Centennial Elementary Staff
Smiling woman with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a dark top, against a gray background.

Karen Braunagel

Title
Fourth Grade Teacher
Department
Fourth Grade
Bio

Hello! I have been calling Centennial my second home since we opened in 2008.

From playing teacher in the basement as a kid in Longmont, to building a career as an elementary teacher for over 20 years, I have been in the St. Vrain Valley School District most of my life! Go Skyline Falcons (and Rocky Mountain Rams and Northeast Jaguars!)

At Fort Lewis College in Durango, I earned a BA in Sociology and my teacher licensure. After teaching a couple years in Denver Public Schools, I returned to St. Vrain and graduated with a Masters Degree in literacy from CU Boulder. Teaching continues to fill my heart and bring joy to my days.

I enjoy living in the Northern Colorado community. I am a foster care parent and have a four-legged side kick, Dixie. I like travel adventures which often include camping, bike rides, hiking, and s'mores. When at home I can be found reading, trying to keep plants alive, and finding a good marathon... to watch from the couch.

My guiding philosophy is, "Today is a good day, for a good day."

Recent News

Take a look at some of our recent news.

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Apr 29, 2026

St. Vrain Valley Schools Earns National Recognition as a Best Community for Music Education for Sixth Consecutive Year

St. Vrain Valley Schools has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, marking the district’s sixth consecutive year receiving this prestigious honor. This national designation celebrates school districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music education as part of a...<br><a title="St. Vrain Valley Schools Earns National Recognition as a Best Community for Music Education for Sixth Consecutive Year" href="https://www.svvsd.org/2026/04/29/st-vrain-valley-schools-earns-national-recognition-as-a-best-community-for-music-education-for-sixth-consecutive-year/" class="button read-more-link"><span class="sr-only">St. Vrain Valley Schools Earns National Recognition as a Best Community for Music Education for Sixth Consecutive Year </span>Read More</a>

Mar 25, 2026

ParentSquare: Our New District Communication Tool

St. Vrain Valley Schools will begin using ParentSquare, a new district communication tool that allows families to receive notifications based on their preferences. St. Vrain’s communications team will pilot ParentSquare for the remainder of the school year with the plan to expand access to schools at the start of the new school year. We’re excited...<br><a title="ParentSquare: Our New District Communication Tool" href="https://www.svvsd.org/2026/03/11/parentsquare-our-new-district-communication-tool/" class="button read-more-link"><span class="sr-only">ParentSquare: Our New District Communication Tool </span>Read More</a>

Apr 2, 2026

St. Vrain Valley Celebrates First-ever Future Ready Festival

Over two thousand community members came together on Saturday, March 7, for St. Vrain Valley Schools’ first-ever Future Ready Festival at Silver Creek High School. Families and community members filled the campus throughout the afternoon, engaging with educators, asking questions, and exploring innovative programs and opportunities available across the district. The festival featured Advantage Zones...<br><a title="St. Vrain Valley Celebrates First-ever Future Ready Festival" href="https://www.svvsd.org/2026/03/08/st-vrain-valley-celebrates-first-ever-future-ready-festival/" class="button read-more-link"><span class="sr-only">St. Vrain Valley Celebrates First-ever Future Ready Festival </span>Read More</a>

Centennial Elementary School