Sunset Middle School Community Celebrates IB Eighth Grade Showcase

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Students gather in a gymnasium for an IB project showcase, featuring projects on wildlife and climate change.

On Thursday, April 3, Sunset Middle School welcomed families and community members for a vibrant Community Night celebrating the culminating experience of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP).

The event featured student-led community projects, live performances, interactive displays, and guest speakers, including the Mayor of Longmont. Attendees also experienced a variety of food presentations that reflected the cultures and communities explored through student research.

As part of the IB MYP, students completed projects focused on both research and direct service, identifying real needs within their community and taking action to address them.

Principal Alicia Bono shared, “This is an impactful experience. Students learn what it means to be part of a community and that they can already play a role in making a difference. Through their projects, they identify community needs and find ways to give back. They come to see they are capable of far more than they initially thought.”

Students echoed that growth and said the experience strengthened communication skills, deepened understanding of community needs, and built trust in their peers. Many also described a shift in perspective and recognized the value of contributing to something larger than themselves.

The evening highlighted the power of authentic learning and the meaningful connections formed between students and the community they serve.

View the Event Album

Longs Peak Middle School Celebrated Eighth Grade Students Accepted into High School Focus Programs

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Longs Peak Middle School recently held a special signing ceremony honoring more than 40 eighth grade students who have been accepted into high school focus programs. Inspired by traditional athletic signing days, the all-school assembly took place on Wednesday, April 1 from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., celebrating students’ dedication and preparation for advanced academic opportunities.

Students are signing documents at a table, with cheerleaders and supporters in the background. Blue balloons are visible.

Students from Longs Peak earned acceptance into specialized pathways at two local high schools. Programs include the Medical & Bioscience Academy (MBSA) and the High School of Business at Longmont High School, as well as FalconTECH at Skyline High School.

Four people pose for a photo at a celebration event, holding a certificate, with a school backdrop and balloons.

The celebration included performances by the school’s mariachi and percussion ensembles, along with appearances by cheerleaders. Principals and program representatives from each high school were present to welcome future students into their programs. As part of the ceremony, each student was recognized individually and signed a commitment letter, marking an important milestone in their academic journey. The event wrapped up with performances from the Longmont High School drum line and cheerleaders, followed by closing remarks and group photos. Families were also in attendance to share in the celebration.

Students sit at a table with documents, while cheerleaders and a mascot stand behind them in a gym setting.

“This event showcased the value of hard work, encouraged younger students, and generated excitement for what lies ahead in high school,” said Karin Blough, Principal of Longs Peak Middle School. “We have built programs that connect directly to advanced high school coursework and help prepare students for what comes next. We are proud of the dedication shown by our students and their families and look forward to seeing their continued success in these programs.”

Facility Use Rate Update

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Dear St. Vrain Valley Community,

St. Vrain Valley Schools values the strong connection between our schools and the community, and we are proud to provide access to our facilities for a wide range of programs, events, and activities.

We are sharing an upcoming update regarding facility use rates across the district.

Beginning July 1, 2026, updated pricing will take effect for the use of district facilities. This adjustment supports the ongoing care and maintenance of our buildings and spaces while continuing to provide meaningful access for community use.

All reservations and contracts* that take place on or after July 1, 2026 will reflect the updated rates.

We understand the importance of our facilities as shared community resources and remain committed to balancing accessibility with responsible financial stewardship.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out to the Facility Use team.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Facility Use
St. Vrain Valley Schools

*With the exception of exterior areas included in the Temporary Closure of District Athletic Fields and Exterior Play Areas document on the Facility Use website.

Temporary Closure of District Athletic Fields and Exterior Play Areas

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Dear St. Vrain Valley Community,

St. Vrain Valley Schools values our community and the many ways our shared spaces bring people together. We are proud to make our athletic fields and exterior play areas available for community use and appreciate the partnerships that make these opportunities possible.

To that end, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close all district athletic fields and exterior play spaces from May 20 through September 2026 due to unusually dry conditions this past winter and a significant lack of soil moisture. This proactive step protects the long-term health and playability of these spaces.

Our fields are a valued district asset that support a wide range of athletic programs, activities, and community experiences. Taking care of them now ensures they remain safe, high-quality environments that support school-based opportunities throughout the academic year.
We recognize the impact this closure may have for community groups and partners. District staff will continue to monitor weather patterns and field conditions. If moisture levels improve or weather conditions shift, we will reassess this decision and share any updates to field availability as soon as possible.

Thank you for your partnership in caring for these important community resources.

