Big T Weekly

Dear Big T Families,

If you were not able to give us feedback on our character habits, please do so here: Habits of Character Community Input Survey

We also would appreciate feedback on the Celebration of Learning: Celebration of Learning Feedback Form

This information is worth repeating again:

End of Year Information

The 2024-2025 school year brings some exciting changes to Big T.

• We will have a “Parent Patio” for relaxing and socializing after drop-off and before pick-up.

• We will continue our partnerships with EL Education and Project Heart. We look to expand our community partnerships and work with Colorado State University’s Warner College of Natural Resources.

• We are welcoming 3 new staff members:

• Amanda Farrar- 2nd grade teacher

• Carina Leal- 4th grade teacher

• Melanie Keith- School Counselor

Here’s the entire staff “line-up” for 2024-25:

• Maralee Powell and Sarah Soto- Learning Center Teachers

• Christy Klee- Learning Center Para

• TBD- Occupational Therapist

• TBD- Speech Pathologist

• TBD- Psychologist

• Melanie Keith- Counselor

• Diana. Ritschard- GT/Innovation

• Izzy Stewart- Technology/Media

• Stacey Sandelin- Art

• Debbie Luithly- PE

• Leah Witt- Music/ Instructional Coach

• Laura Edwards- Kindergarten

• Timmy Newman- Kindergarten

• Christina Helling- 1st grade

• Brandon Kitzerow/Dana Jacks- Classroom Aide for 1st grade

• Karla Leonard- 2nd grade

• Amanda Farrar- 2nd grade

• Michelle Stroik- 3rd grade

• Scott Scheese- 3rd grade

• Anne Messerli- 4th grade

• Carina Leal- 4th grade

• Stephanie Dean- 5th grade

• Micheal Kurtz- 5th grade

• Mary Ann Zweigle- Health Office Aide

• Heather Adsit- Nurse

• Stacey Faykosh-Burtis- Secretary

• April Hill- Kitchen Manager

• Kathy Shuler- Kitchen Support

• Joel Smith- Custodial

• Eddy- Therapy dog

Class Lists:

One of the most challenging things we do each year is to create class lists. Although it may seem like an easy task, it is a very complicated and thoughtful process.

Our main priority is to create balanced classrooms where all students can be successful. The grade level team works together to create balanced classrooms by ensuring strong male/female leaders, behavior needs and academic needs are equally represented in each classroom.

As you can imagine, there are many factors that we must consider that can create a domino effect. We know there are certain students who need to be separated and ones who will work better together. For example, student “A” may need to be separated from student “B” and student “C,” but student “C” may have two different students he/she needs to be separated from. This can get pretty complicated.

I’ve had parents speak to me and give me input and I will evaluate this information after we have ensured classes are truly set. Although we are not always able to honor this input (due to the challenges already listed), we try our best. Once class lists are posted, we will not make changes. Thanks for understanding. Class lists will be posted during the week of August 7th

Avoid the “summer slide”: If your student was using Lexia and iReady at school, he/she may continue to use this program at home through June 30th. Also, consider getting involved in the Loveland Library Summer Reading Program.

School Start and End Times will remain the same for next year:

I am sure you all are already aware of this, but just to be sure….

• Start time: 8:00a.m. (M, T, Th, F)

• Start time: 9:00a.m. (W)

• End time: 3:10p.m. (M, T, W, Th, F)

Back to School Night, Ice Social and other beginning of the year events:

• We will send out more information about such events as soon as we can.

Enjoy your summer with family and friends! Get outdoors, be creative, do some math and read! See you in August!

Most sincerely,

Sarah Walgast

Principal

Annual Family Check-In (AFC)

Once again it is time for families to review their Annual Family Check-In (AFC) information. It is important to complete this step as we start gearing up for the next school year.

The Annual Family Check-In is required for ALL current students in Thompson School District. Families are required to have a parent or guardian in the student’s current primary household review and sign permission forms and update (if needed) the student’s household information, emergency contacts, and health information.

