Parent Teacher Conference Advice Column: Supporting Early Language Development

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Dear Parent Teacher Conference,

I’m worried about my toddler’s language development. She’s almost two and half and still only says a handful of words. I’m not sure how to practice her language skills at home and I’m concerned that she’s “behind”. How can I help her grow her language skills without stressing both of us out?

– Language Learner in Longmont

Dear Language Learner,

It’s completely understandable to feel worried when you’re watching your child grow and wondering if she’s keeping pace. Language development can vary a lot from child to child, and you’re far from alone in your concerns. Many parents worry about this, and there are practical, research-based strategies you can use.

Treat communication as a two-way dance. Toddlers start to recognize that their speech can lead to meaningful responses. When your child gestures, babbles, or attempts a sound, show them that you heard them by responding right away and connecting their attempt to a meaning:
If your child points to juice, say something like, “You want juice? Juice!” This helps them link meaning with words.

Follow their lead. Instead of steering every conversation, talk about what they are interested in. If they’re focused on a toy truck, describe what’s happening: “That’s a big red truck. The truck goes vroom!” This models vocabulary in context and keeps them engaged. It can also be helpful to ask open-ended questions that allow your child to expand on their answer. For example, rather than asking them the color of the truck which would warrant a one word answer, ask them why they enjoy playing with the truck.

Expand their language. If a toddler says “truck,” rather than correcting, try to expand: “Yes, big red truck!” If they say two words, you might model a short three-word sentence. Always stay just a step above what they can already do. This nudges understanding without pressure. Try to only add one word at a time so they do not get overwhelmed with new language.

Create opportunities to ask and express. You can set up your environment so your child naturally has reasons to communicate:

  • Put a desired toy slightly out of reach so they need to ask for it.
  • Pause a familiar song and give them the chance to “fill in the blank.”
  • Leave out part of a puzzle so they need to request the missing piece. 

Praise communication attempts and emphasize greetings. Praising your child when they communicate and placing emphasis on greetings can play a powerful role in speech development. Positive feedback builds confidence, encouraging children to use words more often and take risks with new sounds or phrases. Simple greetings like “hello” and “goodbye” provide clear, repeatable language models that support vocabulary growth and social understanding. This builds confidence and shows language is useful and fun. 

Talk through daily life. Emphasizing the power of everyday language can be a great way for your child to emulate and learn from you. When you are getting ready in the morning you can narrate routines (“Now we put on your socks”), talk about objects (“The bubbles are so big!”), and respond to every attempt at communication promptly. Regular language exposure in meaningful moments is essential. 

Avoid stressful “testing”. Not all practice has to feel like a quiz. If you know your child knows a word  (e.g.“dog”), avoid repeatedly asking them to produce it. Instead, invite them into playful language: “I wonder where the dog is?” This keeps communication positive. 

Toddlers learn best when they feel heard, supported, and confident. What you’re doing right now – talking with her every day and reading together – sets the stage for growth. Adding in responsive language habits, following her interests, and creating natural opportunities for communication can help her vocabulary flourish without pressure or frustration.

Remember, there is no single “right” timeline for language to evolve. Growth often happens in small, quiet moments that are easy to miss day to day. Trust that your presence, your patience, and your willingness to connect are already making a difference. By showing up, listening closely, and responding with care, you are giving your child exactly what she needs to find her voice.

If you ever do feel overwhelmed or have persistent concerns, it’s always okay to talk to your pediatrician or a speech-language specialist for personalized support. 

– Parent Teacher Conference

You’re Invited: Family Resource Fair in Celebration of Week of the Young Child, April 16

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Join St. Vrain’s Department of Early Childhood Education for a fun-filled Family Resource Fair designed for young children and their families! Enjoy hands-on activities, explore local programs, and connect with community resources dedicated to supporting families.

Event Details:

  • Free and open to the public
  • Thursday, April 16 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • St. Vrain Innovation Center, 33 Quail Road, Longmont, CO

Enjoy fun giveaways and take-home activities. Don’t miss this community event celebrating Week of the Young Child, a special time to recognize the importance of early learning and family connections.

