7 must-read books: Recommendations from a librarian

When students open a book, Shoshannah Turgel, the teacher-librarian at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, wants them to find more than just a good story.

“A great book can be a mirror that reflects your own identity, a window into someone else’s life, or a door that opens to a new experience,” she said, referencing a concept popularized by author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 

“These books are current and compelling,” she said. “When students see themselves, they get excited to read.”

In honor of National Library Week (April 6-12),  Shoshannah recommended seven books for young adult and adult readers.

“A great book can be a mirror that reflects your own identity, a window into someone else’s life, or a door that opens to a new experience.”

Recommended reads for National Library Week

1. The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

True Crime Narrative Nonfiction | Young Adult to Adult

In The 57 Bus, two teenagers are involved in a crime on the 57 Bus in Oakland, CA. Incredibly researched and written, this true crime book is professional journalism at its best. The author is an award-winning journalist, and masterfully represents all sides in complex situations revolving around sensitive topics.

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2. The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla

Realistic Fiction | Middle Grade to Adult

Maudie is a neurodivergent teenager whose parents are divorced. Her dad loses his home in a CA wildfire, and Maudie spends her summer with him, learning many things, including how to surf and advocate for herself. This book is an amazing coming-of-age narrative. Sally J. Pla is a neurodivergent author, so this is an “own-voice” text.

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3. Go As a River by Shelley Read

Historical Fiction | Adult

Set in 1950s Colorado, Go As a River follows seventeen-year-old Victoria Nash on a journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. Inspired by true events surrounding the destruction of the town of Iola, this powerful novel celebrates female resilience and the rugged beauty of our state. Readers will visit Colorado’s rich history, including the damming of the Gunnison River, the role of women in rural communities, and the discrimination faced by Native Americans. This book is a peach!

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4. Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman

Memoir | Young Adult to Adult

Elite runner, coach, and entrepreneur Fleshman shares her personal story and a critical analysis of the world of running, arguing that male-designed best practices often fail women. Fleshman explores the mental health challenges, eating disorders, and injuries that plague many young female runners as their bodies naturally change and they contend with gender-based social pressure. Teens will connect with Fleshman’s evidence-based insights and personal experiences navigating puberty as a young athlete. Adults will appreciate Fleshman’s actionable approach to combating these problems and helping girls succeed. 

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5. Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine

Historical Fiction | Young Adult to Adult

Junie is an enslaved woman on the Bellereine Plantation in Alabama. Her life changes course when she encounters her sister’s ghost in the woods near her home. Junie is a complex character with a distinct voice and strong values, opinions, and dreams. This story offers a unique narrative and makes a significant contribution to the existing body of literature on the Antebellum South.

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6. Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

Mystery-Thriller | Young Adult

J.B., Ramón, and Trey have two things in common: They’re students at Urban Promise Prep, a prestigious public charter school in Washington D.C., and they’re suspects in the murder of beloved school founder and principal, Mr. Moore. This book is a fast-paced, multiple first-person point-of-view mystery-thriller about racism, corruption, and learning to do the right thing. 

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7. Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

Realistic Fiction | Young Adult

Life is complicated for high school seniors Belén and Leti. Belén is struggling to graduate high school and make her mom proud. Her father abandons their family, leaving Belén and her mother heartbroken. Leti is an AP scholar, Berkeley-bound, and pregnant. Together, they hold each other up in this coming-of-age story about hardship, resilience, and learning to be your best self. 

Bringing stories to life for students

“When students see an author who shares their culture or story, it is incredibly powerful… And when it is not their own experience, it still expands their worldview.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Opening doors to college: Helping students earn credit early

A record number of Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) students are earning college credit while still in high school, often at no cost to their families. Through concurrent enrollment, students can take college courses while still enrolled in high school, allowing them to graduate with college credit and save significantly on tuition. BVSD students have taken 5,500 college course sections this year, an 85% increase from last year.

But for some students, hidden costs can stand in the way of accessing concurrent enrollment.

The cost of “free” college credit

While the state covers most concurrent tuition, students often need to pay fees for colleges to officially recognize their credits. There are also placement exam costs that allow students to skip required college courses. For families going through a financial rough patch, or those who simply didn’t plan for these costs, a few hundred dollars can feel out of reach. That’s where Impact on Education helps.

