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  • Natalie Fitches awarded Niwot Rotary "Student of the Year"

    Scott Barto|Sep 18, 2024

    It would be an understatement to say that Natalie Fitches is an outstanding student. Fitches, a 2024 Niwot High School graduate, has been recognized for several accomplishments during her tenure at NHS. She was recognized as Arts Student of the Week by the Left Hand Valley Courier in September 2023 and she has been named as the Student of the Year by the NHS marching and symphonic band programs. This August, Fitches received recognition for all that she does, not just at NHS, but in her...

  • Arts Student of the Week: Cormac Easter

    Gene Hayworth|Sep 18, 2024

    Although Cormac Easter does not play instruments other than the violin, there are times that he wishes he could. He began learning the instrument about eleven years ago by taking private lessons, but he only began playing mariachi about two years ago. "I will admit, the first few years I played weren't my favorite," Easter said, "as the music I was learning to play was mostly classical, which I did not enjoy." Thankfully, his instructor was able to help him maintain his interest in the violin,...

  • Public school enrollment declines - Part 1

    John Kowalski|Sep 18, 2024

    According to a recent report issued by the Colorado Department of Education in October of 2023, there were 1,800 fewer students enrolled in Colorado Public Schools than in 2022. School districts across the state have been facing declining enrollment issues, with some, like Denver Public Schools, expecting upwards of an 8% decline in students in the next five years. Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) is projected to lose 1,700 students over the next 5 years based on reports from 2022-2023. In response, it has created a Long Range Advisory...

  • Niwot High School staff among the elite

    Melissa Johnson|Sep 18, 2024

    Most high school educators do not have a doctorate degree, and yet Niwot High School currently has six staff members who hold doctorate degrees. Eric Rauschkolb, Niwot High School Principal, finds that having six doctorate holders on staff at the school is inspiring to students and other staff members. "It shows their dedication to their craft, their work ethic, and their commitment to life-long learning," he said. Each of these six professionals earned their doctorate in an area of study that...

  • Tips to master the college admission process

    John Kowalski|Sep 11, 2024

    It is once again college application season. For the next several months high school seniors will be diligently working to fill out applications, tour schools, and write essays as they prepare to enter the next stage of their lives after high school. The process is long and often difficult, filled with hours of writing and planning as students strive to submit the best applications possible. Here are some tips and tricks that might be helpful throughout the process. 1. First consider what would...

  • Arts Student of the Week: Sara Taylor

    Gene Hayworth|Sep 11, 2024

    Sara Taylor's explanation when people ask her about her work in technical theater is that she is "one of the backstage people, who does sets and lights and that sort of stuff." She is surprised how often she is asked to explain why she chooses to spend more than 200 additional hours at school a year, and although she is involved in theater, why she is not an actor. "The better, and more accurate answer, is that I work different jobs with a crew of people that create a space for actors to act...

  • St. Vrain Public Education Parade

    Sep 11, 2024

  • NHS Teacher Profile Teresa Ewing

    Neharika Bhandari|Sep 11, 2024

    Teresa Ewing's circuitous path to becoming a Niwot High School computer science teacher is unique and inspiring. She initially had a career in engineering, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Colorado. Ewing started working as a software intern at NORAD in Colorado Springs but then took a position with a Finnish company, Vaisala, where she worked in wind-profiling radars, allowing her the exciting opportunity to install radars around the world....

  • Arts Student of the Week: Evan Green

    Gene Hayworth|Sep 4, 2024

    "The ability to play a musical instrument gives people a way to express their feelings at a depth that goes beyond any words," said Arts Student of the Week Evan Green. "Music can fill you with excitement, sadness, anticipation, calmness, or any other emotion, which makes it exhilarating to play and listen to. Additionally, playing an instrument lets you sculpt the music into expressing what you want to express." As a student at Niwot High School, Green says his experience with music has been bo...

