Dear Families – We are welcoming a new principal in the 2026-2027 school year, as I am retiring from education in June of 2026. I want to share some information about our incoming principal.
Stacey Horton is honored to serve as the new Principal of Spark! Discovery Preschool. With 23 years of experience in education, she is deeply committed to early childhood and elementary learning, instructional leadership, and building strong, connected school communities. Stacey believes that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving school and works to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where students feel valued and inspired to grow.
She began her career teaching first grade in Arizona, and then spent 12 years owning and operating a preschool. In St. Vrain, she taught kindergarten for seven years and most recently served as Dean of Students at Highlands and Grand View Elementary.
Stacey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, a Master’s in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and principal licensure from Colorado State University Global. She and her husband have three children and enjoy skiing in the winter and hiking together in the summer.
Look for opportunities this spring and summer to meet and welcome her to our school!
With respect – Paige Gordon, Principal – Spark! Discovery Preschool
P.S. Look for information coming soon about our 3rd annual all-school ART SHOW on Wednesday, April 8, from 3:30pm – 4:30 pm at Spark! Discovery Preschool
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Carnival Committee with the PTO
Our annual carnival is scheduled for Friday, May 1 after school. In order to host a carnival of this size for nearly 300 preschoolers, we depend on a large group of parent and staff volunteers.
Here is the link to the Spark! Carnival Committee Signup Form-https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfe8Uz7LCe-3XFtW1igbzpUVxJGjoO_wcADcdHDvYtQclwpFw/viewform?usp=header
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Butter Braid Fundraiser with the PTO
The Spark! Parent-Teacher Organization is sponsoring our spring, annual Butter Braids Fundraiser from March 9 – 25, 2026. Fundraiser packets and more information will be coming out in Friday Folders from the PTO about details and due dates. A percentage of every Butter Braid sold directly goes back into our school to support the vision, mission, values, and goals of Spark! Discovery Preschool. Your participation makes a real difference. PICK UP AT THE SCHOOL FOR BUTTER BRAIDS WILL BE ON THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 IN THE CAFETERIA. Thank you for jumping in and helping our Spark! community thrive!
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Van Gogh Spring Picture Day- Portraits & Class Pictures
Spring Picture Day is coming up on Wednesday, March 25, 2026! Please look for the flyer in your child’s Friday Folders.
Families will have the opportunity to order both individual spring portraits and class group photos. Picture proofs will be sent home approximately two weeks after picture day. All orders are placed online after pictures are taken, and photos will be shipped directly to your home for convenience. Information came out in last Friday folders
For the best results, we recommend dressing your child in solid colors, as they tend to photograph beautifully. Photographers also suggest avoiding large logos and busy patterns to help ensure your preschooler’s smile is the true focus of the picture. We look forward to capturing these special memories!
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Important Dates March 9-13, 2026
- 7 TRAITS FOCUS – Honesty
- FUNDATIONS weekly focus for PK: y, x
- The Big Ideas of Early Mathematics for March: Data Analysis
- STEM starts with these teachers/classes and topics:
Monday, Mar 9
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports – Feb 23 – Mar 12 reward is on 3-13-26
- Please return your child’s Friday folder.
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraiser
- 8:45 – 9:30 am – School Tour
- Families Moving Together with Mimi- Pre registration required, In the cafeteria at 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm.
- Spirit Week- Mustache Monday
Tuesday, Mar 10
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
Ms. Amanda, our school counselor is at Spark - Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports – Feb 23 – Mar 12 reward is on 3-13-26
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraisers
- Library day for some students – have students return their books!
- Spirit Week- Favorite Sports Team Day
Wednesday, Mar 11
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports – Feb 23 – Mar 12 reward is on 3-13-26
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraisers
- Library day for some students – have students return their books!
- Spirit Week- Crazy Sock Day
Thursday, Mar 12
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Ms. Amanda, our school counselor is at Spark
- Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports – Feb 23 – Mar 12 reward is on 3-13-26
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraisers
- Library day for some students – have students return their books!
- PTO Meeting- 6:00 – 7:30pm, at the Gym and Cafeteria; babysitting provided
- Spirit Day- Green Day
Friday, Mar 13
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Ms. Amanda, our school counselor is at Spark
- Friday folders are sent home
- Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports reward is on 3-13-26 — It’s STUDENT CHOICE! Ask your child / teacher for more information!
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraisers
- Spirit Day- Tie-dye Fri-dye
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Spring Break March 16-20, 2026
- No preschool or Childcare– Enjoy your time with family and friends.
