Ferguson High School Newsletter

How-to translate this newsletter guide

Guia para traducir el boletín informativo

We wish our FHS students, staff, and families a very Happy Thanksgiving. May you enjoy a week of relaxation and a wonderful day of festivities with your loved ones. We hope that you create a lot of beautiful memories. Thanksgiving is a day for expressing thanks to all those people who have helped us and supported us in everything that we have done to serve our FHS students. On this special occasion, we thank our colleagues, teachers, students, and staff who have supported us throughout the year. We are thankful for you.

We are excited to have you as part of the Ferguson High School Family.

At 30 days, and with 30 teams, our FHS business students were in 3rd place and stayed there for a long time. AMAZING. Ultimately, they finished in 15th place. We are so proud of them!

Quarter awards are an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and respect the efforts of our students, staff, and families. We were able to celebrate SO many students during our awards ceremony, and we couldn't be prouder of our students and staff.

LUC stands for Latinos United in Community, and all students are welcome to celebrate diversity and Latino culture with us. We go on field trips, have a celebration for Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), do fundraisers, play games, do community service, and more.

If interested in joining the FHS LUC Club, please reach out to laura.wahr@tsd.org or judy.gustafson@tsd.org.

We Belong Campaign

The purpose of the WE BELONG CAMPAIGN is to create a sense of belonging, connection, inclusion, and tolerance. In Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior, he argues that a failed sense of belongingness is a key component of suicidality. Therefore, activities, messages, and campaigns that foster students' sense of belonging can help reduce suicide risk. A key component for achieving a sense of belonging is feeling that one’s own unique or special qualities are part of a larger school or community family. We want a young person to say, “Although we may be different, we all belong and have a place within the larger school or community. Our differences make us stronger.” This campaign seeks to create space and opportunities for students and staff to share stories of what makes them unique or special and then display each individual’s unique contribution as a vital part of a larger whole. By writing or stating how “I Belong,” we can cultivate a sense that “We Belong.”

As in all Sources of Strength campaigns, the goal is to create opportunities for the general population to ENGAGE, INTERACT, and APPLY the principles to their own lives and personal context. By creating space to tell personal stories of belonging, the WE BELONG CAMPAIGN contextualizes and normalizes that our school and community hold a space for everyone and that each unique person belongs to the larger whole.

This survey gives us important feedback that will be used to help us achieve the goals of our Strive 2025 Strategic Plan and ensure an Inclusive and Supportive Culture throughout Thompson School District. Please click this link to hear from our proud superintendent, Dr. Marc Schaffer, about the importance of this survey.

We value your opinions. Your feedback is important to us to improve the educational opportunities and services we provide to students, families, and the community. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete this survey. The survey is open from October 24 through November 11. We hope this gives all TSD families adequate time to complete the survey.

You can click on this link to take the survey for your child's school. You can then do it again for children you have at other schools.

Important: If you have a child enrolled in a TSD charter school (Loveland Classical Schools or New Vision), you will participate in a separate climate and culture survey process in the future. If you have any questions, please reach out to the school.

Thank you for your help with this important project--Your voice matters!

When? Friday, November 11th

** Progress Grades: Progress grades will be posted by the end of the day, Friday, November 11th. Your Quarter 2 Progress Student Success Scores will be emailed to you in the days following. Please be on the lookout for these scores as they are important indicators of your student's overall success as determined by academics, attendance and behavior so far this quarter.

** Picture Retakes: Picture retakes are scheduled for Friday morning at 9am on November 11th at Ferguson High School. Click here to order retakes from Studio5. Retakes are for:
* Students new to Ferguson High School (Quarter 2 Scholars)
* Ferguson students who missed the original picture day on September 21st
* Families who ordered a photo package in September and are unsatisfied with the photo. In this case, you must return the original photo package in its entirety on picture retake day. Studio5 will print the retaken photo with the exact same package previously ordered.

