Silver Creek High School is proud to announce the hosting of the annual Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 2 to 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and will include a variety of cultural and musical performances, games, food samplings, and hands-on activity booths such as Chinese brush painting, name translation, origami, and more.
Since 2010, the Silver Creek Leadership Academy (SCLA) has partnered with the Asian-Pacific Association of Longmont (A-PAL) in presenting this cultural event to the community, providing students with beneficial leadership experiences. “Through their involvement in organizing the activity booths, game areas, and overall event coordination, our students have gained valuable skills,” said Carrie Adams, SCLA Program Director. “This collaborative effort, which involves students from across the district as well as various musical and artistic contributions, truly showcases the unity and strength of our school district and community.”
A-PAL has organized and celebrated the annual Chinese New Year celebration. In 2024, it expanded into the “Lunar New Year” celebration, a multicultural event intended to foster unity and promote cultural connections within the community. “We are excited to invite everyone to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” said Rita Liu, A-PAL Founder and President. “This event serves as a platform to honor and share the rich cultural heritage of our diverse community.”
St. Vrain Valley Schools is currently piloting new instructional resources for middle school social studies and high school mathematics. The resources will be available for introduction and review in-person at the Learning Services Center, 401 S. Pratt Pkwy., in Longmont. Teachers, administrators, students, families, and community members are all welcome to evaluate the materials and provide feedback.
Middle School Social Studies: Tuesday, March 5 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
High School Mathematics: Tuesday, March 5 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Thank you for expressing interest in exploring St. Vrain Valley Schools’ adopted instructional resources.
Please direct any questions or inquiries to:
Middle School Social Studies Jenny Pettit, Ed.D. K-12 Social Studies Coordinator (303) 702-7547 [email protected]
High School Mathematics Greg George K-12 Mathematics Coordinator (303) 682-7247 [email protected]
St. Vrain Valley Schools has been recognized for excellence in budget presentation with the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for fiscal year 2023–2024 from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International. This recognition emphasizes the district’s commitment to developing a clear and transparent budget presentation.
The Meritorious Budget Award acknowledges St. Vrain’s dedication to crafting budget documents that are both comprehensive and easily understood by all stakeholders. The selection process involved a thorough evaluation by a panel of experienced school financial professionals against the MBA criteria checklist.
Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO, the Executive Director of ASBO International, emphasized the importance of transparent budgeting, stating, “Presenting a budget that is both accessible and accurate is crucial for school districts to clearly communicate and build trust with their communities.” He commended St. Vrain Valley Schools for its commitment to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.
This achievement reflects the outstanding efforts of St. Vrain’s finance team, who worked diligently to align the budget document with ASBO International’s criteria. Tony Whiteley, Executive Director of Budget and Finance at St. Vrain Valley Schools, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are proud to have earned this award, which is recognition of the hard work of our budget team and other district leaders. Their thoughtful collaboration in preparing a comprehensive, clear, and student-centered budget ensures that our allocation of resources continues to be in alignment with the district’s mission and strategic priorities. This award reinforces our commitment to transparency and accountability to our community, as well as our adherence to the high standards outlined by the award criteria.”
The Meritorious Budget Award recognition upholds the district’s steadfast commitment to maintaining strong fiscal responsibility as a fundamental pillar for enhancing educational outcomes for all students.
Nevaeh Gomez on Thursday led kindergarten students through a literacy lesson at at Longmont’s Timberline PK-8, asking then to use their fingers to draw letters in the air as they made letter sounds before helping them write the letters on individual whiteboards.
Gomez, a 2022 Skyline High graduate, is working as a kindergarten teacher apprentice at Timberline while taking classes at the University of Colorado Denver. While at Skyline, she got a head start on her dream to become a teacher through the St. Vrain Valley School District’s grow-your-own P-TEACH program. Now, she’s getting more classroom experience through a St. Vrain partnership with CU Denver.
For more than 15 years, the Mwebaza Foundation, an education organization, has been instrumental in creating meaningful partnerships between schools in Colorado and Uganda. Since its inception, the Foundation has expanded to multiple schools in St. Vrain Valley and other districts across Colorado. What began as a small program at Niwot Elementary has grown into a global network of schools committed to cross-cultural education.
Under the guidance of former St. Vrain teacher, Hillari Hansen, Mwebaza’s School Development Director, the Mwebaza Foundation has provided valuable opportunities for students to learn about different cultures, global citizenship, and the importance of social and environmental responsibility. Through programs such as school clubs, cross cultural learning activities, fundraisers, video chats, and global awareness, the Foundation continues to broaden students’ perspectives.
