2019-2020 Middle School Options

Middle

School OPTIONS 2019-2020

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 2019 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

APEX Homeschool Program

YOUR SCHOOL. YOUR CHOICE. Open Enrollment Window: December 2 - 16, 2019 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: Open Enrollment is Now 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 2 - 16, 2019: Submit your online applications January 17, 2020: Deadline to receive approval or denial letter from school January 31, 2020: Deadline to confirm their desire to open enroll

Open House Dates • • • • • • • • • • • •

October 9, 5:00 p.m. | Soaring Heights PK-8 October 14, 5:00 p.m. | Timberline PK-8 October 15, 6:00 p.m. | Coal Ridge Middle October 24, 6:00 p.m. | Erie Middle October 28, 5:30 p.m. | Mead Middle October 29, 5:30 p.m. | Longs Peak Middle October 30, 6:00 p.m. | Trail Ridge Middle November 4, 5:00 p.m. | Altona Middle November 5, 6:00 p.m. | Sunset Middle November 7, 6:00 p.m. | Lyons Middle Senior November 12, 6:00 p.m. | Thunder Valley K-8 November 18, 6:00 p.m. | Westview Middle

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

The 2019 Guide to Middle School Options was produced in-house by St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Department of Communications and is generously 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 learning experiences 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 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 student’s 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 2027, students entering middle school will begin working on their 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 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 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 worldview 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 opportunities.

Understand and articulate personal financial literacy concepts and 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 five 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?

• Good attendance habits begin at home with messages from parents and caregivers about the importance of getting to school on time and attending regularly.

• Build regular bedtime, morning, and homework routines, including a designated study location free from distractions.

• 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. Seek support from family, neighbors, 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 report their absence.

5

@ALTONAMIDDLESCHOOL

@ALTONAMS

Altona Middle School FOCUS

Leadership PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Jeremy LaCrosse

826 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Rattlers

Highlights •• 10 John Irwin Awards of Excellence •• Six Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards •• Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Education •• 2019 finalist for the Colorado Succeed Prize for Transformative Middle School Program •• Home to Altona’s very own IDEALab – a makerspace filled with advanced technology tools, focused on developing authentic, relevant, and complex learning across all content areas •• 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 offered along with advanced classes in Language Arts, Music, Art, Computer Science, and Robotics •• Students take on leadership roles through the partnership programs River Watch and Critter Cam, which are student-led programs through Boulder County Parks and Open Space •• Students are empowered to be leaders through grade-level philanthropic and cross-curricular endeavors •• Official Green Star School with student-led Green Team, Community Garden, and Zero Waste practices

Simon Murray

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

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Band; Orchestra, Choir; Jazz Band; Pops Orchestra, and Show Choir Art: Advanced Art, Art, Cyber Art, and 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, 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

8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

The advanced and accelerated classes that Altona offers help prepare you for high school by giving you the growth mindset that helps you face challenges. Clubs or activities are great for preparation because you have multiple responsibilities along with school.

6

Open House: November 4, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

@COALRIDGEMS

@COALRIDGEMS

Coal Ridge Middle School FOCUS

High-Quality Neighborhood School PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Liza Nybo

807 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Dynamite

Highlights •• Coal Ridge offers advanced classes in language arts and mathematics with on-site high school level options in Algebra and Geometry •• Coal Ridge is building a Career and 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; Coal Ridge 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 •• Strong use of technology supports student engagement and empowers students •• Students have access to daily advisory period which helps them 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 •• Student leadership opportunities in Peer Mediation, WEB Leaders, National Junior Honor Society, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Yearbook Club •• Coal Ridge is part of a strong PK-14 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 courses in traditional art, advanced art, and photography courses •• A wide variety of after-school activities are provided for students daily

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, Rock Climbing Club, Dance Club, Gaming Club, Tutoring, WEB Builders, and Yearbook

Sonny Hurtado 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

Coal Ridge Middle School has prepared me for high school success by teaching me the importance of organization, good study habits, and how to prioritize academics in order to complete assignments on time.

