitive Opportunity Now grant to partner with neighboring school districts to build on these career pathways. St. Vrain has not only seen success with P-TEACH, but is leading the way as they share the program with Weld Re-3J, Estes Park Schools, and Adams 12 Five Star Schools.

Learn more about Deejha’s journey to become a teacher.

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Photos: Deejha Blash-Lopez works with kindergartner Divinity Guevara on spelling exercises.

St. Vrain prides itself on having the best teaching staff.

It only seems fitting that the pursuit to have students explore one of the most important professions in the world would start in our classrooms. The very teachers that inspire our students to become health care workers, engineers, fire fighters, police officers, and community leaders are not surprisingly igniting a passion for the career that impacts all other careers: teaching.

Through the P-TEACH program high schoolers getting a head start, and paraprofessionals that are working in our classrooms are also getting a chance to earn their degree. An integral role to student success, paraprofessionals help support teachers and students in a multitude of ways, including small group instruction.

The P-TEACH program targeted this role as prime candidates for the program and offered classes in the evening to accommodate their school day work schedule.

They have been in classrooms and received first-hand experience with students before becoming leaders in their own classrooms.

Deejha Blash-Lopez was one of the very first St. Vrain graduates to complete the P-TEACH program.

Life came full circle for Deejha as she completed her student teaching in May 2023 at the very school she once attended, Mountain View Elementary. She worked diligently through that semester, showing the school she was ready to take on the challenge, and when an opening in kindergarten was available in the spring, Deejha put her best foot forward and interviewed for the position.

There was no doubt some nervousness, as Deejha knew that this school community was the one she wanted to serve. When the news came that she was offered the teaching job, Deejha was ecstatic.

The halls feel a little smaller these days for Deejha, but she is creating some of the very same memories she once had. She sews patches of colorful and meaningful memories, adding comfort to her students’ lives. Her kindergarteners know her as Miss Blash-Lopez, and

she is changing the world every single day at Mountain View Elementary. As one of her students, Josie Ferreyra Moreno stated, “Ms. Blash-Lopez makes me feel happy.”

Deejha knows that her students may not remember all the lessons she teaches every day, but one thing she is certain of, one day, when her students think back on their time in her class, they will remember that they were cared for and loved.

Did You Know?

ABCs OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION

A B C

Teaching is the one profession that creates all others. Behind every ADVANCEMENT in medicine, technology, business, and society was a teacher who championed a student.

A Colorado School of Mines study found that teachers in the United States rate their lives BETTER than all other occupation groups, trailing only physicians1. Careers in education offer: better health and retirement benefits than other careers; flexibility to spend time with friends and family, travel, and earn; a fulfilling and impactful mission; defined career progression and growth opportunities; and so much more.

St. Vrain has among Colorado’s highest starting teacher salaries and overall, teaching salaries are COMPETITIVE or higher than starting salaries in other career fields.

1 Colorado Department of Higher Education: https://public.tableau. com/app/profile/dhe.state/viz/PostsecondaryDegreeEarnings/ MedianEarningsbyProgramDegreeandInstitution

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Making a Mark

CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS’ IMPACT ON OUR ST. VRAIN COMMUNITIES STORY AND PHOTOS BY EUNICE PEINADO

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UR SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS ARE THE PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS who generously contribute their time, skills, and enthusiasm. Whether they are spending time in the classrooms, organizing events, or providing individualized support, their commitment and engagement not only benefits students directly, but it helps strengthen the school community.

Volunteers like Steve Versoi, affectionately known as Papa Steve at Grand View Elementary School, serve as great examples of individuals whose selfless efforts have positively influenced the community. “I have the word ‘volunteer’ in my vocabulary, whether it’s here at Grand View or within my own community,” shares Versoi. “The heartfelt gratitude and ‘thank yous’ I receive are all the rewards I need.”

With a teaching degree in math, Versoi’s dedication to volunteering goes beyond helping students learn new math techniques or shortcuts beneficial to them in class.

“Engaging with each student and teaching math is not just a task for me; it’s an honor that flexes both the heart and brain muscles,” states Versoi. “Needing to adapt my approach for each grade level requires me to flip my brain into different modes. It’s a bit challenging, but rewarding; I’m not only teaching them, I’m learning from them as well.”

As he reflects on his own education, Versoi emphasizes, “I had the best second-grade teacher, and her

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impact on me still resonates; I can feel it to this day. If I can help one, two, or three children excel each day, then my job is done – there’s such an immense satisfaction in feeding the need for knowledge.”