  • First annual SVVSD celebration parade

    Scott Barto|Sep 4, 2024

    Students in the St. Vrain Valley School District are provided with countless opportunities for success and engagement through innovative programing. Being a part of that community is enriching and SVVSD wants you to know why. On Saturday Sept. 7 at 10 a.m., SVVSD will hold its first ever Public Education Parade starting at Roosevelt Park and continuing down Main Street in Longmont. The parade will celebrate the elementary, middle and high school programs and achievements in the district. "This...

  • Niwot High School homecoming with a night of bright neon lights

    Camryn Bell|Sep 4, 2024

    Niwot High School's annual homecoming festivities begin Monday, Sept. 9 with a highly anticipated pep rally, where freshmen wear white, sophomores wear black, juniors wear green, and seniors wear the iconic Niwot camo pattern. This year's theme is "Bright Lights, Neon Nights." Niwot's student council team, sponsored by counselor Leah Messinger, has been working hard to plan events, choose spirit week activities and make it a fun, welcoming event for everyone. Spirit week extends through the day...

  • Arts Student of the Week Prugh Dunfee

    Camryn Bell|Aug 28, 2024

    Prugh Dunfee has been a vital piece of Niwot High School's theater and choral programs throughout her two years at Niwot High School. Now in her junior year, Dunfee has built an impressive theatrical resume and reputation. Dunfee has performed in the NHS productions of "Beauty and the Beast" (2022-2023), "Puffs," and "Shrek the Musical" (both 2023-2024). She has also performed in local theater productions such as "Sound of Music," "White Christmas," and, most recently, "Into the Woods."...

  • Boulder Country Day opens Commons Building

    Diana Emerson|Aug 28, 2024

    Boulder Country Day School celebrated the opening of its new Commons Building with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 21. This new state-of-the-art building adds both a dining hall and a Center for Innovative Learning to their 5.5 acres campus abutting the Twin Lakes Open Space in Gunbarrel. The gathering took place in the amphitheater space outside the Commons and included both current and alumni families. Planning for the new facility began in 2018, and while the school experienced some delay...

  • Niwot High School students gather for Club Rush on Sept. 4

    Camryn Bell|Aug 28, 2024

    Last year, Niwot High School had over 60 student-led and created clubs. Niwot students are dedicated to their passions, and many returning clubs will be coming back bigger and better to recruit members at this year's Club Rush event on Sept. 4. During both A and B lunches, club leaders and other members will be outside at the front of the school with interest sheets, candies, and information about their clubs. This year, clubs such as Model United Nations, Best Buddies Club, Dance Club,...

  • Arts Student of the Week: Karlien Dang-Lee

    Gene Hayworth|Aug 21, 2024

    Karlien Dang-Lee has had an active musical life since the age of four, when she first started playing the violin. According to her mother, the young girl really wanted to learn violin, but all Dang-Lee remembers is crying because her fingers hurt. When she was seven, she switched to piano, which she played until she was fourteen. Playing piano provided her with a solid foundation for understanding notes and music theory. In fifth grade, she picked up the flute. "Because," she said, "my elementar...

  • NHS Senior Sunrise

    Madison Shaw|Aug 21, 2024

  • New teachers and staff join NHS

    Neharika Bhandari|Aug 21, 2024

    As the 2024-2025 school year begins, Niwot High School welcomes a new registrar, a student engagement specialist, and eleven new teachers in math, English, social studies, science, and Spanish. The new teachers and staff are Chevron Bayley (social studies), Michael DeCamillis (science), Sarah Florek (social studies), Gunilla Godebu (registrar), Priscilla Gonzalez (student engagement specialist), Kristen Keronen (Spanish), Stephanie Polutchko (science), Kyle Rees (art), Taylor Richardson (math), Taylor Renquist (math), Laura Schoenfeld...