We committed $100,000 this year to help BVSD students pay for things like transcript processing, placement tests, and material fees, helping them earn college credits or industry certifications. Seeing a clear need, we quadrupled our investment over the previous year. In only one semester this year, 298 students have benefitted, exceeding last year’s total.

One of those students is Michelle Arciniega, a Boulder High School graduate and first-generation college student who is now studying at Front Range Community College (FRCC). While still in high school, Michelle took a personal finance course at FRCC, earning college credit. That course also gave her valuable experience with the rigors of higher education-level coursework.

“My college work was online and asynchronous,” said Michelle. “I learned how to manage my time and get my assignments done without a lot of guidance. Once I actually enrolled in college, I felt better prepared than a lot of my peers.”

Besides concurrent enrollment, Michelle also participated in Impact on Education’s Career Readiness Academy, where she built her first resume, practiced interviewing, and explored future careers. 

“I wouldn’t have had access to these opportunities without support,” Michelle said. “It really helped me understand how college works and what I want to do with my life.”

A smart investment in students and the state

Colorado has the highest number of residents with some college education. However, the state struggles to increase college enrollment, especially among students of color. Colorado trailed the national average in college enrollment by more than 10 percentage points in 2021.

Concurrent enrollment is one way to close that gap. By helping families cover the extra costs, Impact on Education is making sure more students can participate in these life-changing opportunities.

“I want to be a support teacher someday,” Michelle said. “I got so much help growing up, and now I want to do the same for others. That’s what college means to me. It’s a way to thank my parents and those who have supported me throughout my education journey and create a different life.”

Michelle’s journey shows what’s possible when students have access to early college experiences. Through BVSD’s Grad Plus framework, launched in 2022, students are graduating with more than a diploma. Students build college readiness, job skills and the confidence to navigate life after high school. 83% of the Class of 2024 left high school with work-based learning experience, a seal of biliteracy, industry certification, or college credit.

“I got so much help growing up, and now I want to do the same for others. That’s what college means to me. It’s a way to thank my parents and those who have supported me throughout my education journey and create a different life.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Speak up for the future of education

Last week, our team joined thousands of educators, students, and community members at the Capitol for a statewide rally — calling for no more funding cuts to education. 

Colorado legislators are trying to address a more than $1 billion state budget shortfall by taking money from public education yet again. This time by changing how the state funds schools with declining enrollment. They want to use a one-year student headcount instead of our current multi-year averaging method. Student counts determine how much state money flows to our schools. 

The Boulder Valley School District stands to lose nearly $5 million next year under the state budget proposal Governor Polis announced in January. We need your help to take action now.

As any savvy business leader knows, using a one-week snapshot to fund an entire year of expenses is an incredibly challenging way to manage your budget. Averaging over multiple years allows for changes over time when facing difficult fiscal decisions. In an industry like education, where enrollment is constantly changing, accounting for variability is critical. 

Colorado’s public education system is facing a $150 million cut. 

Politicians’ self-serving messaging suggesting that the state is funding “phantom students” masks the harsh realities that our students and teachers would face if funding formulas change. Schools and districts will lose predictability, funds, and time to make good decisions. They’ll be forced to decide things like which teachers to let go or what to trim from student support. 

After years of underfunding (including $340 million withheld from BVSD due to the Budget Stabilization Factor over 15 years), there are no “nice to haves” to trim back; our district will be forced to cut necessary resources and staff to accommodate a $5 million loss.

Getting to a balanced budget is fiscally responsible and legally required, but putting teachers’ jobs and students’ futures on the chopping block isn’t the right way to get there.

Speak up for Boulder Valley educators and students. Tell your state legislators — no more cuts to education. It’s time to fully fund our schools.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

The magic of words: How a journaling project creates lasting bonds

For a child, there’s something powerful about realizing that someone — outside of their family or teachers — cares about them. Someone who doesn’t have to but does anyway.

That’s what the WISE Journaling Project provides: an unexpected connection built through the simple act of writing.

The program pairs third graders at Whittier Elementary with adult volunteers who exchange letters in a journal throughout the school year. The result? Students develop stronger writing skills and experience the profound impact of forming a relationship through words.

