Dear Thompson School District Community,
Nearly seven years ago, I had the privilege of joining this incredible school district as your superintendent. At that same time, my family and I made Thompson our home—my daughter began sixth grade at one of our outstanding schools, and shortly thereafter, my wife joined the district as an elementary school counselor. From the very beginning, we immersed ourselves fully into this community, both personally and professionally. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated educators, passionate families, and inspiring students.
As I reflect on these past seven years, I have such pride and gratitude. Our school district has grown stronger, more innovative, and more connected than ever before. Together, we have built a culture that values excellence, equity, and opportunity for every learner. We have also seen consistent growth in student achievement and graduation rates, and we have made significant strides in expanding post-secondary pathways, job readiness, and real-world learning.
We have celebrated major milestones—passing a Bond and Mill Levy Override, opening new schools, launching a thriving Early Childhood Center, and establishing the Thompson Career Campus as a beacon of career and technical education across the region. These accomplishments are not just milestones, they are the result of hard work, collaboration, and a shared belief in the boundless potential of our students.
To the Thompson community: Thank you. Your steadfast support, engagement, and belief in public education have been instrumental in our collective success. Whether you are a parent, volunteer, business partner, or community advocate, your commitment to our schools has made a profound difference. I am deeply grateful to be part of such a generous and forward-thinking community.
To our incredible staff: Bravo! Your unwavering dedication, creativity, and compassion are the heart of this district. You show up every day to support, inspire, and uplift our students, often in ways that go unseen but never unappreciated. Whether in the classroom, in support roles, or in leadership, you have been instrumental in shaping a culture where all students can thrive. I am truly in awe of your resilience and your commitment to excellence in everything you do.
And to our students: You are the reason we do this work, and you continue to inspire me daily. You have faced challenges with courage, pursued your passions with enthusiasm, and achieved so much in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership, and service. Watching you grow, overcome, and succeed has been one of the greatest joys of my career. You give me hope for the future, and I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you.
This role has been so much more than a job; it has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. I will carry the memories, relationships, and experiences with me always.
As I prepare to step away from this position, please know that I remain your biggest supporter. Thompson School District has a bright future ahead, and I am excited to see where your continued dedication, vision, and heart will take you next.
Thank you for the trust, the partnership, and the opportunity to serve as your superintendent.
Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District
The State of Colorado’s Department of Education formally presented academic achievement awards to three Thompson School District schools. The awards were earned as a result of student assessments completed last year. Administered each spring, the State of Colorado’s assessment program is a standards-based process designed to measure student performance at schools throughout the state.
Awards presented to district schools include:
Berthoud Elementary School and Coyote Ridge Elementary, an IB World School
2024 John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award
Named after former Colorado State Representative John J. Irwin, these awards are given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time. To capture this award, each school received an “Exceeds Expectations” rating on the Academic Achievement indicator of the School Performance Frameworks, reflecting exceptional performance in Math, English Language Arts, and Science.
2024 Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award
The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards are given to schools that demonstrate exceptional student growth. On the school performance framework that is used by the state, these schools "exceed" expectations on the indicator related to longitudinal academic growth at all grade levels.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our schools for earning these state academic achievement awards,” said Thompson School District superintendent Dr. Marc Schaffer. “This recognition is a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our students, families, educators, and staff. The commitment to academic success throughout our entire school district continues to inspire.”
Thompson School District is pleased to announce the winners of this year's Thompson Youth Make a Difference Contest, which recognizes students who are making a positive difference in their community. A special thank you goes out to all of the students who submitted applications in this year's contest. Each winner will receive $300 in supplies as well as assistance connecting to businesses and organizations to help make their plans a reality. More information on their projects will be released as they are completed. You can also check out this video about one of the past winners from Coyote Ridge Elementary School. https://youtu.be/I-v0lTriCek
K-5th Grade Winners:
Quinn Baken and Kinsley Schmidt – 4th Grade
Winona Elementary School
Quinn Baken and Kinsley Schmidt noticed that many books are torn and worn out in the Winona Elementary School reading room. Additionally, they saw that newly published reading materials and advanced chapter books are not available either. So they decided to lead a project with their classmates that will update and improve the reading room because they understand the importance of literacy. This will include reorganizing and cleaning the reading room to create a welcoming atmosphere. Their goal is to inspire and encourage all students to read.
“I really like to read and I think it would really help out other kids to like reading more
too.” – Quinn Baken
“I love reading. It’s like a movie, but better. You learn new things and new words.” – Kinsley Schmidt
Thompson School District is exploring the option of offering dual language learning to our Early Childhood program at Cottonwood Plains Elementary, which is currently home to a dual language immersion program for students kindergarten through fifth grade.
If you are interested in giving your child the gift of a second language at Cottonwood Plains, please complete the interest form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRmteJ7Zf_b-wnxyQiz8Wbk8gu9DFapKNZJDFElqvG2B-Iiw/viewform?usp=dialog
Thompson’s Tech4All 1:1 program supports the Strive 2025 Strategic Plan by equipping students with the digital tools they need for their future. By providing access to these resources, we’re creating learning environments that empower students to reach their full potential. We’re excited to have your child experience a summer filled with learning and growth! To ensure it is smooth and successful, you can visit the ITS website to learn everything you need to know about the digital components for summer: https://www.tsd.org/departments/its/tech4all/summer-device-support
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student learning. We’re looking forward to a summer of curiosity, creativity, and discovery. With your support, we know your student will make the most of their learning and technology tools this season! We trust you to take care of your device and continue to learn during the summer.
Trailblazing Thompson: A Salute to Excellence
Thompson Education Foundation and Thompson School District recognized excellence in education at this district-wide celebration in April. TEF's Educator of the Year awardees were also recognized at this event. Here are the honorees: https://www.thompsontef.org/trailblazing-thompson
Colorado Rockies TSD Appreciation Series
Get tickets here: https://www.thompsontef.org/denver-sports-games
TEF's Help Kids Succeed School Supply Program
Each fall, TEF provides school supplies and backpacks to TSD students and the impact is significant. Each student should be able to start their school year prepared with the necessary learning tools for success. If your family could use help with school supplies next fall, please visit your student's school in August for a supply kit. Donations make the difference for this program: https://www.thompsontef.org/donate
Sounds of Centerra
Join TEF on Friday, July 11 at Chapungu Sculpture Park for Soul School, the perennial favorite at this annual concert series. We'll be rocking out at the park from 7-9 p.m., and while this is a free event, donations to the foundation are always welcome and appreciated! More info here: https://www.centerra.com/sounds/
TEF Peach Sales
TEF will be taking orders for peaches again this year to support the Scheer Student Opportunity Fund. More information will be available on the TEF website soon. Keep your eyes peeled: https://www.thompsontef.org/peach-sales-2025
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is asking its community partners to help spread the word about measles prevention. At this time, there are no known cases within the district.
To learn more about the disease, including some helpful tips, please visit the link. https://www.larimer.gov/health/communicable-disease/measles-information
The Summer Learning Program returns to the Loveland Public Library!
This year’s theme, Color Our World, brings vibrant fun to all library activities. Program participants can earn prizes for reading and completing summer activities. Registration starts at the kickoff party on Friday, May 23, 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Visit http://lovlib.org/slp for more information about the program, special events, and how to get started.
