School News: Elementary, Middle, High – April (and sports) – updated 4/28/21
All students are kept informed directly by school staff through their weekly Newsletter and more. — This article is for those in town who wish to be informed as to what is happening in the school system — such as substitute teachers, grandparents, neighbors next to the school building, past students, etc. — this monthly page contains the “highlights” from the weekly school newsletter for general public information; and news gathered from other sources, like social media.
Table of Contents
***UPDATES as of 4/29/21 are marked with the word UPDATES in all CAPS and underlined.*** More updates 5/6/21***
LYONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MESSAGE from PRINCIPAL Andrew Moore
We had such fun last week with our Family Virtual Bingo Night! Thank you to our PTO, Jay Malito-DJ Jay! and all our participants. We look forward to being in person next year.
We are loving the beautiful 500 bulbs planted by the PTO and Volunteers
We have a couple of things to bring to your attention for this week:
Health Update
As we enter spring, we know that allergies are in the air. We also know that as the percent of our vaccinated population continues to increase there is more and more confidence in our community health and safety. However, COVID-19 continues to impact students and families, and significantly impacts our procedures.
CMAS Testing 3rd/4th/5th grades….April 12th, 13th, 14th
Yearbook Purchase Deadline….April 16th ***Extended to April 28th***
SafeTouch Presentations in Classrooms….April 26, 27, 28, 29th
The PTO plans “Afterschool Playdates” for elementary school kids (& their parents) so that they have an opportunity to connect, which has been hard with all the COVID restrictions. Contact the PTO to get notices. Social distancing and masks are still required. It is generally 2:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Upper Playground. = Kindergarten was March 30th, and each grade will follow approximately every two weeks.
CLASSES NOW ONLY IN-CLASSROOM
3/19/21 – ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S DECISION ON SNOW DAYS: Message from Principal: This week’s Remote Learning Days (#notsnowdays) marked a poignant end to this portion of the year, which has been filled with so many interruptions, from pandemic, to fire, to snow. It was great to see so many of our students log in and complete their activities – we had very high levels of participation.
UPDATE 4/21/21: SAFE TOUCH PROGRAM:
Dear Parents, This letter is to inform you that Lyons Elementary will be virtually hosting the Safe Touch program the week of April 26th-29th. The SafeTouch program is an interactive program that has been presented to children in Weld County since 1987. The mission of the SafeTouch program is to empower children through body safety awareness. We believe that safety education begins in early childhood. ==the three “R’s” of staying safe: Recognizing, Resisting, and Reporting on abusive situations. ==difference between safe and unsafe… (contact the school if you do not want your child to participate)
LYONS MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
MESSAGE from PRINCIPAL ANDREA SMITH==
Hello Students and Parents,
What an amazing week back with all our students! Over 97% of middle school students and 96% of high school students returned full time this week. It was wonderful to see all the smiling eyes (because … masks!) and hear the chatter in our halls. Our school felt like a school again! 4/2/21
CLASSES NOW ONLY IN THE CLASSROOM
MASKS Not Required OUTSIDE – We want parents to know that Boulder County has changed their guidance around masking outside. Staff and students are no longer required to wear masks outside! This will impact PE classes, middle school recess, and athletics. Masks are still required indoors.
CHANGE IN REQUIRED TESTS 2021:
We will be administering these REQUIRED assessments on the following dates and times:
Grades 7, English Language Arts (CMAS) – April 12th, 13th, and 14th: 7:45 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.
- Grade 6 & 8 Mathematics (CMAS) – April 12th, 13th, and 14th: 7:45 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.
- Grade 8 Science (CMAS) – April 12th, 13th, and 14th: 12:40 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
A federal waiver was granted on March 26, 2021 creating the following OPTIONAL assessments:
- Grades 6 & 8 English Language Arts (CMAS)
- Grade 7 Mathematics (CMAS)
BOOSTER CLUB
UPDATE 5/6/21: See Lyons Recorder ARTICLE on final plans for May 15th three events.
UPDATE: 4/27/21
TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK May 3 – 7
The Booster Club encourages parents to show the teachers and staff your appreciation. They have been through a lot this year with all the COVID precautions and protocols and in-person on virtual learning! — drop off a card at the school.
PROM & AFTER-PROM COMBINED THIS YEAR into single event MAY 15th = and Donations are needed from the public.
