2018 Back to School

- MARKETING FEATURE -

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SCHOOL BOULDER + BROOMFIELD COUNTIES | AUGUST 2018

Back to

SCHOOL AUGUST 2018

Contributing Writers Brittany Anas Linda Thorsen Bond Emma Castleberry Adam Goldstein Wendy McMillan Darren Thornberry

CONTENTS Tips for preparing for the start of the school year ................................................. 4 Nutrition for kids .................................................................................................. 6 Diverse opportunities for learning, for life ............................................................. 8 The most profound kind of learning doesn’t always take place in a classroom ... 12 Back to school, back to fun! ................................................................................ 14 Superintendent letters .......................................................................................... 17 Finding help when your student needs it ............................................................. 21 School spotlight ................................................................................................... 22 Back to School is a marketing feature published by the Daily Camera and Broomfield Enterprise. ©2018 Prairie Mountain Media.

Editor/Designer Greg Stone Marketing Consultants Pete Christiansen Jeanine Fritz Keith Kratochvil Billy Magrini Stacee McGovern Dale Sekular Rebecca Thornberry Francine Wahlgren Advertising Director Jill Stravolemos

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BACK TO SCHOOL | TIPS backpack for children in sunsoaked Colorado? Sunblock lotions and sprays, Rowley suggests. In addition, provide hats and sunglasses in their backpacks so they don’t get sunburns while on the playgrounds. Let the school know if your child has any allergies or asthma. You can work with the School Nurse Consultant to come up with an action plan in handling allergies.

It’s time to shift our focus to the start of a new school year.

Tips for preparing for the start of a school year

By Brittany Anas

T

he starting school bell hasn’t rung just yet, but those lazy days of summer are nearing an end and it’s about that time to shift our focus to the start of another school year. (Of course, school supplies are starting to make their way to the front of the stores, which always serve as a reminder that the back-to-school season is around the corner).

Want your family to have an A+ school year? We’ve turned 4

to the education professionals to provide some of their best tips to prepare for the school year. Here’s a few things you can do now to make sure the school year runs smoothly.

GET YOUR BEDTIME ROUTINE DOWN Sure, the alarm clocks may have been in snooze mode all summer. But to help your children transition for the school year, it’s a good idea to slowly start rolling back their bedtimes now. Susan Rowley, director of health services with

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START THINKING ABOUT HEALTHY LUNCHES Now is a good time to start planning what kinds of lunches and snacks you can pack for your child. If you need some inspiration, you can check out the Choose My Plate website that’s curated by the USDA. “Snacks should combine protein and good carbs,” Rowley says. Again, if your child has any allergies or food intolerances, it’s a good idea to communicate with the school and have an action plan worked out ahead of time with Food Services and Health Services, Rowley says.

Boulder Valley School District, recommends adjusting in half hour to one hour time increments to help re-set your child’s sleeping and waking clock. So, if they’re going to bed at 11 p.m., scale that back to 10:30 p.m. one week; 10 p.m. the next week; 9:30 p.m. the next and so on until you reach the schedule they’ll be on during the school year.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE UP TO DATE ON IMMUNIZATIONS Before the start of the school year, be sure that your child is up-to-date on his or her immunizations that are required for their ages or years in school, Rowley says, or provide the state-approved exemption paperwork to the school. If your child’s annual doctor’s appointment is after the first day of school, be sure to communicate that with the school.

ADD SUNBLOCK TO YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING LIST A great addition to the

GET YOUR STUDENT EXCITED FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR Plan for success by getting your student synced up with

sleeping patterns prior to the start of the school year. Then, go a step further and set up a schedule for extracurricular activities and homework, suggests Lee Peters, executive director of schools with Adams County School District.

As a parent, you can help your children make sure they have enough time in their schedule for various tasks so that they don’t get overbooked.

Also, for children who are moving into middle school and high school, remind them that staff members are there to answer questions and support them as they enter a new environment, Peters suggests.

Rowley suggests relaying empowering messages to your children about student success on a regular basis.

“Let them know that you are there for them as are school personnel,” she suggests. Teach

them strategies like deep, slow breaths if they are feeling anxious surrounding school.

Also, help them come up with strategies for handling anxious feelings. That could include taking a minute to think of responses in tough situations, who to talk to, and how to share their feelings.

GET BACK IN THE SCHOOL GROOVE For younger children, this can include reading with them at night. Talk to them about their new school routines, including who their teacher will be.

You can do a “practice run” by walking to the bus stop together, talking to them about how to behave on the bus. Or, if they are riding their bike to school, you can have them practice riding their bike and locking it up.

Boulder Valley School District

Excellence and Equity BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ENGAGED IN CHILD FIND Boulder Valley School District wants to locate children ages birth to 21 with disabilities who live within district boundaries as part of Child Find.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a child with a disability means a child evaluated and determined eligible for early intervention services (birth to 3) or special education and related services (age 3 to 21) in accordance with IDEA under the following categories: Hearing Impairment, Including Deafness, Multiple Disabilities, Deaf-Blindness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, Serious Emotional Disability, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, or Visual Impairment, Including Blindness.

If you have an infant-toddler or preschool aged child, or you are a parent of a child attending private or home school, and you suspect your child may have a disability or is exhibiting delays in his/her development, and you are a resident of the Boulder Valley School District, contact Child Find at:

Boulder Valley School District 6500 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80303 (720) 561-5078 Para Información en Español, llame (720) 561-5267 If your child is already enrolled and is attending one of the Boulder Valley School sites, then talk to your child’s teacher or school administrator about your concerns regarding your child’s development, or that you suspect your child may have a disability.

