From the moment you check the weather before heading out the door to the instant Netflix lines up your next binge-worthy show before bed, artificial intelligence (AI) is quietly and prominently at work behind the scenes. It powers smart appliances, helps doctors analyze medical scans, strengthens home security systems, and so much more. It is the wizard behind the curtain, constantly making technology more responsive, more personalized, and simply better at its tasks. Unsurprisingly, there is more to the story. As with any emerging technology, there are always questions as to whether it will ultimately do more damage than good. With the rapid rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, the way we interact with and apply AI in schools is as significant today as the introduction of the internet was to education in the 1990s. As schools redefine what it means to prepare students for the future, St. Vrain Valley leaders and educators have embraced the challenge, taking a strategic, thoughtful, and responsible approach to ensure AI is only used to strengthen learning and to prepare students for future success.
From Longmont to the Olympic Halfpipe
Chase Blackwell Brings Hometow Pride to the World Stage at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Snowboarder and Longmont native Chase Blackwell, 26, will compete in his first Olympic Games as a member of Team USA in Milan-Cortina from Feb. 6 to 22.
St. Vrain Valley Schools to Host Advanced Placement Summer Institute, July 6-9
Registration – Click the links below to register:
In-Person Courses
Online Courses
AP Cybersecurity Courses
AP Business with Personal Finance (PBL)
St. Vrain Valley Schools will host the College Board-certified Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) July 6-9 at Frederick High School. The program is open to all educators, including those outside of St. Vrain Valley Schools, and is designed to support both new and experienced AP teachers.
The APSI provides subject-specific, professional learning led by College Board-endorsed consultants. Participants receive guided instruction on AP course frameworks, content-specific materials, scoring guidelines, and student sample analysis. Sessions focus on strengthening content knowledge, aligning instruction to AP expectations, and implementing effective strategies to support student success.
The 2026 AP Summer Institute will provide instruction to more than 400 teachers from across the country. Presenters will work with educators to deepen understanding of AP curricula and develop instructional approaches that effectively reach diverse student populations. The training emphasizes practical classroom application and current College Board standards.
St. Vrain Valley Schools to Host Early Access to Kindergarten and First Grade Informational Meeting, Feb. 17
St. Vrain Valley Schools is hosting an Early Access to Kindergarten and First Grade Informational Meeting on February 17 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. For families of highly advanced gifted children under the age of six, the district offers an early access pathway designed to ensure students whose academic needs exceed typical preschool experiences can begin their educational journey at the right pace.
The event will be a virtual parent information meeting focused on the early access process and the characteristics of young gifted children. The session is intended to help families understand how early enrollment works and what indicators suggest a child may be ready for kindergarten or first grade ahead of the standard timeline.
Students who qualify for early entrance are typically performing within the top 2% of the gifted population. These learners often show highly advanced literacy and numeracy skills, strong curiosity, and a need for greater academic challenge. Just as important, they demonstrate social readiness and have already maximized the learning opportunities available in preschool settings.
The virtual meeting provides a starting point for families who are noticing these signs and wondering about next steps. By sharing information, answering questions, and outlining the evaluation process, St. Vrain aims to partner with parents in making thoughtful decisions that support each child’s development.Families interested in attending are invited to register by emailing [email protected]. A meeting link will be shared with registered participants prior to the event, offering an accessible way for families to learn more about whether early access may be appropriate for their child.
You’re Invited: Supporting Behavioral Development in Early Childhood, Feb. 4
St. Vrain Valley Schools Department of Early Childhood Presents: Supporting Behavioral Development in Early Childhood, a parent session
Join Us for an Immersive Parent Session:
St. Vrain Families are invited to attend an engaging parent training session designed for parents, caregivers, and educators of young children that will focus on supporting behavioral development in early childhood. This interactive discussion will explore the underlying causes of behavior and how social-emotional learning (SEL) can be woven into daily interactions to promote routines, smoother transitions, and positive responses to big emotions. Specific emphasis will be placed on practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that participants can use at home and in educational settings. Participants will leave with tools and a deeper understanding of how to support children’s social and emotional growth.
The session will also include dedicated time for parents and educators to reflect on practices that support personal well-being while engaging in the shared work of creating positive learning environments for children.The session will be led by Allison Roeser, MHS, PCC. She is an author, former educator, and leadership coach with over twenty years of experience specializing in social and emotional learning. Roeser holds a Master of Health Science degree from Johns Hopkins University and is a coauthor of Social-Emotional Learning Starts with Us: Empowering Teachers to Support Students and Nurturing Your Child’s Well-Being.
