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Parents Involved in Education program marks 16 years, says it now reaches more than 2,000 families
Summary
St. Vrain Valley School District trustees heard from organizers and parent leaders of PIE (Parents Involved in Education), who described the program's history, format and outreach that the district says now serves more than 2,000 families and includes a parent task force and monthly "cafecitos."
Parents and district staff described the St. Vrain Valley School District No. Re1J’s Parents Involved in Education program — known as PIE — at the Board of Education meeting Wednesday, saying the parent-led program has grown into a multi-site effort that the district now estimates serves more than 2,000 families.
School staff and parent leaders told the board that PIE began as a pilot in February 2008 at Heritage Middle School, reached 63 families in its first year, and has expanded to offer 12 sessions annually (six in fall and six in spring) with hybrid and recorded options. "PIE has been together now for over 15 years," said Crystal Rubalcaba, whom the meeting identified as a program coordinator, adding the program transitioned to hybrid sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program offers a mix of topics ranging from mental health to financial literacy and partners with about 13 agencies, organizers said. Olga Cordero, who introduced the group, said PIE grew out of partnerships across Boulder County and remains led by bilingual and bicultural presenters. "We consistently gather feedback to ensure our sessions remain relevant," Rubalcaba said. She told the board that PIE launched a parent task force last year; seven parents joined the task force and four members presented to the board on Wednesday.
Board members asked about format and reach. District presenters said the program includes daytime "cafecitos" organized by family liaisons at school sites and that child care and dinner are provided at sessions; the presenters noted a recent PIE celebration drew more than 300 families. Mika Delgado, one of the founders mentioned by staff, and other parent leaders credited partner organizations in Boulder County for sustaining the program's outreach.
Why it matters: Board members praised the return of St. Vrain graduates to volunteer and lead in PIE and emphasized parental engagement as a driver of student success. The board’s public remarks framed the program as part of the district’s family engagement strategy and noted its role in supporting student achievement.
The presentation concluded with thanks from board members and an invitation to continue community involvement and partnership-building.
