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A Warm Highlands Welcome and a Heartfelt Thank You

Highlands Elementary is excited to welcome Frankie Crispino as our full-time Dean of Students! Ms. Crispino brings a strong commitment to supporting students, building positive relationships, and fostering a safe and inclusive school environment. We are truly thrilled to have Ms. Crispino join the Highlands community and are looking forward to the energy, experience, and care she will bring to this important role.

Ms. Crispino shared the following about her background and interests:

“I have been in education since 2011 and have a strong passion for working with students and their community. My journey has taken me through a wonderful variety of school environments and student communities. Most recently, I have been serving as the Dean of Students within St. Vrain, working with the incredible staff and students at both Lyons Middle Senior High and Longmont Estates Elementary and taking on a wide range of responsibilities. In addition to my work in education, I have 12 years of experience coaching swimming for children ages 4–18. When I’m not at school, I’m likely hiking with my two dogs, Vida and Sierra, or boarding a plane to find a new place to travel and explore. I look forward to getting to know and serving the Highlands community!”

At the same time, we would like to announce the departure of our current Dean of Students, Stacey Horton. We are incredibly grateful for Mrs. Horton’s dedication and the many contributions she has made to Highlands Elementary. Mrs. Horton has played an important role in helping build our school community, first as a kindergarten teacher and later as Dean of Students. Her care for students, support of staff, and commitment to creating a positive school culture have made a lasting impact on Highlands. We are so thankful for all she has done and wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter!

“I want to share that I will be stepping into a new role next year as the Principal at Spark! Discovery Preschool. While I am incredibly excited for this opportunity, it is also bittersweet to be leaving Highlands. Being part of Highlands since it opened in 2021 has meant so much to me. I have truly loved my time as a kindergarten teacher and as Dean of Students, and I am so grateful for the relationships, experiences, and memories we have built together. Highlands will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will deeply miss being part of this amazing community.”
– Stacey Horton

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• April 27th – NO SCHOOL
• May 1st – 5th Grade Field Day @ Fredrick High School
• May 5th – Choir Night at the Rockies Game
• May 6th – Late start. School Starts at 11:30am
• May 6th & 7th – Book Swap 3:45 -5:30pm
• May 11th – Highlands Music Fest
• May 15th – All School Field Day
• May 21st – Last Day of School/School Picnic

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Design Thinking Challenge

This spring, Highlands students will participate in another school-wide Design Thinking Challenge! Students will use creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills to design and build catapults to launch objects.

We are collecting donations of the following materials:

• Wooden dowels or spools
• Styrofoam
• Tape (masking, duct, scotch, etc.)
• Thin wire
• Egg cartons
• Clothes pins
• Plastic cups
• Plastic spoons
• Plastic bottles
• Cork
• Water bottle caps
• Cardboard
• Paper towel and/or toilet paper rolls
• String
• Straws
• Rubber bands

If you are able to donate any items, please send them to school with your child or drop them off at the front office by April 24th. Thank you for your support in helping our young innovators learn through hands-on exploration!

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Are You Returning to Highlands for the 2026-2027 School Year?

In order for us to get a more accurate count for classes next year, we would like to know if your family is returning to Highlands next year. You do not need to include current 5th graders who will be moving to 6th grade. Please fill out one form per family!

Are You Returning to Highlands in 2026-2027?

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Our 5th Annual Highlands Music Fest is fast approaching!  All students in grades K-5 are performing in this fun event.  Please read the attached document for more info!

MUSIC FEST

The 4th and 5th grade Highlands Choir has once again been invited to sing the National Anthem on the field at a Colorado Rockies game!  Our performance will be on Tuesday May 5th (night before the May Late Start!) vs. the NY Mets.  Come out and enjoy a night with our wonderful Highlands community and cheer on our 4th and 5th grade choir!  Please see the attached doc for ticket info.

CHOIR NIGHT AT THE ROCKIES GAME

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Important Morning Drop-Off Reminders

Hug and Go

The east parking lot is the location for the Hug & Go lane, preschool entry, and special needs drop-off. Please only park in designated parking spaces and use the Hug & Go lane for quick drop-offs only. Students dropped off in the Hug & Go lane should walk to the west side of the building and line up with their class. The front doors ( door 1) are reserved only for students arriving after the 9:05 AM late bell.  If you are using the Hug & Go lane, please be sure to allow enough time for your student to walk to the west side of the building and line up with their class by 8:55 AM.

Handicap Parking

Handicap parking spaces may only be used by individuals displaying a valid handicap placard or license plate. We have received several reports regarding the misuse of these spaces, and we ask that all families help ensure they remain available for individuals who require them.

