Family Resource Center – Spark! Discovery Preschool
Dear Families – We’d like to make it know about some family resources just inside the front doors of our school. The door pictured above is the entrance to a space that has materials described below. There’s no need to ask or get permission to go in there — it’s a self-serve zone with the following resources.
Thank you – Paige Gordon, Adminstrator, 720-652-7906
1) COATS: The season has changed, and we can work together to provide our students with the gear they need. Kids grow so fast and wear things for one season mostly. Just inside the door shown above, and to the right as people come in from outside, are donations of coats and boots for families to help themselves to without any interference from staff. If you need something, please take it; if you have something to donate (gently used), please drop it at the office and we will run it through the washer/dryer and put it out for the taking. It makes sense to circulate these types of items as they are costly, used for a short time, and can be re-used. Please help us by sharing what we are collecting by sharing our social media posts going up soon, so we can get the word out to our local community.
2) BIRTHDAY IN A BAG KIT: Our Birthday in a Bag Kits have supplies for hosting a small birthday party for a child at home. There’s cake mix, oil for the mix, decorations, party favors, a birthday card, and a birthday headband for the child having the birthday! We want every family to have access to what they need to celebrate a birthday. There’s no need to ask for a bag. Families who need one can take one on their way out to the car. Thank you to Spark! Discovery PTO for putting these together.
3) Blue Boxes of Nutri-grain Bars — In the blue boxes are a dozen Nutri-grain breakfast bars for any families struggling to feed their children breakfast. There’s no need to ask — families who need a box can take one on their way out to the car. Thanks to Wendi (our RN) and our health clerk, Amanda, who have secured a local, individual, donor, who we can continue to reach out to for refills.
4) LENDING LIBRARY: In the fall of 2022, we installed our lending library with the goal of getting books in the hands of students in the home environment, and we are currently seeking book donations of gently used children’s books to stock and restock this lending library, located at the front, green over-hang at the front entrance of the school. Please feel free to take books from here to build a collection at home for your child(ren). Also please drop off any unwanted books to the front office, where we will do intake, and get them out so students can have more books at home.
5) TOILETRIES: We are also collecting any unused toiletries — shampoo and conditioner samples, bar soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste, lotion, floss, deodorant, etc. For anyone finished with diapering, we are looking for any unused diapers for give-away in this area too. We have some of these items currently for the taking in our Family Resource Center too.
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6) FAMILY GAMES ON LOAN: Just inside the front doors of school, in our family resource center, are family games for check out and play at home. They should be checked back in and another one can be checked out in its place! Doing this will make it so multiple families can use the materials. Thanks PTO: Spark Discovery Preschool of St.Vrain for helping to sponsor this family engagement strategy!
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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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Spark! PTO SPONSORED FUNRAISER
- Date: Wednesday, Nov 12
- Time: 4 – 8 PM
- Where: 11169 E I25 Frontage Rd Firestone, CO 80504
- REMEMBER to show the flyer to the team members at Qdoba custom web page for you.
- Enter the fundraiser promo code when ordering online or on the mobile app. Digital CODE: QDOBAGIVES
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Positive Trait of the month: Cooperation
This month at Spark! we’re focusing on Cooperation — working and playing together in ways that help everyone succeed!
In preschool, cooperation looks like taking turns, helping a friend, cleaning up together, or listening during group activities. These moments build important social skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork.
We’ll be encouraging children to notice when they are cooperating — whether it’s during playtime, circle time, or outdoor activities — and to celebrate how good it feels to work together. Families can continue this at home by involving children in simple team tasks, like setting the table or putting toys away together.
When children learn to cooperate, they’re not just learning to “get along” — they’re learning to be part of a community that values kindness, respect, and shared success.
Because doing whole school assemblies is a challenge with three and four year olds, we’ll be celebrating the students selected for Students of the Month at end of the month for their COOPERATIVENESS with some individual recognition by each teacher in front of class!
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Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
We’re proud to support our community through a Canned Food Drive for the Carbon Valley Help Center! Families are invited to donate non-perishable food items to help local families in need. We understand that times are tough with the government shut down; there is no obligation to give. Please bring your donations to the tables located across from the Makerspace/Library. The food drive will go from 11/1/25 – 11/21/25. Every donation — big or small — makes a difference. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to practice kindness and generosity while learning the importance of helping others in our community. Thank you for your support in spreading a little generousity!
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Preschool Classroom Volunteer Training
Our Principal, Paige Gordon, is excited to host Volunteer Training at various points through the year in our cafeteria at Spark! Volunteer training is required by the Department of Human Services, as we are a licensed preschool, in order to volunteer in the preschool classroom at our school. Because this newsletter is posted publicly on our website and Facebook page, where the public can get to the links, we have sent an email via Infinite Campus with a Google Form for families to use to sign up for volunteering within the preschool classroom on 8/15/25. If you didn’t get the information due to a recent enrollment, please reach out to Stacey, Principal’s secretary, in our office, and she’ll send you the form — sign up is required. The next training opportunities will be in January, 2026
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Parking Reminder
For the safety of our school and community, please do not park in front of the fire hydrant on 8th Street during drop-off or pick-up. Keeping this space clear ensures emergency vehicles have access if needed. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!
