A Word From the Superintendent - St Vrain Valley School District

Celebrating the Achievements of St. Vrain Valley Schools
A Word From the Superintendent
Dear St. Vrain Resident,
Thanks to a supportive community, highly qualified and committed teachers
and staff, and engaged parents, the entire family of St. Vrain Valley Schools
is experiencing enormous success. As Superintendent of Schools, I am
especially proud of the work being done to expand high-rigor instructional
programming throughout the 53 schools that comprise our comprehensive
PreK-12 system.
Some noteworthy achievements include:
District Race to the Top Federal Grant Winner: One of 16 winners
nationwide ($16,600,000)
Invest in Innovation (i3) Federal Grant Winner: Top score application of
1,700 applicants ($3,600,000)
Legacy Foundation Advanced Placement Grant ($300,000)
District named 2012 'Large Business of the Year' by Longmont Chamber
of Commerce
Highest 3rd grade reading scores in our district's history for the past
three years
Numerous John Irwin School of Excellence Awards (Colorado's top 8
percent high performing schools)
Several Colorado Trailblazer 'School to Watch' Awards
Numerous Governor's Distinguished Improvement Awards
Winner - Several Colorado Principal of the Year Awards for district
principals
Our entire community benefits significantly when we work together to build
and maintain a strong system of public schools.
I hope you enjoy learning about some of the many successes of St. Vrain
Valley Schools described in the following pages. We are proud of our
accomplishments, and we are grateful for your ongoing and generous
support.
Take care, and have a wonderful summer.
Sincerely,
Dr. Don Haddad
Superintendent
Connect with
Don Haddad
Email:
[email protected]
(mailto:[email protected])
Phone:
(303) 682 - 7205
Twitter:
@SVVSDsupt
(http://twitter.com/svvsdsupt)
Don Haddad, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
The Foundation of our success...
The majority of our licensed staff have either a master's degree, Ph.D. or are
pursuing advanced graduate degrees.
SVVSD Home of Teaching Excellence
Developing Pathways For success
St. Vrain continues to expand its PK-12 focus school opportunities, offering
competitive and innovative 21st century learning.
These high-rigor programs enhance academic achievement and provide
families an array of choices at all grade levels.
Medical & BioScience Academy (MBSA)
(img/MBSA.jpg)
Beginning Fall 2013, the Medical &
Bioscience Academy at Longmont
High School will offer rigorous
college-preparatory curricula that
prepares students for admission to
post-secondary programs in
medicine, research and allied health
sciences.
St. Vrain Focus School
Programming
Advanced
Honors, AP, Pre-AP, CU
Succeed, Gifted & Talented &
other Advanced Academic
programs
Leadership
In partnership with state universities, community colleges, and community
business partners, students will experience challenging coursework,
interact with health science professionals, develop hands-on skills through
internships and apply technology to real-life problems.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects the health
sciences field to experience significant growth in the
next 10-20 years.
Schools focused on developing
team building, collaboration
and business skills
Science / Math
Science, Technology,
Engineering & Math (STEM),
MESA, Science & Inquiry
Arts
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
(STEM)
Skyline High School's nationally recognized Science, Technology,
Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Academy is designed to prepare
students for the 21st century workforce. The STEM Academy is an
innovative, technology-based curriculum where students learn to
collaboratively solve problems through real-world projects.
(img/STEMMain.jpg)
Students have the opportunity to interact
with professional scientists and
engineers, and collaborate with local
businesses and industry through job
shadowing and internships.
The Academy has a unique partnership
with the University of Colorado, Boulder,
College of Engineering. CU engineering fellows serve as mentors working
side by side with students. High performing students graduate from the
Skyline High STEM Academy with guaranteed admission to CU's College of
Applied Science.
The addition of a STEM Innovation Center will create
an incubator setting as a bridge to industry and
higher education. This will strengthen the student's
portfolio and prepare students for admission to
post-secondary and the workforce.
Rigorous Academics Enhanced
through the Arts, Visual &
Performing Arts (VPA)
Core Knowledge
Schools following the basic
curriculum guidelines set by
the Core Knowledge
Foundation
Technology
All SVVSD schools have an
emphasis in technology. These
schools feature the latest
equipment or online
coursework
Additional Options
World Languages, Career &
Technical, Montessori, Extra
Curricular Engagement, and
more
High-Rigor District Curriculum
SVVSD's standard, high-rigor
and comprehensive
curriculum
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Programme
(img/IBMain.jpg)
Niwot High School offers the IB Diploma Programme, a rigorous course
of study designed to meet the academic needs of highly motivated students
and promote international understanding.
