Columbine News: March 2026

Dear Columbine Families,

We hope everyone is enjoying the start of spring! March brings continued learning, exciting events, and a well-deserved Spring Break.  It is also a time our intermediate students finalize preparation for CMAS testing. Our teachers have been thoughtfully preparing students by reviewing key skills, practicing test-taking strategies, and building confidence so each child feels ready to do their very best. We are proud of the hard work our students have shown and will continue to encourage them to approach testing with a positive mindset and perseverance. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and school community.


Looking Back on February

February was a meaningful month of connection and celebration. We appreciated the opportunity to partner with families during Parent-Teacher Conferences to discuss student progress and goals for the remainder of the year. Our Cougar of the Trimester Assemblies recognized students for their hard work, leadership, and character, and we thank families for supporting students’ reading growth through the completion of READ plans. We are proud of the dedication our students continue to show each day!

A thank you message to the Columbine community for parents' donations to teachers' dinners, in English and Spanish.

Looking Ahead in March

Late Start Day
🕘 Wednesday, March 4
School begins at 11:00am.

Specials Showcase (Grades 1 & 3)
🎨🎶 Thursday, March 5 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Join us to celebrate student learning and creativity in art, music, and PE.

Cafecito
Friday, March 6 | 8:45-10:00 a.m.
Connect with school staff and other families while enjoying conversation and community.

SVVSD Future-Ready Festival
🚀 Saturday, March 7
An exciting district event showcasing innovation, creativity, and future-ready learning opportunities for students and families. (See additional information below.)

Daylight Saving Time

Sunday, March 8

Set clocks forward 1 hour.

Spring Pictures & Falcon Fest
📸 🦅Thursday, March 12

Spring Break – No School
🌷 March 16–20
We hope all families enjoy a restful and rejuvenating break.


Reminders

🦷 Dental Screenings — March 5
Students who returned permission slips will participate in school dental screenings. Please contact the office with any questions.

💻 iPad Insurance Reminder
Billing statements were sent home in February. Please remember that if you do not have iPad insurance, you are not protected for any damage that may occur over spring break or the summer.

📄 Billing Statements
If you received a billing statement in February, please review and submit payment or contact the office with questions.


Looking Ahead to April

No School
📅 Monday, April 27

Thank you for your continued support in helping our Cougars thrive. We appreciate your partnership in making our school community strong and successful.

With Cougar Pride,
Julia Cooper
Principal, Columbine Elementary
Cougars Climb to Excellence—Every Student, Every Day!

March Events

Community Schools: Enrichment Classes

Poster for Columbine Community Schools' after-school enrichment programs, featuring various activities and details.
Event flyer for Columbine Community Schools featuring after-school activities like crystal making and storytelling.

Late Starts

late start

Upcoming Late Starts

Late starts occur on the first Wednesday of each month, with school beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, March 4th

Wednesday, April 1st

Wednesday, May 6th


Invitation for a coffee event featuring Janette Rivera-Gonzalez on March 6 at 8:45 a.m., focusing on student success tools.

St. Vrain Valley Schools invites families and community members to attend the first-ever Future Ready Festival on Saturday March 7 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Silver Creek High School in Longmont. This open-house style showcase allows visitors to explore innovative pathways and programs offered across St. Vrain Valley Schools through interactive learning zones, hands-on demonstrations, live student performances, a speaker-series in the auditorium, coffee chats with district leaders and Superintendent Dr. Jackie Kapushion in the library, and more. Join us as we explore, celebrate, and imagine what’s next for public education in our community.

Visit the website to learn more


Registration Open for Elementary Project Launch

Academic proficiency is an important district goal for elementary students. Research shows that extended school year learning opportunities positively impact student success. 

Project Launch Program Includes:

  • Targeted literacy practice daily
  • Content literacy in science and social studies
  • Focused math study and exploration
  • Transportation provided for those who qualify from predetermined bus stops
  • Breakfast and lunch provided
  • Exiting Kindergarten – 4th Grade Students
  • Available at no cost to families

Date & Times

June 1 – June 25, 2026 

Monday-Thursday

8:30-3:30 PM

Attendance all 16 days is critical

We will close individual grade levels when full. Space is limited! To register, please contact your school or teacher for a registration form, and return your completed form to either your child’s teacher, or the school office. There is no online registration format. You will be notified if your child is placed on a waitlist for this program.

Falcon Fest:  Get ready to see excellence in action! 

Skyline High School is thrilled to invite our parents and the entire community to Falcon Fest on March 12. This is our premier night to celebrate the incredible talent, hard work, and innovation of our amazing students and staff!

From breathtaking gallery walks in our Visual Arts department to show-stopping numbers from our students, this event is designed to showcase the creative spirit that makes Skyline so special. 

Come see firsthand how our Falcons are blending traditional artistry with future-ready skills!  We can’t wait to fill our halls with the energy of our community. Grab your family, mark your calendars for March 12, and prepare to be inspired by the best of Skyline!


