Trail Ridge Middle School has become the first middle school in St. Vrain Valley Schools to introduce a Unified Theater program, a milestone that highlights the school’s dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for students of all abilities. Building on its strong Unified program, which has earned numerous awards, including this year’s “Chaka Sutton” Unified Champion School of the Year from Special Olympics Colorado, the theater initiative showcases the schools focus on fostering collaboration and connections.

“The idea to start Unified Theater program at Trail Ridge felt natural,” said Drama Teacher Lindsay Sullivan. “I knew if the district was going to create a Unified program at the middle school level, it had to start here. Seeing the success of Unified Theater programs at Niwot High and Frederick High gave me the confidence to take the leap.”

The program’s debut production, The Enchanted Garden, will premiere on Friday, December 6, at 5 p.m. at Trail Ridge Middle School. Co-written by Sullivan and Special Education Teacher Becci Warren the play aligns with the program’s goals by celebrating themes of friendship and kindness. “Writing my own play allowed me to create the most accommodating experience possible,” said Sullivan. “The Enchanted Garden offers roles tailored to each student’s unique strengths and opens opportunities for students of all abilities, both on stage and behind the scenes.”

Rehearsals have already shown how impactful Unified Theater can be. Students from Sullivan’s Technical Theater program have taken on mentorship roles, helping peers with speech and movement during rehearsals. “It’s been inspiring to see students not only perform but also help each other with speech and movement. The connections they’re building are incredible,” said Sullivan. “Many of our Unified students are performing for their first time, and their growth has been a source of pride for everyone involved.”

For eighth grader Molly Brickley, being part of Unified Theater has been an unforgettable experience. “I’ve had the privilege of working on lights, sound, and even designing the costumes for the production. I joined Unified Theater because I love helping everyone, and theater is something I’m really passionate about,” she said. “Having Unified Theater at our school is so exciting. It’s amazing to see everyone working together and supporting each other.”

The program has been met with enthusiasm from parents, students, and staff alike. Parents of Unified students are particularly excited about the new opportunities it provides, giving their children a chance to participate in ways that were not available before. The initiative highlights the school’s dedication to collaboration and kindness while reinforcing that theater truly is for everyone.

Trail Ridge’s Unified Theater program exemplifies the school’s mission to create opportunities that connect and empower students. “The more programs we create that bring people together, the stronger our school community becomes — not just within our walls, but outside of them as well,” said Warren “We want to develop a school where everyone has something they can participate in and feel successful. The confidence this builds in students will encourage them to be great people throughout their lives.”

Black Rock Elementary’s beloved music teacher, Loretta Harvey, was recognized by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter as their Teacher of the Year nominee during the school’s annual Black Rock Gives Back event on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

This recognition celebrates educators who foster civic engagement, community pride, and a love for learning. Mrs. Harvey’s dedication to her craft has touched the lives of countless students over her 16 years at Black Rock Elementary. Her innovative performances, such as a choreographed rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever” that formed the American flag, highlight her creative approach to teaching music.

“Mrs. Harvey has been a cornerstone of Black Rock Elementary, inspiring creativity and self-expression in her students,” shared Principal Sharla Kaczar. “From her engaging music classes to her dynamic performances that resonate with both students and parents alike, Mrs. Harvey’s enthusiasm for the arts has cultivated a vibrant cultural environment within our school.”

Mrs. Harvey received the award as part of the evening’s festivities, which also included the school’s annual holiday musical performance and food drive supporting the Erie Community Food Bank.

For many students, kindergarten is their first experience in a classroom, and at Red Hawk Elementary, Susan Denton, Jen Garcia, and Deirdre Nagle, ensure it’s one they’ll never forget. With a blend of expertise, collaboration, and dedication, this team turns the first year of school into a foundation for lifelong success.

Denton, Garcia, and Nagle bring years of experience and a shared commitment to their students’ growth. Collaboration is at the heart of their teaching. The team meets weekly to plan lessons, discuss strategies, and support each other’s efforts. “Between the three of us, we have so much knowledge to share,” said Denton. “With our combined experience it allows us to address challenges effectively and ensure we meet the needs of every student.”

One of their strengths is creating engaging, play-based learning experiences. “We value play because students can learn so much through it,” said Garcia. A favorite tradition is the “Day of Play,” held in the afternoon of late-start days. Each kindergarten classroom transforms into a different themed environment, offering activities like dramatic play, sensory exploration, building projects, and group games. These experiences help spark creativity and foster social-emotional development. “It’s a great way for us to work on social-emotional aspects of school and learning,” said Nagle. “We’ve found it strengthens our relationships with students and gives them opportunities to form different friendships.”

The team also takes a thoughtful approach to balancing academics with social-emotional learning. They guide students in mastering foundational skills in reading, writing, and math while helping them navigate friendships, emotions, and problem-solving. “We take academics seriously and work tirelessly to make sure our students are progressing,” said Garcia. “But we also recognize they are just five and six year-olds, so it’s important to allow them to be little while teaching them how to take care of themselves and others.”

Their dedication extends beyond the classroom. The team collaborates closely with support staff during professional learning community sessions, reviewing data and planning interventions that are tailored to individual student needs. “We work together not just for our own classrooms but for all of our students,” said Nagle. “That shared responsibility makes us stronger as a team.”

Trust and mutual support is the foundation of their partnership. Whether brainstorming lessons, sharing resources, or stepping in to assist one another, Denton, Garcia, and Nagle, rely on their shared expertise to create a positive and effective learning environment. “We trust each other to make the best decisions for our students,” said Denton. “That trust allows us to work effectively and focus on what matters most — our students.”

Through their collaboration, innovative teaching, and unwavering dedication, Nagle, Denton, and Garcia have created a kindergarten program that is both nurturing and academically rigorous. Their work ensures students leave their classrooms prepared for the next grade and equipped with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in the years ahead.