When? Tuesday, November 15th

Quarter 2 conferences will be held in-person from 3:30pm to 5:30pm on Tuesday, November 15th in the large open Collaboration space at Ferguson High School. Parents and students are welcome to come at their leisure to speak with any teacher at any time between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm that afternoon. Each teacher will be set-up with their own table and chairs with a large name tag identifying which teacher is at which table.

Spanish-speaking families, please reach out to Carmen Perez-Gauvin at 970-613-5344 or at carmen.perez-gauvin@tsd.org to schedule a time to meet with your student’s teachers during conferences. This will ensure a translator is present during that time.

If you are unable to attend conferences, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your student’s teachers on an individual basis to schedule another time to discuss your student’s progress.

When? Mon, Nov 21st through Fri, Nov 25th

Please enjoy this well-deserved week-long break with your family. We look forward to finishing out Quarter 2 strong when your students return.

When? Tuesday, November 29th

Our second School Accountability Committee (SAC) meeting will take place at Ferguson High School from 4:15 to 5:15 pm on Tuesday, November 29th. The SAC provides a unique opportunity for parents and guardians to provide input into our school's direction and make recommendations to the principal on school priorities. If you are interested in joining us, please respond at sarah.rosenberry@tsd.org so I can send you a personal calendar invitation.

1. Santa Cops of Larimer County

NEW LOCATION: Ranch Events Complex

McKee 4H Building - 4850 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO

80538

WHEN?

● Wed. Nov. 9th, 4 - 8 pm (Berthoud, Loveland and Ft. Collins meeting rooms)

● Sat. Nov. 12th, 9 am - 4 pm (Estes Park, Timnath and LaPorte meeting rooms)

● Wed. Nov. 16th, 4 - 8 pm (Berthoud, Loveland, Ft. Collins meeting rooms)

● Sat. Nov. 19th, 9 am - 4 pm (Ft. Collins meeting room)

APPLICATIONS:

Santa Cops Application - English

Application - Santa Cops - Spanish

Bring the completed application, photo ID, and proof of residence within Larimer County, such as a utility bill, and proof of guardianship of each child (birth certificate, social security card, medical card, or school record.) For more information: https://santacopslarimercounty.org/apply/

2. Adopt-A-Family

LOCATION: Foundations Church - 1380 Denver Avenue

WHEN? Nov. 1st, 8th, 15th and 29th (4 - 6 pm)

Ministry of SERVE 6.8 provides gifts to families with kids 18 and under. You can request a referral through the front office at your school. Attend one of the Gift Registration Nights to fill out gift requests and receive a gift. Please pick up tickets to redeem at a Church Connection Event.

3. Salvation Army of Loveland

LOCATION: 840 N Lincoln Ave

Thanksgiving

The Salvation Army of Loveland offers Thanksgiving turkeys (frozen) to families and individuals residing in the Loveland / Berthoud area. Turkey vouchers are available now until supplies last.

Please visit The Salvation Army at 840 N Lincoln Ave to receive a turkey voucher from

Monday - Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

Eligibility requirements: proof of residency in Loveland or Berthoud. With questions, call 970-699-8380.

Christmas Gifts

Loveland Salvation Army will open its Angel Tree program on December 13 and will run until December 23, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

Located at our Loveland office located at 840 N Lincoln Ave.

Families who have not registered with any other gift programs may come in from December 13th - 23rd to register and to receive gifts for their children the same day.

Requirements for the Angel Tree program: proof of residency in Loveland or Berthoud and verification that the family has children ages 0 to 17 years old. That verification may include a birth certificate or school records, or benefit records – anything to show that the family has kids living with them.

With questions, call 970-699-8380. Note: if you have an Ft. Collins address, contact the Salvation Army of Ft. Collins at 970-207-4472 and make an appointment.

4. House of Neighborly Service

Holiday Food Basket

When? Now through December 22nd

Visit HNS beginning December 1st to receive a Christmas Dinner Food Basket. This service will be available to income-qualified households living within Thompson R2-J School District or with a Berthoud address.

