Embracing Online Community

It’s inspiring to see how our students are continuing to build a vibrant and connected community. This week, we’re celebrating some amazing examples of collaboration and connection that prove just how strong our online environment is.

One of the most exciting things happening is a friendly competition between some of our middle school and high school students in their English class. Our 6th graders have challenged the 12th graders to a SORA Reading Challenge! SORA is our online library, full of e-books and audiobooks, and we can’t wait to see which grade level logs the most reading hours. This is a fantastic way for students across different grade levels to engage in a shared activity and connect through a love of reading.

Meanwhile, our 7th grade science students are reaching even further to build community. They have paired up with middle school students in Hawaii to learn about and collaborate on a science project (digging into human biology, specifically looking at cell and tissue development). This unique partnership is a powerful example of how online learning can break down geographical barriers and allow students to connect, share ideas, and build projects with peers around the globe.

These are just two examples of the many ways students are showing us what it means to be part of the LaunchED community. It’s truly a testament to how our students and teachers are creating meaningful connections every day.

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Virtual Open House/Back to School: The Voices of our Teachers!

Check out our on-demand collection of back to school messages from our LaunchED staff! Our teachers share their hopes, great ideas for starting the year off strong, tips for success in classes, and more. We encourage you to listen to all the videos for your teachers so that you have a chance to hear a bit more about their work in LaunchED and their dreams for the year.

• Elementary: https://padlet.com/launchedvirtualacademy/virtual-open-house-meet-your-elementary-teachers-iu4bsqyhiufbqlol
• Middle: https://padlet.com/launchedvirtualacademy/virtual-open-house-meet-your-middle-school-teachers-llm5ly15ghqhrbfk
• High: https://padlet.com/launchedvirtualacademy/virtual-open-house-meet-your-high-school-teachers-slrx5cvi0hapk2rr

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Join Us for Performing Arts and Music Industry College Information Night, Sept. 18

St. Vrain Valley Schools invites families to an evening dedicated to exploring college and career opportunities in the performing arts and music industry. This event will share valuable information for those interested in music, theater, production, and related fields, with families learning about degree options, application processes, and more from top university representatives.

Performing Arts and Music Industry College Information Night will take place on Thursday, September 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Skyline High School Library. The presentation will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.Please register here. Registration is optional and assists with planning purposes. Those who register in advance will receive all presentation materials after the event and any selected universities will reach out with more information.

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Attention 9th-12th Grade: Save the Date for October 8th!

The NMSQT (National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test)/PSAT will be held on Wednesday, October 8th, from 8:00am-12:00pm at our LaunchED Campus for all 11th grade students.

9th and 10th grade students will take an online PSAT through Webex on Wednesday, October 8th.

12th grade students will have an asynchronous learning day on Wednesday, October 8th.

There will be no 9th-12th grade classes that day. IC and CETC classes will not meet this day either.

We will send more information soon!

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Gifted and Talented Referrals 

Please click here for the Link for Gifted & Talented Referral Form

Each year, schools in St. Vrain Valley School District complete a process to identify students who demonstrate exceptional ability or performance in one or more academic and/or talent areas and may, therefore, qualify for Gifted/Talented educational services. These students usually perform at least two years above grade level in their strength area(s), and they require additional academic challenges in order to support their continued educational growth and progress.  In addition, they usually demonstrate characteristics of unique creativity and high motivation in their strength areas. 

Referrals are open through the month of September and will close on the last day of the month. Referrals after that date will be addressed on a case by case basis. Completing a referral guarantees a review of the student profile to determine if testing is recommended for the student. The process for identification requires a body of evidence and often takes place throughout the school year.

The process takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Dr. Lori Houghton
Secondary Math Teacher
GT Site Coordinator – LaunchED
[email protected]

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Welcome New LaunchED Virtual Academy Staff!

Over the next few weeks we want to introduce you to the new LaunchED staff members for this year. Next up is Jody Cabanillas, our new secondary World Languages and History teacher in LaunchED! See below for more information about Ms. Cabanillas 🙂

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School Pictures

Student photo proofs! If your student had their school picture taken at Blast Off! and you’d like to see the proof before you order prints or the digital file please come and pick up the proof in the LaunchED office between 7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on school days.

Please see the flyer from Studio 5 for information about your student portraits. If you took a picture at Blast Off! there is still time to order your photos.

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iPad Insurance

It’s that time again! If you have not purchased iPad insurance you can do so now (and while it is not required, we recommend it!). If you have questions about signing up for insurance, please call our office at 303-702-8800 and we will help you out! You will pay insurance through Infinite Campus fees. Please see this information about our district iPad insurance: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rZygko4TXsYbv7SId2IW6U1n-3EgkMAM/view

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Attention Families!

We encourage all families to fill out the free and reduced lunch benefits application (this must be done each year). In addition to supporting the cost of meals, qualifying means access to district and school financial assistance programs for fees, such as course fees, iPad insurance, AP exams, and athletics. Families have to “opt in” to have their fees waived.

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