  • Niwot High's Band Leadership Academy founded

    Gene Hayworth|Aug 21, 2024

    Last year Drum Major Mark Rokhlenko and Drum Major Lily Sykes identified a major opportunity for the Niwot High School Marching Band. As section leaders in the band before becoming drum majors, they realized that drum majors are offered extensive training on how to lead. Niwot drum majors always attend Drum Major Academy at CU Boulder. But the section leaders of the marching band did not receive similar training. In response, Sykes and Rokhlenko spent more than eight hours planning a detailed schedule, making slideshows, and practicing...

  • Niwot Elementary School Teacher Profile Hanna Sandoff

    Camryn Bell|Aug 21, 2024

    12 Niwot High School graduate Hanna Sandoff has made it full-circle, and is now a first grade teacher at Niwot Elementary School. Not only was Sandoff a NHS graduate, she also spent her fifth grade year at NES. "I naturally care very deeply for the people around me and teaching is a profession where you get to build long lasting relationships and make a small amount of positive change in the world," Sandoff said. "I like teaching because it is my little drop of goodness." Sandoff has known...

  • Free back to school fun at Niwot UMC Aug.18

    Karen Sherlock|Aug 14, 2024

    Niwot United Methodist Church is hosting a free fun back-to-school event Sunday, Aug. 18 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 7405 Lookout Road. Families will be treated to free hot dogs, chips, cookies and activities to celebrate the start of school. “This 4th annual Back-to-School Extravaganza is a free community event that is open to all as the church throws open its doors in hospitality to its neighbors,” said the event host, Janet Gates. Activities will include a “bounce house’ and a dunk tank, s...

  • Lights, camera, band camp

    Special to the Courier|Aug 14, 2024

    Niwot High School's Cougar Marching Band (#PrideOfNiwot) completed its 2024 summer band camp on Aug. 6, accomplishing a tremendous amount of work. Thanks to the dedication of students and flexibility with some unexpected heat and smoke, there is no doubt that the marching band at NHS will have another successful season. This year's halftime field show is "Night at the Movies" where the band will be performing three pieces - "Pixar Favorites" (a medley of famous songs from Disney-Pixar movies...

  • Arts Student of the Week: Mark Rokhlenko

    Gene Hayworth|Aug 14, 2024

    Arts Student of the Week Mark Rokhlenko, Niwot High School Band's drum major, played the tenor trombone since the fourth grade, thanks to Sean Kemp, the music teacher at Flagstaff Academy but was uncertain if he wanted to continue in high school. He took a band class in his freshman year at NHS to earn his Fine Arts credit and intended to quit band after finishing that class. Freshman band camp completely changed his mind. "The people were incredibly welcoming, supportive, fun to be around, and...

  • NHS 2024 Graduate Spotlight Mia Prok

    Camryn Bell|Aug 14, 2024

    Niwot High School 2024 graduate and valedictorian Mia Prok was a highly accomplished high school student and athlete, resulting in her acceptance to Wake Forest University specifically to run track and cross country. Not only is it difficult to get into WFU for athletics, it is also a school that values academic strength and enthusiasm. Prok has it all. Prok has not decided on a career path after college but is intrigued by pursuing pre-med since both of her parents are physicians. For now, Prok...

  • Conservation Data Science Project Team

    Hayden Duckworth|Aug 7, 2024

    The Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools, is dedicated to sparking ideas and skills in students across the school district. Within the Innovation Center, specific programs allow high school students to research, learn, and innovate while being mentored on a given subject. These "Project Teams" range from robotics to aeronautics, giving students work-based experience in their field of interest. Each team's goal is different, but they all work toward building contacts, experience, and...

  • NHS 2024 Graduate Reema Baishya

    Camryn Bell|Aug 7, 2024

    Niwot High School graduate and IB Valedictorian Reema Baishya was a highly accomplished high school student. This fall, Baishya will be attending CU Boulder on a Boettcher Scholarship to study Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering. Boettcher Scholarships are awarded to only fifty Colorado students annually. Baishya's academic efforts proved to be worth the strenuous coursework. Not only is she passionate about reaching her academic goals, but she is also passionate about her chosen goals....

