Student’s “Drones for Dreams” Inspires $25,000 OtterCares Grant for Innovation Center’s New Philanthropy Initiative

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On Thursday, May 7, the Innovation Center received a $25,000 grant from the OtterCares Foundation to help expand opportunities for students to apply their professional skills in support of nonprofit organizations across the region. The grant was inspired by Silver Creek High School junior Braeden Macchia’s work through “Drones for Dreams,” a student-led initiative that provides pro-bono drone services to community nonprofits.

Three people are engaged in conversation in a workspace, with equipment and safety gear visible in the background.
High School junior Braeden Macchia meets with the OtterCares Foundation’s Linda Crum, whose conversations with Braeden inspired the Innovation Center’s new philanthropy initiative.

After connecting with Linda Crum and Lucy Nuremberg of the Ottercares Foundation last fall, Braeden shared his vision for growing and sustaining the program. “Braeden is a change maker,” Crum said. “He’s taken what he’s passionate about and asked, ‘How can I use this skill and talent to create lasting change and difference in the world?’ What he’s accomplished with ‘Drones for Dreams’ is incredible.”

A group of four people in a classroom celebrate a $25,000 check for St. Vrain Valley Schools' innovation initiative.
The OtterCares Foundation presents the Innovation Center with a $25,000 grant inspired by Braeden’s “Drones for Dreams” – funding that will expand nonprofit partnerships across every Innovation Center division.

Inspired by Braeden’s leadership, Innovation Center administrators applied for the grant to help expand that same spirit of service across more than 20 student project teams. Beginning next year, students in programs including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, design, media production, and more will dedicate a portion of their professional work to nonprofit partners, creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while supporting community organizations.

Group of five people holding a large check for $25,000 to St. Vrain Valley Schools for an innovation initiative.
Innovation Center staff, the OtterCares Foundation, and Braeden Macchia celebrate a $25,000 grant that will scale Braeden’s spirit of service into student project teams across the Innovation Center.

As the initiative grows, Innovation Center staff and students hope to continue strengthening partnerships with nonprofit and industry organizations while expanding access to meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Through the support of the grant, the Innovation Center aims to build a lasting culture of service that extends far beyond a single program or student project.

“All the World’s A Stage”: St. Vrain Elementary Students Perform Shakespeare in the Park

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Fifth grade students from across St. Vrain Valley Schools gathered at Thompson Park in Old Town Longmont on a sunny spring Friday for the annual Shakespeare in the Park program. Put on through the district’s Gifted and Talented department, this year included performances from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, and the Tempest.

Children in costumes perform a play outdoors, with an audience seated on the grass and trees in the background.

The performances in front of their peers and families are the culmination of their Shakespeare curriculum, as well as months of practice. During the near-semester long curriculum, students build critical reading and comprehension skills, alongside leadership skills as each school’s production is student-led.

A child in a purple costume performs on stage while an audience of children watches in a park setting.

Participating groups this year were from Niwot Elementary, Highlands Elementary, Red Hawk Elementary, Black Rock Elementary, Soaring Heights PK-8, Timberline PK-8, Blue Mountain Elementary, Lyons Elementary, Flagstaff Academy, and Erie Elementary.

A girl in a red dress with fairy wings reads from a book to an audience seated on the grass in a park.
Children perform on stage in a park while an audience of families watches from the grass in a sunny setting.
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Innovation Center Welcomes Astronaut, Sparks Student Inspiration

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Duane “Digger” Carey, a former NASA astronaut, visited the Innovation Center on May 5 for “An Audience with an Astronaut,” hosted in partnership with the Space Foundation. During his presentation, Carey reflected on his path to serving as the pilot of Space Shuttle Columbia on the STS-109 mission in 2002, a critical servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope, and the challenges he overcame along the way.

Duane Carey holds a model spaceship while speaking to an audience seated at the Innovation Center.
Duane Carey shows students at the Innovation Center a model of the aircraft he flew into space.

Carey’s journey to NASA was shaped by perseverance, as he navigated personal and academic challenges throughout his formative years. While in high school, he committed to attending class consistently and to focus on his studies, allowing him to enter the workforce post-graduation. Later, recognizing that a four-year degree was required to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, he worked to improve his entrance exam scores and enrolled at the University of Minnesota. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering, setting the foundation for his career as an astronaut.

