2
Longmont Times-Call Publication
December 1 & 2, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 4 to 7 p.m. Plaza Conference Center 1850 Industrial Circle, Longmont Behind the Plaza Hotel Expo Vendors
With so many choices in education, parents need to take the time to find the perfect fit for their children in academics and enrichment activities. This School Choice Expo publication and expo gives parents information about public and private school options in the St. Vrain and Boulder Valley areas. Kristi Ritter Specialty Publications Editor kkritter@times-call.com 303-684-5275 Summer Stair Specialty Publications Associate Editor sstair@times-call.com 720-494-5429 Contributing Writers Lauren Feighery and Anna Taylor On the Cover Design by Paul McNeill Check out the digital edition at www.timescall.com/magazines.asp
Alpine Elementary Providing students in preschool through fifth grade an education through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. Altona Middle A leadership focused school where individual students create their own opportunities through core, enrichment and extracurricular achievement. Black Rock Elementary Gifted and talented, world languages focus school. Blue Mountain Elementary School of science, technology and inquiry serving preschool through fifth grade. Boulder County Day School An accredited independent school serving students preschool through eighth grade. BCD provides a traditional, yet contemporary and rounded education distinguished by academic excellence, social development and citizenship. Brain in a Bag A revolutionary, new set of tools to enable anyone and everyone to become a whole brain thinker. This will become an educational tsunami that will sweep the world. Burlington Elementary Curriculum support enhances and challenges all levels of literacy education. Carbon Valley Academy Mission is to provide rich content and solid skills instruction for preschool through eighth grade in an environment that champions character and personal academic achievements. Career Development Center Offers St. Vrain students classes that are related to actual working environments where they explore today’s industries using currently utilized equipment.
Centennial Elementary A Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (M.E.S.A) focus school. Curriculum designed to teach 21st century work force skills and project based learning. Central Elementary Provides students in preschool through fifth grade an education through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. Coal Ridge Middle Located in Firestone, and serving the Frederick, Firestone and Dacono areas, CRMS aims to provide a successful learning experience for all students. Colorado Chiropractic Free chair massage and stress testing will enhance holiday coping capabilities. Learn strategies to handle the holidays better. Columbine Elementary A bilingual school that celebrates diversity. Dawson School Dawson is a kindergarten through 12th grade school that prepares students for what the world demands – diverse backgrounds, diverse ideas and global views. Desiterata School Offering independent study through a private school. Accredited and recognized by the Department of Education. Eagle Crest Elementary Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade school with a focus on leadership and 21st century skills. Erie Elementary No. 26 Opening in the fall of 2011, this school will offer both core knowledge and St. Vrain Valley curriculum strand in a state of the art facility. Erie Elementary A Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focus school designed to actively engage students who explore, experiment, problem solve and
invent through integrated instruction. Erie High School A small school atmosphere that allows staff to concentrate on academic needs of every student. Block scheduling maximizes learning. Erie Middle To educate every student in a respectful, caring and learning environment that celebrates success and honors every individual. Faith Baptist School A traditional college-prep Christian school serving the Longmont area since 1971. Fall River Elementary A neighborhood elementary school of 400 to 500 students, grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school motto is The Courage to Be Outstanding. Flagstaff Academy Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade charter school focusing on core knowledge with emphasis in science and technology. Frederick Elementary Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade neighborhood school that focuses on educational excellence. Frederick High School Dedicated to creating relevant relationships that will create rigorous instruction. Advanced placement, honors and CU Gold Programs. Frederick High has a strong cocurricular and extra curricular activities. Friends’ School Preschool and kindergarten through fifth grade independent school. A supportive, dynamic community committed to educating the whole child – head, hand and heart. Gateway Montessori School A member of the American Montessori Society, Gateway Montessori offers a primary program for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds which includes an extended day for children in their third year.
December 1 & 2, 2010
St. Vrain Valley School District Nutrition Services Information on school district wellness and nutrition programs.
Hygiene Elementary Integrated academic arts focus school. Utilizes an arts approach while adhering to adopted district curriculum.
Sanborn Elementary A neighborhood school that provides a welcome environment that caters to all ability levels. The dedicated staff believes that high expectations, an active and engaging environment, and a full complement of extra opportunities is the recipe for success.
Huntington Learning Center Offering skills tutoring and ACT/SAT prepared based on individual student needs. Imagine Charter School at Firestone ICSF is a kindergarten through eighth grade charter school with a preschool/ pre-kindergarten program. Imagine uses the core knowledge curriculum with a classical approach.
Legacy Elementary Programs address students’ social, emotional and academic needs. Loma Linda Elementary A bilingual math/science focus school. A partnership with CU Boulder Graduate School of Engineering provides additional math and science experiences. Loma Linda also offers MESA, Student Council and other opportunities to prepare students for a rigorous middle and high school experience. Longmont Braces Orthodontic practice specializing in orthodontics for children, teens and adults. Longmont Estates Elementary Creating learning experiences to help each child be successful. A long history of excellence and compassion. Longmont High School An honors and advanced placement focus school committed to meeting the needs of all students. Longs Peak Middle A pre-advanced placement focus school utilizing the springboard AP math and language arts curriculum. Lotus School for Excellence at Longmont A kindergarten through eighth grade math, science and technology charter school. Lyons Elementary Continuously focused on supporting all students with achieving their highest potential. Developing 21st century competencies in critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Lyons Middle/ High School This small school has big academic results. In addition, the high school ACT scores were in the top 10 of all public schools in the state.
3
schools. Oversees numerous programs and departments.
Heritage Middle The IB Middle Years Program provides students with a rigorous, well-rounded and internationally-focused education.
Indian Peaks Elementary A bilingual elementary school located in southwestern Longmont with a strong academic history and a diverse learning community.
Longmont Times-Call Publication
Mead Elementary Offers a rich pre-kindergarten through fifth grade education using state standards and district adopted curricula to enhance learning opportunities for all students. Mead High School Ignite, inspire and challenge – The Mead High Feeder System: Small Schools with Big Expectations. Mead Middle The Mead High Feeder System: Small Schools with Big Expectations. Messiah Lutheran School Affordable, quality Christian education for preschool through fifth grade. Mountain Peak Private School Offering classes for preschool through sixth grade, Mountain Peak Private School focuses on educating the whole child with small classes and individualized curriculum. Mountain View Elementary Encourages all students to reach their academic, social and emotional potential. New Leaf Chiropractic New Leaf’s mission is to help as many people as possible live life to the fullest, especially kids. Niwot Elementary Differentiated instruction focus school to create multiple pathways to students of different abilities, interest or learning needs experience equally appropriate ways to learn. Niwot High School Recognized for advanced placement, honors and international baccalaureate programs, as well as strong co-curricular and extra curricular activities. Northridge Elementary Your friendly neighborhood, bilingual elementary school with some of the most dedicated, caring staff you’ll find. Northridge’s goals are high achievement for all students.
Olde Columbine High School Non-traditional school which values individuality and diversity. Small, selfpaced classes offer opportunities for all students to achieve their full potential. Our Savior’s Lutheran School Offering rigorous academic programs and Biblical instruction beginning with age 3 through eighth grade. Prairie Ridge Staff focuses on student achievement academically and socially. Prairie Ridge is a Positive Behavior School where PRIDE=Success. MESA programs offered during and after school.
