Back to School Publication 2013-2014.indd

Transcription

Back to School Publication 2013-2014.indd
the
guide
2013-2014
District
Information
Dr. Stan Scheer
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Thompson School District and the 2013-2014 academic year.
Our community has entrusted its most valuable treasure – its children – into our
care. The responsibility to educate, mentor, and mold them into the next leaders
of our society is huge. There are often no easy answers to the many challenges
that arise during the process. It takes a special understanding to achieve those
goals with integrity and kindness with the understanding that every student is
important. The employees of the Thompson School District have that unique
gift. We are proud of what we do and grateful for your support.
Over the past several months, I have marveled at a number of activities that
are happening in our school district. I have watched in awe as young students
produce works of entertainment that are just as good as the professional pieces
you can experience in New York and California. I am moved by the teachers
and administrators who give up their free time to tutor and assist students who
need that special attention from a caring adult. I am proud of the dedication
and hard work of our transportation and facilities crews who arrive in the
middle of the night – sometimes as early as midnight – to prepare our vehicles
and buildings for business during times of inclement weather. I am pleased to
see the organizational efforts of students who work together to raise money to
support a teacher who means the world to them. When I visit our schools, I am
impressed by all of the obvious talent and dedication to students that is evident
in every classroom, hallway, media center, gymnasium, and lunchroom.
Ultimately, that is what the Thompson School District is – a team. It is a community team of parents, students, licensed professionals, administrators, support personnel and dedicated Board of Education members working together
to achieve one common goal: to do what we can to ensure that we best prepare
the next generation to meet the challenges of a very complicated world. It is a
difficult yet noble cause. It was well said on the cornerstone of a school building
that “Public education is the defense of our Nation.”
Thank you for your partnership and for being a part of this important team.
Let’s see what amazing things we can accomplish this year!
Fondly,
Dr. Stan Scheer
Superintendent of Schools
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Start and Release Times
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Start and Release Times
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Registration
What to Bring
• Birth certificate if the child is enrolling in kindergarten or new to the district
• Immunization records; physical forms if completed by student’s physician
• Home and work phone numbers; phone number of the child’s physician; local phone numbers of relatives or friends
who can be contacted in case of an emergency
• Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill)
• Information that may be helpful to the school (e.g., special health or family concerns)
Kindergarten
Registration for elementary students for the 2013-2014 school year will be held at all elementary schools in the Thompson
School District on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) and on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013,
from 1-6 p.m.
Entrance age
A child may enter kindergarten if five years old on or before October 1 of the year of enrollment. If transferring from another kindergarten program, younger children who do not meet the district’s entrance age requirement for kindergarten may be
accepted if the principal or designee determines that placement of the child in kindergarten is appropriate. A child who is four
years old on or before the district’s start date for kindergarten and has been identified as a highly gifted student in accordance
with applicable state law may enroll in kindergarten if the early entrance committee determines that placement of the child in
kindergarten is appropriate.
Determine your school of enrollment
To learn about your attendance boundary and determine your child’s home-address school, please access our district website
at www.thompsonschools.org.
Enrollment options and before- & after-school care
All of our elementary schools offer an all-day or extended-day kindergarten program in addition to half-day programs based
on enrollment numbers. Also, some elementary schools offer before- and after-school care. Please refer to the chart below to
determine exactly what programs are offered at each school. Please contact the school directly for more specific information
regarding times and tuition requirements.
Transportation
For eligible students, transportation is provided one way for half-day and extended-day programs and round trip is provided
for full-day programs with the exception of schools within walk zones.
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Registration
Tuition
 Half-day program: Free
+
Full-day program: $2,520 (scholarships may be available; talk with your school for details.)
 State-assisted program: School receives state assistance to provide a tuition-free core program for students living in that
attendance area. Tuition may be required for enrichment classes.
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Registration
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Registration
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Registration
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Registration
For school contact information, please visit www.thompsonschools.org
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Educational Options
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) is a voluntary program that offers college-level classes at the high schools. By participating in
the courses and exams, students are better prepared for the rigor of college, earn college credit while in high school and
save tuition money as a result. All AP courses have a cost for the textbook. Students also pay for the end-of-course exam
that leads to college credit. Each high school offers a variety of AP classes; a list of courses can be found in the Thompson
School District High School Course Guide. AP classes can also be taken online through Thompson Online.
