Dear Thompson Community:
I hope you are enjoying our return to warmer spring weather. Our school year continues to proceed very well and following Spring Break, things will move at a breakneck speed as we conduct our state student assessments and prepare for the final days of school. For this monthโs column, I wanted to take a moment to touch on a topic that continues to grow in importance: the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its use in our educational settings.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world around us. From the rise of ChatGPT to new AI-driven tools appearing almost weekly, we are witnessing a shift that is reshaping industries, communication, and learning. But in Thompson School District, we know that no technologyโno matter how advancedโcan replace the heart of education: our teachers, relationships, and student growth.
We are not just observers of this change; we are leaders, actively shaping how AI enhances education while preserving the irreplaceable human connections that define great learning experiences.
Here in TSD, we are committed to proactive and responsible AI integration. We have established an AI Task Forceโa diverse team of educators, administrators, and IT professionalsโto explore AIโs impact and develop guiding principles for its use. This work has been enriched by our participation in national conversations, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference and the Florida EdTech Conference (FETC).
Just as our Tech4All initiative ensured that every student had access to a device, we now face a new challenge: ensuring that all students develop AI literacy. AI literacy is not just about knowing how to use AI tools, itโs also about thinking critically, evaluating AI-generated content and using AI ethically and effectively. As superintendent, AI has also opened doors for my work here in the district. It has served as a valuable tool for research and has also assisted me in clarifying my thinking at times.
While AI can analyze data and generate responses and content, it cannot replace the relationships, creativity, and emotional intelligence that make learning meaningful. Our teachers and leaders cultivate:
Meaningful relationships that support student growth
Creative expression and innovative thinking
Compassion and emotional understanding
Collaborative learning experiences
Courage to face challenges and adapt
TSDโs AI journey is not about replacing educators, but about empowering them with tools that enhance teaching and learning while maintaining a strong human-centered approach.
As we continue to explore AIโs role in education, we invite youโour families, educators, and community membersโto be part of this conversation. AI is not just the future, it is the present. Together, we will ensure that AI serves as a tool for enhanced learning, deeper engagement, and greater opportunities for each student.
Letโs embrace this journey with curiosity, responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring that AI works for usโnot the other way around.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District
Discover the Thompson School District Preschool Program!
In Thompson School District, we are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education led by dedicated and highly skilled teachers and paraprofessionals. To further support our students, Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists visit weekly, and our Early Childhood Coordinator staff provide continuous classroom support, feedback, and coaching.
We use research-based curricula to foster growth in literacy, math, language, motor skills, and social-emotional learning. Our curriculum aligns with Preschool through Grade 12 State Academic Standards and meets federal Head Start Child Outcomes, ensuring that our students develop the foundational skills needed for future success.
We believe that strong relationships are at the heart of learning. Our classrooms are designed to foster meaningful connections between students, teachers, and families, creating a supportive and inclusive community where every child feels valued and inspired to grow. By building these relationships, we nurture a love for learning, social-emotional development, and a strong foundation for future success.
We invite you to explore this opportunity and join our vibrant and caring learning community!
If you are interested in being a part our preschool community, please complete this interest form: Preschool Interest Form
Thompson students continue to make a difference in our community.
Illyana Collins is coordinating her 2nd annual womenโs wellness retreat for all Thompson School District high school girls. On April 25 at Mountain View High School, professional women will present and lead activities about various physical and mental wellness topics, including meditation, intuitive eating, and the creation of vision boards. Illyana first held this event in April 2024 and hopes to continue it every year to help make a difference by creating a safe space for teenage girls to connect with women who can educate, empower, and influence them regarding their physical and mental wellness. High school girls can register for the retreat at
https://sites.google.com/tsd.org/womens-wellness-initiative/home.
Every year, it is inspiring to see studentsโ enthusiasm for proposing projects to make a positive difference. Applications for the 2025 Thompson Youth Make a Difference Contest are open again and can be submitted online until March 28. You can also view other past winnersโ stories on the website. Please go to tsd.org/make-a-difference-contest.
Thompson Youth Make a Difference Contest - Deadline March 28
Submit a step-by-step plan online by March 28th about how you can make a difference in your community.
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/make-a-difference-contest
Project Prom Colorado Apparel Giveaway
Project Prom Colorado invites students from across Northern Colorado to choose a free outfit in April at Project Promโs pop-up site located in the previous Express location at the Promenade Shops at Centerra. Project Prom offers accessories, shoes, suits, and a variety of formal dress styles.
On Friday, April 11, a special opportunity to win prizes and giveaways 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 throughout April. All students are asked to present their student ID to shop. For more information and April dates, visit: https://www.thompsontef.org/project-prom-colorado
TSD Appreciation Series with the Colorado Rockies
Tickets for these games are available here: https://www.thompsontef.org/denver-sports-games
๐๐ก๐จ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฐ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐-๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ซ
February 10 โ May 5, 2025
๐๐ก๐จ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฐ๐จ?
New to the district? If your student (grades K-12) wants to attend a school outside of their boundary area, you must complete both a Choice Enrollment application and an Online Registration Application for the correct school year. Missed Round One? No problem! You can still apply during Round Two.
๐๐ฅ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐?
You do not need to apply again unless you want to request a different school.
Important Information:
Round Two applications are automatically waitlisted. Families will receive an email if a seat becomes available. The 2025-26 waitlist will expire on August 14, 2025.
Staying at your current school? No action is neededโNo choice enrollment application is required!
๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ:
Dual Language Immersion
International Baccalaureate
Loveland Area Integrated School of the Arts
STEM/STEAM
Leader in Me
and many more!
๐ผ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐๐ง๐: https://www.tsd.org/enrollment/choice
During periods of inclement weather, Thompson School District is occasionally faced with the difficult decision on whether or not to close schools. You can find more information about this process and how these announcements are communicated here:
https://www.tsd.org/departments/communications/school-closing-delayed-start
