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Boulder Country Day School celebrated the opening of its new Commons Building with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 21. This new state-of-the-art building adds both a dining hall and a Center for Innovative Learning to their 5.5 acres campus abutting the Twin Lakes Open Space in Gunbarrel. The gathering took place in the amphitheater space outside the Commons and included both current and alumni families. Planning for the new facility began in 2018, and while the school experienced some delay...
Last year, Niwot High School had over 60 student-led and created clubs. Niwot students are dedicated to their passions, and many returning clubs will be coming back bigger and better to recruit members at this year's Club Rush event on Sept. 4. During both A and B lunches, club leaders and other members will be outside at the front of the school with interest sheets, candies, and information about their clubs. This year, clubs such as Model United Nations, Best Buddies Club, Dance Club,...
Karlien Dang-Lee has had an active musical life since the age of four, when she first started playing the violin. According to her mother, the young girl really wanted to learn violin, but all Dang-Lee remembers is crying because her fingers hurt. When she was seven, she switched to piano, which she played until she was fourteen. Playing piano provided her with a solid foundation for understanding notes and music theory. In fifth grade, she picked up the flute. "Because," she said, "my elementar...
As the 2024-2025 school year begins, Niwot High School welcomes a new registrar, a student engagement specialist, and eleven new teachers in math, English, social studies, science, and Spanish. The new teachers and staff are Chevron Bayley (social studies), Michael DeCamillis (science), Sarah Florek (social studies), Gunilla Godebu (registrar), Priscilla Gonzalez (student engagement specialist), Kristen Keronen (Spanish), Stephanie Polutchko (science), Kyle Rees (art), Taylor Richardson (math), Taylor Renquist (math), Laura Schoenfeld...
Last year Drum Major Mark Rokhlenko and Drum Major Lily Sykes identified a major opportunity for the Niwot High School Marching Band. As section leaders in the band before becoming drum majors, they realized that drum majors are offered extensive training on how to lead. Niwot drum majors always attend Drum Major Academy at CU Boulder. But the section leaders of the marching band did not receive similar training. In response, Sykes and Rokhlenko spent more than eight hours planning a detailed schedule, making slideshows, and practicing...
12 Niwot High School graduate Hanna Sandoff has made it full-circle, and is now a first grade teacher at Niwot Elementary School. Not only was Sandoff a NHS graduate, she also spent her fifth grade year at NES. "I naturally care very deeply for the people around me and teaching is a profession where you get to build long lasting relationships and make a small amount of positive change in the world," Sandoff said. "I like teaching because it is my little drop of goodness." Sandoff has known...
Niwot United Methodist Church is hosting a free fun back-to-school event Sunday, Aug. 18 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 7405 Lookout Road. Families will be treated to free hot dogs, chips, cookies and activities to celebrate the start of school. “This 4th annual Back-to-School Extravaganza is a free community event that is open to all as the church throws open its doors in hospitality to its neighbors,” said the event host, Janet Gates. Activities will include a “bounce house’ and a dunk tank, s...
Niwot High School's Cougar Marching Band (#PrideOfNiwot) completed its 2024 summer band camp on Aug. 6, accomplishing a tremendous amount of work. Thanks to the dedication of students and flexibility with some unexpected heat and smoke, there is no doubt that the marching band at NHS will have another successful season. This year's halftime field show is "Night at the Movies" where the band will be performing three pieces - "Pixar Favorites" (a medley of famous songs from Disney-Pixar movies...
Arts Student of the Week Mark Rokhlenko, Niwot High School Band's drum major, played the tenor trombone since the fourth grade, thanks to Sean Kemp, the music teacher at Flagstaff Academy but was uncertain if he wanted to continue in high school. He took a band class in his freshman year at NHS to earn his Fine Arts credit and intended to quit band after finishing that class. Freshman band camp completely changed his mind. "The people were incredibly welcoming, supportive, fun to be around, and...
Niwot High School 2024 graduate and valedictorian Mia Prok was a highly accomplished high school student and athlete, resulting in her acceptance to Wake Forest University specifically to run track and cross country. Not only is it difficult to get into WFU for athletics, it is also a school that values academic strength and enthusiasm. Prok has it all. Prok has not decided on a career path after college but is intrigued by pursuing pre-med since both of her parents are physicians. For now, Prok...
The Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools, is dedicated to sparking ideas and skills in students across the school district. Within the Innovation Center, specific programs allow high school students to research, learn, and innovate while being mentored on a given subject. These "Project Teams" range from robotics to aeronautics, giving students work-based experience in their field of interest. Each team's goal is different, but they all work toward building contacts, experience, and...