Sincerely,
Brian Lamer
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
St. Vrain Valley Schools

More Than Storytime: Stuffy Book Club at Alpine Elementary

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Tucked into a cozy corner of Alpine Elementary, a group of kindergarten and first grade students gather at the end of the school day, arms full of stuffed animals and blankets in tow. The room hums with excitement as students recognize something special is about to begin.

Led by third grade teacher Michelle Drangeid, the Stuffy Book Club invites the school’s youngest learners to slow down, get comfortable, and fall in love with stories. Students settle in beside their favorite stuffies, sharing snacks and anticipation as Drangeid opens a book. Each week introduces a new author or theme, expanding their world one page at a time.

A teacher engages a small group of children with a story in a colorful classroom filled with books and toys.

On this particular day, the group dives into The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds – a story about courage and the power of creativity. Students bring the story to life through a fun watercolor activity. Starting with a single dot on their page, they quickly transform it into unique shapes and patterns.

A girl holds up a decorated paper plate while another girl paints at a classroom table, with art supplies nearby.

For many of these students, this is their first opportunity to be part of a school club, a space designed just for them. “The club is light. It’s a chance for them to take a breath and play,” Drangeid shares, describing the intention behind each gathering.

Along with crafts and stories, the Stuffy Book Club quietly builds something deeper. It increases connections across grade levels, turning familiar faces in the hallway into friendly waves and conversations. As Drangeid explains, “I love including other grade levels because I get a chance to meet kids that I don’t normally get to see. When I’m walking around the building, they see me and say hi. There is a connection that builds community, which is one of the best parts about this.”

A young girl with curly hair smiles, sitting on the floor among other children, during a group activity.

​​Long after the club ends, its effects continue to unfold. Students return home to read aloud to their stuffed animals, build blanket forts, and recreate the cozy magic of reading. In these small, meaningful moments, a lifelong love of reading begins to take root for Alpine Elementary students.

Westview Middle School Re-Designated as National School to Watch

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Westview Middle School has once again earned national recognition as a National School to Watch, a distinction awarded by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform in partnership with leading education organizations.

The Schools to Watch program identifies middle schools across the country that demonstrate exceptional performance and a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools receiving this designation are recognized for being academically excellent, developmentally responsive to the needs of young adolescents, and socially equitable — ensuring high levels of learning and support for every student.

Westview’s re-designation reflects sustained excellence and a schoolwide commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students. The recognition is not permanent; schools must reapply every three years, demonstrating ongoing growth, innovation, and impact.

The school celebrated the achievement with a full school assembly, recognizing the collective efforts of staff and students. District leadership were there to help celebrate and make sure everyone felt the significance of this recognition. The event also highlighted two Westview robotics teams who have advanced to the VEX Robotics World Championships, showcasing the school’s continued success both in and beyond the classroom.

As part of the national network, Westview joins a select group of middle schools across the United States that serve as models for effective teaching, student support, and school culture. This honor reflects the dedication of Westview’s educators, staff, students, and families — and reinforces the school’s role in preparing students for success in high school and beyond.

Niwot Elementary Welcomes Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate for Author Visit

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During a special visit from author Katherine Applegate, students at Niwot Elementary had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the writing process and learn how stories can evolve across formats and audiences. Applegate offered insight into how her ideas develop into published books, including collaboration with illustrators who help bring her characters to life. She highlighted this process in her newest picture book, “The Littlest Elephant,” which is based on her novel, “The One and Only Ruby.”

Katherine Applegate speaks to children at Niwot Elementary, with books and a projector screen displaying "Pocket Bear."
Katherine Applegate presents to students at Niwot Elementary.

Applegate, a Newbery Medal-winning author, has written numerous books for young readers, many inspired by real-life events and animals. Her 2013 Newbery Medal recognized the impact of “The One and Only Ivan,” which was later adapted into a film in 2020. During her visit, she shared how Ivan’s story was based on a real gorilla who once lived in a shopping mall before being relocated to a zoo. She also spoke about her broader body of work, emphasizing themes of empathy, resilience, and curiosity.

A student speaks at a microphone while his teacher stands nearby, holding a clipboard, in a school gym setting.
A Niwot Elementary student asks Applegate a question regarding her writing process.

Throughout the event, Applegate encouraged students to discover their “best friend book,” a story that feels as though it was written just for them, and reminded them that inspiration can come from simply asking “what if.” Students had the opportunity to ask questions about her writing process and the characters she has created, learning how stories develop from an idea into a publication. The visit concluded with a book signing, where students were able to meet Applegate and have their books personally signed. For students, this event became a memorable experience celebrating the power of reading and storytelling.