The Niwot Elementary Mwebaza Club meetings, which Hansen co-leads with former Niwot Elementary teacher and Mwebaza board member, Dale Peterson, include a teaching component and a game or project inspired by students in Uganda. “We engage in a variety of activities focused on exploring different cultures, celebrating our similarities and differences, and participating in crafts, games, and cooking with the focus on global awareness,” explained Hansen. “Earlier this year, we prepared traditional Ugandan meals, allowing students to learn about the cultural significance of plantains and bananas and how they’re used in Uganda.”
At a recent club meeting, students began making jump ropes out of plastic bags. This activity was taught to them by students in Uganda, demonstrating their resourcefulness in making items from found objects such as plastic bags and bottle tops. Many of the students who joined the Mwebaza Club expressed their enthusiasm for the variety of interesting things they are able to create. “My favorite part is making crafts but I like working with others and communicating with the younger children too,” said fifth-grader Maia Spannring.
Students also rehearsed a song at their meeting that included words in English and Luganda. They will perform the song for their peers at Mwebaza Primary School in Uganda during the annual Mwebaza Day Celebration on March 5. “The event, which is conducted on Google Meet, takes place in the evening in Uganda and in the morning in Niwot, brings together students from both sides of the world for a virtual exchange of music, dance, conversation, and learning,” shared Peterson. “It’s an opportunity for students to connect with their peers across continents, learn about each other, and establish lasting friendships.”
Additionally, the schools in Colorado participate in lessons related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “For instance, when studying solar energy, we construct solar ovens, and when learning about access to clean water, we create water filters. Our counterparts in Uganda engage in similar projects, so we learn from each other,” said Peterson.
One of the highlights for Hansen and Peterson are their regular trips to Uganda. During these visits, they work with schools and students to bring cross-cultural learning activities to their Uganda partners, share ideas, photos, information, and crafts created by Colorado and Ugandan students. “The excitement of the children, their curiosity about our projects and learning activities, and the bonds formed are incredibly meaningful,” shared Hansen. Some of Peterson’s favorite memories are the in-between moments when the children seek engagement and attention. “Singing songs like “Tooty Ta” with them, which have fun movements, brings so much happiness. It’s amazing to see the universal joy in kids, whether in Uganda or here in Niwot; they all love similar things.”
We are the #StVrainStorm! Listen to principals from Mead High and Silver Creek High share district achievements at the recent basketball match-up between the two schools. We are providing current and future generations a strong competitive advantage so that all students can achieve success in a globalized world. Click here to learn more about the #StVrainStorm advantage.
Letter from the Superintendent
Dear St. Vrain Valley Community,
Thank you for your partnership and support as we continue to celebrate another outstanding year in St. Vrain Valley Schools. I am so proud of the commitment, hard work, ingenuity, and creativity of our students, teachers, and staff that have propelled our students to unprecedented levels of success.
St. Vrain Valley Schools has achieved the highest on-time graduation rate of any district in the Denver Metro area, and the highest of any district in Colorado with more than 300 graduates. St. Vrain’s Hispanic graduation rate, at 88.3%, is also the highest of any district in the Denver Metro Area. In addition to having the highest graduation rate in the Denver Metro Area, St. Vrain also has the most rigorous graduation requirements at 24.5 credits. St. Vrain also has the lowest dropout rate in the Denver Metro Area at 0.6%.
The investments that have been made across our system for the past decade have been delivering strong returns in academic success and student achievement. For over ten years investments into providing a world-class education to our students have included:
high-quality preschool and full-day kindergarten;
an emphasis on STEM, robotics, and design-thinking in grades PK-12;
a nationally recognized system for workforce pathways, industry credentials, and cutting-edge career and technical education programs;
rigorous academic experiences through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), focus program pathways, concurrent enrollment courses, P-TECH programs (Pathways through Technology Early College High School), and high graduation requirements;
significant programming and supports to advance early literacy and math skills;
expanded school day through our Achievement Acceleration Academy (AAA) after-school program, as well as extended the school year through the month of June through Project Launch;
increased opportunities and engagement in athletics, visual and performing arts, and co-curricular programs;
expanded technology access for all students, including internet access;
and so much more.
These investments are possible through the strong support of our community and the district’s focus on strategic and conservative fiscal management. This has included debt refinancing, payment structuring, and early debt payoff strategies which have saved taxpayers approximately $82.3 million over the past two decades. This includes $36.8 million saved in December alone, a testament to the district’s conservative financial planning and its dedication to the community’s economic well-being.