As Versoi’s dedication resonates through the halls of Grand View Elementary, it mirrors the impact of ParentTeacher Organizations(PTOs) that widely contribute to a school’s thriving community. Much like Versoi, PTOs embrace the spirit of selfless dedication, driven by a collective desire to contribute.

THE PARENT-SCHOOL CONNECTION The active participation in Central’s PTO is driven by two interconnected goals: supporting the school’s emphasis on academic achievement and cultivating a dynamic learning environment. As member Emily Vallery says, “We value what a successful PTO can do to help support the school, teachers, and students — and we wanted to be a part of making that happen.”

Central’s PTO focus extends beyond financial support, with a mission to foster positive relationships by serving as a liaison between the school’s staff, parents, and families.

“Our primary areas of focus are on parent engagement and community togetherness with fun educational activities, events, teacher support, and appreciation initiatives,” shares Amy Foster, PTO member. “We are always on the lookout for our next big project.”

Their contributions are far-reaching, providing funds for field trips, teacher training, a thriving robotics program, classroom supplies, library books, support for the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program, community-building events, and various enrichment programs throughout the school year.

On the other side of the district, the Prairie Ridge PTO also focuses on investments that will have a lasting impact on the school environment, with recent projects including the addition of shade structures and the planting of numerous trees on the school grounds.

“We’re driven to create lasting positive experiences for students and staff alike,” states Josh Deakins, Prairie Ridge PTO President. “Our students spend a significant portion of their time in school. We want them to look back on it as a place of meaningful experiences.”

Photos: Steve Versoi teaches students about multiplication at Grand View Elementary; Members of Prairie Ridge Elementary hosts a ribbon-cutting for the new shade structure; Perri Sauer participates at a Niwot High Booster club planning meeting.

ELEVATING SCHOOL SPIRIT At the high school level, booster clubs take an active role in advancing community engagement by emphasizing school pride. These dedicated groups of parents, alumni, and community members support school initiatives beyond the classroom, enhancing the student experience in athletics, co-curricular activities, visual and performing arts, and other important student events.

Niwot High School’s Booster Club plays an important role in supporting the school’s comprehensive high school experience for all students. “Our focus is on creating a positive culture of participation in our community, celebrating all of our students’ achievements both in and out of the classroom,” shares Donna Blondeau, President of the Niwot Booster Club. Major projects, like the revamping of the Niwot Athletic Complex weight rooms and the creation of a unique outdoor classroom, exemplify this commitment.

Skyline High School’s Booster Club also plays an integral role in shaping school’s environment. “We see ourselves as the bridge connecting Skyline’s rich history with the future of our school,” states Mackenzie Turrill, Booster Club Member.

The collaboration between parents, coaches, teachers, and the Skyline Boosters plays a pivotal role in achieving common goals for students. By providing grants to coaches and supporting initiatives like purchasing new uniforms, the Booster Club not only strengthens these relationships but also enhances the overall educational experience.

They fund scholarships through the Skyline Education Foundation, participate in open house events, and partner with student council to host annual senior year highlight events like the senior sunrise and senior sunset.

The impact of volunteers like Mackenzie Turrill, Donna Blondeau, Steve Versoi, Emily Vallery, Amy Foster, and Josh Deakins across the St. Vrain Valley community is immeasurable. Across the district, hundreds of volunteers work behind the scenes to support the success of students, teachers, staff, and community.

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CHAMPIONSHIPS are won in the PREPARATION THE LESSONS BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD DRIVE OUR STUDENTS TO EXCEL IN SPORTS AND BEYOND.

BY COLIN RICKMAN PHOTOS BY COLIN RICKMAN, BRAD COCHI (LONGMONT TIMES CALL), STEVE ABEYA (MAXPREPS), & BOBBY REYES (MILESPLIT.COM)

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SETTING THE PACE

NIWOT HIGH CROSS COUNTRY

THE LIGHTS SHINE BRIGHT ERIE HIGH FOOTBALL

A SEASON OF FIRSTS

MEAD HIGH GIRLS LACROSSE

The Saturday morning of the state championships was what all the runners were waiting for. A single race to run and prove to everyone that the Niwot High School Cross Country team had earned their place at the top of the podium. The anticipation before the starting pistol, the hustle in the first leg to find one’s pace and establish a position, and the final kick at the end of five kilometers (5K) to leave everything on the course are defining moments for these athletes.

Before the Colorado State Cross Country Championship race, Niwot sophomore Addison Ritzenhein knew that she wasn’t going to be runner-up again. Her preparation didn’t just start this year. It was established at a young age and fostered by her parents, teachers, mentors, and coaches over the years. Addison believes that keeping her training simple and consistent are some of the keys to her success.

