Niwot Options

NIWOT SCHOOL OPTIONSGUIDE TO

¿COPIA EN ESPAÑOL? LLAME A 303-682-7404 O VISITE EL SITIO WEB DEL DISTRITO

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Thanks to a supportive community, highly qualified and committed teachers, dedicated staff, engaged parents and outstanding students, neighborhood schools within the Niwot feeder system are more robust and academically rigorous than ever.

In this brochure, you will learn about each neighborhood school within the Niwot feeder system, their outstanding instructional focus programs, additional resources in career and technical training, and online learning available to our students.

You will also learn about numerous state and national recognitions received by these schools and the growing number of corporate grants and partnerships that are further enriching our students’ learning experiences.

The Niwot feeder sytem has the distinction of offering a number of high-quality instructional focus programs. Niwot High School has St. Vrain’s exclusive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, while Sunset Middle School is in the process of becoming St. Vrain’s only IB Middle Years Programme. Elementary schools within Niwot’s feeder have committed to areas of focus including differentiated instruction, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and rigorous district curriculum.

All St. Vrain neighborhood schools are fully wireless and feature cutting edge technology tools such as laptops, Chromebooks, overhead projectors, SmartBoards, and document cameras. Through St. Vrain’s Learning Technology Plan, all students will have access to a personal or classroom iPad Mini by the Spring of 2018. This will contribute significantly toward preparing our students for a highly competitive global economy.

As Superintendent, I am extremely proud of the expanding network of our high-quality schools and highly engaging instructional programs. Please feel free to contact any of our principals for more information or a school tour.

Sincerely,

Don Haddad, Ed.D.(303) [email protected] Twitter: @SVVSDSupt

Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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Superintendent’s Message

PAGE 3Burlington Elementary

PAGE 4Indian Peaks Elementary

PAGE 5Niwot Elementary

Sunset Middle

Niwot High

PAGE 11Career Development Center

PAGE 11

St. Vrain Online Global Academy

*Learn more at: www.svvsd.org

2014-09

St. Vrain Valley Schools395 S. Pratt Parkway Longmont, CO 80501 (303) 776-6200

Follow us on Twitter

@SVVSD

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•Colorado Department of Education (CDE) High Achiever Grant Recipient (1 of 5 elementary schools in the state)

•CDE Exemplary Program winners: Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA), and Power of 3 (Parent Volunteer Program)

•Roughly 35 percent of our students participate in MESA Monday classes•Total School Cluster Grant recipient through Purdue University•All teachers trained in Thinking Maps, Daily 5 and Socratic Seminar to

provide vertical curriculum alignment between grade levels•Challenge classes provided during the day for first through fifth grade•Roughly 38 percent of our students are open enrolled at Burlington

Janis HughesPRINCIPAL

*

Highlights & Accomplishments

Enrollment: 419 StudentsLocation: 1051 S. Pratt Pkwy. Longmont, CO 80501

Burlington ElementaryHIGH RIGOR DISTRICT CURRICULUM

Phone: (303) 776-8861Website: bes.svvsd.orgMascot: Trail Blazer

“Burlington’s goal is to educate students so they develop their highest academic and creative potential. Our partnership of school, home and community creates the ideal setting to achieve this result for each and every child.”

Instructional Focus

Results matter and Burlington Elementary students achieve these results through high expectations, student teacher partnerships, grade level collaborative teams and consistent communication between grade level teachers. Burlington’s emphasis on strong parent partnerships through our Power of 3 Program reinforces our focus on continual student achievement progress.

21st Century Technology

Because of our parent partnerships, St. Vrain Valley School Schools, the Education Foundation, Longmont Community Foundation, Xilinix and the Colorado Department of Education, Burlington students are able to use Chromebooks, iPods, Laptops, and computers in a variety of settings such as the computer lab, the library, classrooms and with small group instruction.

Preschool

Burlington Elementary houses two preschool classrooms with various schedules to meet student and parent needs. In order to focus on skills to get preschoolers ready for kindergarten, Burlington provides wraparound services to expand time at our school.

Community Schools

Rising Stars (PreK-K) as well as Trailblazer Club (K-5) are our programs to assist parents with before and after school daycare. Burlington offers enrichment classes after-school throughout the year and runs a summer camp in June and July.

Learn more at: bes.svvsd.org 3

Enrollment: 395 StudentsLocation: 1335 South Judson St.Longmont, CO 80501

•Fourth Grade “Lessons on Local Government” State Award Winners•As a Race to the Top school, Indian Peaks has access to the best Science,

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programming and technology

•Indian Peaks has an extensive Gifted and Talented program•CU graduate engineering students travel to Indian Peaks each week to

lead engaging, interactive activities that connect with math and science concepts

•An Exploratory Robotics Club that provides an introduction to competitive robots

•Access to a 1-to-1 device for each student at Indian Peaks Elementary•All teachers trained in Thinking Maps, Daily 5 and Socratic Seminar to

provide vertical curriculum alignment between grade levels•Our school provides many before and after-school enrichment classes

Indian Peaks ElementarySCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS

Phone: (303) 772-7240Website: ipes.svvsd.orgMascot: Moose

Kathi Jo WalderPRINCIPAL


“Our school offers unique experiences through rigorous instruction, strong STEM curriculum and dedicated community. Indian Peaks is committed to the highest academic achievement for all students.”

