Coach Roger Dufour: Longtime Softball Coach and Teacher at Frederick High School Celebrates 400 Wins

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Coach Roger Dufour’s distinguished career in high school sports reached new heights yesterday as the Frederick High softball team triumphed over Northridge High, marking Dufour’s 400th victory. The community celebrates Coach Dufour’s accomplishment and the lasting influence on the Frederick High School community.

Principal Russ Fox echoes the sentiments of many in the Frederick community, “Coach Dufour’s steadfast dedication to our softball program is truly exceptional. He molds not only athletes but also responsible individuals – approaching 400 wins speaks volumes about his leadership and positive impact.”

Coach Dufour’s story is one of passion and dedication. For years, he’s shaped outstanding athletes and individuals. His coaching style balances technical prowess with personal growth. In addition to coaching, Dufour teaches Physical Education at Frederick High School. “Coach Dufour isn’t just an outstanding coach, he is also deeply committed to upholding high academic standards for his students in both the classroom and on the softball field,” stated Fox.  

The school community at Frederick High is proud of Coach Dufour’s hard work and dedication to student success. Yesterday’s game is more than a tally on a scoreboard – it’s a celebration of a coach who’s poured heart and soul into the entire Frederick community.

Celebrating P-TECH Graduates and Launching the Colorado P-TECH Alumni Network

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On Saturday, August 19, families, industry partners, and P-TECH staff came together to celebrate the graduation and success of P-TECH students from St. Vrain. The event took place at the Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools, where graduates from the past four cohorts of FalconTECH at Skyline High and the inaugural cohort of EagleTECH at Frederick High gathered to mark their achievement of earning associate’s degrees.

The ceremony was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication by these students. It was a testament to the effectiveness of educational initiatives like P-TECH, which provide students with valuable skills and experience to succeed in the workforce.

Crowd in attendance at P-TECH alumni network event

Amidst the celebrations, a new organization, the Colorado P-TECH Alumni Network, made its debut. Comprising St. Vrain P-TECH graduates, this network aims to provide support and networking opportunities for its members as they enter the professional world.

The event featured two notable speakers, including Joe Guiles PhD, the Head of Chemical Development at Agilent Technologies, as well as Frannie Matthews, the CEO of Colorado Tech Association.

In addition to the speeches, there were three panel discussions that took place. The first panel was composed of mentors, both from within and outside of St. Vrain, and graduates of St. Vrain P-TECH programs. The second panel of the evening was with current college students from CU Boulder and Colorado State University, all of which graduated from St. Vrain’s P-TECH programs.

Partner panel at P-TECH alumni event

The final panel of the evening was with parents of graduates from the FalconTECH Program, who shared their views on how P-TECH had positively impacted their children’s lives and opened doors to new opportunities.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the Colorado P-TECH Alumni Network website. Led by P-TECH graduates, this platform will serve as a resource hub and networking space for P-TECH alumni as they navigate their careers.

“It’s with immense pride that I’ve witnessed the journey of our P-TECH graduates, not just in academic accomplishments, but in the profound growth of their leadership abilities,” said St. Vrain’s P-TECH coordinator Louise March. “Our P-TECH graduates are poised to shape industries, uplift communities, and inspire future generations – this celebration is a reminder that P-TECH is not just an educational program; it’s a pathway to a successful future.”

SVVSD sees high overall achievement in CMAS test scores

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Local school districts are celebrating high overall math and literacy achievement that suggests many students are recovering academically from pandemic disruptions, based on the latest statewide test results.

Both the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley school districts outscored the state on all tests, according to scores released Thursday, and scores generally are rebounding following the pandemic. But that’s not the case for all grades or demographic groups.

Read the full story in the Daily Camera

P-TEACH grad returns to SVVSD as kindergarten teacher

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Deejha Blash-Lopez is technically a new teacher, but she already has three years of experience at Longmont’s Mountain View Elementary as she starts her first year as one of the school’s kindergarten teachers.

She worked as a paraeducator for two years at Mountain View while in college, then student taught there last school year. This summer, she taught in Mountain View’s Project Launch summer program. She even attended the school herself as a child.

Read the full story in the Times-call

St. Vrain P-TECH Students Excel in Summer Internships: FalconTech and EagleTech Embrace Real-World Learning

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This summer, 78 students from FalconTech and EagleTech, part of St. Vrain’s P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) programming, completed paid internships across seven different local organizations, demonstrating their dedication to gaining real-world experience and insights into their chosen industries.

FalconTech’s 54 students split into three groups for their internships. The largest group, consisting of 33 students, worked with tech giant IBM, aiming to improve IBM’s appeal to younger job seekers. These students collaborated with peers from other P-TECH IBM schools across the country, contributing to a nationwide project. 

P-TECH students summer internship

Beyond IBM, FalconTech students found their niche with ANM and the St. Vrain’s Technology Services (DTS) department. ANM, an IT leader, extended field technician roles to three students, offering hands-on exposure to on-site networking setups. Another group of eight students worked with DTS, focusing on areas like information security, networking, and DevOps. Several FalconTech students performed so well that their internships were extended into the fall.

Francisco Garcia, a DTS summer intern from FalconTech, shared his insights on his experience. “During my internship, I learned how hard DTS works at setting up systems and technology for new students. I saw firsthand how careful they are to ensure teachers have all the materials they need to start the school year successfully.”

EagleTech, participating for its second year of internships, made a significant impact as well with 24 students collaborating with four industry partners in the field of Biomedical Sciences – Agilent Technologies, AGC Biologics, KBI Biopharma, and Corden Pharma. These partnerships exposed the students to real-world challenges and experiences, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge practically.