Duane Carey speaks to an audience seated in chairs in a modern indoor space.
Duane Carey speaks to St. Vrain Valley Schools’ students about the space industry.

Carey emphasized that success at NASA and in the space industry extends beyond traditional academics, highlighting the need for diverse talents, including tradesmen, athletes, and creatives. Above all, he encouraged students to develop grit – the ability to learn from setbacks and continue moving forward. While he described himself as academically capable, Carey reinforced that it was his work ethic and resilience that ultimately shaped his path forward.

Two students in blue shirts stand beside Duane Carey in a blue flight suit, shaking hands at an event in a modern space.
Innovation Center students present Duane Carey with a gift following his presentation.

Following the presentation, students participated in a moderated question-and-answer session with Carey, asking about his time in space, the experience of returning to Earth, and the journey that led him to become a successful pilot and astronaut. Opportunities like this provide students with valuable perspective, highlighting that educational and career pathways are diverse. Through these experiences, St. Vrain Valley Schools continues to connect students with real-world learning, helping them explore a wide range of possibilities and prepare for future success.

From Caterpillars to Butterflies: Kindergarten Classes Watch Transformation Unfold

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There’s a certain kind of excitement that fills a kindergarten classroom when something small and alive is changing right before your eyes.

At Burlington Elementary, that excitement has been building for weeks.

It started with caterpillars – tiny, wiggling, and full of questions. Day by day, students watched them grow, form chrysalises, and quietly transform. And then, almost suddenly, butterflies emerged.

By the time release day arrived, those butterflies had become part of the classroom.

“We grew quite attached to our little friends,” said teacher Marcy McGurgan. “The squeals of delight as the butterflies were released into our greenhouse were precious.”

With careful hands, students carried their butterflies into the Burlington greenhouse, pausing before opening their containers. Some hesitated, some whispered goodbye, and others simply watched, wide-eyed, as wings opened and lifted into the air.

A smiling child looks up while surrounded by other children in a greenhouse filled with plants.

The reactions were immediate and honest.

“They will help the plants.”
“They can lay eggs and more eggs.”
“It will keep the life cycle going!”
“They won’t get cold or hit by a snowflake!”

For many students, it was their first time seeing something change so completely. Not on a screen or in a book, but right in front of them.

Children watch curiously as a hand holds a butterfly in a greenhouse setting.

Teacher Stephanie Hill reflected on the experience as a meaningful part of their life science unit, where students followed each stage of the butterfly’s development from beginning to end. The process gave them something real to observe, care for, and ultimately let go.

And that moment, when the butterflies finally lifted into the leaves of the greenhouse, was filled with a mix of excitement, pride, and just a little bit of wonder.

It’s hard not to feel it too.

Frederick High SRO Andrew Fairbanks Named Colorado School Resource Officer of the Year

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When students walk the halls at Frederick High School, Officer Andrew Fairbanks is a familiar and trusted presence. Through daily interactions, classroom engagement, and active involvement in the school community, Officer Fairbanks helps create a supportive and connected environment. That daily commitment has earned him statewide recognition as School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year from the Colorado Association of School Resource Officers (CASRO).

This honor highlights the meaningful impact of school resource officers and the important role they play in supporting students, schools, and communities across the state. Selected by the CASRO Board Awards Committee from nominations across Colorado, the recognition reflects the depth of impact Officer Fairbanks has made in his role.

As the School Resource Officer at Frederick High School, Fairbanks’ work extends far beyond traditional law enforcement. He is a consistent presence in the halls, a mentor to students navigating challenges, and a partner to staff in building a positive school culture. That approach is rooted in connection. Through everyday interactions and intentional engagement, Officer Fairbanks helps create an environment where students feel supported and heard. 

In recognition of his work, Officer Fairbanks will be honored this June at the CASRO conference in Colorado Springs, joining fellow officers from across the state.

Columbine Elementary, Soaring Heights PK-8 Highlight Innovation as Apple Distinguished Schools

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Columbine Elementary and Soaring Heights PK-8 have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools, a designation that highlights innovation in teaching and learning through the effective use of technology. The honor is awarded to schools that demonstrate a clear vision for learning, strong leadership, and evidence of continuous innovation. The application must be renewed every three years through a process that showcases measurable impact on student outcomes. Schools earning this distinction are recognized for creating environments where students are prepared for a dynamic, technology-rich world.