Charter schools
New Vision Charter School and Loveland Classical Schools are tuition-free public schools of choice. New Vision Charter
School serves K-8 and is located at 2366 E. First Street in Loveland. For information, call 970-593-6827 or go to the website
at www.newvisioncharterschool.org. Loveland Classical Schools will serve K-12 and is located at 3835 14th Street SW in
Loveland. For information, call 970-541-1507 or go to the website at www.lovelandclassical.org.
Core Knowledge
Thompson School District offers a Core Knowledge curriculum
that is open to all district elementary students at Truscott Elementary
School and to all district middle school students at Bill Reed Middle School. Core Knowledge offers an integrated curriculum rich in
history, arts and science with a grade-by-grade sequence of learning.
Both Truscott and Bill Reed offer Spanish as a world language. For
information, call Truscott Elementary at 970-613-6900 or Bill Reed
Middle School at 970-613-7200.
Global studies focus
Ponderosa Elementary School’s global studies approach prepares
students for a global society through a rigorous, inquiry-based
philosophy that utilizes Thompson School District’s standards-based
curriculum with an emphasis on multicultural awareness, technological proficiency, global citizenship, leadership skills and human
connectedness. Twenty-first century skills such as critical thinking,
creativity, lifelong learning, innovation, collaboration and communication skills are integral components of student success. These skills are nurtured and developed through real-world and virtual experiences in the classroom and beyond.
The integration of real and virtual experiences will enhance learning for all while broadening community partnerships and
developing global partnerships with other learning communities. For more information, contact Ponderosa Elementary at
970-679-9500.
Health and wellness focus
The health and wellness approach to learning at B. F. Kitchen Elementary School focuses on increasing the academic
achievement of each and every child through physical activity and wellness education. Research shows that students who
are physically active and eat properly have better success at school. The school has embraced the idea that healthy bodies
and healthy habits build healthy minds! The school enjoys several partnerships with various local community health and
wellness agencies. B. F. Kitchen provides a structure that includes learning literacy and math with movement, individual
health profiles and goals, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks paired with mini-lessons on health and nutrition, swimming
lessons for every 4th grader and recess before lunch. In 2011, B. F. Kitchen was awarded the Gold Award of Distinction for
Healthier Schools by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the first in the state of Colorado. Contact the
school at 970-613-5500 for more information.
High school options
Thompson School District provides several options for high school students and homeschooled students who need sup12 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
Educational Options
port in completing graduation requirements.
Ferguson High School: Ferguson High School (FHS) offers an alternative high school program designed to address the
needs of the student for whom the regular comprehensive high school situation has not been successful. FHS provides a
positive, safe, personalized and drug-free environment where high expectations are valued. Trust, proactive involvement
and effective communication enable students to develop a sense of fulfillment, belonging, self-esteem and teamwork, which
helps them gain employability and life skills. These skills enable them to achieve and exceed their workforce and postsecondary goals upon graduation. For information, call FHS at 970-613-5300.
SOARS: Secondary Options for Achievement Resulting in Success (SOARS) provides an alternative for students who need
support in completing graduation requirements. Before enrolling in SOARS, the student and a parent/guardian will need
to schedule an interview with the counseling secretary by calling 970-613-5300 beginning August 12. This year, there are
three sections of SOARS.
Credit recovery: Students who want to enroll in credit recovery will need to contact the counselor at their home high
school to obtain an application for credit recovery. Check the
school website for times, locations and dates.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate (IB) is offered at three Thompson
School District schools: Coyote Ridge Elementary School, Lucile
Erwin Middle School and Loveland High School. Coyote Ridge Elementary has been certified as a Primary Years Programme school.
Lucile Erwin Middle School and Loveland High School have been
certified as Middle Years Programme schools. IB students who wish
to continue after the Middle Years Programme may apply for the
Diploma Programme at Loveland High School. The IB program is
a multicultural, international approach to learning the “big picture”
through inquiry and critical thinking. With IB, all subjects are equal
in importance including mathematics, science and technology, social studies, arts, personal, social and physical health and language.
