First school board meeting of the year celebrates student accomplishments

Wednesday night was a quiet but celebratory return for the St. Vrain Valley School Board, or SVVSD’s, first meeting in 2022. School engagement, athletics and fine art accomplishments were just a few of the remarkable notations in the meeting, as well as SVVSD administration recognizing the school board itself.

Students and faculty from New Meridian High School shared highlights from the alternative school — which offers an alternative high school for students with differing education needs, while still providing a strong curriculum —  including increased engagement and graduation rates.

Among the highlights, New Meridian celebrated its third year offering  an Advanced Placement Psychology course and its first Pathways to Teaching, or P-TEACH, course. Two New Meridian students presenting to the board said the psychology course was proving both challenging and enjoyable.

Board members shared words of admiration and pride with the New Meridian students, capping off their report with a photo op with the SVVSD board and Superintendent Don Haddad.

SVVSD Executive Director of Athletics Chase McBride and Fine Arts Coordinator Janay Bird took to the podium to share highlights from the fall semester in district athletics and fine arts programs.

Bird expressed her gratitude for opportunities allowed by in-person gatherings after the restrictions and lockdowns of the 2020-21 school year, particularly the return of statewide competitions and collaborations.

Students from theater programs throughout the district had the opportunity to attend the 58th Annual Thespian Conference, Bird said, a state-wide high school theater convention. At the conference, students from Erie, Frederick and Mead earned the highest ranking from the theater professionals judging the competition. 

All-State musical groups have also returned for the 2021-22 school year, Bird explained. Students from each of SVVSD’s eight general high schools were accepted into All-State band, orchestra and choir. Bethany Parker of Frederick High School, was selected for All-State band, orchestra and choir, a rare feat according to Bird.

In district athletics, McBride recognized a strong competitive showing from each school at the state level. A volleyball player from Mead High School earned a Player of the Year award, he said, as well as numerous state championships from individual competitions like tennis and gymnastics.

Niwot’s girls cross country running team not only won the state competition, McBride said, but also the national competition boosting them into the number one spot in the country, he explained.

The final celebration of the evening came from Haddad and the SVVSD administration, recognizing the efforts and commitments of the school board as part of National School Board Recognition Month in January. Haddad and his colleagues each gave heartfelt thanks to the board, emphasizing the consistency and stability brought to the district, before presenting each board member with a plaque.

Board President Joie Siegrist demurred, stating that “while this is a volunteer position, graduation day and interacting with the students is all the pay or recognition we would ever need.”