We are grateful for our community’s support and we are committed to using resources in the most fiscally responsible way. Toward this end, as we look to the future and prepare for continued growth, we are engaging our community in dialogue regarding a potential bond initiative on the 2024 ballot. What is unique about this potential bond initiative is that due to existing community investment, strong financial management, and growth in population and economic strength, the 2024 bond will not increase property taxes*. Bond funds will go toward continued investments that will provide the education that today’s students will need for tomorrow’s jobs and careers, including skilled trades (plumbing, electrical, and construction), computer systems, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more. It will also fund broader and enhanced safety and security measures in school buildings, critical building maintenance and upgrade electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, provide classroom additions and construction of new school buildings to address overcrowding and future enrollment, and continue the district’s commitment to academic excellence, safety, and accountability. Please look for more information over the next several months as we continue to get feedback from our community and finalize planning.
Our successes today and into the future are what we call our #StVrainStorm – a vortex of achievement, advancement, and infinite potential that encapsulates the strong competitive advantage that St. Vrain Valley Schools provides to our students. Please take a moment to read through the incredible stories and highlights below from our #StVrainStorm of success over the past several months. Thank you for all that you do to support our students, teachers, staff, schools, and community.
Thank you, Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent X (Twitter): @SVVSDSupt
Featured Stories
Academic excellence
St. Vrain Valley Schools Achieves the Highest Graduation Rate in Denver Metro Area
St. Vrain Valley Schools has achieved the highest on-time graduation rate in the district’s history, at 93.3%. This is also the highest graduation rate of any district in the Denver Metro area, and the highest of any district in Colorado with more than 300 graduates. Click here to read more
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Community Excellence
St. Vrain Valley Schools Lowers Rates for Property Taxes Collected in 2024
As the district has continued to strengthen and advance student achievement and opportunities, it has also focused heavily on strong financial management and systems that will ensure the best use of community resources and investment. Click here to learn more
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Outstanding Opportunities
St. Vrain High Schools Achieve Recognition on College Board’s Advanced Placement School Honor Roll
Eight high schools within St. Vrain Valley Schools have been honored with the distinguished College Board AP School Honor Roll designation, acknowledging outstanding student performance on college-level Advanced Placement exams. Click here to read more
Get ready and get engaged with many upcoming opportunities in St. Vrain.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
We’re Hiring! Join the #StVrainStorm
Join a highly supportive and effective team of professionals who are having a significant impact on the lives of students and families in our community. Click here to browse our open positions
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Family Engagement
St. Vrain Parent University
St. Vrain’s Parent University program provides training, information, and resources to parents and caregivers in order to support the well-being and success of their children. Click here to read more
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Important Reminder
Summer Camps in St. Vrain
St. Vrain Valley Schools offers robust summer programming options to keep students engaged in their academic learning. Click here to learn more
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Stapp Inspires Educator Highlight
In partnership with Stapp Toyota we recognize Delaine Plakorus and Tony Delisa-Ludwig, the counseling team at New Meridian High School for their exceptional and inspiring work.
*Passage of the 2024 bond will not impose any new school district property tax and will not increase the district’s existing annual debt repayment obligation. Based on the current tax formula, it is specifically designed to not increase your existing school district taxes, and may even result in a lowering of existing property taxes, similar to the tax reduction the district made in January 2024.
This school year marks the first year that Erie High School’s student government has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado to support children facing critical illnesses. During Erie’s Make-A-Wish Week, held from January 29 to February 2, the Erie community came together to support Calista, a five-year-old battling congenital heart disease. Her wish is to visit Walt Disney World Resort.
Erie’s goal was to raise $5,000 to help Calista’s wish come true. The student government worked closely with a representative from Make-A-Wish Colorado, who shared inspiring stories from previous Wish Weeks, visited classrooms, and facilitated the connection with Wish Kid Calista. “Our partnership with Make-A-Wish Colorado has emphasized the importance of community collaboration,” said Mackenzi Stuart, Student Government Advisor. “Through engaging fundraising activities and the support of our community, we are working towards making a difference in the lives of children battling critical illnesses.”
Students planned a series of activities, including give-back nights with local businesses. They also set up concessions and tables at after-school events, and used a social media campaign to raise funds. The objective was to engage not only students but also the broader Erie community to reach the fundraising goal. Throughout the week, Erie High organized a variety of themed spirit days, such as Disney Day, Pajama Day, Major League Baseball (MLB) Jersey Day, Red and Blue Day, and Pink Out Day.