Shepherd Valley Waldorf School Shepherd Valley educates children for the whole of life, using the curriculum and educational principles of Waldorf education, so they become confident individuals, capable of making free choices, able to realize their full potential and inspired to make a difference in the world. Shop Kids Resale & Consignment Store Children’s new and used clothing, toys, books, puzzles and equipment for ages newborn to 8. Silver Creek High School A comprehensive high school that with a leadership focus excels academically and in extracurricular programs. Skyline High School STEM and VPA academies, FRCC program, honors certification and AP program.
Rocky Mountain Christian Academy A classical and Christian school dedicated to equipping students to impact their world for Christ by igniting a lifelong passion to pursue truth, goodness and beauty.
Spangler Elementary The mission of Spangler is to establish a learning community which focuses on high academic achievement, student engagement, and partnerships among family, community and school.
Rocky Mountain Elementary A school focused on preparing students from a variety of backgrounds for success in the 21st century.
Sunset Middle A focus school on advanced academics with an emphasis in the arts.
St. Vrain Community Montessori Provides authentic Montessori education in a public charter school. The Montessori school currently serves pre-kindergarten through third grade and will add a grade each year until we serve through sixth grade. St. Vrain Valley Adult Education Offering educational opportunities for adult learners wishing to improve their English language skills and/or earn a high school diploma. St. Vrain Valley School District Student Services Encompasses many programs: special education, gifted and talented, early childhood/preschool, speech, hearing, vision and district health services. St. Vrain Valley School District Learning Services Provides support to principals, staff, students and parents at all St. Vrain
Tiny Tim Center Provides comprehensive early childhood education and therapeutic services to assist each student in reaching his or her highest potential. Trail Ridge Middle Dedicated to teaching 21st century skills and knowledge. Trail Ridge is focused in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) with a Global Competency strand. Twin Peaks Charter Academy The academy will be expanding to include a high school in the fall of 2011. Twin Peaks will add grades 9 and 10 and continue to expand through 12th grade. Universal High School An alternative pathway to a high school diploma that is student-centered, standards-based and rigorous. Westview Middle Designated technology focus middle school.
4
Longmont Times-Call Publication
December 1 & 2, 2010
Spark your child’s interests outside the classroom By Anna Taylor Longmont Times-Call
Throughout Boulder County, there are a multitude of after-school programs to suit any of your child’s interests. For elementary-age, the vast majority of the public schools work through the Community School program, which supplies before and after-school care, as well as enrichment programs for students. These programs include everything from choir and dance to karate and soccer. Susan Zimmerman, the Community Schools coordinator for the St. Vrain Valley School District, says each of the programs differs depending on the area they are located. “The ins and outs are really based on the school community,” she explains. “The staff really focus on creating a program that meets the needs of the community.” Zimmerman also says the programs emphasize what she calls “invisible learning.” The concept employs projects that teach the children while allowing them to have fun. Schools such as Central Elementary in Longmont incorporate science projects into their afterschool programs to facilitate this type of learning. “It’s an extension of the school day, but we don’t want it to feel that way for the children,” she says. Many of these after-school child-care services can also be found in the private elementary schools in the area. For example, the Friends’ School in Boulder provides after-care and enrichment programs that run after school until 5:30 p.m. These enrichment classes may involve activities such as chess club or cooking and vary from day to day. The Friends’ School also involves parents in activities such as spelling and geography bees. “They are for the kids who really like it and want to compete with it,” explains Kathy Sherwood, director of student services at Friends’ School. Sherwood also explained that they try to keep the student-to-teacher ratio extremely low. “It’s typically a
Children enjoy their time on the playground during an after school activity at Central Elementary School. (Paul Litman/ Times-Call)
Top: Julia Frank, 6, and Quinn McIntyre, 6, help build a tower with building straws at the Friends’ School in Boulder. Above left: Central Elementary music teacher, Camilla Johnson, conducts choir practice during the schools after school program. Chesca Marienthal, 8, and Fisher Grumhaus, 8, work on a science project at the Friends’ School. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)
10-to-1 ratio,” she explains. “We always have at least two staff people since there are usually about 20 students in the class.” As children get older, the after school activities move more toward sports and club activities. Dennis Daly, principal of Niwot High School, says the school offers a variety of after school sports and clubs that revolve around the student’s interests. “The kids are really the pulse behind the school. They’re the ones that drive the clubs with their interests,” he explains. A group of students get together with a shared interest and propose the creation of a club based around that interest. Then, the school officials put the kids in contact with a teacher or staff member to sponsor the club. The school offers everything from Amnesty International to the Swashbuckler’s sword fighting club to the Niwot Knitters who make hats for cancer patients. “A lot of it goes as the wind blows,” Daly says. “It ebbs and flows depending on the kids and the teachers involved.” For the more sports-oriented child, there are a multitude of sports activities and dance teams throughout the district. Of course there are traditional team sports, such as football and soccer, but there are also a variety of specialty sports clubs that students can become in-
volved with. Patrick Bacalis from Lyons Middle/Senior High School began a mountain bike racing club specifically for those students who wanted to pursue a sport that was not traditionally offered in the school. The team, which meets on Tuesday and Thursday, was started a year ago when one of Bacalis’ students asked if he would be willing to sponsor the team. Not only does the team race, students also learn handling techniques for rocks and trails, bike maintenance and training tips. “There was one parent who said that their child wasn’t interested in other traditional sports but then they heard about this and they were all about it,” Bacalis says. “They don’t even have to have a bike. Between my old bikes and the parents’ we have enough gear if they just want to try it out,” Bacalis says. “We just want it to be available to kids that are interested.” Whether you’re looking for a program that facilitates an academic focus, or merely want them to get involved with a group sport or club, there are a variety of options to suit your child’s needs and interests.
