Educators encouraged to sign up for free program that brings interactive ag learning experience to PreK-12 students 

Students across Colorado have the opportunity to learn about the profound impact that agriculture icon Dr. John Matsushima has had on modern farming and ranching practices through the new book “Cattle, Corn and Courage,” written by Rachel Gabel and illustrated by Liz Banman Munsterteiger. Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom’s (CoATIC) annual Literacy Project is offering classrooms statewide a free kit filled with interactive activities and corresponding educational resources to teach preK-12 students about Colorado agriculture. 

For 2025, two class kits will be available – one for elementary level students and one for middle/high school students. The kits will include a variety of interactive activities such as a beef tasting experience and lesson in beef nutrition; a whole dent corn and steam-flaked corn sensory activity; a corn seed germination experiment; and access to videos and a virtual field trip to History Colorado Center in Denver. These diverse educational projects align with academic standards thereby making it easier for teachers to incorporate them into busy curriculum schedules. 

“Through our 2025 Literacy Project and ‘Cattle, Corn and Courage’ book, we hope to introduce a new generation of students to Dr. Matsushima’s deep impact in ag science so they will gain an appreciation for the myriad of ways agriculture is integral to the fabric of our state,” says Jennifer Scharpe, executive director for CoAITC. 

Dr. Matsushima, a 103-year-old Colorado native, is the son of Japanese immigrants and was raised on a family farm in Platteville, Colo. Dr. Matsushima spent more than six decades at Colorado State University as a student, professor and researcher. He battled bigotry and poverty on his path to becoming a legendary scientist in beef cattle nutrition whose innovations have influenced the global food system. 

Hannah Bouchard, an educator from Platte Valley Elementary, is an enthusiastic supporter of the annual project. “Thank you for continuing to provide this important program. Our students love it, and I look forward to receiving the resources every year. It helps young minds better understand the critical role that agriculture plays in Colorado.”

Due to previous demand for CoAITC Literacy Kits, educators are encouraged to sign up for the kits here as supplies are limited. 

Through partnerships and funding from corporations, foundations, and individuals, all CoAITC programs and resources are provided for free or at minimal cost. Those interested in donating can do so here. 

About Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (CoAITC) 

Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (also known as Colorado Foundation for Agriculture) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is the lead agricultural literacy organization in the state, serving the full spectrum of prekindergarten through 12th grade formal and informal education across Colorado. Its mission is connecting Colorado educators and students to their food, fiber, fuel, and natural resources. CoAITC annually provides resources and programs to 325,000 educators and students in urban, suburban, and rural communities, most of which are free. To learn more or to make a tax-deductible gift, visit CoAgClassroom.org. 

Leading tuition-free online public school starts new school year with strong parent satisfaction and expanded College and Career Readiness offering

Englewood, Colo.  – As students across the state head back to school, so are those who prefer logging into their classes with Colorado Connections Academy. This tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12 from across the state, recently welcomed new and returning students to the virtual classroom for the 2025-26 school year.

This year, students in grades 6-12 can benefit from an expanded College and Career Readiness offering. The school will integrate traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences, and marketing, helping students develop durable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.

“Colorado Connections Academy is more than just a school, it’s a community. It’s a place where you can find unparalleled support from our incredible teachers and exemplary staff who care about helping everyone thrive. Not only academically, but as a person,” said Bryan Hill, Executive Director of Colorado Connections Academy schools. “Our school model offers engaging instruction and meaningful collaboration.”

Students return to school as results from the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with Colorado Connections Academy, show continued high levels of approval from families:

• 98% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Colorado Connections Academy
• 96% of parents agree the Colorado Connections Academy program gives them more opportunity to be more involved with their child’s education
• 95% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Colorado Connections Academy
• 95% of parents feel their children are making progress on their academic goals with Connections Academy  

Colorado Connections Academy offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school’s team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child’s Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide through the school day. 

  Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students, including those who are academically advanced or struggle in a traditional school setting, as well as those who may be experiencing health challenges, bullying, or living in rural areas. Others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule. 

Siblings Aimee and Aaron Wild train full-time as elite halfpipe snowboarders while completing their studies through Colorado Connections Academy. The school’s flexible schedule enables them to compete internationally and stay on track academically. Both have earned top finishes on the NorAm and Rev Tour circuits, with Aaron also competing on the World Cup circuit for Team Great Britain.

“Colorado Connections Academy has helped me prepare for my snowboarding goals of winning at an elite level by giving me the flexibility of when I complete my schoolwork. It has also prepared me for my future at college,” said Aimee, a 9th grader with Colorado Connections Academy. 

Aimee recently won the NorAm Cup and earned two wins and two silver medals at Rev Tour events. Aaron qualified for finals in three out of four Rev Tour events, reached the podium at Mammoth Mountain, and competed at the World Cup level. He hopes to qualify for the X Games and the Olympics in 2030.

“I have a solid relationship with my teachers. They are all very responsive and helpful,” added Aaron, who will be an 11th grader this year. “I love my electives and I feel like I’m learning things I can apply to real life.”

Enrollment is currently open for the 2025-26  school year. Families interested in Colorado Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their students. To learn more about the school or begin enrollment, please visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.