As November draws to a close, a crisp chill permeates the air, setting a perfect backdrop for the Friday night lights that illuminate the countryside.

Under the bright lights and amidst the roaring cheers, the team comes alive, embodying the spirit of the sport they deeply love. They revel in the thrill of chasing the first down, the intensity of making a crucial stop on third down and one, and the exhilaration of catching the perfect spiral for a touchdown.

Erie football senior quarterback Blake Barnett knew he was going to sacrifice more this year because he understood that to be great, it was going to take extra effort. Records come and go, and can be a distraction for some, but on October 20, 2023, Blake made history by eclipsing the NFL star, Christian McCaffery. A moment that celebrates a season and career that demonstrates not only Blake’s talent, but his commitment to the sport and his team.

The Mead High girls lacrosse team was doing something no one had done before. Not because there was a lack of drive, effort, or talent, but because this was the very first year that the girls lacrosse program had ever existed. As the team rose through the ranks during the season, there was no question as to their talent, but one question remained – can they take on the best and walk away champions? Achieving the unprecedented requires courage,

grit, and leadership. Mead High School sophomore, Emmy Tecu, embodies these qualities, understanding that excellence demands commitment and near-obsessive determination. Emmy spoke to the mentality of the team and how coaches helped to set common goals with action steps to attain them.

“Our big focus was to come in every single day with all of our efforts and to be good teammates.”

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Addison shares, “I feel like my training regiment is pretty straight forward. I simply trust the process and believe in my coaches and let my teammates carry me with them. It takes a great deal of dedication to be a part of this team because we all count on each other to be the best we can be. That’s what makes this team so special.”

Breaking those limits is what Addison was pursuing through all of her training, and it was at this moment when she needed to

transcend them. At the end of the 5K, she soared through the finish line with a confident stride that came only with knowing she had given her everything. Addison’s everything ended up being more than enough.

She crossed the line in first place and set a new state record, smashing the previous best by nearly 31 seconds.

Addison took home the individual race title to complement Niwot’s sixth straight team championship for both the girls and the boys teams.

Winning a state championship is usually the end of the race for most teams. However, there was no doubt that this Niwot team was destined for even greater accomplishments as both the girls and boys teams received an invitation to compete in the Nike Cross National Championships in Portland, Oregon in December.

Competing against the best runners across the country provided an opportunity for these athletes to place an exclamation point on an

Blake accomplished something impressive as an individual player, but he knew that it was his team that made it a possibility. While most high school students were home enjoying time with their family over Thanksgiving break, the Erie football team was layered in warm clothes as the fall temperature lowered with the sun, ready for another intense week of practice as they prepared for their next playoff game.

“It gets more important and more special every time you have a practice because you get to have to practice,” reflected Blake. “You’re outside going through the mud and the thick of everything because you’ve earned it and you continue to have the opportunity.”

He recognizes that hard moments are temporary, that the impact of the work they do now and the memories they are forging will last

well beyond high school. All of the sweat, long practices, and study sessions paid off on December 2, 2023. In a matchup of Colorado state football juggernauts, the undefeated and first-ranked Palmer Ridge Bears faced off with the equally impressive second-seed Erie Tigers. In the waning minutes of the game, with a single score that separated the two teams, Blake was hit with an ankle injury. After an evaluation

Emmy and her teammates faced their moment with poise. There is no better way to calm nerves than to be prepared, and as Emmy confidently stated, “We were ready.” On May 19, 2023, after a fierce battle with Castle View High School – the only team they had lost to in the regular season – they emerged victorious, leaving no room for doubt with a score of

13 to 5. The Mead team lifted the championship trophy high, a symbol of their dedication and hard work.

First place for St. Vrain’s first team in its first year.

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already successful season. Addison took that opportunity and ran across the finish line with it, claiming her first individual national championship victory, a fitting end to her historical season.

Addison humbly stated, “It is surreal to think that I could accomplish something like this because I didn’t really think about an individual title, I was more focused on my team. It was incredible to have my family, friends, coaches, and teammates be there and celebrate a victory that can be shared with everyone.”

by the coaches and athletic trainers, Blake continued to play with steadfast determination and the support of the whole team. Barnett marched the team down field and handed off to running back, Braylon Toliver, who scored the go-ahead touchdown to cement the team as the 2023 4A state champions.

Standing at the peak of the Colorado state football championships is what Blake and his teammates will take with them for a lifetime.