Annual Family Check-In is located in the Parent Portal Account. For assistance, please contact Portal@TSD.org.

Class That won the Pizza Party: Mr. Newman's class with $770.00

Classroom Winners that get to spray Mrs Walgast with silly string:

K-E Lucas Leddy

K-N Elijah Palmer

1-H Gabby May

1-S Rowan Maguire

2-W Annabelle Woodmansee

2-L Wyatt Gage

3-Sc Ezra Soto

3-St. J Piper Morgan

4-M Bodhi Jessen

4-H Connor Markley

5-D Keegan Mandile

5-K Lincoln Axtman

* 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.

Help the art room get organized with a much needed supply storage update!

2024 Summer Fun

Loveland

Winona Swim Pool 1615 4th Street. Open Memorial Day through the end of summer vacation. Winona Swim Pool info

Monday- Wednesday from noon - 7 pm; Thursday- Sunday from Noon - 5 pm. July 4th, 10 am - 5 pm, Family Swim Sundays 10 am - Noon. 10 and 20 punch passes are available. Infants under 2 are free, Toddlers (2-5) $4.50, Youth (6-17) $5.50, Adults (18+) $6.50,, Seniors (62+) $5.75, and non-swimmers/spectators $3.00 ***Swim Lessons are offered at Winona. Sign up at the Chilson Rec Center.

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Loveland Swim Beach: Located at North Lake Park 29th and Taft. Swimmers may only swim when lifeguards are present. Hours are 10:30 am - 5:30 pm https://www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation/aquatics/swim-beach

Loveland Parks and Rec- Chilson Center 700 E. 4th St. (970)-962-2386 May - August 2024 activity guide

Camps, classes, swim lessons, open swim and more. See class schedules and more in the Summer edition of the Activity Guide

Loveland Public Library 300 N. Adams (970)-962-2665. Kids' craft kits for home available for free on the 1st of every month

* New this summer get a free Sweetheart Pass (Chilson is a current option) for more info https://www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org/

Mini Libraries There are several mini libraries scattered throughout Loveland. Take a book, leave a book, or just enjoy the time together. There is no list of these so make it an adventure. Take a walk or drive and find them.

Kids Bowl Free All Summer long kids can bowl free (just pay for the shoes). Sign up online to get your coupons at

Kids Bowl Free signup Main Event Fun Center -4455 N Fairgrounds Ave, Windsor or Chipper Lanes in Fort Collins

Kids on the Plaza June 12- August 7, Noon - 2 pm. Play in the splash pad fountains, enjoy activities with artists, watch children’s movies, and more! 2 pm Movies at Metrolux Dine-in - $2 or $10 for a movie and a kid’s lunch. kids on the plaza

Buckhorn Mini Train North Lake Park at 29th and Taft Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. $1 per ride. Wednesdays 2 pm-8 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays – Sunday noon-8 pm. Closed Mondays.

Loveland Farmers Market 700 S. Railroad Ave. Far North end of Fairgrounds Park Sundays 9 am -1 pm. June 6- September 29. Local Produce and Vendors. SNAP is accepted for double your bucks (ie: pay $5 get $10). Additional Location- Jax 2665 W. Eisenhower Ave. 9a-1p Every Tuesday from April 18-November 7. EBT cards are accepted for triple the amount. Farmers Market info

Kids Splash water pads operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located at the North end of Fairgrounds Park, Loveland Sports Park (950 N Boyd Lake Ave), and The Foundry Plaza Downtown.

Fishing Derby North Lake Duck Pond, 29th and Taft Saturday, May 18th, 8 am–2 pm. The fishing derby is an opportunity for kids aged 15 and under to fish (the pond will be especially filled with LOTS of fish) and NO license is required. It is free of charge and there will be volunteers there to help those who need help learning how to fish. There will also be a police officer to get your child a photo ID that keeps information on your kiddo updated in case of an emergency.