720-898-7200 arvadacenter.org 6 9 0 1 WA D S W O R T H B LV D . , A R VA D A , C O 8 0 0 0 3

For Further Information: www.bvsd.org/childfind AUGUST 2018 – BACK TO SCHOOL

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BACK TO SCHOOL | NUTRITION

Nutrition for kids Local school districts balance children’s tastes with a growing emphasis on healthy, locally produced foods – and lots of choices

At Boulder Valley School District, menus are developed with a balanced approach in mind and also to make sure that food choices aren’t necessarily alienating young eaters, so education is a big component. (Photo: BVSD School Food Project)

By Andy Stonehouse

W

ith much of the rest of America finally adapting to the healthy diets and lifestyles that have been the cornerstone of greater Boulder for generations, it’s no surprise that local schools have incorporated those philosophies into their menus.

And as school gets back into swing, parents can take pride in sending their kids to a trio of regional school districts that place a high value on nutritious, locally-sourced foods – living up to those very 6

high food standards while offering kid-friendly meal choices.

Laura Smith, program and grants coordinator for the Boulder Valley School District, says that children’s nutrition is an especially hot topic for area kids, an extension of the highly-evolved devotion to diet and food sourcing that so many local families practice.

“There’s always been an interest in providing health meals in our district, but we’re now celebrating the 10th anniversary of our School Food Project – our dedicated transition to scratch cooking,

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healthier foods and food choices,” she says.

BVSD, like the nearby St. Vrain and Adams 12 Five Star Schools districts, has made a concerted effort to use the same food strategies you might find at one of those now-popular farm-to-table restaurants, or your favorite high-end grocery store, even as it serves some 13,000 meals a day.

That means an emphasis on local produce and meats, and an involved meal planning system that highlights the nutrition that kids need to grow, be active and productive

all day. It’s also balanced with the reality that children can be picky eaters, and that not every family is insisting on allorganic, vegan biodiversity in their kids’ diets.

“We send out surveys every spring and gauge parents’ interests in new ideas, and based on that, we keep a few things and drop a few things,” Smith says. “For instance, we still have nachos, but we make them with organic tortilla chips, we source the beef locally from Kersey and we hand-mash the pinto beans in our kitchens. They’re familiar to kids, but done in a healthier way.”

Parents who grew up with the often unpleasant memories of their own school cafeteria meals might be amazed to find salad bars as an option at many schools in the three districts.

The old days of vending machine snacks have also changed, as districts outlawed soda machines and transitioned to healthy offerings – St. Vrain’s Smart Snack program being a great example, or offering other healthy substitutes to try to encourage kids to eat better.

Smith says BVSD also aims at “clean label” items – offering their own fresh fruit versus pre-packaged fruit cups, or offering whole-grain products including bagels or goldfish crackers.

Breakfast and lunch menus

are developed with a balanced approach in mind and also to make sure that food choices aren’t necessarily alienating young eaters, so education is a big component.

“Some stuff simply doesn’t work, so we remain open to feedback. We also do about 200 in-school educational programs a year,” Smith says. “We try to help them understand the entire rainbow of foods, and do things including chef demos, or even bringing in farmers to speak about their produce.”

In the Adams 12 district, where some 3.25 million meals were prepared in the 2016-2017 school year, using almost a million pounds of local produce, childhood nutrition begins with the kids’ involvement in the Go, Slow, Whoa program. Kids are introduced to identifying foods and making their own healthy choices: unlimited access to healthy, anytime foods, and “sometimes” or “once in a while” access to less-healthy options.

Parents can see an entire month’s menu on the webbased Nutrislice system, and when it comes to the breakfast or lunch tray, Adams 12 also uses the “offer vs. serve” concept – different options are

available, so kids with picky tastes will always be able to find something healthy that they enjoy.

Smith says that Boulder Valley schools have also been focused on scratch cooking – making almost everything inhouse, in one of three regional kitchens, with a new central kitchen set to open in 2019.

As for menus, a focus on healthy and local doesn’t mean it all has to be that unusual, and BVSD breakfast options include cereals, smoothies, breakfast burritos, muffins, yogurt and bagels – some produced in association with Moe’s Bagels. The sugarpacked cereals of Saturday morning cartoon lore have also been swapped for more healthy versions – which Smith says the kids largely didn’t notice, but parents have certainly appreciated.

“Parents know their kids well enough, and at the end of the day, we need to do what we can to make sure that kids get the healthy foods they need,” she says. “They need a full day of energy, so they won’t be crashing – and that’s why we really aim at foods that are free of the chemicals that they don’t need.”

FUN FOR THEM. PEACE OF MIND FOR YOU. BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR K-5TH YMCA Before & After School Care sets out to give kids both smile-inspiring escapades and foundational experiences.

Whether it’s getting homework help, exploring science concepts, enjoying outdoor time or creating group art projects, the Y provides a supportive environment that focuses on developing interests and making friends.

Plus, parents enjoy the peace of mind of having a statelicensed program in their child’s school as well as affordable rates and qualified, trained staff.

SCHOOL DAY OFF CAMPS FOR K-8TH Children can join the Y during school days off for field trips, sports, arts and crafts and tons of adventure.

Before & After Care and School Day Off Camps are held at BVSD schools and at the Longmont Y. YMCA INSPIRE PRESCHOOL The Y also offers full full- and part-time preschool for ages 2-1/2 to 6 at the Longmont Y.

BVSD, like the nearby St. Vrain and Adams 12 Five Star Schools districts, has made a concerted effort to use the same food strategies you might find at one of those now-popular farm-to-table restaurants, or your favorite high-end grocery store, even as it serves some 13,000 meals a day. (Photo: BVSD School Food Project)

YMCA OF BOULDER VALLEY Serving Boulder, Broomfield & Weld Counties ymcabv.org AUGUST 2018 – BACK TO SCHOOL

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BACK TO SCHOOL | CONTINUING EDUCATION

Lifelong Learning elementary program options are broken into creative, active, and brainy categories. (Photo: BVSD Lifelong Learning).

Diverse opportunities for learning, for life

By Wendy McMillan

C

ome back-to-school time, parents, students, and educators brace for a return to routines for hitting the books. But as we all know, learning is never confined to the school day. Diverse opportunities abound for students of all ages to extend learning – to pursue 8

intellectual passions, satisfy curiosity, sharpen skills, prepare for future career and higher education journeys, or purposefully fill the hours between the completion of school and work days.

