Three St. Vrain Educators Selected for Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2026

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St. Vrain Valley Schools is proud to announce that three of our educators — Jason Kelsall, Monica Moreno-Martinez, and Carolyn Clifford — have been selected for the Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Class of 2026.

Apple’s announcement: Apple is pleased to welcome Jason, Monica, and Carolyn to the Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE) Class of 2026. In 1995, Apple created the ADE Program to recognize K-12 and higher education pioneers who are using Apple technology to transform teaching and learning in powerful ways. Celebrating 30 years, the program has grown into a worldwide community of visionary and innovative leaders in education, helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac. Learn more about the contributions of ADEs worldwide at https://www.apple.com/education/k12/apple-distinguished-educator/.

This recognition highlights their leadership in leveraging Apple technology to extend and deepen learning for students — giving them more opportunities for creativity, innovation, and empowered self-expression. As David Baker, Professional Development Coordinator for St. Vrain Valley Schools, describes:

“Technology is a tool that can provide access, enhance student learning, and empower students to be creative. They are able to extend their thinking in powerful ways.”

Jason, Monica, and Carolyn have been instrumental in preparing the next generation of educators. Through coursework and professional learning, they support pre-service, early-career, and current teachers in developing strong digital skills — from accessibility tools to creative applications — so technology can be used with purpose and intentionality in the classroom.

All three recognized work with a wide range of people from St. Vrain Valley Schools, including high school students, paraeducators seeking licensure, and current educators earning Apple Teacher certification. As Baker notes:

“You’ll have a para-professional or a teacher in the classroom who knows how to use accessibility tools and creative tools, giving students a wider variety of ways to demonstrate their learning and more skilled instruction to guide them.”

Their work also strengthens a foundational vision for the district: harnessing innovation to give students agency, elevate instructional practice, and contribute back to the community.

“This recognition shows they’re making our entire system better because they took that opportunity and expanded it.”

Being named to the ADE Class of 2026 also opens doors for global collaboration. These educators will now work alongside influential innovators, master teachers, and advocates from around the world — broadening St. Vrain’s reach and bringing fresh expertise back to our classrooms.

“We’re not learning in a bubble,” Baker added. “Collaborating at a national and international level will push us to continue to advance and raise the level for all students.”

We are incredibly proud of Jason, Monica, and Carolyn, whose vision and advocacy continue to elevate teaching and learning throughout St. Vrain Valley Schools. Please join us in celebrating their selection to this prestigious global cohort of Apple Distinguished Educators.

Lyons Elementary students will shine in ‘JOY and The Shooting Stars’

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This month, 13 Lyons Elementary School students are embracing their inner “shooting star” by participating in a new musical.

Written and directed by Lyons-area residents, “JOY and The Shooting Stars” is a youth musical that encourages each actor to let their light shine. The musical’s two nights in Lyons will mark the end of a three-month program that teaches social-emotional skills to second through fifth graders.

“The language in the musical — I call it a language of love,” said Molly Williams, the show’s writer and co-director. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting the kids to express themselves.”

Read the full story in the Times-Call

Longmont High School STEM Teacher Honored with Congressional Service Award

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Chris Chou, a STEM teacher and co-founder of Longmont High School’s Medical and BioScience Academy and SMART team, was honored with a Congressional Service Award for Educator of the Year by Congressman Joe Neguse on Saturday, December 13. The Congressional Award is a prestigious honor established by the United States Congress to recognize initiative, service, and achievement among young Americans and community leaders. Members of Congress may also present special service recognitions to constituents whose work reflects the program’s core values.

Joe Neguse and Chris Chou smile while holding her Congressional Award for Educator of the Year.
Congressional Rep. Neguse presenting Chris Chou with the Educator of the Year Award.

Chou, who has taught various science courses at Longmont High for more than two decades and previously received the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award, was selected for this distinction for her dedication to student success and leadership in science education. In her classroom, she has been a driving force behind St. Vrain Valley Schools’ commitment to STEM, working with colleagues and community partners to provide students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. She has also championed the growth of biotechnology and forensic science programs at Longmont High, helping to better prepare students for college and careers in high-demand fields.

The Congressional Service Award recognizes both her individual excellence and the broader impact of St. Vrain’s STEM initiatives in strengthening critical thinking, innovation, and civic engagement among students. Chou’s recognition serves as a reminder of the power of dedicated educators in inspiring students and strengthening their communities through service and leadership.

