At Spark! Discovery Preschool, the commitment to embracing diversity in early childhood education is paramount. Blair Hunter, the Special Education Teacher in the Significant Support Needs (SSN) classroom, exemplifies this commitment through her dedication and compassion.

A graduate of St. Vrain Valley Schools, Hunter began her career at Spark! as a part-time paraeducator while completing her Speech Pathology Assistant internship. “I initially intended to pursue pediatric nursing and was encouraged to explore pediatric pathology,” Hunter explains. “But once I started working in the SSN room, I realized that was my true calling.” Within a few months, Hunter pursued her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education. “The joy of working with students and witnessing their growth inspired me to seek a program certificate for teaching individuals with significant needs and autism,” she shares.

Central to Hunter’s teaching philosophy is the belief that strong communication and personalized strategies are essential to meeting students’ diverse needs. Hunter implements daily routines by utilizing a variety of communication methods, such as visuals, written directions, and schedules. “It’s important to me that students are included and have the opportunity to participate in school activities, both during and outside of school hours,” she explains.

By emphasizing the importance of aligning her instructional planning with the school’s curriculum and STEM program, Hunter ensures that students receive customized versions of all activities. “Students are exposed to the same content. Depending on their goals, their participation will look different – some may be working on co-regulation during adult-directed activities, others on matching skills, receptive knowledge, or expressive verbal or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).”

Hunter understands the importance of involving parents and families in their child’s education to ensure comprehensive support within the classroom. “Just like working with students, each family will have different needs,” says Hunter. “I do my best to build relationships with families and support them as well. I think having that connection is vital to supporting students.” Understanding the significance of parent involvement and engagement, various communication channels are implemented. “Most of my students will not go home and talk about their day, so I try to find ways to make sure parents still have a connection with us,” she explains. Hunter also utilizes daily communication sheets, newsletters, in-person updates, and frequent pictures to keep parents informed.

Recognizing the diverse needs and backgrounds of her students, Hunter has taken the initiative to learn sign language and practice Spanish. Sign language has allowed her to enhance communication with students who may benefit from visual cues and alternative modes of expression; additionally, bolstering her Spanish skills provides her the opportunity to build stronger relationships with students and their families whose primary language is Spanish.

For Hunter, the most rewarding aspects of her role manifest in the daily victories and growth she witnesses in her students. “From a student’s first words to their developmental milestones, every achievement is a testament to their resilience and our collective efforts.”

Betty Heath, a long-time volunteer in St. Vrain Valley Schools, currently at Legacy Elementary School, has been providing mentorship to a group of five fourth-grade students once a week. These students, who call themselves the “Aspiring Writers,”expressed interest in learning how to write articles for their school newspaper. Drawing on her journalism experience, Heath provided students with the ins and outs of article writing.

Recognizing the importance of establishing a strong grammar foundation, Heath acquired dictionaries from the local Rotary Club to assist students in their learning process. Additionally, she compiled a list of common writing terms to support students and utilized the dictionaries to look up words, enhancing their writing skills as they worked on drafting their articles.

The Aspiring Writers’ first assignment with Heath was to practice writing letters. “The students learned how to write sentences and create paragraphs,” explains Heath. “We then reviewed how to address envelopes and affix stamps so they could mail the letters.”

As they progressed to learning how to write newspaper articles, Heath enlisted community member Angie Bustillos as an interviewee for the students. “Angie’s impressive academic background as a St. Vrain Alumni and Boettcher Scholar, her pursuit of a master’s degree in economics, and her recent work with a global bank in Vienna made her an ideal choice for this collaboration,” explained Heath.

During the interviews, students asked Bustillos one prepared question initially, but as the interview progressed, they naturally thought of more questions to ask, leading to an engaging and in-depth discussion.

Throughout the interview process, students embraced the opportunity to work with Bustillos and showcase the writing skills they learned through the project. “Talking to Angie was really exciting,” shared fourth-grader Leila Carrazco. “She was so nice, and it was interesting to ask her questions to get to know her.” Colton Lewis, another fourth-grade student, exclaimed, “Working on this newspaper project was fun! We got to learn a lot about writing and interviewing.”

Bustillos enjoyed working with the Aspiring Writers, “Engaging with these students during the interviews was an energizing experience. Their boundless enthusiasm and brilliance were infectious. It’s been rewarding to witness their growth in the short time I’ve known them.”

The partnership between Spark! Discovery Preschool and Anima Arts is an example of the power of community connections. Anima Arts’ mission is to offer community-based art programs promoting public health education for children and their families, emphasizing the importance of healthy movement and artistic expression in overall well-being.