Event Details:
- February 4 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
- Innovation Center, 33 Quail Rd, Longmont, CO 80501
- This session is designed for parents, caregivers, and educators of young children and will focus on supporting behavioral development in early childhood
Unified Basketball Match-up: Niwot Cougars vs. Mead Mavericks
The Mead High School Mavericks hosted the Niwot High School Cougars on Friday, January 30 for a Unified Basketball match-up. The Unified Sports program brings together students with disabilities and students from general education for competitive after-school sports opportunities. The games promote inclusion, teamwork, friendship, and sportsmanship, all while illustrating the power of sports to bring people together.
The Mavs and Cougars were close for the duration of the matchup, culminating in a tie heading into the final minute of play. During that last minute the Cougars scored, pulling them into a 62-60 lead. The Mavs ran the ball back across the court in the final seconds, but their bid for a tie ended with the buzzer sounding.
During the game, chants of “Lets Go Cougars” alternated with “Let’s Go Mavericks”, as a supportive crowd cheered the athletes for each score.
St. Vrain Valley Schools offers Unified Basketball, Bowling, Band, and recently Frederick and Niwot High Schools have started Unified Theatre programs. Every May, a culminating Unified Day of Champions is held at Everly-Montgomery Field, bringing all Unified athletes together for a field day of fun, games, and celebration.
Learning Comes Alive in the Learning Lab at Legacy Elementary
Second grade Learning Lab students at Legacy Elementary put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work after reading I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff. Inspired by the story of Alex, a boy who hopes to convince his mom he can care for an iguana, students were challenged to design and build a prototype of the iguana’s cage – transforming a literacy lesson into a hands-on engineering experience.
After analyzing the story, students identified the concerns from Alex’s mom about owning an iguana and used those insights to inform their designs. Using materials such as cardboard boxes, pipe cleaners, egg cartons, and other recyclables, students built models of the iguana’s habitat while considering the animal’s needs. Throughout the process, they practiced creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving as they tested ideas and refined their designs. This interactive approach encouraged active student engagement, transforming abstract concepts into concrete and meaningful learning experiences. Building on the lesson through technology, students photographed their completed prototypes and placed them into a digital bedroom setting.
The iguana habitat challenge, and other interactive projects, reflect the purpose of the Learning Lab at Legacy Elementary. Students at every grade level tackle hands-on projects, whether designing creatures with unique adaptations or building and coding Sphero-powered chariots for collaborative races. Lisa Mercier, the Learning Lab teacher at Legacy Elementary, emphasizes the lasting impact of these experiences. She says, “The benefits of having a Learning Lab are endless. It fosters a growth mindset that will benefit them for the rest of their lives and sparks curiosity, collaboration, and problem solving. Also, it’s fun!”
Join Us: Future-Ready Festival, March 7
St. Vrain Valley Schools invites the community to attend our first-ever Future Ready Festival. This district-wide open house allows visitors to explore the innovative programs and pathways that define the St. Vrain Advantage.
Event Details
Saturday, March 7 from 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Silver Creek High School
Free and open to the public
Experience the St. Vrain Advantage
The Future Ready Festival is ideal for community members who want to discover the diverse offerings and opportunities across St. Vrain Valley Schools. Prospective families, newcomers to the area, and anyone exploring enrollment will have the chance to learn about these pathways through hands-on experiences and interactive learning zones. Current St. Vrain families are also welcome to attend, especially if they’re interested in exploring new or future options. If you’re curious about what’s possible for learners at every stage, this event is a great place to start.
Program Highlights
The Future Ready Festival offers an in-depth look at how St. Vrain Valley Schools prepares students for success through innovation, academic excellence, and diverse learning pathways.
Guests can explore:
- Interactive learning zones
- Hands-on demonstrations
- Live student performances
- Displays showcasing district programs and pathways
- Future-Ready Voices – A speaker series featuring presentations from across St. Vrain
- Coffee chats with district leadership including Superintendent Dr. Jackie Kapushion and the Board of Education
Explore all of the Advantage Zones
The Future-Ready Festival offers an in-depth look at how St. Vrain Valley Schools prepares students for success through innovation, academic excellence, and diverse learning pathways.
