Across St. Vrain Valley Schools, educators and staff have been preparing for a successful year focused on learning, growth, and connection. As students settle into new routines, build relationships, and embrace new opportunities, we look forward to all that the 2026-27 school year will bring.
Superintendent’s Update
Dear St. Vrain Valley Community,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year. There is real joy in these first weeks of August, when our buildings fill again with students in the hallways and teachers greeting familiar faces and new ones at classroom doors. I want to begin by thanking you for the trust you place in our schools and for the partnership that made my first year as your superintendent such a rewarding experience. I am looking forward to the year ahead with all of you.
Everything we do in St. Vrain rests on a single commitment, that each and every student will be recognized for their unique talents and aspirations and receive an exceptional PreK-12 experience, so that they graduate with a strong competitive advantage. That is what we mean when we talk about the St. Vrain Advantage. It is the promise we make to every family who enrolls a child with us, and it shapes how we design innovative programs, hire the very best teachers, build and maintain beautiful facilities, and prioritize the safety and well-being of every child. Our teachers and staff are the heart of this work, and supporting them is one of my highest priorities. St. Vrain maintains among the highest base teacher pay in Colorado, and we have been recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Employer again for the second year, which helps us bring exceptional educators into our classrooms and keep them here.
This summer, our buildings were full of activity as thousands of students continued learning through Project Launch, which provides four additional weeks of rigorous instruction in math and language arts, while hundreds more pursued advanced STEM and Career and Technical Education experiences through the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation and Technology Center. Our teachers and staff spent much of the past few months in professional learning of their own, including our Teach to Reach conference on the instructional strategies that unleash the potential of every child. And through your continued investment in the 2024 bond, construction advanced across the district on the new Big Sky PK-8 in Mead, our new high school in Frederick, the Innovation Center expansion, a new CTE Center, a new elementary school in Erie, secure entry and safety improvements, stadium projects at Skyline and Silver Creek, and infrastructure work at schools throughout our community. We are grateful for your support, which allows us to provide our students with world-class facilities.
I have spent my entire career in public education because of what a public school system can be for the community around it. We open our doors to every child who lives here, whatever their circumstances or their ambitions, and we build around each of them the programs, relationships and support they need to thrive. That is the Public School Advantage, and I see it in our schools every day, from a preschooler sounding out letters to a senior presenting original research to a room full of engineers. It is a privilege to be part of it, and it is something we will continue to champion loudly and unapologetically.
This fall, I will again host open community meetings in several of our geographic areas, and I hope you will join me. The conversations I had with families last year stayed with me, and I want to hear from you again about what is working in our schools and where we can better serve you.
To our families, thank you for trusting us with your children. To our teachers and staff, thank you for the care and skill you bring to this work every day. Together, we will make this a joyful and successful year for every student in our St. Vrain schools.
Sincerely,
Jackie Kapushion, Ed.D.
Superintendent, St. Vrain Valley Schools
Featured Stories
St. Vrain Valley Schools Recognized Among Colorado’s Best Employers for Second Consecutive Year
For the second consecutive year, St. Vrain Valley Schools has been recognized by Forbes as one of Colorado’s Best Employers, ranking as a top employer in Boulder County and among the state’s highest-ranked employers in education. This recognition reflects St. Vrain’s strong investment in its educators and staff, including maintaining among the highest base teacher pay in the state at $65,300.
Fall Town Hall Meetings
St. Vrain Valley Schools invites parents, teachers, staff, and community members to join Superintendent Dr. Jackie Kapushion for one of our upcoming Superintendent Town Hall meetings.
Westview Middle School Named 2026 AMLE School of Distinction
Westview Middle School has been named a 2026 School of Distinction by The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), recognizing the school’s commitment to creating a student-centered environment grounded in best practices for middle grades education. They are the first and only Colorado middle school to be honored with this distinction.
Big Sky PK-8 Celebrates Grand Opening
Big Sky PK-8 officially opened its doors to the community, marking an exciting milestone for St. Vrain Valley Schools and the Mead community.