Open House: October 15, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

7

@ERIEMIDDLESCHOOL

@ERIEMIDDLE

Erie Middle School FOCUS

Pre-Advanced Placement PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Kim Watry

801 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Tigers

Highlights

•• Erie Middle School empowers all students to achieve academic growth and become lifelong learners, positive global contributors, and future leaders •• Rated at Performance, Colorado Department of Education’s highest level of accreditation •• A Pre-AP College focus school, EMS prepares students for Advanced Placement courses at EHS •• Students have access to high school Algebra, Geometry, and advanced classes in Language Arts and Math •• 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 teachers to focus on a smaller group of shared students •• Strong advisory program that implements the research-based social emotional curriculum of 7 Mindsets, develops Individualized Career and Academic Plans (ICAP), and provides flexible academic grouping to meet the unique individual needs of our students •• Over 75 percent of Erie Middle students participate in clubs, sports, and co-curricular activities •• Over 70 percent of Erie Middle students are involved in a year long music course •• Students integrate technology and design thinking into their learning to push the limits of their imagination; students also enrich their skills through STEM, Lego Robotics Club, and Vex Robotics •• After-school Tiger Support program connects students with academic tutors from Erie High School and the Erie community •• Middle school orientation and transition programs for students including Where Everybody Belongs (WEB), which connects eighth graders with teams of sixth graders, teaching students how to be successful at Erie Middle

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

Visual and Performing Arts Music: A-Capella Choir, Band, Choir, Guitar, Guys with Ties/Man Choir, Jazz Band, Music Tech, Orchestra, Piano, and Tiger Lilly Women’s Choir Art: 3D Art, Art, Commercial Art, Drawing, Graphic Art, iPad Art, and Photography

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

Mark Newkirk 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

Erie Middle School is helping to prepare me for high school by hiring amazing teachers. The classes are fun to be in and taught by teachers who really care about the students.

8

Open House: October 24, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

@LONGSPEAKSVVSD

@LONGS_PEAKMS

Longs Peak Middle School FOCUS

Pre-Advanced Placement PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Sandy Heiser

460 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

1500 14th Avenue, Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-5611 lpms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Rams

Highlights

•• Recognized nationally as a 2017-2020 School to Watch •• Recognized as a College Board National Demonstration School as Longs Peak integrates College Board’s SpringBoard® Pre-Advanced Placement curriculum •• Recognized by Colorado Department of Education as a Center of Excellence •• Longs Peak is rated at Performance, Colorado Department of Education’s highest level of accreditation •• Students partner with the Longmont High School Medical and BioScience Academy •• Strong robotics programming including Computer Science, Vex Robotics, and Advanced Robotics •• Students have access to advanced core content options for every grade level including Algebra I and Geometry •• Strong emphasis on STEM across curriculum •• Longs Peak is a grades five through eight middle school creating unique educational and co-curricular opportunities for students and families •• 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 •• Courses integrate design thinking and project-based learning •• Home to an Eighth Grade Academy with a focus on supporting the transition to high school •• Longs Peak Middle School values parental collaboration and communication, and believes that parents 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

Melanie Scovill LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

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

My time at Longs Peak has been filled with amazing students and dedicated colleagues. Longs Peak is not just a school, it’s a family, and the collaborative efforts across our building benefit every student who walks through our door. Our vision for our students does not stop when they leave our classrooms.

We give them the tools to grow as learners of the 21st-century who take ownership of their education.

Open House: October 29, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

9

@LYONSLIONSCO

Lyons Middle Senior High School FOCUS

Small-school community PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Andrea Smith

196 Students (Middle School)

CONTACT INFORMATION

100 McConnell Drive, Lyons, CO 80540 303-823-6631 lmshs.svvsd.org MASCOT

Lions

Highlights •• Rated at Performance, Colorado Department of Education’s highest level •• Lyons Middle School is part of a strong PK-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 •• Average core (language arts, math, science, and social studies) class size of 23 students per class with ability-level grouping for language arts and math •• Students have access to advanced core content options for every grade level including Algebra I and Geometry •• 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 sixth through twelfth 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 providing great continuity through high school •• Over 90 percent of students are involved in sports, clubs, or co-curricular activities in the school and community •• Students at Lyons Middle School explore elective classes to further develop the whole child, including: Creative Writing, Speech and Debate, Habitats, Shark Tank Product Design, DesignThinking Process, 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, Coding Club, and Student Council

Julie Vasquez LANGUAGE ARTS, MISC. EXPLORATORIES, AND SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