Dax Bradshaw, student government vice president shared that he would like to see the event become an annual tradition. “In the future, I’m hoping that this event will be something that everyone looks forward to, and that it will include more local businesses and community members coming together for a good cause.”
Hygiene Elementary School recently hosted its annual STEAM Fair, providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills. The event integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to promote critical thinking and innovation. Hygiene’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) helps organize, sponsor, and implement the fair, and professional scientists and designers from the community lead the judging and scoring of the projects.
Students selected either a scientific method project that directly tests a formulated scientific hypothesis, or a design thinking project that evaluates solutions to an identified problem for a specified user or group. Approximately six weeks prior to the STEAM Fair, professional scientists visited each classroom to engage with students and generate interest in STEAM topics. During these visits, they conducted a small experiment while explaining the phases of the scientific method.
Third-grader Caleb Worosylo, who opted for the design thinking approach, invented an inflatable emergency evacuation slide intended to save pets’ lives during a fire. Adding a personal touch to his presentation, he proudly wore a t-shirt displaying a photo of Tres, one of his dogs. Caleb shared his inspiration for the project, stating, “I have three dogs and I was inspired by them. My uncle is a firefighter, so that made me think if there was a fire blocking all the doors downstairs and we couldn’t get out, my family could use a ladder, but the dogs would have to use something else.”
From studying the buoyancy of boats to investigating the impact of different music genres on plant growth, to examining bacterial growth on food, each project demonstrated the students’ ingenuity and creativity in the fields of STEAM.
“Students typically create their projects at home with their family members, or friends,” shared Dr. Rachel Rowe, an Assistant Professor of Sleep, Inflammation, and Neuropathology at University of Colorado Boulder and STEAM Fair judge. “However, a classroom project is also an option, in which students in a teacher’s class collectively develop and work on a project together. This year, both first grade teachers submitted classroom scientific method projects that their students collaboratively worked on.”
On the day of the STEAM Fair, students presented their projects to the judges, who evaluated and scored the entries to determine the winners. “Scientific method projects are judged based on the question, research, hypothesis, experiment, data and analysis, and conclusion phases of the scientific method,” said Dr. Sean Murphy, a Research Biologist for the Western Ecological Research Center at U.S. Geological Survey and STEAM Fair judge. “Design thinking projects are judged based on the empathy, define, ideate, prototype, testing, and discussion phases of the design method.”
After the judging, an open house was held at Hygiene, where students’ families, friends, and community members had the opportunity to admire the projects and participate in discussions about various STEAM topics. The fair concluded with students reflecting on their projects and considering potential improvements.
“I am incredibly grateful for the dedication of our PTO in organizing the STEAM Fair and providing our students with this valuable experience,” shared Hygiene Principal Renee Collier. “We are also fortunate to have judges who generously volunteer their time to evaluate the projects. Their expertise and support are invaluable. I’m very proud of our students for their hard work and creativity.”
St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Theater Day attracted more than 100 middle school students to participate in a variety of theatrical workshops led by the district’s high school teachers and students with topics including, lighting and sound, set design, technical theater, acting, audition preparation, hair and makeup, improv, dance, and more.
Janay Bird, Fine Arts Coordinator for St. Vrain Valley Schools, emphasized the overarching goal of introducing middle schoolers to the theater experiences that await them in ninth grade. “We believe this exposure is crucial in developing their appreciation and passion for the arts as they enter high school,” said Bird.
Students participated in hands-on activities such as designing costumes, building props, and experimenting with sound effects, offering them a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of theater production. These workshops aimed not only to equip the students with practical skills but also to foster creativity, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the art of theater.
In addition to the workshops, students enjoyed several short school performances by theater students from St. Vrain high schools at the end of day. The hands-on experience provided a unique and engaging opportunity for them to learn about the intricate work involved in producing a theater production. Hannah Miracle, an eighth-grader at Trail Ridge Middle School, shared her experience of the event, saying, “I really enjoyed learning about everything that happens behind the scenes. It’s been cool to see how the lights work, how everything comes together, and how they create different audio sounds. It’s been a fun experience.”
Seniors in St. Vrain Valley’s Emergency Medical Technician class aren’t just learning about how to deliver life-saving first aid, they’re also teaching it to district staff members.
On Wednesday, students led a two-hour session for 15 staff members at St. Vrain Valley’s Career Elevation and Technology Center. They talked about using tourniquets, how to treat someone having a seizure and different techniques to use with a choking victim. The session ended with a lesson on CPR and AED devices.