Student Interns Lead the Way in Districtwide Sustainability Efforts

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Students from Mead, Longmont, Niwot, and Silver Creek High Schools showcased their semester-long sustainability research on Tuesday, December 9, presenting findings on topics such as indoor air quality, climate literacy, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable design. Their work reflects a growing commitment across St. Vrain Valley Schools to integrate real-world learning with sustainability initiatives. Throughout the semester, students conducted interviews, gathered data, and collaborated with district leaders to deepen their understanding of environmental challenges and opportunities.

A speaker presents to an audience, discussing a sustainability internship team, with names displayed on a screen.
Curtis Leonard, an Energy and Sustainability Specialist, introduces St. Vrain’s sustainability interns.

These students are part of St. Vrain’s new Sustainability Internship Program developed through a partnership between the district’s Energy and Sustainability Department and the Innovation Center. Curtis Leonard, an Energy and Sustainability Specialist who co-leads the internship, says the idea grew from a districtwide stakeholder engagement effort held earlier this year. “We realized that the most exciting and meaningful way to build a St. Vrain approach to sustainability is through job preparation,” he said. “Our interns have taken that to heart, and the quality of their work has been phenomenal.” The program has exceeded expectations for applicants and the four selected interns have contributed research directly aligned with the department’s long-term goals.

A student speaks at a podium with a laptop, presenting to an audience in a conference setting.
Shaffer Piersol, a student from Niwot High School, presents her research on greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of the experience, interns study global sustainability frameworks, listen to guest speakers across various industries, and develop actionable recommendations for the district’s future planning. Curtis notes that the internship reflects the district’s broader commitment to innovation and student empowerment. “These students are becoming subject-matter experts, and their insights are helping shape how we think about sustainability across the system,” he said. “They are truly an asset, and it’s inspiring to see young people contributing to work that benefits our entire community.”

A group of five presenters stands on stage, engaging with an audience in a classroom setting.
St. Vrain’s sustainability interns participate in a Q&A following their presentations.

Building Pathways: St. Vrain Valley P-TECH Program Hosts 5th Annual Job Fair

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The St. Vrain Valley P-TECH Program held its 5th annual P-TECH Job Fair on Friday, December 5. Local businesses gathered to meet with current P-TECH seniors and recent graduates from Frederick, Silver Creek, and Skyline High School, where they learned about potential career opportunities in their chosen career field. 

Beginning in 2021, the P-TECH Job Fair has consistently grown each year, providing students with a chance to network, refine their résumés, communicate professionally, and ask meaningful questions. The first fair was organized by the FalconTECH team at Skyline High School, created in response to feedback from early P-TECH graduates who were eager to enter the workforce, but unsure how to navigate networking and job searching. 

Today, more than 20 companies attend each year, representing various career opportunities inComputer Science, Business, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, local small businesses, and job placement services. Students from all three St. Vrain P-TECH programs participated in the event, totaling more than 120 attendees. For many, these conversations help students secure interviews for full-time positions and internships, while also creating valuable connections with industry partners. 

A speaker presents to an audience in a modern indoor space with large windows and casual seating.
After meeting with businesses, students heard from keynote speaker, Rolf Kramer, Senior Market Director at Akkodis and learned about best practices for LinkedIn.

Karis Green, now employed at Cisco as a Solutions Engineer, shared that her journey with Cisco began at the P-TECH Job Fair. Similarly, Isah Rosales secured an internship with Seagate through the event, and Intrado has hired more than three P-TECH graduates after meeting them at the job fair. Over the years, students and recent graduates have come to view the P-TECH Job Fair as an invaluable opportunity for networking and career growth. Many industry partners now bring former P-TECH students, whom they’ve hired, to represent their companies at the event, creating a powerful full-circle moment that inspires current participants.

As St. Vrain Valley continues to expand its P-TECH offerings, the P-TECH Job Fair remains a cornerstone of the program, empowering students to step boldly into the careers they’ve worked so hard to prepare for.

Bowling Builds Community at Silver Creek High’s Unified Match with Longmont Police

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Members of the Silver Creek High School Unified Bowling Team filled Centennial Lanes Bowling Alley with energy and excitement as they faced off in a friendly competition against local Longmont police officers. The event, now a yearly tradition in the community, brought teammates and officers together for an afternoon of shared laughter, high fives, and spirited bowling.

A police officer and a young man give each other a high five at a bowling alley, surrounded by cheering friends.

Throughout the match, the atmosphere was one of encouragement and genuine connection. Students and officers cheered each other on, creating moments that went far beyond the final scores.