St. Vrain’s Early Childhood Education Department Hosts Developmental Screenings for Young Children, April 10

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As part of St. Vrain’s celebration of Week of the Young Child, the Early Childhood Education Department is pleased to offer developmental screenings available at no cost for families with children aged 2 to 5 years. During the event, parents will meet with early childhood education staff and children will engage in fun activities while completing a developmental screening tool designed for use by early educators and health care professionals. Developmental screenings play an important role in identifying early intervention needs, ensuring that the necessary support is provided for optimal early growth and development. The Early Childhood Education team will answer questions and connect families with additional resources.

Event Details:

  • Date: April 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: Early Childhood Education Office: 820 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501
    (Entrance is off of 9th Ave.)

Walk-ins welcome! If possible, families are asked to sign up using the online form to support planning purposes. For any questions regarding this event, please reach out to the Early Childhood Education Department.

Student Leaders Experience Government in Action at the Colorado State Capitol

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On March 13, student leaders from across St. Vrain Valley Schools stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of Colorado’s legislative process.

As members of the district’s Student Advisory Council—a group of high school students representing their schools and helping inform district decisions—these students traveled to the Colorado State Capitol for a firsthand look at how laws are debated, shaped, and passed.

Throughout the day, students observed live legislative sessions, engaged with professionals working behind the scenes, and explored the many pathways that influence public policy. For many, the experience brought their classroom learning to life in a powerful way.

During their visit, students were invited onto the House floor by State Representative Karen McCormick, who represents House District 11, including St. Vrain Valley Schools. She recognized the group during the session and asked them to stand, acknowledging their presence in front of the full chamber—a moment that underscored the significance of their role as student leaders.

A group of young people stands smiling in a formal setting, while an audience claps in the background.

“Going to the state capitol was a great learning experience for me,” said Amy Calderon, a junior at Niwot High School. “The most interesting part of the trip was watching the legislative sessions where representatives voted on bills and listening to a legislator, bill drafter, and government relations speak. It was interesting to see how the process actually works in real life, rather than just learning about it in class.”

Amy shared that her involvement in the Student Advisory Council inspired her to take part in the experience, building on her interest in leadership and civic engagement.

“I think it’s important to understand how the government works and how decisions are made that affect our communities,” she said. “Being part of the Student Advisory Council has already helped me see how leadership and discussion can lead to change, so I wanted to expand that perspective by experiencing how the state government works in person.”

For Tucker Beasley, a senior at Silver Creek High School, the opportunity to witness the legislative process in real time stood out as a defining moment.

“The most memorable part of the experience for me was being able to be in the House as they passed real bills through the third reading,” Tucker said. “It was incredibly cool and unique.”

Tucker emphasized the value of hands-on learning experiences, noting that opportunities like this deepen his understanding of complex issues.

“I find that practical experiences are the ones I learn from best,” he said. “From interviewing lobbyists to discussing phone policy, I have a better understanding of current issues because I have been a part of these opportunities.”

Five young adults gather on a balcony, engaging in conversation in an ornate building with marble columns.

Through their time at the Capitol, students also gained insight into the collaborative nature of government, an understanding that extends far beyond elected officials.

“The largest lesson I learned was that senators and house members are the public faces of a much larger political body,” Tucker added. “Their actions are supported by lawyers, bill writers, librarians, lobbyists; it takes a village to get what they want done.”

The experience was organized and led by Brandon Shaffer, Executive Director of Legal and Governmental Affairs for St. Vrain Valley Schools and former President of the Colorado State Senate. He emphasized the importance of connecting students with real-world civic experiences.

“Experiences like this bring learning to life by giving students a firsthand look at how laws are shaped and decisions are made,” Shaffer said. “By engaging directly with legislators, lobbyists, and legal professionals, students gain a deeper understanding of civic processes while also seeing the wide range of roles they can play in them.”

He added that beyond understanding systems, these opportunities help students grow as leaders.

“Just as importantly, these experiences help students build confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and see themselves as active participants in their communities.”

Experiences like this reflect the purpose of the Student Advisory Council, giving students a voice, expanding their understanding of leadership, and connecting learning to the real-world decisions that shape their communities.

You’re Invited to Little Voices, Big Music – An Interactive Musical Experience for Young Learners, April 6

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St. Vrain Valley Schools invites you to Little Voices, Big Music, a free, interactive musical experience designed for young children and their caregivers, open to all St. Vrain families.

