Raised in the Rockies - Back to School 2022 by Prairie Mountain Media

P.O. Box 19199 Boulder, CO 80308 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Longmont, CO Permit No. 16 • BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT • ST VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT • ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS • PRIVATE & CHARTER SCHOOLS • PRESCHOOLS & DAYCARES BOULDER, BROOMFIELD & SW WELD COUNTIES back to school r-School The k to ng to Activity GuideClassroom RAISEDINTHEROCKIES.COM | AUGUST 2022 Tips For Parents MARKETING FEATURE

2 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL Follow us on Facebook @BVSDcolorado @BVSDenEspanol Equity is at the center of BVSD’s “All Together for All Students” strategic plan. We believe thatour strategic initiatives will address the core themes thatcontribute to achievement and opportunity gaps, ultimately ensuring excellence for all of our students. Learn more at bvsd.org/strategic-plan

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Kathleen Duff Emma Castleberry

• Montessori Method and Child Development

Christine Labozan

Jill Stravolemos

• Extracurricular Activities: Educating a Child is About So Much More Than What Happens in a Classroom

Back in the Groove

As schools prepare to receive students for a fresh start to learning, there are several ways parents can help their kids tap into their unique learning rhythm.

Jeanine Fritz

Francine Wahlgren

Elise Oberliesen

Joshua Berman

• Child Find: Developing a Love of Learning

• Back to School in Style and Comfort

Rhema Zlaten

features

Keith Kratochvil

Make a Splash Setting Up for School

Katie Feindel John Teehan

• Science and Tech Opens the World to Students

• Untold Story: How Waldorf Education Prepares Students for the Online World

Marketing Consultants

Darian Armer

• A Welcoming Environment for Kids on Autism Spectrum

Advertising Directors

• Q&A: Classical Education: A Renaissance in Public Education

Adam Goldstein

Making Music

For advertising information, call 303.473.1400 or visit RaisedintheRockies.com.

• Helping Kids Stay Cool, Calm and Collected

• Cyber Safety Checklist for Students

At Colorado’s IB schools, whole-world perspective enriches the whole child.

inside

Sarah Huber

Ruth Garfield

• Religious Schools Oﬀer Impressive Educational Opportunities for Students of All Faiths

Think Globally, Act Locally

View the digital edition at RaisedintheRockies.com contents // AUGUST 2022

Greg Stone

Barbra Cohn

Julie Kailus

Time, tunes and true grit.

Wendy McMillan

Pete Christiansen

4 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

• Private, Charter and Preschool Spotlight

Fun tips for building preschool and Kindergarten readiness.

Contributing Writers

• Super Simple Ways Kids Can Help Conserve Energy

Dale Sekular

Billy Magrini

Linda Thorsen Bond

Raised in the Rockies is a quarterly marketing feature produced by the Boulder Daily Camera, Broomfield Enterprise, Colorado Hometown Weekly and Longmont Times-Call. ©2022 Prairie Mountain Media. All rights reserved.

• Letters from the Superintendents

Shelley Widhalm

Managing Editor

Darren Thornberry

A Mindful Mission

• Local Nonproﬁts ﬁll in the gaps for students, families

Social-Emotional Learning in schools and beyond.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 5

Tips on returning to the classroom

Deany said. “Most importantly, be positive and express confidence. With the help of your encouragement, planning, and assurances, the start of the school year can feel like a celebration.”

“If they are in high school, help them think about rough transitions throughout the day. It may just be physical distance from class to class, or certain subjects that are harder for them,” she said.

At Prospect Ridge Academy, a K-12 school in Broomfield, teachers start the school year by helping students rebuild academic stamina, according to Executive Director April Wilkin.

Parents, in turn, should also talk with their kids about their day.

“We have lots of back to school events,” Godberfforde said. “Parents get to know each other and get connected to their teachers. So [we organize] playdates and picnics and times on campus for the parents as well as the children to get to know each other.”

Helping children and teens get familiar with their school grounds, transportation and even teachers (if possible) before the school year begins can also help ease the transition, according to Ruth Godberfforde, the Director of Admissions and Advancement at Boulder Valley Waldorf School in Niwot.

Back in the groove

St. Vrain Valley School District Area Assistant Superintendent Dina PerfettiDeany recommended starting conversations about the school year well before the semester starts.

// PARENTING

Wilkin also recommended prepping for school the night before. Get backpacks ready, pack lunches, and have kids pick out what to wear. Talk through any unique schedule elements for the next day, such as appointments or afterschool activities. For older students, check on any outstanding assignments. Also, craft a morning routine.

BY RHEMA ZLATEN for Raised in the Rockies

“It is important to talk with our children about what they look most forward to about school, and help them plan for how to handle the parts they are unsure of,” Perfetti-

And if students can’t meet

“Another fun thing I know parents like to do is to get the backpack ready [early]. Consider school lunches together Include your child if they are motivated by those physical and tangible things,” Godberfforde said.

6 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

the teacher until the first class bell rings, still talk about their teacher’s role and how to relate to them. She also recommended a few concrete school prep practices, such as driving the route to school a few days before the new year starts, and talking about how drop off and pick up will work. Have students pick out a first day outfit, and talk through expectations.

“Teachers at all levels do a good job of making sure to be transparent with students about what to expect for the day, and what the routine will look like,” Wilkin said.

et ready to sharpen that pencil bouquet because the start of the new school year is just around the corner, and the smell of new school supplies is in the air. As schools prepare to receive students for a fresh start to learning, there are several ways parents can help their kids tap into their unique learning rhythm.

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8 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

“We know that many families have postponed routine health checkups and vaccinations during the pandemic … now is the best time to get caught up,” Faren said. “Students entering preschool need physicals before starting and students participating in athletics will need a physical clearing them to participate. Per Colorado law, students must have school-required vaccinations or a current exemption to attend school. Families should ensure their children are upto-date on all state-required immunizations, make a plan to get the required immunizations, or have a current certificate of

exemption.”

try to get back into the mindset that school is where learning is happening,” Wilkin said. “If students are missing little things here and there, they add up … the best way to catch up is to be at school.”

“As parents are gearing up,

It’s important to schedule routine health checkups. Back to School time is a great time to schedule an appointment. (Photo: Shutterstock).

“As always, the most important things we can do [are] get vaccinated, stay home when feeling unwell, and get tested if exposed or symptomatic,” Faren said.

With many school activities returning to pre-pandemic levels, area schools will all have unique protocols and approaches to keep students in the classroom.

Stephanie Faren is the Director of Health Services for Boulder Valley School District. She expressed that BVSD will continue to follow state guidelines, and they will work with local public health agencies around disease

“Have some type of consistency in the morning for what they can expect for breakfast, and a certain spot where they can find all of their [school] materials,” Wilkin said. “I have two very different children, ages 12 and 9, but we have tried to iron out what they need as different students. One of my children needs 10 reminders to wake up, and the other one is up right away but then needs something to do until we leave for school.”

Additionally, Wilkin expressed that families really do need to prioritize having their students in the classroom for as many school days as possible.

NAVIGATING HEALTH CHALLENGES AT SCHOOL

She also recommended scheduling routine health checkups.

surveillance and family notifications.

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Fun tips for building preschool and kindergarten readiness

REMEMBER WHAT ‘READINESS’ MEANS

10 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

“Elementary school is so much about how to ‘do school’,” says Amy French-Troy, K-12 Educator, librarian, and current Development and Communications Coordinator at Longmont’s TLC Learning Center “Readiness is supporting children in getting to the point where they’re ready to take that on. Facilitating, enjoying, and supporting opportunities to follow steps and procedures, work positively with peers, navigate tricky social situations supporting your child in these areas helps them focus on learning once they get to school.”

In the face of these emotions, rest assured, not only can you count on your children’s educational team to support their unique styles, there is also a lot you can do between now and the first day of school to help set them up for a strong, comfortable transition and year The best part is, you’ve

probably been doing so all along. Here are top tips from local experts to guide, inspire, and reassure you.

ummer solstice has passed, and you know that means: it’s nearly time look out for backto-school supply lists and promotions. There’s also plenty of time to bask in the carefree swell of the season while helping your child prepare for the upcoming scholastic adventures ahead.

“Parents are a child’s best first teacher, and summer is a great time for our youngest students to start to prepare for preschool and Kindergarten,” says Katie Gustafson, Executive Principal at Flagstaff Academy in Longmont. “Families often have more opportunities to be part of different communities, and can encourage children to notice the different environments they are in. When we are at the library, what volume should our voices have? When we visit the slide at a pool or park, how do we know when it’s our turn?”

// PARENTING

Make a Splash Setting Up for School

Water garden. (Photo courtesy: TLC Learning Center).

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WENDY MCMILLAN for Raised in the Rockies

EXPOSE CHILDREN TO DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS WITH UNIQUE EXPECTATIONS

For young children and their families, approaching the start of preschool and Kindergarten years can be as nerve wracking as exciting. As August nears, parents may find themselves wondering and worrying about how their child will cope with new routines ahead.

Learning happens everywhere. (Photo courtesy: Ziji Elementary).

“Children learn because that’s the way nature designed them, and they learn most efficiently through play,” says Amy May, Executive Leader, Owner, and Parent at Treehouse Learning, Lafayette. “[At Treehouse Learning]we follow the research-supported wisdom of Mr Rogers, that play is the most important work of young children. Play includes infinite possibilities for movement, music, outdoor time, make-believe, big-body play, intentionally guided play versus child-led, group or individual play, or free versus structured play Play is effective in leading to what we consider “learning readiness” when it involves as many of the five senses and the physical bodies of children, through movement, as much as possible.”

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 11

Butterfly garden. (Photo courtesy: TLC Learning Center).

GROCERY SHOPPING together involves print

“Resist the urge to hurry processes up,” says Megan Flaherty, one of two Teaching Directors at Ziji Elementary, Boulder. It’s only natural for parents to feel overly panicked when it comes to their kids, Flaherty says. Instead, she advises them to trust that things will unfold naturally in their own way, and make time and space for that. “Remember, it’s ok for children to struggle,” Flaherty says. “Instead of stepping in when a button is tricky, we can break tasks down into steps and foster independence while explaining how things are done. Then again, sometimes you just have to get out the door, and that’s OK, too.”

HEALTHY HABITS make for healthy growth and development. “Using a variety of activities to keep your child active will help them build a love for healthy habits, beneficial for their overall growth and development, physically and emotionally,” says Elizabeth Arneson, Director of Kohl Street Kids Preschool and BASE program, Broomfield. “Whatever they like to do to stay active is great. Plus, building these healthy habits young will make it easier for them to keep them as they grow.”

SORTING AND ORGANIZING, from the laundry to children’s rooms, is a natural part of math, reading, and writing. “Provide vocabulary when opportunities arise,” says Shela

awareness, paying attention to labels, preparing and checking off lists, visual literacy, and beginning executive functioning skills.

NOTICE THE NATURE OF “TEACHABLE MOMENTS” Learning happens everywhere. Simply noticing them can be the best eye-opener, for you and your children. Your daily routines are far more “academic” than you may realize. For instance:

LET THEM GUIDE YOU “Drawing on the interests

PAINTING, DRAWING, USING SCISSORS, and generally exploring artistic and writing tools develop fine motor skills.