“The children realize that someone, a person they’ve never met before, that just sort of comes out of the ether, cares about them,” said Bobby Brown, a longtime volunteer with the program. “And that relationship isn’t based on grades or expectations; it’s built entirely on goodwill.” 

Over the course of the year, students share about themselves and what they’re learning in school and ask their journaling partner questions. “Typically, the child is very open about their lives,” said Brown. “They like to ask us about our pets and families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate love and caring and positively affect the life of a child.”

More than just writing

The WISE Journaling Project was originally started decades ago by Whittier teacher Craig Yager. It was revived in 2014 by third-grade teacher Lisa O’Brien and her colleagues with a grant from the City of Boulder and support from the Rotary Club. Since then, it has continued annually, with various funding sources, including recent support from Impact on Education’s Academic Opportunity Fund Grants, which provided journals for the next three years.

“One of the reasons we started the program was that research has shown that when people write for an authentic audience, their writing quality and quantity improve,” O’Brien said. “Writing is one of the most challenging skills for young students. It requires not only technical ability but also the confidence to share thoughts and ideas.”

That confidence grows with every letter exchanged. Students begin thinking creatively about how to ask meaningful questions,  tell a story, and describe their world to someone new.

A lasting connection

“The program creates a personal relationship between two people who do not know each other and have no context,” Brown said. “The students have to be creative and think about how to use writing to get to know someone.”

Though it improves writing skills, the value of the program goes beyond academics. These letters forge connections that might not otherwise exist. Over time, students and their WISE partners build trust, anticipation, and a sense of belonging. Then, they meet in person for the first time in May at a celebratory tea party. “The excitement on their faces when they finally meet their partners is incredible,” O’Brien said. “It’s a connection they never forget.”

For many students, these journals become treasured keepsakes. Meanwhile, journal partners receive copies of all their letters, a tangible reminder of the relationships they’ve built.

“Many partners continue writing to their students even after the program ends,” O’Brien shared. “It’s a testament to how meaningful this exchange is for both sides.”

Thanks to the support of Impact on Education, this program will continue fostering literacy, connection, and confidence for years to come.

“This grant ensures that our students will continue to benefit from this program for the next three years,” O’Brien said. “The impact goes beyond the classroom. These relationships and the confidence students gain as writers will stay with them long after third grade.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

5 ways to protect kids’ mental health and combat racism in the age of social media

For most of us, social media is central to our lives. It’s how we stay connected to friends and family, consume and distribute information, and bond over a shared sense of humor. 

But what happens when memes become a vehicle for hate speech? How do you hold perpetrators accountable and support victims of racially motivated bullying? What are the social and emotional implications for kids who see and share this kind of content? 

These are the themes New York Times bestselling author Dashka Slater explores in “Accountable.” The book spotlights how racism and cyberbullying harm everyone — adults, kids, victims, and offenders alike — with an unflinching look at the true story of how one racist social media account affected a group of teenagers in Albany, California.

Bring a national conversation to a local stage

Students, parents, educators, and community members recently gathered for an in-depth conversation with Slater at Fairview High School. FHS students led an insightful discussion with Slater and a panel of local educators, equity experts, and students. Boulder Valley School District librarians Regina Hoskins, Kim Butler, and Rebecca Kaplan brought this important book and author talk to students with financial support from our mental health grants and the Fairview Parent Organization. 

What you can do to support kids in our community 

Based on what we learned at the event, here are some ways adults can help protect the young people in our lives from the harmful effects of racism and social media.

1. Practice digital mindfulness

Break up hours of doom scrolling or compulsive double-tapping to “heart” whatever posts pop up in your feed to pause and ask yourself, “why am I engaging, or not engaging, with certain content?” If you’re a parent or caregiver, consider creating a family social media plan. Commit to limits and frequent check-ins that the entire family participates in to talk about appropriate online behavior. If you’re an educator, consider incorporating reflection time for your students to write or talk about what they see online and how it makes them feel.