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CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE WON IN THE PREPARATION The competitive drive of sports is powerful. It’s something that lives deep and fuels the fire to push past our physical and mental limits. Newbery honorwinning author Alan Armstrong wrote, “Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months, and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” The very character that leads to success in all aspects of life. As Niwot Cross Country Coach Kelly Christensen reflects, “The characteristics that competitive sports, or any extracurricular activity, help build is immeasurable.” Amongst a long list of qualities, Christensen says that athletes learn to “believe anything is possible through consistent hard work and the right support system.”

How we measure success can be different from task to task. Sports offer a clear score. We know that despite these triumphant stories of district accomplishments, sports also offer opportunities for success in the day-to-day grind. Players are learning and executing plans, building relationships alongside persistence, communicating effectively in moments of high stress, leading under pressure, and building a positive team culture.

St. Vrain gives opportunities for students to compete in a wide range of athletics from sixth grade through their senior year. At every stage, dedicated coaches are helping players connect lessons learned on the field, track, and court to the rigorous academic challenges they face in the classroom. So whether an athlete walks away with a trophy or not, the life lessons that they carry with them are what will make them champions, proving that true victories – both on and off the field – are won in the preparation.

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Watch the power of the competitive spirit across St. Vrain’s high school sports teams.

“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months, and years they spend preparing for it.”

-ALAN ARMSTRONG, NEWBERY HONOR-WINNING AUTHOR

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ADAPTIVE INNOVATION ENGINEERING NEW EXPERIENCES WITH ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

BY EUNICE PEINADO PHOTOS BY EUNICE PEINADO & OWEN WILLIS

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S YOU STEP INTO BRIAN BIANCO’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS at Legacy Elementary School, you’re greeted by the sound of sneakers squeaking against the gym floor and the infectious laughter of students playing a game of tag. Among them is Cynthia Barger, a determined third-grader who embodies courage and the optimistic spirit of an eight-year-old fleeing from the dreaded ‘you’re it!’ tag. While students run from one side of the gym to the other, Cynthia glides across the gym floor in her wheelchair.

Across St. Vrain Valley Schools, the abilities of all students are recognized, celebrated, and supported to ensure that each and every child can participate and engage in their learning. For physical education classes, access for all students can present unique opportunities for innovation and collaborative partnerships.

To create a more inclusive and engaging environment for all students with special needs – St. Vrain offers Adapted Physical Education (Adapted PE). This specialized program is tailored to meet the unique needs of students like Cynthia to best support their active participation in PE class.

Over the years, Bianco has explored many opportunities to increase Cynthia’s participation

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in class. He has introduced lightweight objects for her to throw, experimented with different types of bowling-style ramps for underhand rolls, and has modified larger and lighter-weight equipment such as soccer balls and beach balls. As Cynthia grows and advances through the grade levels, Bianco is committed to continuous innovation so that the current interventions don’t become rudimentary.

“This year, I brainstormed initial ideas that I knew I could create myself in class for Cynthia, but I also recognized the opportunity for more innovative solutions,” shared Bianco. “I reached out to Kelsey Hargash, the district’s Adapted PE Teacher, for collaboration to elevate our solutions for Cynthia, ensuring not just her participation but also her safety.”

Pooling their creativity and determination, Bianco and Hargash worked alongside students from the Innovation Center to transform their idea to use robotics and technology into an effective design and prototype.

“Working together with students at the Innovation Center allowed us to think beyond the ordinary,” noted Hargash. “They took our initial ideas, like creating a robot arm that would have the ability to move in different positions, or a joystick so she could throw a ball, and expanded them

into an Adaptive Smart Launcher – a more sustainable, impactful experience for Cynthia that goes beyond mere participation.”

The Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR) Team at the Innovation Center, composed of high school students from across the district who specialize in programming social robots for students with special needs took charge of the electrical engineering and prototype design. Additionally, students of the Innovation Center’s Machine Team also played a pivotal role in bringing the physical structure of the device to life. The Adaptive Smart Launcher prototype was created using PVC pipes, an electronic start button, and a leaf blower.

“Our aim was to create something tangible, something that would make an immediate impact on a student’s life,” shared Dillon Whisman, Mobile Lab Coordinator at the Innovation Center.

“While the original design took inspiration from a leaf blower, the Adaptive Smart Launcher goes beyond that basic concept. It’s a versatile tool with the potential to swing, launch, kick, and maybe even

catch,” explained Jacob Roberts, Instructional Consultant for Game Design/Competitive Robotics at the Innovation Center. “We envisioned a device that not only supports a student’s immediate needs, but also opens the door to future adaptations, providing a customizable and engaging experience for students with varying abilities.”