Call 970-613-5200 for high school, 970-613-7600 for middle years,
and 970-679-9400 for elementary school programs.
Loveland/Berthoud Enrichment Access Program (LEAP)/Innovation Lab
LEAP provides enrichment to students in grades K-12 and is designed to support parents who choose to school their
children at home or outside of the public school setting. Parents remain the primary instructional providers with LEAP
supplementing their efforts. Students who choose this educational option attend class one day a week or a minimum of six
hours. LEAP teachers provide a variety of learning opportunities. Some classes may take place in a self-contained building
while others are more project-based and occur throughout the Loveland community. For more information, call 970-2035489 or visit the website at http://tsdleap.org/.
Homeschool courses: Homeschooled students will have the opportunity to participate in our high school SOARS program
as part-time students. They can select courses from a full, comprehensive high school curriculum. Anyone interested in
taking two classes during the 2013-2014 school year should call 970-613-5300 beginning August 12. Students will attend
four hours per day, five days per week.
LISA program (all levels)
The Loveland area Integrated School of the Arts (LISA) program is an educational option that provides integrated learning opportunities in the arts, with the arts, and through the arts. Creative writing, dance, drama, visual arts, digital arts and
music are emphasized and infused into the core curriculum. Our LISA schools – Garfield Elementary School, Bill Reed
Middle School and Mountain View High School – offer K-12 opportunities for students in the Thompson School District.
For information, call Garfield at 970-613-6000, Bill Reed at 970-613-7200 or Mountain View at 970-613-7800.
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Educational Options
Math focus
The math focus at Turner Middle School will strive to academically challenge those students who possess mathematical
ability. Through the math focus program, students will have an opportunity to accelerate their mathematical journey by
leaving Turner Middle School having completed algebra and geometry. All students in the math focus program will have
the chance to expand their learning through a math project lab, which is incorporated into their regular classroom time.
This experience gives the student a mathematical edge when entering high school. For information, call 970-613-7400.
Nature and science focus
Big Thompson Elementary School of Nature and Science students will receive a well-rounded, in-depth, relevant education integrating basic skills through a broad curriculum with a nature and science focus. The students will explore and
understand connections in their world and leave with a deeper understanding of the natural environment that surrounds
them. For information, call Big Thompson Elementary at 970-613-5600.
Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way is a pre-engineering program that provides hands-on, project-based learning that adds rigor to
traditional technical programs and relevance to traditional academics by using 3-D computer modeling software and 3-D
printers and prototyping and applying scientific and mathematical concepts and principles to student-constructed projects.
Students learn problem-solving methodology and actually test their student-generated products/models. While learning
via application and guidance from instructors, students also learn to analyze, synthesize and evaluate concepts through a
myriad of informational elements provided by means of the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Project Lead the Way courses are for ANY student who is interested in engineering, engineering technology and/or would like a rich hands-on, fun
experience. Project Lead the Way is offered at Berthoud and Mountain View high schools. For information, call Berthoud
High School at 970-613-7700 or Mountain View High School at 970-613-7800.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
STEM is offered at Berthoud High School as a focused educational program. STEM strives to produce scientifically and
mathematically literate graduates who can step into leadership positions at the most competitive postsecondary programs
in the country. The curriculum, educational enrichment and interactive approach will develop scientists capable of planning, conducting and communicating their own investigations. Students will design their own research project and work
with an adult mentor during their junior and senior years. Included in the program is Pogil Chemistry, Project Lead the
Way engineering classes and Advanced Placement options. Students interested in entering this rigorous program should
call Berthoud High School at 970-613-7700.
Two elementary schools—Ivy Stockwell and Laurene Edmondson—are STEM focus schools. STEM provides a multiple-pathways-to-success approach so that all students can succeed. Students will engage in problem-based learning centered on science, technology, engineering and math with literacy as the core. In collaborative groups, students will solve
real and relevant problems that cross all content areas with hands-on learning opportunities.
Thompson Online
Thompson Online offers a robust online education for K-12 students through the Thompson School District. Students
attend classes through an online platform, accessing the curriculum and assignments 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet
connection. Online teachers interact with students through multiple venues, creating a virtual learning environment. The
school follows the same high accreditation requirements, including TCAP assessments and Annual Yearly Progress expectations, as any other Thompson school. Thompson Online students can grow, learn and earn credits toward graduation as a
Thompson School District student. For further information, contact Kellie Bashor, principal, at 970-613-5132 or
[email protected].
