2018-2019 Middle School Options

Middle

School OPTIONS 2018-2019

Superintendent’s Message Dear Parents and Guardians, Thank you for your unwavering support of St. Vrain Valley Schools. Your outstanding dedication to the well-being and success of our students, teachers, staff and schools is a testament to our incredible community.

Among our many high-quality programs, we are very proud of the outstanding program options available across our middle schools. A student’s journey from elementary to middle school is a very important time in their academic career.

Finding the right school for your family is an important and personal step in charting their future path. Toward this end, St. Vrain offers a diverse and extensive selection of rigorous academic programs that give your student a choice in selecting a school that best aligns with their interests and educational goals.

Our many middle school options include focus programs in Core Knowledge, International Baccalaureate, Pre-Advanced Placement, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Leadership, Extra-Curricular Engagement and Learning, and other high-quality programs.

Student engagement is an important part of any comprehensive high school experience. Accordingly, St. Vrain offers a robust selection of co-curricular activities and enrichment options in every school throughout our district. Students can participate in the arts, music programs, athletics and many other high-quality activities that further support the development of well-rounded citizens who embody teamwork, leadership and strong character.

This is a very exciting time in our schools as we continue to ensure student success and a strong competitive advantage for a globalized 21st-century economy. St. Vrain Valley Schools’ college preparatory and high-quality instructional focus programs – delivered through rigorous courses and engaging activities – ensure that your student will receive a world-class middle school education. I encourage you to review our 2018 Guide to Middle School Options and hope that you will attend an open house event or contact a school for a personalized tour.

Take care, and as always, thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely, Don Haddad, Ed.D. 303-682-7205 haddad_don@svvsd.org Twitter: @SVVSDSupt

2

Table of Contents 3

Open Enrollment Information

4

Learning Technology Plan

5

ICAP and Attendance

6

Altona Middle School

7

Coal Ridge Middle School

8

Erie Middle School

9

Longs Peak Middle School

10

Lyons Middle Senior High School

11

Mead Middle School

12

Soaring Heights PK-8

13

Sunset Middle School

14

Thunder Valley K-8

15

Timberline PK-8

16

Trail Ridge Middle School

17

Westview Middle School

18

Charter and Alternative Schools

Your School. Your Choice.

Open Enrollment Window: December 3 - 17, 2018 Open Enrollment is an opportunity to request that your student attends a school of choice, which is outside of their attendance area. Students who do not live within district boundaries, but want to attend a school in St. Vrain need to complete the Open Enrollment form.

New for 2018: Open Enrollment is Moving Online • No waiting in line • Apply for multiple students from your computer, phone or tablet, without going to each school and receive an emailed confirmation of receipt.

• Visit http://stvra.in/openenrollment to learn more and to apply to your school of choice. Charter schools may use a different process. Please contact them directly.

• Need assistance with technology or the online application?

Please contact any school main office for support.

December 3 - 17, 2018: Submit your online applications January 17, 2019: Deadline to receive approval or denial letter from school February 1, 2019: Deadline to confirm their desire to open enroll

Take a School Tour Contact any middle school program in the district to schedule a tour or learn more about program offerings and opportunities for students.

The 2018 Guide to Middle School Options was produced in-house by St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Department of Communications.

Funding for printing and distribution supported by:

3

Learning Technology Plan The St.Vrain Learning Technology Plan (LTP) provides opportunities to help students investigate, communicate, collaborate, create, model and explore concepts and content in authentic contexts.

Since 2013, the Learning Technology Plan has provided our district with 21st-century technology tools to give students a critical advantage, including a 1:1 iPad program in all secondary schools. Our goal is to ensure that our use of technology tools and resources align with our district theme of Academic Excellence by Design.

Students entering sixth grade will be issued an iPad by their school at the start of the academic year. The use of mobile devices in support of student learning can be powerful. By providing increased access to tablets and other technology resources, teachers and students have opportunities to participate in rich opportunities for learning that can expand beyond the classroom walls. In addition, by providing secondary students with take-home devices, learning can be extended to the home and can include the entire family. Through the Learning Technology Plan, students and teachers have the tools they need to investigate, communicate, collaborate, create, model, and explore concepts and content in authentic contexts.

Here are some important considerations for families to help you prepare: •• The Expectations and Commitments documents outline the agreements that guide the use of the iPad as a learning tool. You can find these documents and more information on the LTP website at ltp.svvsd.org •• As a family, take the opportunity to develop a family media plan to help ensure your student’s technology use aligns with your values and expectations. The American Academy of Pediatrics has templates and guidelines on their website at www.healthychildren.org •• Sign up for the Family Connections newsletter, a monthly email with tips and information on technology use at school and home.

Learn more at tech.svvsd.org/family

Tips for Success Student iPads are an opportunity for the entire family to participate in digital learning experiences.

Together, families can proactively address pressing parenting topics such as how to have a healthy relationship with technology and positive social media usage.