On the first day of testing, Cynthia’s face lit up with curiosity and excitement as she approached the Adaptive Smart Launcher. Initially overcome by the loud hum of the leaf blower, her hesitance quickly disappeared with the first launch of the inflatable football. Her laughter and smile reflect the success of the team’s innovative prototype.

“We aspire to have a set of these devices at every feeder school – not just limited to PE, but also accessible during recess or other school activities,” stated Hargash. “This is just the beginning.”

Learn more about St. Vrain’s Unified offerings for students of all abilities.

Photos, from top left: Innovation Center student designers SeanPatrick Schmitz and Spencer Freeman develop a prototype for the adaptive PE device; Cynthia Barger tests the first iteration of her Adaptive Smart Launcher in Bianco’s PE class.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

A SnAPshot STORY AND PHOTOS BY CAROLINE CHUTKOW

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T. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS RECOGNIZES THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ADVANCED PLACEMENT® (AP) CLASSES, which offer outstanding opportunities for students to engage in rigorous, college-level coursework, preparing them for postsecondary education, and providing the chance to earn college credit upon scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam.

AP coursework contributes to academic excellence while empowering students to save on tuition costs and potentially graduate college in less than four years. St. Vrain Valley Schools offers students a robust and comprehensive selection of 36 AP courses across its high schools. Here is just a glimpse of the available course options within our district.

Photos, top to bottom: Gabriel Fishman reviews themes in his AP European History class at Erie High; Isaias Perez Linares graduates in 2023 with the AP Scholar distinction from Erie High; Junior Isabelle Casas conducts research during an AP Seminar course at Silver Creek High.

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AP BIOLOGY

AP ECONOMICS

TAUGHT BY JEFF KLIPSTEIN AT LYONS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

TAUGHT BY ERIC EISEMAN AT LONGMONT HIGH SCHOOL

AP Biology covers a diverse range of study units including evolution, energy processing, cellular organization, inheritance, and genetics. The course offers a rigorous, hands-on curriculum, with students engaging in laboratory work every other week.

These practical sessions focus on dynamic fields such as molecular biology and genetics, cultivating students’ skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. In classroom lectures, AP Biology instills essential theoretical knowledge while fostering a global perspective. Through discussions on the interconnectedness of humans and the environment, students gain a better understanding of their role in the world. The speed and depth of material covered is extensive, providing students with a college-level experience.

AP Economics offers two distinct courses. AP Microeconomics delves into the functions of individual decision-makers—consumers and producers— emphasizing product and factor markets, as well as the government’s role in promoting efficiency and equity. Meanwhile, AP Macroeconomics provides a comprehensive understanding of economic principles at the system level, covering national income, price-level determination, economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.

Both courses contribute to students’ preparation for careers in business or public service, and enhance their role as informed consumers, voters, and valuable contributors to society.

AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT

TAUGHT BY GABRIEL FISHMAN AT ERIE HIGH SCHOOL

TAUGHT BY JAMI REVIELLE AT FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL

AP Comparative Government delves into the intricacies of political structures and processes across different nations, offering students a comprehensive view of global governance. By analyzing the unique challenges, ideologies, and mechanisms inherent in diverse political systems, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the world’s complexities. This course enhances students’ analytical skills and cultivates a broader perspective, encouraging them to critically evaluate and appreciate the cultural and historical contexts that shape political decisions. The course includes a variety of lectures, discussions, and projects to facilitate learning.

Ultimately, AP Comparative Government equips students with the knowledge and tools necessary for active, informed global participation and promotes a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of democracy and governance worldwide.

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

AP European History charts the changes in society, politics, economics, and culture across Europe from the Renaissance to the present day. Students are immersed in the inner workings of Western Civilization and its impacts on our modern world.

The course places a significant emphasis on Europe’s political landscape and various artistic movements, providing students with a global perspective on cultural evolution across the continent and beyond.

With a strong emphasis on writing and discussion, students hone their analytical skills and fine tune their argumentative writing and speaking abilities through the use of primary sources from a wide array of perspectives. The course examines some of the most influential events in history from the French Revolution to World War I and II. AP European History broadens students horizons and equips them with a sharper lens to perceive and understand the world around them.

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Photos, from left: Junior Paige Selby during AP Seminar at Silver Creek High; Senior Joshua Nye during AP Music Theory at Mead High; 2023 Erie High graduate Kaydia Leyshon.