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Programs and Services
Colorado Immunization Requirements
K-Grade 5
DPT...............................5
Polio..............................4*
MMR............................2
Hepatitis B...................3
Varicella.......................2
Grades 6-12
DPT...............................5*
Tdap..............................1
Polio..............................4*
MMR............................2
Hepatitis B...................3
Varicella.......................1 (2)**
*Only 4 DPT and 3 polio required if last one given after 4 years of age.
**Two doses are required for 6th grade and if series started at ≥ 13 years of age.
Special Health Needs
I
f your child has special health care needs, requires medication or medical treatment during the school day, requires changes
to the regular school program or scheduled monitoring, or has a chronic health condition, please contact the school nurse so
that we can prepare for the student’s entry into school. Some situations require the development of a health care plan and the
training of staff to assist your child prior to the first day of attendance. For example, board policy JLCDA pertains specifically
to students with life-threatening allergies and encourages parents, in accordance with Colorado Senate Bill 09-226, to provide
the school with the student’s emergency medication unless the student has a plan for self-administering needed emergency
medications. It is extremely important that parents notify the school nurse of their child’s health problems or of any procedure
that they wish the nurse to employ when managing this or any other concern in the school environment.
State-approved plans/doctor order forms for asthma and allergies, seizure disorder plan, physical forms, concussion
information and medication permission forms are available on the district website under Health Services.
Health questionnaires are provided to parents/guardians on a yearly basis and are requested even if your child does not have
a health concern. This assists us in keeping our records up to date.
Physical Examinations
T
he district strongly encourages parents to obtain
physical examinations for all kindergartners and
other students who are new to the district as well as for
continuing students entering grades 4, 7 and 10. Students
participating in middle or high school athletics are required to have a physical before they can take part in any
supervised conditioning exercises or practice sessions.
The district’s physical and immunization form is available
in the Administration Building, in the schools or on the
district website under Health Services forms.
Most local physicians also have forms in their offices.
Student Accident Insurance
T
hompson School District offers parents the opportunity
to obtain student accident insurance through a private
company. The plans are available to all students in preschool
through grade 12. Parents can elect to purchase a low or high
option that provides either school-time or 24-hour coverage. These policies cover only accidental injuries; they do not
pay for illnesses. Injuries suffered during football practices
or games will only be covered if the separate football plan is
purchased.
Insurance applications can be found online at
www.studentinsurance-kk.com. Brochures are available in the
high schools by the time football practice begins in August and
can be obtained in all schools during registration and throughout the school year. Call the district insurance office at 970613-5774 or 970-613-5006 for more information.
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Programs and Services
Early Childhood Programs
Head Start Program
The Head Start Program provides services to children
who are 3 or 4 years old as of October 1 of the current year.
Children are enrolled in classrooms with developmentally
appropriate curriculum and provided with nutrition, health
and family support services. To be eligible, children must
meet federal income and program guidelines.
Colorado Preschool Program
The Colorado Preschool Program provides services to
children who are 3 or 4 years old as of October 1 of the
current year. Children are either enrolled in integrated
preschool centers or in community preschools that participate in the program. This program is funded by the state of
Colorado to prepare children for success in school. To be eligible, children must have risk factors such as chronic health
problems, lack of group experiences, premature birth, etc.
Special Needs
Special Needs service options are available to children
who meet federal and state guidelines for special education help in developmental areas. Children who meet these
guidelines are eligible for services as of their third birthday.
Services will be provided in a classroom setting.
Fall registration
Fall registration for all newly accepted Early Childhood
children will be Aug. 6, 12-6 p.m., and Aug. 7, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.,
at the Thompson School District Administration Building,
800 S. Taft Avenue, Loveland. Registration will be held in
the Board Room. Children whose last names begin with
A-L are encouraged to register on Aug. 6 and children
whose last names begin with M-Z on Aug. 7. Parents who
are interested in applying for the preschool program should
contact the Early Childhood office at 970-613-5052 or 970613-5761.