Event Details:

  • Monday, April 6 from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
  • Innovation Center, 33 Quail Rd. Longmont, CO 80504

Little Voices, Big Music offers children the opportunity to actively explore music through movement, singing, and playful instruction. Guided by experienced music educators and performers, children will engage in hands-on activities that introduce rhythm, melody, and creative expression in an age-appropriate and welcoming environment.

The evening will feature interactive elements that encourage participation, allowing children to experience music as a joyful and collaborative process. Families will leave with ideas for continuing musical exploration at home.

What families can expect:

  • Interactive music-making experiences for young children
  • Opportunities for children to sing, move, and respond to music
  • A supportive, engaging environment that celebrates early learning
  • Time for families to participate together

This event is presented in partnership with the St. Vrain’s Innovation Center, Week of the Young Child, St. Vrain’s Early Childhood Department, Colorado Children’s Chorale, and St. Vrain’s Office of Fine Arts.

For more information, please contact Shela Blankinship at [email protected].

Click here to pre-register

Skyline High School Hosts Colorado State Mariachi Festival

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Performers take their place on stage in Vance Brand Civic Auditorium at Skyline High School, with violins, guitar, trumpets, guitarrón, and even the occasional harp or accordion. But it’s not until the singer steps to the center stage and calls out their “grito” that the Colorado State Mariachi Festival kicks off. 

This year marked the third annual festival, sponsored by Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) and hosted at Skyline High School. The one-day festival included performances from St. Vrain Valley Schools groups at every level: Indian Peaks Elementary, Sunset Middle, Frederick High, Skyline High, Longmont High, and Niwot High, as well as groups from Denver, Yuma, Salida, and more. 

A group of young musicians performs on stage, featuring a guitarist and a harpist, with colorful lighting behind them.
Longmont High School’s Mariachi de Los Troyanos performs at the 2026 CHSAA Mariachi Festival.

“The festival not only provides a state-wide recognition and celebration of mariachi as an important part of school music programs in Colorado, but it also gives a stage for these groups to see one another performing,” says Brian Crim, Orchestra and Mariachi Teacher at Skyline High School and event organizer. Historically, there have not been many opportunities for student mariachi ensembles to perform outside their buildings, and many groups across the state may be the only ones in their immediate area, which is one of the primary reasons this festival was created: to bring groups together to learn from one another. 

A musical performance on stage featuring a group of musicians with instruments, including violins and guitars.
Niwot High School’s Mariachi Ensemble performs.

Groups performed up to 3 songs each, then received individualized feedback from clinicians, who are professional performers and instructors. Included in the day’s schedule was also a performance from the group Mariachi Las Dahlias, Colorado’s premier all-female mariachi ensemble. 

“The top aim of this festival has always been to build the overall community of mariachi in Colorado’s public education,” says Crim.

Statewide, mariachi programming in K-12 education has been growing, as classes, clubs, and after-school groups have steadily increased over the past few years. This growth is reflected in the festival’s participation and in new programs such as a Mariachi degree program introduced at Metropolitan State University last fall. Mariachi’s appeal to students lies in its blend of orchestra, musical skill, performance, tradition, and cultural celebration.  

A group of violinists in black attire performs on stage, with colorful lighting in the background.
Two musicians play trumpets on stage, wearing white shirts with blue accents, while a violinist is partially visible.
View the full album of 2026 Mariachi Festival Photos

ParentSquare: Our New District Communication Tool

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St. Vrain Valley Schools will begin using ParentSquare, a new district communication tool that allows families to receive notifications based on their preferences. St. Vrain’s communications team will pilot ParentSquare for the remainder of the school year with the plan to expand access to schools at the start of the new school year. We’re excited about the opportunities ParentSquare offers to streamline communication and will be working towards consolidating several of the tools families currently use into one convenient platform.

After spring break, parents and guardians will receive an email invitation to activate their ParentSquare account. This will allow families to download the mobile app, set language preferences, and choose how and when they receive notifications.