Instructional Focus

Students apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts using 21st century skills and inquiry-based design thinking models to create innovative solutions to authentic problems.CU has partnered with St. Vrain Schools to allow students opportunities to see engineering as an attainable career.


Our school has access to over 230 iPad Minis, 120 Chromebooks, storytelling robots, LogicBlocks, fully equipped computer labs, and a 3D Printer. Each classroom is equipped with laptops, projectors, document cameras and over 40 iPods that are used with a wide variety of programs.

Preschool

To help prepare young students for kindergarten, we offer a half-day preschool program, Monday through Thursday for three and four-year olds.

Community Schools

Moose Club is a before and after-school care program. Service is provided from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:40 to 6:00 p.m. This program helps students complete homework and offers many enrichments activities.

Learn more at: ipes.svvsd.org • @PeaksMoose4

Enrollment: 501 StudentsLocation: 8778 Morton Rd. Niwot, CO 80503

•John Irwin School of Excellence Award•Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award•Accredited with Distinction from the State of Colorado•Over 28 percent of intermediate students identified as Gifted and

Talented•Parent body is an integral part of our learning community•Globally minded education via a partnership with a school in Uganda•Top qualifier at Odyssey of the Mind Nationals and World•Multiple programs in place to provide additional assistance to those

students who may be struggling academically•All teachers have extensive training in differentiated instruction•Second through fifth grade classrooms have interactive white boards,

and access to clicker systems for student responses and assessment•Wraparound program to extend the day of educational opportunities

Niwot ElementaryDIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

Phone: (303) 652-2828Website: niwotes.svvsd.orgMascot: Cougar


Nancy PitzPRINCIPAL

“Niwot Elementary continuously achieves academic excellence by focusing on the whole child, engaging students in rigorous and meaningful instruction, differentiating to meet the needs of all learners, and building a strong partnership with our parent community.”

Learn more at: niwotes.svvsd.org

Instructional Focus

As a School of Differentiation, Niwot Elementary focuses on the various levels and unique learning styles of every student. Our programming includes a rigorous and engaging gifted and talented program which provides enrichment opportunities for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.


Every classroom is equipped with state of the art technology for teaching and learning including, iPads, iPods, Chromebooks, access to laptops, projectors, document cameras, and voice amplification systems. All students also have access to a fully equipped computer lab.

Preschool

Our early childhood programs are designed to enhance kindergarten readiness, social experiences and enjoyment. We offer a variety of programs for three and four year olds, including a wraparound program.

Community Schools

To enhance the learning opportunities at Niwot Elementary, our Community School provides numerous enrichment activities and recreational programs throughout the school year and the summer.

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International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (Candidate)

•Winner of $25K ReNew Our Schools Competition which brought more energy-efficient lighting to our school

•Highest percentage of identified Gifted and Talented middle school students in SVVSD

•Roughly 95 percent of SMS students participate in a year-long performing arts program

•Universal Middle School students engage in independent studies including Italian, German, American Sign Language, computer programming and online math studies


Enrollment: 608 StudentsLocation: 1300 S. Sunset St. Longmont, CO 80501

Sunset MiddleIB MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (CANDIDATE)

Phone: (303) 776-3963Website: sms.svvsd.orgMascot: Spartan

Dawn Macy, Ed.D.PRINCIPAL

“Everyone on our staff believes every student can and must reach their highest potential through focused work and perseverance. We are here to facilitate and support their learning”

Sunset Middle School is a candidate school* for the Middle Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging and international education that Sunset Middle School believes is important for our students. Twenty-four teachers attended IB training over the summer, and our entire staff attended a training at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. We are committed to providing the best training to make this program enrich the educations of our students.


Design and the design cycle are being taught through stand-alone courses such as Design for a Better World and Wired: Productivity, as well as being integrated into core subject area classes.

Each student has his/her own iPad mini. We have two Mac computer labs, one PC lab, and two mobile laptop carts to integrate technology into daily learning. All classrooms are equipped with wireless Internet access, Airplay capability, digital projection and document camera systems.

Intramural Sports & Athletic Programs

Sunset offers the following intramural sports.

•Basketball•Cross Country, Track & Field•Flag Football

Learn more at: sms.svvsd.org

•Soccer•Volleyball•Wrestling

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Sunset Students in the Community

Our students are not just active within our school. They have used their talents to enrich our community. Sunset has a number of students who participate in community choirs in Longmont and Boulder, as well as musical theatre organizations. Sunset alumni include two self-published authors, a “Hack-a-thon” winner, and state-level representatives at the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, two years in a row.