December 1 & 2, 2010
Longmont Times-Call Publication
5
Tech Savvy Students embrace technology in the classroom By Kristi Ritter Longmont Times-Call
47-157874
Educators today realize that 21st century learning must consist of more than just textbooks and chalkboards. In fact, a handful of schools are replacing some textbooks with iPads, iPod Touches and Smart Boards for interactive learning. With multimedia intertwined with students’ lives, keeping them engaged in the classroom is a must, and that comes by integrating technology into learning. Today’s student generation is known as digital natives – a common phrase used for students who have grown up with the Internet and technology at their fingertips. For older generations, including the teachers in the classrooms, they are referred to as digital immigrants as they move into the digital world and learn alongside many of today’s youth. Joe McBreen, chief information officer for the St. Vrain Valley School District who heads up technology issues, says, “Technology isn’t an option anymore. It must be a natural part of how they learn and how teachers teach.” The SVVSD is making many strides to incorporate technology into classrooms. With the 2008 mill levy, the district and voters were able to provide high-speed fiberoptic networks to all schools. Now the district is
working to provide wireless connections for students to learn. It’s the district’s goal that by the time every teacher returns to school in fall 2011, wireless connections will be available in every classroom. “We know funding in K-12 is often limited, and we don’t have all the money in the world,” McBreen says. “But, a wireless network can allow for students and teachers to bring their own technology into the classroom.” With a wireless network available throughout the district’s schools, students and teachers will be able to bring in their own laptops and technology devices to use in the classroom. This allows learning to occur throughout the day and not only when students are scheduled for lab time. “We want to create an environment where learning can occur at any time, which opens up any pace of learning,” McBreen says. “Our goal is to provide the best possible education for our kids.” In addition to providing the latest technologies, McBreen says one of the things the district prides itself on is that it doesn’t like to deplore technologies without a long-term commitment to training. Providing training for the teachers is just as important as getting the technologies and using them within the classrooms. Ultimately, training will help maximize the technologies being incorporated. McBreen says the district has conducted a
Jeff Ellenbogen, a teacher at Alexander Dawson School, uses a Smart Board in his class to instruct class lessons. At the end of class he can save his notes as a pdf and posts to the school website for students to review. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)
two-year professional development training module, allowing teachers to learn to use devices and discover ways to incorporate them within the classroom. In the district, Smart Boards and Smart Carts are being used in almost every school. However, because of their heavy investment, it’s not a main technology yet. Smart Boards are an interactive whiteboard that uses touch detection for user input, similar to normal computer input devices, such as a mouse or keyboard. A projector is used to display the computer’s video output on the interactive whiteboard, which then acts as a large touch screen. Smart Carts are, in essence, mobile selfcontained presentation systems that allow classrooms to connect to the Internet and use all the items on the cart for learning. These systems have been designed to house an array of presentation technologies, which are connected to a single projection source mounted on the cart. The carts often in-
clude a computer and monitor, projector, video player, speakers, USB ports, keyboard and mouse, and laptop hookups. McBreen says that in a kindergarten class, the teacher would read to the class but lay the book under the document camera to enlarge it to an 8-foot screen. A built-in speaker allows the teacher’s voice to be amplified, which has shown to help students improve their test scores, teaching and learning. At Columbine Elementary in Longmont, the Take the Teacher Home project has allowed students to receive a canvas bag that contains several reading exercises and an iPod on which teachers record lessons and read a story. The project is making great strides in bringing below-average student readers into higher reading levels, which allows them to better learn in the classroom. McBreen says the success of Columbine’s project has made it to other schools in the district that are now using this project to help students
6
Longmont Times-Call Publication
December 1 & 2, 2010
read better. Developing better readers was the goal at Alexander Dawson School in Lafayette when the school went searching for an eReader. At the same time, the iPad came out and allowed for even more learning. Jeff Ellenbogen, middle school technology coordinator at Alexander Dawson School, says they have about 90 fifthand sixth-graders, as well as about 15 teachers, using iPads in the classroom to read and do other assignments. When it was first decided to incorporate the iPads, Ellenbogen says, the teachers researched apps out there that could be used within other classes. Now, the music teacher is using music apps to learn how to play the xylophone, the science teacher is recording data from experiments and math teachers are using the iPad to do assignments via iXL. Some teachers are even using eClickers on the iPads to create questions students can see on their own iPads. Teachers will then get a graph of every child’s response to questions, allowing for greater interaction within the entire classroom. It allows teachers to make sure all students are understanding subjects before moving on to a new topic. Fifth-grade teacher Brenda Lord says using the iPads has been a lot smoother than she thought it would be. Now she’s using it almost every day. “Students always finish assignments at different times, and sometimes it can be problematic keeping students quiet while others finish,� she says. “However, now that the stu-
Longmont’s newest children’s consignment and resale store! Shop our clean and organized store full of designer and name brand children’s clothing and equipment.
$5.00 OFF A $30 PURCHASE
their fingertips. Librarian Cindy Stahoviak says because students have their own iPads and can access their own library homepage and not have to partner up with another student, their learning has seen greater gains. “They are better digesting what we are teaching them about library research skills,� she says. Ellenbogen uses a Smart Board in his classroom and finds it useful for recording class notes. At the end of a class, he saves his notes as a pdf that he can post to the school website. It’s a great opportunity for kids to review topics, or if someone is sick they can pick up that day’s lesson. In the lower school classes at Alexander Dawson, teachers and students are using iPod Touches to record students reading aloud. Sebastian Grigore, 11, uses an iPad in his classroom at Alexander Dawson School. These technology devices were introduced this year as a way for students to use new technologies in the classroom. While the school first believed the iPads would be great for reading, teachers have found useful apps on the tools to use in several classroom situations. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)
dents have their iPads, they can read their book report since they have it with them on the iPad or they can use another app.� Having iPads at their fingertips allows students to move forward and learn more by themselves. Many students even seem more focused on learning because they have the tool at
Year Round Classes
833 15th Ave • Longmont, CO • Biblical Moral Teaching • Qualified Dedicated Faculty • Character Development • High Academic Standards
• Kindergarten - 12th Grade • General Education and College Prep Program • Disciplined Environment
Mon.-Fri.: Mon Frii : 10a 10am to 7 pm Sat: 10am to 6 pm Sun: 11 am to 5pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday & Thursday 9am-1pm • Ages 3-5
We’ll Treat Your Family Likke Like
Call to Enroll In Our Winter Session!
OUR
Call for an appointment
303.776.5677
Fam mily Family.
Band • Choir Drama • Yearbook Computers • Football Volleyball Basketball A Ministry of Faith Baptist Church
Pastor Rick Cross
SC-157612
900 S. Hover Rd. Longmont shopkidsconsignment.com
Overall, Ellenbogen says, the use of these new technologies has given teachers more opportunities to customize learning. “It makes students feel like they’re being treated individually,� he says.
Faith Baptist School
No limit. Mu Must bring in ad for rebate. Expires 11/30/10
Shop Kids Resale & Consignment
Beth Gagne, lower school media specialist, says the goal of this is to help students improve literacy, while also using apps to work on students’ phonetics. “The world language classes are recording their voices and replaying them so they can hear how they are pronouncing the language,� she says, adding that second-grade classes are watching video podcasts on the world’s oceans to enhance their science curriculum.
Preschool at Bethlehem
Lutheran Church
Come Join Us in a Safe, Caring, Christian Atmosphere.