Request for Speakers at Career Day: May 6th

Columbine will be hosting a Career Day on May 6th from 11-2:30 for our 3rd-5th graders! We are looking for professionals within our community to share with our students the daily activities in your line of work and expose them to various career paths and opportunities. Here is the form if you want to participate in our career day and share what you do with our students!Please reach out to Allyse Mullen, our school counselor, with any questions! Email: [email protected]


Our Family Liaison is Here to Help!

He can help you with:

  • Access community resources (including help with medicare, food, housing, jobs, etc)
  • Free and Reduced Lunch Application
  • Submitting school fees
  • Getting materials and supplies for school
  • Needed technology (internet and student iPads)

988 Colorado Mental Health Line

A new state law requires schools to share information about the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line. The service provides free, confidential support 24/7 from trained specialists through calls, texts, or live chats. Families can learn more by visiting 988Colorado.com.

Preschool Registration 2026-2027

Registration for St. Vrain Valley Schools’ 2026-27 preschool programs is NOW. Families can choose from high-quality, five-day programs, including half-day and select full-day options at schools across St. Vrain. The Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) application is included in St. Vrain’s form, and families are encouraged to apply early for the best chance of placement at their preferred school.

2026-2027 Preschool Program Locations

2026-2027 Preschool Registration Information

Learn More About Preschool Programming

Image shows children smiling and playing in a preschool setting with information about free preschool programs for eligible kids.
Image of children playing with blocks in a preschool setting, promoting free preschool for eligible kids. Contact info included.

Free and Reduced Lunch Forms

*Please note that breakfast and lunch are FREE for ALL students

Graphic promoting free and reduced meal applications with a QR code and illustrations of children enjoying meals.

Each year, our community participates in completing the district Free and Reduced Lunch form paperwork. We ask that EVERY family completes the form, even if you do not believe that you will qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch Status.

It is easiest to complete this form online: Free & Reduced Meal Application LINK. You can also call Kari Jacobs, Nutrition Services Coordinator, for assistance (303-702-7793). We do have computers in the Main Office for parents to utilize to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch form. Please set up an appointment with the Main Office staff to use the computer or to get assistance with completing the form.

Your student’s teacher will be posted on the front doors of Columbine on Friday, August 8th at 3:00pm. (Note: While we will make every effort not to make changes, this information is subject to change if movement is needed to balance classroom numbers.)

Volunteering

We would love to have you (your adult family members and friends!) volunteer at Columbine. This year, all that is needed to volunteer is the below application. Students will be bringing home copies of these on August 15th but you can also access them below. Thank you for considering!

English Volunteer Application Link

Spanish Volunteer Application Link

Take the First Step Toward College Savings with 529 Jump!

We are thrilled to share that all St. Vrain Valley students in preschool through 5th grade are eligible for a $50 scholarship through the 529 Jump program! This St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation program, in partnership with the City of Longmont, is designed to help families start saving for future college expenses through a 529 College Savings Account.

By participating in the 529 Jump program, you can take advantage of compound interest and reduce the need for costly student loans. To get started, simply open a qualified 529 account at www.collegeinvest.org, then visit www.529jump.org to request your $50 scholarship. No deposit is required!

For more information, visit www.529jump.org or contact us at [email protected].


Start saving today for a bright future!

Logo for St. Vrain Valley Schools Foundation promoting the 529 JUMP program to help with college savings.

iPad Insurance

Get iPad insurance

FEES

Student iPad Insurance: $25 – Pay in Infinite Campus

  • The iPad insurance fee will be reduced or waived for students eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the federal poverty income guidelines and homeless students as defined by McKinney-Vento.
  • Read more about the LTP Student iPad Insurance Program

MATERIALS FEE OF $10 FOR GRADES K-5

•This fee will be maintained by your child’s school to purchase the following: school-specific and/or hard to find consumable and nonstandard classroom materials such as school planners and project-based three ring binders.

•By utilizing a fee, individual or specific school needs can be honored, costs are reduced by bulk purchase, and efficiency is met for items some schools may use and some may not.

Parents Involved in Education 2026

Spring 2026 calendar for Parents Involved in Education sessions at Rocky Mountain Elementary, covering various topics for families.
Spring 2026 calendar for parent and child sessions on education topics at Rocky Mountain Elementary, Longmont, CO.

Reference

Standard Response Protocol

Parent Guidebook:

Registration for the 25-26 School Year

If you will have a preschooler, kindergartner, or will be open enrolling at Columbine for the 2025-2026 school year, you will need to complete an enrollment application online. Please contact the Main Office if you have any questions.

***It is important to complete your child’s immunization paperwork and to turn this form in to the office. The state requires that schools have this completed paperwork on file for each student.***

Reminders for Families

  • Please remind your students they are not allowed to use electronic devices to call you during school hours. We would like them to come to the office to call parents, if necessary. This will help us to provide the right amount of support for your student. All cell phones need to be kept off or on silent during school hours and be in their backpacks.
  • If at any time you need to get a hold of your student, please call the front office and we will contact your student during school hours.
  • If you are picking up your student during school hours, you must present a photo ID. Please remember to report your child’s absence or tardiness to 303-776-2840 or email: floresmiranda_ana @svvsd.org
  • Our office staff is always available to answer your questions- 303-776-2840

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Columbine Elementary School