AP MUSIC THEORY

AP SEMINAR

TAUGHT BY ABIGAIL JUDY AT MEAD HIGH SCHOOL

TAUGHT BY NIKKI TOBIAS AT SILVER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

AP Music Theory enhances student musicians’ overall musical comprehension and ability to collaborate in ensemble settings. The course begins with the fundamentals of music, including notes on the music staff, multiple types of scales, time signatures, triads, and 7th chords. The content advances into music analysis and composition through part writing. A key focus throughout the year is on aural skills, encompassing sight singing, ear training, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, and harmonic dictation. AP Music Theory eases into singing by starting the year with kazoos to create a comfortable environment for students.

These skills collectively enhance students’ ability to comprehend and identify what they hear, even without sheet music.

AP Seminar is an introductory, academic skills and discussion-based class designed to equip students with the essential tools for success as they progress in their AP coursework. Students engage in tasks they will encounter in college or the workforce, such as conducting research, collaborating with team members, and delivering their findings through an oral presentation format.

Students practice the roles of independent researcher, argumentative writer, team member, presentation designer, and public speaker. Unlike many contentcentered AP classes, students earn their AP score based on multiple measures, including two essays, two presentations, and one exam, rather than one single endof-year exam.

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AP course offerings across St. Vrain high schools include: • • • • • • • • • • • •

AP Art History AP Biology AP Calculus AP Chemistry AP Comparative Government AP Computer Science AP Drawing AP English Language & Composition AP English Literature AP Environmental Sciences AP European History AP French

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

AP Human Geography AP Macroeconomics AP Microeconomics AP Music Theory AP Physics AP Precalculus AP Psychology AP Research AP Seminar AP Spanish AP Statistics AP Studio Art AP US Government & Politics • AP US History

“In St. Vrain Valley Schools, AP is a collective team effort. Our system is rich with resources and features a pool of talented educators who willingly collaborate to enhance the learning experience. The result is a supportive system that fosters success throughout our educational community.”

By the Numbers ADVANCED PLACEMENT IN ST. VRAIN

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4,784 704 63

St. Vrain offers students a robust and comprehensive selection of 36 AP courses across its high schools.

In 2023, St. Vrain had over 2,800 students take a total of 4,784 AP exams.

In 2023, 704 St. Vrain students earned the AP Scholar recognition

63 St. Vrain graduates from the Class of 2023 earned the prestigious AP Capstone diploma.

- JEFF KLIPSTEIN, SCIENCE TEACHER, LYONS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Learn more about St. Vrain’s approach to Advanced Placement.

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OUR STUDENTS’ JOURNEYS IN AVIATION START IN ST. VRAIN’S AERONAUTICS PATHWAYS.

BY HEATHER HAMMARSTOM PHOTOS BY COLIN RICKMAN

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T VANCE BRAND AIRPORT IN LONGMONT, LIZBETH LARA MOSQUEDA SETTLES INTO THE SMALL COCKPIT OF A PIPER AIRPLANE. She inserts the key into the ignition, and as she engages the starter, the propeller begins to spin. While the engine warms up, she carefully runs through the pre-flight checklist to ensure that all systems are functioning properly.

Skillfully guiding the plane down the runway, she gently pulls on the yoke, lifting the wheels off the ground. Mosqueda ascends into the sky, embodying the very essence of dreams taking flight.

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Photo: Longmont High alum Lizbeth Lara Mosqueda after passing the FAA pilot exam. Photo courtesy Lizbeth Lara Mosqueda.

During her sophomore year at Longmont High School, Mosqueda, a 2022 graduate, shared her dream of becoming a pilot with her assistant principal and school counselor. Fueled by her determination to prove that extraordinary achievements are within reach for everyone, Mosqueda set her sights on the skies.

With guidance and support from teachers and staff at Longmont High and the Innovation Center, she made her dream come true, earning her pilot’s license at the age of 19.

To become a pilot, Mosqueda completed the Pilot Pathway, one of two aeronautics pathways offered at the Innovation Center. Supported by Aims Community College, the Pilot Pathway focuses on the ground training needed to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot written exam. With the support of qualified staff and industry-certified flight instructors, student pilots gain a head start toward becoming commercial pilots or FAA ground instructors.

Mosqueda’s journey in aviation began with drone flight training classes at the Innovation Center. From there, she progressed to Pilot Ground 1 and 2 courses, which included operating flight simulators. “That taught me so much and prepared me to fly actual planes. Our instructor took us on amazing field trips to meet pilots who showed us how to preflight planes and how they’re built.”