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

Lyons Middle Senior High School has a unique opportunity where we are able to work closely with our students from grades six through twelve, creating a positive and encouraging learning environment for all students. Growing up and attending LMSHS, I feel very fortunate to be able to work and raise my family in this community-based school. #smallANDmighty

10

Open House: November 7, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

@MEADBULLDOGS

Mead Middle School FOCUS

Extra Curricular Engagement and Learning (EXCEL) PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Joshua Barnett

495 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

620 Welker Avenue, Mead, CO 80542 970-535-4446 mms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Bulldogs

Highlights •• Mead Middle School has won multiple Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards and has been Recognized as a Colorado School To Watch •• Mead Middle School offers the Introduction to Energy course for eighth graders; this unique course prepares 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 •• Students are involved in Mead Middle’s extensive list of before and after-school activities through the EXCEL program •• 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 Middle students put on a dinner theater production every year for the Mead community •• More than half of Mead students are in advanced math classes which include Algebra and Geometry •• Mead offers strong music programs and ensembles in choir, band, and orchestra where 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 offers STEM, Crime Scene Investigation (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, soccer, tennis, 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 Theater Production

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

Ike Campbell 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

My teachers have set me up for high school success by assigning challenging math activities, writing prompts, and pushing us to our limits with all of our class work in every subject area. My teachers encourage me to consistently think critically and also think ‘outside the box.’ Every teacher at Mead Middle encourages students to do our best work.

Open House: October 28, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11

@SOARINGHEIGHTSPK8

@SHPK8

Soaring Heights PK-8 FOCUS

STEM with an emphasis on Neuroscience PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Cyrus Weinberger 338 Students (Middle School) 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 located in a state-of-the-art building that 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 •• Soaring Heights is a STEM focus school with an emphasis on neuroscience where students have access to daily Innovation Time •• Students connect with experts in the field through extensive partnerships with the Anschutz Neuroscience Program, CU Denver STEM Outreach Program, Regis School of Business, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado Health Foundation, Sphero, and Ocean First •• Soaring Heights offers the rigorous St. Vrain Valley Schools curriculum in conjunction with many student-centered hands-on activities •• Students have access to advanced core content options for every grade level at the middle school including Algebra I and Geometry •• Classroom and common area spaces are designed to house flexible seating that enhances brain activity and development •• Eighth grade students have the opportunity to participate in mentorship programs and enroll in courses, such as Intro to Engineering, through a partnership with Erie High School •• Soaring Heights offers 37 elective courses ranging from the performing arts to robotics to movie making •• Soaring Heights is home to 14 competitive robotics teams

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 Theater, and Movie Making

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

Ava Stoffer 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

My teachers have helped me thrive during my time at Soaing Heights PK-8. They have seen and encouraged a great potential in me waiting to be achieved. They have challenged me to not settle for average, but to strive for RISE (Responsibility, Integrity, Service, and Excellence)!

12

Open House: October 9, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

@SUNSET-MIDDLE-SCHOOL

@SUNSETMIDDLE

Sunset Middle School FOCUS

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Anthony Barela

482 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 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 •• Sunset Middle offers two world language options in French and Spanish •• Students have access to advanced core content options for every grade level including Algebra I and Geometry •• Sunset Middle’s recent student achievements include: 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; two-time winners of the ReNew Our Schools Energy Competition •• 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 •• Diverse learning opportunities for Gifted and Talented students in core content classes and through Universal Middle School •• Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) is a middle school orientation and transition program for students

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; advanced course options in all music subjects Art: Visual Art and Film Studies Theater and Dance: Drama

Co-Curricular Activities 100 Mile Club, A Cappella, Geography Bee, Homework Club, Musical, Mwebaza Club, National Junior Honor Society, Planetary Protectors, Robotics Club, STEM Explorers, Where Everybody Belongs (WEB), and Yearbook

Ashley Roth FRENCH TEACHER

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

Sunset is a compassionate group of diverse learners who support one another while asking questions, taking risks, creating, and exploring our global community with tenacity and enthusiasm.

We act with intercultural mindedness and are empowered to take ownership of our learning by responding to authentic real-world problems with kindness and ingenuity.