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About Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12. Colorado Connections Academy creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology  

Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2025 survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.

Colorado Proud, along with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Department of Education, is inviting every Colorado school to participate in the annual Colorado Proud School Meal Day on Oct. 1, 2024. Interested schools can sign up by registering online before Sept. 20, 2024.

Held annually during National Farm to School Month, the Colorado Proud School Meal Day celebrates Colorado agriculture and helps preschool and K-12 students understand more about where their food comes from and the diverse products grown, raised, and made right in our state. Each year, more than 100,000 students statewide learn about agriculture in classrooms, eat school lunches made with local ingredients, and talk about healthy eating, innovation, farming, ranching, and even their own roles in the local food movement.

“It’s important for Coloradans to learn about how and where their food is grown and the role it plays in their everyday lives,” said Danielle Trotta, Colorado Proud program manager. “Our goal is to foster a connection between young consumers and how they view Colorado’s long, rich agricultural history, while also encouraging healthy eating habits in a creative way.”

How Schools Can Participate

Colorado Proud has an abundance of resources and ways for teachers and administrators to participate. Schools should sign up using an online form and can contact Danielle Trotta with any questions.

Agriculture Materials for Colorado Schools, Teachers and Students

• Sign up for Colorado Proud School Meal Day
• Local School Lunch Recipe Ideas
• Reasons to Eat Local Poster and Flyer
• Colorado Proud Activity Worksheet
• Colorado Agriculture Map for Kids
• Colorado Produce Calendar
• USDA Mountain Plains Crunch Off Information
• Colorado Dept of Education’s Farm to School and Summer Webpage
• Photos from Previous Colorado Proud School Meal Days

About Colorado Agriculture

Colorado farmers and ranchers produce food items that provide the nutrients children and adults need to thrive. Agriculture contributes $47 billion to the state economy annually and provides more than 195,000 jobs. With more than 38,900 farms and ranches encompassing 32 million acres, it is easy to understand the value this industry adds to Colorado.

About Colorado Proud

Colorado Proud is a program of the Colorado Department of Agriculture that promotes food and agricultural products grown, raised or made in Colorado. The program’s more than 4,000 members include growers, processors, schools, restaurants and retailers statewide. Visit ColoradoProud.com to learn more.

Full-time, tuition-free online public schools welcome students in grades K-12 from across the state back to the virtual classroom

Englewood, Colo. (August 12, 2024) – It's the time of year when students are returning to school for the 2024-2025 school year. That includes students who don't step foot in a physical classroom, but log into school on their computers with Colorado Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students statewide. Colorado Connections Academy students in grades K-12 from across the state kicked off the school year on August 12, 2024, with a supportive community of fellow students, families and state-certified teachers. 

“I have found that being in the virtual environment allows our teachers, staff and administrators to form meaningful connections with students and families. The ability to provide truly individualized instruction and support sets our school apart,” said Amy Davis, Colorado Connections Academy’s Secondary Principal. “We are thrilled to begin the new school year, and I truly believe that an education at our school sets students up for a bright and successful future with a personalized education experience and the ability to have access to courses they might not be able to take at their local brick-and-mortar school,” she added. 

Colorado Connections Academy is committed to providing a high-quality education that is personalized to meet each student’s individual needs. Using accessible technology, Colorado Connections Academy connects parents, teachers, and students to the virtual classroom from home or anywhere there is an internet connection. Families also benefit from the flexibility of creating their own schedule and ensuring their student’s learning environment is a safe, stimulating atmosphere. 

Most recently, parents at Colorado Connections Academy had an opportunity to review their experience in an annual third-party survey, the 2024 Parent Satisfaction Survey. According to the 2024 Parent Satisfaction Survey results:

• 96% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Colorado Connections Academy
• 92% of parents would recommend Colorado Connections Academy 

• 96% of parents agree their child's teachers at Colorado Connections Academy are supportive 
• 94% of parents believe their child is making good progress with Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy serves nearly 3,000 students in grades K-12 across the state. Colorado Connections Academy’s state-certified teachers work hard to foster meaningful connections by providing individualized student attention and a positive, engaging learning environment. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions. 

“I like the ability to work ahead, and it’s nice that I can work from home and have ways to pace my own learning. It’s nice that I can work ahead and have the rest of my time to focus on everything else. At my previous school, I could barely find the time to do everything I wanted to do,” said Joshua Nageli, an 11th grader for the 2024-25 school year. Joshua has been with Colorado Connections Academy since he was in the 5th grade. 

Joshua’s dream is to become an astronaut, and he is well on his way to becoming one. He secured an internship with the Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR), which exposed him to the space industry, allowing him to connect with industry professionals. Joshua is also part of a robotics team called Team Komodo, and they are currently working on a music-themed robot that shoots notes into amps and speakers.

When it comes to back-to-school advice, Joshua notes, “Focus on time management. Being on a computer, you can easily get distracted. Make sure you limit distractions; that helps a lot. Ask teachers for help.”