Niwot High School graduate and IB Valedictorian Reema Baishya was a highly accomplished high school student. This fall, Baishya will be attending CU Boulder on a Boettcher Scholarship to study Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering. Boettcher Scholarships are awarded to only fifty Colorado students annually. Baishya's academic efforts proved to be worth the strenuous coursework. Not only is she passionate about reaching her academic goals, but she is also passionate about her chosen goals....
Since childhood, the calling to be a teacher was ever-present for Heatherwood Elementary School fifth grade teacher Anna Lyttle. Early experiences as a camp counselor, music teacher assistant, and outdoor education instructor solidified this desire. These roles provided valuable skills but also confirmed a passion for working with children. After completing her Bachelor's in American Studies and Sociology from Colby College, Lyttle ventured into the realms of advertising, marketing and sales....
As the start of the 2024-2025 school year approaches, Niwot High School band students get a head start preparing for an exciting new season through their annual band camp. Band camp is where new members are welcomed and the fundamentals of marching are honed, marking a big step towards the upcoming season's performances. The week-long camp, starting Monday, July 29, runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day at Niwot High School. Students practice their halftime show music and pep music for...
Niwot High School graduate and traditional salutatorian Violet Oliver made NHS history in her four years as a Niwot student. Not only did she earn her high school diploma with flying colors, she also received an Associate's Degree in Engineering at the same time. During her senior year, Oliver took all of her classes at Front Range Community College, which will result in a reduction of over a year of school towards getting her bachelor's degree. Apart from Oliver's impressive achievement of...
Evan Pan never considered himself an 'artsy person,' but his experience in Niwot High School's fine arts program has given him an opportunity to express himself in new ways. "It was actually the first art class I took at Niwot, and I fell in love with the process of making art," Pan said. "And I still have my first assignments from freshman year. It was a self-portrait, and it is probably one of the most atrocious things you've ever seen." Growing up, Pan spent much of his time swimming and in...
Mathematics is the foundation of many subjects and is crucial to understand. Math teachers help students gain critical thinking skills and help them understand and engage with the world. Erin Smith is a dedicated math teacher at Niwot High School, entering her third year at NHS and her fifth year of teaching overall. Smith began her teaching career in a middle school in eastern Longmont, but after two years, she felt the call to high school education. Smith speaks highly of Niwot High School's m...
Niwot High School students thrive with the help of teachers who are dedicated to teaching and ensuring their students succeed. One of these teachers is Angela Roberts who has been teaching several English classes at Niwot High School for the last 16 years. She was inspired by her English 10 teacher who left a lasting impression on her students. Her teacher's classroom was more than just a place for academic learning, it was a sanctuary where students felt comfortable and valued. Under her...
Founded in 2005 as an after-school club at Silver Creek High School, Up-A-Creek Robotics has evolved from humble beginnings into a renowned institution at the forefront of STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and competitive robotics. For two decades, this organization has been a place of inspiration, nurturing the talents of countless students and sharpening the future of engineering and technology. Up-A-Creek Robotics, also known as FRC (FIRST Robotics...
Ben Rauschkolb has had an opportunity to contribute to Niwot High School (NHS) as an art student in a very special way. In his sophomore year, Rauschkolb had been taking photos of the school's athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities for use in the Left Hand Valley Courier, as well as NHS's student run newspaper, The Green and Black, and the social media platforms of the individuals he photographs. "As far back as I can remember," Rauschkolb said, "I have been the one playing on the...
Niwot High School and its students would not flourish without the teachers that devote themselves to their students. Among these teachers, Megan Schlagel, a math teacher and math department chair, nourishes students' love for math from her classroom at NHS. A graduate of Longmont High School, Schlagel has been teaching for the past 15 years. For the past 12 years she has worked at Niwot High School, where she has spent eight years as the chair of the mathematics department. She teaches Algebra...
Elementary school teachers play a vital role in nurturing young minds, fostering a love for learning, and laying the foundation of academic and personal growth. Among these is Niwot resident Ava Dumler, who was named Teacher of the Year at Mead Elementary School in just her second year of teaching. Dumler is a 2019 graduate of Niwot High School where she earned her IB Diploma while also making her mark on the soccer field as a varsity player and team captain. Her drive and determination...
Located in Longmont, Colorado, a minute or so off of Highway 287, the St. Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center, normally referred to as the Innovation Center, stands at the center of educational advancement and community engagement. This state-of-the-art facility, paired with an array of programs, creates an atmosphere where students can develop real-world skills and foster a culture of innovation. The Innovation Center began in 2012 when the district received the prestigious Race to...