Message from Club: We normally have corporate sponsors & many individually donated gifts by this time but due to covid, we’ve had to delay planning & outreach. We’re sooo thankful that junior/senior Prom + After Prom will happen this year but we’re behind & NEED YOUR HELP! — Here’s how:
- Make a quick donation through the link below. -or –
- Help us provide large prizes. Do you have connections that may be able to provide these at a discounted rate? Laptop, TV, AirPods, iPad or tablets, Apple pencils, Bluetooth speakers
We appreciate your help so that we can provide a safe event with food, games, activities & prizes for our Lyons juniors & seniors!
https://checkout.square.site/…/FESWNP2NKXH7NBGEZ3JLS3NA
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*This is a repeat of last month*
BINGO We could use your help with BINGO!! Please consider helping out on Sundays… we need workers! The money we raise is used for all Academics, Classroom and Teacher Support, Fine Arts, and Sports for ALL Middle and High School students at LMSHS.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO:
UPDATE / NOTICE 4/27/21:
TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK May 3 – 7
The PTO has put together a list of things that the teachers and staff have put together on ways you can show your appreciation. The main thing is to write a note. They have been through a lot this year with all the COVID precautions and protocols and in-person on virtual learning! — This is the link, but you will need the PTO password to sign in and see it… or just drop off a card at the school.
ELECTIONS – Secretary Position Still Open
SCHOOL NEWS: PTO president Chastidee Bolkovatz said 4/27/21: We are still trying to fill our Secretary role on the PTO Board for the 2021-2022 school year. === This upcoming school year will be such an important one as we come out of a very challenging time. We are financially stable and will have upwards of $80K to allocate! We need doers, parents that will bring joy and willingness to help with our traditional events along with being willing to follow through on new ideas. Please consider stepping forward and making time to serve our school. We really need you!
2021/22 New OFFICERS: President: Chastidee Bolkovatz. VP: Julie Adair; Co-Treasurers Douglas Bell and Regan Bullers. Communications: Kate Schnepel. Volunteer Coordinator: Yelena Huges. Member-at-Large: Heidi Dunn. = Congratulations! =
======================== April 2021
- The PTO plans “Afterschool Playdates” for elementary school kids (& their parents) so that they have an opportunity to connect, which has been hard with all the COVID restrictions. Contact the PTO to get notices. Social distancing and masks are still required. It is generally 2:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Upper Playground. = Kindergarten was March 30th, and each grade will follow approximately every two weeks.
- SCHOOL VIRTUAL BINGO: We were absolutely thrilled to see so many of your faces during virtual bingo last night! In all, 152 students were logged in to play, we had 10 bingo winners, and together we raised almost $4,000 for the PTO!
Sending out a huge thank you to everyone who donated raffle items, played bingo, bought raffle tickets, or helped out in any other way. We are especially grateful to Kim Doering, Baiba Lennard, and Principal Moore for running the program last night, and to our awesome volunteers Claudia Paterno, Doug Bell, Jay Malito, and Jayme Fedyk Friedman.
We gave away 15 Raffle Baskets to 15 lucky winners! Thank you to the generous Donors!THANK YOU to “DJ JAY Malito“ for ten years of service! He also emcees our Jogathon and this is his last year as his son graduates LES. We will miss you so much, Jay!! Thank you for all your years of service to Lyons Elementary and the PTO.Also we have so much gratitude to Kim Doering, Rachelle and Savannah for fulfilling ticket orders for our students when we couldn’t be in the school this year. Thank you also to Kim for all her organizing and behind the scenes work! Andrew Moore, thank you for supporting the event and the show must go on attitude and always supporting our efforts!! Best. Leader. Ever.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED: we always welcome more parents for special committees such as Jogathon, Hospitality, Discovery Fair, Talent Show, Bingo and more. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Chastidee at chas.bolkovatz@gmail.com
- PTO MEETING =Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 7 PM MDT – 8:30 PM MDT (next one is May 18th)
GENERAL SCHOOL NEWS
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: May 27th
INNOVATION ACADEMY – summer program, in person – Please join us for year 11 as we continue to host Innovation Academy in-person! This exciting summer program was designed in partnership with IBM and is taught collaboratively by St. Vrain Valley School District educators and IBM Volunteers, with the support of Innovation Center high school students and PTECH students. Innovation Academy fosters a foundation of critical thinking through inquiry-based learning and will create a community of learners that will think globally and collaboratively to develop innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Family Fun Spring Adventure
Boulder County Parks & Open Space
Join in on the Boulder County Parks & Open Space Spring Adventure encouraging families to get outside this spring. CLICK HERE for Spring Adventure information which is also located on their web page: www.boco.org/SpringAdventure. All the information for the program is provided in both English and Spanish! Families are encouraged to go to one, two, or three different parks, find some clues, submit them and get a chance to win one of 10 really nice outdoor prizes. It’s all free!
VIRTUAL ART SHOW 2021: SVVSD April 13-18, 2021
St. Vrain School District’s Unframed Student Art Show will be hosted virtually this year. This virtual format allows schools to continue to showcase our students’ creative work while allowing parents, school staff, and our community to celebrate alongside them. Lyons Middle/High School looks forward to hosting a publicly accessible event in honor of our art students and teachers. == This link takes you to the entire SCHOOL DISTRICT. Chose “Lyons Elementary” and “Lyons Middle/High” links in the left hand filter. artshow.svvsd.org April 13-18, 2021.