Visit each of our Advantage Zones for interactive activities, hands-on demonstrations, live performances, and so much more. Collect a sticker at each zone to fill out your event passport.
Advantage Zones
1) Innovation on the Move
Outdoor Plaza:
- Cyber Explorer Lab
- Mobile Innovation Lab
- Field Trip Bus Experiences
- SRO Squad Car
- Automotive, Welding, Manufacturing, & Plasma Cutting Demos
2) Music Showcase
Commons/Cafeteria:
Schedule
Enjoy student performances from around the district
2:00 p.m. Skyline Halcones Mariachi directed by Brian Crim
2:30 p.m. Highlands Elementary Choir directed by Jenn Ordway
3:00 p.m. Indian Peaks Mariachi directed by Kris Emanuel
3:30 p.m. Lyons MS/HS Jazz Band directed by Karen Gregg
4:00 p.m. Mead High Jazz Choir directed by Rikelle Berry
4:30 p.m. Silver Creek Fiddle Group directed by Katarina Pliego
5:00 p.m. Altona Jazz Band directed by Dana Clanin
5:30 p.m. Frederick High Rock Band directed by Jacob Passini
Transitions by Symphonation Innovation Center Music Team, directed Kyle Liss
3) A Sample of St. Vrain
Hallways:
- Hands-on STEM challenges; Departments and Feeder Booths featuring the Innovation Center, Westview Middle, Sunset Middle, Niwot Elementary, Indian Peaks Elementary, Fall River Elementary
4) Pathways and Possibilities: Enrollment Help Center
Counseling Center:
- Access assistance and district enrollment information
5) Media, Arts, & Enterprise
C-Wing Classrooms:
- Altona Middle Rattler Student News
- Silver Creek High Art Lab
- Junior Achievement Workshops with Silver Creek High
- Longmont High Business and FBLA Showcase
- Frederick High Golden Eagle Student Broadcast
6) Career and Technical Excellence
Lower D-Wing Classrooms:
- Manufacturing and Robotics MakerSpace
- Make Your Own Spice Kit & Culinary Activities
- Photobooth
- Pollinator Planting Activities & Small Animal Veterinary Activities
- Hands-On Health Sciences Demos
- Pre-Law Mock Trial
- Theatre Games & Alternative Program Booths
7) Science Discovery
Lower E-Wing Classrooms:
- Hands-on Science Activities
- Soaring Heights PK-8 Science & Design Thinking
- Frederick High Biomedical Science Academy Demos
- Lyons Feeder Environmental Leadership
- Longmont High Medical and BioScience Academy
8) Play Like a Champion
Big Gym / Wrestling Room:
- Cheer Clinic with Lyons High School
- Open Pickleball with Erie High and Skyline High
- Unified Bowling with Silver Creek High and Frederick High
9) Robots and Beyond
Small Gym:
- Hands-on robotics, drones, and engineering activities
10) Aquatic Robotics
Aquatic Center:
- See aquatic robotics in action in St. Vrain’s district pool
11) Equations for Excellence
Upper E-Wing Classrooms:
- Erie High Academy of Aerospace & Engineering
- Math Play with Manipulatives
- Elementary Social Studies Kits
- Mead High Energy Academy Activities
12) Learning and Literacy in Action
Upper D-Wing Classrooms:
- Design Thinking Challenges with Skyline High
- K-12 ELA Materials Exploration
- Book Tasting
- The Science of Learning
13) Cyber Exploration
Maroon Lab:
- Binary Bracelets with Silver Creek High’s RaptorTECH
- Caesar Cipher Decryption with RaptorTECH
- Security Awareness / Password Cracking
- How to Become an Influencer with Skyline High School
14) The St. Vrain Advantage: Our Shared Vision and Voice
Library:
Schedule
Connect with district leadership to learn more about the St. Vrain Advantage
- 2:30 p.m. Coffee with Dr. Jackie Kapushion, Superintendent
- 3:15 p.m. Overview of District Finances with Chief Financial Officer Tony Whiteley
- 4:00 p.m. Coffee with the Board of Education
- 4:45 p.m. 2024 Bond Update with Executive Director of Construction and Maintenance Bryan Zwisler
15) Future-Ready Voices: Speaker Series
Auditorium:
Schedule
A speaker series in the auditorium featuring presenters from across St. Vrain
- 2:20 p.m. Musical Theater Performance
Lyons High School performs an excerpt from the “Addams Family Musical” - 2:40 p.m. Video: They Call Him Coach
Emmy-winning production highlighting Longmont High’s boys basketball team - 3:00 p.m. Student Opportunity and the Power of Public Education
Silver Creek High panel, moderated by Principal Erick Finnestead - 3:20 p.m. How to Plan for Your Future with Your School Counselor
Lead Counselor Maura Brady-McMullen covers how counselors can support your student to achieve their goals - 3:40 p.m. Lift Off: The First-Ever Student-Led Drone Performance Team
Students Reese Wieder, Willow Cahill, & Brooke Boatman give behind-the-scenes insight to producing a drone show - 4:00 p.m. Three Siblings, One System: A Unified Experience
Siblings Bailey, Ashley, & Nolan share about their high school journey into a ‘Unified’ community - 4:20 p.m. Preparing Our Graduates for an AI World
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Diane Lauer explores how students can balance durable human skills with strategic AI - 4:40 p.m. Future-Ready. Career-Ready.