The best part, with such a range of thoughtfully prepared options to choose from locally, continuing educational discoveries mean inspiration and fun.

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CU SCIENCE DISCOVERY CU Science Discovery, the K-12 STEM outreach division of CU Boulder’s Continuing Education. Offers numerous vibrant, inspiring opportunities in a format designed to accommodate the school year. From after-school programs that last roughly one hour to homeschool enrichment to single or multiday programs offered on days

off and during holiday breaks, there is something for every learner. Programs are offered across a broad spectrum of STEM topics, from robotics, engineering and biology, to citizen science, drone pilot training and winter ecology, to name a few.

“We develop exciting programs that complement and extend what kids are learning in the classroom in

says. “Each month, a featured scientist delivers a small talk and accompanying activity on a topic of the students’ choosing. The teens then get to engage and ask questions, hearing about the scientist’s career path and learning about their research or field of study.”

CU Science Discovery programs are offered across a broad spectrum of STEM topics, from robotics, engineering and biology, to citizen science, drone pilot training and winter ecology. (Photo: CU Science Discovery)

a very tactile, engaging way,” says Maggie Warren, CU Science Discovery marketing manager. “Our programs utilize project-based learning designed to encourage exploration and creativity within each participant.”

For older students, one

particularly unique offering is CU Science Discovery’s popular Teen Science Café.

Open to the public, this monthly event offers a meaningful, informal way for teens to connect with CU scientists. “It’s a unique opportunity for teens,” Warren

BVSD LIFELONG LEARNING As soon as the school bell rings, kids’ programs begin throughout 24 elementary and 11 middle schools courtesy of Boulder Valley School District Lifelong Learning.

From learning with LEGO for younger students to creatively focused teen enrichment classes to driver’s education and test prep for high schoolers, there is something to pique every student’s interest. Programs are open

to all – in and out of district, private and homeschooled students may all enroll in any programs at any location.

“Lifelong Learning elementary program options are broken into creative, active, and brainy categories,” says Lifelong Learning Marketing Specialist Matt Jenkins. “More academically based options include foreign languages, chess, and future doctor/veterinarian courses.

All are popular – but the innovative options, like 3D printing, LEGO robotics, and filmmaking, get the most buzz.”

For older students, Lifelong Learning has teamed up with Madelife in Boulder to offer “creative accelerators” in film or music production, graphic novels and podcasting. These immersive programs show

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BACK TO SCHOOL | CONTINUING EDUCATION young adults what it takes to begin a career in these exciting areas. “A great way to support students’ academic success is to develop the love of learning,” Jenkins says.

“Choosing a new topic to explore outside of their usual classroom allows curiosity to guide growth. Afterschool learning also works to expand knowledge without the pressure of grades or homework.”

ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS Adams 12 Five Star Schools takes great pride in ensuring that every school across elementary and secondary levels offers an array of

educational enrichment options for all students.

Out-of-classroom learning opportunities are carefully and purposefully facilitated to support whole child development while opening multiple pathways for students to pursue areas of interest.

From Pre-K onward, students are invited to enhance their educational experience pursuing passions beyond the core subjects.

At the high school level, quality Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs available at Bollman Technical Education Center provide essential life and career skills for all high school students. Through

community partnerships, students receive intensive student support services. They further gain mentoring, job shadowing, internships and other workplace educational experiences.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools further offer metro Denver’s first early college opportunity through Northglenn High School’s EC@N-STEM P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School). An innovative partnership between Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Front Range Community College and CenturyLink allows students to start college coursework during freshman year, and finish their degree at Front

Range Community college for free, graduating with both a high school diploma and an industry-recognized associate degree in Computer Information Systems.

ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS St. Vrain Valley Schools makes supporting whole child development through dynamic learning enrichment opportunities a top priority across all grade levels. Each school offers an ever-evolving range of extended learning options. “We offer hundreds of programs that extend beyond the classroom to ensure our students are receiving a world-class education,” said Jackie Kapushion, deputy

At the high school level at Adams 12 Five Star Schools, quality Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs provide essential life and career skills for all high school students. (Photo: Adams 12 Five Star Schools).

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superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools. “Our highquality extended learning opportunities are giving our students a strong competitive advantage that is driving their academic engagement and advancing their continued success and achievement.”

At the elementary level, after-school choices include everything from the increasingly popular, competitive robotics to foreign language classes. Plans are further in the works to launch an extended school year program for all first and second grade students who would benefit from the time and consistency to reach grade level reading goals. In upper grades, alongside traditional learning support such as test prep and Driver’s Ed, students have numerous opportunities

to earn concurrent enrollment college credit during the school day. Last year alone, seniors graduated with over 12,000 college credits on their transcripts.

St. Vrain Valley Schools take great pride in their nationally recognized Innovation Center.

Partnering with industry to provide real life, paid work experiences, the Innovation Center engages students through opportunities in aeronautics, robotics, media, entrepreneurship, technology and much more. Working alongside experts, student designers build websites, apps, electronics, structural and mechanical engineering projects and more – practical projects that solidify and complement knowledge gained in the classroom.

St. Vrain Valley School’s Innovation Center engages students through opportunities in aeronautics, robotics, media, entrepreneurship, technology and much more. (Photo: St. Vrain Valley School District).

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BACK TO SCHOOL | CONTINUING EDUCATION

Above/Right: The Thorne Nature Experience’s in-school, after-school and field trip programs seek to instill a sense of stewardship and natural wonder in students from all backgrounds and interests.

(Photo: The Thorne Nature Experience).

The most profound kind of learning doesn’t always take place in a classroom.

Fiske Planetarium’s “fulldome” films and starshows are rooted in the latest scientific research, and help properly illustrate the wonder and majesty of our galaxy to impressionable young minds. (Photo: Fiske Planetarium)

By Adam Goldstein

E

ffective education is tactile, and that’s especially true for young students whose brains are still evolving and growing.