FREE LUNCHES for kids = this is updated info =
Free lunches for kids 1-18 years old will continue until May 21th.
1 day – Curbside pickup at Lyons Middle Senior High School is 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. every Friday. == No Curbside when school is closed, such as weather or service. == Now that schools are open, kids can eat lunch in school.
Town of Lyons==Summer Job Opportunities
Join the team at The Town of Lyons – with seasonal spring/summer positions for s Seasonal Parks & Public Works Maintenance Worker. We also have seasonal park attendant openings!
This temporary seasonal maintenance position is full-time 40 hrs./wk. @ $14.00 to $16.00/hr. DOQ and may include varying shifts on weekdays, weekends or holidays. Duties include assisting a seasonal maintenance worker with general maintenance of town parks and open space and streets, including all grounds and facilities.
Must be at least 18 years of age and have a Valid Colorado Driver License.
Learn more and APPLY ONLINE at https://www.townoflyons.com/jobs.aspx
Our High School Graduates UNIVERSITY HONOR ROLLS
No news this month. == Please let us know of your student’s honors from their university, and/or their graduation details when it happens.
SCHOOL SPORTS
Season D Athletics: Track & Field and Baseball
Track and Field and Baseball are going to begin April 26th.
Baseball: If you are interested in playing baseball this season, please contact Kale Olson, Head Baseball Coach at olson_kale@svvsd.org. There are currently open fields that are communicated weekly by Coach Olson.
Track and Field: Please stop by Mr. Roberts’ room (#15) and sign up so we can share all the necessary information with you soon. There are currently optional practices happening after school Monday through Friday from 3:15 until 4:30pm for those not already in a sport. Please see Mr. Roberts or Coach Bant-Cogburn with any questions.
CLICK HERE for the Main gym livestream
VOLLEYBALL:
UPDATE 4/27/21 – Message from Principal: We had a great week wrapping up our Season C volleyball season! The girls got a victory late last night, and our senior players went out on top.
UPDATE 5/6/21 – New info/explanation of win: Our volleyball team ended the season 4-10 overall and 4-8 for our league games. We had a great win versus Clear Creek on senior night.
Season C Volleyball – Last Week of Games
Monday, April 19th = Girls Volleyball vs. Gilpin County (Home Games + Senior Night)
C Team @ 4:00pm, JV @ 5:00pm, Varsity @ 6:00pm
Wednesday, April 21st = Girls Volleyball @ Twin Peaks (Away Games)
JV @ 4:00pm, Varsity @ 5:00pm
Thursday, April 22nd = Girls Volleyball vs. Clear Creek (Home Games)
C Team @ 4:00pm, JV @ 5:00pm, Varsity @ 6:00pm
Friday, April 23rd = Girls Volleyball @ Dawson (Away Games)
C Team @ 4:00pm, JV @ 5:00pm, Varsity @ 6:00pm
Saturday, April 24th = Girls Volleyball @ Denver Christian (Away Games)
Varsity @ 12:00pm
GRADUATING SENIORS MAY 2021
UPDATE: There will be a combined PROM and AFTER-PROM this year (due to COVID) on MAY 15th. (see above information, and request for donations under BOOSTER CLUB)
UPDATE: 5/6/21 – See Lyons Recorder article on dates/times/place etc – events 5/15/21.
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The week of Monday, May 3rd – Senior yard signs will be distributed as a way to create a community-wide celebration of our graduates. We are hoping that every senior will display their yard sign for the entire month of May.
Thursday, May 13th – Mandatory IN PERSON Senior Meeting during Period 4 (9:30 – 10:15 a.m.). Dr. Smith will talk about all the details of senior celebrations and graduation. Students will also pick up their caps and gowns and yearbooks. Note: all check-out steps and fees must be paid by this date before students can receive their cap and gown.
Friday, May 14th (7:00 p.m.) – Senior Night! We will be conducting an outdoor ticketed Senior Night event to celebrate our seniors. As of right now, Colorado allows a maximum of 175 attendees for an outdoor seated event. For this reason, Senior Night will include all seniors, up to 2 family members, and the required staff to run the event. The event will take place on our football field.
Saturday May 15th (7:30 – 10:00 p.m.) – Senior Parade and Junior/Senior Prom! (Or shall we say “Promenade!”)
Car Parade: Last year parents organized a car parade event, and I am hopeful parents this year will follow suit. While St. Vrain high schools are unable to organize car parades, schools can support them. If parents are interested in organizing this event, please contact Richelle Brown (senior parent) right away at brown_richelle@svvsd.org.
SVVSD TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

===Lyons Elementary •winner: Pamela Browning • also nominated: Donna Evans • Sara Pike
=== Lyons Middle Senior High • winner: Allison Zema *also nominated: Karen Gregg • Carolyn Smith