Embrace Innovation!

Now that we are settling into the rhythm of the new semester, it’s the perfect time to shift from “getting started” to “going deep.” LaunchED is more than just an online school—it is a lab for your ideas. We want to encourage every student to move beyond the screen and truly engage with their learning. This week, we challenge you to take a risk: ask that “what if” question in class, try a new method for a project, or push your creative boundaries. Remember, innovation doesn’t happen by staying in our comfort zones; it happens when we are brave enough to try something new. We are so excited to see how you stretch yourselves as learners, creators, and innovators this week!

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Nominate an Educator from LaunchED Virtual Academy!

The Celebration of Excellence (formerly Tribute to Teachers) awards program is a cherished opportunity for the community to celebrate and honor exceptional educators from across St. Vrain Valley Schools. This event recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence in their roles and make an extraordinary impact on student success. By highlighting the achievements of these outstanding educators, the Education Foundation and the community aim to honor the dedication and contributions of all teachers who inspire, innovate, and shape the future. Click to read more about this program: https://stvrainfoundation.org/programs/celebration-of-excellence/

Exemplary St. Vrain Valley Schools Educators of the Year embody the following 5 characteristics:

• Innovator – Introduces new methodologies or ideas to support student learning
• Goal-Setter – Sets and maintains high standards for learning
• Motivator – Is enthusiastic about teaching and encourages students to excel in learning
• Subject Matter Expert – Understands content and possesses excellent communication skills to deliver classroom topics
• Life Connector – Utilizes real-world examples/current topics in the classroom to emphasize the lesson’s importance

Nominations are accepted from students, parents, volunteers, fellow educators, school staff, community members and business partners. In order to qualify as a nominee, the educator must be a licensed educator in the State of Colorado and employed at a St. Vrain Valley School District campus for the current school year. Educators who received their school’s Educator of the Year honor within the past two years are not eligible. All nominations must be received through the nomination form no later than February 1, 2026. Nominations received after this date are not eligible. Click here to complete a nomination form: https://stvrainfoundation.org/programs/celebration-of-excellence/celebration-of-excellence-nomination/

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Celebration!

Last week was a proud moment for St. Vrain Valley as we received the District of Distinction award for our record-breaking graduation rates! We were thrilled to have Assistant Principal Nannette McMurtry and K-12 Interventionist Julie Mitchell at the board meeting to represent LaunchED and celebrate this recognition alongside our district colleagues, leadership, and St. Vrain Valley School District Board of Education members. Congratulations to the hard work of our LaunchED students and staff in achieving this high graduation rate along with all of the high schools in our district!

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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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