303-772-2392
1332 Linden St., Suite 2 Longmont, CO 80501
hanksfamilydentistry.com
PF-153252
1000 W. 15th Ave • 303-776-3081 Learning Centers • Outside Play And much more!
! SC-157405
December 1 & 2, 2010
Longmont Times-Call Publication
7
Right: Sixth grader Amelia Roth, 13, works on math problems during Altona Middle School’s after school tutoring program, while Meagan Hudek, a Para instructor helps sixth grader Sam Biles, 12, with fractions. Below: Tyler Templeton, 13, gets tutoring help in geometry from teacher Joshua Haginduff, who heads up Altona’s after school tutoring program. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)
Tutoring may give students the boost needed to excel By Lauren Feighery Longmont Times-Call
The words look like an alien language spread out on the page, the fractions don’t equate to a rational number and the Civil War reads anything but civil. Students can often feel this way when learning and processing new information becomes confusing or overwhelming. Though, tutoring can help fix the problem. “Tutoring helps you reach your full potential. I feel every student at one point feels lost or overwhelmed and short-term tutoring can help,” says Kathy DeMatteo, owner and director of the Longmont Tutoring Club in Longmont. Some clear or subtle signs that your child might need tutoring include a disinterest in school, low grades and a lack of confidence in the classroom. “In those early years, a child should love school because everything is new. If they’re not excited, that’s a warning sign they may be struggling,” DeMatteo says. Regina Reneldi, executive director of priority programs at the St. Vrain Valley School District, encourages reading as a foundational building block for students. When a student feels apathetic toward reading or the school notifies a family about a child’s academic struggles, Reneldi says tutoring may be able to give the student a boost. She advocates extended school year programs as her preferred choice of action. All Title 1 schools in the SVVSD (schools with a predominance of low-income students), provide free tutoring programs after school for
Left: Maddie Doering from Lyons Middle/Senior School saw the importance of tutoring and started a program this fall to help other students. (Lauren Feighery/Times-Call) Right: Matteo Ambriz, 13, gets tutoring help from Silver Creek High School senior Dylan Hensley. Hensley helps out tutoring for his volunteer services in the National Honor Society. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)
those receiving free lunch. Success is important for any student’s future, and getting there doesn’t have to be a difficult process. “At any age, if your child feels as if they can’t (succeed), that confidence issue can really hold them back. If you’re not a good student, it limits your ability to be a good productive adult in society,” according to DeMatteo. Jake Leyba, assistant principal at Altona Middle School in Longmont, stresses the focus changed from teachers teaching to students learning. At Altona, tutoring programs before school, after school and a homework club during lunch encourage the new focus. “You have to provide extra opportunities for students who aren’t learning,” Leyba says. A decline in work or lack of motivation
could be an indicator that a child needs tutoring. Some schools provide Infinite Campus and Virtual Campus online for parents to check if their child is struggling academically. The Infinite Campus can be found at the SVVSD website if it’s a public school, and the Virtual Campus can be found on specific schools’ websites. Infinite Campus provides a child’s attendance and grades, as well as a listing of his or her teachers. Virtual Campus provides a student’s homework, class activities, calendar of events and specific course work for each class. Both online systems require a username and password geared toward parents. Leyba says his teachers update Virtual Campus sometimes daily, depending on the course. “It really works when parents take
advantage of it,” he says. Once you’ve determined a student needs extra help, you can find tutoring in almost any subject, including English, math, history, some language courses and science. Tutoring programs range from teachers, counselors, independent professionals and students tutoring other students. “Different tutoring centers have different styles of learning. You have to find what works best for your child,” DeMatteo says. At Lyons Middle/Senior School in Lyons, junior Maddie Doering saw the importance of tutoring and started a program this fall. The tutoring program is called HelpMate and incorporates students helping students. Initially, Doering expected to see more middle schoolers seek help, but surprisingly high school students have taken advantage of the tutoring program. With the afflux of flyers and forms Doering made, word got out at Lyons. “It (HelpMate) just took off suddenly and it’s only been a month,” she says. With individualized folders and notepads for the tutors, Doering wants the tutoring program to be more personalized. First, the tutors and those needing tutoring meet and get to know each other, hence the notepad. Then the tutoring begins. With the help of tutoring, the alien language on the page will make sense, the math fractions won’t seem so daunting and difficulty with history will seem like a thing of the past. “When kids start being confident in the classroom, they start being successful in the classroom,” DeMatteo adds.
8
Longmont Times-Call Publication
December 1 & 2, 2010
An Individualized Education Helping Children to be Exceptional, ption onall, Acceler Accelerated erated and n Creati Creative tive
Open House
SC-157410
Dec 8th 9am & 5pm 5pm
Now Offering After-School, Early Evening and Weekend Private Swim Lessons. Dance, Ballet, Tumbling, Jazz & Tap, Poms, Hip Hop. Open to the Public!
Professional development important to public, private school teachers
• Small class sizes • Ages 3-12 • Full-day accredited Kindergarten • Academic Preschool -6th grade • Half or full-day Jr. Kindergarten Nationally Accredited Individualized Student Learning Plans SEVP 7203 W. 120th Ave. Broomfield (303) 469-6449 www.broomfieldacademy.com
By Summer Stair Longmont Times-Call
SC-157530
Looking For Better Grades?
Despite the plethora of schools parents have to choose from, the overlying goal is getting their kids a good education. Both public and private schools understand the importance of this and not only look for well-qualified classroom teachers, but often encourage a sense of professional development and continuous education to keep teachers up-to-date on specific subjects and teaching techniques. “What we expect is the whole notion around combining those factors that matter – these are specific teaching requirements and the connection they have with kids ” says David Burnison, assistant superintendent of human resources for the St. Vrain Valley School District. The SVVSD requires all teachers to be highly qualified. This often amounts to a four-year bachelors degree from an accredited university, as well as a state licensure in the area they want to teach. Burnison says while education degrees are what most teachers come out of school with, many universities are changing their curriculum for teachers to focus more on the area they plan on teaching along with a teacher preparation program. This ensures that the teachers are the best-of-the best in their field, and have an understanding of what teaching looks like. “You have to know both sides,” he says. “Just because you know all about a subject doesn’t mean you can apply it and teach it.” Burnison believes the district has a leg up because there is a sense of accountability
Shepherd Valley Waldorf School fifth grade teacher Jan Miller teaches science while applying writing techniques to the class. Top: Shepherd Valley Waldorf School seventh grade teacher Sandra Kirschuer goes over the lines to the play “Eleanor of Aquitaine” with Sophia Masotti, 12, and Xander Pickard, 12. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)
for teachers. The district also has structures outlined that they have to live up to. State and federal requirements, such as No Child Left Behind, also plays an important role within the public school system. Overall, no matter the education the “art of teaching” is what is most important. “The best-of-the-best teachers are those who can build relationships with kids and then know what they’re talking about,” Burnison says. “It’s not just about deep, rich content, but that they must have a passion and compassion to teach and learn.”
While specific education requirements and showing that you can teach a specific subject while relating to children is important for any teacher, the district has several professional development and continuous learning courses put into place to keep teachers abreast on current research and trends. Lory Courtney, director of professional development for the SVVSD, says continuous and job embedded learning is extremely beneficial not only for the teachers, but the students, too. All new teachers to the school district go through induction courses and receive a support person who helps them throughout their first year teaching. Other offerings include professional development courses for novice and experienced teachers. These courses often can go toward state requirements on keeping certifications upto-date and include some form of follow-up component to make sure what the teachers are learning is being applied in the classroom, says Kathi Jo Walder, lead induction coach for the SVVSD. “The follow-up and ongoing support, as well as accountability is important,” Courtney says. “In the district, we are all working toward similar goals.” Teachers within the district also have individual goals associated with the school they teach with that align with those the district has set into place. “Improvement plans are so focused that professional development and learning is applied daily,” Walder says. Although part of the school district, charter schools are not forced to follow the
December 1 & 2, 2010
From left: Sandra Kirschuer, reads lines from the play “Eleanor of Aquitaine,” to her class during rehearsals. Jan Miller goes over class material with Ariel Garcia-Perez, 11. (Paul Litman/ Times-Call)
teacher training, which can be a three- to four-year program. The school also strives for its teachers to stay with their classroom of kids from first through eighth grade, so the education teacher’s have must be wellrounded and continuous at all times. “Teaching in a Waldorf school is an art form and it really does help teachers stress themselves personally,” Abelkis says. “Waldorf training is a profound change socially, academically and artistically and it is an amazing education for the teachers, as well.” A Waldorf education is based on a pro-
Preschool and Kindergarten in our 29th year of operation
Open House for Fall 2011 Enrollment Sundays, January 23rd and February 6th, 1-3 PM 1500 9th Avenue, Longmont CO 80501 303 772-3864 www.gatewaymontessorischool.net gmschool1002@qwestoffice.net
SC-158230
Individualized learning environment Academic and enrichment curriculum Small classes, certified teacher Full and extended day programming
175 North 96th Street Louisville, CO 80027 (303) 666-1950 www.treehouselearning.com
are working on and to get a fresh outside perspective,” Abelkis says. Other offerings to Waldorf teachers include conferences and week-long intensive training at Waldorf Teacher Training Centers. No matter the school a parent chooses for their kids’ education the importance that the district and each private school places on continuous learning and professional development in the classroom guarantees teacher’s with a well-rounded education and the most current knowledge of teaching techniques.
The Tiny Tim Center focuses on social-emotional, language, cognitive self-help and fine-gross motor skills growth and development for children of all abilities. Through our therapeutic and educational programs we offer: • High quality preschool program with NAEYC accreditation • Services to children from newborns to 12 years of age • Low adult-to-child ratios • Occupational, physical and speech therapy in natural or center-based se ings • Therapy sessions for individuals, small groups or multidisciplinary focus SC-158045
Your child’s education is too important to settle.