2. Speak up and call a thing, a thing

Social media algorithms prioritize controversial content. One hateful post can garner thousands of views and engagement quickly. While reporting harmful content may not be possible on every platform, or lack the rigorous review parents and youth advocates have called for, naming a behavior and language for what it is, is still important. If we don’t speak up, violent language becomes normalized. History shows us that when there is violent language and disinformation, violent actions follow. Set an example for young people in your life by labeling harmful language as such and calling people in to explain the impact of their words. 

3. Get curious about difference

If we are inquisitive about our differences, instead of fearful, we open the door to deeper connections and richer social and emotional lives. Talk to people who are different from you, explore new places and situations, and read and learn about cultures and communities that are different from the ones you belong to. Encouraging a curious spirit in the kids in your life will help them build community and make friends wherever they go. Studies show that when college students are exposed to diversity, they improve their ability to think critically. With a changing media landscape and the rise of mis and disinformation, critical thinking is a vital skill we all need to navigate the world.  

4. When you mess up, acknowledge, own, repair, and don’t repeat

Demonstrate what accountability looks like as the adult in a room when you speak or act in a way that hurts someone else. First, acknowledge the harm that you caused. Second, own your part as the party responsible for inflicting harm. Third, figure out how to repair the damage. Start by asking the person you hurt what they need and acting based on that information instead of assuming. And last but not least, don’t make the same mistake twice. Changed behavior speaks louder than words. 

5. Prioritize responsibility and repair, don’t play the shame game

Slater encouraged adults who see or hear about racist or cyberbullying incidents, to prioritize the care and emotions of the children who were harmed and speak up right away. Slater explained that while our desire for retribution is understandable, especially when you’re the injured party, an “incarceration mentality” where punishment is the main focus is unlikely to result in long-term change. Public shaming can prompt mental health challenges and put kids at risk of self-harm. To change, children need to believe they aren’t inherently bad because they engage in bad behavior. Encouraging accountability and repair, as opposed to shame, can help kids to accept responsibility for hurtful actions and understand consequences, while also imagining that a kinder version of themselves is possible. 

Help us continue to have these important conversations and rich learning opportunities for both adults and children in our community by making a gift today. This event was made possible thanks to generous gifts from donors like you. 

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Dr. Bianca Gallegos: Elevating bilingualism and championing scholars

“It’s beautiful to be bilingual.”

For Dr. Bianca Gallegos, these words are more than a statement—they’re a call to action. As an Impact on Education board member and as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), Gallegos works to ensure that bilingual students are seen, valued and celebrated as scholars.

In a cozy apartment on Chisholm Street in Boulder, Gallegos grew up speaking Spanish with her mother, a native of Xalapa, México. She learned her second language, English, when she began kindergarten in BVSD at Columbine Elementary School.

While many English learners across the country face pressure at school to abandon their heritage language in favor of rapid assimilation, Gallegos’ experience was different thanks to BVSD’s approach to uplifting bilingualism among students. “I feel so lucky to have attended schools that embraced bilingualism,” said Gallegos. “My mom was also such a formative influence in my life. She instilled unwavering confidence in me and always told me, ‘You have the right to an education.’”

Gallegos’ pride in her heritage language ultimately shaped her career path. Although she initially planned to become an immigration lawyer, she discovered a passion for education while volunteering in an afterschool program. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Regis University, and a doctoral degree in executive leadership in education from the University of Colorado Denver.

Returning to her roots, Gallegos served as vice principal and later principal at her alma mater, Columbine Elementary, before joining BVSD leadership as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships. In this role, she leads initiatives that not only celebrate bilingualism but also prepare students for success beyond graduation. Gallegos oversees the implementation of the district’s Grad+ framework, which prepares students for future success by offering valuable credentials, including college credits, industry certifications, work-based learning, and the Seal of Biliteracy—awarded to students who demonstrate high proficiency in English and another language.

The case for preserving heritage languages

According to recent data, 5.3 million students in the United States are English learners, and that number is growing. Historically, schools have focused on rapid English acquisition, often at the expense of students’ heritage languages. Educators are realizing the shortcomings of this approach and changing the model. Losing a heritage language not only impacts identity but also affects learning; fluency in a first language provides a foundation for mastering additional languages. Without it, students may struggle to achieve fluency in any language.