IB students earn both a standard diploma and an IB
diploma. Some students enter college with more
than 24 college credits. Niwot High has a 90% IB
diploma rate and is recognized worldwide. "Last
year's IB graduating class exceeded the world
average on 12 of the 20 exams," said Julie Webster,
IB coordinator.
Leadership Academy
Created in 2009, The Silver Creek Leadership
Academy (SCLA) is where tomorrow's leaders are
students today. Using a curriculum designed by
teachers and administrators, and in collaboration
with local business leaders, the coursework is
relevant and focused.
SCLA is designed around 'The Big Six' leadership skills:
Schools following curriculum
based on IB Primary Years, IB
Middle Years and the IB
Diploma Programme
Communication
Respect
Vision
Teamwork
Ethics
Critical & Creative Thinking
Students learn to apply leadership skills in every aspect of their life. Classes
integrate experiential learning, technology, field trips and local community
expertise. "We do activities that students don't normally do in regular
classrooms," said Carrie Adams, SCLA coordinator. "Students are challenged
to exceed their expectations and demonstrate leadership."
(http://player.vimeo.com/video/66187849)
Valarie Allman
Silver Creek, SCLA Senior
Race to the Top Grant
In December 2012, St. Vrain won $16.6 million in Race to the Top funds. The
U.S. Department of Education chose 16 districts nationwide; St. Vrain was the
only district in Colorado honored.
According to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, "Race to the Top grantees have shown tremendous leadership
through developing plans that will transform the learning environment and enable students to receive a
personalized, world-class education."
(img/rtt1.jpg)
St. Vrain's application was praised for its plans to
broaden STEM (science, technology, engineering and
math), expand the school year, and mentor high-risk
students.
The funds will support programs in 11 schools in the
Skyline High School feeder system by developing STEM
programs in all grade levels. Although Skyline already
hosts a STEM academy, students in elementary and
middle schools will be introduced to rigorous STEM
programming, including inquiry-based problem solving,
with the goal of improved graduation rates, improved
postsecondary readiness and expanded learning
opportunities.
The grant will also allow the district to create an Innovation Center at Skyline High where students "will be taking
what they learn in STEM and applying that to solve real problems, while working with businesses like IBM," said
Regina Renaldi, assistant superintendent of priority schools. This model of engaging students in team-based,
hands-on, relevant project learning is a solid approach to making math and science concepts relevant to all
learners.
St. Vrain's goal is to eventually develop a sustainable model that can be used district-wide and by other districts
nationally.
Partnership - US Department of Education
"The work being done in
St. Vrain Valley School
District is a great
example of how schools
and districts can build
partnerships that create
world-class education and training
programs,"
— Cecilia Munoz, Assistant to the President, Director of
White House Domestic Policy
(img/munozBig.jpg)
(img/munozPics/munoz4.jp
(img/munozPics/munoz2.jpg)
(img/munozPics/munoz3.jpg)
Regina Renaldi
Patti Quinones
Assistant
Superintendent of
Priority Programs
Executive Director of
Innovation Programs
Regina Renaldi is a
dynamic force behind St.
Vrain's push to close the
achievement gap. She
has spent her career
focusing on school
reform. Renaldi focuses
on high need student populations, literacy and English
Language Learning. She has been instrumental in
securing SVVSD's $20 million in federal grants. Her
passion for school improvement is unrelenting.
Patty Quiñones spent
five years leading change
at Skyline High School
before recently being
tapped to direct the Race
to the Top grant
programs. The transition
to her new post will allow
her to impact numerous schools.
"The opportunity to bring cutting-edge innovation at
Skyline through the STEM and VPA Academies was
exciting," said Quiñones. "I look forward to continuing
my work on a larger scale to create student innovators
at all levels in the district."
Invest in Innovation (i3) Grant
In 2010, St. Vrain won a $3.6 million Invest in Innovation (i3) development grant
with the highest score nationwide on its application.
(img/i3Main.jpg)
The grant focuses on expanding programs for at-risk students in seven schools. This includes augmenting the
school year at four elementary schools, targeting math students in selected middle schools and fully implementing
the STEM Academy at Skyline High.
As part of the grant, SVVSD secured matching funds from private industry, including RidgeviewTel & IBM. A
partnership with CU Boulder engineering department also added to the rich collaboration. These unique and
powerful public/private partnerships have played a significant role in implementing real and measurable reform in
many of our schools.
The Skyline STEM academy is now nationally recognized and the the unique collaborations with industry are a
model other districts can follow.
St. Vrain is indeed seeing higher achievement, increased
student participation in high-rigor courses and rising
graduation rates. "i3 was the seed money," states Regina
Renaldi, the driving force behind both the i3 and Race to
the Top grants. "The Race to the Top grant is a way to
finish what we started with i3."
