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A Note from the Principal:

Dear Families,

The St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Celebration of Excellence nomination form opens on January 12th! This cherished annual event honors outstanding educators from every St. Vrain school who exemplify excellence in their roles and make extraordinary contributions to student success.

We invite students, parents, volunteers, fellow educators, school staff, community members, and business partners to nominate exceptional educators who inspire, innovate, and shape the future. In order to qualify, nominees must be licensed educators in the State of Colorado and employed at a St. Vrain Valley Schools campus for the current school year. Educators who received their school’s Educator of the Year honor within the past two years are not eligible.

Based on your nominations, one educator from each St. Vrain Valley school will be selected as their school’s Educator of the Year. These honorees will be recognized during the Celebration of Excellence on April 10, 2026, where a district-wide Educator of the Year will also be announced.

Nominations are open January 12 through February 1. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize the educators who make a lasting impact in our schools and community!

Submit your nomination today: https://stvrainfoundation.org/programs/celebration-of-excellence/

Warmly,

Jenn Byxbe 

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Skate City Spirit Night

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, January 13th, for a night of family skating fun. Join us from 6-8pm at Skate City in Westminster. Bring your family and friends! Click the button for more information.

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Centennial’s Winter Clothing Drive

January 12th – 20th, drop off your new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves, boots, and coats in the drop boxes in the front office. Both kid and adult items will be accepted.

January 23rd, 3:30-5:30pm, come and “shop” our collection. Centennial staff and families can come to the gym to browse all the winter clothing items that we’ve received and take whatever they need, free of charge.

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Sunshine Dental Clinic

The Sunshine Club, in cooperation with the SVVSD, hosts annual dental clinics in all elementary schools (and K-8 schools) within the District.

Centennial Elementary’s screening day is Wednesday January 21, 2026

Watch for permission forms in Friday folders. Please return the form, filled in, if you’d like for your student to be screened. 

Thank you,

Karley Benyamna

Health Clerk

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ELD Parents and Guardians-

Each January, the ELD (English Language Development) students in the state of Colorado are assessed with the ACCESS test.  This English language test has 4 parts (speaking, listening, reading and writing). The ACCESS test helps us determine the English proficiency levels of our multilingual learners. This is a very important assessment for your student as it determines eligibility for ELD services and demonstrates their growth in the acquisition of the English language.  

The Kindergarten-Fifth grade ACCESS testing window is January 20 – 29. Please try to have your student at school those days so that they won’t have to make up tests on a different day.  Like all state tests, it is imperative that students get a good night’s sleep the night before the test and eat a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test.  

• 1st-5th Grades: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking Tests – January 20, 21, 22, 23
• Kindergarten testing – one-on-on assessment from January 20th-29th 
• If you have any questions regarding the ACCESS testing that your student will be taking, please contact Dana Foster [email protected] 

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Dyslexia Simulation

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be dyslexic? Join us on Wed., Feb. 25th from 5:00 to 6:30pm, to learn about dyslexia and to understand what it’s like to have difficulties learning to read, write, and listen. Click on the button to register for this event. See you there!

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Half Year iPad Insurance

The half year insurance fee is now available in Infinite Campus. If you have not purchased iPad insurance for your student’s iPad this school year, please consider doing so. Your child’s iPad will need to be brought to the front office and inspected. If the iPad is found to be in good condition, you are able to purchase the insurance at the half year cost of $12.50. Please visit the front office for more information and/or to pay the fee.

If you have any questions, visit the St. Vrain Technology Services website or contact the Help Desk at 303-702-7730. We are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Important Reminder:

RESPONSIBLE USE OF CELL PHONES AND PERSONAL DEVICES

We commit that each and every student will be recognized for their unique talents and aspirations, and receive an exceptional PreK-12 experience in St. Vrain Valley Schools in order to graduate with a strong competitive advantage.

EXPECTATIONS

• Phones must remain off or on silent mode during school hours.
• Phones must be kept out of sight during class time (e.g., in backpacks or lockers), unless given permission by a teacher. 
• Phones may only be used during:
  • Before or after school (or during any break period w/teacher approval)
  • Emergency situations, with staff approval. 
• No photography, video, or audio recording is allowed during the school day without explicit permission from a teacher or administrator.
• Texting, calling, or using social media is not allowed during the school day. 

Smartwatches and other wearable devices are subject to the same rules as phones. Students are allowed to wear their watch but no texting, calling, or playing games is allowed during school hours.

CONSEQUENCES – Elementary 

• First offense: Verbal reminder of the expectation and communication to a parent/guardian. 
• Second offense: Phone/watch is confiscated, returned at the end of the day, and communication to a parent/guardian with admin. 
• Third offense: Phone/watch is confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian.

Further offenses: Additional disciplinary action, which may include loss of phone/watch privileges at school for a set period of time or other consequences.

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Order Your Yearbook Today!

Order your Centennial Elementary yearbook today. Order deadline is April 3rd, 2026. Click here to order now or click below for ordering details.

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Cafeteria Update

Our cafeteria will now be selling a variety of snacks at lunch time for students to purchase. Students may put money in their lunch accounts or bring cash. Additional information can be found HERE. 

Please reach out to Jenn Byxbe or Vicki Uhlry with any questions at [email protected]. 

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Student Safety First: Traffic Reminders

To ensure the safety of our students and keep traffic flowing smoothly, please keep these essential guidelines in mind during drop-off and pick-up:

• No Left Turns: Please do not turn left out of the parking lot unless the cones have been officially picked up by staff. This prevents gridlock and keeps our students safe.
• Cross at Crosswalks: Only cross the street at designated crosswalks. Modeling this behavior for our students is the best way to teach them road safety.
• Park Properly: Please park only in designated, marked parking spots. Avoid blocking fire lanes, driveways, or “no parking” zones.
• Be a Good Neighbor: Be courteous to our neighbors. Avoid blocking residential driveways or double-parking on side streets.
• Keep the Line Moving: In the drive-through line, please pull forward as far as possible to close gaps. This allows more parents to get off the main road and into the lot.