Preschool Drop Off:

Preschool classes begin at 8:50 AM and 12:40 PM. Families dropping off students should be aware that if they arrive after these times, the preschool doors may be closed, as class will have already started. Late arrivals will need to be dropped off at the front office. This procedure is in place to ensure student safety and minimize classroom disruptions. 

Thank you for helping us keep arrival safe and organized for all students.

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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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Sales are LIVE!

Get rewarded for purchasing your book early! Price is only $32.50 through January and February. Prices go up to $35.00 in March and then $38.00 until our deadline of April 20th

Buy Your Student’s Yearbook today

After April 20th, books ordered online will not ship with the group shipment to the school and will be shipped directly to family homes with extra shipping and production costs and the books are priced around $49.00 each (priced by entourage). These late ordered books do not ship until June.

Yearbook Dedication Pages

Have a Kindergartner or a 5th Grader? You can purchase a dedication (ad) for them to be printed in this year’s yearbook! To purchase an Ad, you must do this from a computer, not a phone. A design will be required to make your page prior to purchase, so leverage your creative resources! Below is the pricing per ad:Kindergarten: 1/4 page: $20 each. No other size allowed. 5th grade: 1/2 page: $40 each OR 1/4 page: $20 eachBusinesses are NOT allowed to purchase an Ad and they will not be placed in the yearbook. 

Buy a Dedication Ad Today

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Please click below to read the PTO newsletter:

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2026-2027 Registration Information

Visit https://svvsd.org/schools/enrollment/ for more details and registration information.
2026 – 2027 Preschool Registration

2026-2027 Preschool Registration

Visit svvsd.org/preschool for more details and registration information

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Attendance

SVVSD Attendance Best Practices:  

Students should have no more than 10 excused absences per year. Missing 10% or more of school days of school this year (excused or unexcused) counts aschronic absenteeism.

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Student Fees & Payments

You can pay school fees through either Revtrak or Infinite Campus.

• Revtrak: For field trips, class shirts, and special classroom supplies (like music recorders).
• Infinite Campus: For materials fees, iPad insurance, and preschool tuition.

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STEM Night: “May the 4th Be With You”

Families are invited to attend a fun, hands-on STEM Night hosted by the St. Vrain Valley Schools Innovation Center.

Date: Monday, May 4
Time: 4:30–6:30 PM
Location: St. Vrain Valley Schools Innovation Center

This event is open to all students and families and will feature interactive STEM activities including:

• Preschool Makerspace
• K–8 Tinker Time
• Opportunities to explore the Innovation Center focus areas
• Student Design Guild
• Cardboard Carnival Games

Students can also choose to create and submit a design for the Cardboard Carnival or participate in the Student Design Guild challenge. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Star Wars or space-themed attire.

Design submissions can be dropped off at the Innovation Center (33 Quail Rd):

• Friday, May 1 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Monday, May 4 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Come explore, build, and create while celebrating STEM in a galaxy-themed evening of innovation and fun!

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Silver Creek Girls Basketball Clinic

The Silver Creek High School Girls Basketball program will be hosting a Youth Basketball Clinic this summer at Silver Creek High School.

The clinic will take place June 1–4 from 5:30–7:30 PM and is open to incoming 4th–8th grade students for the 2026–27 school year. Participants will work on fundamental basketball skills, drills, and games in a fun and supportive environment. The clinic is open to players of all skill levels, including those who are new to basketball.

Elementary students (incoming 4th–5th graders) will participate in the small gym, while middle school students (incoming 6th–8th graders) will participate in the large gym.

Registration is open April 6 through May 16. The cost is $80 per player, which includes a clinic T-shirt and fun camp prizes.

Families can scan the QR code on the flyer to register by May 16.

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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 $100 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 $100 scholarship. No deposit is required!

For more information, visit www.529jump.org or contact us at admin@stvrainfoundation.org.

Start saving today for a bright future!

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SNAP Benefit Update from CDE

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. School meals are still available. If you need additional food before your SNAP benefits are available, there are local resources that can help:

• Colorado 211: Call 2-1-1- or 866-760-6489 or visit www.211colorado.org
• Feeding Colorado: Visit www.feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org
• Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626

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St. Vrain Valley Schools offers flexible options that support both learning and care for children ages three to four. Our licensed early childcare programs are designed to provide a full day of care for our youngest learners who are not yet of preschool age. Full-day early childcare care offers families a safe, enriching, and developmentally supportive environment led by highly qualified and experienced staff.

Learn more about full-day childcare

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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.

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Helpful Links:

2025 – 2026 Academic Calendar

SVVSD Transportation Site

Infinite Campus

Free and Reduced Lunch/Education Benefit Form

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Quick Links

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