Unified Bowling coach Ericka Pilon highlighted the deeper meaning behind the event, emphasizing its impact on both students and the wider community. “Our annual Unified Bowling versus Police is more than just a friendly match; it’s a powerful experience for everyone,” she said. “It demonstrates that sports unite people, regardless of ability or profession. For our students, these events build confidence, foster true social inclusion, and create invaluable community bonds by allowing them to interact with local heroes in a fun, supportive setting. It truly showcases the best of our community.”

A group of young bowlers in red shirts at a bowling alley, enjoying snacks and chatting near the lanes.

The Unified Bowling versus Police match not only celebrated athletic participation, but also highlighted the strength of a community that values every individual. The event served as a powerful reminder of how inclusive sports can bridge gaps and bring people together.

St. Vrain Valley Schools Celebrates ToniJo Niccoli, Named the 2026 Colorado High School Principal of the Year

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ToniJo Niccoli, principal of New Meridian High School and the Career Elevation and Technology Center, has been named the 2026 Colorado High School Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals. 

As the state’s honoree, she will advance to the national Principal of the Year consideration through the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Under her leadership, New Meridian’s on-time graduation rate has soared from 12.5% to nearly 90%, the dropout rate has fallen from more than 25% to under 3%, and students are completing high school with college credits and industry-recognized certifications. 

St. Vrain Valley Schools is proud to celebrate Niccoli’s exceptional leadership and the transformative impact she has had on her students, staff, and community.

Learn More

Longmont Estates Gifted Learners Explore Real-World STEM Applications

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At Longmont Estates Elementary, a small group of Gifted and Talented students gather around their work tables, eyes fixed on digital microscopes glowing before them. One by one, they adjust focus knobs and study the magnified textures of mystery slides – strands of fibers, fragments of plants, and other microscopic samples. Using deductive reasoning, design-thinking strategies, and sketches in their notebooks, students compare observations and debate possibilities. Students work individually first, then come together to determine each slide’s identity. Jessica Shaffer, the STEM Coordinator at Longmont Estates, moves between students, offering guidance and encouragement as they share theories and refine their conclusions.

A young child with glasses writes with a pencil at a table, focused on their work, with a microscope nearby.
A Gifted and Talented student adds sketches to his worksheet.

Longmont Estates emphasizes a rigorous, integrated STEM curriculum that ignites student passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through real-world, inquiry-based learning. Teachers use a design-thinking approach that moves students beyond memorization, engaging them in experimentation, prototyping, and real problem-solving. Within the Gifted and Talented (GT) pathway, students with advanced learning plans meet weekly for enrichment activities tailored to their capabilities such as logic puzzles, diverging thinking exercises, or collaborative engineering-style projects.

A teacher assists a young girl with a microscope at a classroom table, surrounded by educational materials.
Jessicca Shaffer, the STEM Coordinator at Longmont Estates, works with a Gifted and Talented student.

Shaffer notes that the STEM classes at Longmont Estates give GT students authentic experiences that extend beyond the standard curriculum. “It is truly inspiring to witness their passion and dedication to exploring new frontiers in STEM,” she said, reflecting on how projects evolve each year. Students showcased many of those works at the school’s annual Innovation Fair, including robotics prototypes to self-driven “Genius Hour” research on topics like marine biology and environmental science. Through this blend of challenge, creativity, and hands-on learning, Longmont Estates Elementary cultivates growth in its students while nurturing a love of lifelong discovery.

A child observes a specimen through a digital microscope, with a red object displayed on the screen.
A Gifted and Talented student examines a slide under a microscope.

St. Vrain Valley Schools Awarded $120,000 Grant to Launch Cutting-Edge Motion and Performance Studio

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St. Vrain Valley Schools has been awarded a $120,000 Innovations in CTE Grant, funded by Perkins V federal funds and administered by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). The funding will support key upgrades to the Innovation Center with a significant portion dedicated to launching the new state-of-the-art Motion and Performance (MAP) Studio, a program poised to transform how students understand movement, performance, creativity, and data.

The MAP Studio represents the first stage of a long-term effort to empower students to use data to improve their performance – whether they are athletes, dancers, creators, or future healthcare professionals. By combining cutting-edge sensors, motion-capture technology, and immersive creative tools, the studio will provide students with opportunities to explore movements of the human body and showcase how that information can be used to support growth, recovery, precision, and creativity.