  • Heatherwood Teacher Profile: Anna Lyttle

    Neharika Bhandari|Jul 31, 2024

    Since childhood, the calling to be a teacher was ever-present for Heatherwood Elementary School fifth grade teacher Anna Lyttle. Early experiences as a camp counselor, music teacher assistant, and outdoor education instructor solidified this desire. These roles provided valuable skills but also confirmed a passion for working with children. After completing her Bachelor's in American Studies and Sociology from Colby College, Lyttle ventured into the realms of advertising, marketing and sales....

  • NHS band camp creating music and teamwork

    Neharika Bhandari|Jul 31, 2024

    As the start of the 2024-2025 school year approaches, Niwot High School band students get a head start preparing for an exciting new season through their annual band camp. Band camp is where new members are welcomed and the fundamentals of marching are honed, marking a big step towards the upcoming season's performances. The week-long camp, starting Monday, July 29, runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day at Niwot High School. Students practice their halftime show music and pep music for...

  • NHS 2024 Graduate Spotlight: Violet Oliver

    Camryn Bell|Jul 24, 2024

    Niwot High School graduate and traditional salutatorian Violet Oliver made NHS history in her four years as a Niwot student. Not only did she earn her high school diploma with flying colors, she also received an Associate's Degree in Engineering at the same time. During her senior year, Oliver took all of her classes at Front Range Community College, which will result in a reduction of over a year of school towards getting her bachelor's degree. Apart from Oliver's impressive achievement of...

  • Arts Student of the Week: Evan Pan

    Gene Hayworth|Jul 17, 2024

    Evan Pan never considered himself an 'artsy person,' but his experience in Niwot High School's fine arts program has given him an opportunity to express himself in new ways. "It was actually the first art class I took at Niwot, and I fell in love with the process of making art," Pan said. "And I still have my first assignments from freshman year. It was a self-portrait, and it is probably one of the most atrocious things you've ever seen." Growing up, Pan spent much of his time swimming and in...

  • NHS Teacher Profile: Erin Smith

    Neharika Bhandari|Jul 17, 2024

    Mathematics is the foundation of many subjects and is crucial to understand. Math teachers help students gain critical thinking skills and help them understand and engage with the world. Erin Smith is a dedicated math teacher at Niwot High School, entering her third year at NHS and her fifth year of teaching overall. Smith began her teaching career in a middle school in eastern Longmont, but after two years, she felt the call to high school education. Smith speaks highly of Niwot High School's m...

  • Niwot High School teacher Angela Roberts inspired and inspirational

    Neharika Bhandari|Jul 10, 2024

    Niwot High School students thrive with the help of teachers who are dedicated to teaching and ensuring their students succeed. One of these teachers is Angela Roberts who has been teaching several English classes at Niwot High School for the last 16 years. She was inspired by her English 10 teacher who left a lasting impression on her students. Her teacher's classroom was more than just a place for academic learning, it was a sanctuary where students felt comfortable and valued. Under her...

  • Up-A-Creek Robotics

    Neharika Bhandari|Jul 10, 2024

    Founded in 2005 as an after-school club at Silver Creek High School, Up-A-Creek Robotics has evolved from humble beginnings into a renowned institution at the forefront of STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and competitive robotics. For two decades, this organization has been a place of inspiration, nurturing the talents of countless students and sharpening the future of engineering and technology. Up-A-Creek Robotics, also known as FRC (FIRST Robotics...

  • Arts Student of the Week Ben Rauschkolb

    Gene Hayworth|Jul 3, 2024

    Ben Rauschkolb has had an opportunity to contribute to Niwot High School (NHS) as an art student in a very special way. In his sophomore year, Rauschkolb had been taking photos of the school's athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities for use in the Left Hand Valley Courier, as well as NHS's student run newspaper, The Green and Black, and the social media platforms of the individuals he photographs. "As far back as I can remember," Rauschkolb said, "I have been the one playing on the...