Two children focus intently on building a robot with colorful blocks on a table, surrounded by classmates.
Students at Columbine Elementary work on a robot during after-school Robotics Club.

At Columbine Elementary, Principal Julia Cooper notes that the school’s approach to technology centers on empowering students to take ownership of their learning while supporting a diverse community of learners. “Our vision ensures all students, including those with a wide range of learning needs and backgrounds, access a robust academic journey,” Cooper said. She emphasized how students use technology tools to lead and teach others, from mentoring younger peers to supporting family engagement opportunities. By integrating accessibility features such as translation and voice tools, Columbine creates inclusive learning environments where students can fully participate and express their ideas, building both confidence and leadership skills.

Two children are smiling and working together on a creative project with art supplies on a table.
Students at Soaring Heights PK-8 work a project during their Innovation Class.

At Soaring Heights PK-8, Assistant Principal Anna Mills highlighted the role of neuroscience and innovation-driven instruction in earning the recognition. “Our neuroscience framework has been a key driver, helping students understand how they learn, manage stress, and build strong habits,” Mills said. Paired with daily innovation time, makerspace learning, and project-based experiences, students are encouraged to design, create, and apply their thinking in meaningful ways. Mills said the designation reflects the school’s broader commitment to developing future-ready learners and noted that the school will continue expanding opportunities for student-driven learning, creativity, and real-world problem solving as it builds on this momentum.

Niwot High School Student Builds a Future with Salesforce

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When Isaac Wicks, a junior at Niwot High School, began his freshman year, he was interested in a variety of pathways. Just three short years later, he has earned three Salesforce certifications and completed a real-world internship where he applied the skills he gained through those programs.

What first piqued Isaac’s interest in Salesforce was its accessibility and ease of use. The platform felt intuitive, and the idea of helping organizations operate more effectively sparked his curiosity. That initial interest quickly grew into something more meaningful. “It has been really interesting to see how companies can utilize Salesforce and how I can help them with it,” he shared.

Isaac credits the CLIMB Program with opening the door to future career opportunities and certifications. Designed to help students access industry certifications, mentorship, and work-based learning, the program allowed him to discover both a viable career path and the confidence to pursue it. “If it wasn’t for the CLIMB Program, I wouldn’t know anything about Salesforce,” Isaac said. “It has been fantastic to have a program facilitate this opportunity to learn more about tech careers and soft skills that will help me with future work opportunities.”

Beyond certifications, Isaac was also able to participate in a hands-on internship with a local non-profit. At Groundworks Art Lab, he embraced the challenge of building out the organization’s customer relationship management (CRM) system. Kari Palazzari, the internship coordinator at Groundworks Art Lab, emphasized the importance of Isaac’s impact. “We are so grateful to have had Isacc help us build our Salesforce CRM. He was such a valuable addition to our team and helped make it possible for us to complete a big fundraising project,” she shared.

Two young men stand smiling, one holding a certificate, with a green wall design and plants in the background.
Isaac with his mentor, Brent Mac, a Salesforce Solution Architect. “Being Isaac’s mentor has been really rewarding because it was more than just guiding him on his certification journey, but championing his growth and celebrating his milestones.”

Looking ahead, Isaac plans to build  on this momentum by pursuing additional certifications through the CLIMB Program during his senior year at Niwot High School. As he continues exploring the broader world of computer science and coding, Isaac is focused on gaining more experience in computer science and refining the skills that have already prepared him for the future.

Mountain View Elementary Earns Tree Campus Recognition with Arbor Day Celebration

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On Friday, April 24, Mountain View Elementary celebrated Arbor Day with a school-wide event that highlighted hands-on student learning and community collaboration. The day began with an all-school assembly, where student council members performed skits centered on environmental responsibility, followed by a unified musical performance. Shortly after, students moved outdoors for a tree planting ceremony recognizing the school’s participation in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus K-12 program, a national initiative that supports meaningful, sustainable environmental efforts.

A teacher leads a music session about environmental awareness in a colorful gym, with students engaged on the floor.
Students at Mountain View Elementary sing during their Arbor Day celebration.