Monitor Usage: It is important to outline when, where, why and how children access their iPad. Set up a charging station in a common area of the home or in the parent or guardian’s bedroom to monitor nighttime limits.

• Know student passcode and passwords • Limit screen time for entertainment • Discuss appropriate use of social media and review their iPad regularly Limit Screen Time: Just as the district has set restrictions at school, parents and guardians are encouraged to set content limitations at home. Set nighttime rules such as a standard time for the iPad to be put away each night. Turning parental restrictions on will help restrict specific programs and apps that parents and guardians would like to limit further.

Be Involved: Your school has many resources available to help parents stay informed and feel empowered to support their students digital education, including resources on how to teach students to be responsible technology users and show that parental interests go beyond restricting activities.

Learn more at ltp.svvsd.org 4

ICAP and Attendance Information Individualized Career and Academic Plan As a member of the Class of 2026, students entering middle school will begin working on ther Individualized Career and Academic Plan or ICAP. The ICAP will serve as a student’s roadmap to graduation and postsecondary readiness.

Elements of the ICAP include career and college interests, written postsecondary goals, service learning and work experience, college application(s) and/or resumes, academic progress and assessment scores. Completion of the ICAP is part of St. Vrain Valley Schools’ rigorous graduation requirements and students will work on completing their ICAP throughout their middle and high school years.

By the time that students complete their ICAP in High School, they will demonstrate: • Self-Awareness: Understand how one’s unique interests, talents and aspirations play a role in decision-making and interpersonal relationships and how individual thoughts and feelings get students excited about life and learning.

• Career Awareness: Know the difference between jobs, occupations and careers.

Articulate a wide range local regional of local regional, national and global career pathways and opportunities. Consider economic and cultural influences and the impact of stereotypes on career choice.

• Postsecondary Aspirations: Participate in career exploration activities centered on students’ passions, interests, dreams and visions of their future self and perceived options.

• Postsecondary Options: Be aware of and participate in a variety of postsecondary and career opportunities. Use tools such as career clusters, personality assessments and learning style inventories to highlight individual strengths and capabilities.

• Environmental Expectations: Consider how school, family, community, culture and world view might influence the students’ career development and postsecondary plans.

• Academic Planning: Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to map out and pass the academic courses required to achieve postsecondary goals.

• Employability Skills: Define, develop and hone skills that increase the likelihood of becoming and remaining successfully employed and civically responsible citizens.

• Financial Literacy: Recognize personal financial literacy and financial aid topics and vocabulary and know what options are available to pay for postsecondary. Understand and articulate personal financial literacy concepts, the cost of postsecondary options and apply this awareness to the postsecondary career and academic planning process.

Strive for 5: Impact of School Attendance Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in determining if a student will do well in school, graduate and be prepared for success in future grades, their careers and postsecondary education. For schools in St. Vrain, the goal is simple: have your child attend everyday – or as you manage your family’s needs, strive to miss less than 5 days of school per year.

Building high attendance habits is a life skill that will impact a student’s success as a future employee, leader and citizen. Core GPA and high attendance in eighth grade best predicts whether a student in high school earns As or Bs. What can families do?

• Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school.

• Build regular routines for bed time and the morning.

• Keep a chart recording your child’s attendance at home and talk with your child about what you see. Strive to miss five days or less per year.

• Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another parent for help.

• Seek support from school staff or community groups to help with transportation, academics, health problems or no safe path to school.

Contact the Student Attendance and Engagement Office at 303-702-7887 for assistance.

• If your child is sick or needs to miss school, please contact your school to get the absence excused.

5

@ALTONAMIDDLESCHOOL

@ALTONAMS

Altona Middle School FOCUS

Leadership PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Jeremy LaCrosse

822 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

4600 Clover Basin Dr., Longmont, CO 80503 720-494-3980 ams.svvsd.org MASCOT

Rattlers

Highlights •• Nine John Irwin Awards of Excellence •• Six Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards •• 2016 Best in Nation Verizon Innovative App Challenge Winner - The Diction Defender •• Altona’s very own IDEALab – a makerspace filled with advanced technology tools, focused on developing authentic, relevant and complex learning across all content areas •• Altona Middle is the Virtual Reality Pilot school for St. Vrain Valley Schools •• Over 70 percent of students are enrolled in one or more music programs consisting of choir, band and orchestra; many students are accepted into district and state honor programs •• Both band and orchestra programs were selected to play at the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) conference •• Home to a Cybersecurity program along with a CyberPatriots club •• Over 25 percent of students take beginning, intermediate or advanced Computer Science classes •• High School Algebra and Geometry mathematics offered along with advanced classes in Language Arts, Music, Art, Computer Science and Robotics •• River Watch and Critter Cam student-led programs with Boulder County Parks and Open Space •• Students are empowered to be leaders through grade level philanthropic, cross-curricular endeavors •• Official Green Star School with student led Green Team, Community Garden and Zero Waste practices