Kids need experiences, and immersive, impactful involvement can make a key difference in making lessons gleaned from books come to life. Luckily, parents on the Front Range have plenty of options to help complement a child’s return to school in the fall with dynamic, firsthand learning experiences.

From top-of-the-line planetariums to immersive nature preserves to museums 12

that spotlight science, technology, engineering and math, the metro area is packed with hands-on learning opportunities for kids. These options are an ideal resource in the age of smartphones, tablets and HD TV; they offer a chance to unplug and to get away from the screens.

“Now more than ever, what kids need is unstructured time outside,” said Keith Desrosiers, executive director of the Thorne Nature Experience. For more than 60 years, the organization has been connecting kids with hands-on environmental education experiences across Boulder County, offering activities and field trips that

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range from bird watching to hiking to simply exploring a stretch of unspoiled wetlands.

“We need to help our kids unplug from their devices in order to receive the multitude of health and wellness benefits available from time spent outdoor and in nature.”

The Thorne Nature Experience’s in-school, afterschool and field trip programs span the entire year, and they seek to instill a sense of stewardship and natural wonder in students from all backgrounds and interests.

Their facility in East Boulder near the Leggett and Valmont reservoirs is open to the public two days a week, and their

guided tours are an ideal way to explore a picturesque stretch of Boulder County.

Immersive learning doesn’t have to take place outdoors.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers plenty of tactile exhibits rooted in the natural world, while the WOW! Children’s Museum in Lafayette is an interactive facility designed to engage younger kids in a host of subjects.

Whether the focus is arts, science or simple life skills, the WOW! museum seeks to impart wisdom through immediacy.

While facilities like Thorne and WOW! offer lessons about the terrestrial world and all its riches, kids in Boulder County also have access to the cosmos, thanks to one of the state’s most well-reputed and advanced planetariums.

Located in the heart of the CU Boulder Campus, the Fiske Planetarium is jewel for space enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. While Fiske serves as a working academic facility for scholars and scientists at CU, it’s also a resource for K-12 students across the community. In addition to its satellite, onsite

visits to schools that feature a traveling, inflatable planetarium dome, the facility makes full use of its futuristic “stardome” to make the outer reaches of space accessible to grade-school students.

Fiske’s high-definition

projector beams graphics at dimensions of 8,000 pixels by 8,000 pixels; the dome’s “star ball” can show up to 20 million stars on its 360-degree circular screen. It makes for an ideal theater to convey the drama of the outer reaches of space – “fulldome” films and starshows are rooted in the latest scientific research, and help properly illustrate the wonder and majesty of our galaxy to impressionable young minds. The facility also features weekly presentations dedicated to astronomy – these familyfriendly events detail galaxies, equinoxes and the layout of the night sky.

“One of the strengths of Fiske is that we always have a live presenter in our planetarium shows. We always focus on how to engage audiences of all ages

in our shows,” said Brianna Ingermann, educational programs manager for Fiske.

“Because we’re so embedded in the academic community, we not only get to feature active CU research in the planetarium, but we also benefit from the huge education research group here on campus.

Fiske also features interactive exhibits and displays in the lobby, resources that have expanded in only the past year. At kiosks and giant spheres set up across the space, visitors can access the latest data from NASA, NOAA and other organizations. It’s all part of bringing up-to-date and cutting-edge research to all members of the Boulder community.

“We’ve always been about interaction,” said Francisco “Tito” Salas, Fiske operations

manager.

For kids whose scientific interests are more rooted in animals than astronomy, the metro area offers plenty of ways for students to mingle with wild creatures.

The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster houses more than 1,600 free-flying butterflies, as well as a wide variety of other animals.

For budding zoologists who want to find an even greater selection of wildlife, the Denver Zoo is a Colorado institution that’s housed wild creatures since 1896. The 80-acre facility impacts an estimated quarter million students annually, with a specific mission in mind.

“Our mission is securing a better world for humans with animal understanding,” said spokesman Jake Kubié.

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BACK TO SCHOOL | EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Back to school,

back to fun!

As they say goodbye to a short, hot summer break, families are ramping up for a new school year and the seemingly unlimited activities that go with it.

By Darren Thornberry

T

he after-school lessons, clubs, classes, and fun activities are as much a part of the school-year rhythm as school itself. The list that follows spotlights some wonderful organizations and businesses offering a variety of awesome after-school activities for kids.

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Manager Kara Caputo wants families to know the gym has terrain for kids all ages and abilities and offers classes for kids age 2.5 and up, as well as Summer and School Holiday Camps, birthday parties, Open Gym, Parent’s Night Out, Outdoor Guiding, and Teams. It’s an awesome place to learn to climb in a safe and encouraging environment. 1960 32nd St., Boulder; 303.443.5437, abckidsboulder.com.

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ABC Kids Climbing Gym is designed by climbers, specially for kids.

(Photo: HB Woodsongs).

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BACK TO SCHOOL – DAILY CAMERA / BROOMFIELD ENTERPRISE

USA NINJA CHALLENGE This amazing gym in Louisville specializes in Ninja programs for kids ages 4 to 17, emphasizing structured training programs geared to introducing kids to the Ninja sport and coaching them so they can advance through increasingly challenging skill levels. The gym offers hourlong afternoon and evening classes. “Within each age group, Ninja students can progress to achieve different levels of skills on a wide variety of popular Ninja challenges, like rings, warp wall, balancing, climbing, etc., all the way up to training to try out for the new Ninja kids TV show, which will premiere this fall,” says Owner Bryan Alu. Sounds fun! 500 Front St., Louisville; 720.440.1235; usaninjachallenge.com

HB Woodsongs Violin teacher Harmony Jones (Photo: HB Woodsongs).

HB WOODSONGS Can you believe HB Woodsongs has been Boulder’s local and independent source for school music rentals for more than 30 years?