DON’T OVERTHINK IT HAVE FUN!

“Knitting, too” says Flaherty, who suggests colored pencils over thicker markers. “All that dexterity that comes with knitting is fantastic.”

ALLOW FOR STRUGGLE

COOKING TOGETHER involves number sense, following directions, breaking tasks down into steps, and framing story structures of first/next/then.

And, it goes without saying, READING TOGETHER is one of the most meaningful activities you can share.

Blankenship, Early Childhood Coordinator for St. Vrain Valley School District. “Ask for particular amounts of items, at the table or when playing.”

of your child and sharing excitement brings energy to draw children into learning,” says Blankinship. “Hands-on learning allows for exploration and problem solving.”

“Reading for as little as 20 minutes a day is a great bonding experience, and boosts many areas of learning and development,” says Arneson.

In practice, an IB programme “provides a curriculum framework while allowing

Boulder Country Day School students participate in Model UN. (Photo courtesy: Boulder Country Day School).

// EDUCATION

“We don’t teach students what to think, but how to think for themselves, how to question and how to seek the answers,” said Gwynn Reback, IB middle school programme coordinator at

At Colorado’s IB schools, whole-world perspective enriches the whole child

intense authorization process sometimes taking multiple years and requiring reauthorization every five years.

District, and Sunset Middle School and Niwot High School in the St. Vrain Valley School District.

Boulder Country Day School. IB offerings extend from the primary years programme for elementary students, the middle years programme and for high schoolers, the career-related programme and diploma programme.

For a Comprehensive Education: Think Globally, Act Locally

“An IB programme encourages students to think critically, solve complex problems, drive their own learning and be more culturally aware and well-rounded through the development of a second language,” said Kristopher Schuh, assistant superintendent for St. Vrain Valley Schools. She added, “By exploring interpersonal values and ethical decision-making from both a local and global standpoint, students are more prepared for an increasingly globalized world.”

12 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

ome of Colorado’s top-performing schools also take the most global view of education. Authorized by The International Baccalaureate, Colorado’s “IB schools” include public and private elementary, middle and high schools, respectively, that develop the whole child while fostering a whole-world perspective through inquirybased learning.

Boulder Country Day School’s middle school program teaches students to think globally and act locally (Photo courtesy: Boulder Country Day School).

Headquartered in Geneva, the IB foundation counts 93 IB schools in Colorado and nearly 1,800 nationwide, with the

BY SARAH HUBER for Raised in the Rockies

Four local IB schools are the private school Boulder Country Day School and the public schools Whittier International Elementary, in the Boulder County School

While some families attend IB public institutions simply as their neighborhood school, many seek out IB programmes. The elementary and middle school programmes emphasize lifelong learning skills, such as time management and organization, as well as critical thinking and an understanding international perspective, and the high school programmes are internationally recognized by colleges and businesses as nurturing empathetic, thoughtful and academically impressive global citizens.

of supplies, what could be included in the transportable classroom. Students regularly corresponded with their Ugandan peers and learned through friendship about life outside Boulder County “As part of our global minded-ness, we are also service-oriented,” Armstrong said. This is on display each year when students select their middle school research project, in which they identify a problem and generate viable resolutions. Students have presented on topics as varied as immigration stories, the impact of homelessness, food insecurity and the humane treatment of animals. “Our students find pride in service and finding solutions,” she said.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 13

Boulder Country Day School to maintain our school’s unique culture and character,” Reback said. Students study traditional core subjects alongside one or two world languages, art, physical and health education and design and technology. “We are rooted in our school and local communities and connected to our international community through global contexts,” Reback continued. “We intentionally make connections to encourage thinking about our place in the world and how that relates to what students are learning.”

Thus, last year Sunset middle schoolers partnered with Niwot High School students to construct and fill a trailer sized classroom, which was shipped to Sunset’s sister school in Uganda. Led by Sunset’s IB coordinator Alex Armstrong, students did the math to determine the area of the space and calculate, given the shape and weight

Ultimately, “I am deeply inspired by the education we offer because students can’t help but love learning, and IB encourages us all to make a better world with our actions,” said Sarah Oswick, principal of Whittier International Elementary

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Anthony Barela, principal at Sunset Middle School in Longmont, concurred, saying, “IB teaches students to think globally, act locally.” To motivate students to embrace an international perspective with a heart for communitycentered advocacy, Reback said, “Teachers consistently emphasize and encourage students to adopt the habits of the IB Learner Profile, which challenges them to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators and risktakers who are knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective.”

Sunset Middle School students collaborate on a project. (Photo courtesy: Sunset Middle School).

BY BARBRA COHN for Raised in the Rockies

// HEALTH

Whether your child is exposed to the news of yet another school shooting, is entering a transition year such as going to kindergarten, middle school, or high school or is just nervous about starting a new school year, it’s more important than ever to support them with coping skills.

Helping Kids Stay Cool, Calm and Collected

Kate Parker, LCSW, vice president of clinical operations at

14 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

n the best of days, modern life is filled with ordinary stressful challenges. On the worst of days, it’s fraught with incomprehensible tragedy.

But when the stress becomes chronic, it can harm our health and well-being.

“When we talk about preparing kids and how parents can help it’s about giving kids a sense of psychological safety. It’s working on building their sense of confidence and competence to empower them to make decisions. By doing that in an authentic fashion, kids can gain a sense of control,” Parker says.

“Our role is to encourage and model positive coping strategies as we watch and react to the world because our kids are always watching us. It helps build resilience,” she says.

According to a 2020 American Psychological Association survey of more than 1,000 teens between 13 and 17, 43 percent said their stress levels have increased over the past two years.

“My best advice is to love, be patient, kind and understanding, but also firm. Create a rhythm and routine so that even if it’s a challenging morning, your child knows what to expect. The structure becomes a blanket of security which helps mitigate their stress. And make sure your child gets enough rest. Sleep is essential to their well-being and happiness,” she says.

transition also need confidence to help them feel in control. Providing a routine helps them know what to expect.

Boulder mother Rohini Grace did exactly that when her sensitive child transitioned from preschool to first grade.

“We had a strong routine in the morning so that she could count on the process. My heart hurt to see her cry at drop-off those first few weeks but with regularity and rhythm to her mornings, she soon knew what to expect and was running to be the first one at the door and see her new friends and say hi to her teacher,” Grace says.

them of the things that you’ve witnessed them using in the past that have helped them cope.

She adds that younger kids in

Parker adds that it’s important for parents of teens and younger children to focus on and identify the strengths that kids bring to the table.

Mental Health Partners is the only organization providing comprehensive mental health services to residents of Boulder and Broomfield counties regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about anxiety outreach programs for teens and children, and one on-on-one assessment and counseling, call 303.443.8500 or visit: www.mhpcolorado.org/ back-to-school. 24/7 Crisis Line: 1.844.8255.

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“Our role [as parents] is to encourage and model positive coping strategies as we watch and react to the world because our kids are always watching us. It helps build resilience”

Mental Health Partners advises parents to empower kids so they’re able to make decisions and have a sense of control.

“Kids have felt disempowered and that things are out of their control,” Parker says. “Parents need to give kids positive coping strategies that help them manage their stress and anxiety. It’s important to have space to talk through it, to talk about their feelings and experiences, and to hear what their stress and anxiety are. It’s important to remind

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 15

“Stress is a natural part of life. It’s important to help us survive and be resilient,” she says.

HOW DO KIDS AT MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RESPOND TO THIS METHOD?

learn at their own individual pace and according to their own interests in activities. Children use their hands and senses to learn, not just listening, watching, or reading. Children are engaged in individual and/ or group activities of their own choice throughout the day Learning is exploring, and a process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and the development of a love of learning. The Montessori classroom is made up of children within a three-year age span. This allows the class to be a real community with different aged children working together, peer teaching happening, spontaneous children helping each other, and the older children sharing their knowledge with younger children.

// EDUCATION

The Montessori method seeks to develop natural interests and activities with an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. (Photo courtesy: Mountain Shadows Montessori School).

IS MONTESSORI MORE POPULAR THAN EVER?

HD: There has been a surge

in Montessori demands. This is because The Montessori classrooms meet each child where they are developmentally and academically The child then progresses at their own pace, meeting their individual needs. The children are able to work in small groups. This allows them to work cooperatively, share ideas, compromise, think outside the box and build teamwork skills.

Let’s check in with Harry Donahue, Head of School at Mountain Shadows Montessori School in Boulder, to properly understand the origins of Montessori and why it’s such a benefit to the kids in that learning environment.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE MONTESSORI METHOD?

16 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

WHERE DOES THIS EDUCATIONAL MODEL COME FROM?

Montessori education is not about worksheets, chalkboards and sitting at uncomfortable desks for hours. The Montessori method seeks to develop natural interests and activities with an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing realworld skills.

Harry Donahue: Montessori is a different approach to learning. Montessori children

HD: Montessori education was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907. She was the first woman doctor in Italy This approach to education is based on Dr Montessori’s scientific observation of the child’s learning process and observing the child’s developmental needs. Montessori works well with most children. However, it will work best when families and teachers work together, allowing the child to be independent and responsible. This allows the child to reach their full potential. There are many things that can be done at home with the child that will align with what their child is doing at school.

HD: The children have a desire to learn and natural curiosity throughout the day They are free to work with activities that interest them. The children also are responsible to do followup work on lessons that they have received. The children are proud of their work and are excited to share with others.

Montessori Method and Child Development

BY DARREN THORNBERRY for Raised in the Rockies

JM: A solid “liberal arts” background prepares students for any conceivable occupation beyond school. Learning to learn is what colleges and prospective

In layperson’s terms, what is classical education?

Is classical education seeing renewed interest at this time and, if so, why?

BM: There is classical education and there is also classical Christian education, which is a faith-based classical method of teaching. The goal of classical Christian education is to equip students to evaluate knowledge in the light of Scripture, achieve academic excellence, to be thoughtful, and to glorify God. Classical Christian education develops in the student a desire to know God more and to share the love of God with others, not only in word but also in action.

Twin Peaks Classical Academy

Brigette Modglin, Founding Family Member; Board Member Summit Classical Academy

employers desire.

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Joseph R. Mehsling: Classical education begins with a relentless focus on literacy and numeracy mastery, the grammar stage. It’s a well regarded philosophy that students that can read, write and do math well can access any curriculum.

BM: Education is not one size fits all. Every student learns differently, but classical education can be good for a wide variety of learners. There are some cases where classical education can even help students with learning disabilities like dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Q&A: Classical Education:

Your last word:

A Renaissance in Public Education

Joseph R. Mehsling Executive Director

cross the U.S., charter growth is stable if not declining, except for a renewed interest in an old model of schooling: classical education. To learn more about what it is and its benefits to children, we asked a few questions of two local authorities on the topic: Joseph R. Mehsling, executive director at Twin Peaks Classical Academy in Longmont and Brigette Modglin, founding family member and board member at Summit Classical Academy in Broomfield.

JM: Seeking truth, beauty and goodness are every bit as relevant now, if not more, in a society bombarded by screens, social media distractions and isolation.