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Important Dates March 23-27, 2026
- 7 TRAITS FOCUS – Honesty
- FUNDATIONS weekly focus for PK: z & q
- The Big Ideas of Early Mathematics for March: Data Analysis
- STEM focus for all teachers: Dance/Fitness- 2 weeks
Monday, Mar 23
- School restarts after spring break
- Please return your child’s Friday folder
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraiser
- Library day for some students – have students return their books!
Tuesday, Mar 24
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTYButter Braids PTO Fundraiser
- Library day for some students – have students return their books!
Wednesday, Mar 25
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraiser
- Spring Group and Individual Pictures with Van Gogh Photography
Thursday, Mar 26
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Butter Braids PTO Fundraiser
- Library day for some students – have students return their books!
- Family Game Night with Mrs. Tori- In the cafeteria from 4:30 – 5:30 pm
- PTO Meeting- Gym and Cafeteria reserved 6:00 – 7:30 pm; Babysitting provided — Come join us to discuss the CARNIVAL
Friday, Mar 27
- Positive Behavior Trait of the month focus: HONESTY
- Friday Folders go home
- PTO Fundraiser- from 4 – 8 pm at Qdoba (119 and I-25)
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Registrar/Attendance Clerk
Regular attendance is essential for student success. Being present each day helps students stay on track academically and socially. If your child will be absent, please notify Amy Yanez at 720-652-7906 or at [email protected].
Registration Information
If you have not yet completed your child’s registration for the 2026–2027 school year, please do so as soon as possible. Families interested in preschool may register using the St. Vrain Valley Schools preschool registration page: St. Vrain Valley Schools 2026–2027 Preschool Registration Page
https://www.svvsd.org/departments/early-childhood/preschool/2026-2027-preschool-registration/
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Library Books – Return on Time
Please remind students to return library books by their due dates. Timely returns allow all students the opportunity to enjoy our library resources. If a library book has been lost or damaged, please contact Jennifer Nusbaum at [email protected] or Amy Yanez at [email protected] for assistance.
Please note that fees for lost or damaged books are assessed and due at the end of each month. Charges will be uploaded to Infinite Campus for payment.
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Health Clerk
Illness Guidelines Reminder: To help keep all of our students and staff healthy, our preschool follows the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) “How Sick is Too Sick?” guidelines. These guidelines help determine when a child should stay home from school due to illness, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms. We appreciate families’ partnership in monitoring children’s health and keeping them home when they are not feeling well, so we can maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone. If you have any questions about these guidelines please reach out to our Health Clerk, Amanda Rivera. [email protected]
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Campus Supervisor
Supporting Positive Behavior at Home
At preschool, we spend a lot of time helping children learn how to share, take turns, express their feelings, and solve problems peacefully. You can support this learning at home with a few simple strategies that make a big difference!
1. Create Predictable Routines
Children feel more secure when they know what to expect. Try to keep regular times for meals, play, and bedtime. Giving a 5-minute warning before transitions (“Five more minutes, then it’s time to clean up!”) can help prevent frustration.
2. Use Clear and Simple Expectations
State rules in positive ways, such as “Use walking feet inside” instead of “Don’t run.” Keep directions short and specific so your child knows exactly what to do.
3. Notice and Praise Positive Behavior
Children thrive on attention. Catch them being good! Specific praise like, “I love how you shared your toys with your sister,” reinforces the behavior you want to see again.
4. Teach Feelings and Problem-Solving
Help your child name their emotions: “You look frustrated.” Encourage simple solutions like taking turns, asking for help, or using words instead of hands.
5. Stay Calm and Consistent
When challenging behaviors happen, respond calmly and consistently. Clear, predictable consequences help children understand boundaries while feeling safe and supported.
Working together between home and school creates consistency for your child. Thank you for partnering with us to help your preschooler grow socially and emotionally!
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SVVSD CHILD FIND AND EARLY INTERVENTION:
Each district is required to have a child find process to inform the public and to identify children ages 3 to 21 who may be eligible to receive special education services. The District Child Find Assessment Team is a district level team that provides quality, child focused screenings and evaluations for children ages 3-5 and supports building level teams for students in grades K-12. Evaluation referrals come from a variety of sources including: families, community agencies, child care, preschools, medical providers and school staff. The School District of residence for any child ages 3 through 21 is required to “Child Find” students who may have an educational disability as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act. For more information on the Child Find process please visit the links below:
For any additional questions or to schedule an evaluation, please contact Jodie, in the SVVSD Child Find office at 303-772-6649.
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Spark! Discovery Preschool website
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