Foote Lagoon Concerts 500 E. 3rd, Thursday Evenings 6:30-9 pm, concert at 7 pm. July 29th - August 19th with food trucks, a kid's area. Bring a lawn chair or blanket RialtoTheaterCenter.org/Loveland-Summer-Concerts/

Sweetheart City Car Show and Family Festival June 8th, 9 am - 2 pm. Immanuel Lutheran Church (4650 Sunview). Music, hamburgers, brats, car shows, and free family fun. More info via Facebook

Loveland July 4th Celebration at North Lake Park — Free activities and displays starting at 3 pm. The Kids Zone Play Area and vendor booths will be in the west parking lot near the playground and include the Mobile Recreation Trailer games, giant building blocks from Everblock, face painter, balloon artists, climbing wall, the Buckhorn Train, food trucks and dozens of vendors. Children’s Bike Parade at 4 pm. The cornhole tournament is at 4 p.m. next to the Beer Garden. Live music at the Hammond Amphitheater from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. including performances by Wood Belly, Creole Stomp, and Loveland Concert Band. Fireworks launch at 9:17 p.m. over Lake Loveland.

Loveland Cherry Celebration Lincoln and 5th St, (by the Loveland Museum) Saturday, July 15th, 5 - 8 pm.

Loveland Loves BBQ Old Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad, July 12th and 13th https://www.lovelandlovesbbq.com/

Loveland ama la BBQ Old Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad, 12 y 13 de julioLoveland_ama_BBQ

Jurassic Quest June 14-16 @The Ranch 5280 Arena Cir Loveland Jurassic Quest in

La Búsqueda Jurásica 14-16 de junio @The Ranch 5280 Arena Cir La Busqueda Jurasica en Loveland

Larimer County Fair and Rodeo The Ranch-Larimer County Fairgrounds, 5280 Arena Cir, August 2-6. Free Admission

Fair Parade July 27th @ 9:30 am - 11 am Downtown Loveland Larimer County Fair

Old Fashioned Corn Roast4th Street and Railroad Ave, Friday, August 23rd (5-10 pm), Saturday, August 24th (9 am-8 pm).

Parade August 24th @ 9:30 am- Downtown Loveland.

Art in the Park Benson Sculpture Park, 29th and Aspen Dr. August 10 and 11 (Sat 10 am- 5 pm and Sun 10 am - 4 pm). https://www.lincolngallery.com/art-in-the-park.html Follow the link for shuttle and parking information.

i 9 Sports (970)422-1127 An alternative to Chilson Rec sports for kids. There is a HUGE variety of sports. Ask about scholarships if needed https://www.i9sports.com/

Loveland Concert Band Free concerts every Tuesday at 7 pm, June 6 – July 9 at Hammond Amphitheater at North Lake Park, 29th and Taft. Featuring many Thompson School District Employees. https://lovelandconcertband.org/events

Free movies in the Park Movie and location guide please see the website attached for more information

Free movies at the Rialto Theatre 228 E 4th Movies are Tuesdays at 10 am and 2 pm 6/4 Hercules 6/18 Ratatouille 6/25 Madagascar 7/2 Happy Feet 7/9 Cars 7/16 Shrek 7/23 Mulan 7/30 Robin Hood

Berthoud

Berthoud Day Berthoud Park, June 1st, 7 am - 9 am Pancake breakfast -Boy Scouts fundraiser at 600 3rd,

The parade starts at 11 am down Mountain Ave. from 2nd - 8th streets. Main event @ Waggener farm from noon - 9 pm. https://berthoudcolorado.com/berthoud-day/

Berthoud Rec Center 1000 Berthoud Pkwy 970-532-1600 Check out their website to see what services are offered. All things Berthoud Rec Center

Berthoud Public Library 236 Welch Ave 970-532-2757. Berthoud Library

Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p Saturdays 10 am --4 pm, Closed Sunday See website for events including perky pre-k storytime every Friday and musical moments and kids yoga.