ParentSquare Tools and Features:

  • Receive messages via email, app, or text
  • Choose to receive communications immediately or in a daily digest
  • Access communications in your preferred language
Visit the Communications Webpage to Learn more about ParentSquare

Erie High School Hosts Colorado State High School Robotics Championships

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Forty-two teams from across Colorado gathered at Erie High School March 6-7 for the 2026 Colorado V5RC High School State Championships to compete for one of ten spots at the World Championships. Of the teams in attendance, four were from Erie High School, four were from Silver Creek High School, and two were from Skyline High School.

The two-day event brought together many students, coaches, and volunteers from across Colorado.

Three students in orange hoodies interact with a robotics competition setup, focusing on controlling a robot.

“This tournament represents the culmination of an entire season’s worth of hard work. Many teams have been preparing for this event since May of last year,” said Chris Schmitz, the STEM focus teacher at Erie High. “With 10 spots for the 2026 World Championships at stake, every team is eager to secure a position.”

Schmitz also hopes teams see the State Championships as an opportunity to celebrate the high level of success they have achieved throughout the season. 

“Reaching this stage demands considerable dedication, and we are committed to ensuring that every team feels celebrated for their diligent work and accomplishments throughout the entire process,” Schmitz said.

Students observe a robotics competition, with robots on a field and a large screen displaying the event.

This is the second year Erie High School has hosted the event, highlighting the strong robotics programming and community support at the school, as well as St. Vrain’s commitment to providing opportunities for students to compete on a large stage.

“From my perspective, hosting the State Robotics Championships here at Erie High serves as an affirmation that our community deeply values and supports the efforts of our engineering and robotics students,” Schmitz said. “It also validates our concerted efforts and commitment to elevate the State Championships to the status of the premier robotics event within the entire state of Colorado.”

Two teams from Silver Creek High School and two teams from Erie High School earned spots to compete at the World Championships in Missouri at the end of April.

St. Vrain Valley Celebrates First-ever Future Ready Festival

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Over two thousand community members came together on Saturday, March 7, for St. Vrain Valley Schools’ first-ever Future Ready Festival at Silver Creek High School.

A young woman in a blue shirt explains an activity to a child in a red shirt at a craft table.

Families and community members filled the campus throughout the afternoon, engaging with educators, asking questions, and exploring innovative programs and opportunities available across the district.

A young boy uses a power drill to work on a car tire while an older teen guides him.

The festival featured Advantage Zones with interactive learning experiences and hands-on demonstrations that offered attendees a firsthand look at St. Vrain’s programs and pathways. From student-led showcases in career and technical education and STEM to performances in music and the arts, each zone highlighted the depth and range of experiences that define the St. Vrain Advantage.

A mariachi band performs in a sunlit venue, featuring musicians with guitars and traditional attire.

“Today was an exciting day for St. Vrain Valley Schools,” shared Superintendent Jackie Kapushion. “All of our schools and programs were represented at the Future-Ready Festival, and we showcased the absolute best that public education has to offer to our community. We are public education proud, and this is the St. Vrain Advantage.”

A young girl and an older girl engage with a science activity involving colorful equipment in a school setting.
View the Event Photo Album

Erie Middle School Teacher Named 2026 Best Should Teach Award Recipient

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Erie Middle School Choir Teacher Abigail Martinez has been honored with the 2026 Best Should Teach Award from the University of Colorado Boulder. The award recognizes educators whose teaching, mentorship, and impact on their school communities set a standard of excellence.

A woman with long, wavy hair smiles warmly, wearing a black lace top, with a blurred autumn background.

Martinez was nominated for her exceptional teaching and dedication to mentoring pre-service and early-career teachers, while creating classrooms where students thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

A 2006 Boettcher Scholar and CU Boulder graduate, Martinez has led nearly 400 students daily in grade-level and extracurricular choirs since 2010. Her ensembles have performed nationally, and she has been named a 2025 GRAMMY Music Educator Quarterfinalist and a 2026 GRAMMY Legacy Award recipient.

Martinez is also a dedicated mentor, welcoming student teachers and practicum students for over a decade, and sharing her expertise in community-centered music education. She believes every child deserves the space to be their authentic self, and that together we can use music to make a positive change in our communities and our world.

The Best Should Teach Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Chancellor’s Hall at CU Boulder. The event is free and open to the public.

St. Vrain Valley Schools