Reflecting on the partnership’s origins, Mimi Ferrie Lee, Founder of Anima Arts, recalls, “My initial collaboration with Spark! began with a post on a Facebook education group. A member of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) sought a theater and performing arts instructor for a spring 2022 visit, and I was fortunate to be selected.” Since then, Anima Arts has become an integral part of Spark’s programming, offering a diverse range of art opportunities tailored specifically to students’ interests and developmental needs.

Through close collaboration with Spark’s faculty, Ferrie Lee ensures the program aligns with educational objectives, particularly in supporting student’s social-emotional skills. “We spend a lot of class time connecting emotions to experiences so we can learn about life, our actions, values, ourselves, and others,” she explains. “The arts give children opportunities for self-expression to be seen and to build a connection with others.”

Anima Arts’ educational activities are integrated with real-world learning, creativity, and community building. “We love combining imagery from other Spark! units and STEM topics into the lessons,” Ferrie Lee notes. “For example, in the dance unit, we discuss anatomy and physiology and reinforce topics from their transportation unit as we ‘travel’ to learn dances across the globe. In theater, we discuss engineering and electronics as we learn about the set and lighting design for a stage performance. We reinforce mathematics skills as we determine the number of performers entering or exiting for each scene.”

Community engagement is essential for the success of these initiatives. Anima Arts and Spark! Discovery Preschool collaborate to create a sense of belonging among parents and families, from sharing classroom experiences to facilitating sign-ups for after-school programs.

Paige Gordon, Principal at Spark! Discovery Preschool, emphasized the significance of the partnership with Anima Arts, stating, “Through this collaboration, we not only impart knowledge but also instill a love for learning, a sense of belonging, and a passion for artistic expression.”

Alpine Elementary School prides itself on its high-quality preschool program, where learning begins with exploration and play. Supported by the passion and dedication of two educators, Mrs. Debi Boruff and Mrs. Kathy Willyard, the program continuously prepares students academically by creating a sense of curiosity, empathy, and joy in learning. Reflecting on their journey into early childhood education, Willyard recalls, “We both wanted to be teachers from a young age based on our positive experiences with our teachers.”

Willyard and Boruff, who both have dedicated over a decade to Alpine Elementary, share a profound commitment to shaping young minds. Willyard’s educational background boasts a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from Regis University, while Boruff earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley before adding her early childhood certification.

Alpine’s reputation within the community captured their interest. “What we value most about being part of this school community is the level of collaboration and support that exists among staff, parents, and students,” explains Boruff. “While the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework was a new endeavor for both of us, we have found joy in developing engaging units of inquiry tailored to preschoolers, ensuring a meaningful and enriching educational experience for all.”

Being a high-quality preschool program means prioritizing a rich learning environment that supports the development of every child, with the focus on creating engaging experiences that cater to the diverse needs of all.

The philosophy of play-based learning plays a crucial role in a student’s academic development. Both Boruff and Willyard firmly believe that preschoolers excel in an environment where they can engage in exploration, experimentation, and hands-on discovery. “Our choice time is set up in a way where students choose areas of interests that incorporate art, math, literacy, pretend, social emotional, fine and gross motor, and science,” explains Boruff. “Students learn through play even without recognizing they are learning.”

Alpine’s preschool program is dedicated to preparing preschoolers for kindergarten both academically and socially. “We use programs like Paths and Second Step that help students develop social-emotional skills, recognize and manage their feelings, and build positive relationships,” shares Willyard. By incorporating fundamental subjects such as literacy and math into daily activities, students are better prepared for the transition to kindergarten. “Through tools like Teaching Strategies Gold, we track student progress, allowing us to tailor our approach to meet each child’s needs effectively,” she explains.

Engaging parents in their child’s educational journey is a key focus for Boruff and Willyard. “We value the partnership we have with parents and offer various opportunities for them to engage in our program,” shares Boruff. “We offer home and school connection activities that parents can do with their children, as well as engagement through SeeSaw. We also invite families to share pictures with us in the classroom.”

Through their teaching experiences, Boruff and Willyard have gained a deep appreciation for flexibility and empathy in the classroom. “My time in teaching has taught me the importance of being adaptable and seeing things from different perspectives,” reflects Willyard. “Understanding that what works for one child may not work for another is key.”

Rocky Mountain Elementary School held their Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Day during April’s late start. “The idea of the SEL day stemmed from a discussion about giving students test-taking tips for the CMAS,” shared Jennifer Parmeter, counselor at Rocky Mountain. “We wanted to build excitement for the upcoming testing season and to ensure students were equipped with the tools and the motivation to do their very best.” 

Aligning with Rocky Mountain’s core values and mission of creating a positive and nurturing environment, SEL Day exemplified the school’s commitment to student well-being. “Our goal is to ensure our students’ social, emotional, and academic success,” stated Parmeter. “This event perfectly embodies our mission, in creating a caring, collaborative, and academically focused environment.”

