THOMPSON NEWS & NOTES
March 2024
Welcome to Thompson School District's March 2024 Newsletter
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We Value the Opinions of Our Community
Dear Thompson Community:
This year, Thompson School District is putting the finishing touches on projects that were designed and created as a result of the 2018 Bond program. On behalf of our students, families and staff, I want to say thank you to our entire community for entrusting us with the funding that was needed to complete these improvements.
In addition to the replacement of roofs, flooring and other maintenance-related items, we were able to create several exciting new opportunities for our families. These projects include the Riverview PK-8 campus in the eastern portion of the district, the conversion of Van Buren Elementary School into a new Ferguson High School building and Thompson Career Campus, the renovation of Stansberry Elementary School into the district’s Early Childhood at Stansberry campus, and the consolidation of Mary Blair Elementary, Monroe Elementary and Conrad Ball Middle School into the newly renovated Peakview Academy at Conrad Ball campus.
Thanks to careful utilization of bond premium and earned interest, along with grant support and other mechanisms, we were able to transform the $149 million bond into over $208 million in project work across the district. As a result, not only were we able to complete every task that we had promised to voters, we were also able to finish several more needed projects. None of this exciting work would have been possible without your amazing support. We are tremendously grateful!
While we accomplished many great things with the 2018 bond funding, we also know there is much more work to be done in order to provide each student with the excellent education and support that they deserve. Over the past two years, staff members have been working with our long-range Master Plan Committee and Board of Education to determine our district needs for the next ten-plus years. The community-driven committee has evaluated district needs for deferred maintenance, growth, safety and classroom enhancements.
As part of this process, we are working hard to solicit feedback from our community members on the needs that they see in our schools and how they might best be addressed. A public survey consultant has been retained by the district to help us understand the position of our community. Later this month, we will be launching an online survey focused on our public schools and potential ballot measures for this November. The survey will remain open for two weeks with an anticipated closure date of Monday, April 8th.
We greatly value your opinion and we urge you to participate in the survey even if you do not have a student attending school within the district. Please make your voice heard! There will be three ways to participate in the survey:
Visit the district website at tsd.org and click the survey link. This link will be made available later this month once the survey launches.
Some community residents will receive a text message inviting them to participate in the survey. The text message will have the school district logo and a message inviting them to participate.
A group of residents will also receive an email communication from the district with a link to complete the survey.
Answers to the survey are strictly anonymous and confidential. The information that is gathered, along with feedback received during a series of upcoming community forums, will be instrumental for our staff and the Board of Education as options are considered. We look forward to your valuable feedback as we plan for the future of our schools!
Thank you, as always, for your support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District
March is National Women's History Month!
Throughout March, we honor the incredible contributions, achievements, and resilience of women who've shaped history. The 2024 theme is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," highlighting the remarkable individuals championing change (National Women’s History Alliance). Join us as we honor their legacy and celebrate their impactful contributions during the month of March.
Resources:
TSD Safety & Security Department Adds Second Co-Responder Team
The Safety and Security Department is hard at work as we move through the second semester of the school year. Thompson School District values its relationship with the community's first responders and we are exploring ways to get additional life-saving supplies into schools. While this program is still functioning at a high level, this work is a priority and will be implemented soon into all TSD schools. While physical safety is essential, Thompson School District is continuing to support emotional safety as well. In March, TSD welcomed a second Co-Responder Unit into the SRO team through the Loveland Police Department. Co-responder units have been a great addition to our school safety environment and the district is excited about this development. More information is available on the district's co-responder web page.
Finally, the district is working with parents, first responders, and our Safety and Security Committee to improve our communication practices with stakeholders during times of emergency. Please stay tuned as this work develops into a larger systematic approach. As always, the safety and security of our district will continue to be our top priority.
Required "Annual Family Check-In" Open Now
Please click on "More" in your Parent Portal Account for the AFC Link, then select Begin Registration.
TSD Student Guide to Responsible Technology Use and Device Care
In TSD, students learn how to use technology wisely, safely, and skillfully, preparing them for success in today's digital world. We view the use of student devices not just as a privilege but as a pathway to great responsibility. The internet and electronic communications offer vast opportunities for learning and collaboration, and also allow for opportunities to use technology effectively and responsibly. It’s essential for students to develop responsible usage habits, critical thinking, clear communication and digital research skills. While the district strives to protect students and create responsible digital citizens, it's important for students and families to partner with us and be responsible for their own online behavior. This year we worked with stakeholders to create a new Responsible Use Document for families and students as well as Elementary and Secondary Device Checkout Agreements that are in kid-friendly language.
Explore our Tech4All and I.T.S. website to discover resources designed to enhance digital learning and responsibility. We encourage families and students to review the Elementary Student Expectations and Device Checkout Agreements together, fostering a shared understanding and commitment to responsible technology use.
Thank you for being our partners and helping us to create environments for successful learning using digital tools.