Owner Shawn Cupolo says the venerable shop also offers music instruction by teachers of critical acclaim on a variety of instruments, including guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, violin, cello and more. And don’t forget Woodsongs’ fun monthly workshops, including the “Woodsongs Ukulele Hootenanny” (3rd Saturday of each month) and the “Jam Sandwich” beginner’s jamming workshop (3rd Sunday of each month).

3101 28th St., Boulder; 303.449.0516; facebook.com/ hbwoodsongsmusic

Ninja students can progress to achieve different levels of skills on a wide variety of popular Ninja challenges, like rings, warp wall, balancing, climbing and more.

(Photo: USA Ninja Challenge).

BVSD’s Lifelong Learning offers many afterschool sports options including Tennis. (Photo: Lifelong Learning).

BVSD LIFELONG LEARNING Boulder Valley School District’s (BVSD) Lifelong Learning offers many afterschool sports options, shared here by Marketing Specialist Matt Jenkins, that introduce kids to new fitness activities without the pressure of competition. Traditional sports choices include soccer, basketball, tennis and flag football along with crosscountry running in the fall.

For those wanting something new and different, Ninja warrior training or rock climbing could be just the thing. “A four to six week after-school class presents a perfect way for kids to stay active and complement their academic school day,” says Jenkins. Kids’ programs begin after the school bell at 24 elementary and 11 middle schools. Hosting at BVSD sites makes the transition from the school day to after-school enrichment seamless for kids and convenient for parents.

Off-site locations are also available at area gyms and training facilities. After-school classes typically last for an hour to an hour and a half and run for four to six weeks. bvsd.org/LLL, 720.561.5968.

YMCA OF BOULDER VALLEY The YMCA has extensive afterschool fitness programming for kids.

YMCA Youth Sports provide kids with endless opportunities for fun, fitness and friendship after-school and beyond. Y Sports help children develop skills and athleticism, learn all the positions The YMCA provides after-school on the field or court, and nurture care, including homework help, their understanding of teamwork sports, games and playtime, STEM projects, arts and crafts. and sportsmanship. After-school (Photo: YMCA of Bolder Valley) sports include baseball, basketball, flag football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, learn to skate, futsal, hockey and volleyball. Programs in Boulder, Lafayette, Superior, Longmont and more. ymcabv.org/sports.

La Familia Boxing, for ages 8 to 16, teaches kids and teens commitment, dedication, discipline, honor and respect through the sport of boxing. Boys and girls are welcome to join this program at the Longmont Y to discover a hard-hitting sport that can change lives. Hand wraps are needed to participate.

Participation is free, but registration is required. Monday-Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Longmont Y - ymcabv.org/health-fitness/fitnessclasses/youth-fitness.

The YMCA also provides after-school care, for Kindergarten through 5th graders – including homework help, sports, games and playtime, STEM projects, arts and crafts – in 14 Boulder Valley School District Schools and at the Longmont Y. These programs are not just an extension of the learning day. They provide opportunities for new friendships, mentoring, tons of activity and creativity in a fun environment with a focus on character, play and the YMCA values (caring, respect, responsibility and honesty). Monday-Friday, school dismissal until 6 p.m. ymcabv.org/toddler-to-teen/k-5th-grade/before-afterschool-care.

ROCKY RIDGE MUSIC ACADEMY Rocky Ridge is a fine arts nonprofit organization specializing in private music instruction for a wide variety of instruments and musical styles, including voice, piano, as well as string and other orchestral instruments. Student Services Administrator Jon Bee says that students of all ages and skill levels Rocky Ridge specializes in work with their experienced and music instruction for a variety educated faculty to enhance their of instruments and musical skills and hone their musical craft. styles, including voice, piano, Rocky Ridge also offer performance as well as string and other orchestral instruments. opportunities for students, as well as (Photo: Rocky Ridge Music Academy) masterclass sessions, group classes and early childhood education courses. 3970 Broadway St., Unit 201E, Boulder; 303.449.1106; rockyridge.org.

ARVADA CENTER ACTING CLASSES “Through our year-round program, students from beginning to advanced can develop skills and knowledge in all areas of theatre arts,” says Digital Communications Strategist Sarah Kolb. “From comedy and improvisation to music and scene study, students learn the skills they need for the stage.”

The goal of the Arvada Center Theatre Academy is to educate, promote growth and provide an atmosphere where students can explore their own creativity, regardless of theatrical experience.

Classes are open to new and returning students, ages 6 to 18, and provide an ageappropriate curriculum.

“These classes are designed to be taken more than once so that more experienced actors may continue to increase their skills and knowledge and take on more challenging roles,” says Kolb. All classes are taught by experienced teaching artists, many with theatrical credits as actors, directors, or in other artistic roles. Fall classes go on sale August 10th.

6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada; 720.898.7200; arvadacenter.org/education/ classes.

From comedy and improvisation to music and scene study, students learn the skills they need for the stage at Arvada Center (Photo: Arvada Center) AUGUST 2018 – BACK TO SCHOOL

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Welcome to the

2018-19

SCHOOL YEAR! BVSD’s School Food Project celebrates its 10th year of healthy, scratch-cooked, delicious school food. Join us in the cafeteria and experience our award-winning food yourself!

• Endless Salad Bars in every school - available as a side or entrée (100% gluten-free) • Seasonal fruits and vegetables from 9 local farmer partners • Community Events include BVSD Day at the Boulder Farmers Market, A Taste of BVSD, Iron Chef, and Plant & Seed Sale

The moment MY PASSION FOR TEACHING BECAME THEIR

• Munchie Machine, BVSD’s food truck, visiting designated high schools during lunch • Catering for meetings, parties and special events, including classroom celebrations

bvsd.org/food

LOVE OF LEARNING.

BRIGHT MINDS. KIND HEARTS. Limited spaces available. Call to schedule a tour today.