Partnership - IBM
Partnership - University of Colorado
"IBM and St. Vrain
Schools continued to
grow their
partnership during 2012 and 2013, in
what has become a mutually
beneficial relationship. We're looking
forward to creating additional
opportunities together in the coming
years to prepare St. Vrain students for
future success."
— Pete Lorenzen IBM Colorado Senior Executive
"We love our STEM
partnership with St.
Vrain Valley Schools;
especially working
together to create
engineering opportunities for youth.
Engineers create the things that drive
our quality of life and health of our
planet; our future and state's
economy will be brighter in the hands
of your STEM students!"
— Jacquelyn F. Sullivan, Ph.D., Associate Dean, CU
Boulder College of Engineering
AT&T/SVVSD hackathon
In December of 2012,
Silver Creek High School
hosted the nation's very
first high school
invitational mobile apps
'hackathon'. The event
was sponsored by AT&T
and a number of other
state and national
corporate partners.
Hackathon - /haka, thän/ An event in
which computer programmers and
others involved in software
development, including graphic
designers, interface designers and
project managers, collaborate
intensively on software projects.
(img/hackathonPics/hackMain.jpg)
(img/hackathonPics/hack2.jpg)
(img/hackathonPics/hack3.jpg)
(img/hackathonPics/hack4.jpg
(img/hackathonPics/hack5.jpg)
(img/hackathonPics/hack6.jpg)
(img/hackathonPics/hack7.jpg
Red Hawk's National Grant
$100K - Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP)
Movement and exercise are more than activities at Red Hawk Elementary. These are foundational elements of the
school's culture. Because of this philosophy, Red Hawk has received an abundance of local and national
recognition.
(img/redHawkMovement.jpg)
In June of 2012, the Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP), an initiative of Childhood
Obesity 180, announced Red Hawk Elementary as a national 'Innovation Competition
Winner' and a recipient of a $100K grant.
Earning this honor was no small feat. Red Hawk had to beat over 400 national
applicants to become a finalist. Once there, it was easy to envision the school as a
competition winner. The school's "Red Hawk Movement" program is supported by
actual data, incorporates various levels of technology and is scalable across all school
types.
Red Hawk built physical activity into its curriculum from day one. Using a "6-Day
Rotation" calendar, students gain 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on a daily basis. In-class movement
sessions take place in 20-minute blocks usually before math and science, the most challenging academic subjects.
Each Friday
the week ends
with "AllSchool
Movement"
with all 460
(http://player.vimeo.com/video/44006417) students,
faculty and
staff heading
outside to
participate in a
coordinated
fitness routine
set to popular
music.
Part of the responsibility of being a national ASAP winner is to spread ideas to others in need of school movement
programs. To do this, Red Hawk held the first annual Excellence in Schools Summit, a regional conference, in late
April, 2013. The conference celebrated its success with keynote speaker, Dr. John Ratey and an attendance of over
200 educators, PE teachers, coaches and administrators; all sharing ideas that correlate with physical activity and
academic success.
"At Red Hawk, our
rigorous academic
environment is
enhanced by our
movement program,
resulting in higher
achievement and a
strong school
community."
— Cyrus Weinberger, Red Hawk
Elementary Principal
New Schools
First STEM Preschool & PK-8
Timberline PK-8
and K-8 Schools
Loma Linda Elementary, Spangler Elementary and
Heritage Middle will combine to become one new school
- Timberline PK-8. Remodeling has been going on
throughout the 2012-2013 school year. The renovations
were paid for from the voter approved bond in 2008.
Excitement abounds as St. Vrain opens two new K-8
schools for fall 2013. A K-8 school supports:
High student achievement
Multiple learning opportunities
Fewer grade transitions
Academic collaboration
Mentoring experiences across grade levels
Family involvement
Thunder Valley K-8
In the Carbon Valley, Thunder Valley K-8 will open this
fall into what was previously the old Frederick High
building. The newly remodeled building will offer
enhanced space and expanded opportunities.
A K-8 format offers a seamless transition from
kindergarten through eighth grade. Opportunities
abound, "The middle school students will have the
chance to mentor younger students," said assistant
superintendent, Amy Weed.
Learn more! tvk8.svvsd.org (http://tvk8.svvsd.org)
Spark! Discovery Preschool
Opening Fall 2013, Spark! Discovery Preschool will
provide families in the Carbon Valley with a
comprehensive early learning program enhanced by
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM).
This ground breaking program will offer a safe,
nurturing and creative environment, while integrating
traditional and innovative project based learning.
(img/timberline.jpg)
Most students from Spangler Elementary, which will
close, will also attend Timberline PK-8. The school will
open with a new STEM focus.
Learn more! tpk8.svvsd.org (http://tpk8.svvsd.org)
High Quality Preschool Now
Offered District-wide
Did you know? St Vrain families enjoy preschool
programs in neighborhood elementary schools.