Contact House of Neighborly Service to learn more -

Loveland: Call (970) 667-4939 or visit 1511 E. 11th Street, Loveland from Monday -Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or on the 1st Thursday of the month from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Berthoud: Call (970) 532- 0161 or visit 375 Meadowlark Drive Berthoud on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You should plan to arrive 2 hours before closing.

Christmas Toy Store

When? Now through December - see dates below. *Depends on location!

This program provides an opportunity for parents/guardians to shop for new toys or gift cards (teens) for the children of the home. This program is for households that reside within Thompson R2-J School District or with a Berthoud address.

Loveland: Call (970) 667-4939 or visit 1511 E. 11th Street, Loveland, from Monday -Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, or on the 1st Thursday of the month from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Berthoud: Call (970) 532- 0161 or visit 375 Meadowlark Drive, Berthoud ** Berthoud’s

Christmas Store will ONLY be open on December 13th,15th,20th, and 22nd from 9 am to 5 pm

5. Northern Colorado Toy Shop

LOCATION: Knights of Columbus Hall, 121 N. Meldrum, Ft. Collins, CO 80521

When? December 3, 2022, from 9 am - 2 pm

6th Annual Toy Drive in Fort Collins to provide assistance to 500 children ages birth to 18 on

December 3, 2022, from 9 am - 2 pm or until we run out of toys. Each child will receive a big toy, a small toy, a wooden toy car, and a stocking. We encourage you to bring a large, black

lawn bag to take your toys home in or something else that can help you transport your toys from our venue to your vehicle.

The event is first come, first served. A completed survey will be required to enter the toy shop and will be given out on the day of the event. A birth certificate from anywhere is REQUIRED along with a picture ID for the parent receiving services. You may only shop for your children at this event.

For more information: https://kenziscauses.org/toy-shop-fort-collins/ be accepted from now until Sunday, November 13th. After submitting your gift requests, a volunteer will contact you.

6. Let Your Light Shine Bright - Giving Tree

Let Your Light Shine Bright" is holding its annual Giving Tree and Holiday Outreach through New Freedom Outreach Center in Berthoud.

Applications can be found on their website: lightshinebright-nf.com/apply/.

They will be accepted from now until Sunday, November 13th. After submitting your gift requests, a volunteer will contact you.

For assistance, more information, or any other support, please contact family-center@tsd.org or go to tsd.org/familycenter

When? Accepting submissions from now through December 2nd.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission announced their selection of the 2023 theme: “Strength through Justice.” Justice is the “quality of being just, impartial, or fair” (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 2020). There were many times in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life when he was afraid to teach about justice, fairness, and civil rights, but Dr. King found strength in his commitment to serve others and to stand up for what is right and fair for all.

This art and writing contest is an opportunity for you to share your experiences and show your creativity in demonstrating how your “strength to act in a just or fair way helped you and/or others” to honor Dr. MLK Jr. and his legacy.

ART CONTEST DETAILS

Pre-K-12th Student ART Contest Prompt:

Create a 2-D or 3-D art piece that shows a time when your “strength to act in a just or fair way helped you and/or others.”

Art Contest Entry Guidelines:

• 2-D Art entries must be single-sided

• Use the medium of your choice (drawing, painting, photography, collage, sculpture, etc.)

• Art contest entry forms must be received by December 2, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. by:

• Dropping off your entry at the admin building at 800 S. Taft Ave, OR

• Asking your teacher to submit your entry for you (with enough time), OR

• IF NEEDED, take a picture of your work and upload it in the Google Form (click here for Google Form)

WRITING CONTEST DETAILS

Pre-K-12th Student WRITING Contest Prompt:

Write about a time when your “strength to act in a just or fair way helped you and/or others.”

Writing Contest Entry Guidelines:

• Written entries should be one-page maximum, single-sided

• An original essay (narrative, informational, opinion), poem, or song (lyrics, a sheet of music, etc.)

• Writing contest entry forms must be received by December 2, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. by:

• Uploading it in the Google Form (click here for Google Form), OR,

• Dropping off your entry at the admin building at 800 S. Taft Ave, OR,

• Asking your teacher to submit your entry for you (with enough time!)