BM: Classical education has successfully been used for hundreds of years and has produced many of history’s great minds.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 17

Brigette Modglin: Classical education teaches students HOW to learn, not What to learn. It teaches students HOW to think. The outcome of classical education produces students that are lifelong learners, have a passion for learning, who become strong leaders, communicate effectively, are confident, and express themselves logically and eloquently

Do you consider it the best learning style regardless of how each individual child learns or is it a case of working well for one and perhaps not for another?

BY DARREN THORNBERRY for Raised in the Rockies

JM: There is a national and local renewed interest in the timeless virtues of classical education. I think there are a number of reasons, but right now is the recognition that technology and its inherent issues with screen time and social development might not be ready to replace real books, paper, handwriting, critical thinking and meaningful interpersonal (teacher-student) interactions.

18 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL // EDUCATION

Cyber Civics is taught in 90 percent of North American Waldorf schools and a rapidly growing number of public schools as well, in 48 states. The lessons are grouped into three levels: digital citizenship, information literacy and media

UNTOLD STORY

Middle school is often where it starts, exposure to participation in and consumption of media and social media. It is common for students to come home declaring, “I’m the only one in the class who doesn’t have [insert the latest device]!”

I’ve been teaching Cyber Civics at Shining Mountain Waldorf School for two years and the response from students and parents is thick with appreciation that we are helping students learn these skills. In the sixth grade, we also talk about digital reputation, hiding behind a screen, identity, avatars, digital drama, being an upstander, and what to do if you encounter cyberbullying or hate speech.

The Cyber Civics curriculum was developed by Diana Graber, a teacher at the Journey School in California who has an MA in media psychology and social change. She is also the author of Raising Humans in a Digital World, a must-read for any modern parent.

As screens and media work their way further into our lives, both at home and at school, the need to prepare

How Waldorf Education Prepares Students for the Online World

Sixth grade students at Shining Mountain Waldorf School dissect a computer in a Cyber Civics lesson entitled “Investigating Today’s Tools.” PHOTO: Joshua Berman

Part of their mood was natural middle schooler curiosity, but with this class, there was something else at play. There was this slightly forbidden feeling of seeing a pile of tech in a Waldorf classroom. After all, Waldorf schools are famously low/ no tech, at least in the pre-K through fifth grade classrooms, and this is still generally true. But even those spaces had

CYBER CIVICS

WHAT STUDENTS NEED

n excited cluster of sixth graders surrounded the table where I’d placed an assortment of devices an old iPhone, PC and laptop. I was about to remove the side panel from an old hard drive and the suspense was thick in the air. We’d just learned the names of the main components and, as I revealed the colored wires and electronic innards, I instructed the students to remove any parts they could. They eagerly complied.

BY JOSHUA BERMAN Shining Mountain Waldorf School

screens in them during parts of the pandemic, when tech pushed further into our lives as we sought to stay connected.

I was teaching a lesson called “Investigating Today’s Tools,” a part of the sixth grade Cyber Civics curriculum. The students’ eagerness to place the sharp-edged computer parts in their hands was fun to watch. These were not the fuzzy, felted wool toys and soft beeswax sculptures that had occupied many of these hands only a couple of years ago. These were hard, modern objects and the students were fully involved in trying to identify them was this the motherboard, the central processing unit, or the video card? They buzzed and discussed and discovered.

be, online.

literacy, each of these taking a full year, taught in grades 6, 7 and 8, respectively. The course can be taught entirely offline, since it focuses on interpersonal skills before actual tech skills.

TODAY’S TOOLS

So the timing of this lesson was perfect. After pulling apart the various devices, each student chose a component to bring back to their desk to draw and then illustrate how they think it works. The objective of the lesson is to demonstrate to students that these devices are merely tools; that it’s how we use them that determines what kind of experience we’ll have, and what kind of people we can

“We want to teach students that they’re the master of the tool,” said Graber in a telephone interview, “and that the tool is not the master of them.”

“Waldorf pedagogy was ready for this moment,” said Graber. “[It] is so well positioned to put children into the world who are critical thinkers, and then, when you layer on top of that teaching them how to use technology and teaching them about empathy they are so far ahead of everyone else.”

“What students need is what the world needs,” declares the Cyber Civics website, which then quotes Rudolf

Steiner in naming these needs: “imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility.” These critical human capacities also happen to be exactly what students need to become safe, ethical citizens, both in real life and in the digital world.

This reminded me of one of my first impressions of Waldorf education, before I started teaching. I was chatting with the owner of a neighborhood pizza shop called O’s, which used to be a couple of blocks from the Shining Mountain Waldorf School campus. “Oh, I can tell the Waldorf kids from the rest from the moment they walk in,” he said one day “They look you in the eye and they are present.”

The questions for schools and parents then are: (1) How do we teach these topics before children enter the online world, or as Graber put it, how do we plant seeds of digital literacy while laying a “strong ethical thinking foundation”? (2) In middle school, how do we teach these capacities in relation to the internet? And (3) How does this education, especially media literacy, continue into the high school years?

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS

they move between offline and online spaces.

DISCOVERY

our children to be safe and responsible members of the online world is as urgent as ever. Waldorf Education has always been about introducing the right topics and skills at the appropriate time in a child’s development, and so it goes with technology This begins with addressing human capacities like the Golden Rule in earlier years, and then needs to get more explicit in middle school.

Joshua Berman teaches Spanish and Cyber Civics at Shining Mountain Waldorf School in Boulder

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 19

“It’s that human element,” said Graber “When you talk to business owners around

This was about 2006 or so, before the Internet took over the world, and now, years later, I realize how that simple mindful presence is still such a large part of the equation; and how finding evolving ways to teach it to students is key as

the world, they say that’s largely what young people are missing; they’re missing that empathy gene, that ability to look someone in the eye, to communicate face to face that’s gold today.”

Back in the classroom, I sat back and watched the sixth graders settle into their drawing projects. Pencils and pens sketched away; hard drives and wires lay in disarray. I allowed this rare moment of quiet and concentration to linger in the classroom.

“We’re not really teaching it,” Graber said to me regarding the overarching objectives of the Cyber Civics curriculum. “We’re presenting activities where [students] discover this stuff on their own.”

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Upwards of 25 electives, known as essentials (called specials in other schools) help broaden science and technology with a handson approach. Essentials instructors collaborate with general education teachers to support core learning.

While innovations can open up the world for students, science and technology are just as essential in connecting students more directly to their communities’ needs.

// EDUCATION

ome schools in Colorado are both using and teaching science and technology to prepare students for a future that seems almost unimaginable right now.

“... Our students learn biology through courses on climate change, neuroscience and biotechnology They learn chemistry through courses on pollution, atmospheric science and plastics. And they learn physics through courses on clean energy, infrastructure and engineering.”

SCIENCE AND TECH

Watershed School in Boulder, for example, seeks to prepare students in grades 6 to 12 to take on the world’s greatest challenges many of which are rooted in science and technology, said Tim Breen, head of school.

OPENS THE WORLD TO STUDENTS

For example, younger students can participate in the Elementary Science Lab, where they can “get messy, try new things, play with magnets and the microscopes,” she said. A Smart Lab also is available where students have a learning module that allows for exploratory learning for pursuits such as online comics or storyboards.

Curriculum and access oﬀer foundation for the future

“We believe that science and technology are the foundation for everyday life,” explained Katie Gustafson, executive principal. “This helps students understand and navigate the world around us. Students are growing up in this world that is very different from the one we grew up with. We are preparing kids for jobs that don’t even exist yet.”

A favorite among students is the campus greenhouse. “(Students) get to plant and harvest and taste the fruits and vegetables. We have aquaponics, where they learn about filters and the life

Flagstaff Academy in Longmont, for example, is a charter school that offers tuition-free Core Knowledge curriculum for students from kindergarten to eighth grade.

BY KATHLEEN DUFF for Raised in the Rockies

Students, even as young as preschool age, are encouraged to ask questions in both formal and informal formats based on an understanding of the scientific process, critical thinking and the engineering and design process.

“We have a very strong arts and music program. The arts fit naturally into science and technology When we talk about music and visual arts and exploration, technology lends itself to the tools needed,” Gustafson said. “Technology is everywhere;

Other essentials include preengineering, robotics, computer science, cybersecurity, food science and even forensics.

With increased access to equipment, curriculum and online availability, students are being provided with more tools than ever before to help them answer why the world works the way it does.

cycle. Those are the kinds of memories that stick out to kids.”

The courses are multidisciplinary and allow students to explore the social and political aspects of the issue. Watershed aims to

Science courses at the school are called expeditions and focus on what Watershed has identified as the 25 great challenges in the world by employing significant field work.

ABOVE: Flagstaﬀ Academy is proud of its inquiry based, hands-on Science Lab that allows students to use the process of science to understand the world around them. (Photo courtesy: Flagstaﬀ Academy).

they get excited because it’s not all about reading from books and memorizing.”

20 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

Gustafson said, “Starting earlier helps students develop critical thinking and gets them to observe the world around them and take note when they are in their backyard asking questions. The earlier those skills start, the more they can practice those skills and the farther they can go. ... It makes it easier when they go to high school, college and the workforce.”

As part of its mission to develop well-rounded, ethical leaders, the school also emphasizes math, literacy and the arts.

Each student is provided a computer and an Internet hotspot upon request. Microsoft Surface products for concurrent enrollment and Lenovo Legion gaming laptops for an eSports program also are available.

curriculum.

modern workplace skills, with a focus on equity and inclusion. GOAL is a leader in all parts of the ETF, including Leadership and Policy, Teaching and Learning, Intelligent Environmental and Student and School Success. In short, GOAL is a true next-generational educational leader.”

Access to technology and equipment can be just as important in education as curriculum. (Photo: Shutterstock).

“We can offer our students a more immersive experience to develop their next-generation skills. We offer technology certifications, internships, workforce coordination, experimental technology, eSports and a robust Career and Technical Education program, all through Microsoft technologies,” Trujillo said.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 21

With more than 5,000 students enrolled, GOAL High School is Colorado’s largest high school. The school, with 36 drop-in centers throughout the state, blends face-toface instruction with online learning. The school is a free PERFORMANCE-rated high school that partners with Microsoft and Lesovo to offer access to cutting-edge technology.

Breen added, “Colleges also appreciate our focus on students producing high quality work (we favor quality over quantity). Our students graduate knowing how to ask great questions, explore them with rigor and communicate their results with clarity and grace.”

Trujillo added, “Microsoft places a high premium on workforce development and

Access to technology and equipment can be just as important in education as

“To be recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School, a candidate school must be leading in multiple areas of Microsoft’s Education Transformation Framework,” said Jamie Trujillo, chief information officer, via email. Company education leaders evaluate schools every day to ascertain how they transform the educational model using new, creative ways to engage students.

The school, which boasts a 100 percent college acceptance rate, also recently revamped its math program to include an emphasis on data science and technology applications.

engage students in research with local organizations, Breen said.

“Indeed, we hope to engage students in doing research that makes a contribution (e.g., citizen science projects).”

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(Photo courtesy: Holy Family High School.)

