Building BEARS: How Sleeping Giant School Fosters Community and Core Values

On a chilly Friday morning in November, parents, students and staff gather in the common area of Sleeping Giant School for the kindergarten through second grade community meeting. These once a month meetings are an opportunity for the students to be celebrated for exhibiting the SGS Core Values of Bravery, Engagement, Awareness, Responsible, and Safe (BEARS). 

Parents and guardians are invited to attend the celebration and snap a picture of their student for being recognized. The students also have the opportunity to give a shout out to their peers for exhibiting a core value, or for just being a good friend.

These community meetings are held once a month for different grade levels: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Additionally, every K-8 student has a morning meeting where they do check-ins and community building activities. These meetings are one example of how the school is emphasizing building a strong sense of community. 

Elissa Chapman, a 2nd-grade teacher at SGS, hugs one of her students for being recognized during a community meeting. 

As the newest school in the Steamboat Springs School District, now in its fourth year, Sleeping Giant has grown into a thriving community. It’s more than a place to learn; it’s a place where students develop into better individuals.

Ben Barbier, a science teacher at SGS, has been with the school district since 2001. Prior to SGS, he taught at Steamboat Springs Middle School. When SGS opened, Barbier saw an opportunity to bring experience to a new school in need of leadership from teachers. He was also excited by the challenge of starting a new school and supporting colleagues who might have been more hesitant to make the move. 

According to Barbier, as a PK-8 school, there is a stronger sense of family because all teachers have a chance to influence students throughout their school journey. The smaller student body reduces cliques and drama while creating a positive environment. Policies, such as no cell phone rules are easier to manage with smaller groups. 

He notes that the SGS Core Values aren’t just posters put on a wall and forgotten about. They are integrated into the day-to-day culture of the school and students even receive feedback on behavior and learning based on the BEARS matrix. 

“We have focused on building community,” said Laliberte. “We have put in structures and systems in place to enhance student learning. School culture is really strong. When you walk in the doors, there is a good feeling. People know what they are supposed to be doing. We have a lot of support on the big swings we are taking, like the standards-based grading and the no cell phone policy.”

The school’s Climate and Culture Committee continues to prioritize community and family engagement through impactful events, such as Family Movie and Resource Nights. During these events, students enjoy a movie and snacks while parents attend informational sessions on valuable resources.

“I am so proud of where we are at,” said Laliberte. “Everything we do as a staff is built around creating a sense of community and creating a common vision together. That feels really good.” 

As Barbier prepares to retire this year, he’s optimistic about the school’s future. He hopes to see an expansion of hands-on learning opportunities, creative use of the school’s property, and stronger partnerships with the middle school.

“I really believe we are on the cusp on not just being a good school but a great school and one that is transformational for kids that is really integrated with community,” said Joe Laliberte, Principal of SGS. “I want to continue that work. To build that effectively from scratch is really hard and I am really proud of our school and team for doing that work.”