Rocky Mountain Elementary Builds a Strong Musical Foundation for the Skyline Feeder

We have been in communication throughout the last two days with our county and city emergency management partners, as well as our utility providers, to monitor the potential for any impacts related to the high wind forecast for Wednesday. Xcel Energy has informed us that Niwot and Erie are no longer within the area for the planned Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). As a result, we are planning for normal school operations for the remainder of the week at all St. Vrain schools, including Erie Elementary, Erie Middle School, Niwot Elementary, Niwot High School, and Red Hawk Elementary. The finals schedule at Niwot High School will proceed as originally communicated by the school.

We will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and have contingency plans in place should an unplanned outage occur due to high winds. If there are any overnight or early morning changes to Xcel’s plans that impact our school operations, we will keep you updated. You can follow updates on Xcel’s website.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we worked through this situation. As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.

In a classroom at Rocky Mountain Elementary, kindergarten students wait eagerly for music time to begin. Their energy is palpable as they bounce around the room, singing together to start the lesson. Soon, the sound of laughter and rhythm fills the space as they clap and move to a musical medley, learning to distinguish patterns between different melodies and arrangements. For these young learners, this class is a joyful exploration into the world of music.

Three children are smiling and dancing in a classroom, engaging in a fun activity with colorful decorations around them.

Jennifer Goerlitz, Rocky Mountain’s dedicated music teacher, works to introduce students to music opportunities across St. Vrain Valley Schools. Her classroom begins the pathway that connects Rocky Mountain Elementary to Trail Ridge Middle School and ultimately to Skyline High School, where students can continue to develop their musical talents in choir, band, orchestra, and more. From the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, students in the Skyline feeder have access to a cohesive and inspiring music education experience.

This intentional connection is visible throughout the school year. Rocky Mountain students perform in joint performances and community events alongside older students from Trail Ridge Middle and Skyline High, including a Winter Gala, Spring Festival, musical showcases at football and basketball games, and more. These events give younger students a glimpse of what’s ahead. Seeing high school musicians perform with skill and enthusiasm often sparks their own dreams of picking up an instrument or joining a choir.

Goerlitz collaborates closely with music teachers across St. Vrain Valley Schools to align instruction and ensure a seamless transition from one stage to the next. “I’m always asking the middle and high school directors what I can do to better prepare my kids,” she explains. “It’s important that they feel ready and excited when they step into that next level of music.”

Through this collaborative effort, Rocky Mountain Elementary builds confidence, community, and a sense of belonging that carries students to Skyline High School and beyond. For many, those first joyful rhythms in Goerlitz’s classroom are just the beginning of a lifelong love of music.