Robotics Summer Camp Open to Grades 4 & 5
Loveland High School's robotics team mentors will guide campers through daily robotics challenges, including obstacle courses, mazes, maneuvering, soccer, and more.
Registration Opens Mar 25, 2024
Camp Dates: May 28-31, 9 AM - 3 PM
Questions? Contact michael.pintaric@tsd.org
Jacob Findley's Rise Through Chess Ranks to State Championship
Please enjoy our latest TSD profile focusing on Loveland High School student Jacob Findley, whose love for the game of chess has taken him to the state tournament eight times. You can check it out via the following link:
Project Prom Dress Giveaway Open Soon
On Thursday, March 21, the giveaway will be open to Thompson School District students only. The shop will be open to students from all districts in Northern Colorado on Fridays and Saturdays. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗗 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽.
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟭-𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟲
Promenade Shops at Centerra (next to Eddie Bauer)
5957 Sky Pond Drive, Suite D106
Fridays 4 - 7 pm
Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮:
𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 21, 4 - 7𝙥𝙢
Open to all high school students:
March 22 - 23
March 29 - 30
April 5 - 6
More info: https://bit.ly/3TmtvOo
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, where the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and partners showcase the strength of diverse communities, emphasizing the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life. This year's theme, "A World of Opportunities," underscores the commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone can thrive.
Information and Resources:
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
30 Inclusive Children’s Books About Disabilities
Summer Scholars Registration Now Open
Thompson School District is pleased to announce that registration for this year's "Summer Scholars" program is now open through April 11. Classes are open to all Thompson School District K-8 students. Registration is available by logging in to your Parent Portal account. If you are in need of username and/or password assistance, please send an e-mail to portal@tsd.org.
Staff members will be notifying families regarding acceptance into the program by April 19th.
Thompson School District Kids Are Changing the World!
TSD kids, submit a step-by-step plan online by April 5th about how you can change the world!
One winner in K-5th grade and one winner in 6th-12th grade will receive:
- $300 to implement the idea
- Assistance connecting to a business to help
- A feature story about you
To apply go to: tsd.org/ChangeTheWorld
Online Registration Needed for New TSD Students
Calling all NEW students and families for the 2024/25 school year!
- Are you new to Thompson School District?
- Are you starting kindergarten?
- Are you transferring from a private or charter school?
If so, we need you to complete and submit the Online Registration application as soon as possible.
Link: https://bit.ly/4bh2h2G
* Don't forget to select the 2024/2025 school year.
TSD Clothing Closet Needs Your Donations!
Donate gently used or new clothing to those in need:
- Boys and girls new socks all sizes
- Boys and girls new underwear all sizes
- Hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes/paste, etc.)
- Boys clothes (pants and shirts) sizes 5t-14/16
- Girls clothes (pants and tops) sizes 5t-14/16
- Girls winter coats sizes 5T-10/12
- Sneakers- mens, womens, kids, and toddler
Front porch drop off: 1307 East 5th St., Loveland
Call ahead is appreciated: 970-613-5675 M-F 8 AM - 3 PM Questions: katie.jennings@tsd.org
The Clothing Closet is also doing a specific drive to collect NEW tennis shoes for students of all ages:
- Preschoolers to teens
- Unisex styles preferred
- Sizes needed the most: Children 13-6
- The school drive ends 3/31!
𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙖𝙩 1307 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙩 5𝙩𝙝 𝙎𝙩., 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙
Front porch
Monday through Friday
8 AM - 3PM
Call Ahead: Katie 970-613-5675
Namaqua Welcomes You to It's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Please join us in celebrating 50 years of excellence in education at Namaqua Elementary School on April 2nd from 4-5 PM. Activities include music by the school choir as well as desserts and refreshments. Have a memory to share? Bring a photo or other pieces of memorabilia to display for the evening.
Join Us for Earth Day 5k/10k to Support TEF
Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20, by running the Earth Day 5k/10k at The Lakes at Centerra and support Thompson Education Foundation!
Register here: https://www.thompsontef.org/loveland-classic
Get Colorado Rockies Tickets to Benefit TEF
TSD Appreciation Series with the Colorado Rockies returns in May! Get your discounted tickets to the Rockies game against the Texas Rangers on Mother's Day weekend (alternate May/June dates available). Get tickets here: https://www.thompsontef.org/denver-sports-games
Thompson Educational Equity Council Hosts Meetings Throughout School Year
The Thompson Education Equity Council (TEEC) held quarterly meetings this school year with an equal amount of family and community representatives and district representatives. Topics included Professional learning for Equity, Special Education in TSD, and Highlights from the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Department. The group was actively engaged in learning about how the district is supporting diverse learners throughout the system.
TSD Transportation Looks Ahead to Busy Spring
The Transportation Department is paving the way for the journey ahead. We are gearing up for a bustling spring season and are excited to continue our support for district summer programs. We continue to focus on improving operations, expanding our team, and exploring innovative solutions like electric vehicle support for Thompson School District while looking forward to the upcoming 2024-25 school year.