Big T Weekly

Dear Big T Families,

Thank you for another fabulous week of learning and fun! We're proud to announce that CMAS testing is now complete, with only a few make-up tests remaining. Your support in ensuring students were well-prepared and on time made this testing period a success.

📅 Upcoming Events (Chronological Order)

• April 25 – Eco-Brick Competition Ends
  We're nearing the end of our Eco-Brick Competition. Kindergarten is currently leading with 75 bricks submitted! Our goal is to collect 1,000 eco-bricks by April 25. Each student is encouraged to contribute 10 eco-bricks to help us reach our target. These bricks will be used to insulate our new composting bins, promoting sustainability within our school

• April 28 – Picture Day (Rescheduled)
  Picture Day has been rescheduled to Monday, April 28. Ensure your child is ready for their photo by reviewing the information sent home and checking the flyer in this newsletter for details.​
  
  

• May 2 – Better World Day
  Join us in celebrating Better World Day, a day dedicated to service and learning about sustainability. Permission slips are being sent home in Friday Folders today and are due back by April 30.​
  
  Morning Session:

• K–2nd Grade: Field trip to Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park from 9:15–11:00 AM. Students will participate in hands-on stations focused on sustainability, waterways, and ecosystems, facilitated by CSU students.

• 3rd–5th Grade: Assembly in the gym from 9:00–10:00 AM. Topics include the construction and maintenance of our new composting bins and the impact of fish on our waterways, presented by Kyle Battige, Senior Aquatic Biologist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.​

• Afternoon Session:

• K–2nd Grade: Assembly in the gym from 1:30–2:30 PM.

• 3rd–5th Grade: Field trip to Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park from 1:15–2:30 PM.​

• May 7 – Jog-a-thon (Rescheduled)
  Our annual Jog-a-thon has been rescheduled to Wednesday, May 7, in the afternoon. This fun-filled event promotes wellness and school spirit. Please refer to the flyer included in this newsletter for more details on the exciting incentives available for students based on the funds they raise.​
  
  

• May 15 – Celebration of Learning
  Mark your calendars for our Celebration of Learning on May 15. This evening event will showcase student projects and learning journeys from the school year. More details will be shared soon.​
  
  

📌 Reminder

There will be no school for students on Friday, April 25.​

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to these upcoming events and celebrating our students' achievements together!

Warmly,

Sarah Walgast

Principal

Big T's annual fundraiser is coming up on Wednesday May 7th! Our goal is to raise $7,000 and for every student to gather at least $40 in donations. The students will run laps on the upper playground track to earn their donations. You can start donating today at https://jogforbigt.com/donate

Attention Families! Thompson School District's 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤-𝐈𝐧 link for the 2025-2026 school year is now available on your Parent Portal. This yearly update is required for every student enrolled in Thompson School District for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents/guardians in the student’s primary household need to complete the application by reviewing and updating household, emergency contact, student health information and permissions via the link. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲-𝐭𝐨-𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲. Accessing the Annual Family Check-In Link: https://www.tsd.org/enrollment/afc 1) Follow the instructions on the web page, to log into your Parent Portal account. 2) If you are not able to access your Portal account, please contact your student's school secretary/front office staff to request your username and/or password or contact the helpdesk@tsd.org or 970-613-7777 If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact your student's school secretary/front office staff. We greatly appreciate your support in ensuring that your students and family's information is accurate and complete.

Here is the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JHpYdtceT8ekzFG1cbzyTg#/registration

* When your student is absent it is a good idea to reach out to their teacher to get work to do at home. However, still call the attendance line or email the office to excuse the absence. Teachers are busy and may not have time to let the office know that the absence was excused through them.

You can now excuse the absence through the parent portal if that is more convenient for you.

* If your student is absent due to an appointment, please get a medical note from the clinic and send it to the front office. Medical appointments with a note are the only absences the state of Colorado considers as excused for their count purposes.

* Remember, if you need to change how your student normally goes home please call or email the office before 2:30 PM. Stacey.faykosh@tsd.org or 970-613-5600

* Please remember that toys are to remain at home. They can be a distraction in the classroom and there are tears if the toy disappears.

**Small lost and found items are usually kept at the office.

Unboxing the REAL VIPs of Big T Elementary! Mrs. Walgast and her trusty co-principal, Eddy, are ready for duty (and maybe a Diet Coke break!). Safety first, fun always!

Here is the link to see the club stats: https://chelsiwoodcoxphotography.my.canva.site/big-thompson-running-club

Join the Healthy Kids summer fun runs. T-Shirts are limited so sign up early!

https://www.uchealth.org/services/community-health/healthy-kids/run-series/

Healthy Kids Club is a program sponsored by UCHealth to promote health and wellness for kids. They offer programs throughout the year including in the summer. Here is the link: healthykidsclub.org

April 22 - PTA dinner fundraising at Culvers 4:30 - 7:30

April 24 - 4th grade field trip

April 25 - no school / Robotics scrimmage

April 28 - Group and individual picture day

May 1 - Volunteer appreciation

May 2 - Better World Day

May 5 - 8 - Bookfair

May 6 - 5th grade to visit Walt Clark and 2nd grade field trip

May 7 - Jog-A-Thon

May 8 - 3rd grade field trip

May 13 - Field day

May 15 - Celebration of Learning

May 20 - Kindergarten science fair

May 21 - 5th grade to Spring Canyon Park

May 23 - Last day of school. 1/2 day. PTA end of year celebration at Mehaffey Park

Email: info.bigt@thompsonschools.org
Website: https://www.thompsonschools.org/BigThompson
Location: 7702 W Hwy 34, Loveland, CO, USA
Phone: 970-613-5600
Facebook: facebook.com/BigThompsonElementarySchoolofNatureandStem

Preschool for 2025-2026

Are you interested in your child being ready for kindergarten? The Thompson School District's Integrated Early Childhood Program provides quality preschool experiences for three and four year olds at 15 different sites around the Loveland and Berthoud area.

If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by October 1, 2025, your child may be eligible to participate in the Thompson School District's Early Childhood Program. We ask all interested families to complete our Preschool Interest Form available on our preschool website. If you have any questions about our program, please call 970-613-5052.

School year District Fees have been added to your student's account. See the link below for how to pay online. You can also bring cash or check to the front office. If you bring cash, please bring the exact amount as we do not have change.

School Closure Line

Linea de Cierre Escolar

(970) 613-6788

Pokemon cards, oh my! We need your support. Pokemon cards should not be brought to school. These cards are becoming a distraction to learning and have caused numerous arguments as well as some tears. So, we are asking that Pokemon cards be left at home. If a student brings these cards to school and they are not left in the backpack, the teacher will hold onto the cards until the end of the day. At the end of the day, the cards will be given back to the student to take home and leave at home. If the cards are brought back again (after being told to leave them at home), the cards will be given to the office and will need to be picked up by a family member. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your support and cooperation with this matter.

NOCO Emergency Alert

Hi Principals! Larimer County Fire Departments have asked us to share this information. Please be sure to pass this information out to your families. This emergency alert will alert those who sign up for it with emergency notifications from Larimer county. Please text NOCOALERT to 888777.

Save your Morning Fresh milk caps and send them to the school. The PTA turns them in for money.

If you do any purchasing through Office Depot/Max, please use our ID#70018268. We get 5% back through their Gives Back to School Program. Thank you!

You are able to make an anonymous report for anything that concerns or threatens you, your family, your friends, or your community. For more information go to:

https://safe2tell.org/