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SNAP Benefit Update from the Colorado Department of Education
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 [email protected]
- Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626
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Preschool Late Start Dates and Times
Late start days will be held on the following Wednesdays during this upcoming school year:
*Wednesday, September 3, 2025
*Wednesday, November 5, 2025
*Wednesday, December 3, 2025
*Wednesday, February 4, 2026
*Wednesday, March 4, 2026
*Wednesday, April 1, 2026
*Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- AM PRESCHOOL CLASSES on LATE START: With the 5 day a week change for preschool beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, preschoolers will NOT attend AM sessions on late start days listed above.
- FULL DAY PRESCHOOL CLASS on LATE START: Full day students will start school on late start days at 11:00 am.
PM PRESCHOOL CLASS on LATE START: Students attending in the PM class will not be impacted by late start schedules.
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Important Dates Nov 3 – 7, 2025
- 7 TRAITS FOCUS – Cooperation
- FUNDATIONS weekly focus for PK: Ss and Tt
- The Big Ideas of Early Mathematics for October: Counting
- STEM Unit – 11/3 – 11/7 — All preschool teachers: Dance/Fitness/Health
Monday, Nov 3
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
- Preschool Tuition is due; contact Stacey Petering with questions: [email protected].
Tuesday, Nov 4
- Election Day
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
- Library day for some students – return your books!
Wednesday, Nov 5
- Late Start
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
- Library day for some students – return your books!
Thursday, Nov 6
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
- Library day for some students – return your books!
Friday, Nov 7
- PJ Day – Sponsored by the PTO – $1.00 donation is suggest / collected by staff
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
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Important Dates Nov 10- 14
- 7 TRAITS FOCUS – Cooperation
- FUNDATIONS weekly focus for PK: Uu and Vv
- The Big Ideas of Early Mathematics for October: Counting
- STEM Unit #2- 11/10/25 – 12/19/25 — See the Family Letter from your child’s teacher
- Life Cycles of Animals- Ms. Danielle, Ms. Marie, and Ms. Amy
- Ooh-Aah Science!- Ms. Tori, Ms. Polly, and Ms. Kiersten
- Transportation- Ms. Noreen and Ms. Miranda
- Drama & Theater- Ms. Kelli Weaver and Ms. Kaylee
Tuesday, Nov 11
- Happy Veteran’s Day
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
- Library day for some students – return your books!
Wednesday, Nov 12
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
- 529 College savings info night
- Qdoba night fundraiser (Sponsored by the PTO) Please see information from above from 4:00 – 8:00 pm — I-25 and Hwy 119 location
- Library day for some students – return your books!
Thursday, Nov 13
- WORLD KINDNESS DAY
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
- Library day for some students – return your books!
Friday, Nov 14
- Nov PBIS -Reward is today – STUDENT CHOICE– see information from the teacher
- Canned Food Drive for Carbon Valley Help Center
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Childcare Information from Tasha Lugg
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 Please reach out to Tasha Lugg Program Manager at 720-652-7908 or [email protected] with any questions.
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Registrar/Attendance – Amy Yanez
ATTENDANCE:
Consistent daily attendance is expected of your student to achieve optimal educational benefits. Missing school sets students back in their learning, and children learn best with consistency. Parents are expected to make all efforts to have their students at school each day with the exception of illness or a family emergency. Attendance is tracked and monitored for student’s continuation in the preschool program. We strive for a 96% attendance rate each day. Consistent daily attendance is expected of your student to achieve optimal educational benefits of the early childhood learning experience. Missing school sets students back in their learning, and children learn best with consistency. Parents are expected to make all efforts to have their students at school each day with the exception of illness or a family emergency. Attendance is tracked and monitored for student’s continuation in the school.
WHAT’S AN EXCUSED ABSENCE in SVVSD? The building principal or their designee will grant excused absences with substantiated reason. The following will be considered for preschoolers:
- A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the school of attendance on a prearranged basis. Prearranged absences shall be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature only which cannot be taken care of outside of school hours.
- A student who is absent for a prearranged extended period due to physical, mental or emotional disability.
- A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.
The following may be considered excused absences at the discretion of the principal or designee:
1. Serious illness or death in the family.
2. Family emergencies or hardship.
3. Family vacations. (While discouraged, such excuses should be prearranged with the school administration. If a student has poor attendance, a principal may deny an excused absence for vacation purposes.)