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students. Colorado Connections Academy students are diverse and come from different backgrounds and educational histories. Some students are academically advanced and struggle in a traditional school setting, while some prefer to learn at their own pace. Other students may be experiencing health challenges or bullying, while others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule.

Enrollment is currently open for the 2024-25 school year. Families interested in Colorado Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their students. To learn more about the school or begin enrollment, please visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.

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About Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12. Colorado Connections Academy creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology  

Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2024 survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.

Luvin Arms Tours are so popular, we added not just one but two new tours this summer: Friday noontime Connect tours and Spanish-speaking tours!

A tour of Erie-based Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is much more than a fun day spent getting to know our amazing family of rescued animals. In fact, it is nearly impossible to leave without developing a deeper understanding of the unique personalities and complex emotional lives that all animals lead.

On the Connect Tour, you will get to meet a select number of our residents on this family-friendly one-hour tour. As you listen to the inspiring stories of our residents, you will get to connect and cuddle with them as individuals. You will also get to sample delicious plant-based foods at the end of the tour.

Please consider not attending if you don’t feel well, or have any symptoms of a fever or cold.

Friday Noontime Connect Tours:

June 24 - Aug 12

12:00pm Mtn

Spanish-Speaking Tours:

June 25

July 16

Aug 6

Sept 3

10:00am Mtn

Location:

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

3470 County Road 7, Erie, CO 80516

Pick a Tour & Register Here

Cost:

Your generous donations allow us to continue our lifesaving work of rescuing and caring for farmed animals.

Child $10

Adult $20

Learn More:

About Tours

720.515.8577

NEWS RELEASE

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary Offers Nationally Recognized Educational Outreach That Inspires A More Compassionate World

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2022

Erie, CO – In light of the devastating Avian Flu H5N1 that has resulted in the extermination of 25 million birds and counting, Luvin Arms’ Chef Donna Marino will hold a special public cooking class on Saturday, April 30th. The class will feature chicken and egg alternatives with delicious vegan wine pairings. Samples of many of the plant-based options on the market will be available for in-person tastings. Enjoy a beautiful spring evening connecting with animal residents and learning plant-based cooking at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary!

Since its founding in 2015, Luvin Arms has provided world-class humane education programming that benefits people, animals, and the environment.

Luvin Arms’ humane education program accomplishes their mission of Ahimsa - nonviolence toward all living beings by connecting communities to farmed animals, fostering the growth of everlasting compassionate hearts, and encouraging people of all ages to make choices rooted in empathy and sustainability.

Current Sanctuary humane education opportunities include films, public tours, speaker talks, school field trips, and plant-based cooking demonstrations.

“Avian Flus are a threat to our food system. The way our society breeds and confines birds has the potential to develop and spread virulent disease. It’s so important to learn alternatives to chicken and egg consumption so that we don’t perpetuate this deadly system.” – Emma Schwarz, Director of Advancement in Ahimsa, Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary.

For more information about the April cooking class, please visit: Luvin Arms' Cooking Demo

About Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

Luvin Arms is a nonprofit animal sanctuary for abused and neglected farmed animals, based in Erie, Colorado. Luvin Arms provides exceptional lifelong social, emotional, and cognitive care for their animal residents, and advocates for those who have not been rescued by sharing their residents’ stories to inspire, educate, and empower others to embrace a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle.

Contact

Juli Arnold

Marketing and Communications Manager

juli@luvinarms.org

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As elementary school classrooms evolve, diversity becomes a central theme, shaping the educational experience for students of all backgrounds.

Implementing diversity in the classroom is very delicate. However, it can be done successfully when simply valuing imminent historical context. 

Columbine Elementary, located in Boulder, Colorado, honors the state's rich history, focusing on its Spanish roots. It caters to approximately 500 preschool to 5th-grade students and offers education without tuition fees. Notably, the school emphasizes biliteracy, ensuring that all students are proficient in reading and writing in both English and Spanish. 

Principal Lisa Martinez promotes a strong relationship with diversity and efficiently utilizes biliterate teaching methods. For six years before her education profession, Martinez was a reporter covering K-12 education, immigration, and cultural affairs for various newspapers in Colorado. 

"We embrace equity and diversity here at Columbine. We are a bilingual school. We have classes in English and Spanish; we have many languages and cultures represented here. And it's so important for the work that we're doing. Because we're in a place like Boulder, we need to amplify and embrace different languages and cultures," said Martinez. 

By prioritizing diversity and inclusivity, the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) is "Reshaping how we think about education, paving the way for a future where all leaders have equal opportunities to succeed." 

"With more than 4,000 bilingual students in the district, BVSD is one of few school districts in Colorado to operate dual-language schools. They include Boulder's Columbine Elementary, Lafayette's Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer, and Boulder's University Hill Elementary."

A recent study shows that adults who engage children in culturally responsive instructive encounters help them build self-assurance and abilities. These encounters also maximize children's academic achievement and educational success by raising awareness, appreciation, and acceptance of diverse beliefs and cultures.

 Including diversity in early education is critical to molding a student who grows up better to accept race, gender, ethnicity, and religion. Additionally, the influx of majority minorities supports better implementation of multicultural methods into schooling. 