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Band, Orchestra and Choir; Jazz Band, Pops Orchestra and Show Choir Art: Advanced Art, Art, Cyber Art, Photography Theatre and Dance: School Musical

Co-Curricular Activities 100 Mile Club, Art Club, Book and Writers Club, Community Garden, Cyberpatriots, Geography Club, Green Team, Math Counts, National Junior Honor Society, Rattler Peer Mentoring Program, Rattler Report - Student Newscast, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad, STEM Explorers, Student Council, and W.E.B. - Where Everybody Belongs; Altona also offers additional academic support before and after-school through Morning Academic Club and After School Tutoring

Taylor Mallett 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

My advanced classes at Altona have prepared me for success. They set new boundaries that allow you to think outside the box and grow more in academic success than ever before. The classes here not only provide strategies for academic preparation, but also incorporate leadership projects that help our community.

6

@COALRIDGEMS

@COALRIDGEMS

Coal Ridge Middle School FOCUS

High-Quality Neighborhood School PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Liza Nybo

804 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

6201 Booth Dr., Firestone, CO 80504 303-833-4176 crms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Dynamite

Highlights •• Coal Ridge offers advanced classes in mathematics with on-site high school level options in Algebra and Geometry •• Coal Ridge is building a Career Technical Education (CTE) pipeline to support students interested in technology pathways through high school and beyond •• Students are active in the school and community through multiple volunteer opportunities; CRMS students participate in over 1,000 hours of community service each year •• Students build life-long skills through the research-based 7 Mindsets social emotional curriculum •• Coal Ridge’s strong use of technology supports student engagement •• Daily advisory period which helps students plan and prepare for high school and postsecondary opportunities, connect with teachers and create their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) •• Home to a robust and growing robotics team that builds leadership and teamwork skills, and gives students the opportunity to solve complex, real world problems •• Coal Ridge builds strong relationships with families through Parent Empowerment Nights •• Opportunities for student leadership in Peer Mediation, WEB Leaders, National Junior Honor Society, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and Yearbook Club •• Coal Ridge is part of a strong PK-12 school feeder system and partners with elementary and high school administrators, teachers and students in the Carbon Valley Community •• Over 90 percent of students participate in ensembles in Choir, Band and/or Orchestra •• The Art program features traditional, advanced and photography courses •• There are a wide variety of after school activities provided for students daily and the goal is to have 100 percent of our student population participate each year

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts

Music: Advanced Orchestra, Band, Jazz Band, Men’s and Women’s Choir, Mixed Choir and Orchestra Art: Advanced Art, Art and Photography Theater and Dance: Spring Musical

Co-Curricular Activities 100 Mile Club, Art Club, Drama Club, Robotics, Homework Club, National Junior Honor Society, Stem Explorers, Tutoring, and Yearbook

Heather Meier BAND TEACHER

What makes your school community unique across St. Vrain Valley Schools?

We have the best of both worlds. We have a small town community but programs and services that are usually only offered in larger districts. We serve a wide variety of students – from our students on farms to families that commute from Denver or Boulder. It makes for a wonderful, supportive community that I am proud to be a part of.

7

@ERIEMIDDLESCHOOL

@ERIEMIDDLE

Erie Middle School FOCUS

Pre-Advanced Placement PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Kim Watry

800 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

650 Main Street, Erie, CO 80516 303-828-3391 ems.svvsd.org MASCOT

Tiger

Highlights •• Erie Middle School empowers all student to achieve academic growth and become lifelong learners, positive global contributors and future leaders •• Erie Middle is a Pre-AP College focus school that prepares students for Advanced Placement courses offered at Erie High School •• Erie Middle School values relationships and ensures every student is connected with at least one trusted adult; students are placed on teams within each grade level, allowing our teachers to focus on a smaller group of shared students •• We have a strong advisory program that implements a social-emotional curriculum while also providing flexible academic grouping to meet the unique individual needs of our students •• Over 75 percent of our students participate in clubs, sports and co-curricular activities •• Erie Middle offers Mandarin Chinese and Spanish that prepares students to continue building their foreign language skills at Erie High School •• At Erie Middle, students integrate technology and design thinking into their learning to push the limits of their imagination; students may also enrich their skills through a strong STEM Club, Lego Robotics Club and Vex Robotics Club •• Our after school Tiger Support program connects our students with academic tutors from the high school and the Erie community •• Where Everybody Belongs is a middle school orientation and transition program that welcomes new 6th grade students to the school; eighth grade WEB Leaders mentor a small group of 6th grade students meeting monthly throughout the year to continue to provide support

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts

Music: Band, Choir, Guitar, Jazz Band, Music Tech, Orchestra, Piano, 8th grade Man Choir and Tiger Lilly Women’s Choir Art: 3D Art, Art, Commercial Art, Drawing, Graphic Art and Photography

Co-Curricular Activities 100 Mile Club, Art Club, Brain Bowl, Drama Club, Family Career Community Leaders of America, Student Council, Good Movie, Better Book, Music Composition Club, National Junior Honor Society, National History Day, Newspaper, Spelling Bee, STEM Club, Vex Robotics, WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) and Yearbook

Chris Duhon 6TH GRADE MATH & SCIENCE TEACHER

What makes your school community unique across St. Vrain Valley Schools?