BY EMMA CASTLEBERRY for Raised in the Rockies

The academic rigor and religious support provided by a faith-based school, are reasons that many parents choose to pursue these educational opportunities for their child. (Photo courtesy: Sacred Heart of Jesus.)

schools because of their high quality, academic rigor, small student-teacher ratios, and commitment to parental involvement.

22 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

“A religious education helps children grow up feeling valued, worthy, and supported by God and a loving community,” says Sara Godwin, director of Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Broomfield United Methodist Church (UMC). The school focuses heavily on social and emotional development in all programs, and while a Bible

Religious Schools Offer Impressive Educational Opportunities for Students of All Faiths

// EDUCATION

Holy Family High School welcomes students of all faiths, with 14 percent of the student body identifying as non-Catholic.

or religious families, a faith-based education ensures continuity in your child’s home and school environment. A school that aligns with a family’s religious identity will encourage the development of a student’s faith alongside rigorous academic growth and improvement. While the decision to pursue a faith-based education often stems from a family’s existing belief system, some families choose religious

levels of family involvement in each student’s education. “We want parents to feel they are valued and a part of their child’s educational journey,” says Sandy Hepp, director of early childhood education at Vista Ridge. “Through our Christ-centered community and personally attentive teaching philosophy, we nurture the unique talents of each student as learners

and leaders aiming to grow confident minds, strong bodies, and loving spirits.”

(Photo courtesy: Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten.)

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 23

Likewise, Holy Family High School welcomes students of all faiths, with 14 percent of the student body identifying as non-Catholic. Regardless of belief, the learning environment is top notch, with more than 85 percent of the faculty holding advanced degrees. These disciplined instructors employ a holistic approach to student development something any family, regardless of faith, can appreciate when it comes to education. “We place the student experience firmly at the center of all our work,” says Holy Family principal Matt Hauptly. “Our students are surrounded by people

who genuinely care about them. As a result, it is highly empowering, and our students thrive because they feel at home and at ease.”

A faith-based education not only creates plentiful opportunities for families and parents to be involved in their student’s educational experience, but most religious schools encourage and nurture that involvement. At Sacred Heart of Jesus, the school “acknowledges parents as the primary educators of their children,” says director of admissions Heather Elhardt. “Our goal is to create robust partnerships between home and school to support families in their quest for academic success.”

The prioritization of this engagement, along with the academic rigor and religious support provided by a faithbased school, are reasons that many parents choose to pursue these educational opportunities for their child. Regardless of your belief systems, faith-based schools present a valid option to consider for your child’s education future.

curriculum is used to enhance and impart learning within those arenas, all children and families are welcome at Apple Tree. “Broomfield UMC and Apple Tree’s philosophy is ‘Jesus loves you, no strings attached,’” says Godwin. “That really is it, in a nutshell. Everyone is welcome, no matter your belief system. We want you here.”

Holistic student development is also a key component at Vista Ridge Academy, a preschool through 8th grade private school in Erie. Their small classroom sizes ensure personal attention from teachers and encourage high

“A religious education helps children grow up feeling valued, worthy and supported by God and a loving community.”

to Tuot rnigThat Works! New Year. New Challenges. New Starts.

SEL is also built into core classes. Freshmen take a human development class that integrates decision-making, Learning in schools and beyond

Social-Emotional

BY JULIE KAILUS for Raised in the Rockies

// EDUCATION

A MISSION

counselor teaches weekly lessons on prosocial behaviors, conflict resolution and the Dawson virtues: respect, compassion, courage and integrity “We have found that intentional SEL efforts, along with our small class sizes and extra attention placed on student wellbeing throughout the day, lead to confident, kind and well-adjusted children who feel safe and trusted as members of our learning

24 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

Dawson’s upper school has its own SEL programming. Each school year begins with four-day, grade-level excursions designed to help students learn more about one another and to promote student engagement in the school’s virtues.

County have already woven mindfulness-based SEL into everyday life. In Alexander Dawson’s lower school, for example, homerooms start with a morning meeting based on an approach known as the Responsive Classroom. “This helps build a strong learning community while setting up all students for success on a daily basis,” says Lower School Director Dr. David D’Ercole. Additionally, a full-time

community,” says D’Ercole.

tudies show that when students are more emotionally grounded and supported, they are able to engage more effectively with their learning. That’s the charge behind social-emotional learning (SEL), rolling out in academic and after-school programs around the country Some schools in Boulder

health education and teambuilding into their first-year experience. Juniors and seniors take a weekly college counseling course. “This is part of our dynamic college counseling program that sets Dawson apart from other schools as we support students on their journey to being creative, resilient problemsolvers who bring their best to the world,” says Upper School Director Anne W. Hecox.

skills and qualities?

Boulder’s PK-8 Friends School has implemented its own SEL program led by Krysten Fort-Catanese, an SEL expert. After living in Thailand for seven years and becoming the founding director of mindfulness-based SEL at an international school, Fort-Catanese brought the MindWell Education SEL model back to Friends School. “I’m committed to supporting children with finding their spark and joy in learning through inquiry of the world around them,” she says. But MindWell Education focuses on taking care of school leaders too, asking important questions like:

“We see that Pop Culture Hero positively impacts kiddos’ behavior and helps with their communication, conflict resolution and selfacceptance,” Debois-Weber says. “It also encourages inclusivity and kindness, which is amazing, and that influences the culture of each after-school program site.”

• How can a coherent focus on wellbeing become a transformational factor in the overall development of school culture and ecosystems?

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 25

SAVING MADE EASY! GREEN LIGHT greenlightsavings.com

Excellence and Equity Boulder Valley School District

Activities, videos and discussion questions are used in daily after-school programming, alongside snack time, homework help, STEAM projects and physical activity.

If youhaveapreschool aged child,oryou areaparent of achild attending privateorhome school,and you suspectyour child mayhaveadisabilityorisexhibiting delays in his/her development, and youare aresidentof the Boulder Valley School District, contactChild Find at:

Hearing Impairment, Including Deafness,Multiple Disabilities,Deaf-Blindness,Autism Spectrum Disorder, Orthopedic Impairment,Other Health Impairment, TraumaticBrain Injury, DevelopmentalDelay,Serious Emotional Disability, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, or Visual Impairment,Including Blindness.

If your child is already enrolled and is attending one of the Boulder ValleySchool sites,then talk to your child’s teacher or school administratorabout your concerns regarding your child’s development, or that yoususpectyour child mayhaveadisability.

Boulder ValleySchool District 6500 Arapahoe Ave.,Boulder,CO80303 (720)561-5078 Para Información en Español,llame (720)561-5267

• Why is taking care of ourselves, as leaders, an essential aspect in this process?

Beginning May1,2022, allreferrals and evaluations forchildren under the age of 3with developmental concerns or disabilities will be coordinatedthrough Early Intervention Colorado,at833-733-3734.

BOULDER VALEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ENGAGEDIN CHILD FIND

• What are the potential benefits of cultivating wellbeing and mindful awareness for students, teachers and leadership

within districtboundaries as

ForFurther Information: www.bvsd.org/childfind

Social-emotional learning is also showing up in after-school programs like the YMCA of Northern Colorado’s Pop Culture Hero program, which uses relatable stories from TV, comics and film to teach real-life heroism and mental health skills. “It’s all about empowering our kids to be leaders and teaching them skills to cope with adversity by using examples and role models from entertainment, media and cartoons,” says Dawn Debois-Weber, executive director of school age programs for the YMCA of Northern Colorado.

Boulder ValleySchool Districtwants to locate children ages 3to21with disabilitieswho live partofChild Find.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), achild with adisabilitymeans achild evaluated and determined eligible forspecial education and relatedservices(ages 3to21) in accordancewith IDEA under the following categories:

From morning homeroom to after-school fun, there’s no doubt that SEL is becoming a powerful part of children’s development as strong students and kind citizens.

ocal nonprofits are filling in the gaps to make sure students get the resources they need for school and life success.

The foundation raised $150,000 for Kinder Bridge,

a great public education can offer them.”

Impact on Education implements and supports programs and resources where Boulder Valley School District lacks the funding, while A Precious Child ensures basic needs are met through its resource centers and help with navigation of other resources.

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a kindergarten readiness program that provides six weeks of learning and play to help transition students into Kindergarten. In the fall, the foundation provided low-income students in both BVSD and St. Vrain Valley School District with 8,000 school supply-filled backpacks through the Crayons to Calculators program. And during the school year, the foundation’s Career Readiness Academy provides lowincome BVSD high school students with workforce and networking skills, training, and leadership development and connects them to job opportunities.

A Precious Child in Broomfield works with more than 540 partner agencies in the Denver metro area to help children and families facing difficult life challenges, such as abuse and neglect, crisis situations and poverty. The counties covered include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson and Weld.

BY SHELLEY WIDHALM for Raised in the Rockies

26 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

“We’re really about supporting students in the local community,” said Allison Billings, executive director of Impact on Education in Louisville. “We make sure they can fully engage in everything

“We are putting extra dollars to work in a targeted way,” Billings said. “Public education is a great equalizer and all kids should get a great education.”

“Unfortunately Colorado schools are pretty dreadfully underfunded,” Billings said. “There’s always needs that go unmet. If we can’t make the investments, kids would go without.”

said. The foundation invested $250,000 in grant funding for student, classroom and school needs, giving out more than 70 grants last year for things like tutoring, books, equipment, and field trip fees.

Impact on Education raises several million dollars a year to provide supplemental funding and resources to students and educators in BVSD, addressing economic and learning barriers that curtail success. The foundation, founded in 1983, partners with BVSD to address unmet needs in three categories, that of early learning, student success, and college and career readiness.

“We’re really focused on the students that face the most serious obstacles,” Billings

Don’t forget about Milk Caps for Mooola. The program is sponsored by Longmont Dairy and helps students earn money for their school and students. Longmont Dairy milk caps are worth 5¢ each and are redeemable for cash by participating schools only. Participating is easy as 1-23! First, drink Longmont Dairy Milk. Second, save the bottle caps. And finally, bring your milk caps to school and put them into the collection box in your classroom. For more information on how the program works, visit: longmontdairy.com/milkcaps-for-mooola.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 27

Cradle to Career is broken down into five Economic Mobility Initiatives, those of child and family advocacy, family stability, academic

In 2021, the five initiatives provided assistance to 52,000 people, and since the nonprofit’s inception, 405,000 people.

success, social and emotional wellbeing, and workforce development. The initiatives contain 11 programs, such as Precious Essentials listed under the family stability initiative. Precious Essentials gives children and families access to clothing, toiletries and home goods at a resource center and more than 50 satellite resource centers in schools, shelters and human services agencies.

“It’s not just about education, it’s all those other things,” de Jong said. “We cover all aspects of a child’s development through adulthood. Our 11 programs can be 11 different nonprofits.”

Impact on Education supports Boulder Valley public school students with community funding and resources in order to meet critical needs and eliminate opportunity gaps. (Photo courtesy: Impact on Education).

“We provide wrap-around services to all of our clients,” said Danica de Jong, marketing director of A Precious Child.

“It’s not just one thing, it’s many We want to be there from the beginning to help the child navigate through life and (become) ready to enter the workforce.”