Teaching: A Career Worth Choosing
In St. Vrain Valley Schools, educators enter the profession through traditional teacher preparation programs, alternative licensure pathways, and grow-your-own programs. At a time when conversations about public education often center on challenges and burnout, many teachers in St. Vrain describe something different: strong relationships with students, support from colleagues, and work that continues to feel meaningful.
What Does it Mean to be Future-Ready?
As the world and workforce continue to change, St. Vrain is preparing students with strong academic foundations, career-connected learning, and skills they can apply wherever their futures take them. Learn more about St. Vrain’s six durable skills and how students are developing them across our schools.
From Classroom to Career: Celebrating 10 Years of P-TECH with Alumni
When Skyline High School launched its P-TECH program in 2016, it introduced a new model for what high school could be. Now known as FalconTECH, the program empowers students to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems in four to six years, while also gaining hands-on experience through internships and mentorship from industry professionals – all at no cost to families.
In the News
Awards & Recognitions
- Silver Creek High School Named Disney on Broadway School of Excellence
- Superintendent Jackie Kapushion Receives CU Denver Alumni Leadership Award
- St. Vrain Valley Schools receives ASBO Certificate of Excellence for 22nd consecutive year
- St. Vrain Valley Schools Earns National Recognition for Budget Excellence
Students & Staff
- 60 St. Vrain Valley incoming seniors attend cybersecurity mini-internships
- Skyline High School teacher participates in 2026 Supreme Court Summer Institute
- Niwot soccer standout Cora Roberts trains with USA Deaf Youth National Team
- CETC Manufacturing Students Create Awards Honoring Colorado’s School Safety Leaders
- Brooke Mayo makes World Cup history
Celebrations
- Skyline and Silver Creek Prepare to Open New On-Campus Stadiums
- St. Vrain Valley Schools Students Eligible for Direct Admission to CU Denver
- A Year in St. Vrain – a look back at the moments that made the school year
- St. Vrain Valley high schools celebrate successes of 2026 graduates
Important Reminders, Events, and Opportunities
Back-to-School Safety and Student Well-Being Update
As we prepare to welcome students back for another school year, the safety and well-being of every student and staff member remain our highest priority.
Update on Technology and Cell Phones in School
The Board of Education has approved updated expectations for student cell phone and wearable device use beginning this school year. St. Vrain is also continuing its work with the Instructional Technology Advisory Committee to evaluate PK-8 instructional technology practices and consider recommendations for future classroom technology use.
Leadership St. Vrain Now Accepting Applications for the 26-27 School Year
Leadership St. Vrain is a program designed to provide parents and other community members the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of our district’s mission, operations, and strategic priorities. The program is especially beneficial for those who want to obtain a foundation in district operations and governance and become more active participants in St. Vrain Valley Schools.
Planning Continues for New PK-5 School in Erie
Planning continues for Elementary 29, St. Vrain Valley Schools’ new PK-5 school in Erie’s Colliers Hill neighborhood, made possible through the support of the 2024 bond. On Sept. 1, the district will share updates on proposed attendance boundaries, construction and enrollment timelines, and the process for selecting the school’s name and mascot. The community meeting will take place from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Erie High School and will include opportunities for questions and feedback.
ParentSquare: Our New District Communication Tool
ParentSquare is now the primary communication tool for schools and the district. Families who have not yet done so are encouraged to register their ParentSquare account and download the app. Families can visit parentsquare.com/signin and create an account by using the same email address listed in Infinite Campus. A registered account allows families to customize notification and language preferences and receive communications in the format that works best for them.
Visit the district website to learn more about ParentSquare.
Follow Us on Instagram
Follow St. Vrain Valley Schools on Instagram @stvrainvalleyschools to explore more stories, celebrations, and updates from across our community.
In partnership with Stapp Toyota, we are proud to recognize the next Stapp Inspires Educator Highlight: Blue Mountain Elementary’s Significant Support Needs team. This collaborative and supportive team sets high expectations for themselves and their students. Watch now.