SEL Day was designed to offer students a variety of activities tailored to enhance their social and emotional skills while developing connections within the school community. Parmeter elaborated, “We firmly believe that nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our students is fundamental to their overall development and success. This event provided unique opportunities for students to engage in self-expression, relaxation, and bonding.” Activities ranged from outdoor mindfulness walks, painting, bracelet making, yoga, drum circles, board games, and more. Additionally, students in grades three through five had dedicated time to prepare for their CMAS exams with the guidance and support of teachers and staff.

Furthermore, SEL Day at Rocky Mountain carries a deeper significance beyond its immediate activities. Parmeter explained, “The CMAS test relies on students effectively utilizing their working memory. Everything we require of students in school is linked to their memory, encompassing the physiological aspect as they continuously acquire and apply new information. By promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) on occasions like these, students not only enhance their academic performance but also cultivate essential life skills such as self-awareness and relationship building.”

Throughout the day’s events, students expressed positivity about their experiences. Fifth-grader Aylin Nunez, who participated in a painting session with friends, shared, “I like that we can be creative and paint whatever we want.” For Parmeter, “the day SEL was about equipping our students with the tools necessary to succeed in their relationships and feel valued as part of a caring community.”

In the world of young inventors, dreams often serve as a driving force behind innovation. For 13-year-old Wolf Danzer, a seventh-grader in the APEX Homeschool Program, this sentiment rings true. Inspired by his family’s love for games and a memorable blanket fort, Wolf designed a game called Blanket Kingdom, earning him the Most Authentic Award in the 2023 Young Inventor Challenge (YIC).

Blanket Kingdom begins with the game’s tiles lying face-down and scattered randomly across the board. Players take turns rolling the dice, and if they roll a specific number, they flip over a tile, which adds a “room” to their blanket fort. However, they must navigate the presence of the cleanup tile, inspired by Wolf’s mom, which adds a strategic element to the game.

“I thought of the idea for my board game on my 13th birthday when my dad and I made a crazy blanket fort that took up the entire first floor of our house,” shared Wolf. “When my mom finally had us take it down, the idea popped into my head to make a game with blanket forts that you never have to take down.”

To develop his first prototype, Wolf utilized Canva, a web-based tool for designing a wide range of visual content, to make the cards and tiles. “I used Canva’s AI-image generator to create the early images,” he shared. “I got the idea that since my board game was about blanket forts, I should make the board a blanket, which also meant that the game would be very portable. I put all the cards on hexagon-shaped pieces of fabric so that it’s easy to transport.”

The YIC is an annual national competition where students between the ages of six and 18 have the opportunity to create an original play product and pitch it to professional toy and game inventors for a chance to win large prizes. Past winners have seen their entries licensed, manufactured, and sold in both specialty toy stores and major retailers, including Target and Amazon. The goal of the competition is to inspire the next generation to utilize creativity, critical thinking, and STEAM skills in the invention and innovation process.

This is Wolf’s second year participating in the competition, which was held both in Chicago and virtually. “The most exciting part of the Young Inventors Challenge for me was getting into the car after my Ultimate tournament and seeing my name at the top of the standings because I did not expect to win the challenge, and it came as a real surprise,” shared Wolf. “It was an experience I’ll never forget. I feel like it was a really great moment.” APEX Principal Kim Lancaster expressed her pride in Wolf, stating, “Wolf’s win at the YIC speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and hard work. We are incredibly proud of him and look forward to witnessing his continued success as he pursues his dreams.”

For Wolf, the YIC experience was a stepping stone to realizing his lifelong dream of owning a game company. “My dad and I recently started our own game company (Alpha Amazing, LLC), and we hope that Blanket Kingdom will be on shelves sometime soon.” Kate Tillery-Danzer, Wolf’s mom, shared, “It has been a truly amazing experience. Blanket Kingdom is currently being evaluated by a game company. He’s on his second round of edits to his game based on their feedback. There’s no guarantee that they’ll take it, but they have shown some solid interest.”

In addition to the excitement of winning an award, Wolf recently had the opportunity to appear on a live broadcast of Fox 31’s Great Day Colorado. During the segment, he explained what inspired him to create Blanket Kingdom, demonstrated how to play the game, and shared his experience participating in the YIC.

Tillery-Danzer attributes Wolf’s success in the competition to the invaluable skills he developed using Canva under the guidance of his teacher, Mrs. LaFevre. “I appreciate that Ms. LaFevre has worked so hard this year to ensure that Wolf and all of her students are learning applications that are truly useful in the real world,” said Tillery-Danzer. “The judges specifically commented on the high quality of his game cards and expressed surprise that a kid his age already had such great design skills. If you watched his TV interview and noticed his poise, you can thank his amazing musical theater teacher, Ms. Cox-Robie. She has turned Wolf into a lifelong theater kid.”