Celebrating Excellence: Our Teacher of the Year

We have some incredible news to share that speaks to the heart of our school community. Each year, the St. Vrain Education Foundation invites families to nominate educators who go above and beyond, and this year, the response from our community was overwhelming. Among a field of truly exceptional nominees, we are thrilled to announce that Mr. Kevin Neiswander has been selected as the LaunchED Teacher of the Year!

Mr. Neiswander is a 4th grade teacher in LaunchED, and he was nominated by numerous families who highlighted his unique ability to balance unwavering kindness with high expectations. His students don’t just learn the curriculum; they learn to see their own potential through his encouragement. Mr. Neiswander will be officially honored at the St. Vrain Education Foundation Tribute to Teachers event later this spring, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him representing LaunchED.

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Student Art of the Week!

Students in 2D Design created 12 part color wheels as part of a unit on color theory. 10th grade student Ashlye drew this creative color wheel using colored pencils. In LaunchED, our students know how to adapt both with hands-on creation at home and also digital creation in our classes. Seeing students choose to engage in the creative opportunities is part of what makes our school such a special place. Thank you, Ms. Freeman, for celebrating the work of students!

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Spring Assessment Season in LaunchED

In April, our students will have the opportunity to participate in state assessments including the Colorado Measure of Academic Skills (CMAS) and the PSAT/SAT. Please make sure to check your emails for important information about these exams, and call our office at 303-702-8800 if you have any questions as you review the information sent to you.

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ParentSquare: Our New District Communication Tool

St. Vrain Valley Schools will begin using ParentSquare, a new district communication tool that allows families to receive notifications based on their preferences. St. Vrain’s communications team will pilot ParentSquare for the remainder of the school year with the plan to expand access to schools at the start of the 2026-27 school year. We’re excited about the opportunities ParentSquare offers to streamline communication and will be working towards consolidating several of the tools families currently use into one convenient platform. 

After spring break, parents and guardians will receive an email invitation to activate their ParentSquare account. This will allow families to download the mobile app, set language preferences, and choose how and when they receive notifications.

Visit the district website to learn more about ParentSquare.

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Building Your LaunchED Toolkit
March Focus: The Power of Reliability

Each month our 6th-12th grade advisory classes are focusing on skills of online learning that are valuable in school and beyond! This month, the focus is on the power of reliability. We wanted to share this focus with our community as a way to support students.

In an online environment, your reliability is how others know they can count on you. Showing up on time and meeting deadlines is how you tell your teachers and classmates, “I’m here, and I’m ready to contribute.” In a global world where people work across different time zones, being reliable is the foundation of every team. 

Showing Up for Your Community: When you log in on time and participate, you keep the momentum going for everyone. Your presence helps create a lively, active classroom where ideas can grow.

A Digital Promise: Think of every deadline as a promise you make to yourself and your team. For you, staying on track means less stress and more confidence in your own learning. For the group, your timely work allows everyone to move forward together.

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LaunchED All School SORA Reading Challenge!

During the month of March, we invite our students to join in the LaunchED SORA Reading Challenge. Our goal is that every student and staff member reads 20 minutes every school day in SORA the month of March!

Participation in this challenge will enter you into drawings for LaunchED Swag! Reading Prizes! Book Prizes! Schoology Badges! And more!

Talk with your homeroom teacher (elementary) or advisory teacher (secondary) if you need more information about getting started! Thank you!

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Important Updates for Families in Colorado!

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has asked us to share this information with our community: Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November may be delayed. If you need additional food before your SNAP benefits are available, there are local resources that can help:

Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626

Colorado 211: Call 2-1-1- or 866-760-6489 or visit www.211colorado.org (this resource also includes support for holiday needs as well)

Feeding Colorado: Visit www.feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org

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