Erie Middle School has always been unique in that it brings together the best of both the Old Town Erie community and the rapidly growing community of Erie. Almost every community member who grew up in Erie attended Erie Middle School and likely had several family members attend Erie Middle School as well. The staff at Erie Middle School has a strong sense of community themselves, as they have always been an outstanding group who treat each other like family.

8

@LONGSPEAKSVVSD

@LONGS_PEAKMS

Longs Peak Middle School FOCUS

Pre-Advanced Placement PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Ann Reed

455 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

1500 14th Avenue 303-776-5611 lpms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Rams

Highlights •• Recognized nationally as a 2017-2020 School to Watch •• Longs Peak integrates College Board’s SpringBoard® Pre-Advanced Placement curriculum and is recognized as a College Board National Demonstration School •• Recognized by Colorado Department of Education as a Center of Excellence •• Longs Peak is rated at Performance, Colorado Department of Education’s highest level •• Staff and community work in partnership for the common goal of building the 21st-century skills necessary to prepare all students for higher education •• Dedicated faculty value academic rigor while offering opportunities to enrich the character and experiences of the whole child in a culturally diverse community •• Strong emphasis on STEM across curriculum •• Design thinking and project based learning academic integration •• 8th Grade Academy: Transitioning 8th Grade programming •• Students partner with Longmont High School Medical and BioScience Academy •• Strong robotics programming including Computer Science, Vex Robotics and Advanced Robotics •• Longs Peak is a grades 5 thru 8 middle school creating unique educational and co-curricular opportunities for our 5th grade students and families •• Longs Peak Middle School values parental collaboration and communication and believes that they are essential to supporting students’ academic and personal growth

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Advanced Choir, Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Mariachi Band and Orchestra Art: Ceramics, Digital Art and Sculpture Theater: Drama

Co-Curricular Activities Art Club, Computer Science Club, Debate, Homework Club, Longs Peak Bike Shop, Morning Fitness Club, National Junior Honor Society, Poetry at the Peak, Robotics Club, STEM Explorers Club, Student Council, Summer Band Camp, Summer Jump Start Program, Summer STEM/MBSA Camp, Wildlife Rangers, and Yearbook

Camille Coffelt 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

Longs Peak middle school has prepared me for high school success by providing me with the tools and opportunities to do so. Being in band and jazz band will allow me to continue with music into high school. There are so many opportunities to join extracurricular activities, I am also involved in advanced robotics this year. Having all of these extracurriculars in my day has definitely prepared me for high school. I am also in Ram Ready, a class that is focused on preparing me for high school, where we work on organization and time management skills so I build good habits for high school success.

9

@LYONSLIONSCO

Lyons Middle Senior High School FOCUS

Small-school community PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Andrea Smith

196 Students (in MS)

CONTACT INFORMATION

100 McConnell Drive 303-823-6631 lmshs.svvsd.org MASCOT

Lions

Highlights •• Lyons Middle School is part of a strong K-12 feeder system focused on community connections, a strong tradition of academic excellence and student involvement and engagement •• Lyons Middle offers strong vertical alignment between middle and high school teachers in order to best support student success •• Students build life-long skills through a research-based curriculum for supporting social and emotional learning •• Students have a consistent school counselor that works to support them throughout their 6th through 12th grade career; this strong relationship allows school counselors to truly support students academically, socially and emotionally •• Lyons Middle School has strong fine arts programming with over half of students taking band, choir and/or art; this strong programming continues into the high school •• Over 80 percent of students are involved in sports, clubs or co-curricular activities in the school and community •• Students at Lyons Middle School get the opportunity to explore elective classes to further develop the whole child including: Creative Writing, Speech and Debate, Habitats, Shark Tank Product Design, Design-Thinking Process, Basic Computer Science, Band, Choir, Drama, Yearbook and Spanish

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Band, Beginning Band, Choir and Music Technology Art: Art and Yearbook Theater and Dance: Drama

Co-Curricular Activities Art Club, Book Club, Drama Club, Philosophy Club and Student Council

Patrick Bacalis MATH & SCIENCE TEACHER

What makes your school community unique across St. Vrain Valley Schools?

I think what makes our school community unique is the fact that we are a strong 6-12 school. We (the teachers and staff) get to know the students and see them grow for seven years! We understand that the child that starts here in 6th grade is very different from the young person that will eventually graduate and head out into the world. Students come into our school fresh out of elementary school, and leave ready for the next step whether it is college, a vocation or whatever they put their minds to. In many ways we are like a large family focused on social and academic growth for all of our students.