Niwot High School and its students would not shine as brightly without its wonderful staff. In a remarkable testament to the tight-knit community at the school, several former students of Niwot High School have returned and are now current staff members. For many of these educators, the hallways, classrooms, and even the old gymnasium hold a special kind of nostalgia. Leah (Sareceni) Messinger, current school counselor at NHS, recalls her time as a NHS student. "I was so excited to return to a p...
The Career Elevation and Technology Center (CETC), an educational center shared by schools of the St. Vrain Valley School District, stands as a beacon of educational innovation and career readiness. The CETC aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern workforce by offering students the ability to explore classes that are suited for specific careers. The center is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to explore education tailored to their...
Ken Benson has been a teacher at Niwot High School for the past 21 of his 22 year teaching career. While he's not done yet, he has had an incredible journey, making a lasting impact not only with students, but on the school as a whole. Benson has primarily taught social studies at Niwot, with classes including world studies, economics, German, and the history of rock. This past October, Benson received an opportunity of a lifetime and will be traveling to South Korea for two years to further...
For many years now, the Saint Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) has offered students the opportunity to jumpstart their careers through the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation and Technology Center. Then, in 2016, SVVSD introduced a way for high school students to earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma, providing yet another great opportunity for local high school students. P-TECH, which stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School, was first introduced in Colorado by the St. Vrain Valley School...
In 2008, the St. Vrain Valley School District's (SVVSD) overall graduation rate was approximately 75%, with the Hispanic graduation rate at approximately 55%. Over 16 years, the district has seen significant progress. As of 2024, the overall district graduation rate has risen to an impressive 93.3%, and the Hispanic student graduation rate has also seen a substantial increase, now at 87.7%. According to Don Haddad, Superintendent of SVVSD, these improvements were achieved despite the district's...
As the school year comes to a close, so do some of the articles about in school activities such as clubs. Throughout this year the Left Hand Valley Courier has covered Model United Nations, Best Buddies Club, Drama Club, NASA Club, A Capella Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Asian Student Association, Dance Club, Students for Rare Diseases, Political Action Club, Gender Studies Club, Coding Club, Earth Club, and finally Helping Hands Club. From community service to singing, each unique...
Cooper Edwards, a Niwot Elementary School fifth-grader, represented his community on the national stage at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 28 and May 30. Edwards has earned his place among the nation's 250 top young spellers, showcasing a dedication to the spelling competition while balancing other hobbies as well. Edwards' journey to the National Spelling Bee began earlier this year when he won first place at the Boulder Valley Regional Spelling Bee. He approached the national...
Niwot High School announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class, "honoring a group of five remarkable individuals who have woven themselves into the very fabric of our school and community: Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Debbi and Art Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren," in a press release. The Night of Champions Celebration will be held in the Niwot High School auditorium on Sunday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. to not only celebrate the school's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, but also the achievements of...
Heatherwood Elementary School hosted its annual mile-long Heather Heatherwood "fun run," Tuesday, May 21 to round out a spirited school year. Students and staff wound through the course on the closed streets of the Heatherwood neighborhood and tackled obstacle courses created for the event. This year the theme was "CandyLand," so obstacles consisted of candy balloon arches, donut tires, and pool noodle lollipops. The PTO set up obstacles throughout the course, complete with photo booths and...
Saturday May 25 marked the official completion of high school for the Niwot High School class of 2024. Niwot's commencement was held at the high school on the football field where 338 graduates received their diplomas and recognition from faculty alongside friends, family, and peers. Commencement opened with the singing of the National Anthem performed by graduates Jasper Allison, Merrick Blondeau, Jackson Carano, and Fred Zorgdrager. Everyone was then welcomed by Principal Eric Raushkolb as he...
Niwot High School seniors' last day of school, May 15, was marked with camaraderie, in sharp contrast to the COVID-induced isolation of their freshman year. The Senior Car Parade, organized with assistance from the NHS Booster Club, began in 2020 when seniors were unable to enjoy the traditional end-of-year experiences and celebrations such as prom, awards nights, concerts, and group graduations due to the pandemic. The car parade allowed the community to recognize and celebrate Niwot's seniors...
Oliver Fowler of Scout Troop 161 in Niwot, acquired the final rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony on Sunday, May 19. He is the 107th Eagle Scout from Troop 161 since 1973. Fowler has undergone the trials of earning 21 merit badges (14 of which are required for Eagle Scout) plus an additional five earning him a bronze Eagle Palm. "Many people think that once you earn your Eagle Scout, you've reached the end," said Advancement Chair Michelle Law, "but this is not true. You can earn achievements...