After graduating from high school, Mosqueda enrolled at Aims where she completed private pilot training. “Learning the steps to land the plane was easy; the hard part was actually landing the plane. It took me about two months to really butter my landings, but once I did, my sleeping brother in the back of the Piper said he didn’t feel a thing,” shared Mosqueda. “The first time I flew solo, it was the best feeling ever, and I imagined how proud all the people who believed in me would feel.” Originally aspiring to be a commercial airline pilot, Mosqueda now wants to become a Certified Flight Instructor and help others achieve their dream of flying.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASPIRING AVIATORS For students who are interested in aeronautics, the Erie High School Academy of Engineering and Aerospace offers a comprehensive four-year pathway. The academy advances students’ understanding of atmospheric and space flight fundamentals. “Our pathway program is designed to equip students with industry-ready skills and certifications, providing them with a competitive edge in today’s job market,” shared Robotics and Engineering Teacher Chris Schmitz. “This comprehensive program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.”

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Erie’s Academy of Engineering and Aerospace provides students with a competitive advantage and opens doors to post-high school success. “We focus on providing students with real-world experiences and the opportunity to earn industry certifications, setting them up for a successful career in their chosen field,” explained Schmitz. “Our students don’t just learn about engineering; they experience it, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that sets them apart from others.”

Positioning herself for success in both college and her future career, Erie High School senior Abigail Umbenhouer enrolled in the Academy of Engineering and Aerospace as a freshman. “The challenging courses in math, science, and engineering have prepared me to continue my education and pursue a career in a STEM field,” said Umbenhouer. “The knowledge I’ve gained through the program, along with hands-on experience, has enhanced my understanding of engineering concepts and given me opportunities to apply what I’ve learned in the real world.”

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At Westview Middle School, students with an interest in aeronautics have the opportunity to explore the subject early on. A new aeronautics course, developed

by Math Teacher Gene Kath, was designed to provide students with a solid grasp of aeronautical principles and spark their interest in the field. According to Kath, “We start with basics like designing and testing paper airplanes for distance and airtime, and as the semester progresses, students advance to constructing more sophisticated airplanes, including those with motors.”

Motivated by his interest in airplanes and a dream of becoming an aerospace engineer, seventh-grader Bodhi Chittick enrolled in Westview’s aeronautics class. The course has been instrumental in developing his understanding of aviation. “Building planes is fascinating,” shared Bodhi. “Last week, we explored various wing designs, like inverted gull wing, high wing, and mid wing. I’m excited to learn more about real planes and their functions.”

Westview’s aeronautics class is the first middle school aeronautics program in the district. It is offered as a seventh-grade STEM elective, but it will be expanded into a club in 2024. Kath is also partnering with the Innovation Center to develop a middle school program that will give students a glimpse into the high-level aviation projects and opportunities awaiting them in high school.

Through the aeronautics programs in St. Vrain Valley Schools, students gain hands-on experiences beyond traditional classrooms. From drone flight training to piloting real planes, they acquire the skills necessary for success in the aeronautics industry. Reflecting on her journey from student to pilot, Mosqueda is grateful to the staff at Longmont High for their support. She appreciates St. Vrain Valley’s aeronautics programs because they play a role in shaping the dreams of aspiring aviators. “The Innovation Center will always have a special place in my heart because it showed me the paths I could take after high school,” said Mosqueda. “I advise students to follow their hearts and do what they think is best for them. I entered aviation without much industry knowledge, but if I can become a pilot, they can too.”

Photo, above: Math Teacher Gene Kath works with seventh-graders Jordan Lawson-Guzman and Ella Childress on their airplane construction at Westview Middle School.

Photos, opposite: Bodhi Chittick checks his plane before a flight test at Westview Middle School; An Innovation Center Aeronautics class works on in-flight control with quadcopter drones.

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The St. Vrain Advantage We are providing current and future generations a strong competitive advantage so that all students can achieve success in a globalized world.

One of our State and Nation’s

Leading Districts Highest On-Time Graduation Rate St. Vrain Valley Schools has achieved the highest on-time graduation rate of any district in the Denver Metro area at 93.3%, and the highest of any district in Colorado with more than 300 graduates. St. Vrain’s Hispanic graduation rate, at 88.3%, is also the highest of any district in the Denver Metro Area.

0.6% Dropout Rate

$64 Million

Our dropout rate, at 0.6% for all students and 1% for Hispanic students, is the lowest of any district in the Denver Metro area.

St. Vrain has earned approximately $64 million in highly-competitive grants, which are invested back into schools and programs that advance student learning and success. This includes St. Vrain has the only district in Colorado to be awarded a $7 million Opportunity Now grant to increase workforce development and work-based learning opportunities.

21 Bills Over the past several years, St. Vrain has passed approximately 21 bills in the Colorado Legislature, continuing to strengthen public education in Colorado.

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24.5 Credits In addition to the highest graduation rate in the Denver Metro Area, St. Vrain also has the most rigorous graduation requirements at 24.5 credits.