10

@MEADBULLDOGS

Mead Middle School FOCUS

Extra Curricular Engagement and Learning (EXCEL) PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Joshua Barnett

494 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

620 Welker Avenue 970-535-4446 mms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Bulldogs

Highlights •• Mead Middle has won the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards •• Recognized as a Colorado School To Watch •• Mead Middle School offers the Introduction To Energy course for 8th graders; this is a one-ofa-kind course that helps prepare our students for the Mead High School Energy Academy •• Mead Middle has been in the top 10 for growth for all Colorado schools numerous times over the past decade •• Mead Middle School promotes a positive and inviting climate with the Bulldog BARK program •• EXCEL program works to get students involved in our extensive list of before and after school activities •• The Student Council honors our Veterans every year with our Veteran’s Day Breakfast •• Students learn about future careers through monthly “Pizza with Professionals” where students have lunch with professionals from the region •• Mead students put on a dinner theater production every year for our community •• More than half of Mead students are in advanced math classes which include Algebra and Geometry classes •• Mead offers strong music programs and ensembles in choir, band and orchestra and students perform regularly for the school and community •• The Art program features art, graphic art and photography; Mead Middle also has an Art Club •• Mead Middle School also offers STEM, CSI and Robotics as elective options •• Approximately 90 percent of students are involved in co-curricular activities

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Vocal Jazz Art: Art, Graphic Art and Photography Theater: Annual Dinner Theatre Production

Co-Curricular Activities 100 Mile Club, Art Club, Dawg Pound, Geography Club, Jr. Solar Sprints, Math Counts, National Junior Honor Society, Photography/iMovie, STEM Explorers and Student Council

Kara Davis ENGLISH & SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

What makes your school community unique across St. Vrain Valley Schools?

As an EXCEL Focus school, we believe that kids benefit from the sense of purpose and belonging that comes from being involved in a wide variety of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. Our commitment to understanding and being responsive to our students’ needs are balanced by our rigorous approach to academics. Our high expectations for our students’ reading, writing, thinking, speaking and behaviors permeate all of our core and elective classes. Relationships underscore all of our systems, and we have built long-standing, positive relationships within our community.

11

@SOARINGHEIGHTSPK8

@SHPK8

Soaring Heights PK-8 FOCUS

STEM with a focus on Neuroscience PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Cyrus Weinberger 342 Students (in MS) CONTACT INFORMATION

3280 County Road 5, Erie, CO 80516 303-702-8020 shpk8.svvsd.org MASCOT

Eagles

SOARING HEIGHTS P K - 8

S C H O O L

Highlights •• Soaring Heights PK-8 is a new school in St. Vrain Valley Schools; this state-of-the-art building is equipped with warm, naturally lit classrooms, two makerspaces, a large media center, science labs, four music rooms, two gyms, a track and baseball field •• Soaring Heights PK-8 is committed to fostering the needs of the whole child by encouraging each student to reach their unique potential both academically and socially •• The school is focused on providing the richest learning opportunities for students through a challenging academic environment combined with unique experiences designed to focus on the student growth •• Soaring Heights is a STEM focus school with an emphasis on neuroscience •• Students have access to daily Innovation Time •• We offer the rigorous St. Vrain Valley School District curriculum in conjunction with many student-centered hands on activities •• Advanced core content options for every grade level at the middle school •• Classroom and common area spaces are designed to house flexible seating that enhances brain activity and development •• Eighth grade students have the opportunity to take courses at Erie High, such as the Intro to Engineering class •• Soaring Heights offers 37 elective courses ranging from the performing arts to robotics to movie making

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Advanced Band, Advanced Choir, Advanced Orchestra, Beginning Choir, Introductory Band, Introductory Orchestra and Music Tech Art: 3D Art, Advanced Art, Art 1 and 2 and Photography Theater and Dance: Musical Theatre and Movie Making

Co-Curricular Activities Astronomy Club, Culinary Club, Competitive Robotics and National Junior Honor Society

Josh Kirkwood SECONDARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TEACHER

What makes your school community unique across St. Vrain Valley Schools?

Soaring Heights PK-8 is embracing the opportunity to create a unique educational experience in St. Vrain Valley Schools beginning with this inaugural year. This includes synthesizing our state-ofthe-art facility with advanced technology and exceptional core and elective class choices. Soaring Heights specializes in the Movement program at both the elementary and secondary level which promotes a higher level of student academic engagement. We also have a daily Innovation Hour dedicated to empowering students in the Design Thinking Process with a Neuroscience lens.