The heart of the MAP Studio is an advanced motion-capture system: an array of infrared cameras that track participants. These cameras identify joint positions, record movement patterns, and transform human motion into rich datasets that students can analyze, interpret, and apply. For athletes, this means real-time feedback on technique, helping them refine their form, prevent injury, and better understand how their bodies respond to different training demands. A runner can see how their stride changes over time, a pitcher can analyze their form, and an Exercise Science student at the CETC can provide personalized feedback for an injured athlete and monitor progress during recovery.

For creative performers, the technology unlocks entirely new dimensions of expression. A dancer can see detailed feedback on balance and alignment, while digital artists can export motion-capture data into 3D design software to animate characters, or create immersive virtual experiences. Movements performed in the studio can become the foundation of lifelike avatars, choreographed animations, or interactive storytelling projects.

To further support student athletes and performers, the grant will also fund the purchase of professional athletic-training technologies. These include force plates and jump mats that measure how students land or produce power, GPS monitors that track speed and distance, and velocity-based training tools that help lifters optimize strength development. For younger athletes, these tools offer early insights into proper technique and self-awareness which are skills that will benefit them in the long term for competitive high school programs.

With the support of the Innovations in CTE Grant, the Innovation Center continues to advance as a hub of experiential learning that spans across the entire district. The MAP Studio is an important step towards a future in which every student has access to cutting-edge tools that merge science, creativity, and performance. 

Parent Teacher Conference Advice Column: Mindful Technology Use at Home

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Dear Parent-Teacher Conference,

I’m really struggling with my 15-year-old daughter’s phone use at home, and I can see it’s affecting her schoolwork. She says she needs her phone to “study” but I constantly catch her on social media, texting friends, or watching videos instead of doing homework. When I try to take the phone away, we have arguments and she claims I don’t understand that her phone is how she stays connected with friends and manages her anxiety. I know St. Vrain has guidelines for school hours, but I’m lost on how to handle this at home. How can I help her develop better focus and a healthier relationship with technology without constant battles?

– Disconnected in Dacono

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Dear Disconnected,

Your struggle reflects one of the most common challenges families face today, and you’re right to be concerned. Constant device switching fragments attention and makes deep learning nearly impossible. But you can help your daughter develop healthier technology habits without turning your home into a war zone.

Understand what you’re dealing with. What your daughter is experiencing isn’t necessarily “addiction” in the clinical sense, but rather a very real neurological response. Phones are designed to provide intermittent reinforcement through notifications and social interactions, which creates patterns similar to those seen with other rewarding behaviors. When teens use devices heavily, they can develop a genuine dependence for emotional regulation and social connection. This means simply taking the phone away doesn’t address the underlying need it’s filling.

Create boundaries that work. Complete phone removal typically backfires, leading to power struggles. Instead, try structured boundaries:

Establish “focus zones” for everyone. Designate specific homework times when all family members put devices in a central location, such as a basket in the kitchen or charging station. Frame this as creating an environment that supports everyone’s best thinking, not punishment. When parents participate too, teens cooperate better.

Use structured work intervals. The teenage brain needs regular breaks. Try the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute phone break. Set a timer. When the break ends, the phone goes back. This satisfies her need for connection while protecting focus time.

Address what the phone provides. Your daughter said her phone helps her stay connected and manage anxiety. Take that seriously. If it’s her primary coping mechanism, she needs alternatives. Schedule regular face-to-face time with friends. Teach concrete anxiety management techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, physical movement. Have honest conversations about what she’s gaining and possibly missing.

Model the behavior. If you’re scrolling during dinner or checking your phone constantly, she’ll notice the double standard. Implement your own phone-free focus times and talk openly about managing technology distractions.

Minimize distractions. Silencing notifications can be a quick and easy way to reduce the pull of looking at the phone.

Start small and stay consistent. Don’t overhaul everything at once. Begin with one change, such as phone-free family dinners or a designated homework hour. Once that’s routine, add another boundary. Rewiring these patterns takes time. Expect initial resistance, but stay steady.

Collaborate, don’t dictate. When you’re both calm, work together to create a plan. Ask what she thinks would help her focus better. She’s more likely to follow rules she helped create.

Know when to get help. If battles continue or you notice signs of significant anxiety or depression around phone use, such as withdrawal from activities, sleep disruption, extreme reactions when separated from her phone, reach out to her school counselor or your family doctor.

Remember, the goal isn’t about eliminating technology, but about helping your daughter develop self-regulation skills for life. She lives in a world where technology is everywhere, and learning to manage it mindfully is essential. 

—Parent Teacher Conference

St. Vrain Valley Schools