Dear Columbine Families,
Happy New Year, and welcome back! We hope your winter break was restful, joyful, and filled with time with loved ones. As we begin a new year together, we are excited to continue supporting every student as they climb to excellence.
Looking Back on December
December was a wonderful month at Columbine! Students impressed us with their focus and effort during iReady mid-year benchmark testing, and we are already seeing strong growth across grade levels. Our Specials Showcase highlighted the creativity in art, music, and PE, and Cafecito brought families together in meaningful conversation. A huge highlight was our Columbine Talent Show and Community Caroling events—thank you to everyone who joined us for these!
We are entering January with gratitude and momentum!
Looking Ahead in January
Welcome Back – School Resumes January 6
We’re excited to see everyone return refreshed and ready for learning.
NO January Late Start
🕘 Reminder: there is no late start in January
Cafecito
☕ Friday, January 16 | 8:45–10:00 a.m.
Join us for connection, conversation, and breakfast as we begin the new year together.
MLK Jr. Day – No School
✦ Monday, January 19
We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of reflection and service.
ACCESS Testing (Grades K–5)
📅 January 20–28
Students identified as English learners will participate in ACCESS testing during this window. This assessment measures students’ growth in English language development and helps guide instruction and support services. Consistent attendance during this time is very important, as missed testing days can be difficult to reschedule. Thank you for helping ensure your child is present, well-rested, and ready to do their best.
Winter Assessments & Goals
Teachers will spend time this month reviewing iReady data, setting student goals for the second half of the year, and adjusting instruction to meet each learner’s needs. We encourage families to talk with children about their goals and celebrate their progress!
January is a wonderful time to reset routines, build new habits, and re-energize learning. Thank you for your continued partnership—we look forward to a strong start to 2026 with our amazing Cougar community.
With Cougar Pride,
Julia Cooper
Principal, Columbine Elementary
Cougars Climb to Excellence—Every Student, Every Day!
Late Starts
Late starts occur on the first Wednesday of each month, with school beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Upcoming Late Starts
–no late start in January–
Wednesday, February 4th
Wednesday, March 4th
Wednesday, April 1st
Wednesday, May 6th
Community Schools: Enrichment Classes
Cafecito: January 16
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 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
Free and Reduced Lunch Forms
*Please note that breakfast and lunch are FREE for ALL students
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!
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
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
- 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
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Website: columbinees.svvsd.org/
Location: 111 Longs Peak Avenue, Longmont, CO, USA
Phone: 303-776-2840
Recent Updates
View our latest news and announcements.
5th Grade and Science
Our fifth graders have been enjoying their science unit and learning about the rotation of the Earth!
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Educator of the Year
Nominate an Educator of the Year!The Celebration of Excellence is your chance to recognize exceptional educators across St.Vrain Valley Schools. Based on nominations from students, parents, volunteers, staff, andcommunity members, one educator from each school will be honored as their school’sEducator of the Year during this cherished event on April 10, 2026. Know an educator […]
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Superintendent’s Update: Opportunities Abound
As we approach our 2024 graduation celebration, I want to take a moment to recognize the unwavering drive, strength of character, and rigorous academic preparation that our approximately 2,200 graduates have demonstrated throughout their time in St. Vrain.
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