Students in the 2013-2014 school year completed over 698 volunteer hours in the community and at after school events.

Co-Curricular Programs

Our students have opportunities to extend their learning and serve their community through several options:

•Geography Bee•Spelling Bee•Yearbook•MESA

•Art Club•National Junior Honor Society•Spring Play•Band, Orchestra and Choir

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme (and in addition the IB Career-related Certificate). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

IB information: www.ibo.org 7

Enrollment: 1313 StudentsLocation: 8989 East Niwot Rd.Niwot, CO 80503

Niwot HighINTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMME (IB)

Phone: (303) 652-2550Website: nhs.svvsd.orgMascot: Cougar

Eric RauschkolbPRINCIPAL

“NHS has a rich tradition of excellence in every area: academically, in the arts, and in athletics. We build on those strengths everyday. Our message to our students is YOU MATTER and YOUR SUCCESS is what drives our staff daily.”

•Nearly 40 percent of student population enrolled in IB or Pre-IB Programs•Roughy 20 percent of student population enrolled in an AP class •On five AP tests, the average score was 4+•Rated as a top high school by U.S. News and World Report, and Newsweek

magazines three out of the four previous years•Annually over 90 percent of graduates attend a college or university•In the past four years our graduates have been accepted to Cornell, Duke,

Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, among other top-tier institutions•Most recently honored with five National Merit Semifinalists •Average ACT score of 23.4, compared to the state average of 20.3•Girls’ Track & Field are two-time defending state champions•Since 2000, we have won nine athletic state championships•Performing arts groups have performed on Broadway, Disneyland and

Disney World


Advanced Placement (AP)

Niwot High’s Advanced Placement Program enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both while still in high school.

NHS offers 20 weighted grade courses in its IB program, 12 weighted AP courses, and six weighted grade courses in Honors/NPIB.

Visual and Performing ArtsMusic: Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Evenstar, Sedalia, Guitar, Jazz Bands, Marching Band, Color Guard, Symphonic Band, String Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, and Music Theory

Art: Animation, Ceramics, Drawing, Jewelry, Painting, Sculpture, and Digital Photography

Theatre & Dance: Annual productions in upgraded ($250K) auditorium

International Baccalaureate Programme

Niwot’s IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognized prestigious college preparatory program for all interested SVVSD students. The IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) is offered in eleventh and twelfth grade; Niwot’s Pre-IB (NPIB) for ninth and tenth grade students.

Learn more at: nhs.svvsd.org • @NiwotHS8

Co-Curricular Activities

Athletic Programs

Niwot participates in the 4-A Tri-Valley League and offers the following competitive athletic programs:

•Football•Softball•Baseball•Volleyball•Golf•Tennis•Dance•Gymnastics

•Cross Country•Soccer•Basketball•Wrestling•Track•Cheerleading•Swimming

NHS students have a variety of co-curricular activities in which they can participate. Current activities include:

•Band•Choir•Computer•Economics•Environmental•FCCLA•Forensics

•Link Crew•Model United Nations•National Honors Society•Orchestra•Robotics/MESA•Student Council•Yearbook and more

IB information: www.ibo.org 9

“The very best communities ensure their kids have outstanding public schools, and that’s exactly what you see in Niwot, Colorado.” - Mark Mills, Area Assistant Superintendent

Learn more at: www.svvsd.org10

St. Vrain Online Global Academy

Career Development Center

Location: 1200 S. Sunset St.Longmont, CO 80501

Location: 1200 S. Sunset St.Longmont, CO 80501

Phone: (720) 494-3975 Website: svoga.svvsd.org

Phone: (303) 772-3333Website: cdc.svvsd.org

•St. Vrain Online Global Academy (SVOGA) is a free public K-12 virtual school within St. Vrain Valley Schools serving grades 9-12

•SVOGA allows students to achieve academic success utilizing high-quality instruction and curriculum, while allowing them to choose when and where to learn

•SVOGA offers a global educational experience while allowing constant accessibility to courses and teachers, flexibility in course scheduling and individualized instruction for every student

•These attributes equip students with the tools, skills and knowledge required for post-secondary opportunities, and career readiness in the 21st century

•Any high school student from St. Vrain Valley Schools may attend the Career Development Center (CDC)•CDC programs provide job skills while requiring students to maintain specific, rigorous academic standards•Career related training in Language, Math and Science, along with experiential educational opportunities,

provide students with necessary entry-level skills for employment or post-secondary options•Exposes students to modern technology and hands-on experiences in laboratory and real-world environments•CDC coordinates programs with the post-secondary/community college system, while assisting students in

job placement and cooperative work experience•Transportation is provided to and from all high schools

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Niwot Options