Designed to enhance kindergarten readiness
Highly qualified, licensed staff
Research based curriculum
21st century learning
Flexible programming: 2, 3 or 4 day programs (half
day)
Before & after school child care available in many
locations
Affordable tuition with access to scholarships or
tuition-free eligibility
Learn more! www.svvsd.org/preschool
(http://www.svvsd.org/preschool)
Early Childhood Office: 303-702-7815
Soaring Performance
Schools 'Accredited with
Third grade reading scores are up
Distinction'
St. Vrain is reaping the benefits of early learning programs and
outstanding teachers. We have incorporated high-quality
preschool and fullday kindergarten in every one of the district's 26
elementary schools. This has contributed significantly to our
students achieving the highest 3rd grade reading scores in the
history of the district.
Numerous St. Vrain schools are 'Accredited
with Distinction'. Based on recommendations
from the state performance framework,
schools must meet 80% of the criteria. The
framework considers academic achievement,
academic growth, academic growth gaps, postsecondary education, and workforce
readiness.
St. Vrain schools are 'Accredited with
Distinction'
Altona Middle
Aspen Ridge Elementary
Black Rock Elementary
Blue Mountain Elementary
Eagle Crest Elementary
Erie Elementary
Lyons Elementary
Lyons Middle/Senior
Mead Middle
Niwot Elementary
Red Hawk Elementary
Westview Middle
(img/jenga.jpg)
Fiscal Excellence
'Large Business of the Year'
Excellence in Financial
Longmont Chamber of Commerce
Reporting
In November 2012, the Longmont Chamber of Commerce named
St. Vrain Valley Schools as 'Large Business of the Year'.
St. Vrain is committed to both academic
excellence and fiscal excellence. St. Vrain's
financial practices continue to earn positive
reviews.
This distinction is especially
relevant since it was chosen by
our business leaders. The award
recognizes the district's
achievements, fiscal responsibility,
as well as collaboration from the
Board of Education, administrative
team, teachers, staff, parents,
elected officials and community.
For the 9th consecutive year, the district's
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
(CAFR) has been recognized by two
international organizations for its
excellence in financial reporting.
Moody's rates the district financial
management practices as 'Aa2', the
highest rating in the district's history.
Community Resources
Volunteers Supporting SVVSD
St. Vrain enjoys the resources of hundreds of volunteers. Parents,
grandparents, business partners, community members and
student mentors all impact our schools.
This year, the district created a unique opportunity for senior
homeowners. The program helped lessen the impact that the mill
levy increase had on our senior community and disabled
homeowners.
Thousands of hours were
invested by both seniors
and other volunteers,
benefiting every school in
the district.
Eighty year old Linn Long
has volunteered at Lyons
Middle/Senior for over 16
years, working with young
wrestlers. Not only do the students gain the wisdom and insight
from this young-at-heart volunteer, but he receives much more in
return.
Partnership - Grassroots St.
Vrain
"As a parent, I
find that
parental
involvement and
stakeholder
input are integral parts of the
SVVSD culture. Families are
heard when they reach out
with suggestions and
questions. This transparency
allows stakeholders the
opportunity to take
ownership of their schools
and implement ideas that
support the entire
community."
— Carolyn Storz
Parent & Grassroots St. Vrain Advocate
"As a former collegiate wrestling coach, it's encouraging to watch
students from the very start of their career," said Long. "I enjoy
watching their progress, from middle school through high school."
When asked if he would continue to volunteer again next year,
Long stated, "I plan on staying until they get tired of me."
SVVSD Awards
Our district, schools, principals and students have earned numerous
achievements.
State-Level Awards
John Irwin School of Excellence
Awards
Honor to state's top 8 percent of
schools for academic
achievement
Governor's Distinguished
Improvement Awards
For demonstrating exceptional
student growth
Colorado Trailblazer 'School to
Watch'
Awards State and national
program identifying highperforming middle schools
Colorado Principal of the Year
Awards
Multiple winners
Boettcher Scholars
Numerous winners
National-Level Awards
Race to the Top Federal Grant
Multimillion-dollar grant winner
i3 - Invest in Innovation Grant
Winner of prestigious national
award
Active School Acceleration
Project - ASAP
National winner
US News & World Report and
Newsweek
Top-ranked high schools
SpringBoard National
Demonstration School
Three-year award winner
National Merit Scholars
Numerous winners
International-Level Awards
St. Vrain IB (International
Baccalaureate)
Recognized for scores that
exceed IB world average
Odyssey of the Mind World
Finals
Numerous qualifying teams over
the years
Celebrating the Achievements of St. Vrain Valley Schools