New this school year, Frederick High School offers Unified Theater to students. This new addition to the school’s Unified program, which includes basketball, bowling, and percussion, will make its debut to the public on Tuesday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Frederick High School’s auditorium with a performance titled “Full Moon Over Route 66.” 

“Unified Theater is an incredible addition to our school. It’s a class open to all students, with convenient in-class rehearsals that don’t require after-school commitments,” shared Kendle Butterworth, Drama Teacher, Frederick High School. “Unlike traditional theater programs, there are no auditions. Every student in the class receives a role, whether on stage or in a technical capacity.”

Having Unified Theater as an option at Frederick is significant because it provides more accessibility to theater for all students. The program provides a flexible and supportive environment. “We aim to create an environment where every student, regardless of ability, feels welcome and confident to participate in any of Frederick Theater’s productions,” stated Butterworth.

Since the introduction of Unified Theater at Frederick, many new opportunities have been created for students with diverse abilities to participate in the performing arts. Many general education students have formed strong connections by supporting the production through tech work or acting as buddies to the actors, fostering a greater sense of community within the school.

“To promote inclusivity and collaboration among students of all abilities, the program begins with several weeks of warm-ups and basic improvisation exercises,” Butterworth adds. “These exercises help students develop important theater and social skills, including turn-taking, eye contact, physical awareness and control, imagination, and vocal mastery. This initial period also fosters trust and camaraderie among students, creating a safe space for exploration and growth.”

The program’s first semester culminates in its inaugural performance, with notable successes emerging. Unified actors have shown increased confidence and improved eye contact since the start of the year. Additionally, three actors have received invitations to join the esteemed International Thespian Society, showcasing their dedication and talent. One Unified student has discovered a newfound passion for sound design and set operation, with aspirations to pursue this field in future FHS productions and potentially as a career.

Unified Theater at Frederick High School is poised to leave a lasting impact on the school community, providing a platform for students of all abilities to shine in the world of theater, while also continuing making strides in inclusive education and the performing arts. The upcoming performance is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the talents of these dedicated students.

Fourth and fifth graders at Timberline PK-8 recently had a special visit from illustrator Dave Valeza, known for his work on the book they’re currently enjoying, “Four Eyes.” This exciting event was made possible thanks to fifth-grade math teacher Michelle Faye, who joined the University of Colorado Boulder Book Festival’s organizing committee this year.

The CU Book Festival founded by retired St. Vrain staff member and former CU faculty, Jackie Colt, selects one St. Vrain school each year to host a visit from a distinguished author or illustrator. The festival is generously funded by grants and supported by organizations like the CU Outreach and Engagement Department, CU Center for the Humanities and Arts, the Boulder Bookstore, and the Boulder Public Library. This three-day event features engaging activities, including visits from authors and illustrators to elementary schools, and children’s book author panels tailored for different grade levels.

The main objective of Valeza’s visit is to cultivate a love for reading and nurture a strong desire to explore more books. His work, “Four Eyes,” is part of a trilogy, offering students two additional books to delve into.

During his presentations, Valeza sheds light on various roles for writers and artists in the publishing world, some of which may be entirely new concepts for students. As Faye shared, “His energy and excitement in sharing his journey may very well ignite a passion in students interested in writing and art.” To make the experience even more special, each student received a personalized copy of the book, signed and addressed to them.

The 2023-2024 school year marks a new milestone for Skyline High School’s FalconTECH as they have welcomed three new industry partners: Advanced Network Management (ANM), CGI Inc., and St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Technology Services (DTS) department. Together, they have enlisted over 30 new mentors for FalconTECH, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the program.

This summer, eight FalconTECH students secured internships with St. Vrain’s Technology department. These hands-on experiences allowed students to apply classroom knowledge to practical projects, with professionals providing mentorship in networking, data management, cybersecurity, and programming. This mentorship not only provided technical skills but gave students a clear understanding of the complexity within the IT and programming industries. 