Research suggests that in 2014, U.S. state-funded schools hit a minority-majority achievement with Latino, African-American, and Asian students amounting more than the number of white students. 

By 2044, ethnic minorities are projected to make up approximately half of the U.S. population, a trend expected to persist. Roughly 20% of the state is Hispanic individuals, with 14%  in Boulder. 

The legacy of Hispanic heritage proceeds with schools like Columbine Elementary. The statistics exhibit more significant reasoning for incorporating inclusive and bi-literate teaching methods in early education, as the diversity may be greater outside the city, let alone the country. 

It is essential to represent the so-called minorities in school, intertwine the modes of teaching, and create a more holistic environment. Regarding the rise of globalization, there is a necessary emphasis on understanding cultural diversity; with the world rapidly changing, education is expected to follow suit. 

"There were about 1,000 dual-language programs in U.S. public schools in 2010," said Gregg Roberts, the director of dual-language studies at the American Councils Research Center (ARC). By 2021, more than 3,600 such programs existed, ARC reported finding, about 80% of these programs were Spanish programs." 

Concerning applications to the multifaceted school, families must provide proof of residence after relocating within BVSD boundaries to enroll in the Boulder Valley School District. Enrollment applications are accepted from January onwards for the upcoming school year. 

BVSD offers the Colorado Universal Preschool Program, this plan provides free preschool for eligible four-year-olds for 15 or 30 hours a week. Three-year-olds with an Individualized Education Plan can also join for 15 hours free. Families can pay $620 monthly for extra hours per child for Learning and Enrichment, with a $75 application fee per seat ($150 for both).

The process for applying to schools like Columbine Elementary and others in the BVSD typically concerns where a potential student and their family live. However, the BVSD provides an open enrollment that "Is for any students (district residency not required) wishing to apply to a school of choice," as per the BVSD enrollment page. 

Through initiatives such as bilingual education and open enrollment, educational institutions can ensure that all students can access opportunities that promote cultural awareness, acceptance, and academic success. 

With the implementation of school districts that revolve around inclusivity, more students can begin to feel represented and accepted, fostering the ability to be multicultural. Having equal representation continuously proves to be beneficial.

The past involvement with drained-pool politics allows us to see why current methods are essential. “The President’s strategy provides evidence for the converse: policies designed to improve the lives of those in greatest need, including advancing racial equity, do tremendous good for communities of color and white communities alike,” states the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 

 "Students who look like us can see that they can be successful in school, and they can have a connection with us because that's part of our goal," said Ana Cox, Librarian at Columbine Elementary.

A tour of Erie-based Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is much more than a fun day spent getting to know our amazing family of rescued animals. In fact, it is nearly impossible to leave without developing a deeper understanding of the unique personalities and complex emotional lives that all animals lead.

On the Connect Tour, you will get to meet a select number of our residents on this family-friendly one-hour tour. As you listen to the inspiring stories of our residents, you will get to connect and cuddle with them as individuals. You will also get to sample delicious food at the end of the tour.

On the Compassion Tour, you will get to meet all of our residents in an immersive approximately two-hour tour. You will get to connect and cuddle with our residents, hear their inspiring stories, and learn about where they came from. You will learn how we can all create a more compassionate and sustainable future for all beings, and get to sample delicious food at the end of the tour. Due to the duration of this tour, the recommended minimum age is 7 years old.

Please do not attend if you are not feeling well, or have any symptoms of a fever or cold.

Dates/Times:

June 4 - Dec 18, 2022

Saturdays: 11am Connect Tours

Saturdays: 1:30pm Compassion Tours

Sundays: 11am & 1:30pm Compassion Tours

Location:

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

3470 County Road 7, Erie, CO 80516

Register Here: 

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eventtof

Cost:

Your generous donations allow us to continue our lifesaving work of rescuing and caring for farmed animals.

Child $10

Adult $20

More Information:

https://luvinarms.org/visit-us

720.515.8577

The Denver chapter of the Drug-Free World Foundation travelled for the second year to the Northern Colorado (NOCO) Emergency Preparedness and Family Safety Expo.  The Drug-Free World mission is to everyone—kids and adults—learn the truth about drug use and abuse so they can make the better choice and not take drugs.

The NOCO event is a joint effort between Larimer and Weld Counties and provides the public with a variety of public safety services, ranging from emergency preparedness  to life-safety classes.

Foundation for a Drug-Free World provides those attending with effective ways to talk to their kid about drugs. Sometimes it’s a concerned grandparent, an aunt or uncle, parents, and many times teachers, who are concerned about the alarming increase in vaping, and how that may lead to the use and abuse of other drugs.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a non-profit, international drug education program proudly sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists all over the world. For the Church’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, noted the role substance abuse plays in the disintegration of the social fabric, stating: “Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs.”

Kids who visit the Foundation’s booth voluntarily take the drug-free pledge, where they promise to learn the truth about drugs and promote the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle with their friends.  Foundation for a Drug-Free World spends many weekends during the late spring, summer, and early fall at events like the NOCO Emergency Preparedness and Family  Safety Expo, and this year over 270 students signed the pledge to remain drug-free.

For more information on the Foundation for the Drug-Free World please visit www.Drug-FreeWorld.org.