Preserving or reclaiming heritage languages fosters academic success and strengthens students’ sense of self. Knowing this, BVSD and Gallegos view bilingualism as a superpower for Boulder Valley students. Bilingual high school students can also earn college credits via high test scores on Advanced Placement or CLEP exams which are governed by the College Board. Impact on Education, a vital partner in these efforts, ensures these opportunities are accessible by underwriting test fees, helping students take full advantage of this valuable skill. “Their families or someone who loves them has been nurturing their language for 16, 17, 18 years,” she said. “After all that time, they have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery, showing their brilliance as bilingual scholars. These opportunities ensure that students see themselves as scholars and as college students—not just in the future but right now,” said Gallegos. “I’m so proud of our district and Impact on Education for seeing bilingualism as a strength to be kept, nourished and upheld.”

Bilingual scholars, future leaders

Through her leadership, Gallegos is helping students find their voices in more than one language. Her work not only empowers students as bilingual scholars but also positions them as leaders who can thrive in a global, multicultural world.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Impact on Education grants $98,500 to fund innovative educational projects, activities and materials

In 2024, educators and students across the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) gained vital support through $98,500 in grant funding from the Impact on Education Academic Opportunity Fund.

These grants are designed to bridge educational gaps and foster innovative programs that enrich learning and promote equity. By addressing needs that standard school budgets often cannot meet, they demonstrate a district-wide commitment to preparing students for academic and future career success. In total, 105 grants were awarded to 37 schools, funding projects and initiatives, including:

• Noise-canceling headphones to reduce stress
• Math center materials
• Multicultural graphic novel memoirs
• Literacy support
• Field trip fees
• Academic support for newcomer students
• College Opportunity lab
• Enrichment materials for special education
• Gardening supplies
• Kitchen and cooking equipment
• Neuro-affirming tools for sensory regulation
• 3D printers

“Providing grants like these ensures our students have access to the tools and opportunities they need for a comprehensive education,” said Allison Billings, executive director of Impact on Education. “Our Academic Opportunity Fund is a valuable resource for teachers and schools with limited budgets who are determined to provide the best learning opportunities for their students.”

Boulder TEC construction tool belts

The Construction Trades program at Boulder TEC received $2,000 to purchase industry-standard tool belts, a vital yet often unattainable requirement for many students. Currently, no high-quality tool belts are available for use, creating inequities among students who cannot afford professional gear. This grant will supply 20 tool belts, benefiting 35-40 students and allowing them to train using equipment that meets workplace standards.

“Receiving the grant creates a completely different atmosphere in the classroom,” said Darrin Rasmussen, Construction Trades instructor at Boulder TEC. “It transformed from a traditional “shop” class to a professional training program. Students are proud to be in the environment and excited every day to be a part of a program that not only helps their futures but also contributes to our community.”

The program allows students to specify what trades skills are the most interesting to them and then explore them further. Students graduate from the program earning up to four industry certifications and the possibility of a career right out of high school.

STEM afterschool program at Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer

Escuela Bilingue Pioneer was granted $1,400 to support an afterschool STEM program aimed at third- to fifth-grade students. As a Title 1 school, Pioneer has identified a gap in STEM education, with many students lacking exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program will bridge that gap by providing hands-on STEM experiences led by the University of Colorado’s Science Discovery Team over five weeks in the spring.

“Our school is a bilingual institution with many students who do not have access to STEM-related activities outside of school,” said Joanna Dresen, a parent at Escuela Bilingue Pioneer who is helping to coordinate the program. “Funding this program will significantly enhance equity by providing high-quality STEM education and addressing participation gaps for Latinx students and English Language Learners (ELLs).”

By offering the program in both English and Spanish, the initiative ensures inclusivity, allowing ELL students to participate fully. This exposure is crucial for igniting a passion for STEM and opening pathways to future careers.

A commitment to equity and excellence

Both programs highlight Impact on Education’s dedication to creating equitable and excellent learning environments. By funding initiatives that address financial and resource barriers, these grants help all students—especially those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds—achieve academic and personal growth.

“These initiatives are a testament to our mission of supporting educators and fostering opportunities that inspire and prepare students for their futures,” said Billings.