Treehouse Learning Kindergarten • • • •
found and deep understanding of childhood development and requires teachers to have specific training for each grade they teach, Abelkis says. Because of the yearly changes, ongoing training is essential for teacher’s at Shepherd Valley. While Abelkis stresses that each school is different in what kind of continuous education teacher’s go through, Shepherd Valley offers a strong mentoring program that each teacher, no matter how long they have taught, go through. “Every teacher regardless of their experience level have a mentor and once a week meet to share things they
Reaching further to help all children
Gateway Montessori School
Member American Montessori Society
9
Longmont has an affordable private school option.
Mountain Peak Private School At Mountain Peak our students bring diverse backgrounds, both academic and cultural, to the classroom. Our teachers bring passion, energy, and enthusiasm. Small class size and individualized curriculum address each child at whatever level or levels they are functioning at. This prevents any child from being “lost in the crowd” and encourages them to excel beyond the standard.
Call to schedule a personal visit. Check our website for Open House dates. “I think this school is the best in Boulder County. developed a true love of learning. As a parent I appreciate the small community where I feel SC-157413
MPPS Parent
SC-157822
same guidelines for teacher hiring. Burnison says to be an established charter school, it must be part of a district, but are allowed to follow its own guidelines. These guidelines are set individually by each charter school. While some charter schools may follow the same guidelines as SVVSD when hiring teachers, not all do. Burnison says it is important when looking at different schools to find out what kind of requirements teachers have to meet to ensure your kids are going to get a solid, well-rounded education. Having a solid education and the most up-to-date information and certifications, as well as an accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International is what Longmont Christian School requires of its teachers. “The ACSI helps us stay with our roots and supports our Christian world view,” says Donnie Bennett, Longmont Christian principal. Aside from the extra certification, Bennett says teachers at Longmont Christian are “not that much different” from those in the public school system. Shepherd Valley Waldorf School in Niwot is a little different than the school district and Longmont Christian, but still has specific requirements teachers must meet. Linda Abelkis, administrator at Shepherd Valley Waldorf, says all classroom teachers either have a bachelors degree in a related field they teach or some form of Waldorf
Longmont Times-Call Publication
10
Longmont Times-Call Publication
December 1 & 2, 2010
Independent Schools Alexander Dawson School 10455 Dawson Drive Lafayette, CO 80026 303-665-6679 www.dawsonschool.org Kindergarten through grade 12 Headmaster: Brian Johnson Enrollment: 450 Type: Collegiate based private school
Bixby School 4760 Table Mesa Drive Boulder, CO 80305 303-494-7508 www.bixbyschool.org Pre-kindergarten through grade five Principal: Pat Baker Enrollment: 160 Type: Private
Bloom! Montessori School 701 James St. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-8173 bloommontessori.com Ages 2 through 6 Director: Abigail Miller Enrollment: 12 Type: Montessori
www.catalystedu.org Grades nine through 12 Head of School: Ed Porritt Enrollment: 30 Type: Private nonprofit
Pre-school through kindergarten Director: Linda Gottschalk Enrollment: 50 Type: American Montessori Society certified
Children’s House of Weld County: Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten
1095 Olympia Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-3501 www.goddardschool.com Infant through kindergarten, after school Director: Rebecca Hall Type: Early childhood development
3801 Godding Hollow Pkwy Frederick, CO 80516 303-651-3215 www.childrenshousewc.com Preschool through kindergarten Director: Susan Halkin Enrollment: 30 Type: Montessori
Cornerstone Preschool 1000 W. 15th Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-3081 www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/cornerstone Ages 3 to 5 Director: Andrea Becker Enrollment: 48 Type: Christian
Desiderata School
4820 Nautilus Court N. Boulder, CO 80301 303-527-4931 www.bouldercountryday.org Age 3 through grade eight Head of School: Michael Shields Enrollment: 315 Type: Private
Mailing: 15785 N 83rd St., Longmont, CO 80501 School site: 1445 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80501 303-678-9335 www.desiderata.org Kindergarten through grade 12 Head of School: Larame Spence Enrollment: 50 Type: Private
Boulder Jewish Day School
Eastern Sun Academy
7415 Lookout Road Longmont, CO 80503 303-449-5569 www.bjds.org Pre-school through grade five Head of School: Daniel Bennett Enrollment: 30 Type: Private Jewish Community School
6717 S. Boulder Road Boulder, CO 80303 303-443-3302 www.easternsunacademy.org Kindergarten through grade five Head of School: Dr. Spencer Edmunds Enrollment: 85 Type: Contemplative education
Bridge School
Faith Baptist School
6717 S. Boulder Road Boulder, CO 80303 303-494-7551 www.bridgeschoolboulder.org Grades six through 12 Head of School: David Hazen Enrollment: 22 Type: Private
833 15th Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-5677 http://fbslongmont.org Kindergarten through grade 12 Administrator: Dan Perryman Enrollment: 163 Type: Private Christian
Broomfield Academy
Friends’ School
7203 West 120th St. Broomfield, CO 80020 303-469-6449 www.broomfieldacademy.com Junior kindergarten through grade six Head of School: Patricia Garner Enrollment: 104 Type: Private
5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Boulder, CO 80303 303-499-1999 www.friendsschoolboulder.org Pre-school through grade five Head of School: Polly Donald Enrollment: 172 Type: Independent private school
Catalyst Education of Colorado
Gateway Montessori School
2575 Park Lane, Suite 100 Lafayette, CO 80026 303-604-6512
1500 Ninth Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-3864 http://gatewaymontessorischool.net
Boulder Country Day School
Goddard School
Hillside School 6717 S. Boulder Road Boulder, CO 80303 303-494-1468 www.hillsidelearning.org Grades one through nine Director: Kathy Sherman Enrollment: 32 Type: Program for students with learning differences
Jarrow Montessori School 3900 Orange Court Boulder, CO 80304 303-443-0511 www.jarrow.org 18 months through grade six Head of School: Barb Truan Enrollment: 160 Type: Montessori
Longmont Christian School 550 Coffman St. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-3254 www.longmontchristian.org Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 Principal: Donnie Bennett Enrollment: 278 Type: Private Christian
Messiah Lutheran School 1335 Francis St. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-3466 www.mlcslongmont.org Preschool through grade five Preschool Director: Joli Robbins Interim Principal: Don Wischmeyer Enrollment: 71 Type: Private Christian
Mount Zion Lutheran School 1680 Balsam Ave. Boulder, CO 80304 303-443-8477 www.mtzionboulder.org Toddlers through kindergarten EC Director: Cheryl Wu Enrollment: 50 Type: Private Lutheran
Mountain Shadows Montessori 4154 63rd St. Boulder, CO 80301 303-530-5353 www.mountainshadows.org Pre-school through grade six School Director: Jan Ferwerda Enrollment: 66 Type: Montessori
Mountain Peak Private School 1833 Sunset Place, Suite E & F Longmont, CO 80501 720-494-1622 www.mountainpeakschool.com Pre-school through grade six Director: Bobby Tabert Enrollment: 76 Type: Private
Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran School 1219 W. 17th Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-1688 www.OurSaviorsOn17th.org Age 3 through grade eight Principal: Dane Mattes Enrollment: 25 Type: Parochial school
The Patchwork School in Louisville 1428 Main St. Louisville, CO 80027 720-271-6729 www.thepatchworkschool.com Preschool through grade three Directors: Michele Beach and Elizabeth Baker Enrollment: 60 Type: Independent alternative
Primrose School of Longmont 1335 Dry Creek Drive Longmont, CO 80503 303-774-1919 www.primroseschools.com Infants through preschool and kindergarten, before and after school program Director: Carrie Dickerson Enrollment: 180 Type: Private Preschool
Rocky Mountain Christian Academy 9447 Niwot Road Niwot, CO 80503 303-652-9162 www.rmcaonline.org Early education through grade eight Headmaster: Brett King Enrollment: 350 Type: Christian Classical
Running River School 1370 Forest Park Circle Lafayette, CO 80026 303-499-2059 www.runningriver.org Kindergarten through grade eight Director: Nancy Monson Enrollment: 25 Type: Private
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School 1317 Mapleton Ave. Boulder, CO 80304 303-447-2362 www.shjboulder.org Preschool through grade eight Principal: Mary Bartsch Enrollment: 390, includes early learning center Type: Private Catholic
December 1 & 2, 2010
St. John the Baptist Catholic School 350 Emery St. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-8760 www.johnthebaptist.org Preschool through grade eight Principal: Julie Rossi Enrollment: 388 Type: Catholic
Shining Mountain Waldorf School 999 Violet Ave. Boulder, CO 80304 303-444-7697 http://smwaldorf.org Preschool through grade 12 School Director: Sue Levine Enrollment: 275 Type: Waldorf school
“What I have seen as a university professor in Waldorf graduates is a certain openness to new subject matter and new ideas, and an active engagement in their own learning.”