FalconTECH Administrator, Jennifer Piggott, highlights the wealth of expertise these partners bring. “ANM and CGI’s collaboration with DTS in critical areas like networking, data management, and cyber security complements IBM’s global perspective. This ensures our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the dynamic tech landscape.” In addition, IBM continues their dedication and commitment to students by mentorship, internship, and job opportunities – providing students invaluable insights to the professional world.

Strong partnerships play a crucial role in enhancing opportunities for FalconTECH students, aligning perfectly with the aspirations of those who wish to work and thrive right here in Longmont and its neighboring areas. FalconTECH’s commitment to fostering local connections goes beyond the classroom, extending into the heart of their community. “These local connections not only benefit our students but also strengthen the bond within their community. It’s inspiring to witness our students’ dedication to giving back to their hometown, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between education and local businesses,” stated Piggott. 

Industry partners ANM and CGI bring specialized expertise in networking, data management, cybersecurity, and tailored programming. This expertise aligns with FalconTECH’s curriculum, developed through a strategic partnership with Front Range Community College, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of courses, including Computer Information Systems, Programming, and Web Development, all of which directly correspond to the core competencies of these industry partners. This combination between industry expertise and educational offerings equips FalconTECH students with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success in their chosen fields.

Looking ahead, FalconTECH remains committed to its mission of collaboration and knowledge exchange. “Our goal is to expand our network of industry partners, providing even more opportunities for our students,” stated Piggott. “The journey of success for FalconTECH continues, driven by a shared commitment to excellence in education and the ever-evolving world of technology.”

High School bioscience students from the Innovation Center led a microbial inquiry lab for 5th graders at Indian Peaks Elementary in early October. Together they conducted hands-on experiments to study the presence and behavior of microorganisms on various surfaces. 

A microbial lab is a specialized laboratory where students explore and cultivate tiny living organisms known as microbes, especially bacteria. The primary objective of the lab is to teach students the scientific method and provide them with a solid foundation in microbiology techniques. 

Jayme Sneider, Biosciences Teacher at the Innovation Center, is dedicated to making science accessible to all, which is why she developed a program to bring her Intro to Biotechnology students and 5th graders together for a microbial inquiry lab. “The main focus of this collaboration is to provide elementary students with an opportunity to engage in hands-on scientific exploration, guided by our high school students,” said Sneider. “It’s all about fostering a love for science at a young age.”

Under the guidance of the high school students, the fifth graders began the experiment by swabbing various high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and countertops. Students placed their samples in incubators, creating the ideal conditions for bacterial growth. They monitored the cultures over several days to draw conclusions from their experiments. Their goal was to identify the types of microbes inhabiting these surfaces and investigate how factors like hand sanitizer and gloves affect microbial growth. They also learned essential biotech skills, including the delicate technique of pouring agar plates, which serve as food for bacteria. 

One of the most important elements of the microbial lab was the opportunity for high school students to take on roles as mentors and educators for their younger peers. They transitioned from being the learners to becoming instructors, utilizing the equipment they had prepared to guide elementary students through the scientific process. “I like the technicality and experimental aspect of the lab and helping the 5th graders learn new skills,” shared Grace Fernandez, senior at Skyline High School. 

“The feedback from my high school students was really funny because they said that the elementary school students kept asking them, like, how’d you get that job? How is it working as a scientist? It made my high school students feel really special and important, and it gave them a sense of looking ahead towards their career pathway,” shared Sneider. 

The highlight of the project was when the high school students became the teachers, passing on their knowledge to the fifth graders. This shift allowed the high school students to see the purpose of their work and feel a sense of importance in educating others, quickly adapting to their role as mentors and relishing the opportunity to answer a wide range of questions, not just limited to science. This project also checked several boxes in their journey toward biotech credentials. They learned essential lab techniques, honed their skills, and taught the younger students, further deepening their understanding of the subject matter.

“My high school students came out more energized, seeing the purpose of the work and the importance of educating others,” shared Sneider. “They felt like their skills were better; they could explain and understand concepts better because they had to explain them to elementary school students who are so eager about everything. As a result, the fifth graders were left with a new and exciting interest in science.”