Despite increasing funding from the previous year by 23%, Impact on Education received over $275,000 in requests and was unable to fund 75 proposals. Please consider donating to the Academic Opportunity Fund to ensure more programming can be supported in the 2025-26 school year.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

From a first-generation student to a college freshman: Jair Ortega’s journey

Born and raised in Boulder, the University of Colorado campus loomed large in Jair Ortega’s life. To Jair, it was a symbol of opportunity, yet one that felt out of reach. Jair excelled in school, particularly in math, but tight family finances meant navigating the cost of education was a challenge from an early age. “I always thought college would be part of my story,” Jair said. “But the financial realities made it feel like something I’d never be able to afford.”

Thanks to his hard work and support from his parents, teachers, and Impact on Education, Jair not only made it to college—he is now a freshman at CU Boulder, with plans to double major in finance and economics.

Jair’s journey with Impact on Education began in elementary school at Whittier Elementary. Each year before the school year started, he visited a room filled with backpacks, carefully choosing one he liked. “The backpacks were always stocked with all the supplies I needed for the year,” Jair recalled. “That was a big deal for my family, and now I know Impact on Education provides those to around 5,000 Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) kids every year.”

In fifth grade, Impact on Education ensured Jair could attend the Cal-Wood field trip with his classmates, covering fees his family couldn’t afford. In high school, Impact on Education helped Jair pursue his advanced academic goals by covering the fees for AP exams and the CLEP test, enabling him to earn an impressive 12 college credits in Spanish proficiency.

Jair’s most life-changing opportunity came his senior year when he applied for the Houston Scholarship and received a $20,000 award distributed over four years. Established in 2023 by a generous Impact on Education supporter, the scholarship honors students who might not otherwise be able to attend college without the financial support of a scholarship.. “I didn’t think I had a chance,” Jair admitted. “When I got it, I was blown away. It took a huge weight off my shoulders and gave me the freedom to pursue my goals.”

Now on campus, Jair is learning to balance a new level of independence, from managing coursework to keeping his dorm clean. He credits Impact on Education not only for the scholarship but also for years of invisible support. “From elementary school through graduation, they’ve been there in ways I didn’t even realize until recently,” Jair said.

Jair’s story reflects Impact on Education’s mission to remove barriers and expand opportunities for BVSD students. Through programs like scholarships, school supplies and academic support, they remove barriers and empower students to reach their potential.

“Thanks to Impact on Education, I’m reaching for the stars,” Jair said. “One day, I hope I can give back and help other students the way they helped me.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

A year in review: Our top 10 blog posts of 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, our team has been reflecting on what we’ve achieved this year through the power of our community. With your help, we’ve expanded our impact significantly — such as increasing Kinder Bridge enrollment by 65% this past June to serve 260 rising kindergarten students, covering $38,910 in tuition and fee waivers for Boulder TEC students this fall alone (up from $10,000 in all of 2023-24), and welcoming almost 100 students to our Career Readiness Academy in November, our highest enrollment yet. We’re proud to share our 10 most popular blog posts — each capturing a unique moment of impact.

#10 – Turning the page: Grant helps rebuild school library after unprecedented challenges

The library at Monarch High School suffered a pair of misfortunes: the Marshall Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, which left it in poor condition. Thanks to a $3,000 Academic Opportunity Fund grant and a lot of love and attention from Teacher Librarian Katherine Croasdale, the library and the students who rely on it are thriving.

#9 – This after-school reading club helps emerging bilingual students

Over the past few years Jessica Grant Van Lankvelt, a literacy interventionist at Alicia Sanchez Elementary School, noticed many students who are emerging bilingual did not have opportunities to practice reading in English. Sometimes parents are literate in different languages or they work evening hours which makes them unavailable to support their student’s literacy during the week.

#8 – Providing BVSD students access to college and career opportunities

Navigating the future with confidence and the right set of skills is crucial for today’s students. And it’s why we provide access to college and career readiness opportunities, helping Boulder Valley School District students get ahead in their academic and professional journeys.

#7 – How mock interviews support career readiness for high schoolers

For students in our Career Readiness Academy, mock interviews are more than just a practice run — they’re a safe space to explore their potential, polish their skills and practice professional communication.