Berthoud Fireworks Celebration — The Festival at Berthoud Recreation Center from 4 pm to 8 pm, includes food trucks, inflatable slides, live music, a Beer Garden, face painting, lawn games, and more. The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Free Fairy Garden and Mini Library 629 8th St. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy time reading and looking at the fun animals. There are swings and lots of fun stuff for all the kids

Fort Collins

Fort Collins July 4 Celebration Parade at 10 a.m. along Mountain Ave. Starting at 4 p.m. enjoy music, food vendors, and more at City Park. Fort Collins Symphony plays at 8:15 p.m. Fireworks show over Sheldon Lake at 9:35 p.m. FREE Transfort shuttle service to and from the park starting at 5:30 p.m. from the Downtown Transit Center (DTC) and the CSU Towers parking lot. Events page

Lincoln Center Free Summer Kids series 417 West Magnolia. Thursdays at 10 am June 13 - July 18. Live music, interactive performances, and fun for the whole family. https://www.lctix.com/season-packages-bundles/childrens-summer-series/

Summer Camp

Summer Camp Guide Summer Camp Guide

YMCA Camp Guide NOCO YMCA Camps (there are camps for younger kiddos)

Loveland Gardeners Club summer camps Loveland Gardeners Club

Rainy day activities

Home Depot Free kids days Available at any Home Depot, information is attached to this link. Free kids project Lowe’s free kids workshops Available at any Lowe’s, information attached to this link. Free kids workshops Elitch Gardens PreK pass Registration ends May 21st so check out the link for instructions. PreK pass registration

Build-a-Bear Take your kiddo to Build-a-Bear during their birthday month and pay the amount of their birthday age Count your candles

Rocky Mountain National Park Free admission day June 19th. Just a short drive up the canyon in beautiful Estes Park.

Colorado State Parks free day visit any state park in our beautiful state, including Boyd Lake right here in Loveland. List of State Parks

Nutrition

The LunchLab Summer begins May 28th join the Lunch Lab through Larimer County Food Bank every weekday for a free lunch and activities. They are at different sites throughout Loveland and Fort Collins each day. See the attached link to see where they will be located each day and what time. No registration is required. Look for the Lunch Lab truck. https://foodbanklarimer.org/the-lunch-lab/

KidsPak Weekend food bags will be available to pick up at the Loveland Public Library and Berthoud Public Library

Thompson School District Free Lunch We encourage all families with kiddos going into Kindergarten to go to the school for lunch at least a few times during the summer so that they can get used to getting lunch on their own. The locations and times are on the attached flier

Provided by TSD Early Childhood, Created by Beth Balk

Healthy Kids Run Series

REGISTER FOR THE RUN SERIES

Stay active as a family this summer!

The 25th annual UCHealth Healthy Kids Run Series is a free program that features a mix of four family friendly in-person one-mile fun runs and four one-mile course maps at local parks that you complete on your own, at any time during the designated month, plus one of your choosing for a total of nine runs.

In-Person Runs (One-Mile Fun Run):

• Run for the Trees, 11 a.m. on May 4 at Centennial Park, Loveland
• NEW EVENT! Track Event June, TIME TBD, Fort Collins
• NEW EVENT! Track Event July TIME TBD, Windsor
• NEW EVENT! Aim for the Stars on August 10 at Aims Community College, Greeley

On-Your-Own Courses (One-mile):

• May – Fossil Creek Park, Fort Collins
• June – Bittersweet Park, Greeley
• July – Twin Silo Park, Fort Collins
• August – Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Loveland
• Any summer month – Do a one-mile fun run at a park of your choosing.

Click here for course maps

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

The district student fees for the school year have been added to student accounts. You can bring cash or check to the front office or log on to your parent portal account and pay with a credit card. Here is the instructions for paying on parent portal:

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

August 13th - Back to school night

August 14th - Transition day for incoming Kindergarteners

August 15th - School begins - all students

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

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, 2024, 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 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/