12

@SUNSET-MIDDLE-SCHOOL

@SUNSETMIDDLE

Sunset Middle School FOCUS

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Anthony Barela

472 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

1300 S Sunset St, Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-3963 sms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Spartans

Highlights •• Sunset Middle offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme which builds from the IB Primary Years Programme and prepares students to successfully complete the rigorous, two-year IB Diploma Programme (DP) at Niwot High School •• All Sunset Middle students are enrolled in the IB Middle Years Programme rigorous course sequence which engages students in a global educational perspective rooted in the 10 attributes outlined by the IB learner profile and inquiry-based learning •• The Sunset Middle 3E Learning Philosophy is to drive excellence through an engaged and empowered student community (#3E philosophy) •• Eighth graders participate in a capstone community project focused on creating real-world solutions with the goal of empowering students to become active agents of change rooted in empathy within their communities •• Sunset Middle offers two world language options in French and Spanish •• Sunset Middle’s recent student achievements include: two-time winners of the ReNew Our Schools Energy Competition; competitive robotics programming with three-time consecutive qualifying state robotic competition, two qualifying teams attended world competition and Vex IQ Robotics Competition winners; District Geography Bee winners.

•• Diverse learning opportunities for Gifted and Talented students in core content classes and through Universal Middle School

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality

Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts

Music: Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Music Exploration and Orchestra Art: Visual Art Theater and Dance: Drama

Co-Curricular Activities A Cappella, Drama, Geography Bee, Homework Club, Musical, Mwebaza Club, National Junior Honor Society, Planetary Protectors, Robotics Club and STEM Explorers

Walid Hamzi 6TH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER

What makes your school community unique across St. Vrain Valley Schools?

Sunset teachers are experts in their field of instruction and keep themselves informed of current advancements, events, ideas,and technologies. We can differentiate experiences in our classrooms and have solid support for our English Language Learners, Special Education and Gifted and Talented populations. Two full-time and experienced counselors are available each day to support our students, families and staff.

13

@THUNDERVALLEYK8SCHOOL

@THUNDERVALLEYK8

Thunder Valley K-8 FOCUS

High-Quality Neighborhood School PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Karen Musick

305 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

600 5th St., Frederick, CO 80530 303-833-2456 tvk8.svvsd.org MASCOT

Raptors

Highlights •• Advanced mathematics courses are available at Thunder Valley and transportation is provided to Frederick High so students can continue in high school level math courses •• Thunder Valley K-8 ensures a high-quality, seamless educational experience through building strong relationships with students and families •• Eighth grade students have the opportunity to participate in all-school leadership; these students plan all-school assemblies and interact with younger students daily during breakfast •• A makerspace and innovation center are located in the library to support inquiry and project based learning •• Students have access to additional technology and leadership opportunities through Left-Hand Leaders (technology support), Right-Hand Raptors (eighth grade school leaders), robotics and yearbook •• Students participate in daily advisory, allowing time to plan and prepare for high school and postsecondary opportunities, connect with teachers, and prepare an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) •• Thunder Valley offers strong music programs and ensembles in choir, band and orchestra and students perform regularly at school and in the community in a newly renovated auditoriumW •• Our art program features 2D and 3D art, graphic art and photography •• Approximately 50 percent of students are involved in co-curricular activities •• Mentorship and leadership opportunities are available between middle school-aged students and elementary grade levels •• In Focus curriculum enhances climate and culture by promoting the strengths of each individual student

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Concert Band, Jazz Band, Master Choir, Men’s and Women’s Choir and Orchestra Art: Drawing, Painting, Photography and Sculpture Theater & Dance: Annual spring musical or play

Co-Curricular Activities 100 Mile Club, National Junior Honor Society, Left-Hand Leaders, Right-Hand Raptors, Robotics, STEM Explorers, Soaring Singers, Theater and Yearbook

Samien Bravo 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school succes?

Thunder Valley has prepared me for high school success by helping me understand the importance of getting to class on time, separating myself from people who are negative and participating in sports and orchestra. I know I will be successful in high school!

14

Timberline PK-8 FOCUS

STEM PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Karrie Borski

378 Students (Middle School)

CONTACT INFORMATION

233 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont 303-772-7900 tpk8.svvsd.org MASCOT

Wolf

Highlights •• As an integrated STEM focused school, Timberline PK-8 offers an innovative educational experience balanced by opportunities to participate in a variety of music programs, visual arts and physical education classes •• Timberline’s nurturing and respectful environment bridges social-emotional health and academic achievement to support the development of the whole child •• Timberline utilizes the 7 Mindsets and In-Focus curriculum to foster social and emotional learning for all students •• Timberline offers advanced sections in all core content areas, preparing all students for high school •• Timberline provides opportunities in leadership, mentorship, empowerment and voice. The Student/Teacher Design Team won the districtwide Design Challenge on Student Voice and Choice •• Students attend an advisory program that allows them to plan and prepare for secondary opportunities, connect with teachers daily and prepare an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) •• Middle school-aged students interact and engage in experiences within elementary classrooms; these strategic learning opportunities foster leadership development, provide positive role models and strengthen 21st-century Skills •• Committed to family involvement, our PK-8 school offers multiple opportunities to build parent partnerships over the course of ten years while students attend from preschool to 8th grade

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, track, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Band, Choir, Mariachi and Orchestra Art: Visual Art Theater and Dance: Drama

Co-Curricular Activities Art Club, CU TEAMS Club, Drama Club, Drones Club, Fitness Club, Mindfulness Club, Resource Wise Club, STEM Explorers, Student Council and VEX Robotics

Lesa Kolm SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

What makes your school community unique across St. Vrain Valley Schools?