Thousands of runners of all ages participated in the Frank Shorter 5K RACE4Kids’ Health Sunday, and the Foundation for a Drug-Free World was there to cheer them on.

The Foundation has participated in the annual race for the past three years to help parents and kids understand what drugs do so they can make better decisions about them.

This year, the Foundation offered kids of all ages to take the Youth Drug Free World Pledge. Dozens of kids pledged to live a drug-free life and to show their friends that a drug-free life is more fun. Part of the pledge also included telling others the truth about the harmful effects of drugs by learning about drugs themselves, and working with others to create a drug-free community.

Parents and educators stopped by the booth to take information, thank the volunteers for educating the kids, and “keep up the good work” because drug education is so necessary right now.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World  is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. It is proudly sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists all over the world.

Millions of drug education booklets have been distributed globally, and the Foundation makes its materials available for free to anyone who wants to help forward the message to live drug free.

Carina (center) with HOPE seniors Zach and Andrea

Phenomenal. Goes out of her way. Nothing but praise. Help them succeed. Nurtured over the years. Helped to turn their lives around.

These are a few of the words and phrases shared about Ms. Carina Garcia Kirk, a mentor at HOPE at Front Range Academy – Broomfield. Ms. Garcia Kirk is a long-time educator with HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op. She’s worked with HOPE’s middle and high school students for the last nine years.

“I enjoy getting to see these kids progress through to graduation,” said Ms. Garcia Kirk. “This work is challenging, but I am doing it for the kids.”  

Ms. Garcia Kirk holds a degree in social work. She was led to HOPE through a practicum she did in college. The supportive staff and what the HOPE model provides students are the reasons she’s stayed.

“HOPE provides kids who don’t fit the traditional school setting a place to find the confidence they need for the real world,” she said. “We provide a personal, caring environment where we can get to know the students and work with them one-on-one on their studies.” 

One of Ms. Garcia Kirk’s students had this to say about her.

“Ms. Garcia Kirk is the best mentor ever! She has been there for me since 8th grade. She really is a big part of who I am today. Before this school I never thought teachers could be as amazing as her. She has given me life advice, and she has constantly proven that she does this job for us. She is always pushing me forward. I was going to get my GED, but she convinced me to stay. Because I know I can amount to better. She has inspired me for the longest time to be a better person and I have become one. She will definitely always be my reason for finishing high school. She loves to help people, and she is like my mother in a way. She pushed me to realize how smart I am, and she is a great mentor.”

Ms. Garcia Kirk says she keeps in touch with many of her graduates and some have even come back to get advice on college or careers from her. This summer she also helped a student and her family with a funeral for their brother/son.

“I’m proud of my students. There are so many great stories of what they’ve overcome to succeed,” she said.    

HOPE at Front Range Academy – Broomfield’s Director, Ms. Dare, says Ms. Garcia Kirk is one of the most sincere mentors she’s ever had.

“She works very hard to ensure that her students are successful in academics and their life skills,” Ms. Dare said.

One of Ms. Garcia Kirk’s colleagues, Ms. Monck, a HOPE Moderate Needs Teacher, is inspired by her dedication.

“Ms. Garcia Kirk is a top-notch HOPE mentor. She does everything she can to help our students. Parents have nothing but praise for her work,” she said.

This is just one example of the outstanding staff HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op has across the state. HOPE is a blended online public k-12 charter school which delivers its curriculum through community-based Learning Centers from Denver to Greeley, Fort Collins, Leadville, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Students attend Learning Centers five days a week and rotate between online lessons and face-to-face classroom instruction. The award-winning curriculum exceeds state standards. HOPE also offers low student-educator ratios and is an accredited high school diploma program, with graduates going on to attend college at institutions from the University of Denver to the University of Northern Colorado and beyond. Additionally, HOPE provides character development programs, including physical education, music, the arts and extra-curricular activities such as competitive sports, specialty clubs, talent shows and more. Enrollment for 2015/2016 is starting soon. For more information, visit hopeonline.org or call 720-402-3000.

Local teen in the spotlight for her fight against bullying is being bullied behind-the-scenes.

Maya Claridge, a freshman at Legacy High School, is no stranger to bullying.  She was bullied for over two years in middle school and says it was the “darkest and loneliest time” of her life.  With the hope of helping other kids who are experiencing bullying, Claridge began the Bullied to Bold tour, traveling to schools and youth related organizations throughout Colorado, sharing her story and message of hope.  “I don’t want anyone to feel alone,” Claridge says.  “I want them to know that they can overcome being bullied.”

Her message is one of inspiration, hope and strength as she encourages kids to put down their fear, put down the shame and rise above the pain.

Ironically, in the midst of the Bullied to Bold tour, Claridge is experiencing cyber-bullying from several teenage girls whom she has never met.  “These girls have targeted Maya via Instagram and have posted numerous negative comments about her, mainly making fun of how she looks,” said Beverly Brenner, management and booking agent for the Bullied to Bold tour. 

Claridge appears un-phased by the cyber-bullying attacks against her, stating, “I’ve dealt with bullies before and I refuse to give them the power to hurt me.”