303-516-4148 | bouldercountryday.org Preschool through Preschool through Middle SchoolMiddle School bouldercountryday.org

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powered by

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Connecting with the community the top priority in first 100 days

I

t is truly an honor to be the new Superintendent of the Boulder Valley School District. As our students return to school, I can’t wait to meet them, their families, our staff and the community.

This is my first year here in BVSD. I was attracted to this outstanding school district because of its reputation as a leader in the state of Colorado.

This is, no doubt, due to the support of our community and the hard work of our 4,000 caring employees who are truly dedicated to supporting our students every day so that they can reach their full potential.

Our teachers are known for their innovation. I would encourage you to visit our schools to see their cutting edge work, which is based on best practice. The results are easy to see; our students are not only very successful, but highly engaged, passionate about learning and wellprepared for life after school.

Through our innovative learning focus and our nationally recognized social and emotional learning efforts, they are gaining the skills they will need to succeed in the careers and industries of tomorrow, many of which have not even been developed yet.

Thanks to our taxpayers, this work is being supported

Rob Anderson, Superintendent across our district through modern learning environments that have been inspired by the needs of students growing up in the 21st century. This summer, with 16 projects under construction, we reached the half-way mark on the projects funded by the bond program passed in 2014. In addition to repairing and maintaining our buildings to ensure they are safe, healthy, and comfortable for our students, this bond-funded work is revolutionizing our buildings through the addition of makerspaces, 21st century libraries, modern student cafes and outdoor learning spaces.

Boulder Valley Schools is considered a national leader for our forward thinking building design, with educators throughout the country visiting these spaces each month.

These improvements are a great example of what can be achieved when, through

community support, a school district is able to make their vision a reality.

The outstanding community, amazing educators and a commitment to innovation are just a few of the many reasons my family and I couldn’t be happier to call Boulder Valley home. This summer, we made the 1,500 mile drive from Atlanta, Georgia, where I previously served as Deputy Superintendent of Academics in the Fulton County School District. Since my first day as a math teacher 21 years ago, my career has been dedicated to ensuring all students have the opportunity to reach their goals and dreams. That will be my focus as your new

Superintendent.

During my first 100 days, my priority will be to engage our community and build lasting relationships, knowing that it is essential for a school district and community to partner together to meet the collective needs of all students.

I’m so excited to start on this incredible journey – and hope you will join me along the way! Learn more and track my progress at bvsd.org/ superintendent/pages/progress.

Sincerely, Rob Anderson Superintendent Boulder Valley School District

GIVE OR VOLUNTEER AT 303.444.3636 WWW.IHAVEADREAMBOULDER.ORG AUGUST 2018 – BACK TO SCHOOL

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FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT I ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Continuing to advance excellence across our community ugust is always an exciting time in St. Vrain Valley Schools, filled with anticipation of the start of another outstanding academic year. As I reflect on this past year, I am extremely proud of the immeasurable achievements of our students, teachers and staff. As we move forward together, we will continue to advance highquality learning for all of our students.

A

LEARNING NEVER ENDS

For many in St. Vrain, the fall is not a beginning, but a continuation of the extensive learning that takes place all year. This summer, every school in our community was full of activity, including advanced learning opportunities, robust co-curricular activities and construction projects that support growth and enhance the quality and safety of our schools.

We hosted over 50 highquality academic programs and summer camps for our students, focused on STEM, innovation, literacy, technology, music, athletics,

Don Haddad, Superintendent

theater, financial literacy, computer science, cyber security and so much more.

Additionally, hundreds of students attended our Innovation Academy for a Smarter Planet. In partnership with mentors from IBM and the University of Colorado, students entering first through sixth grade worked on highly interactive, complex community-related issues.

Students problem-solved and prototyped ideas designed to strengthen our community and make our world a better place.

Just as our students were highly engaged in numerous summer programs, our teachers and staff were focused on professional development designed to bolster their knowledge

SCHOOL MUSIC RENTALS

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and skills. Over 1,400 teachers and staff enrolled in 144 courses offered in St. Vrain over the summer, emphasizing collaboration and accelerating student achievement through highquality instruction.

Education in St. Vrain never stops. The opportunity to engage in personal growth and learning throughout the year is giving our students, teachers and staff a strong competitive advantage that will empower our collective success.

BUILDING EXCELLENCE AND OPENING NEW DOORS

This summer, through the generous support of our community in passing our 2016 bond initiative, many construction projects have made significant advancements. Mead High School, Erie High School and Silver Creek High School will all open with new, extensive wings of classrooms and innovative learning spaces. Alpine Elementary, Fall River Elementary, Legacy Elementary, Lyons Elementary, Niwot Elementary and Prairie Ridge Elementary will have redesigned entrances that enhance student safety and security. Main Street School is currently receiving significant upgrades and improvements to the learning environments. Two new schools, Grand View Elementary in Frederick and Soaring Heights PK-8 in Erie, will celebrate their grand openings and welcome

over 1,000 students and their families to their new classrooms. In addition to the many school building construction projects, this fall we will open our new Innovation Center, a state-ofthe-art facility that will serve every student in St. Vrain.

COMMUNITY STRONG

We have so much to celebrate across our schools - none of which would be possible without the unwavering support of our community, including our parents, teachers and staff, business owners, elected officials and everyone who champions public education. It is through our strong partnership that we are transforming public education for our children and our community’s future.

This fall, I will be scheduling our annual open forums in each of our areas to share the many successes we have experienced and also to discuss our bold vision for continuing to advance public education in our community, state and nation. I hope to see everyone at one of these events so that we can personally thank you for everything that you do to support our students and schools. Together we are building a stronger future for our children and for Colorado.

Sincerely, Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent St. Vrain Valley School District

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FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS

Building on Five Star success

A

dams 12 Five Star Schools’ nearly 5,000 teachers, school office staff, bus drivers, principals, counselors and more look forward to making your child’s 2018-2019 school year their best one yet. We are extremely thankful for the partnership and mutual trust we have with our community and are excited to build on our collective Five Star successes in the year ahead.