ToniJo Niccoli, Principal of the Career & Technical Education Center, discusses exceptional workforce readiness opportunities - 5:00 p.m. The P-TECH Experience
Student Blake Baker and mentor Erik Black discuss the intersection of high school, college, and the professional world - 5:20 p.m. Video: A Champion’s Mindset
A St. Vrain production highlighting Valarie Allman, a gold medal Olympian & Silver Creek High alum - 5:40 p.m. Musical Theater Performance
Silver Creek High School performs an excerpt from “Newsies”
16) Childcare with P-TEACH
P-TEACH high school and college students will provide childcare for children ages two and older while families explore other Advantage Zones. A staff member will check children in and collect parent cell phone numbers in case contact is needed. Please note that the site is not equipped to change diapers; parents will be asked to return if their child needs a diaper change. Parents must remain on site.
St. Vrain Valley Schools Awarded $252,625 Grant from The Weld Trust to Launch Opportunity Amplified
St. Vrain Valley Schools has received a $252,625 grant from The Weld Trust to launch Opportunity Amplified, an initiative designed to expand student access to high-quality science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programs across Weld County schools. The 18-month investment will support both in-school and out-of-school learning opportunities, with a focus on expanding access and encouraging student participation in robotics, performing arts, and other enrichment programs.
“We are proud to support Opportunity Amplified, which opens doors for thousands of Weld County students to explore their interests, develop critical skills and better prepare for their futures,” said Jeff Carlson, CEO for The Weld Trust. “This grant helps ensure that more students have access to this vital program.”
Through Opportunity Amplified, schools will receive funding for robotics equipment, musical instruments, club and coaching stipends, competition travel, and participation fee waivers. The initiative is expected to directly impact approximately 8,000 students in Weld County by increasing access to hands-on STEAM learning experiences. These experiences will foster creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership skills, helping students develop confidence and critical thinking skills essential for success postgraduation. Each program will be tailored to the needs of each participating school.
“This investment allows us to continue our longtime focus on extracurricular and co-curricular activities,” said Jackie Kapushion, Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools. “By expanding STEAM and performing arts opportunities during the school day and after school, we’re strengthening student engagement, deepening learning, and helping more students connect to programs that inspire them.”
Erie Tigers Battle Broomfield in Throwback Basketball Game
Erie High School students, families, and community members packed the gym on Friday, January 23, filling the stands with cheers and Tiger pride for the Girls and Boys Throwback Basketball Game double-header. The event was held at Erie Middle School, a building rich with history, as it once housed both Erie High School and Erie Middle School before the current high school was built in 2005.
Hosting the game in the former school gym brought the Tigers back to their roots, creating a meaningful connection between past and present. As Erie faced off against the Broomfield Eagles, the evening became a celebration of tradition, community, and the legacy of Erie athletics. With longtime supporters and current students sharing the stands, the night honored the history of the program while showcasing the spirit that continues to define Tiger basketball today.
Despite facing tough competition from the Broomfield Eagles, the Tigers played with determination and heart until the final buzzer. While Erie did not come away with a win, various individual performances stood out. Junior, Tyler Firebaugh led the boys’ effort with 12 points, while Senior, Juliet Slater paced the girls with 13 points. The throwback game brought the Erie community together, reminding everyone in attendance that Tiger pride runs deep, on and off the court.