Tara Performing Arts High School
St. Stephens Christian School 1303 S. Bross Lane Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-1072 ext. 5 www.ststephenslongmont.com Preschool and pre-kindergarten Director: Kathy Fulton Enrollment: Ratio of 1 to 7 Type: Private Christian
4180 19th St. Boulder, Co 80304 303-440-4510 www.tarahighschool.org Grades nine through 12 Administrator: Gregory Fisher Enrollment: 46 Type: Private/Waldorf school
– College Professor of English
Vista Ridge Academy
September High School
Looking for a unique education?
3100 Ridge View Dr. Erie, CO 80516 303-828-4944 www.vrak12.org Kindergarten through grade 12 Principal: Carol Schneider Enrollment: 130 Type: Private Christian
1902 Walnut St. Boulder, CO 80302 303-443-9933 www.septemberschool.org Grades nine through 12 Principal: Celeste Di Iorio Enrollment: 40 Type: Non-Profit Alternative/Private
Longmont Times-Call Publication
Shepherd Valley Waldorf School is home to experienced teachers, a rich curriculum, and unique teaching methods.
Watershed School
Shepherd Valley Waldorf School 6500 W. Dry Creek Parkway Niwot, CO 80503 303-652-0130 www.shepherdvalley.org Pre-kindergarten through grade eight Principal: Linda Abelkis Enrollment: 121 Type: Private
205 Canyon Blvd. Boulder, CO 80302 303-440-7520 www.watershedschool.org Grades six through 12 Head of School: Jason Berv Enrollment: 62 Type: Private nonprofit
www.ShepherdValley.org 303-652-0130 SC-157538
SC-157876
Aspen Ridge Preparatory School offers:
Aspen Ridge Preparatory School is a Tuition-Free, K-5 Public Charter • Small School Atmosphere School Located on • Limited Class Sizes Austin Avenue in • Rigorous Academics using the Core Knowledge Sequence Erie. • Character Education • Personalized Education Plans • Half and Full Day Kindergarten Options
NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR! Our Next Information Sessions:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 • 6:30PM Erie Community Center • Mitchell Room
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2011 • 6:30PM Erie Community Center • Mitchell Room
Visit us online! aspenridgeprepschool.org Learning and Growing Together on the Trail of Success...
Founded in 1993
11
12
Longmont Times-Call Publication
December 1 & 2, 2010
Schools in the St. Vrain Valley School District Alpine Elementary 2005 Alpine St., Longmont, CO 80501 720-652-8140 http://aes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Deanna Frothingham October 2010 enrollment: 523
Black Rock Elementary 2000 Mountain View Blvd., Erie, CO 80516 720-890-3995 http://bres.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Cathy O’Donnell October 2010 enrollment: 761
Blue Mountain Elementary 1260 Mountain Drive, Longmont, CO 80503 720-652-8220 http://bmes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Kristie Venrick October 2010 enrollment: 487
Burlington Elementary 1051 S. Pratt Parkway, Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-8861 http://bes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Janis Hughes October 2010 enrollment: 472
Centennial Elementary 10290 Neighbors Parkway, Firestone, CO 80504, 720-652-8240 http://centenniales.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Keith Liddle October 2010 enrollment: 546
Central Elementary 1020 Fourth Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-3236 http://centrales.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Jim Hecocks October 2010 enrollment: 445
Columbine Elementary 111 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-2840 http://columbinees.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Eddie Cloke October 2010 enrollment: 361
Eagle Crest Elementary 4444 Clover Basin Drive, Longmont, CO 80503, 303-485-6073 http://eces.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Ryan Ball October 2010 enrollment: 528
Erie Elementary 4137 E. County Line Road, Erie, CO 80516 303-828-3395 http://ees.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Amanda Sauer October 2010 enrollment: 643
Erie Elementary #26 1500 Telleen Ave., Erie, CO 80516 303-828-3391
www.stvrain.k12.co.us/e25 Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Cyrus Weinberger Opening fall 2011
Fall River Elementary 1400 Deerwood Drive, Longmont, CO 80501, 720-652-7920 http://fres.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Jennifer Guthals October 2010 enrollment: 494
Frederick Elementary 555 Eighth St., Frederick, CO 80530 303-833-2456 http://fes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Karen Musick October 2010 enrollment: 551
Hygiene Elementary 11968 N. 75th St., Longmont, CO 80503 720-652-8021 http://hes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Mike O’Donnell October 2010 enrollment: 426
Indian Peaks Elementary 1335 S. Judson St., Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-7240 http://ipes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Judy Orbanosky October 2010 enrollment: 493
Legacy Elementary 7701 Eagle Blvd., Frederick, CO 80504 720-652-8160 http://legacyes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Sean Corey October 2010 enrollment: 557
Loma Linda Elementary 333 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80501, 303-772-4280 http://lles.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten though fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Dina Perfetti-Deany October 2010 enrollment: 444
Longmont Estates Elementary 1601 Northwestern Road, Longmont, CO 80503, 720-652-8101 http://lees.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Interim Principal: Jennifer Chadwich-Conway October 2010 enrollment: 505
Lyons Elementary 338 High St., Lyons, CO 80540 303-823-6915 http://lyonses.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Christa Keppler October 2010 enrollment: 286
Mead Elementary 520 Welker Ave., Mead, CO 80542 970-535-4488 http://mes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Connie Brodt
October 2010 enrollment: 507
Mountain View Elementary 1415 14th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 720-652-8261 http://mves.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Nancy Pitz October 2010 enrollment: 382
Niwot Elementary 8778 Morton Road, Niwot, CO 80503 303-652-2828 http://niwotes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: Mike Keppler October 2010 enrollment: 477
Northridge Elementary 1200 19th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-3040 http://northridgees.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Lorynda Sampson October 2010 enrollment: 390
Prairie Ridge Elementary 6632 St. Vrain Ranch Blvd., Firestone, CO 80504, 720-494-3641 http://pres.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Kirsten McNeill October 2010 enrollment: 408
Rocky Mountain Elementary 800 E. Fifth Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-6750 http://rmes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Stephen Hoel October 2010 enrollment: 435
Sanborn Elementary 2235 Vivian St., Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-3838 http://sanbornes.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Principal: John Wahler October 2010 enrollment: 451
Spangler Elementary 1440 Collyer St., Longmont, CO 80501 720-494-3761 http://spangleres.stvrain.k12.co.us Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, bilingual Principal: Michelle Johnstone October 2010 enrollment: 396
Altona Middle 4600 Clover Basin Drive, Longmont, CO 80503, 720-494-3980 http://ams.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades sixth through eight Principal: Joe Mehsling October 2010 enrollment: 643
Coal Ridge Middle 6201 Booth Drive, Firestone, CO 80504 303-833-4176 http://crms.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Brian Young October 2010 enrollment: 823
Erie Middle 650 Main St., Erie, CO 80516