4. Religious observances when requested by a parent or guardian.
5. Absence required by a legal body or social agency (court, juvenile authorities, public health department or police).
6. Military connected students whose parent or legal guardian has been called to duty, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment.
WHAT’S AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE in SVVSD? An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the above exceptions. Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the student’s record. The parents or guardians of the student receiving unexcused absences shall be notified orally or in writing by the district, district designee, or building staff. Parents/guardians shall be required to furnish an explanation for student absenteeism either in writing or orally. Absences not explained within two days after returning to school shall be recorded as unexcused absences unless unusual or extenuating circumstances exist as determined by the building administrator.
If a child is absent for two consecutive weeks and parents/families have not notified us of a reason, the child will be unenrolled from the program.
Extended Absences – Sometimes a family has an extenuating circumstance, and they need to be gone for an extended time, if for example they are traveling to visit family in another country for a month. If a child will be absent for more than two weeks, the student will be unenrolled. This does not apply to absences due to illness. When the child returns, they can contact the school to discuss re-enrollment.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Amy at [email protected]
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Health Clerk – Amanda Rivera
Hello Spark families! Colorado has cold, dry winters, and for some children that makes eczema flare up. If your student is in need of anything to alleviate symptoms, like lotion or cream, please contact me BEFORE sending anything with your student. There is a specific form that must be signed by a physician, before we can apply anything at school due to the age of our students. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Amanda at [email protected].
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Counselor’s Corner – Amanda Dawson
Resource Library for Parents/Guardians — Thanks to our wonderful PTO we now have a resource library with some parenting books! Some of our available books include:
No Drama Discipline by Dr. Dan Siegel
Whole Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King
If you are interested in checking out a book, please come to the front office and ask to check out a book outside of the Counseling office.
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Carbon Valley Santa Cops Opportunity for Families in Need
Carbon Valley Santa Cops Opportunity for Families in Need. The holiday season is right around the corner and if your family is needing additional support, please consider applying for the Santa Cops Program. Santa Cops Program is a local non-profit program meant to help provide gifts and necessities to families in need in the Carbon Valley area. Local businesses and residents provide donations for the families. Click here to view the attached document for more information. Applications are due on November 24 and can be dropped off at one of the local police stations listed on the form. If you wish to turn them into the school, please do so by November 19 to allow time for us to drop them off for you.
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St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation
College Savings Info Night- Dreaming about your child’s future career, college, or trade school? It’s never too early to start planning for their success. Join the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation for a College Savings Information Night on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Longmont High School Community Room.
At this free, family-friendly event, parents will learn how small savings can grow into big opportunities through 529 College Savings Plans, the 529 Jump program (which provides a $100 scholarship for PK–5th grade students), and other state and federal matching programs designed to help families save smarter.
Representatives from trusted financial institutions will be available to answer your questions and help you get started. Dinner, Spanish interpretation, and childcare will be provided—so bring the whole family and take the first step toward your child’s post-secondary dreams!
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Fall Sporting Event Tickets– St. Vrain Education Foundation
AVALANCE– Join Us for a Night of Hockey and Community Spirit! The St.Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation is thrilled to partner once again with the Colorado Avalanche for a fundraising community game!
Come cheer on the Avs as they take on the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Ball Arena (1000 Chopper Circle, Denver).
Enjoy special school pricing, and know that $5 from every ticket purchased through our Foundation link will directly support programs that enhance student success and teacher excellence across St. Vrain Valley Schools.
🎟️ Purchase discounted tickets here:
https://avalanche.spinzo.com/colorado-avalanche-vs-anaheim-ducks-2025-11-11-GVJCW?group=st-vrain-school-foundation-pwu6
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an exciting night of hockey while supporting education in our community!
CU Buffaloes– Cheer on the Buffs and Support St. Vrain Schools! The St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation invites you to join us for an exciting CU Buffs Football Game this fall!
- 📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | Time TBD
- 📍 Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave, Boulder
- 🏆 Colorado Buffaloes vs. Arizona State
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a day of college football with friends, family, and fellow St. Vrain supporters. Even better—$5 from every ticket purchased through our Foundation link will directly benefit Education Foundation programs that fund teacher innovation grants, student scholarships, and classroom support across the district.
🎟️ Purchase your tickets today: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Stvrain28
Let’s fill the stands and show our St. Vrain spirit while cheering on the Buffs!
Upcoming Dates – St Vrain Education Foundations Events
- NOVEMBER 11 – Colorado Avalanche vs. Anaheim Ducks Community Game
- NOVEMBER 12 – College Savings Information Night
- NOVEMBER 22 – CU Football vs. Arizona State Community Game
- DECEMBER 1 – Student Scholarship Application Opens
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Spark! Discovery Preschool website
Check us Out on-line here:
Spark! Discovery Preschool Facebook
Spark! Discovery Preschool X
Spark! Discovery Preschool Instagram
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