#6 – Higher property taxes don’t provide extra funding for public education

As homeowners in our community see their property values and tax bills increase, many may assume the additional funds are flowing into our public schools. They’re not wrong — but increases in local property taxes don’t equate to increases in funding for the Boulder Valley School District. The reality of how school funding works is more complex.

#5 – Emerald Elementary’s Sara McIntosh honored with the 2024 Blake Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award

There is a pivotal point in a child’s education when they stop learning to read and start reading to learn. As a literacy interventionist at Emerald Elementary School, Sara McIntosh is deeply invested in this crucial juncture. So much so that she’s dedicated her life to making sure all children grow up to be confident readers. 

#4 – Fairview High School’s Ash Mattys receives Imogene Maxon New Teacher Award

Ash Mattys took the road less traveled, and it has made all the difference. Unlike most first-year teachers who join the profession directly after college, Mattys delayed getting her degree so she could see the world instead. 

#3 – Announcing our 2024 scholarship recipients

This year we provided over $53,500 in scholarships for Boulder Valley School District graduates, including $28,500 in scholarship renewals for 16 students. And graduating seniors in the Class of 2024 were awarded over $100,000!

#2 – Daily acts of impact: Board member Ema Lyman’s 24-year career empowering BVSD youth

After dedicating 24 years to serving the young people of Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), Ema Lyman isn’t interested in measuring the broad achievements of her career. Instead, she prefers to focus on the impact she makes each day. “I don’t need to know if my students will grow into success stories — my work is unconditional.”

#1 – School-based wellness: An innovative approach to improving teenage mental health

Tess Amer, a mental health advocate at Fairview High School, knows the pressures Boulder’s teenagers face firsthand. As a licensed counselor and certified teacher, she oversees the school’s Wellness Center, a cozy and calming space that welcomes teenagers seeking mental health support.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

A Legacy of Love and Learning: Honoring Carol L’Orange

Years after Carol L’Orange retired from teaching first grade at Superior Elementary, a former student spotted her in the aisles of King Soopers. Now a teenager, he approached hesitantly. “Ms. L’Orange, do you remember me?” he asked. Carol smiled and assured him she did. Their conversation was heartfelt and full of gratitude—a small moment that encapsulated the profound, lifelong impact she had on her students.

Even in retirement, Carol continued to encounter students and parents who credited her with transforming their lives. Her husband, Hans L’Orange, recalls one encounter in particular: A mother and her son approached her and shared how much her belief in him had meant. “Everyone else in preschool and kindergarten said he was a throwaway,” the mother said. “But you believed in him and worked with him. I wanted you to know that he finished high school, and now he’s attending Front Range Community College. We weren’t sure that would happen until he ended up in your class.”

Stories like these are why Hans has chosen to honor Carol’s memory through an annual donation to Impact on Education, the foundation supporting Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). Since her passing in 2017, Hans, now living in his homeland of Hawaii, has made it his mission to continue Carol’s work by funding opportunities for teachers and students in BVSD.

“Part of who Carol was can still live on,” Hans said. “She believed in every child, and she worked tirelessly to give them the confidence and skills they needed to succeed.”

Carol’s passion for teaching was evident in everything she did. From ensuring every student was reading at grade level by year’s end to creating unique lessons like baking cookies to teach fractions and teamwork, she infused joy and innovation into her classroom. “Some parents would complain about the cookies,” Hans said with a laugh. “But Carol would explain, ‘They’re learning math, science and how to work together—and they’re getting a reward.’”

Carol’s classroom was also a space of mutual respect. During the first two weeks of every school year, she focused on building an environment where her students—always addressed as “Miss” and “Mister”—learned to collaborate and thrive together. “A frequent start of the year joke would have other teachers saying, ‘Carol always gets the easy class,’” Hans said. “But she didn’t. She created a classroom that was easy because she spent time building respect and trust.”

Hans’s dedication to education also stems from his own career in public higher-education policy, where he focused on creating equitable opportunities for students across the country.

By donating to Impact on Education, Hans is ensuring that BVSD students and teachers can continue to benefit from the kind of meaningful learning experiences Carol championed. “Carol didn’t love being the center of attention,” Hans said. “She would want the focus to be on the kids and the opportunities they’ve been given.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

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