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Students with teachers in a hallway. Balloons hung across ceiling say First Day
Back to School Guide 2026

Check out the Back to School Guide for everything you need to start the year off right, including:

  • School supply lists
  • School handbooks
  • Student meals & health info
  • Transportation details
  • Calendars
  • Before & after school care

...and so much more!
PLUS — we’ve added all the Back to School events happening this week so you won’t miss a thing!

Back to School Guide

Teacher Learning Time

Our 5J elementary educators came back together after summer break, building belonging within and across schools, collaborating across specialty areas and grade levels, and exploring new literacy resources to help every student grow.

Thank you to The Weld Trust for investing in our 5J students and educators. This partnership, which is bringing research-informed literacy materials into our classrooms to complement the expertise of our staff, is going to have a powerful impact.

Welcome to 5J

On August 6th and 7th, we welcomed educators new to 5J. We are thankful to this cohort of nearly 40 educators for choosing 5J and making us better. The two day events started with our tradition of the red carpet welcome and bus tour of all our schools. During this academy, educators shared their anticipation for the year, learned about available instructional tools, explored high impact strategies for student learning, and dug into curricular materials.

Weld RE-5J Preschool Registration Flier
Free Preschool

Elwell and Milliken Early Learning Centers are proud to provide high-quality early childhood education to families in the community. Through Colorado Universal Preschool, all 4-year-old children qualify for tuition-free preschool, with convenient part-time program options available at no cost. Families of 3-year-olds may also be eligible for preschool services.

Programs are offered at two locations and include both full-day and half-day schedules, depending on the site. The Milliken Early Learning Center offers full-day (8:15 AM – 3:45 PM) and half-day options, while the Elwell Early Learning Center provides half-day programming with morning and afternoon sessions.

Our early learning programs focus on:

  • Play-based, engaging instruction
  • Caring and highly qualified educators
  • Building kindergarten readiness skills
  • Creating a safe, nurturing environment for every child

Spaces are limited, and early application is encouraged. Families can apply through Colorado’s Universal Preschool program at upk.colorado.gov or contact (970) 373-4870 for more information.

At Elwell and Milliken Early Learning Centers, young learners build strong foundations for success—because little ponies grow into big futures.

2026 Data from Weld RE-5J Cottage Collective
The Cottage Collective - Impact

The Cottage Collective's 2026 mid-year review showcases the growing impact of this community resource. Since opening, 454 visitors have accessed free clothing, food, and personal care items, resulting in a positive impact on 2,047 household members across Weld RE-5J, Milliken, and Johnstown. Together, we are creating stronger communities and supporting every family.

Students creating at Camp Invention 2026
Camp Invention 2026

This week, 74 students entering grades 1-5 are exploring creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on STEM learning through Camp Invention at Roosevelt Middle School. The camp brings together students from Weld RE-5J, Eaton, and Windsor to collaborate, create, and tackle exciting challenges in engineering, science, invention, and entrepreneurship.

Made possible through the generous support of The Weld Trust, Camp Invention is offered at no cost to families and is facilitated by a partnership between Weld RE-5J educators and Roosevelt High School Work-Based Learning interns. Throughout the week, students are building confidence, strengthening OuR Graduate characteristics, and learning that innovation often requires perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to try again.

BBQ Days!

We had such a great time celebrating at Johnstown BBQ Days 2026! It was awesome to see our RHS RoughRiders showing up strong in the parade, along with our transportation team bringing the theme to life—honoring 250 years of our nation and 150 years of Colorado history. 

Proud to be part of such a fun and spirited community! 

Class of 2026

Congratulations RoughRiders!

Cover of the Kindergarten Advice to Graduating Seniors
Kindergarten Wisdom, Senior Edition

Advice from the Class of 2038 to the Graduating Class of 2026

Watch the video

Five Years of Building Futures Together

Spaces that Inspire. Learning that Lasts.

For the past five years, Weld RE-5J has worked hand-in-hand with our community to create environments where every learner—and every educator—feels a deep sense of belonging. With the support of the community and voters, the passing of the 2020 Bond allowed multiple capital projects and maintenance improvements to launch. These enhancements are not just about buildings; they are about opportunities for growth, passion, and preparing for the future. Together, we have ensured that our schools are safe, accessible, welcoming, and designed for collaboration and innovation. Every improvement reflects our shared commitment: to extend the life of our facilities, reduce costly repairs, and provide spaces that are developmentally appropriate, aesthetically pleasing, and ready for tomorrow. We are proud to celebrate that journey—and the community that made it possible.
 

Learn more and see full video with student interviews

Elementary Playground
2026–2027 Annual Family Check‑In Is Now Open!

Weld RE-5J families, it’s time for the Annual Family Check-In for the 2026–2027 school year. Completing this 15–20 minute process helps us keep your information updated, stay connected in emergencies, and ensure your student is ready for a smooth start this fall.
Current Families:

  • Log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal → More → Annual Family Check-In to:
  • Add new students (including kindergarteners)
  • Update contact and emergency information
  • Upload required documents

Only one parent/guardian needs to complete the check-in per student.

New to the District?
Visit our New Families Registration page and select the 2026–2027 link to begin enrollment.

Open Enrollment:
Interested in choicing into a 5J school? Contact the school of interest for Open Enrollment paperwork. Open Enrollment info 

Preschool Families:
Apply through the Universal Preschool Portal first. Families whose children will be three years old on or before October 1, 2026 must request a preschool application by contacting the Preschool Office at 970-373-5401.
Questions? Contact 970-373-5401

Need Help?
If you need Parent Portal assistance, contact your school’s front office.
For check‑in questions, call 970‑587‑6811.

Universal Preschool Registration is Now Open for the 2026-27 School-Year

Full Day and Half Day Options are available for three- and 4-year-olds.

Click here for more information.

News & Announcements

Check out all of the great things our students are doing and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings!
 

Upcoming Events

Our kids are both at Roosevelt now, and have had a wonderful experience. The teachers care, the administration is wonderful, and the experience has been great. There are so many opportunities for a student to complete advanced placement courses, dual enrollment courses, or career education. Our kids will be ready for life after high school, whether that’s at a university, community college, or in the workforce. No one is overlooked or left behind at Roosevelt.

WELD RE-5J Parent