LOCAL TIP: off broadway PRESCHOOL of fine arts

The nonprofit’s core program, Cradle to Career, aims to break the cycle of poverty by reducing socioeconomic inequalities, connecting disadvantaged and displaced children with resources, services and educational support. The work is done through its Empowerment Center, where case managers help children and families with food assistance, housing referrals, mental health referrals, and utility assistance.

Milk Caps for Moola

“The class includes a large scope of topics and it depends on the needs of the students in the population,” Wilger said.

Case in point students on the autism spectrum including Asperger’s Syndrome and other developmental learning profiles. Autistic students enrolled at Temple Grandin School may get more out of their education than they would at a regular public school, says Jen Wilger, Executive Director of the school. That’s because the staff

“It’s our twelfth year and we’ve spent over 15,000 hours with these types of students.

this kind of understanding and acceptance that sets the school apart from others, Wilger said. When students feel like they are understood and respected for who they are, it gives them a chance to fit in.

SIGNS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

While students learn in the classroom, they also learn in public spaces like the park. This gives students a chance to practice social skills, like joining other groups of kids, Wilger said. Another example, waiting their turn for the slide can help develop skills like patience and tolerance something that many of us work on throughout our lives.

ack to school is right around the corner. That means students and parents are spending the last days of summer double checking school supply lists, shopping for clothes and hunting down the best backpack deals. Yet some parents may find themselves still shopping around for the right school one that better meets their child’s needs.

and teachers at Temple Grandin School understand this student population so well since they specialize in working with children on the autism spectrum.

BY ELISE OBERLIESEN for Raised in the Rockies

Wondering how they do it? The staff use a socio-academic approach that blends a social lens with an academic lens to foster comprehensive learning. This teaches students how to be part of a group and to understand things like visual cues and body language so they can interact with the people around them.

A Welcoming Environment for Kids on Autism Spectrum

Hallmark signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include challenges with problem solving and information processing.

// EDUCATION

Temple Grandin School goes beyond classroom learning

ASD presents higher in boys, at 1 in 42, compared to girls, at 1 and 189.

“Our staff invest deeply into the lives of the students and not just the academics, but also real-world problems and getting out in the community,” Wilger said.

28 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

The pacing of our program and size of our school gives us the time and space to attend to the kids and embrace all kinds of learning.”

It can also aﬀect sensory information, like hearing, touch, taste, and smell, according to the Colorado Department of Education.

Wilger said her staff work at the school because they want to work with these kids and find these kids fascinating. It’s

The staﬀ at Temple Grandin School use a socio-academic approach that blends a social lens with an academic lens to foster comprehensive learning. (Photo courtesy: Temple Grandin School).

Teachers at Temple Grandin School specialize in working with children on the autism spectrum. (Photo courtesy: Temple Grandin School).

Laura Salgado, a bilingual family liaison for Child Find, says common learning issues include sensory issues, fine and gross motor issues, autism and a number of other hindrances to learning.

would benefit from early intervention services we’re always in support of that,” says Theresa Clements, Director of Early Childhood Education for Boulder Valley School District. “The word disability can be very scary and have negative connotations. But what we’re saying is there is something going on within a child’s development that we know from research will impact the child’s ability to learn.”

“Research shows it matters and it makes a difference,”

their learning. The child is evaluated and the data is reviewed with the parents at an eligibility meeting afterward. Through that process we have a discussion of whether or not a child is eligible for services based on a specific definition.”

Developing a Love

If a parent believes a child has any sort of learning or educational disability they can set up a free evaluation by the Child Find Team to determine if they qualify for services.

Clements says. “If we can provide a service that shows.” Once a child is in the program the family will be followed up with at least three times a year. Teachers and other service providers will be looking for progress and meeting with parents at least three times a year to talk about either the progress or regression the child has made.

t. Vrain Valley School District’s Department of Early Intervention Child Find program for preschoolers ages three through five, works to help children to learn at their highest ability.

BY DARIAN ARMER for Raised in the Rockies

“The purpose of Child Find is for the district to locate children who may have learning needs,” says Kitty Mulkey, M.A. CCC-SLP, Child Find Coordinator “Our program focuses on threeto five-year-old’s. We locate preschool children who have difficulties that could impact

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 29

If it’s determined a child needs additional services then an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. It states goals for the child to work on and who will be providing those services.

If a family decides they want their child to participate in the program then the child will participate in the integrated early childhood program. They will have access to preschool in an inclusive environment and for the most part, special education services will be provided within the classroom.

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“Families know their children best. We talk to them and let them know that research shows that early intervention makes a difference. If a child

“If I have developmental needs that interfere with my ability to interact with the content or other children in a way that allows me to grow as a human, then I’m going to have more difficulty becoming a productive human adult,” says Mulkey. “The goal of special education is to support children and students becoming productive and independent citizens that are educated to the best of their abilities.” of Learning

BACK TO SCHOOL

In Colorado, shoes are a big part of everyone’s life because of the emphasis on outdoors and the rapid changes in weather. With the changing weather coupled with kids need for movement, school shoes need to be durable and comfortable. Below are some awesome options, all offered at your friendly, local shoe shop Brown’s Shoe Fit in Longmont. Visit: stores.brownsshoefitcompany.com/longmont

BY KATIE FEINDEL for Raised in the Rockies

30 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

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KRISTIN

ith the kids going back to school soon, it’s time to consider the purchase of new school shoes.

Check out this fun, colorful update on our classic, fanfavorite sneaker for girls. This sneaker a stylish, playground favorite. Color: Rainbow Gradient. $48. Brown’s Shoe Fit, Longmont comfort style&

A fantastic durable shoe built to be comfortable and play hard!

Durable and flexible all day shoe! Great for playgrounds and all day use! Color: Magnet/Safety Orange. $55. Brown’s Shoe Fit, Longmont

Color: Navy, Black. $48. Brown’s Shoe Fit, Longmont

KEEN KNOTCH PEAK

Sneakers for durability and flexible wear to take on the playground or town. Great for early walkers and those wanting a lighter weight functional sneaker!

Colors: Magnet Scarlet Ibis or Waterfall Vapor color $65. Brown’s Shoe Fit, Longmont

Summit Classical Academy partnerswith parents to educate studentsintruth, goodness, and beauty througha biblical worldview. Summit ClassicalAcademy 3031 W144th Ave, Broomfield NOW ENROLLING K-7

KIDS KEEN TARGHEE SPORT

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 31

SEE KAI RUN RUSSELL

Versatile hiker/sport shoe great for getting outside and from the playgrounds to the mountains!

Taking steps to conserve energy doesn’t require any major lifestyle changes. It doesn’t even take a lot of effort.What it can do is benefit you and your family greatly.

Super simple ways kids can help

32 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

Photo: Artem Podrez/Pexels. AuditioningNow AAPA is the conservatory division of Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids. for 2022-23 Season! 303-245-8150 www.theaterforkids.net www.ActorsAcademyCO.com Full scale, Broadwayquality productions Professional, technique-based classes Asafe, inclusive youth theatre community andmore! Programming for Ages 6-18 303-499-1999 x227 FriendsSchoolBoulder.org admissions@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org GoldStandardProject-BasedLearning Mindfulness-BasedSocialEmo onalCurriculum ComChallengingandEngagingAcademicsmimenttoDiversity,EquityandInclusion LIMITED SPACES FORFALL PS-8th BESTPRIVATESCHOOL

Taking steps to conserve energy doesn’t require any major lifestyle changes. It doesn’t even take a lot of

hy should you talk with your kids about ways to conserve energy and other resources?

// PARENTING

For one, it could save you a significant amount of money. For another, conserving energy and resources means a better, healthier world for everyone to enjoy

BY JOHN TEEHAN for Raised in the Rockies

Boulder County Environmental Sustainability Plan bouldercounty.gov/ environment/sustainability/ sustainability-plan

Home Energy Conservation For Kids (HomeAdvisor) homeadvisor.com/r/homeenergy-conservation-for-kids

What are some useful tips you’ve found? Share your ideas with family and friends, and, together, everyone can do their part to reduce waste and conserve precious resources.

Video game consoles, TVs, and cable boxes all draw power even while on standby. If you plug these devices into a single power strip, you can turn them all off with one switch and save energy. Just be careful not to plug too many devices into one strip and create a safety hazard.

When it gets really hot outside, close your curtains. Your air conditioning won’t have to work quite as hard to keep things cool.

Cars use a lot of gas and can produce a lot of emissions. Older students walking or biking to school can help parents save on gas and emit fewer emissions into the air. It’s also great exercise!

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 33

WATCH OUT FOR ENERGY VAMPIRES

Want a cold snack? Get it quickly if you can. Avoid standing with the fridge door open for too long. Leaving the refrigerator or freezer door open while you browse means your fridge will require more power to keep things cool.

• Recycle whenever possible

Energy Saving Family Checklist (Green Child Magazine) www.greenchildmagazine.com/ teach-kids-to-save-energychecklist/

•Helpinghumanbeingsthriveandco-creatingtheworld wewanttosee •Smallclasssizefordistinguishedgroupoflearners •WholeBrain/WholeChildDevelopment •EnrichmentSpecials:Art,music,movement,Spanish, social-emotionallearning+nature •Aestheticallyengagingcampus&learningenvironment •Nutritious&deliciouschef-preparedmeals;gardenon-site •Full-dayprogramwithbefore&aftercareavailable https://treehouselearning.com Email: director@treehouselearning.com 157N.96th St Louisville,CO80027 303.666.1950 Helpinghumanbeingsthriveandco creatingtheworld Now Enrolling-Treehouse Learning Kindergarten! Our afterschool Climbing Club allows kids to get some physical exercise after along day of school. We have passionate Instructors who love to climb and share climbing games and skills with kids. 303.447.2804 boulderrockclub.com The curriculum is specific to each age and skill level to motivate and challenge each climber.Our program runs in four 8-week sessions unless otherwise noted below.

COOK OUTDOORS

Boulder County EnergySmart bouldercounty.gov/ environment/sustainability/ energy-smart

Longmont Power and Communications longmontcolorado.gov/ departments/departmentse-m/longmont-power communications

Energy-saving options are everywhere. Here are a few more quick ones you can use to help cut down your costs and help out the planet.

• Air dry clothes

Also, when leaving the house for a while, have a grown-up turn the air conditioner control up a few degrees. This will keep your air conditioner from working too hard while you’re gone.

CHOOSE SHOWERS OVER BATHS

effort. What it can do is benefit you and your family greatly

There’s nothing like a summer barbecue. On a hot day, see if your parents want to grill outside instead of using the oven.

BIKE OR WALK TO SCHOOL

CLOSE THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR

• Use refillable water bottles

One bath can use around 25 gallons of water A shower uses 3.5 times less water and takes less energy to heat. A quick shower can conserve both water and energy while still keeping you squeaky clean.

• Turn off room lights when not in use

Here are some easy ways kids can do their part and help keep your energy costs down at home, courtesy of Longmont Power & Communication.

AIR-CONDITIONING TIPS

OTHER GREAT “GREEN”TIPS

you can use to keep your online interactions more safe.

SMART PASSWORD PRACTICES

Strong passwords are a must. Here are some of the best ways to keep your passwords, devices, and online accounts safe.

• Avoid using names even the names of pets.