Niwot High School's Spring Pops Choral Concert held on May 14, featured the Tenor and Bass Choir, the Treble Choir, the Chamber Singers, Evenstar, the student a cappella group, the Unaccompanied Minors, and combinations of choirs. The Tenor and Bass Choir performed "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars, "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, and the English sea shanty song, "Drunken Sailor." The Treble Choir performed "Build Me Up Buttercup" by Mike d'Abo and Tony Macaulay and made popular by The Foundations,...
Heatherwood Elementary School celebrated its last school-wide assembly of the year on Friday, May 17, that took the school on a trip "Back to the '90s" with time capsules and photos. Sparky, Heatherwood's blue husky mascot, made the trip with them. Sparky was trained by professional mascot trainers and was there to cheer on the school as kids were recognized for participating in school activities that included student council, Maji Safi, intramural sports, handbells and choir, Battle of the...
The fourth annual Senior Car Parade for the graduating seniors of Niwot High School will gear up on Wednesday, May 15. Seniors will have a chance to decorate their vehicles or floats after school, if they didn't get a head start already, and then make their way down Niwot Road, through 2nd Avenue, north on Murray Street, east along Neva Road to 83rd Street, and then east up Niwot Road to end back at the high school. This event was started in 2020 during Covid-19 as a way to socially distance...
Whether you're a senior about to graduate or a close friend of a senior, the spring semester is always a bittersweet time of year. Niwot High School's spring concerts are an example of one of the "lasts" in which seniors participate during their final days of high school, and one such bittersweet experience. The Niwot High School bands, orchestras, and mariachi held their final concerts this past week on May 7 and 8 at the NHS auditorium. Both jazz bands, the percussion ensemble, and both sympho...
Niwot Elementary School presented Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing on Friday, May 10, at Collyer Park in Longmont. The St. Vrain Valley School District celebrated the return of its Shakespeare in the Park Festival, with fifth-grade students from the gifted and talented programs at eight elementary schools participating. Niwot students first learned about Shakespeare's life and read shortened versions of sixteen plays. Much Ado About Nothing won a class poll, and during their reading class...
Fraternal twins Hunter and Chase Maasen have very different ideas about playing music. For Hunter, music is like a car. "It seems basic to most people," he said. "You move the stick shift and it drives. Nothing else to it. But to the engineers, it's a complex machine of moving parts having to do everything exactly right at the exact right time to create a movement forward. Music to me is like a car, complex, filled with melodies and harmonies, bass, emotions, soul, complexity, and people miss...
Members of the Heatherwood Educational Advisory Team were feeling hopeful, inspired, and empowered at the close of the second meeting of the group on April 29. The team is beginning a community engagement process to develop recommendations for future programming and other educational experiences to help increase Heatherwood Elementary School's enrollment in future years. The Boulder Valley School District is among numerous school districts across the country that are facing the challenges of...
Niwot High School is no stranger to excellence. Niwot is "Home of the Champions" in many areas including sports, academia, and of course, music. Students from all grade levels who are involved in band, choir, mariachi, and/or orchestra were recognized for their achievements in the world of performing arts on Wednesday, May 1. The evening began by recognizing students, by grade, who had received varsity letters (just like in sports) and other achievements. Students who have earned enough points,...
During the final class of the day on Friday, May 3, Niwot High School offered its first-ever Unified Theater production, "Descendants: The Musical." Unified Theater was first introduced to Niwot High School this year through its semester-long class, which brings together students with and without special needs through theater. Friends and families of the performers were invited to attend along with the students of Niwot High School. The performance was a showcase of Niwot High School's...
Niwot High School's Production of "Shrek The Musical" closed recently after six shows over the course of two weekends. Under the direction of Amanda Foust and technical director Jason Watkins, the show ran seamlessly. The high energy from the cast made this show one of a kind. Along with its appeal to children, this musical is enjoyable for people of all ages. The underlying message of embracing uniqueness, inner beauty, and the importance of community create a beautiful story about various...
Both of the Niwot High School Jazz bands received "superior" scores this past week at the Skyline Jazz Fest. Under the direction of Wade Hendricks, director of bands at NHS, each group performed three pieces in front of three judges. This year the judges were John Gunter, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, Ed Breazeale, a local jazz educator and performer, and Dr. Shawn Williams, Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at UNC Greeley. These jazz experts evaluated the...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Helping Hands Club. "Helping Hands Club is a group of positive, committed students at our school," said Sofia Burks, President and Founder of the Helping Hands Club (HHC). "At least twice a month, we come together to complete a service activity for one of our local charities dedicated to supporting families battling pediatric diseases and medical conditions." This school year, Helping Hands Club has done service...