  • Niwot High School Teacher Profile: Megan Schlagel

    Aditi Patel|Jul 3, 2024

    Niwot High School and its students would not flourish without the teachers that devote themselves to their students. Among these teachers, Megan Schlagel, a math teacher and math department chair, nourishes students' love for math from her classroom at NHS. A graduate of Longmont High School, Schlagel has been teaching for the past 15 years. For the past 12 years she has worked at Niwot High School, where she has spent eight years as the chair of the mathematics department. She teaches Algebra...

  • NHS grad Ava Dumler gives back

    Neharika Bhandari|Jul 3, 2024

    Elementary school teachers play a vital role in nurturing young minds, fostering a love for learning, and laying the foundation of academic and personal growth. Among these is Niwot resident Ava Dumler, who was named Teacher of the Year at Mead Elementary School in just her second year of teaching. Dumler is a 2019 graduate of Niwot High School where she earned her IB Diploma while also making her mark on the soccer field as a varsity player and team captain. Her drive and determination...

  • St. Vrain Valley Schools Innovation Center provides unique classes and after-school programs

    Fred Zorgdrager|Jun 19, 2024

    Located in Longmont, Colorado, a minute or so off of Highway 287, the St. Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center, normally referred to as the Innovation Center, stands at the center of educational advancement and community engagement. This state-of-the-art facility, paired with an array of programs, creates an atmosphere where students can develop real-world skills and foster a culture of innovation. The Innovation Center began in 2012 when the district received the prestigious Race to...

  • NHS students return as teachers, staff and coaches

    Aditi Patel|Jun 19, 2024

    Niwot High School and its students would not shine as brightly without its wonderful staff. In a remarkable testament to the tight-knit community at the school, several former students of Niwot High School have returned and are now current staff members. For many of these educators, the hallways, classrooms, and even the old gymnasium hold a special kind of nostalgia. Leah (Sareceni) Messinger, current school counselor at NHS, recalls her time as a NHS student. "I was so excited to return to a p...

  • SVVSD's Career Elevation and Technology Center provides career education for students

    Aditi Patel|Jun 19, 2024

    The Career Elevation and Technology Center (CETC), an educational center shared by schools of the St. Vrain Valley School District, stands as a beacon of educational innovation and career readiness. The CETC aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern workforce by offering students the ability to explore classes that are suited for specific careers. The center is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to explore education tailored to their...

  • A teacher's journey - Ken Benson

    Scott Barto|Jun 12, 2024

    Ken Benson has been a teacher at Niwot High School for the past 21 of his 22 year teaching career. While he's not done yet, he has had an incredible journey, making a lasting impact not only with students, but on the school as a whole. Benson has primarily taught social studies at Niwot, with classes including world studies, economics, German, and the history of rock. This past October, Benson received an opportunity of a lifetime and will be traveling to South Korea for two years to further...

  • P-TECH offers advanced degrees to SVVSD students

    Neharika Bhandari|Jun 12, 2024

    For many years now, the Saint Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) has offered students the opportunity to jumpstart their careers through the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation and Technology Center. Then, in 2016, SVVSD introduced a way for high school students to earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma, providing yet another great opportunity for local high school students. P-TECH, which stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School, was first introduced in Colorado by the St. Vrain Valley School...

  • Interview with SVVSD Superintendent Don Haddad, Ed.D

    Peggy B. Graham and Maria Karagianis|Jun 5, 2024

    In 2008, the St. Vrain Valley School District's (SVVSD) overall graduation rate was approximately 75%, with the Hispanic graduation rate at approximately 55%. Over 16 years, the district has seen significant progress. As of 2024, the overall district graduation rate has risen to an impressive 93.3%, and the Hispanic student graduation rate has also seen a substantial increase, now at 87.7%. According to Don Haddad, Superintendent of SVVSD, these improvements were achieved despite the district's...