FIVE STAR PROUD We have much to celebrate and be #FiveStarProud about in Adams 12 Five Star Schools.

Our students and staff are demonstrating amazing growth and success across the five communities we serve – Broomfield, Federal Heights, Northglenn, Thornton and Westminster. I’ll highlight just a few indicators of that success.

• The Five Star District has been accredited as a performance district for two consecutive years and early indicators are that this designation will continue into 2018-2019.

• The district’s graduation rate of 84.4 percent significantly exceeds the state average, and the Hispanic graduation rate has jumped from 50.8 percent in 2010 to 80.4 percent in 2017.

• The principals of Northglenn High and Riverdale Elementary earned the Colorado Principal of the Year award for their respective levels.

Additionally, thanks to our community’s generous support of the 2016 Bond Program, we are investing more than $350 million in every student, every 20

Chris Gdowski, Superintendent

school and every community through improvements to our buildings.

• Thunder Vista P-8, a new school located in the Anthem community of Broomfield, will open August 2018 with capacity to serve up to 1,000 students.

• Additions to Cotton Creek and Arapahoe Ridge elementaries will open August 2018.

• Renovation and repair work is underway this summer in 11 schools.

• Phase one is complete of the reconstruction and renovation of STEM Lab, which serves students from across the entire Five Star District. Phase two is underway and when complete for the 20192020 school year, it will allow enrollment to grow from 475 current students to an anticipated 720 students.

ELEVATE After a year-long engagement process with more than 7,000 parents, students, staff and community members, the Five Star District will unveil its new strategic plan – ELEVATE – this fall.

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Through the engagement process we discovered the strengths of the district, and the hopes and dreams of our families, staff and community members. We collectively determined that in Adams 12 Five Star Schools, we care, we collaborate, we empower, we engage and we focus on students.

Our new strategic plan has six focus areas that our community identified as being critical to student success: 21st Century Learners, Diverse Learning, Outsidethe-Classroom Learning, Safe Schools, Social-Emotional Learning and World-Class Staff.

Within each focus area, the plan highlights specific strategies to achieve high outcomes for students.

MOVING FORWARD ELEVATE is ambitious.

While we have already begun implementing many of the strategies outlined in ELEVATE to great success, the plan calls for building upon and amplifying that work to an even higher level.

ELEVATE is our roadmap for greater success and we will get

there together. What still needs to be established is how soon we get there.

You’ve likely heard of the funding challenges facing education in Colorado. Since the state first started cutting education funding in 20092010, Adams 12 Five Star Schools has experienced a cumulative funding shortfall of $362 million. The cut in funding for 2018-2019 alone is $32 million. Additionally, the district hasn’t received an infusion of dollars locally since the last mill levy override of 2008.

On August 22 our board of education will consider whether to place a local mill levy override on the ballot to help jump-start our investment in ELEVATE. I encourage you to attend if you can or to learn more about our new strategic plan at adams12.org/ELEVATE. Enjoy your last few days of summer break!

Sincerely, Chris Gdowski, Superintendent Adams 12 Five Star Schools

BACK TO SCHOOL | ORGANIZATIONS

Finding help when your student needs it

Volunteers fill backbacks as part of Crayons to Calculators program. (Photo: A Precious Child). GIVE Arts recipient. (Photo: A Precious Child).

By Emma Castleberry

T

he success of each student doesn’t end and begin with the classroom schedule – often, what happens outside the classroom, before and after school hours, can be just as defining for a student’s future.

Colorado school districts have a number of resources available to parents, teachers and students who need support and aid throughout the school year.

CRAYONS TO CALCULATORS While shopping for school supplies is exciting for some families, it is a daunting task for others. “The goal of the Crayons to Calculators program is to supply the 11,274 students in need in both Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts with backpacks filled with the supplies needed to start the school year

prepared and empowered to learn,” says Chris GrackWilson, development and communications manager for Crayons to Calculators. The program estimates the cost of basic school supplies for one child to be between $60 and $80, a financial burden for the more than 11,000 students in these districts that qualify for free and reduced lunch – which is the qualifying factor for the Crayons to Calculators program. Students who take part in “I Have a Dream” of Boulder Valley programs also are eligible for backpacks through this program.

Families can determine eligibility by talking to their school.

Crayons to Calculators creates their school supply backpacks with the help of presenting sponsor Western Services, who has supported the program for over 11 years.

The program holds supply drives throughout July and

individuals can donate at crayonstocalculators.org.

A PRECIOUS CHILD Once the school year has begun, organizations like A Precious Child work to assist students struggling with abuse, neglect, crisis situations and poverty. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure we are providing children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential,” says Alissa Trumbull, director of development and marketing for A Precious Child. “We do this through our eight core programs, which are grouped into four key focus areas: Essentials to Thrive, Educational Empowerment, Extracurricular Enrichment and Gifts to Celebrate.”

The organization works with more than 400 agency partners throughout the eight Denver Metro counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder,

Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson and Weld to identify children and families in the most need of services.

For more information call 303.466.4272.

BVSD CHILD FIND Within the Boulder Valley School District, one of the most comprehensive, earlyintervention programs is Child Find, the federal government’s system for identifying children with developmental delays.

“Research shows that the younger educators are able to identify and address learning issues, the more likely our students are to succeed,” says Randy Barber, chief communications officer for BVSD. Children from birth to five years can be evaluated for free and this information is then passed on to the appropriate partner. For children from birth to three years old, Child Find will alert partners at Imagine!, a nonprofit, community-centered board that confirms the child’s eligibility and connects them with services. “When children turn three, BVSD’s Child Find efforts shift to learning as it relates to the impact in an educational setting and may identify special education services within the school district to address a child›s needs,” says Barber. Families that have concerns about their child’s development, including vision, hearing, speech/ language skills, motor skills, thinking skills and emotional or social skills, should contact BVSD’s Child Find team at bvsd.org/childfind or call 720.561.5267. The Spanish line for Child Find is 720.562.5367.

