For the sixth consecutive year, the Silver Creek Leadership Academy (SCLA) Community Leadership Class partnered with Junior Achievement (JA) to bring financial literacy lessons to Alpine Elementary School. JA’s “JA in a Day High School Heroes” gives high school students the opportunity to be teachers for a day.

“Our inspiration to focus on financial literacy came from our partnership with JA and their programs,” said Julie Forbes, Social Studies and Silver Creek Leadership Academy teacher. “They train our leadership students to effectively teach financial literacy concepts to younger kids, making the subject engaging and fun.”

The curriculum provided by JA consists of four to five activity-based lessons, each designed to be age-appropriate and thematic for different grade levels. Topics covered included fundamental financial concepts such as distinguishing between wants and needs, understanding visible versus invisible money, saving and spending, entrepreneurship, community businesses, and career choices.

“We aim to make lessons as interactive and engaging as possible,” shared Kim McGrigg, Director of Communications at Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain. “JA provides students with a comprehensive kit of teaching supplies and a guidebook. The JA Day coordinator also visits our classroom twice to train students on the curriculum and effective classroom management and engagement techniques.”

The goal of the financial literacy program is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. “The purpose of this program is to provide elementary students with an opportunity to learn about financial literacy,” explained Forbes. “It also gives high school students a real-world leadership experience.”

This ongoing effort highlights SCLA’s commitment to financial literacy education at Alpine Elementary. “We’ve been coming here for six years to teach this one-day program,” said Frobes.

These student presenters are trained to lead engaging activities that connect classroom lessons with real-world applications, focusing on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. “Both the elementary and high school students benefit tremendously from this program,” stated McGrigg. “The younger students see the high schoolers as role models, while our students gain invaluable skills in public speaking, leadership, and critical thinking.”

Nia Pedrett, junior at Silver Creek High School, shared her enthusiasm for her participation, stating, “My favorite part of this experience was meeting all the kids and coming back to elementary school. It’s fun to see all the things I miss, and it’s good to relive it.” This collaborative effort between SCLA and Junior Achievement underscores the importance of early financial education and the power of student-led teaching to make a lasting impact on young minds.

Longmont Estates Elementary School is where young learners embark on their educational journey. The preschool program, consisting of two classrooms led by Christy Dreiman and Alexis Vorhaus, creates an environment that fosters both academic readiness and social-emotional growth.

Christy Dreiman earned her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education and is passionate about working with children with disabilities. She believes in a play-based approach that promotes the social, emotional, and academic development of all children. “I love preschool because it allows children to develop their skills through play for as long as they can,” expressed Dreiman.

Alexis Vorhaus also earned her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and has a decade of preschool teaching experience, seven of which she has dedicated to Longmont Estates Elementary. Vorhaus is a strong advocate for hands-on learning. “Early childhood education is the foundation for future success, both in the classroom and as they move through the world,” explained Vorhaus. “It’s important to integrate studies where children dive deep into areas of interest, fostering lifelong learning through creativity and critical thinking.”

The preschool program at Longmont Estates provides access to a wide range of developmental learning opportunities, including STEM, library time, and a preschool movement lab. “These activities help children grow in various capacities, catering to all abilities and needs,” said Dreiman.

The program tailors each unit to fit the interests of the classrooms while adhering to the Creative Curriculum studies. “We fine-tune units to fit the areas of interest in each of our classrooms, allowing every child to remain engaged and enthusiastic about learning,” said Vorhaus. “This approach ensures that learning is both fun and meaningful, laying a strong foundation for future academic pursuits.” Through the play-based approach, students explore academic concepts such as numeracy, literacy, and STEM while simultaneously developing their social skills.

Additionally, Longmont Estates prioritizes kindergarten readiness by providing foundational experiences that nurture children’s natural love for learning and curiosity. Through play-based and child-centered activities, students engage in conversations and storytelling, play rhyming games, and sing songs. Students also participate in activities such as building with blocks, Magnatiles, and Legos and learn how to solve problems collaboratively with their peers and teachers. “We provide ample time for children to tinker with objects and practice with scissors and glue to develop fine motor skills,” explained Dreiman.

Integral to the success of the Longmont Estates preschool program is the strong partnership between the school and families. “We believe that parents are essential partners in their child’s educational journey,” stated Vorhaus. “Maintaining open communication and collaboration between our team and families is important for a child’s success, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.”

Longs Peak Middle School has been awarded two substantial grants to enhance its outdoor play facilities. The school received $88,612 from the Longmont United Hospital Foundation and $490,923 from the Colorado Health Foundation. These funds will be used to construct an innovative playground designed to encourage health, well-being, and learning. The grants are part of both foundations’ ongoing commitment to support local community initiatives that promote health and wellness.

The new playground will offer a variety of features that promote physical activity, social interaction, and educational opportunities. The inclusive design ensures that all students, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate and enjoy the benefits of outdoor play. It will also include state-of-the-art equipment, sensory play areas, and interactive learning stations, all carefully designed to support the overall development of the students. The goal is to provide students with a variety of options to stay active.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Longmont United Hospital Foundation and the Colorado Health Foundation for these generous grants. They will significantly enhance our outdoor space, providing our students with better opportunities to engage in physical activities. Encouraging our students to stay active is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success,” shared Karin Blough, Longs Peak Principal.

Construction on the upgraded playground is expected to begin in March 2025.