Our teachers understand the importance of teaching the whole child and are dedicated to teaching academic content as well as the social and emotional life skills our students need to be successful.

As you walk through the halls of Timberline, you will see engaged students participating in authentic learning that focuses on teaching 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Our teachers and staff are preparing our students to become lifelong learners.

15

@TRAIL-RIDGE-MIDDLE-SCHOOL

@TRMSCO

Trail Ridge Middle School FOCUS

STEM PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Eddie Cloke

717 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

1000 Button Rock Dr., Longmont 720-494-3820 trms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Grizzlies

Highlights •• Trail Ridge is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) focus school and offers programming that integrates Design Thinking throughout all classrooms •• Students can choose from a complement of elective courses including drama, music, technology, foreign language and physical education •• Strong robotics program that fosters leadership, teamwork and complex problem solving skills; Trail Ridge is a regular host of state robotics tournaments •• Strong partnership with Skyline High School that supports a cohesive transition from 8th to 9th grade.

Innovative approaches to creating relevant opportunities for students that build future ready skills for high school and beyond •• Students participate in an extension block that helps them plan and prepare for high school and postsecondary opportunities, connect with teachers and prepare an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) •• Trail Ridge offers strong music programs and ensembles in choir, band and orchestra and students perform regularly in our school and community •• The art program features five different classes and an Art Club •• Approximately 98 percent of students are involved in co-curricular activities that engage students beyond the regular school day •• Apple Distinguished School for integration of technology into curriculum •• New in 2019, Trail Ridge is the first St. Vrain middle school to offer the Unified Sports program to students

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality Basketball, track, Unified Sports, volleyball and wrestling

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Band, Choir, Honor Choir, Jazz Band and Orchestra Art: Ceramics, Computer Graphics, Drawing, Music Production and Video Production Theater and Dance: Drama and Stage Technology

Co-Curricular Activities Art Club, Computer Programming and Coding, Geography Club, Golf, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Peer Tutoring, Robotics Club, Student Council and Yearbook

Carly Davis 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

My school has prepared me for high school by not holding my hand through the three years I’ve been in middle school. If I had a problem I couldn’t solve, I was always told to look at it from a different angle, or get other opinions. I was forced to come up with my own solutions, which helped me flourish in school, and gave me a chance to be more independent. Also, Trail Ridge is a very supportive school, and if you can’t get an assignment, or figure out a problem, there are always teachers to cheer you on and push you to be the best you can be.

16

@WESTVIEW-MIDDLE-SCHOOL

@WESTVIEWSVVSD

Westview Middle School FOCUS

STEM PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Mark Spencer

741 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

1651 Airport Road 303-772-3134 wms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Wildcats

Highlights

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality

•• Recognized nationally as a 2015-2018 School to Watch Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball •• Westview’s Robotics Program develops computer science skills and students are top performers and wrestling who have received numerous state championships and invitations to National and World Visual and competitions Performing Arts •• Students stay with their core team of teachers throughout their three years of middle school in Music: Band, Choir, Guitar, Jazz Band, what is known as Student Teacher Progression Pops Orchestra, Music Composition, Music •• The STEM Program engages students in rigorous high-interest learning Technology and Orchestra Art: Art, Ceramics, Environmental Art, Digital •• More than half of students are in advanced math classes which include Algebra and Geometry •• Westview offers strong music programs and ensembles in choir, band and orchestra and students Photography, Graphic Design and iPad Art perform regularly in our school and community Co-Curricular Activities •• The art program features five different classes, an Art STEM Block and an Art Club •• Approximately 90 percent of students are involved in co-curricular activities 100 Mile Club, Art Club, Boulder Boulder •• Students in the Plains to the Park program partner with Rocky Mountain National Park, the City of Club, Climbing Club, Competitive Math Team, Longmont and local scientists Drama Club, Fiddle Club, Geography Club, Latino Leadership Club, Math Club, Plains to •• Students in the STEM Explorers program collaborate with scientists at CSU and beyond the Park, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad, •• Westview provides 7 Mindsets Social Emotional Learning for all students STEM Explorers, Video Production, Writer’s •• The competitive math team is consistently one of the top programs in the state Club, Yearbook and Yoga Club •• The Science Olympiad team provides a competitive opportunity for young scientists to build on classroom lessons and new science concepts •• The Summer STEM Academy expands high level learning into the summer •• Students continue to build, develop and be recognized for their writing skills through state and regional writing competitions

Grant Gaddis 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

Westview has prepared me for high school by teaching me core values that allow me to succeed, such as accountability, perseverance and grit. My teachers have reinforced these values to me by modeling them daily and encouraging me to do my best, which will help me in both high school and beyond.