Cybersafety Checklist For Students

BY JOHN TEEHAN for Raised in the Rockies

Unfortunately, every time you go online, you risk falling victim to cybercrime or dangerous malware, damaging your computer and data.

Here are some easy methods

ven though remote learning isn’t the rule of the day, going online is still a big part of the school experience.

• Use a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Do not share your password with others.

• Do not use the same password in more than one place.

34 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

// PARENTING Kohl Street Kids Preschool &BASEProgram OurPassion, Their Future 825Kohl Street 303-466-8355 x103 Director ElizabethArneson kohlstreetkids@gmail.com broomfielducc.org/ksk  Small preschool classes  Nurturing environment  Open to all

Whether you’re a NextLight customer or not, here are some more great security tips everyone not just students can take advantage of.

Honestly, they aren’t there to make your life difficult. If your school has rules about accessing or submitting class notes or assignments online, follow those rules. They will reduce the chances of you picking up a computer virus or malware and will keep your personal details more private.

online feels suspicious, avoid it. It is always better to be cautious than careless.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 35

• Don’t write your password somewhere it can be seen, like on the cover of a notebook or taped to your laptop.

Protect IQ automatically updates itself, so NextLight customers can protect, connect, and always know their router has the latest defenses.

SAFETY TIPS FROM NEXTLIGHT

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It was good advice back in the day of the Founding Fathers, and it’s good advice today.

Keep your software, firmware, and devices up to date Many updates are security patches, so this is one of the simplest safety measures you can take.

FOLLOW SCHOOL ONLINE POLICIES

Look for the letter ‘s’ A

website address should always start with “https” instead of the older “http.” That S stands for “secure,” meaning the website is taking steps to protect users and their information. Always protect your personal information Big trouble can start when personal details leak onto the internet. Make sure you use a secure username and password to log into online services

this yearbyparticipatinginour annual Fill ABackpackdrive Help us reachour goal of distributing Help Children in Need Achieve Their Academic Potential! Did youknow: 20,000 BACKPACKS June27th—August 5th Join Our Annual Fill ABackpackDrive Today! that more than 65%ofchildren arrive to thefirst dayofschoolunprepared? That’swhere theFill ABackpack programsteps in! Each year, we help provide tens of thousands of Coloradokids with backpacksfilled with grade-appropriateschool supplies, givingthemhope, excitement anda sense of normalcysotheycan startthe school year feelingconfident,preparedand eager to learn! APrecious Child |303.466.4272|7051 W. 118th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020|APreciousChild.org SCAN FOR MORE!

Using the simple techniques above will go a long way in keeping your information and devices safe and secure.

Users of NextLight’s Gigaspire router receive Protect IQ network protection for an added layer of protection against suspicious activity

If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t If something

In addition:

even for remote classrooms or homework assignments. Never post your full first and last name, social security number, birth date, phone number, address or picture online.

• Don’t insert strange thumb drives into your computer.

SAFETY IS SIMPLE

• Avoid using public WiFi for anything you don’t want other people to see.

• When not home, keep laptops and tablets in drawers and not visible through windows.

BOULDER ROCK CLUB Boulder Rock Club (boulderrockclub.com) is another option for aspiring climbers. This facility is proud of its status as one of the first climbing gyms in the country; they opened in 1991, and since then, they’ve fostered world-

for students in Boulder County, no matter their grade level or learning style.

RIGHT: Gymnastics offers students the opportunity to develop the ability to express themselves creatively (Photo courtesy: Airborne Gymnastics).

YMCA OF NORTHERN COLORADO

(abckidsboulder.com), a climbing gym for youngsters with more than 7,200 square feet of space dedicated to the sport and practice of climbing. Along with its tools for worldclass, championship climbers, the gym is also dedicated to young athletes, with classes, team activities and camps.

Whatever way a student chooses to supplement their education, it’s essential that kids from elementary to middle to high school have access to other means of engagement, stimulation and expression. Here are some of the best bets for extracurricular activities

ABC KIDS CLIMBING ABC Kids Climbing

36 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

earning about the world means connecting with experiences and engagement that doesn’t always take place in the confines of a school building. That’s why it’s so important that students of all ages, backgrounds, interests and learning styles find opportunities to supplement their weekday, classroom learning in other ways. It could mean engaging in creative endeavors like drawing, painting, theater or pottery; it could mean engaging physical learning through gymnastics, rock climbing or other outdoor activities; it could mean developing skills that can’t be refined in a math or science class namely, social-emotional skills that can prepare young people for all manner of challenges.

the YMCA seeks to build a “community hub, a place for connection, a resource to help individuals overcome challenges and a support system for families in need.”

Educating a Child is About So Much More Than What Happens in a Classroom

Swim lessons. (Photo courtesy: YMCA of Northern Colorado).

LEFT: ABC Kids Climbing and Boulder Rock Club provide great options for aspiring climbers (Photo courtesy: Boulder Rock Club).

BY ADAM GOLDSTEIN for Raised in the Rockies

// EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

More specifically, the facilities’ menu of services includes opportunities for young people to make friendships, forge local connections and learn socialemotional skills that will serve them inside and outside of the classroom. Through before and after school care programs and partnered initiatives with local school districts, the YMCA of Northern Colorado seeks to help elementary, middle and high school students lead conscientious, happy and well-balanced lives. At all of its locales in northern Colorado,

The YMCA of Northern Colorado (ymcanoco.org) is a perfect place for young people to build foundational skills that will serve them in all phases of their academic and personal life. In addition to activities and classes that run the gamut from swimming skills to martial arts to tennis, the YMCA locales in Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette and Johnstown offer young members the opportunity to engage in their community.

With these foundational skills in place, young people can thrive in all sorts of settings, including in some of the best climbing gyms that Colorado has to offer Boulder County offers all manner of opportunities to hone their craft, including ABC Kids Climbing and Boulder Rock Club.

Soccer (Photo courtesy: YMCA of Northern Colorado).

Archdiocesan Catholic School that welcomes students of all faiths. Arts Program includes visual arts, choir, band, orchestra, and theater. 5195 W. 144th Ave Broomfield, CO 80023 303-410-1411 holyfamilyhs.com 99 Classof2022 attending 2- or 4year college % Educating the Whole Person: Spirit, Mind &Body HolyFamily HighSchool $17.2M Scholarships awarded to Class of 22 19 Average Class Size 49 Honors and AP Courses 21 Athletic Programs 85 Faculty with Advanced Degrees % impactoneducation.org Equityandopportunityforstudents inBoulderValley’spublicschools. You can help!Youcan Wefundprogramming thatboostspreschool enrollmentand kindergartenreadiness. Frompreschoolto graduationweprovide opportunityandmeetthe needsofBVSDstudents. Weempowerhighschool studentsbyproviding collegescholarshipsand careertraining.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 37

class climbers. They’ve also built up tools and resources to cater to new climbers, including teenagers who are looking to build a lifelong habit.

original patterns for pots of all shapes and sizes. The studio’s yearlong selection of classes includes plenty of options for young painters and creators, and their at-home kits give busy students the option to paint their own pottery in a home setting.

HISTORY COLORADO

CRACKPOTS

Finally, young history buffs looking to connect to a deeper sense of their own heritage and history will find plenty to explore at History Colorado (historycolorado.org), one of the state’s oldest and most hallowed cultural institutions. With free daily general admission for kids, the History Colorado center in the heart of downtown Denver can offer context and detail to the lessons students learn in the classroom. Visiting the museum’s exhibitions, interactive displays and stateof-the-art facility will make lessons from a book about the Centennial State come alive in new ways.

AIRBORNE GYMNASTICS

part in a full production. Their instruction includes camps geared for the youngest performers (ages 5 to 9), and those who may have a little more experience (ages 8 to 18).

Airborne Gymnastics in Longmont (airbornegym.com) is another option for students looking to supplement their school day with physical activity. With classes for all ages, Airborne Gymnastics offers students of all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to develop the ability to express themselves creatively in a decidedly physical way. While the facility offers plenty in the way of traditional gymnastic courses, their offerings also include trampoline and tumbling classes; “NinjaZone” curriculum that combines gymnastics, martial arts, obstacle course training and freestyle movement; and dancethemed instruction.

For those looking to develop their performance skills, Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids also offers young students to garner valuable, real-time experience on a stage in front of an audience. With both indoor and outdoor camps and activities, the RMTK (theaterforkids.net) offers courses that cover acting instruction, music instruction and opportunities to take

ROCKY MOUNTAIN THEATRE FOR KIDS

Young artists looking for a more tactile creative experience will find plenty to do at Crackpots (ecrackpots.com), a pottery studio in Longmont where visitors can create, design and execute their own

If you’re playing in a band, you are playing your part and fitting into something larger than just yourself. When you do it live and respond to others, you’ve got to listen, balance, blend, make sure you are playing the right volume and in tune, and that you match the frequency of your

“Our school is different than any other,” Alena said.

Ask any of them why they work so hard to teach music to young people and they will answer as Sean does: “Because it’s worth it.”

instrument to the frequency of something everyone else is playing. All that is happening live, simultaneously.”

Music is so good at teaching us that our failures are public. You can’t be playing in band class and make a mistake, and no one notices. If you make a mistake in math, the feedback is generally not public. In band we create a climate where students realize failure is part of process. That will carry through to other aspects of their academic life.

Sondra said that the store has “musical petting zoos” so students can see which instrument suits them. Parents can even rent instruments in Woodsongs’ rent-to-own program. “If your students like it and want to continue, we can apply the rent to your purchase. If they don’t like it or want to switch instruments, we can apply the amount to another purchase.”

Music teaches teamwork. We’re teaching students they have a role to play in the piece of music. Sometimes you may want a solo line, or you may want to play loud enough that your parents can hear you but that’s not best for the overall greater good.

Alena Kamchatna had her dream of owning a music store come true with Classical Tones. The Ukrainian-born classical musician teaches lessons every day, including weekends.

She starts children with piano to learn the foundational skills. “We help children learn to make a commitment and stick with their commitment,” she said. “Eventually they will even learn to compose and improvise.” Classical Tones has all ages including students as young as 5 years old in summer camp where they had a different selection of instruments to see what they might like to try.

TIME,TunESANdTrueGrIT

BY LINDA THORSEN BOND for Raised in the Rockies

School kids are very capable of learning music. Here’s a website I’ve created to share the process with other educators: sites.google.com/ flagstaffacademy.org/musiccomposition-curriculum/home.

// EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

ean Kemp teaches music to students from morning to night at Flagstaff Academy in Longmont. Sondra Blanchard juggles over 1,000 musical instruments students can rent at HB Woodsongs in Boulder. At Classical Tones in Broomfield, Alena Kamchatna works with all age levels from 5 years old to college bound.

Photo courtesy Lauren Click / HB Woodsongs

Sondra Blanchard with HB Woodsongs said of music, “Students are learning a new language, they are learning math skills and working with others, they are working in community and improving their listening skills when they work together to create a piece of art. There is tremendous creativity in creating and learning music. And with rhythm there is the mind-body connection. Music also creates an improvement in cognitive ability Emotionally children are learning to be patient. It’s not easy making music together, and certainly with beginners they are learning patience and empathy with others.