Determined to continue reaching out to others with a message of kindness, Claridge does not respond to the negative comments she receives via social media.   “They can say what they want to say about me but they’re mean words aren’t going to change who I am or what I’m doing,” Claridge says.

Claridge will appear on Colorado & Company (9News) on January 22, 2016 to promote the Bullied to Bold tour and her song entitled, PUT IT DOWN, which was written specifically for the tour and produced by Billboard award-winning producer, Marc Williams at Indasoul Records.

For booking information please visit www.BulliedToBold.com

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We live in a world where women live in constant danger. It’s a harsh reality to learn that: 1 in 3 women around the world will experience physical/sexual violence by a partner … About 140M women suffer from female genital mutilation/cutting. Three million girls a year are at risk … Globally, 38% of all murdered women were killed by their intimate partners …  Women are 2-4 times more likely than men to become infected with HIV during intercourse. Forced sex or rape increases this risk … More than 64 million girls worldwide are child brides … Women and girls represent 55 percent of the estimated 20.9 million victims of forced labor worldwide … Women and girls represent 98 percent of the estimated 4.5 million forced into sexual exploitation.

Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County joins in fighting this problem that is ruining the lives of women and girls …  We will wear orange throughout November in support of “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” a Zonta International campaign to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls. “We believe that sustainable prevention requires an understanding of the root causes and the use of multiple complementary strategies operating on individual, relationship, and the community and society levels, starting early in life during childhood, continuing in the schools and continuing during adulthood,” explains Maria Jose, Landeira Oestergaard Zonta International President.

Sexual violence is one of the most pervasive human rights violations and a global epidemic. It knows no national or cultural barriers and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and conflict. It includes physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as rape, female genital cutting and human trafficking. Violence against women and girls threatens countries, inhibits economic progress, and prevents women from contributing to their community and creating better lives for themselves and their families. In our own backyards violence against women is hidden in the most unsuspecting places, on our streets, in our schools, or maybe even in a right in your neighborhood. In Colorado 1 in 4 women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Whether it is rape, child sexual assault, dating or domestic violence incest, human trafficking, it is in all strata of our society. But yet it is estimated that under 10% of sexual assaults are actually reported to police.

As a community, Boulder County can only reverse this trend if we advocate for programs that educate and lay the ground work for change. Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County salutes groups in our community like Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA), Abby’s Voice, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE), St. Vrain Safe Shelter and CU Women and Gender Studies Program and others who work with us to address reverse this epidemic.  Their efforts must be recognized in our community.

Together we are saying that we can no longer tolerate exploitation of women and that college campuses must not look the other way to traditions of drinking, hazing and sexual exploitation.  As a community we are reaching out to men, women and children to educate and establish an understanding the intricate web of violence. Men and boys must be empowered to speak with a unified voice making violence not just a women’s problem but broader societal issue. Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County asks you to recruit you spouse, your brother, your neighbor or your son…inform them of the facts surrounding this social tragedy urge them to be an agent for change for all of our daughters.

To learn more visit http://www.zontafoothills.org/.

Around the world there are an estimated 93 million children not in school, 48.4 million are girls. Zonta International has increased access to educational opportunities and vocational skills training for girls and young women in Africa, Asia and South America. Zonta Foothills Club is working hard to make a difference here in Boulder.

Through the Zonta EducateZ Scholarship Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County is helping women like Amber Heartz complete their education.

Meet Amber Heartz, the first-ever recipient of The Zonta EducateZ Scholarship, an endowed scholarship managed for Zonta Foothills Foundation by The Community Foundation  of Boulder County.

Amber is a hard-working single mom who is a very strong motivated person. With our support she will be attending Compass Nursing Arts in Lafayette, Colorado. We have awarded her an $1100 scholarship along with a laptop computer to support her studies. Amber is a proud mom or an adorable one year-old son and her goal is to go on to become a medical assistant. She explains that by “having a good job I can provide for my family, buy a home, have a good car… I’m very outgoing, a hard worker, and a strong person. My son is my world and my main reason to achieve and work on my education and goals in life.”

Congratulations Amber and Good luck at Compass!

How does the Zonta EducateZ Scholarship Work?

Its goal is to make returning to or staying in school a reality and we are committed to helping women who face significant financial barriers to higher education.  The Zonta EducateZ Scholarship is awarded to a woman who:

• wants to return to post secondary school,
• faces significant financial barriers to attending a college, university or any accredited institution,
• is committed to becoming self sufficient through education.

To qualify for this scholarship award the applicant must:

• be a resident of the State of Colorado
• have graduated from high school or have earned a GED
• be admitted to a two or four-year accredited college, university, or trade school
• demonstrate financial need
• complete the required essay
• participate in an interview if requested.

The funds will not exceed $1000 per semester but smaller awards are possible.  The amount awarded each recipient is determined by the selection committee according to established criteria. 

Ecotech Institute will host a Friends and Family Open House for its students, families and the entire community on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the campus, located at 1400 S. Abilene Street in Aurora. The general public is invited to come spread holiday cheer and give back to the community. Ecotech will be serving delicious snacks and kids will have the opportunity to decorate ornaments and cookies.