All contest entries must be received by December 2, 2022, by Veronica White, Department of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the TSD Administration Building, 800 S. Taft Avenue. All winners will be personally notified by December 9, 2022. Winners will be recognized along with their work at the in-person Loveland Community MLK Event on January 16, 2023. Questions? Please email: edi-team@tsd.org

In Spanish:

La Comisión de Festividades del Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. anunció su selección del tema de 2023: "La fuerza a través de la justicia.” La justicia es la "cualidad de ser justo, imparcial o equitativo" (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 2020). Hubo muchos momentos en la vida del Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. en los que tuvo miedo de enseñar sobre la justicia, la imparcialidad y los derechos civiles, pero el Dr. King encontró fuerza en su compromiso de servir a los demás y de defender lo que es correcto y justo para todos.

Este concurso de arte y escritura es una oportunidad para que compartas tus experiencias y muestres tu creatividad al demostrar cómo tu "fuerza para actuar de manera justa o equitativa te ayudó a ti y/o a otros" para honrar al Dr. MLK, Jr. y su legado.

DETALLES DEL CONCURSO DE ARTE

Instrucciones para el concurso de ARTE para estudiantes de preescolar a 12º grado:

Crear una pieza de arte bidimensional o tridimensional que demuestre/represente tu “fuerza para actuar de forma justa o equitativa te ayudó a ti y/o a otros.”

Pautas para el concurso de arte:

• Los trabajos de arte deben aparecer de un solo lado

• Usa el medio de tu preferencia (dibujar, pintar, fotografía, collage, escultura, etc.)

• Deben entregar el formulario de entrada a más tardar el 2 de diciembre, 2022, a las 4:30 p.m.:

• Dejar tu obra en el edificio administrativo localizado en 800 S. Taft Ave, O

• Pedir a tu maestro que entregue tu obra (con suficiente tiempo), O

• SI ES NECESARIO, tomar una foto de tu obra y enviarla con este formulario de Google (haz clic aquí para obtener el formulario)

DETALLES DEL CONCURSO DE ESCRITURA

Instrucciones para el concurso de ESCRITURA para estudiantes de preescolar a 12º grado:

Escriba sobre un momento en el que su “fuerza para actuar de forma justa o equitativa te ayudó a ti y/o a otros.”

Pautas para el concurso de escritura:

• Las piezas de escritura deben ser un máximo de una hoja, de un solo lado

• Un ensayo original (narrativo, informativo, de opinión), poema, o canción (letra, notas en partitura, etc.)

• Deben entregar las obras escritas a más tardar el 2 de diciembre, 2022, a las 4:30 p.m.:

• Enviar electrónicamente en este formulario de Google (haz clic aquí para obtener el formulario), O,

• Llevar tu pieza de escritura al edificio administrativo localizado en 800 S. Taft Ave, O,

• Pedir a tu maestro que entregue tu obra (con suficiente tiempo)

Todas las entradas del concurso deben entregarse a más tardar el 2 de diciembre de 2022, a Veronica White, Departamento de Equidad, Diversidad e Inclusión, en el edificio administrativo, 800 S. Taft Avenue. Todos los ganadores serán notificados personalmente a más tardar el 9 de diciembre de 2022. Los ganadores serán reconocidos junto con su trabajo en el Evento MLK de la Comunidad de Loveland en persona el 16 de enero de 2023. ¿Si tienen preguntas? Por favor mande un correo electrónico a: edi-team@tsd.org

This student council aims to bring high school students from diverse backgrounds and different schools in TSD together to learn about and discuss issues of safety, belonging, access, opportunity, and equity. We will also be learning at conferences and on fun field trips!

APPLY TODAY

Next Board of Education Community
Engagement Session To Be Held on November 12

Connect with your Board of Education members - Share your thoughts
Ask questions - Learn more about our amazing school district

The Thompson School District Board of Education will host its next community engagement session on Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Ferguson High School/Thompson Career Campus.