“People are drawn to music because it touches our humanity at our core. There was a bone flute found in a cave in France, something like 40,000 years ago. I think about that it’s well before a written language. There is something about music that seems evolutionarily important to us.

Music teaches grit. Students learn that failure is a part of the process. We will all fail, and in fact we say, ‘Be kind, we will all make bad sounds sometimes.’ One of best things from the academic standpoint is that making music teaches students you are going to fail and it’s what you do next that makes the difference in the long run.

MakingMusic:

38 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

“For students who want to take their music journey to the next level, we are now offering the Trinity Music Program, so they can get a certificate from an accredited Trinity College London, UK and to receive a credit equivalence towards college in the United States.”

Sean, the band director, breaks down why music is important. He said:

Recital. (Photo courtesy Classical Tones).

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 39 FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT // BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

We will be encouraging every student to pursue one or more of the following: College Credit, Industry Certification, Work-Based Experience and the Seal of Biliteracy.

Rob Anderson

The systemic changes made by Boulder Valley School District’s All Together for All Students Strategic Plan are producing results. Directing additional

There is no question a BVSD diploma can open doors, so that students can reach for the stars. We, however, are not willing to stop there. In order to be the best school district in America, we must ensure that every BVSD student has the same opportunity to succeed and that they have the experiences, before leaving school, that allows them to excel in whatever career they choose.

will give our students an advantage as they compete on the world stage for the college and careers of their choice.

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far and am excited about where we plan to go.

Sincerely, Rob Anderson Superintendent Boulder Valley School District

judges, outstanding actors, journalists, musicians and athletes. We are incredibly proud that three astronauts have launched their careers from BVSD high schools, including Jessica Watkins (Fairview ‘06) who is currently at the International Space Station, Jack Fischer, (Centaurus ‘92) and Scott Carpenter (Boulder ‘43).

Every new school year is filled with opportunity. I am exceptionally excited to not only welcome students and staff back to class this fall, but to see what they accomplish during the 2022-2023 school year.

Welcome Back to School, BVSD!

Our students have become state leaders, federal

We know these four assets

I especially want to call attention to the Seal of Biliteracy. About a quarter of our student body comes from Spanish-speaking households. We know that their ability to speak two languages can be an incredibly valuable asset for them after school a true super power For this reason, we are working to strengthen and extend our dual language programs, so more of our students graduate truly bilingual and biliterate.

As you likely know, the Boulder Valley School District has long been a leader in education here in Colorado known for its rigorous instruction and resulting excellence our graduates are able to achieve.

Ensuring EVERY Student Soars

support to our schools with the greatest needs is paying off We are seeing promising improvements at Alicia Sanchez Elementary in Lafayette, Columbine Elementary in Boulder and Kohl Elementary in Broomfield. This is thanks to hard work at these schools aimed at strengthening our school leaders and educators and a focus on data-driven instruction

Data provides us with an important mirror allowing us to ensure that we are delivering rigorous instruction that Ignites students’ love for learning and Equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our new Grad Plus provides them with opportunities while they are learning and growing in our schools to Soar after graduation.

At BVSD we are #AllTogetherforAllStudents. Together, we can achieve amazing outcomes for our students, families and communities.

In just the past year, our students have won national and international recognitions in robotics, world affairs competitions, CyberPatriot competitions, aeronautical design, athletics, performing arts, and so much more. Our graduation rates have continued to increase,

Don Haddad

at high school athletics facilities including Skyline, Silver Creek, and Niwot. In addition, all buildings across St. Vrain received maintenance and upgrades to continue ensuring that we provide the highest quality and safe learning environments for our students.

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.

NO COST PRESCHOOL*SUCCESS BEGINS HERE svvsd.org/preschool •303-702-7815 *for qualifiedstudents •Preschool programs for 3and 4-year-olds •Sessionsare half-day (morningorafternoon) and run Monday-Thursdayeach week •Scholarships, Special Education, and Colorado Preschool Programspotsavailable forqualified families •Wraparound childcareavailable in somelocations

alongside student achievement at all levels, including increasing enrollment in rigorous coursework such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate

40 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES BACK TO SCHOOL

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 partnerships that we are transforming public education for our children and our community’s future.

As we prepare to begin the 2022-2023 school year, we have so much to celebrate across our community. At no other time in our history have we seen such unprecedented levels of achievement across all of our schools, and we plan to carry that momentum and acceleration into the new school year.

Thousands of students continued their learning through Project Launch, providing four additional weeks of full-day instruction in math and language arts. At the Innovation Center, hundreds of students participated in Innovation Academy and other advanced STEM opportunities in robotics, biomedical engineering, aeronautics, and artificial intelligence. Students also traveled to present their research at national conferences, compete at the highest levels in athletics, represent their schools and programs in numerous national competitions, and so much more.

Just as our students were highly engaged in rigorous summer programs, our teachers and staff were focused on professional development designed to bolster their knowledge and skills. Thousands of teachers and staff enrolled in courses offered in St. Vrain over the summer, emphasizing collaboration and accelerating student achievement through high-quality instruction.

Unprecedented Levels of Student Achievement and Success

Our students are entering a complex, highly-competitive workforce, unlike anything previous generations have experienced. It is essential that we provide them with the knowledge, skill, ingenuity, confidence, and capacity to advance and compete on a global scale. Toward this end, St Vrain has advanced our education system to one which is characterized by extremely rigorous academics to ensure that our students are engaged in complex problem

Throughout St Vrain Valley Schools, we are taking public education by St. VrainStorm our shared passion and commitment to advancing academic excellence and student success. Follow our #StVrainStorm hashtag on Twitter to see the outstanding achievements of our students, teachers, staff, and schools. Additionally, this fall, I will be scheduling our annual open forums in each of our areas to listen to our community’s questions and suggestions, share our many successes, and discuss our bold vision for continuing to advance public education. I hope to see everyone at one of our upcoming community meetings so that I can personally thank you for everything that you do to support our students. Together, we are building a stronger future for our children, our community and our world

solving, creative thinking, innovation, teamwork, and other critically important skills.

This summer, through the generous support of our community in passing the 2016 bond initiative, many construction projects have made significant advancements. This has included projects at Central Elementary, New Meridian High School, the Career Elevation and Technology Center, and upgrades

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT // ST VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Sincerely, Don Haddad, Ed.D Superintendent St. Vrain Valley Schools

This school year, we’re investing in several key areas, including: the return of competitive sports in grades 6-8, expanded career and technical education opportunities, staffing for three new programs in special education, and additional support for gifted and talented students. All of these investments align to the district’s strategic plan ELEVATE, which includes the six focus areas of 21st Century Learners, Diverse Learning, Outside-theClassroom Learning, Safe Schools, Social Emotional

SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFFING

in the academic content areas, supporting social and emotional needs, and fostering a positive school climate and culture regarding gifted services. Advocates collaborate with principals and teacher leaders to develop and implement school-wide structures and initiatives in relation to the school’s specific GT Program Plan. The GTA serves as a capacity-builder, engaging with teachers to support their instruction and classroom environment. We’re glad to offer these opportunities for our students. Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year We can’t wait to see you!

With a commitment to providing equitable access to programming, the district is adding Gifted & Talented Advocates (GTA) in most schools. GTAs focus on accelerating student growth

Learning and World Class Staff.

Competitive sports in grades 6 through 8 and expanded career and technical education opportunities among the new additions

Sincerely, Chris Gdowski Superintendent Adams 12 Five Star Schools

Competitive Sports in Grades 6 through 8

In the spring, as we began developing the budget for the 2022-2023 school year, we focused on prioritizing investments that support access, opportunity and a sense of belonging for all students.

Whether your child is just beginning their learning journey with us, or is embarking on their final years before graduation, there’s “a place for you” in Adams 12 Five Star Schools.

Our families have expressed a strong interest in competitive sports returning to our middle and K-8 schools, and we’re pleased to share that this year’s budget provides funding for this to happen. The district will offer cross country for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in the fall and boys and girls basketball later in the school year

One of our guiding goals in Adams 12 Five Star Schools is to know every student by name, strength and need and to ensure access, opportunity and a sense of belonging for each student. This is the foundation to elevating student success.

Chris Gdowski

with significant impacts of autism who require more frequent and intense specialized instruction in order to meet their individual needs This includes the addition of teachers, related service staff and paraprofessionals to support students at the elementary and middle school levels. Additional staff has also been added throughout the district, and at each level, to meet the variety of instructional, behavioral, and mental health student needs presented post-pandemic.

New School Year, New Opportunities Free Virtual Grandparent FreeClasses Virtual Grandparent Classes Child &Family Therapy ChServices ild&Family TherapyServices Youth Suicide Prevention &Education YouthTrainings Suicide Prevention &EducationTrainings Youth FocusedAnxiety YouthSupport FocusedAnxiety Support GetConnected Today Call (303) 443-8500 Visit www.mhpcolorado.org Our Team of Expert Therapists OurOffer Team of Expert Therapists Offer Personalized Care for You and Your PersonalizedFamily Care for You and Your Family MentalHealthPartners Mental Health Partners Providing Support for Children, Teens Providing&Families Support for Children, Teens &Families

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT // ADAMS 12 FIVE

Career and Technical Education, also known as FutureForward in Adams 12 Five Star Schools, continues to expand in both programming and access. FutureForward at Bollman has added an additional Behavioral and Mental Health teacher because of high student interest and requests for the program. FutureForward at Washington Square plans to launch a new Sports Medicine program with science integration, as well as English courses and a Construction in Mathematics course. The Washington Square campus is also expanding staffing in their Firefighting and Welding programs in order to accommodate more students.

The Five Star District will expand services for students STAR SCHOOLS

Additional Support for Gifted and Talented Students

Expanded Career and Technical Education Opportunities

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 41

Community and opportunity draw families to choose Adams 12 Five Star Schools as a place for their children to learn, grow and excel. As a child, I called the Five Star District home, and as a parent and the superintendent, I continue to value how our district and schools welcome our students and ensure no matter their strengths or needs, there’s a supportive community here for them.

Charter

Boulder Valley School District Early Childhood Education

Classical Tones

Private, & Preschool Spotlight

Phone: 720.561.5075

Boulder Valley School District’s integrated preschool program welcomes children who qualify for the Colorado Preschool Program, Special Education, or who pay tuition, all in one classroom. Children learn through play. Our classrooms are set up as centers of discovery, and the children’s curiosity directs their learning. Teachers facilitate the children’s experiences while making sure they feel nurtured and safe.

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 43

Flagstaff Academy

At Classical Tones, it strives to give the highest quality music instruction for an affordable price, while making it fun for students of all ages. Classical Tones offers music lessons, live performance and concerts .If you are interested in beginning or expanding your passion for music, schedule an introductory lesson. Classical Tones also has an excellent team of highly experienced music coaches to prepare students for these exams in Piano/Violin performance and Music Theory.

Dawson School

The region’s premier K-12 independent school, offering college-preparatory academics, robust athletics and arts programs, and renowned experiential education. Dawson’s Mission: Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problemsolvers who bring their best to the world.