Guests are invited (but not required) to bring a new, unwrapped toy. All toys collected during the event will be donated to Toys for Tots.

WHAT: Friends and Family Open House

DATE: Saturday, December 8, 2012

TIME: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Ecotech Campus, 1400 S. Abilene Street, Aurora, CO 80012

PRICE: Free admission; Open to the public

“We are opening our doors to the whole community to gather together and have some fun,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech. “In addition, the toy drive will help make this holiday season a little brighter for children and their families.”

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced that it will be sponsoring the Green Jobs Showcase at the upcoming Green Schools National Conference.

The second annual conference, to be held February 27-29 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, will bring together K-12 leaders and educators from around the country. Attendees will learn new ways to make schools and districts green and healthy centers of academic excellence. The conference is positioned as the centerpiece of a national movement sending a strong, clear message that green is the future of our schools.

The conference features a landmark appearance by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on February 28 where he will discuss the newly established U. S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program. The conference will be the most comprehensive resource for schools hoping to become a Green Ribbon School in 2012. 

The Green Jobs Showcase is an opportunity for 20-30 companies to illustrate their green practices, describe current and future careers, and explain why sustainability-focused education is important to industry.

“Students learning in an environmentally focused culture will inevitably want to choose career paths that allow them to continue their commitment to helping the planet,” says Jim McGrath, director of the Green Schools National Network, conference sponsor. “This showcase will allow conferees to get a glimpse of the green jobs of the future, sought-after careers that will be critically important to our health and the health of the planet in the decades to come.”

Green Jobs Showcase

Date/Time:                                          

February 28, 2012 – 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

February 29, 2012 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where:                                                  

Colorado Convention Center

Rooms 201-203-205-207

Cost:                                            

Green Jobs Showcase Only – No Charge

“Ecotech is passionate about supporting the education industry’s movement to embrace sustainability in its facilities, curriculum and shaping students’ view of the world,” adds Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “We are pleased to play a role in building a bridge between schools and the marketplace.”

Companies interested in participating in the Green Jobs Showcase can contact Kim Stromire at Kimberly.stromire@ecotechinstitute.com or 303-586-5290 Ext. 4647. Entries will be accepted until next week.

To register as an attendee, please visit http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org/register_now.php.

For general conference or registration questions, please e-mail greeninfo@nationalgreenschools.org or call 1-800-280-6218 between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pacific Coast Time.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, announced today that its January quarter kicked off with 100 new students, the largest start to date.  With total current enrollment at 473 students, Ecotech witnessed a student population increase of almost 400 percent in just one year.

Ecotech Institute started classes in a temporary facility in June 2010 as it completed an overhaul of an existing vacant building.  In January 2011, Ecotech’s 119 students began attending school in its LEED gold-certified campus in Aurora, Colorado.   Since then, the facility’s offerings, faculty and student enrollment have continually experienced growth and improvement.

This June, the first graduating class of 39 students is expected to receive their degrees and in December 2012, another 50 students are expected to graduate.  Of these students, the most popular degrees include Wind Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology.

“We knew we had something special when Ecotech opened its doors, and it’s inspiring to see increasingly more students come from across the country to pursue a degree that can truly make a difference in the world,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “With our first group of graduates in June, we can’t wait to see where they go and to hear their stories of success.  This is definitely going to be a big year for us.”

Today, 90 percent of Ecotech’s students are men and 77 percent of the students are from Colorado.  However, every day more and more students are moving from other states to pursue a degree at Ecotech, with students from 37 states and Puerto Rico currently represented.  The top states from which Ecotech students have relocated include California, New Jersey, Wyoming, Illinois and Texas.

With the growth in students comes a growth in faculty as well.  When Ecotech first opened, the school had one program director and two instructors. Ecotech now has three program directors and 24 instructors who teach in 11 hands-on learning labs.  Ecotech’s holistic teaching approach gives students a chance to learn first-hand about the technology they will use in the field of their future career.  At Ecotech, students also learn soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), math and science basics and technology skills.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Where will green technology take us in 2012? Ecotech Institute is keeping a close eye on that very big question. We are constantly monitoring cleantech industry growth and innovation, and looking for ways to align our environmental sustainabilitycurriculum with employer and marketplace demands. Every day we read up on the latest research regarding solar power, wind energy, smart grid and other relevant industries. We want to make sure our students are up to speed when they graduate so their employers truly get the best, most knowledgeable employees.

In 2011, cleantech ventureinvestment had an incredible year. As a result of financial backing, we saw an infusion of green start-up companies, new jobs and a growing belief in the future of cleantech industries. However, the challenges of this relatively new space also came to light as some companies met very public criticism.

As the president of Ecotech Institute, it’s my job to take a hard look at opportunities in cleantech now and into the future. Our career services team needs to accurately predict where Ecotech graduates will be able to make a living and make a difference in the world. Frankly, there is a lot of enthusiasm as we enter 2012 with a promising outlook about environmental sustainability’s growing role in the world.

This is a very exciting year for Ecotech because we will graduate our first group of students in June. As we continue to prepare them for the workforce this year, we are collectively interested in what industry leaders are predicting.