Mountain View earned its Tree Campus designation by meeting four core goals: establishing a student- and staff-led Tree Campus team, implementing a school-wide education plan, providing hands-on learning opportunities, and hosting an Arbor Day observance. First grade classrooms played a central role in the effort, connecting tree-focused learning to grade-level standards through field experiences at Boulder Community Gardens, literacy activities centered on plant life cycles, and student writing projects.

Children watch a demonstration with heavy machinery in a schoolyard on a sunny day. Trees and a building are in the background.
Students at Mountain View Elementary watch as Blue River Forestry and Tree Care begins to plant the school’s newest tree.

Students also engaged in stewardship through hands-on experiences, including contributing to a tree inventory in which they identified and recorded all the trees on the Mountain View campus. The celebration extended beyond campus, with Mountain View’s student council distributing wildflower seeds for students to plant at home, reinforcing the importance of environmental care within the broader community.

A group of children in blue shirts help plant a tree, using shovels and tools in a sunny outdoor setting.
Student council members at Mountain View help to finish planting the school’s newest tree.

The tree planting at Mountain View was made possible through coordination led by the district’s Building Services Department in partnership with Blue River Forestry and Tree Care, who provided the tree to plant. St. Vrain’s Groundskeeping Department also played a key role in planning and carrying out the planting on the north side of the campus.

Two children are planting a tree while adults assist in a community gardening effort on a sunny day.
Students add dirt around Mountain View Elementary’s newest tree.

St. Vrain Valley Schools Earns National Recognition as a Best Community for Music Education for Sixth Consecutive Year

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Colorful graphic celebrating St. Vrain Valley School District as a 2026 Best Community for Music Education.

St. Vrain Valley Schools has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, marking the district’s sixth consecutive year receiving this prestigious honor.

This national designation celebrates school districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music education as part of a well-rounded academic experience. The application process evaluates districts on a variety of factors, including access to certified music educators, advanced degrees held by teaching staff, funding for music programs, equitable access for Title I students, the breadth of music courses and ensembles offered from preschool through twelfth grade, graduation requirements in the arts, and opportunities for districtwide collaboration.

This year, St. Vrain Valley Schools was one of three districts in Colorado to receive this distinction.

“This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication of our music teachers, who create music communities in their classroom every day, and our building administrators who support them,” said Janay Bird, Director of Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and PE.

Innovation Center Educator Advances in Presidential AI Challenge

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Mai Vu, AI Program Coordinator at the Innovation Center, first learned about the Presidential AI Challenge over the summer. Designed to encourage both educators and students to address real-world community issues while using artificial intelligence, the challenge immediately caught her attention. Encouraged by colleagues and friends to participate, Vu saw it as an opportunity to bring her own perspective on responsible AI use to a broader stage.

That perspective had already been taking shape in her work. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday products, including children’s toys, Vu began questioning not just what AI can do, but what it should do. “As an AI program manager, I’m very pro using AI but at the right place, at the right time, and with the correct guardrails,” she explained.

Those “guardrails” became the foundation of the project she submitted to the challenge: an interactive AI puppet program designed to teach students how to engage with artificial intelligence safely and thoughtfully. In the program, students create an online puppet by assigning it specific attributes and characteristics. From there, they must define boundaries for interaction – preventing the puppet from sharing personal information such as age, location, or contact details. A token system further limits how many questions can be asked, encouraging intentional and mindful use rather than unlimited access.

By connecting creativity with digital responsibility and digital literacy, Vu’s software directly reflected the mission of the Presidential AI Challenge. Her project advanced to the state round, where she was selected as one of ten finalists to compete at the regional level. Vu’s work continues to gain recognition and momentum beyond the competition. . This summer, the  AI puppet program will be integrated into the Innovation Center’s Best Friend Algorithm camp, where students will create both physical sock puppets and their digital AI counterparts. Through these hands-on experiences, students will begin to understand not only how AI works, but how to use it responsibly.

Vu hopes this approach helps shift the conversation around AI, especially for younger learners. “I think when people think about AI, especially with younger kids, it’s often very black and white,” she said. “But AI is embedded in so many of the things they interact with every day. I want them to understand how those things are made and to use them thoughtfully.”

St. Vrain Valley Schools