Open House: November 5, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

13

@THUNDERVALLEYK8SCHOOL

@THUNDERVALLEYK8

Thunder Valley K-8 FOCUS

High-Quality Neighborhood School PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Catrina Estrada

309 Students (Middle School)

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 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 in a newly renovated auditorium and in the community •• Thunder Valley’s 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 •• Social emotional curriculum enhances climate and culture by promoting the strengths of each individual student •• Students have access to advanced core content options for every grade level including Algebra I and Geometry

Athletics for Character, Discipline, and Collegiality Basketball, track, volleyball, soccer, 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, Math Counts, Theater, and Yearbook

Kyanne Berg 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

Teachers have always had high expectations for my attendance, behavior, and my schoolwork.

Thunder Valley has always encouraged me to stay focused on my goals. My school has also found new ways to challenge me and teachers have made it their priority to help me succeed. Another way the school has prepared me is by creating opportunities to participate in sports, National Junior Honor Society, band, 3D printing, and much more. Thunder Valley encourages us, believes in us, and helps us, and that is why I am ready for high school next year.

14

Open House: November 12, 6:00 p.m.

@TMB8_PRINCIPAL

Timberline PK-8 FOCUS

STEM PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Karrie Borski

390 Students (Middle School)

CONTACT INFORMATION

233 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80504 303-772-7900 tpk8.svvsd.org MASCOT

Wolves

Highlights •• Timberline offers advanced sections in all core content areas, preparing all students for high school •• Students have access to advanced core content options for every grade level including Algebra I and Geometry •• Strong partnership with Skyline High School that supports a cohesive transition to high school •• 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 utilizes the 7 Mindsets and In-Focus curriculum to foster social and emotional learning for all students •• Timberline provides opportunities in leadership, mentorship, empowerment, and voice •• 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 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, the PK-8 school model offers multiple opportunities to build parent partnerships over the course of ten years while students attend from preschool to eighth grade

Athletics for Character, Discipline, and Collegiality Basketball, cross country, soccer, 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

Ted Miyasaki 8TH GRADE MATH AND ALGEBRA TEACHER

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

Every teacher works hard to build positive relationships with students and at Timberline PK-8, this is central to our mission. Teachers know the impact they can have on young minds. They will often have lunch with kids and help them during their plan times and off-school hours. Our community believes in our students unrelentingly, so that they can find ways to believe in themselves.

Open House: October 14, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

15

@TRAIL-RIDGE-MIDDLE-SCHOOL

@TRMSCO

Trail Ridge Middle School FOCUS

STEM PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Eddie Cloke

711 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

1000 Button Rock Dr., Longmont, CO 80504 720-494-3820 trms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Grizzlies

Highlights •• Trail Ridge is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focus school and offers programming that integrates design thinking throughout all classrooms •• Students have access to advanced core content options for every grade level including Algebra I and Geometry •• Students choose from a variety 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 to high school •• 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 course offerings 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, cross country, golf, 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, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Peer Tutoring, Robotics Club, Student Council, and Yearbook

Jennifer Sebring LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

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

Trail Ridge is unique because we have such a diverse community of students and a wide range of opportunities for the middle school students. We have everything from a fantastic robotics team, to an amazing jazz band, strong National Junior Honor Society, great Unified Sports teams, a school garden, and many more clubs for students to participate in. Our students are able to participate in so many ways here at Trail Ridge, and we try to make sure that there is a place for everyone at our school.

16

Open House: October 30, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

@WESTVIEW-MIDDLE-SCHOOL

@WESTVIEWSVVSD

Westview Middle School FOCUS

STEM PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Mark Spencer

740 Students

CONTACT INFORMATION

1651 Airport Rd., Longmont, CO 80503 303-772-3134 wms.svvsd.org MASCOT

Wildcats

Highlights

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality

•• World ranked in robotics competitions, Westview’s Robotics Program develops computer science Basketball, cross country, track, volleyball, and wrestling skills and students are top performers who routinely defeat high school teams, have received numerous state championships, and compete at a high level in national and world competitions.

