Columbine News: February 2026

Dear Columbine Families,

January was a strong start to the new year, and we are proud of the focus and determination our students showed as they returned from winter break. Classrooms were filled with goal-setting, reflection, and renewed energy for learning. Thank you for your continued partnership and support—it truly makes a difference for our Cougars.


Looking Back on January

In January, students worked hard to reestablish routines and build momentum for the second half of the school year. We appreciated families’ support during ACCESS testing, helping ensure students were present and ready to show their growth. We also enjoyed reconnecting with families at Cafecito and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cougar Pride: Celebrating Our Community 💜🐾

St. Vrain Explore Event On Saturday, January 24th, Columbine Elementary parents proudly represented our school at the St. Vrain Explore event. We want to extend a huge thank you to our families for your leadership, support, and for putting Columbine in the spotlight!

Robotics Team Shout-Out! 🤖 A special congratulations to our robotics teams who competed in a tournament on January 31st! Out of 32 teams present, one of our Columbine teams took home the Judges Award for having the best team interview and collaboration. Another one of our teams placed 4th overall, and every single student performed better than they had in practice. Most importantly, they truly won as a team—jumping in to help one another and showing incredible sportsmanship. Go Cougars!

A group of smiling students in purple shirts pose with robotics projects at a table, showing excitement and teamwork.

Looking Ahead in February

Late Start & Cougar of the Trimester Assemblies
🕘🎉 Tuesday, February 4

  • Late Start Day (school begins at 11:00am)
  • Cougar of the Trimester Assemblies (2:00 for PreK-2 and 2:35 for 3-5)
    We look forward to celebrating students who demonstrate our Cougar values and commitment to excellence. These students will also receive a free lunch that day, catered by Chick-fil-a.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
🤝 February 10–12
This is an important opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, review progress, and set goals for the remainder of the year. Registration for a slot of time is currently active. Please call the office if you need help signing up.

Valentine’s Day Parties

💖 Thursday, February 12

Our classroom Valentine’s Day parties will take place on February 12. Please contact your classroom teacher for specific party information, including times and any specific classroom needs.

No School
📅 Thursday, February 13
📅 Monday, February 16


Looking Ahead to March

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


Thank you for your continued partnership as we support every student in reaching their full potential.

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

Late Starts

late start

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

Upcoming Late Starts

Wednesday, February 4th

Wednesday, March 4th

Wednesday, April 1st

Wednesday, May 6th

Community Schools: Enrichment Classes

Cafecito: February 6

Event flyer for a Cafecito discussing kindness lessons in school, featuring details about the date, time, and participants.

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)
Event flyer for Mini Raptors dance camp on February 17th at Silver Creek High School, 5:00-6:30 PM.
Event flyer for Mini Raptors dance session on February 17 at Silver Creek High School, 5:00-6:30 PM. Cost: $50.

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