17

Charter & Alternative Schools Aspen Ridge Preparatory School Aspen Ridge Preparatory students participate in research-based, Core Knowledge curriculum in all content areas. Aspen Ridge supports low class sizes and focuses on four trailways: technology, international experiences, natural environment and personalized development. Enrichment programs (K-5) include music, art, physical education, library and technology and elective classes (6-8) include SCUBA certification, Dave Ramsey personal finance, drama, newspaper, band and coding for drones. Aspen Ridge is a close-knit and cooperative community focused on academics and social emotional support.

Students are encouraged to think independently, question the world around them and self advocate. Aspen RIdge creates a personalized education plan for each child.

Address: 705 Austin Ave., Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 720-242-6225 Website: www.aspenridgeprepschool.org Carbon Valley Academy Since 2005, Carbon Valley Academy (CVA) has provided a Core Knowledge based curriculum in a tuition-free charter school for students in grades K-8. Highly qualified, innovative teachers ensure that students’ personal academic achievement is a priority. A variety of specialized classes, such as Modern Band, Music and Art Studies, Technology, Physical Education, Mixed Media Art and Spanish enrich the educational experience at every grade level. CVA focuses on the whole child through a well-rounded character development program. The unique three-tiered administrative team supports the school through its focus on community, communication, culture and consistency.

Address: 4040 Coriolis Way, Frederick, CO 80504 Phone: 303-774-9555 Website: www.carbonvalleyacademy.org Flagstaff Academy Flagstaff Academy, a​n award-winning​​ ​​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

18

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. Spanish is offered as a foreign language starting in third grade and ​a robust arts program includes music, band and art-integrating technology.

Address: 2040 Miller Drive, Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-651-7900 Website: www.flagstaffacademy.org Imagine Charter School Imagine Charter School at Firestone is a PK-8, academically rigorous, tuition-free school in the St. Vrain Valley School District. As a liberal arts school, we believe in teaching students to become true 21st century thinkers and innovators through communication, collaboration, global competency, and problem solving. Students experience a wellrounded Classical Core Knowledge curriculum that starts with mastering the building blocks of knowledge in the Grammar years (PreK-4) through discovery and hands-on learning. They progress to analytical thinking in the Logic years (5-8) through scientific inquiry, Socratic Seminars, and debate. Character Education and Leadership Development are taught through the Core Virtues and Habitudes programs.

Address: 5753 Twilight Ave., Firestone, CO 80504 Phone: 303-772-3711 Website: www.imaginefirestone.org St. Vrain Community Montessori School Established in 2009, St. Vrain Community Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori program in a tuition-free, charter school for preschool through eighth grade.

Students experience a child-centered, hands-on environment that educates the whole child in partnership with families. The school features Montessori-credentialed teachers, a meticulously prepared environment, three-year, mixed-age classrooms, daily uninterrupted work-cycles and

an atmosphere that encourages social interaction, peer teaching and a deliberate, embedded peace curriculum to support emotional growth.

Address: 1055 Delaware Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-682-4339 Website: www.svcmontessori.org Twin Peaks Charter Academy Twin Peaks is a public charter school in St. Vrain governed by engaged and passionate parents.

Twin Peaks offers a Classical education based on the timeless values of acquiring foundational skills and knowledge in a teacher-led classroom that systemically lay the foundation for advanced study. The heart of a Classical school is a comprehensive Latin mastery program. A Classical school explicitly teaches character and values through the study of great works of literature. Core Knowledge provides the elementary and middle school’s foundational curriculum. Twin Peaks offers preschool for 3 through 5 year-old students creating a special sense of community.

Address: 340 S. Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-772-7286 Website: www.twinpeakscharter.org Apex Homeschool Enrichment The APEX Program is a homeschool enrichment program sponsored by the St. Vrain Valley Schools in Longmont CO. We exist to supplement and complement the efforts of parents who have chosen to be their child’s primary educator. At APEX, we believe the best people to make the best decision about the best education for a child are the parents. Our mission is to come along side of homeschooling parents and provide for homeschooled students the best of both worlds, bringing together the dynamic experience of a public school classroom and the freedom of a homeschool education.

Address: (current) 7845 Lookout Rd, Longmont, CO 80503; (next year) 1351 South Sunset Street, Suites A/B, Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 720-442-2820 Website: www.apexhomeschool.org

19

St. Vrain Valley Public Schools RE 1J

395 S. Pratt Parkway Longmont, CO 80501

Connect with us svvsd.org

stvra.in/linkedin

@svvsd