AUGUST 2018 – BACK TO SCHOOL

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Bixby School

Boulder County Day School

Boulder Valley Waldorf School

Nina Lopez, head of Bixby School, said, “Love is what makes Bixby special!

Learning at Bixby begins with deeply knowing and loving each of our students as a complete and whole person. We focus upon social-emotional and academic learning, and customize the learning experience for each student, allowing them to grow their individual gifts and talents.”

Bixby’s mission is to compassionately empower children to develop their individual gifts and prepare them to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Boulder Country Day School, where academic distinction meets education with character. At BCD, every child has the opportunity to discover his or her own unique excellence. Distinguished by small class sizes, outstanding faculty, engaging academics and a focus on community, its preschool, elementary and IB middle school teachers strive to create a well-rounded educational environment that balances traditional subjects with the arts, world languages, athletics and projectbased learning. Susan Boyle, director of admission, says “BCD has an incredible community of involved parents, teachers and staff who love their work. Our students tell us it feels like home.”

Boulder Valley Waldorf School will celebrate its 25th year with a big Silver Harvest Celebration in autumn. Formerly Shepherd Valley Waldorf, the school has opened an additional kindergarten school on its 38 acres in Niwot and gone to a sensible tuition model, according to Ruth Godberfforde, outreach and admissions director.

She said, “We have a holistic developmentally-based education based on the age and ability of children. For little ones the program is play-based with lots of time outdoor in nature, developmental movement, crafts, and social things they do together. When they’re ready for first grade, in addition to literacy and math, they learn two world languages, movement and music. In third grade they start learning strings instruments.

As the children continue in the upper grades, their thematic learning blocks are studied in greater depth. We’re continuing the good work in a more intellectual way.”

Grades Served: Preschool to 5th grade Address: 4760 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder Phone: 303.494.7508 Website: bixbyschool.org Head of School: Nina Lopez Enrollment: 32 preschool; 70 kindergarten to 5th grade Capacity: 40 preschool; 80 kindergarten to 5th grade Annual Tuition: Preschool program is $1906/month (Three and four-day options available); K-5 school day program is $1981/ month (full day extended program for PS-5 also available).

Daily Schedule: Bixby’s regular school day for K-5 students is 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each day. Preschool program hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. We also offer extended day options for PS-5 families from 7:15 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., including drop-in care.

Open House/Visitation: Visit website for upcoming open house dates. To schedule a tour, e-mail: admissions@bixbyschool.org.

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Grades Served: Preschool to 8th Grade Address: 4820 Nautilus Court North, Boulder Phone: 303.527.4931 Website: bouldercountryday.org Head of School: John Suitor Enrollment: 350 Capacity: 392 Annual Tuition: $13,600-$21,000 Daily Schedule: Preschool through 5th Grade: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Middle School: 8 a.m. to 3:17 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Wed., Nov. 14, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

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Grades Served: Preschool to 8th Grade Address: 6500 W. Dry Creek Pkwy., Niwot Phone: 303.652.0130 Website: bvwaldorf.org Principal: D. Hindes Enrollment: 150 Capacity: 160 Annual Tuition: $9,650 Daily Schedule: 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Daily Tours; Oct. 18, 1 to 3 p.m.; Nov. 8, 3 to 5 p.m.

Friends School Friends School has been educating Boulder’s students in preschool through 8th grade for over 30 years. The school values all learners and offers a creative, challenging, safe environment where every student is seen, known and loved. Small class sizes allow Friends School to know each student fully for who they are, meet them where they are as learners, and help them to know themselves and set their own path. A strong balance of rich academic and social emotional curriculum with an emphasis on character development allows graduates to successfully transition into any high school environment.

Friends School’s middle school opened three years ago at its North Campus. The same holistic philosophy that has been the cornerstone of Friends preschool and elementary school for over 30 years now guides its program for students in 6th through 8th grade. The North Campus is also home to Friends School’s Teacher Preparation Program that enables aspiring teachers with a bachelor’s degree to attain a Colorado teaching license as well as a Master’s degree in education. This highly regarded graduate program places teachers in public and independent schools throughout Boulder County each year.

Grades Served: Preschool to 8th grade Addresses: South Campus: 5465 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder; North Campus: 3800 Kalmia Ave., Boulder Phone: 303.499.1999 Website: friendsschoolboulder.org Principal/Director: Honor D. Taft Enrollment: 200 Capacity: 290 Annual Tuition: $6,455 - $20,106. Sliding scale and financialaid available.

Daily Schedule: South Campus: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

North Campus: Monday through Thursday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:45, Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Visit website for upcoming open house dates. Elementary tours by appointment, e-mail: admissions@ friendsschoolboulder.org or call 303.499.1999 ext. 227.

Holy Family High School

Holy Family High School is the only Catholic College Preparatory High School in Northern Colorado.

The school’s Athletic and Fine Performing Arts programs emphasize faith formation, sportsmanship, creativity and teamwork, with a goal of accomplishing a well-rounded individual.

The admissions team at Holy Family said, “We have had a historic year in admissions for the upcoming school year and are excited to be able to continue to offer Catholic education to any student who desires it and who can be successful within our academically rigorous curriculum.

Holy Family High School is a community of parents, faculty and staff, administrators, students, alumni, friends and benefactors, all striving together to accomplish their common purpose; to build a community dedicated to excellence in education of the whole person, mind, spirit and body, and to service through our faith.”

Grades Served: 9th to 12th grade Address: 5195 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield Phone: 303.410.1411 Website: holyfamilyhs.com Principal: Matt Hauptly Capacity: 800 Annual Tuition: Affiliated Catholic $11,130; Unaffiliated Rate - $12,915 Daily Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:55 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Open House/Visitation: Sat., Oct. 21

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ONLINE | EVENING | SUMMER

That moment when you dive into something new.

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Life gets busy. Find classes that fit your schedule. ce.colorado.edu • 303.492.5148