The forums are designed to be a comfortable environment for community members to discuss topics of interest and share their thoughts on issues that are important to them.

Please see the image below for the remaining sessions' dates, times, and locations. Spanish language interpretation will be available at each meeting.

The first forum in this year's series was hosted on October 6. Please click here to view a list of comments that were shared, as well as questions that were asked and answers that have been provided by district staff.

The district's Board of Education consists of seven elected individuals, each representing a Director District within the community. Board members serve in the roles as volunteers, dedicating many hours each week to their duties. To learn more about the members of the Board, please click here.

For more information on the engagement sessions, please contact Michael Hausmann, Thompson School District Chief Communications Officer, at 970-613-5011 or via e-mail at michael.hausmann@tsd.org.

If you haven’t completed a senior meeting with Laura Anderson, there is still time! It’s a chance to talk about your student’s graduation plan, community service, and plans for after high school!

Make an appointment to see Laura here!

The Colorado State PEO Chapter offers the Colorado State Scholarship for high school senior women at no less than $1000. You can find the information for this scholarship on the PEO website: www.coloradopeo.org to get the application.

The application period is open from November 1st to January 31st. Preference will be given to non-traditional or vocational areas of study.

Is your student interested in a healthcare career? Care Forward Colorado is revitalizing Colorado’s healthcare workforce through zero-cost, short-term training programs at community and technical colleges. In a year or less, trainees can learn skills to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency services professional, and many more professions that are desperately needed in Colorado’s healthcare facilities.

Starting in Fall 2022, students who enroll in one of the following healthcare certificate programs will have tuition, fees, and course materials covered as Care Forward Colorado funding allows.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Phlebotomy Technician

• Pharmacy Technician

• Medical Assistant

• Dental Assistant

For information, email Laura at laura.anderson@tsd.org

If you are planning on attending Front Range or AIMS after graduation, be sure to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Application! The application opens on October 1st, 2022.

You can complete the application here.

Contact Laura Anderson with questions at laura.anderson@tsd.org

Monday, November 7, 2022 - December 12, 2022

There is no cost for this class, a grant donation funds it.

Email info@childsafecolorado.org or call 970-472-4133 to enroll!

All students must complete 20 hours of community/volunteer service PRIOR TO graduation. Service hours can be completed any time from ninth through twelfth grades. Detailed guidelines and documentation forms are available here or on Infinite Campus (located after choosing "More" from the menu options).

See Laura Anderson or Keysha Martin with questions!

CITY OF LOVELAND SNOW SQUAD VOLUNTEER TEAM

Help us provide a vital service for residents who are on a fixed income and physically unable to shovel their sidewalks due to disability and/or age.

We match you with residents who live nearby and you commit to shoveling their sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall of two or more inches.

Our neighbors need us now more than ever! Help us reach our goal of providing a Snow Squad volunteer to each program applicant. Serve your community and warm your heart!

Contact:

Brianne Totman, Snow Squad Coordinator

970-962-2764 brianne.totman@cityofloveland.org

Winona Elementary Needs You!!

If you have an interest in getting your hours done, having fun and helping our families create lasting memories then this opportunity was meant for you!!

Upcoming Events:

• December 9th ~ Bingo Night

• January 20th ~ Launch into Math

Volunteers Needed:

• Reception at events: greeting families, info booth, etc.

• Event set up, clean up, support

Contact Info:

(970) 325-6647 TEXT

krissie.lockard@tsd.org

Krissie Lockard, Behavior Specialist

Come Join Us. Saturday, November 12th, at Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins. Join hundreds of youth from across northern Colorado and Wyoming to talk about the issues that matter to youth, brainstorm solutions, and spark positive change in our schools.

More details here: Youth Celebrate Diversity Conference

When? Friday, November 18th.

What? FHS will have a Thanksgiving meal and dessert on our last day together before the week break. After our extended lunch, all students and staff will participate in fun HOUSE activities, and then we will come back together for our traditional Fall Poetry Slam.