303-828-3391 http://ems.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Todd Bissell October 2010 enrollment: 524
Heritage Middle 233 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80501, 303-772-7900 http://hms.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Karrie Borski October 2010 enrollment: 427
Longs Peak Middle 1500 14th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-5611 http://lpms.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Mathew Buchler October 2010 enrollment: 450
Mead Middle 620 Welker Ave., Mead, CO 80542 970-535-4446 http://mms.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Josh Barnett October 2010 enrollment: 381
Sunset Middle 1300 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-3963 http://sms.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Dawn Macy October 2010 enrollment: 603
Trail Ridge Middle 1000 Button Rock Drive, Longmont, CO 80501, 720-494-3820 http://trms.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Tim Root October 2010 enrollment: 632
Westview Middle 1651 Airport Road, Longmont, CO 80503 303-772-3134 http://wms.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through eight Principal: Mark Spencer October 2010 enrollment: 598
Lyons Middle/Senior 100 S. Second Ave., Lyons, CO 80540 303-823-6631 http://lmshs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades six through 12 Principal: Greg Winger October 2010 enrollment: 441
Erie High 3180 WCR 5, Erie, CO 80516 303-828-4213 http://ehs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12 Principal: Steve Payne October 2010 enrollment: 760
Frederick High 600 Fifth St., Frederick, CO 80530 303-833-3533 http://fhs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12
December 1 & 2, 2010
Principal: Pete Vargas October 2010 enrollment: 806
Columbine, 543 Career Development
Longmont High 1040 Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-6014 http://lhs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12 Principal: Rick Olsen October 2010 enrollment: 1,222
4901 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80503 720-494-3721 http://uhs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12 Coordinator: Mary Kennedy October 2010 enrollment: 26
Mead High School
Carbon Valley Academy
12750 WCR 7, Longmont, CO 80504 720-494-3940 www.stvrain.k12.co.us/schools/mhs/ Grades nine through 12 Principal: Jim Sundberg October 2010 enrollment: 488
4040 Coriolis Way, Frederick, CO 80504 303-774-9555 www.carbonvalleyacademy.org Pre-kindergarten through grade 8 Principal: Jere Pearcy, elementary; Terry Walsh, secondary October 2010 enrollment: 456
13
Universal High School
Silver Creek High 4901 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80503 720-494-3721 http://schs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12 Principal: Sherri Schumann October 2010 enrollment: 1,057
Skyline High 600 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80501, 720-494-3741 http://shs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12 Principal: Patty Quinones October 2010 enrollment: 1,230
Adult Education
by the Association Montessori International for children ages 2 1/2 - 12.
Use only AMI developed & approved materials for curriculum consistency
Programs for Primary [ages 3-6], Elementary I [ages 6-9] and Elementary II [ages 9-12]
Programs for Half day All year 9 month and
Flagstaff Charter Academy 1841 Lefthand Circle, Longmont, CO 80501 303-651-7900 www.flagstaffacademy.org Kindergarten through grade eight Principal: Andrew Moore October 2010 enrollment: 815
Imagine Charter School at Firestone
Colorado’s only Montessori School fully accredited by the Association Montessori International for children ages 2 1/2 - 12. Use only AMI developed & approved materials for curriculum consistency Programs for Primary [ages 3-6], Elementary I [ages 6-9] and Elementary II [ages 9-12]
Programs for Half-day, All-year, 9 month, and extended hours
Teachers average over 15 years Montessori experience 10:1 ratio for Primary classrooms and 15:1 for Elementary classrooms
Individual child-focused guidance developing a lifelong love of learning
5753 Twilight Ave. Firestone, CO 80504, 303-772-3711 www.imaginefirestone.com Pre-kindergarten through grade eight Principal: Ralph Garbart October 2010 enrollment: 617
4154 63rd St., Boulder 303-530-5353 www.MountainShadows.org
St. Vrain Community Montessori School 1055 Delaware Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-682-4339 Pre-kindergarten through grade four Head of School: Katie Torres October 2010 enrollment: 138
820 Main St., Longmont, CO 80501 303-678-5662 http://ae.stvrain.k12.co.us Interim Coordinator: Joann Dawe October 2010 enrollment: 166
Olde Columbine High School / Career Development Center
Twin Peaks Charter Academy
1200 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 720-494-3961, 303-772-3333 (CDC) http://ochs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12 Principal: Deniece Cook October 2010 enrollment: 116 Olde
340 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-7286 www.twinpeakscharter.org Kindergarten through eighth Principal: BJ Buchmann October 2010 enrollment: 707
Now Enrolling For The 2010-2011 Academic Year PRESCHOOL THROUGH 8TH GRADE
303-772-3711
imaginefirestone.org
Sc-158239
8989 E. Niwot Road, Niwot, CO 80503 303-652-2550 http://nhs.stvrain.k12.co.us Grades nine through 12 Principal: Dennis Daly October 2010 enrollment: 1,284
Colorado’s only Montessori School fully accredited
49-156332
Niwot High
SC-158232
Longmont Times-Call Publication
Visit Our Booth at the
Register to Win!
3 Month Subscription to the Times-Call (new or existing customers) or the Longmont History Book or Boulder 150 History Book
Tuesday, December 7th 4-7pm The Plaza Hotel Conference Center 1850 Industrial Circle Longmont
Name:________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________________________Zip:_________________________ Phone:_______________________________________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________________________ Your name will be entered into a drawing. No purchase necessary. One entry per person. You will be informed by phone.
Subscribe 303-684-5358 or www.TimesCall.com
14
Longmont Times-Call Publication
December 1 & 2, 2010
Kids need to develop writing skills early on Article Resource Association
Whether their child is intimidated by a blank page or can express himself well on paper, parents are always looking for ways to help kids improve their writing skills. Writing proficiency not only helps make children more successful in their studies now, but can also make them more confident and successful as adults. From e-mail and texting to text books and even video games, children need to read and write well every day. Parents can do a lot to help kids nurture good writing skills at any age. From speech recognition software to popular word games, here are some tactics parents can use. Write and Read Children who read a lot can naturally de-
velop an affinity for writing. Parents who read to children when they are young should encourage them to strike out on their own as they grow older. It’s easy to find plenty of age-appropriate material for children in elementary, middle school and high school. Many schools and teachers maintain lists of recommended reading on topics and subjects to satisfy every interest. Encourage children’s natural curiosity about writing by giving them fun opportunities to practice. Does your middle-schooler love comic books? Suggest he create his own, complete with colorful artwork and script. You can find software programs and online websites to help. Choose board games and video games that incorporate word play, such as Wheel of Fortune, Scrabble or Boggle. Create a family
Wanted: Future Space Explorers! A new K-8 charter school specializing in 21st century math, science, and technology skills is coming to North Longmont.
