FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many students attend Niwot Elementary?

We currently have about 415 students enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade. We have three rounds at every grade level (with the exception of 5th grade, which has two rounds) with an average class size of 25 students to one teacher.

What type of schedule do you have at Niwot Elementary?

We run on a three day rotation with specials consisting of Art, Music, and Physical Education. Students also attend discovery lab and the media center once a week for 45 minutes.

Why do you have Professional Learning Community (PLC) days?

The entire St. Vrain Valley School District has elected to have one late start Wednesday per month to focus on professional development for teachers. We are using this time at Niwot Elementary to improve professional practice and to positively impact student achievement. PLC days are also an essential time for staff to collaborate with one another as grade level teams, vertical plan teams, and with other teachers from our school feeder system.

What does a "School for Differentiated Instruction" mean?

Differentiation is for every child differentiating instruction means creating multiple paths so that students of different abilities, interest or learning needs experience equally appropriate ways to absorb, use, develop and present concepts as part of the daily learning process. It allows students to take greater responsibility and ownership for their own learning, and provides opportunities for peer teaching and cooperative learning.

If I am not a resident, how can my child attend Niwot Elementary?

Applications are considered on a first come, first served basis, with the start of the open-enrollment period. Please review district policy JFBA-R for more information. You may also check with the district planning department to see which grades are open and which grades are closed to enrollment. Open enrollment requests are considered throughout the year as space allows.

Can I volunteer in my child's classroom?

Yes! Parents are always welcome to help out in classrooms or with various activities in the building. Please contact your child's classroom volunteer coordinator or classroom teacher to help out. 

What is the academic focus of Niwot Elementary?

We have worked very hard to establish a professional learning community at Niwot Elementary. What that means is that we go to great lengths to meet the needs of every student at our school whether they are struggling academically or whether they are performing well above grade level. In building support systems include an exceptional gifted and talented program with a full time GT teacher, literacy support, support for special needs students, and extra time and support for specific students (as appropriate). We also utilize parent volunteers to work with students in a variety of ways.

What does PBS stand for?

PBS or Positive Behavior Support is a program designed to reward positive behavior and minimize negative or disruptive behavior at our school. Niwot Elementary's program has been set up around the following guiding principles:

P - positive attitude
A - always safe
W - we are respectful and responsible
S - striving for excellence

All student behavior both in and out of the classroom revolves around these important attributes.

What does it mean to be a Green Star School?

Schools throughout Boulder County are partnering with Eco-Cycle to move toward Zero Waste through increased recycling, the implementation of composting, and special waste reduction activities. The project is part of Eco-Cycle's award-winning School Recycling and Environmental Education Program. The Green Star Schools are the first in the nation to reduce waste in every aspect of school life. As a result of implementing the program, up to two-thirds of the discards from each of the Green Star Schools is kept out of landfills.

Questions regarding the busing system ?

• New students, and anyone who has moved during the summer, who would like to take the bus to and from school will need to contact Transportation Services to sign up and find out bus pick up/drop off site and time information
• Contact Transportation Services at (303) 776.6200