OuR Graduate
During the 2024-2025 school year, Weld Re-5J created a Graduate Profile, which defines the key skills, knowledge, and attributes our students should possess upon graduation. To ensure this profile reflects the values and aspirations of our entire community, we collected feedback from students, family members, educators, and community members. The input was invaluable to us. Together, we are shaping the future of education in our district and preparing our students for success in college, careers, and life.
- What experiences do OuR Graduates have to be INNOVATIVE?
- What does it mean for OuR Graduates to be RELATIONAL?
- What does it mean for OuR Graduates to be RESOURCEFUL?
What experiences do OuR Graduates have to be INNOVATIVE?
Dinner Discussion Questions
To spark meaningful conversations at home, here are some suggested discussion questions connected to OuR Graduate profile:
- Innovative – Have you had a chance to be creative or try something new at school this week? What was it?
- Innovative – If you could design a new class or project at school, what would it be and why?
As a student at RHS, innovation means finding a new way of doing things. Whether it be creating something that does it’s purpose better than before or an actual new way to do something, it is innovation. It is important for high schoolers to practice this, because things can always be improved and you never know who is going to be the one to improve it. The school supports my innovation by providing plenty of supplies and having great support.
Clara Claypool, RHS Junior
Applied Engineering Personal Projects
Our Applied Engineering students are tackling real-world challenges through a year-long design process. They have identified a problem, conducted research, brainstorming solutions, and building prototypes—testing and refining their ideas along the way. Projects ranged from Sustainable Inner City Gardening Systems and Modular Flight Simulator Structures to Towable Kayak Live Well Storage Systems, Automatic Mixing Condiment Systems, and even a Randomized Card Shuffler.
In November, students presented their designs to an authentic audience of peers and school leaders, showcasing solutions that go beyond the classroom. Their creativity and critical thinking are paving the way for innovations that could make a lasting impact.
Inferring Through Investigation
Fourth graders at PRE experienced an innovative twist on learning the key reading skill of inferring (Use Key Ideas and Details to: Refer to details and examples in a text when drawing inferences from the text. CCSS: RL.4.1). Instead of beginning with a traditional text, students were immersed in a real-world scenario—a bank robbery mystery!
Presented with evidence and a list of possible suspects, students worked collaboratively to analyze clues and draw logical inferences about who might have committed the crime. This engaging approach not only sparked curiosity and critical thinking but also demonstrated how inference is an essential skill beyond the classroom—used by professionals every day to solve complex problems.
By connecting academic standards to authentic experiences, PRE students are developing the ability to refer to details and examples when drawing conclusions, preparing them to think deeply and act purposefully in any situation.
Scaling Landmarks
Fifth graders at MIS extended their understanding of ratios and dimensional analysis through a real-world challenge—designing scale-model souvenirs of famous landmarks. Students researched their chosen landmark, calculated scaling ratios, and considered practical factors like durability and size (Would a Golden Gate Bridge model snap? Would the Leaning Tower of Pisa topple?). After determining the best scale, they used Tinkercad to design and 3D-print their souvenirs.
This hands-on project connected math to authentic problem-solving and career skills.
"Innovative experiences keep students engaged and gives them experiences that are going to match what they do in real-life; a way to further explore the jobs or career they want." -Jennifer Rauch, 5th grade teacher at MIS
"This helps us with our learning process as it teaches us new things. We are able to learn from our mistakes." -Zandy Willyard, 5th grade student
UNC Mini Innovation Challenge
Roosevelt FBLA students participated in the University of Northern Colorado Mini Innovation Challenge. The event, held on November 12, 2025, was a day filled with creativity, collaboration, and innovation as students gathered at the UNC Campus Commons.
The theme for this year, “Innovate for Community Connection,” inspired participants to develop entrepreneurial ideas that strengthen community ties. Our students dove into this challenge with enthusiasm, showcasing their talents and teamwork skills throughout the day.
We are incredibly proud to announce our winners:
1st Place ($6k Scholarship):
Brandon Johnson, Annabelle Rusco, Courtney Hanna, Nariah Stanley, Liam Burack
4th Place:
Izzy Fuller, Hannah Tames, Andrea Tikal, Emma Brown
5th Place:
Jayden Lewark, Adrian Sanchez, Adam Diehl, Miley Grentz
A Remarkable Achievement: Our students achieved the highest score ever recorded at this competition! This is a testament to their problem-solving, creativity, and determination.
What does it mean for OuR Graduates to be RELATIONAL?
Dinner Discussion Questions
To spark meaningful conversations at home, here are some suggested discussion questions connected to OuR Graduate profile:
- How are you building positive relationships with friends, teachers, or teammates at school?
- What are you starting to notice about when it feels harder to building relationships or friendships?
Pioneer Ridge Book BuddiesÂ
At PRE, 5th grade and Kindergarten students partner up as book buddies. Buddies read together, talk about the main ideas of books, and participate in other physical learning activities.
Why do you think it is important for elementary students to have book buddies and build relationships like the ones you have?
“I don't think grades really matter. We can all be friends. It doesn't matter our age. We can all talk and help each other learn,” said Adalynn.
"The grade doesn't matter because it is bonding relationships and we can set an example for the Kindergarteners to be SUPER (scholarly, united, proud, empathetic, resilient)," added Jaxon.
Modeling RELATIONAL Every Day
Weld RE-5J central office leaders share their reflections on how 5J helps students be relational, why we want ouR graduates to be relational, why relationships matter in the work they do, and how they got so good at being relational.
Jessica Diagana, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, has served in 5J for over two years in this role.
Tami Kramer leads as the 5J Assistant Superintendent. This is her sixth year in this role. Previously, Tami led Pioneer Ridge Elementary as principal for seven years.
Nora Schwanke started in 5J as the Pioneer Ridge Elementary School Secretary for over ten years and is now going on three years as the 5J Accounts Payable and Facilities Rental Coordinator.
What does it mean for OuR Graduates to be RESOURCEFUL?
Dinner Discussion Questions - RHS 9th Grade Team Sponsors
To spark meaningful conversations at home, here are some suggested discussion questions connected to OuR Graduate Profile:
- Can you think of a time at RHS when you had to solve a problem on your own? What did you learn from it?
- What resources (teachers, clubs, tools) at RHS do you think will help you reach your future goals?
The descriptions below were generated based on community, student, and staff input. We also asked current 5J students and staff to share what it means to them to be RESOURCEFUL.
Elwell Elementary School
Food Services