A young girl smiles while waiting in line at the book signing event, with Katherine Applegate signing books at a table.
Applegate signs a Niwot Elementary student’s book after her presentation.

St. Vrain’s Unframed Art Show live at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall from April 14-19

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St. Vrain’s Unframed Art Show live at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall from April 14-19

St. Vrain Valley Schools invites the community to experience the creativity and talent of students across the district at the annual district art show, held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. The exhibition will showcase artwork from students across all grade levels and schools from April 14-19.

The event is free and open to the public, offering families and community members an opportunity to explore a wide range of student artwork.

Public Viewing Hours:

  • Tuesday, April 14 through Saturday, April 18: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 19: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Artists’ Night Open House:

  • Thursday, April 16 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

The show highlights the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of St. Vrain students through a variety of mediums, including ceramics, digital art and photography, drawing, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, painting, and printmaking.Award-winning pieces will be featured online following the event at svvsd.org/artshow.

Silver Creek Students Bring the Joy of Music to Assisted Living Facility

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A string quartet warms up in the sun-drenched community room at Cinnamon Park Assisted Living Residence in Longmont, as residents filter in to claim a seat. The quartet, made up of students from Silver Creek High School, launches into the first song of this performance, and residents smile and chuckle as they recognize the opening notes to ABBA’s “Mamma Mia”. 

Featuring Nehemiah Crill on cello, Michelle Smith on viola, and Jorah Foote and Hannah Crill on violin, the performance included sweeping instrumental covers, a duet by Hannah and Nehemiah, and a few lively numbers on the accordion, played by Anna Iverson.

A young woman plays the accordion while seated, with sheet music in front of her and audience members listening.

This performance is part of a “Music as Medicine”, a Silver Creek Leadership Academy capstone project led by Nehemiah Crill and Elsa Wirkkanen, which has performed at two additional assisted living facilities, and is planning a performance at a local children’s hospital. The goal, Elsa shares, is to bring music directly to people who could not physically go to concerts, so that everyone can enjoy and experience music.

The students hope to share the therapeutic nature of music with those they perform for, with Nehemiah adding, “We also hope that we can bring some joy to people by playing for them and connecting with them. The senior citizens especially seem to love seeing young performers and having us take the time to prepare pieces just for them.” 

A young musician plays a cello for elderly audience members in a cozy room, with music sheets visible.

Elsa, who runs the group’s rehearsals and manages logistics, enjoys seeing both parts of the performance: the performers shining as they play, and the faces of the audience members lighting up as they enjoy it. Afterwards, the students answer any questions from the audience, chatting and laughing with the residents.

A young man plays the cello in a room filled with seated listeners, some blurred in the foreground.

The Leadership Academy, hosted at Silver Creek High School, culminates with a capstone project, in which students apply their leadership skills and collect at least 75 volunteer hours in the community. Learn more about all of the outstanding community projects at stvra.in/scla, or by following along on social media @SilverCreek_HS. 

Three musicians perform with violins in a bright room, while audience members enjoy the music.
View photo gallery from this performance. 

Longmont Estates Hosts Creative Time Travelers, Highlighting Innovation and Exploration

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In early March, Longmont Estates Elementary transformed into a living time machine during its Creative Time Travelers event, a school-wide experience for students in grades one through five. Students studied iconic songs and artists from their assigned era, created original artwork inspired by famous styles, and performed music that captured the spirit of the time. The event integrated history, the arts, and STEM to create an immersive learning experience, allowing students to bring the past to life for families and the community.

Two children observe colorful artwork illuminated under black light, surrounded by vibrant decorations.
Longmont Estates Elementary students explore art projects inspired by different decades.

One key component of the Creative Time Travelers event was the school’s 10th Annual Innovation Fair, where students investigated topics through one of three pathways: scientific experimentation, engineering design, or “Genius Hour” projects based on personal interests. Projects ranged from testing everyday questions to designing solutions for real-world challenges and researching global issues. Depending on the project type, they applied structured research models such as the scientific method or the engineering design process. Over six weeks, students refined their ideas through research, prototyping, and feedback.

A woman talks to a girl at an event, with displays and people in the background. The setting is indoors.
A community member discusses a student’s Innovation Fair project.

The experience culminated with student presentations to an audience of families, community members, and district staff. Students shared their findings and explained their processes, strengthening skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Through school-wide opportunities like Creative Time Travelers, Longmont Estates encourages students to explore their interests while building the confidence to share their learning with others.

A man and a boy observe a poster board, engaged in conversation, in a well-lit indoor setting.
A Longmont Estates Elementary student explains his Innovation Fair project to a community member.
St. Vrain Valley Schools