Address: Most BVSD elementary schools

Website: ece.bvsd.org

Grades Served: Preschool

Address: 2095 West 6th Ave. Unit 113, Broomfield Phone: 720.515.8663

Grades served: Kindergarten through 12th grade Address: 10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette Phone: (303) 665-6679 Website: dawsonschool.org

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Flagstaff Academy, an awardwinning preschool through eighth grade public charter school, is an academically rigorous school with a Core Knowledge foundation and a strong focus on science and technology. The school focuses on the individual learner, subject mastery grouping, progressive levels of difficulty, and ongoing assessment for advancement. The school offers inquiry-based science, robotics, computer programming, integrated technology, a greenhouse classroom, and the leading Restorative Practices program in the region providing a strong focus on character development and ethical leadership. A robust arts program includes music, band, choir and visual art classes.

Grades served: Preschool, K-8th Grade Address: 2040 Miller Drive, Longmont Phone: 303.651.7900 Website: flagstaffacademy.org

Grades served: All ages

Website: classicaltones.com

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Prospect Ridge Academy Ranked No. 1 in Adams 12 Five Star School District and the top 3 percent in the nation for Best High Schools by US News and World Reports, Prospect Ridge Academy is a Kindergarten through 12th grade tuition-free public charter school in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district with a vision to create academic, social, and ethical leaders. The school is committed to providing a comprehensive foundation that includes rigorous coursework, social and physical development through athletics, and community service leadership. Expectations are set high for PRA students, as they aspire and achieve their full potential as lifelong learners. PRA graduates are prepared for success in a globally competitive society.

Private, Charter & Preschool Spotlight

Grades Served: Kindergarten through 12th grade Address: 2555 Preble Creek Parkway, Broomfield Phone: 720.399.0300 Website: prospectridgeacademy.org

Mountain Shadows Montessori School was founded in 1976 as a private, non-profit school. It has grown from a small classroom of 14 children operating in a rented church facility to a campus situated on 7-1/2 acres in beautiful Boulder. The school offers a comprehensive, accredited Montessori education of the highest quality to students ages 12 months through 6th grade. Mountain Shadows Montessori School is one of two Association Montessori International (AMI) schools accredited school in the state of Colorado. The AMI affiliation gives credibility to our school’s status within the educational community as a whole as well as the global Montessori community, and it confirms a rigorous support of the Montessori principles that are put into practice at the school.

Grades served: Preschool through 6th grade Address: 4154 63rd St., Boulder Phone: 303.530.5353 Website: mountainshadows.org

Tutoring Excellence is about getting results! Results, though, need to be measurable, not only at our center but within your child’s classroom. It achieves these classroom results by first identifying what your child is truly struggling with. Second, we develop an individualized learning plan that focuses on what your child specifically needs. Third, we work to develop academic confidence in our students changing the attitude of “I can’t do it” to “I can”. Fourth, we work on strengthening the new academic skills that your child is learning in their classroom, plus we work to fill any learning gaps and to develop study skills needed for success. Fifth, we focus on making learning fun and instill in students a love for learning.

Grades served: Elementary through High School Address: 1445 Nelson Road, Longmont Phone: 720.613.8090 Website: tutoringexcellence.com

Sacred Heart of Jesus School Located in the heart of Boulder, Sacred Heart of Jesus School is celebrating 120 years of excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. The school seeks to inspire its students, in partnership with their families, to be thoughtful, moral and compassionate leaders. From offering each preschooler Universal Assessment Screenings to sending 7th graders to the Catalina Island Marine Institute, Sacred Heart of Jesus School is dedicated to providing a nurturing and experiential environment that cultivates engaged, life-long learners.

Grades served: Preschool through 8th grade Address: 1317 Mapleton Ave., Boulder Phone: 303.447.2362 Website: school.shjboulder.org

Longmont Tutoring Excellence

Mountain Shadows Montessori School

Temple Grandin School Temple Grandin School provides a dynamic, strengths-based learning environment for neurodiverse students in grades 6 to 12. Our comprehensive socio-academic program serves students who are intellectually curious, and who benefit from small classes with integrated social and executive function support. We provide: Full academic program aligned with Colorado Academic Standards Staff-student ratio 1:3 with classes of 4-8 students Schoolwide positive behavior support program

St. Vrain Valley Preschool Program

True education is much more than simply imparting information Love. Awe Devotion. Compassion. Trust The ability to recognize beauty; to discriminate between right and wrong; to carry out a chosen course of action These are the qualities consciously cultivated at Shining Mountain Waldorf School from early childhood through adolescence. Shining Mountain’s well-rounded academic curriculum, enlivened by the arts, music, movement and world languages, provides a learning environment that fosters creativity and healthy social interactions. Today’s students will become tomorrow’s initiators of cultural progress. We believe that a lifelong love of learning and a curiosity to ask deep questions are vital to this process.

Website: summitclassicalacademy.org

The St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) offers a preschool program with locations available in Longmont, Niwot, Lyons, Mead and Erie, as well as the Spark! Discovery Preschool serving families in the Carbon Valley Area. Registration continues for tuition based programs with opportunities for tuition assistance through Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) and scholarships. The program is free for children who qualify for Special Education Services. “Families can rest assured that their children will be loved and cared for by educated teaching staff who work hard at helping each individual student reach their highest potential,” says Director Shela Blankinship.

What does our small school havetooffer you and your children? Intimacy, connection, play,joy,a rich meaningful entrytoworld of school forKindergarten, First, and Second Graders.We believe aheartbased education—kindness,compassion, being partofa community--gives meaning to academic work. Contact us foratour today! (303) 530-0844 info@zijiearlyelementary.org https://zijiearlyelementary.org

Grades served: Preschool Address: Various locations Phone: 303.702.7815 Website: svvsd.org/preschool

Address: 999 Violet Ave., Boulder

Phone: 720.633.9300

Address: 3031 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield

Grades served: 6-12 Address: 3131 Indian Road, Boulder Phone: 303.554.7363 Website: templegrandinschool.org

Grades served: Preschool through 12th grade

Social communication coaching embedded throughout the school day Individualized enrichment activities Student-centered transition planning

Phone: 303.444.7697 Website: shiningmountainwaldorf.org

AUGUST 2022 RAISED IN THE ROCKIES 45

Summit Classical Academy Summit Classical Academy is a private school grounded in a timeless Classical Christian curriculum. The school serves Kindergarten through 7th grades and will be adding a grade each year through 12th grade. Summit Classical Academy is dedicated to the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical lives of our students and its families, and are a fiercely intentional Christian community, partnering with parents to foster a joyful love of learning and each child’s unique essence and gifts. The school models the Warrior’s Creed and emphasizes God’s truth, goodness and beauty.

Private, Charter & Preschool Spotlight

Grades served: Kindergarten through 6th Grade

Shining Mountain Waldorf School

Grades served: Preschool through 8th grade Address: 3100 Ridge View Drive, Erie Phone: 303.828.4944 Website: vistaridge.org

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Grades served: 8 weeks old through Preschool Address: 611 Korte Pkwy, Longmont Phone: 303.776.7417 Website: learningwithtlc.org

At YMCA Inspire Preschool, children enjoy meaningful, hands-on experiences that help them learn, grow and thrive. Daily lessons and themed projects allow for exploration and individualized learning opportunities for every child. By supporting students’ academic, social and emotional well-being, Y teachers help children ages 2-1/2 to 6 begin a lifetime love of discovery. Students enjoy weekly swimming, playtime on the playground, gym and bike park, sports activities and hands-on education on the Y’s farm. The preschool utilizes Creative Curriculum, the same program used by local school districts. Inspire Preschool offers full-day/part-day and full-time/ part-time options. Preschool families receive a free YMCA family membership.

YMCA Inspire Preschool

Grades served: Preschool through 12th grade Address: 340 S. Sunset St., Longmont Phone: 303.772.7286 Website: twinpeaksclassical.org

Private, Charter & Preschool Spotlight

Grades served: 6th to 12th grade Address: 1661 Alpine Ave., Boulder

Vista Ridge Academy Vista Ridge Academy is a preschool through eighth grade private school located in Erie, Colorado. Through our Christ-centered community and personally attentive teaching philosophy, we nurture the unique talents of each student as learners and leaders aiming to grow confident minds, strong bodies, and loving spirits. Vista Ridge Academy is part of the Adventist education system, one of the largest Christian educational systems in the world, which emphasizes a wholistic approach to educating students academically, physically, and spiritually according to our core values.

Phone: 303.664.5455 ext. 4700

Treehouse Learning Treehouse Learning provides quality care, responsive learning experiences, and whole-child development opportunities for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergartners. Familyowned and independently operated since 1997, we exist to help human beings thrive and co-create the world we want to see. Through the years, we have earned a reputation for the highest quality care worthy of the trust and confidence placed in us. Treehouse Learning’s mission is to provide a safe, stimulating environment to foster optimal, intentional early learning experiences, healthy social-emotional growth, and nurture the whole child through a curriculum based on play and relationships.

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Grades served: Preschool Address: 950 Lashley St., Longmont; 165 Settler Way, Johnstown

Watershed is an innovative, independent school serving grades 6 through 12 in Boulder. Watershed engages students in learning that really matters by applying math, science, the arts, humanities and more to real-world challenges. Whether tackling big, heady questions or smaller, personal curiosities, Watershed’s interdisciplinary teaching approach gives students purpose and focus. At Watershed, students learn by going off campus, working with experts and creating solutions to every day problems. Instead of memorizing answers for standardized tests, students might learn economics by starting a small business or master algebra by solving an engineering problem. Along the way, they’re part of a close-knit community that allows them to be who they are.

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Ziji Early Elementary School Ziji Early Elementary is a Monday through Thursday program for kindergarten, first and second grade children. At Ziji, it is inspired to create a meaningful and embodied entry into the world of academics for our students. The school believes there is an organic transition from play to study available to each child. How a child plays becomes how they think. When play and academics are brought into balance, a child’s inner unfolding is not sidetracked nor who they are discounted. Children integrate their experiences through play, thus making the content of the lessons their own.

TLC Learning Center is an early childhood education center for infants, toddlers, and preschool children with an on-site pediatric therapy center located in Longmont. TLC’s classrooms prepare every child for kindergarten through literacy and STEM focused curriculum. The school develops positive social-emotional behavior in every child, creating a holistic learning environment that focuses on the whole child. In addition to cognitive and socialemotional development, TLC preschool students participate in YogaKids and Young Athletes for fine and gross motor skill development. TLC won the 2017 Young Athletes Program of the Year in Colorado.

Address: 175 N. 96th St., Louisville Phone: 303.666.1950 Website: treehouselearning.com

Grades served: InfantKindergarten

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Twin Peaks Classical Academy Twin Peaks Classical Academy is Longmont’s only Classical school. It is a tuition-free, public, PreK-12 Charter School open to all students. It provides an academically rigorous environment that encourages students to seek truth, beauty, and goodness in both their acquisition of knowledge and their development of character. The academy offers a high quality preschool and kindergarten program ensuring the best start for your child and follows it with the Classical Education Model that prepares all of its students to succeed in college and beyond. Twin Peaks Classical Academy provides a unique educational niche to the greater Longmont community.

Grades served: Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Address: 6390 Jay Road, Boulder Phone: 303.530.0844

Website: zijiearlyelementary.org

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