A New Cohort Takes Shape: Lafayette Middle School
We're excited to share the successful start of our newest class! This month, a cohort of middle school Dreamer Scholars from Angevine, Peak to Peak, Justice, and Louisville Middle School began their journey as Dreamers. Scholars. and Leaders. These 29 students are currently enrolled and span sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Enrollment is growing, with more middle schoolers expected as we move toward a goal of 45.
Staff Who Believe in Every Student
The class is led by Heidi Hendrix Johnson, Program Manager, and Ruby Zavala, Program Specialist. Heidi brings a career in education and a deep belief that every student is talented and capable. Ruby brings a gift for working alongside families and a lived understanding of how much a bilingual home has to offer. Both Ruby and Heidi are excited to support students as they work towards their dreams and build partnerships and community in order to advance their goals and work towards becoming leaders.
Both know what it means to have people believe in you and support your dreams. They will work towards building stronger community support for the Dreamer Scholars and offering them opportunities to pursue their passions. Not only are they trusted adults who believe in the students but the students will also receive a scholarship to help them pursue their dreams in their chosen post secondary pathway.
Ruby Zavala (left) and Heidi Hendrix Johnson
A Welcome Worth Celebrating
As the class has begun to meet and we appreciate and celebrate the great hospitality and partnership we have found with Justice High School (grades 6-12) in Lafayette. Our Executive Director, Perla Delgado, Ph.D., reached out, and Dr. T.J. Cole, Justice's principal, enthusiastically invited IHDF into their facility.
JHS provides a community room that has become the cohort's own space, available starting at 3:30 PM each afternoon.
Teachers and staff throughout the building have greeted our students with open arms.
Dr. Cole treated the group to pizza and created a "Justice High School Dreamers" T-shirt for Dreamer Scholars across all of our schools.
"He is very excited about this partnership, and so are people on his team. Our students already feel comfortable there."
— Heidi Hendrix-Johnson
Thank you, Dr. Cole and the whole JHS community, for making room for our students and for believing in this partnership.
Afternoons Built for Thriving
Each afternoon blends what middle schoolers need most: time to learn, get homework help, and simply enjoy being together.
Literacy and math: reading and writing rooted in stories and texts from many cultures, plus time for math.
Homework help: caring adults working with students and encouraging them to advocate for themselves by asking their teachers, "How can I improve my learning?"
Exploring futures: conversations about the question "Where do you want to go with your life? What are you Dreams for the future and how can IHDF support you?” and the many postsecondary pathways that can get them there.
Wayfinder: a social-emotional curriculum that builds resilient Dreamer Scholars who have confidence and friendship.
Enrichment Fridays: time set aside for enriching and fun excursions, friendship, and community engagement, with field trips beginning in January. These excursions offer opportunities for students to experience various educational activities, volunteer opportunities or just a fun time to learn a new skill.
One important goal for middle schoolers is that every student leaves each afternoon feeling known, supported, and a little more sure of the path ahead.
Small Moments, Big Belonging
Middle school is a season of big changes, and feeling like you belong makes all the difference. That's why social-emotional learning is at the heart of the cohort's work.
Heidi describes the Wayfinder curriculum as bite-sized, approachable activities rather than long, heavy conversations.
"It's really small activities intended to help kids feel comfortable and build relationships with adults as well as their peers."
— Heidi Hendrix-Johnson
Those small moments add up, building trust and creating a safe space where a student having a hard day knows which trusted adult to turn to.
Families as Partners
Families are part of this cohort from the very beginning. Our team works closely with the families to not only communicate expectations but also to provide resources, education and connection. As we get to know our students we also get to know the families and they become a large part of the success of our Dreamer Scholars. We are working hard to continue to build a strong community with not only the Dreamer Scholars but the parents, community partners, volunteers, and supporters.
Be Part of What's Growing
This cohort is just getting started, and we thank you for continuing to be a part of a community who believes in providing opportunities to students in Boulder County so that they can continue to be Dreamers. Scholars. Leaders. How can you help?
Volunteer: Share your time and talents with our Dreamer Scholars. Visit our volunteer page.
Give: Your gift helps us keep laying the financial foundation for this cohort, and for every program that supports Dreamer Scholars.
Thank you for dreaming with us.