P-TECH students at their summer internship

Bryan Soto Martell, an EagleTech student, served as a Process Engineer Intern at Corden Pharma this summer. Sharing his thoughts on the experience, he said, “I really enjoyed my time at Corden. I worked on transferring data and got to use my math and Excel skills that I learned in my P-TECH classes. After my internship, I feel like I have a complete understanding of exactly what Corden does.”

The P-TECH program in the St. Vrain Valley Schools continues to offer students hands-on opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world application. Through these internships, the school-industry collaboration is proving to be a valuable way to equip students with practical skills and insights they need for a strong competitive advantage in a highly complex and globalized world.

Back to school: St. Vrain welcomes new students as academic year begins

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As the Class of 2027 walked through the doors of Longmont High School, they were greeted by the claps and cheers of faculty and staff welcoming them to their new place of learning.

Wednesday marked the first day of the semester for ninth graders, sixth graders and elementary students in the St. Vrain Valley School District. Local schools used the day to help students get accustomed to their new environments and start the semester on the right foot.

Read the full story in the Times-Call

St. Vrain Valley Schools Receives 19th Consecutive Financial Reporting Excellence Award from Government Finance Officers Association

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The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has recognized St. Vrain Valley Schools with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 19th year in a row. This award acknowledges the district’s commitment to maintaining high standards of financial reporting, transparency, and accountability.

According to Chief Financial Officer Greg Fieth, “Receiving the Certificate of Achievement for the 19th consecutive year is a testament to our district’s unrelenting dedication to financial transparency and responsible reporting. This recognition reaffirms our ongoing commitment to providing accurate and clear financial information to our stakeholders.”

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is a significant honor within the realm of governmental accounting and financial reporting. An impartial panel evaluated St. Vrain Valley Schools’ annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2022. The report’s clear communication of financial information and adherence to the principles of full disclosure were key factors that contributed to the district’s receipt of this recognition.

St. Vrain Valley Schools’ accomplishment highlights the district’s ongoing dedication to financial transparency and responsible reporting. By consistently meeting the standards set by the GFOA, the district showcases its commitment to ensuring public trust through accountable financial practices.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is an organization committed to promoting excellence in government finance. With a membership exceeding 21,000 professionals, the GFOA provides resources, research, and best practices to enhance financial stewardship in the public sector.

Hundreds run, walk for education grants at 38th Sunrise Stampede 5K race

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About 700 community members showed up bright and early Saturday morning to participate in the Sunrise Stampede, a 5K race supporting St. Vrain Valley School District Teacher Innovation Grants.

The event was put on by the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fund certain SVVSD programs. The race raised roughly $25,000 this year to be put toward grants eligible for teachers and counselors working within special education and mental health.

Read the full story in the Times-Call

St. Vrain Valley Elementary Schools Earn National i-Ready Award 

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St. Vrain Valley Schools celebrates the recognition of three of its elementary schools as recipients of the prestigious national i-Ready Stretch Growth award. Hygiene Elementary, Longmont Estates Elementary, and Lyons Elementary have been honored for their outstanding growth in reading. They join an elite group of only 13 schools in Colorado and 171 schools nationwide to receive this honor.

i-Ready, an innovative educational technology program, is designed to support personalized learning for students in grades K-12, focusing on English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. At the core of i-Ready’s success lies the Growth Model, comprising two essential growth measures for students: Typical Growth and Stretch Growth. While Typical Growth reflects the annual growth for an average student, Stretch Growth highlights the progress required for a student to be on the path to grade-level proficiency. This approach fosters transparency and sets higher expectations for students, empowering them to achieve their full potential.

To qualify for the i-Ready Super Stretch Schools award, schools must have a student population of 200 or more, and at least 55% of their students must reach Stretch Growth in reading. Stretch Growth attainment is a significant milestone that sets students, who were below grade level on their initial i-Ready diagnostic assessment, on a path toward proficiency. Additionally, it helps students who are already performing at or above grade level maintain advanced proficiency levels.

Lyons Elementary Principal Andrew Moore expressed his pride and gratitude for the Lyons Elementary community, saying, “The i-Ready Super Stretch Schools award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our school’s staff, students, and families. This achievement showcases our commitment to providing personalized learning opportunities tailored to the unique needs of each student.”

This well-deserved recognition highlights St. Vrain Valley Schools’ commitment to fostering a dynamic and enriching learning environment where students can flourish academically and personally. As the district continues to lead in innovation and growth, this award serves as a testament to its unwavering pursuit of excellence. 

St. Vrain Valley Schools Wins National Innovation Award for Nutrition Services

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St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Nutrition Services Department received national recognition as the recipient of NxtGen Network’s Inaugural Innovation Award in the K12 Operator category. St. Vrain Valley Schools was selected among seven top national school district nominees. This recognition celebrates the outstanding achievements of St. Vrain’s Nutrition Services team in advancing farm-to-school programming through transformative partnerships, student-led projects, and sustainable practices.

“Receiving this award is a testament to St. Vrain’s innovative mindset and unwavering commitment to modeling excellence on a national level,” said Katie Cossette, Director of Nutrition Services for St. Vrain Valley Schools. “By connecting students to the source of their food and fostering excitement for nutritious meals, these initiatives have transformed our approach to nutrition in St. Vrain while providing valuable educational opportunities for our students.”

Through multiple inter building and departmental collaborations, students continue to build their awareness and excitement about St. Vrain’s school meal program and food system. Some of these initiatives include a FarmBox hydroponic storage container farm and student-led leafy greens foodservice business, hyper-local salad bars featuring produce from local farming partners, and a Prostart Culinary Program where students work in their high school cafeterias to learn school food service skills.

The NxtGen Network’s Inaugural Innovation Awards recognize educational institutions and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, forward-thinking, and progress in the field of K12 education.

St. Vrain Valley Schools