Dear Columbine Families,

November was a month full of learning, celebration, and community connection at Columbine! Students worked hard in their classrooms and showed tremendous growth as we approached the middle of the school year. Our Cougar of the Trimester assemblies were a highlight—recognizing students for their character, effort, and excellence. We also loved seeing so many families at Cafecito, cheering on students at the Robotics Tournament, and exploring hands-on learning during STEM/Literacy Night. Thank you for being such strong partners in your children’s education.

As we move into December, we have several exciting events planned and some important updates to share.

Looking Ahead in December

iReady Middle-of-Year Benchmark Testing
📝 December 1–13
All students will participate in iReady reading and math benchmark assessments during the first two weeks of December. These assessments help us monitor student growth and tailor instruction to meet individual needs.

Specials Showcase Grades 4-5
🎨🎶 Monday, December 1 | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Come see the incredible work happening in Art, Music, and PE! This event is a wonderful celebration of your children’s creativity.

Late Start Day
🕘 Wednesday, December 3
School begins at 11:00am.

Cafecito
☕ Friday, December 5 | 8:45–10:00 a.m.
Join us for conversation, coffee, and community connection. The theme this month is mental health with Sra. Cecelia Palacios.

Spirit Week
🎅 ☃️ December 15-19
See images below for daily dress-up themes.

Community Caroling
🎵 Wednesday, December 17 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
A joyful Columbine tradition! Come sing, celebrate the season, and enjoy the warmth of our community.

Talent Show
🕺🏽🎤 December 19
12:45-1:45: Grades K-2 and 2:00-3:00: Grades 3-5

Winter Break – No School
❄️ December 22–January 5
School resumes Tuesday, January 6.
We wish all of our families a restful, joyful, and safe winter break.

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🥶As the weather gets colder be sure to send your child to school with a warm jacket, gloves, warm headwear and boots (if necessary).

December is a special time at Columbine. As we wrap up the calendar year, we are grateful for the enthusiasm, kindness, and resilience our students show each day. Thank you for your partnership and support—we are proud to learn and grow alongside your children.

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

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Late Starts

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

Upcoming Late Starts

Wednesday, December 3rd

–no late start in January–

Wednesday, February 4th

Wednesday, March 4th

Wednesday, April 1st

Wednesday, May 6th

Cafecito: December 5

Spirit Week: December 15-19

Staff Spotlight

Each month, we’ll be highlighting staff members so you can recognize who is who on campus.

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 begin Dec. 9, 2025. 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

Free and Reduced Lunch Forms

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

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!

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 2025 Calendar

Reference

Standard Response Protocol

• English: K12 Parent-Handout
• Spanish: K12 Parent-Handout

Parent Guidebook:

• Columbine Parent Guidebook 2025/2026

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
  • Yvonne Lopez, Principal’s Secretary, [email protected]
  • Karen Flores Miranda, Registrar/Attendance Clerk, [email protected]
  • Lupe Aguilera, Health Clerk, [email protected]
  • Luis Montes, Family Liaison, [email protected]

Columbine Social Media

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