Here are some predictions of note:

1. According to a December 28, 2011 article by Michael Kanellos on www.greenbiz.com, “Renewables will start to win over the jobs argument.”

He states, “The 2012 Presidential election will be only about one thing: jobs. In the energy and sustainability context, the debate boils down to whether you think more jobs can be created through pipelines and offshore drilling or through erecting solar farms and retrofitting buildings.”

“But here is where renewables win: they don't take years….Many fossil projects, meanwhile, are bogged down in land use hearings….If renewables get results quicker, they become the better solution.”

My takeaway: Green jobs will continue to grow and companies need educated people to fill them.

2. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says this year is going to be a big year for wind power, both in the field and in policy. The association notes that unlike the volatile prices of fossil fuels, wind power has a fixed fuel cost of zero, making it a very appealing form of energy. However, Congress needs to act quickly to protect the future of wind energyin the U.S. If lawmakers do not extend the Production Tax Credit that is due to expire at the end of this year, taxes on wind will go up and jobs could go overseas.

My takeaway: Wind energy will continue to grow this year, however Congress needs to take action to make sure that growth continues in 2013 and beyond. Please contact your lawmakers to let them know the importance of extending the Production Tax Credit.

3. According to predictions from www.EnvironmentalLeader.com, solar innovation will serve as a perennial driver.

“Investment into good old solar innovation and projects is still strong, and has remained so for years, while other clean technologies have risen and fallen in and out of investment fashion.”

My takeaway: As money continues to be filtered into solar power innovation, we must keep a close eye on how these technologies will be built and maintained.

4. Jesse Berst with gigaom.com listed top predictions based on his takeaways from a webinar offered by renowned research firm IDC. He stated the following, “Smart buildings will become important to utilities. 25 states have energy efficiency standards or targets. Smart buildings can help meet such goals. The building energy analytics market will double between 2012 and 2015, jumping from $193 billion to $402 billion.”

My takeaway: The growth of smart buildings requires savvy energy efficiency experts.

5. In “10 solar trends to watch for in 2012,” Ucilia Wang, another contributor to gigaom.com, discusses solar energy’s impact on the grid. The article states that, “The increase in solar energygeneration has nudged utilities and electric grid regulators to give more thought and investment to the impact of solar in their mission to deliver electricity reliably.”

“Since solar production can ebb and surge depending on the time of the day and the weather, new technologies and policies are cropping up to monitor solar energy production and minimize interruptions of power delivery.”

My takeaway: The marketplace needs educated professionals who understand the interplay between solar technology and the current energy grid system.

The green landscape will continue to shift and it is important to watch, learn and prepare future leaders. The excitement of clean technology innovation in 2012 and beyond ought to be celebrated by everyone who has a stake in making our world a better place to work, play and live.

Impact on Education to Host “Love is a Story” Valentine’s Fundraiser
Event to be held Saturday, February 11 at Louisville Center for the Arts

Louisville, Colo., January 23, 2012 – Impact on Education, the Louisville-based nonprofit that awards thousands in Classroom Innovation Grants to teachers in the Boulder Valley School District, invites the community to celebrate children’s literacy while enjoying great music, food and chocolate at its inaugural Valentine’s Celebration event called Love is a Story.

The event, which is co-sponsored by Assorted Goods & Candy and Sassafras Photography, will be held from 7-11 pm on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Louisville Center for the Arts, 801 Grant Ave., in downtown Louisville. Guests will enjoy the music of the Whitney Mann Band and food from some of Boulder’s best restaurants – Jax, Centro and West End Tavern – donated by Dave Query, founder of Big Red F Restaurant Group.

The event will also feature winning essays from East Boulder County K-5^th grade students. Under the theme “Love is a Story,” the winning essays will be shown via video presentation throughout the event.

“We all have stories to share – many of them about the things we love,” said Fran Ryan, CEO at Impact on Education. “This event will celebrate the importance of storytelling and writing in our schools, and create a Valentine’s Day event for the community with a fun, party atmosphere.”  

Tickets are $30 per person or $45 per couple. Ticket includes one drink per adult. Cash or check at the door. Call 303-524-3865 for advance tickets. All proceeds from the event will support Impact on Education’s mission to leverage community resources to increase student achievement, create opportunities and build support for public education.

About Impact on Education

Impact on Education’s mission is to leverage community resources to increase student achievement, create opportunities, and build support for public education. Since 1983, Impact on Education has been an independent, non profit, 501 (3) (c) organization dedicated to promoting excellence, improving equity, and encouraging innovation in the Boulder Valley School District. For more information, please visit http://impactoneducation.org/

From shifts in the economy to advances in technology, the career choices of Americans have changed dramatically since the 1900s. Since the days when “farmer” was a popular occupation, to the present when 50 percent of the top 20 fastest growing jobs are in healthcare, career choices have certainly shifted over time. To illustrate the shift, Bryant & Stratton College, an institution that has been at the forefront of workplace education & training since the 1850s, recently released an infographic illustrating the History of Careers in America.

To view the infographic and learn more, please visit http://www.bryantstratton.edu/CareersInAmerica.aspx