P.O. Box 6752, Longmont, 80501 www.lotusschool.org/longmont
SC-158231
Applying to SVVSD for charter approval for Fall 2011! Now accepting intent to enroll forms on line. For more information, visit our booth at the School Choice Expo..
303-931-4834 longmont@lotusschool.org
message board in the kitchen and ask each family member to write something about their day on the board every evening; not only does this encourage kids to practice writing, it can help parents keep in touch with what kids are doing. You can also encourage children to keep a journal of their daily activities, or jot down their observations in a notebook when they travel on vacation. The Verbal Factor Most children, like most adults, can think and speak more clearly and naturally than they can type or write. Speech recognition can help students who may feel overwhelmed when faced with a blank screen and a blinking cursor. The software can help them put their thoughts into words without getting hung up on the process of typing or writing, and can make it easier for children to complete homework assignments that
they may have struggled with before. Writing becomes a more natural process, allowing the student to just say what is on his or her mind and have it appear almost immediately. Products such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking help to address the needs of students in middle school through college age with special features like a “teens” accent model that is tuned to the voice patterns of younger speakers. Students who have struggled with the written word in the past often report a renewed enthusiasm for writing when using speech recognition products such as Dragon that transcribe the spoken word almost instantly – three times faster than typing. Visit www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking to learn more about Dragon. Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Parents should help children seek out and enjoy every opportunity to practice writing in fresh, fun ways. SC-157596
EMPOWERED. SELF-AWARE. PREPARED.
Middle School is a critical passage. We make it a journey of exploration. Our International Baccalaureate Middle Years curriculum, experienced faculty, and small class size allow Boulder Country Day School students to find their passion in the classroom and in the world.
OPEN HOUSE Thursday, December 2, 5-7 PM or Call us to Schedule a Personal Tour We welcome prospective families to tour our campus and meet our faculty, students, parents, and administrators.
RSVP: (303) 527-4931 x 248
December 1 & 2, 2010
Longmont Times-Call Publication
15
Motivate your kids to get good grades Article Resource Association
Motivating your children to do well in school can be one of the most important, yet challenging, things you can do as a parent. If your children are inspired at a young age to set and achieve long-term goals, and earn good grades in the process, they’re more likely to succeed in the future. But igniting that spark is no easy task. Perhaps in addition to giving praise and a hug for good grades, you take them out to dinner or to their favorite amusement park. But cash and material items might be more motivational, a recent online poll indicates. A majority of kids and parents backed “earning for learning.” In fact, three out of four kids, and 60 percent of parents agree that incentives can help reinforce good behavior while helping children learn about money, according to the poll of more than 1,200 parents and children conducted by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s financial literacy website, Themint.org. When asked which incentives might motivate kids, children and adults combined agreed that physical motivators like cash rewards (19 percent) and desired items (23 percent) like clothes, games or an iPod were more influential than experiential incentives like a special dinner at a favorite restaurant (12 percent) or a trip to a theme park, water park or other attraction (4 percent). Parents may be encouraged to hear that kids ranked parents’ praise and encouragement comparably to cash rewards or desired items, garnering 27, 25 and 33 percent support, respectively. “Parents should take away from this the message that their praise and the positive examples they set are powerful in shaping kids’ long-term habits, and rewards can provide extra inspiration for some students to succeed when it comes to report cards,” says Janie Schiltz, vice president of Northwestern Mutual. Praise and rewards often work hand-inhand. For adults in the workforce, paychecks and performance bonuses are great
motivators, but praise and encouragement are also important parts of job satisfaction and can be drivers for good performance. Kids aren’t so different – many likely need both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to feel a full sense of achievement. If you decide to provide rewards for school success, think about sitting down with your kids at the beginning of the school year or semester to agree about their goals and the rewards they’re eligible to re-
ceive. When all is said and done, of course, the decision is personal. While the Northwestern Mutual Foundation survey showed that parents and kids nationwide favor report card rewards, the results shouldn’t be seen as a “one size fits all” answer. Every child is unique, so parents should consider incentives that work best for their family. Here are some tips to consider: • Start by focusing on what you will re-
Age 3 through 8th Grade
Spiritually Intellectually Physically and Socially
www.oursaviorson17th.org
Our Savior’s
SC-158014
SC-158234
It is our goal to assis assist parents in the nurturing o of their children
4th grade self portrait
ward. Is it focused on a specific grade? Improvement? Effort? An accomplishment? What is the timeline – the full school year or will you offer quarterly incentives? • If you have more than one child, do you have different expectations for each child? What you expect for one child may not be the same expectations for a different child. • Talk to your children. Explain the expectations and the rewards. If a child understands what is expected and what the reward might be, he is far more likely to work for the reward. • What kind of reward are you negotiating? The rewards may depend on the child. If your family does not eat out often, and the child thinks a restaurant is a big deal, allowing the child to choose a restaurant as a reward might be a great incentive. For other children, financial rewards or prizes may be a better choice. Choose a reward that you are comfortable with providing, and that is appropriate for the expectations and the timeline. • If your child receives a weekly allowance, consider a “bonus” for the child. For example, if the child receives a $5 per week allowance, give her an extra $5 as a one week bonus.
Accepting applications for 2011-2012
5th grade self portrait
Smart Call. 303-651-0800 1445 Nelson Road Longmont, CO
Lutheran Preschool and School NCPSA Accredited
Preschool through F ifth Grade
1221 W. 17th Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-1688
5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Boulder, CO 80303
3 0 3 . 4 9 9 . 1 9 9 9 f r i e n d s s c h o o l b o u l d e r. o r g SC-157615
St. Vrain Valley School District
“There were just a lot of great people at Frederick High who were willing to go above and beyond to push me, support me, and encourage me.” Kelley Ritz,
www.stvrain.k12.co.us 303-776-6200
FREDERICK ‘06
“At Silver Creek I had a combination of athletics, tough courses, and most important, the opportunity to interact with people of all backgrounds.” Nick Koerner
SILVER CREEK ‘08 Stanford University
“As a pre-law student I’m expected to write constantly and write well. When my professors tell me I’m a strong writer I think, thank you Skyline!”
“My Longmont High teachers took a personal interest in me. They went above and beyond to help me succeed.”
Lupita Chavez
Michael Sundberg,
SKYLINE ‘08
LONGMONT ‘09
University of Colorado
U.S. Naval Center for Information Dominance
Member, first graduating class of new Mead High School
“Lyons High was a great place to prepare for college. The small school feel created an invaluable sense of community where I made great friends and deepened my sense of teamwork and leadership.” Andy Forsberg
LYONS ‘10
Boettcher Scholar University of Denver
LAW
Instructional Programming for the 21st Century
MEAD ‘12
VETERINARY SCIENCE
Gates Millennium Scholar Colorado School of Mines
PERFORMING ARTS
St. Vrain Students on the Path to Success
ERIE ‘09
“I’m currently taking AP English, chemistry and pre-calculus to prepare for veterinary medicine at CSU. At Mead High my teachers know me and what I want to accomplish.” Greg Rademacher
Berklee College of Music
“Niwot High demanded excellence and my teachers always encouraged me to pursue my most ambitious dreams.” Angie McDermid
MEDICINE
EXCELLENT
“I came to ‘Mines’ completely prepared: the value of an Erie High diploma is up there with the best schools in the state.” Robert Grumet
ECONOMICS
CHOOSING
TO BE
PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
December 1 & 2, 2010
ARMED FORCES
Longmont Times-Call Publication
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
16
NIWOT ’05 Boettcher Scholar, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine 04-141323