Westview Middle School has once again earned national recognition as a National School to Watch, a distinction awarded by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform in partnership with leading education organizations.
The Schools to Watch program identifies middle schools across the country that demonstrate exceptional performance and a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools receiving this designation are recognized for being academically excellent, developmentally responsive to the needs of young adolescents, and socially equitable — ensuring high levels of learning and support for every student.
Westview’s re-designation reflects sustained excellence and a schoolwide commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students. The recognition is not permanent; schools must reapply every three years, demonstrating ongoing growth, innovation, and impact.
The school celebrated the achievement with a full school assembly, recognizing the collective efforts of staff and students. District leadership were there to help celebrate and make sure everyone felt the significance of this recognition. The event also highlighted two Westview robotics teams who have advanced to the VEX Robotics World Championships, showcasing the school’s continued success both in and beyond the classroom.
As part of the national network, Westview joins a select group of middle schools across the United States that serve as models for effective teaching, student support, and school culture. This honor reflects the dedication of Westview’s educators, staff, students, and families — and reinforces the school’s role in preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
During a special visit from author Katherine Applegate, students at Niwot Elementary had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the writing process and learn how stories can evolve across formats and audiences. Applegate offered insight into how her ideas develop into published books, including collaboration with illustrators who help bring her characters to life. She highlighted this process in her newest picture book, “The Littlest Elephant,” which is based on her novel, “The One and Only Ruby.”
Katherine Applegate presents to students at Niwot Elementary.
Applegate, a Newbery Medal-winning author, has written numerous books for young readers, many inspired by real-life events and animals. Her 2013 Newbery Medal recognized the impact of “The One and Only Ivan,” which was later adapted into a film in 2020. During her visit, she shared how Ivan’s story was based on a real gorilla who once lived in a shopping mall before being relocated to a zoo. She also spoke about her broader body of work, emphasizing themes of empathy, resilience, and curiosity.
A Niwot Elementary student asks Applegate a question regarding her writing process.
Throughout the event, Applegate encouraged students to discover their “best friend book,” a story that feels as though it was written just for them, and reminded them that inspiration can come from simply asking “what if.” Students had the opportunity to ask questions about her writing process and the characters she has created, learning how stories develop from an idea into a publication. The visit concluded with a book signing, where students were able to meet Applegate and have their books personally signed. For students, this event became a memorable experience celebrating the power of reading and storytelling.
Applegate signs a Niwot Elementary student’s book after her presentation.
St. Vrain’s Unframed Art Show live at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall from April 14-19
St. Vrain Valley Schools invites the community to experience the creativity and talent of students across the district at the annual district art show, held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. The exhibition will showcase artwork from students across all grade levels and schools from April 14-19.
The event is free and open to the public, offering families and community members an opportunity to explore a wide range of student artwork.
Public Viewing Hours:
Tuesday, April 14 through Saturday, April 18: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Artists’ Night Open House:
Thursday, April 16 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
The show highlights the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of St. Vrain students through a variety of mediums, including ceramics, digital art and photography, drawing, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, painting, and printmaking.Award-winning pieces will be featured online following the event at svvsd.org/artshow.
A string quartet warms up in the sun-drenched community room at Cinnamon Park Assisted Living Residence in Longmont, as residents filter in to claim a seat. The quartet, made up of students from Silver Creek High School, launches into the first song of this performance, and residents smile and chuckle as they recognize the opening notes to ABBA’s “Mamma Mia”.
Featuring Nehemiah Crill on cello, Michelle Smith on viola, and Jorah Foote and Hannah Crill on violin, the performance included sweeping instrumental covers, a duet by Hannah and Nehemiah, and a few lively numbers on the accordion, played by Anna Iverson.
This performance is part of a “Music as Medicine”, a Silver Creek Leadership Academy capstone project led by Nehemiah Crill and Elsa Wirkkanen, which has performed at two additional assisted living facilities, and is planning a performance at a local children’s hospital. The goal, Elsa shares, is to bring music directly to people who could not physically go to concerts, so that everyone can enjoy and experience music.
The students hope to share the therapeutic nature of music with those they perform for, with Nehemiah adding, “We also hope that we can bring some joy to people by playing for them and connecting with them. The senior citizens especially seem to love seeing young performers and having us take the time to prepare pieces just for them.”
Elsa, who runs the group’s rehearsals and manages logistics, enjoys seeing both parts of the performance: the performers shining as they play, and the faces of the audience members lighting up as they enjoy it. Afterwards, the students answer any questions from the audience, chatting and laughing with the residents.
The Leadership Academy, hosted at Silver Creek High School, culminates with a capstone project, in which students apply their leadership skills and collect at least 75 volunteer hours in the community. Learn more about all of the outstanding community projects at stvra.in/scla, or by following along on social media @SilverCreek_HS.
In early March, Longmont Estates Elementary transformed into a living time machine during its Creative Time Travelers event, a school-wide experience for students in grades one through five. Students studied iconic songs and artists from their assigned era, created original artwork inspired by famous styles, and performed music that captured the spirit of the time. The event integrated history, the arts, and STEM to create an immersive learning experience, allowing students to bring the past to life for families and the community.
Longmont Estates Elementary students explore art projects inspired by different decades.
One key component of the Creative Time Travelers event was the school’s 10th Annual Innovation Fair, where students investigated topics through one of three pathways: scientific experimentation, engineering design, or “Genius Hour” projects based on personal interests. Projects ranged from testing everyday questions to designing solutions for real-world challenges and researching global issues. Depending on the project type, they applied structured research models such as the scientific method or the engineering design process. Over six weeks, students refined their ideas through research, prototyping, and feedback.
A community member discusses a student’s Innovation Fair project.
The experience culminated with student presentations to an audience of families, community members, and district staff. Students shared their findings and explained their processes, strengthening skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Through school-wide opportunities like Creative Time Travelers, Longmont Estates encourages students to explore their interests while building the confidence to share their learning with others.
A Longmont Estates Elementary student explains his Innovation Fair project to a community member.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