Signature programs for students that are a first of its kind and/or nationally recognized: • • • • • • • • • •

Four P-TECH Programs Pathways to Teaching Program Mobile Innovation Lab Cybersecurity Mobile Lab Underwater Robotics Programming Drone Performance Team Advanced Manufacturing Academy Toyota TECS Program Artificial Intelligence Student Team and so much more

Career and College

Readiness 31,250 credits Last year, St. Vrain students had the opportunity to earn over 31,250 college credits through Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate courses, and concurrent enrollment college classes.

$12 Million in Savings Through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment courses, last year students had the opportunity to save families approximately $12 million or more in future tuition expenses.

473 Students Last year, 473 students participated in a work-based learning apprenticeship or internship program.

693 Certifications Last year, 693 certifications were awarded to students enrolled in one of 17 programs offering industry-recognized certifications. These include EMT/paramedic, manufacturing trades, automotive technology, welding, aeronautics, engineering, information technology, and more.

702 Students

123 Associate Degrees

Over 700 students have been enrolled in one of St. Vrain’s four P-TECH programs that include significant mentorship and internship opportunities, alongside rigorous college coursework. St. Vrain has P-TECH programs focused on information technology, biochemistry, cybersecurity, and business.

Through the district’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs, 123 students have been awarded their Associate degree, alongside their high school diploma, at no cost to the student.

240 Robotics Teams St. Vrain is home to over 240 competitive robotics teams, as well as numerous state, national, and world champions.

190 Athletic Championships Since 2019, St. Vrain athletes have brought home 190 total state titles: 31 team titles and 159 individual titles.

Athletics, Arts, and Activities 78% Engagement Over 78% of St. Vrain secondary students are engaged in co-curricular or extracurricular activities outside the regular school day.

All Middle Schools All middle schools in St. Vrain offer competitive athletic opportunities, engaging students in their school communities and preparing them for high school athletics.

10,000+ Pieces of Art

147 Varsity Teams

All schools in St. Vrain offer high quality visual arts courses, with thousands of artworks displayed each spring at the Districtwide Art Show.

St. Vrain offers 147 total varsity sports teams across all high schools.

162 All-State Musicians

1,792 Athletic Events St. Vrain high school students are sanctioned to compete in 1,792 athletic events each year.

This year, 81 high school and 81 middle school students were selected for a highly prestigious and competitive All-State music group. St. Vrain students represented 37% of the students performing in the high school All-State Choir and 15% of the students performing in the middle school All-State Choir, making St. Vrain the highest all-state choir performing district in Colorado.

Highest Starting Teacher Salary St. Vrain has among the highest base pay for teachers and support staff across the Denver Metro region and continues to invest in raising pay and professional development for teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, nutrition service workers, health clerks, secretaries, and more.

2.6 Million Meals Last year, St. Vrain’s nutrition services department served over 2.6 million meals to students, and is on track to double that number for the 23-24 school year.

Outstanding Community

7th Largest St. Vrain Valley Schools is the 7th largest school district in Colorado.

411 Square Miles

33,000 Students St. Vrain Valley Schools serves approximately 33,000 students and 5,500 employees.

St. Vrain serves 13 communities across 411 square miles.

2 Million Miles St. Vrain has a robust transportation department, driving close to 2 million miles each year to transport students to school, field trips, athletic events, and more.

This equates to circling the globe approximately 80 times each year.

120+ Industry Partnerships St. Vrain Valley Schools is highly connected to the local, state, and national business community, with over 120 industry and corporate partners. These important relationships provide expertise, mentorship, and resources to ensure that St. Vrain is a leading district in providing opportunities that students will need to be successful beyond graduation. Key partners include Apple, Google, UCHealth, Boeing, Cisco, Toyota, Seagate, Agilent, Amazon, and so much more.

5,500 Employees St. Vrain Valley Schools is the largest employer in our 411 square mile area, with approximately 5,500 employees.

23,000 Years St. Vrain’s 2,000 teachers have approximately 23,000 years of teaching experience and over 60% have graduate degrees.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING PUBLIC EDUCATION Watch a thank you video from all of us in St. Vrain Valley Schools.

St. Vrain Valley Public Schools RE-1J 395 S. Pratt Pkwy Longmont, CO 80501

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Across St. Vrain Valley Schools, we are taking public education by #STVRAINSTORM — our shared passion and commitment to advancing academic excellence and student success.

Watch our students take education by #StVrainStorm

ST. VRAINNOVATION was produced in-house by the district communications team. This and other district initiatives are generously supported by:

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