  • Niwot High School 2023-2024 clubs will return in the fall

    Camryn Bell|Jun 5, 2024

    As the school year comes to a close, so do some of the articles about in school activities such as clubs. Throughout this year the Left Hand Valley Courier has covered Model United Nations, Best Buddies Club, Drama Club, NASA Club, A Capella Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Asian Student Association, Dance Club, Students for Rare Diseases, Political Action Club, Gender Studies Club, Coding Club, Earth Club, and finally Helping Hands Club. From community service to singing, each unique...

  • Cooper Edwards a top speller at the Scripps National Spelling Bee

    Aditi Patel|Jun 5, 2024

    Cooper Edwards, a Niwot Elementary School fifth-grader, represented his community on the national stage at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 28 and May 30. Edwards has earned his place among the nation's 250 top young spellers, showcasing a dedication to the spelling competition while balancing other hobbies as well. Edwards' journey to the National Spelling Bee began earlier this year when he won first place at the Boulder Valley Regional Spelling Bee. He approached the national...

  • Niwot High School's inaugural Hall of Fame induction honors our champions

    Madison Shaw|May 29, 2024

    Niwot High School announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class, "honoring a group of five remarkable individuals who have woven themselves into the very fabric of our school and community: Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Debbi and Art Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren," in a press release. The Night of Champions Celebration will be held in the Niwot High School auditorium on Sunday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. to not only celebrate the school's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, but also the achievements of...

  • Heather Heatherwood ends with Husky Hall of Fame

    Anna Lyttle|May 29, 2024

    Heatherwood Elementary School hosted its annual mile-long Heather Heatherwood "fun run," Tuesday, May 21 to round out a spirited school year. Students and staff wound through the course on the closed streets of the Heatherwood neighborhood and tackled obstacle courses created for the event. This year the theme was "CandyLand," so obstacles consisted of candy balloon arches, donut tires, and pool noodle lollipops. The PTO set up obstacles throughout the course, complete with photo booths and...

  • Caps off to the Niwot High School 2024 Graduates

    Scott Barto|May 29, 2024

    Saturday May 25 marked the official completion of high school for the Niwot High School class of 2024. Niwot's commencement was held at the high school on the football field where 338 graduates received their diplomas and recognition from faculty alongside friends, family, and peers. Commencement opened with the singing of the National Anthem performed by graduates Jasper Allison, Merrick Blondeau, Jackson Carano, and Fred Zorgdrager. Everyone was then welcomed by Principal Eric Raushkolb as he...

  • 2024 Niwot High School Graduates

    May 29, 2024

  • Niwot High School seniors' last hurrah for 2024

    Scott Barto|May 22, 2024

    Niwot High School seniors' last day of school, May 15, was marked with camaraderie, in sharp contrast to the COVID-induced isolation of their freshman year. The Senior Car Parade, organized with assistance from the NHS Booster Club, began in 2020 when seniors were unable to enjoy the traditional end-of-year experiences and celebrations such as prom, awards nights, concerts, and group graduations due to the pandemic. The car parade allowed the community to recognize and celebrate Niwot's seniors...

  • Oliver Fowler joins the ranks of Eagle Scout

    Scott Barto|May 22, 2024

    Oliver Fowler of Scout Troop 161 in Niwot, acquired the final rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony on Sunday, May 19. He is the 107th Eagle Scout from Troop 161 since 1973. Fowler has undergone the trials of earning 21 merit badges (14 of which are required for Eagle Scout) plus an additional five earning him a bronze Eagle Palm. "Many people think that once you earn your Eagle Scout, you've reached the end," said Advancement Chair Michelle Law, "but this is not true. You can earn achievements...

  • Spring Pops Choral Concert

    Jessica Checkas|May 22, 2024

    Niwot High School's Spring Pops Choral Concert held on May 14, featured the Tenor and Bass Choir, the Treble Choir, the Chamber Singers, Evenstar, the student a cappella group, the Unaccompanied Minors, and combinations of choirs. The Tenor and Bass Choir performed "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars, "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, and the English sea shanty song, "Drunken Sailor." The Treble Choir performed "Build Me Up Buttercup" by Mike d'Abo and Tony Macaulay and made popular by The Foundations,...

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