Pro-Tip: Having your student’s backpack and gear ready to go before you reach the front of the line helps everyone get to class on time!

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Centennial Fundraising Challenge

Fundraising Challenge Card! The goal is to collect each dollar amount and punch out all numbers 1–15. Once your card is complete and the money is collected, return it to your teacher to claim a prize from the PTO!

You can fill out as many cards as you’d like between September 5th and March 13th. Didn’t complete a whole card? No worries, you can still turn in your collected funds by the end date to receive a prize.

All proceeds go toward providing hands-on learning opportunities for every Centennial Husky.

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Want to help PTO? Scan this QR code to help out this year!  -Centennial PTO

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Attendance

448 students ( 88% of our school) have had perfect attendance this week. Keep it up Huskies! Let’s get those Rapids tickets!

We have partnered with the Colorado Rapids to reward and incentivize attendance here at Centennial Elementary by giving students who have perfect attendance, from January 6^th – February 2nd, a complimentary ticket to a Colorado Rapids match in the spring.  

The Rapids boast one of the most family-friendly and fun game day experiences in town. Students who qualify will receive a ticket link voucher to redeem their complimentary ticket with purchase of additional discounted tickets. Vouchers will be redeemable for select Spring dates.There are flyers going home today in Friday folders.

Please reach out to Sarah Coniglio – Dean of Students with any questions!  

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PBIS – Positive Behavior Interventions & Support

Our January

 Focus is Conflict Resolution. Students are continuing to learn proactive ways to solve conflict by using I Statements to share how they feel, use the Peace Path to talk with one another and listen well to one another. 

We had 132 students earn Purple Pawsitive Office referrals for the month of December. Way to go! Classes are focusing on a new goal for their Class PAWS and trying to earn a PJ/All School Read In. Keep encouraging your child to work hard at demonstrating those T.R.A.C.K. (Trust, Respect, Attitude, Cooperation and Keeping Safe) expectations! Click here for additional information so you can use similar language at home. 

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Social-Emotional Learning Small Groups: Winter Session Highlights

During our Winter Sessions, students across all grade levels participated in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) small groups facilitated by school counselor Ms. Lawrence. These groups provided a supportive space for students to practice important life skills such as listening, self-control, friendship building, leadership, and managing big feelings. Small group counseling allows students to learn alongside peers, practice skills in real-time, and build confidence they can carry into the classroom, playground, and home.

Here’s a snapshot of what each grade level focused on this winter:

Kindergarten
Our youngest learners worked on Whole Body Listening—using eyes, ears, body, and brain to show attention—as well as learning how to wait their turn and reduce blurting. Through stories, movement, and role-play, students practiced being respectful listeners and active participants.

1st Grade
First graders focused on friendship skill building, including kindness, taking turns, using words to solve problems, and understanding that friends can play with others too. Students practiced positive social behaviors that help build and maintain healthy friendships.

2nd Grade
Second grade groups emphasized Active Listening and Following Directions. Students learned strategies for staying focused, listening carefully, and checking for understanding—skills that support both learning and positive classroom behavior.

3rd Grade
Third graders explored Impulse Control and Self-Control, learning how to pause, think, and make choices that align with expectations. Students practiced strategies for managing reactions, especially during moments of frustration or excitement.

4th Grade
Fourth grade groups centered on Leadership and Advanced Friendship Skills. Students discussed what it means to be a positive role model, how to include others, and how leadership can look different for everyone. Emphasis was placed on empathy, responsibility, and collaboration.

5th Grade
Fifth graders will start a focused group on anxiety management, the Circle of Control, and recognizing cognitive distortions (unhelpful or inaccurate thoughts) next month! Students will learn tools to identify worries, challenge negative thinking patterns, and focus on what they can control as they prepare for increased independence.

We are proud of the growth students showed during these Winter Sessions and appreciate the continued partnership with families in supporting students’ social-emotional development. SEL skills are lifelong tools, and it’s exciting to see students practicing them every day!

Best,

Michelle Lawrence 

Centennial Elementary School Counselor 

[email protected]

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988 Colorado Mental Health Line

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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Lunar New Year Festival

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Silver Creek Dance Team 

Silver Creek Dance Team is hosting a MiniRaptors Clinic on Feb 17th at Silver Creek High School. They offer reduced prices for students who qualify for Free and Reduced lunches. Athletes will receive a t-shirt, bow and learn choreography to perform at a basketball game! 

Here is a link to register: Mini Raptors

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Registration for St. Vrain Valley Schools’ 2026-27 preschool programs begins on Dec. 9, 2025. Families can choose from high-quality, five-day programs, including half-day and select full-day options at schools across St. Vrain. The Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) application is included in St. Vrain’s form, and families are encouraged to apply early for the best chance of placement at their preferred school.

2026-2027 Preschool Program Locations

2026-2027 Preschool Registration Information

Learn More About Preschool Programming

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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

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Important Dates to Remember:

1/12 – 1/20 – Centennial Winter Clothing Drive

1/13 – 2nd Trimester of AAA begins

1/13 – Spirit Night at Skate City

1/14 – Unified Basketball Program begins

1/16 – 5th Grade Field Trip

1/19 – MLK Day, No School

1/20 – PTO Meeting

1/21 – Sunshine Dental Clinic

1/23 – Centennial Winter Clothing Shopping Event

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