Visual and •• Recognized nationally as a 2015-2018 School to Watch Performing Arts •• Recognized nationally as an Apple Distinguished School Music: Band, Choir, Guitar, Jazz Band, •• Over 50 percent of students are in advanced math classes which include Algebra and Geometry Pops Orchestra, Music Composition, Music •• Approximately 90 percent of students are involved in co-curricular activities Technology, and Orchestra •• Students in the Plains to the Park program partner with Rocky Mountain National Park, the City of Art: Art, Ceramics, Environmental Art, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, and iPad Art Longmont, and local scientists on community initiatives •• The competitive math team is consistently one of the top programs in the state •• The Science Olympiad team provides a competitive opportunity for young scientists to build on Co-Curricular Activities classroom lessons and new science concepts 100 Mile Club, Art Club, Bolder Boulder Club, •• Students stay with their core team of teachers throughout their three years of middle school in Climbing Club, Competitive Math Team, what is known as Student Teacher Progression Drama Club, Fiddle Club, Geography Club, Latino Leadership Club, Math Club, Plains to •• The STEM Program engages students in rigorous high-interest learning the Park, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad, •• Homework help is provided free of charge for one hour before and after school each day STEM Explorers, Video Production, Writer’s •• Strong music programs and ensembles in choir, band, and orchestra with regular performances Club, Yearbook, and Yoga Club •• The art program features five different classes, an Art STEM Block, and an Art Club •• Students in the STEM Explorers program collaborate with scientists at CSU and beyond •• Westview provides 7 Mindsets social emotional learning for all students •• The Summer STEM Academy expands high-level learning into the summer •• Students receive continuous recognition at state and regional writing competitions

Aurora Dallocchio 8TH GRADE

How has your school prepared you for high school success?

My teachers at Westview Middle School have prepared me for high school by emphasizing self advocacy from the very beginning. Westview in general has taught me that change is not always a bad thing and I was encouraged to get involved in new things like track and volleyball.

Open House: November 18, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

17

@APEXHOMESCHOOL

APEX Homeschool Program FOCUS

One-day Enrichment Program PRINCIPAL

ENROLLMENT

Kim Lancaster

189 Students (MS)

CONTACT INFORMATION

1351 S. Sunset St., Unit B Longmont, CO 80501 303-702-8600 apexhomeschool.org MASCOT

Wolfpack

Highlights •• Academic courses, enrichment classes, and curriculum resources in a K-12 environment to support parents who choose to be their student’s primary educator •• Students attend classes one day per week on-site •• Courses in academic disciplines including science, math, social studies, language arts, world language, STEM, art, music, and theater •• Students participate in large group and small group classroom experiences •• Curriculum library with hundreds of resources parents can check out for home use, most at no cost •• Field trips available for parents to select and attend with their students •• STEM courses including Computer Skills, Robotics, Intro to Programming, Intro to Computer Science, and Inventions and Engineering •• Highly-qualified licensed teachers who are passionate about supporting homeschooling and bringing students the best of both worlds •• Small class sizes with multi-grade ranges •• High school counselor available for high school planning and guidance •• Access to ITBS testing to fulfill Colorado Homeschool Law testing requirements •• Parents remain the student’s primary educator and are responsible to plan the student’s course of study and ultimately to present the student’s high school diploma

Jennifer Webb

Athletics for Character, Discipline and Collegiality APEX students can participate in sports at their local St. Vrain middle school to develop sportsmanship, fitness, and skills. Physical Education classes offered on-site.

Visual and Performing Arts Music: Choir, Piano, Strings, Guitar, Orchestra, and World Percussion Art: Visual Arts classes and Yearbook. Students participate in the district art show Theater: Musical Theater class including a production each year and classes in Creative Dramatics, Theater Arts, and Film Making Received multiple awards from the National Youth Arts, Rocky Mountain Region Dance: Collaboration with Longmont Dance Theater Academy’s PBIP Program to support high-level dance students

Co-Curricular Activities Student Government, Yearbook, and elective courses such as Robotics, Physical Education, Art, Cooking, International Towne, Consumer Math, and World Mythology

K-12 MUSIC TEACHER

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

APEX allows families the best of both the homeschool and public education world. Our program is unique because we are able to provide a variety of high-quality classes taught by licensed teachers, that allow homeschool families autonomy and flexibility in their educational choices for their children.

18

Open House: Visit the website for upcoming dates

19

St. Vrain Valley Public Schools RE 1J

395 S. Pratt Parkway Longmont, CO 80501

Across 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 things taking place every day across all of our schools and departments.

HTTP://STVRA.IN/STVRAINSTORM

Connect with us svvsd.org

stvra.in/linkedin

@svvsd