Family Program Newsletter
January 2025
Second Step (SEL Curriculum)
Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed some family time over the winter break.
We are excited to be back with our preschool friends learning so much about our emotions. This month we will be focusing on these 4 topics:
- Managing Anger
- Managing Waiting
- Fair Ways to Play
- Having Fun with Friends
As you can see, these are some big areas to learn about for our preschoolers. Click on the attachments below to see a home link where you can continue these lessons at home.
Reducing Screen Time
When it is cold in the winter, it is easy to turn to screen time as a way to fill time. Screen time gets in the way of exploring, playing, and social interaction for kids. It can take away from activities that help brain development, imagination, and social skills.
Here are some suggestions on ways to eliminate screen time:
Keep the TV and computer(s) out of sight by putting them in rooms that are not used by children or hiding them with a blanket or sheet.
Set an example. Limit your screen time and focus on other activities such as interaction with family, reading books, and playing games.
Eat meals without a screen. Some of the best conversations can happen during a meal!
Replace screen time with fun, interactive activities: turn on the radio or a CD and dance and play outside.
Use indoor materials, have dance parties, or take imaginary journeys to different places during extreme weather.
Limiting screen time might seem like an impossible task, but it is definitely a battle worth fighting.
Love of Books
Families, we are fortunate to have partnerships with community organizations that donate books to our students. The wrapped book your child received before winter break was donated by Loveland Big Thompson Kiwanis. The Loveland High School Key Club wrapped the books along with the Kiwanis members. You can check out the article in the Loveland Reporter Herald.
We also receive donations from Loveland Read Aloud and Philo for our family nights. The Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority donates books to Head Start families with less than 10 books in their home.
If your child loves books, consider our wonderful public libraries. You can check out story time schedules below.
Julie Lindsay - julie.lindsay@tsd.org
Family & Community Partnership Coordinator
Special Education Advisory Committee
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meets virtually on the 2nd Wednesday every month during the school year. During the meetings, the SEAC receives updates from the district, provides updates to members, and reviews proposals that require consensus/votes. The SEAC may also host presentations and trainings. Find out more information.
LEAP - Low Income Energy Assistance Program
The Colorado Low Income Energy Assistance Program assists families in paying for heating costs from November - April. While the program is not intended to cover all of the heating costs, it is meant to alleviate some of the burden for families struggling to pay their utility bills. Families must provide a valid ID and make less than 60% of the state median income level. For example, a family of four would need to make no more than $6505 per month to qualify for LEAP. Once approved, payments are made directly to the utility company. For more information, check out their website.
TSD Inclement Weather Guidelines
During periods of inclement weather, Thompson School District is occasionally faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to close schools. Find more information about this process and how these announcements are communicated.