Tuition paying program
Thompson School District offers a half-day, four-day-perweek tuition paying program at all Early Childhood sites.
This program is open to children who will be 3 or 4 years
of age by October 1 of the current year. Enrollment is open
to any child who is age eligible. The child does not have
to be a resident of the Thompson School District. For an
application and/or more information on the tuition paying
program, please call the Early Childhood office at 970-6135052.
Early Childhood Centers
Berthoud Elementary
560 Bunyan Ave.
Berthoud, CO 80513
Coyote Ridge Center
7115 Avondale Rd.
Ft. Collins, CO 80525
Ponderosa Center
4550 Florence St.
Loveland, CO 80538
Berthoud/Turner Center
950 Massachusetts Ave.
Berthoud, CO 80513
Edmondson Center
307 W. 49th St.
Loveland, CO 80538
Sarah Milner Center
743 Jocelyn Dr.
Loveland, CO 80537
Carrie Martin Center
4129 Joni Ln.
Loveland, CO 80537
Lincoln Center
3312 N. Douglas Ave.
Loveland, CO 80538
Winona Center
201 S. Boise Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537
Centennial Center
1555 West 37th St.
Loveland, CO 80538
Madison Center
1307 E. 5th St.
Loveland, CO 80537
Cottonwood Plains Center
525 Turman Dr.
Ft. Collins, CO 80525
Monroe Center
1500 N. Monroe Ave.
Loveland, CO 80538
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Programs and Services
2013-2014 Before and After-School Programs
B
efore and after-school care is available from the following providers at the Thompson School District schools
listed below:
B.A.S.E. Camp (970-266-1734)
Cottonwood Plains Elementary
Ponderosa Elementary
Champions (Online Account Management 800-246-2154,
Extended Learning 800-350-5034)
Berthoud Elementary
Coyote Ridge Elementary
Ivy Stockwell Elementary
1st Choice After School Kare (970-744-9284)
Before and After School:
Laurene Edmondson Elementary
Mary Blair Elementary
Namaqua Elementary
Sarah Milner Elementary
Truscott Elementary
Winona Elementary
After School Only:
B. F. Kitchen Elementary
Centennial Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Van Buren Elementary
Walt Clark Middle School
Healthy Schools
H
ealthy students do learn better!
With more and more research showing the significant link between health and academic performance, Thompson
School District continues to advance efforts focused on healthy schools. Health and wellness initiatives have expanded at
individual sites and throughout the district with the help of school wellness leaders, students, parents, community partners
and school wellness committees. Classroom physical activity breaks, healthier meal options, family wellness nights, active
fundraisers and many other initiatives that help support healthy students are becoming a mainstay in Thompson schools.
In response to federal regulation, Thompson School District has drafted a new district wellness policy. This policy and corresponding regulation was written with the help of district staff, parents and community members. The policy and regulation has been posted on the district website.
We are appreciative of the input and support we receive from the Thompson community and look forward to continued
collaboration this school year.
For any questions regarding wellness in Thompson School District, please contact the wellness coordinator at 970-6135127.
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Programs and Services
Bullying Prevention
and Education
T
Discipline Enforcement
hompson School District is dedicated to providing a safe
school environment for all of its students. If you feel that your
student has been a victim of bullying, please report your concern,
orally or in writing, to any teacher or member of the school administration. Procedures also provide students the opportunity to
anonymously report acts of bullying to teachers and administrators; parents/guardians may file anonymous reports of suspected
bullying as well.
Bullying is defined as the use of coercion to obtain control over
another person or to be habitually cruel to another person. Bullying
can occur through written, verbal, or electronically transmitted
(cyberbullying) expression or by means of a physical act or gesture.
Bullying is prohibited on district property, at district sanctioned
activities or events, when students are being transported in any vehicle dispatched by the district or one of its schools, and off school
property when such conduct has a nexus to school or any district
curricular or non-curricular activity or event. Any student who
has been found to engage in any act of bullying will be subject to
appropriate action.
Knives / Blades
No blades of any size will be allowed in school
by students. Students caught possessing blades of
any kind could face an immediate out-of-school
suspension or possible mandatory expulsion. Repeat violations regarding knives/blades will result
in more severe disciplinary action.
Drugs / Alcohol
Students coming to school under the influence
of drugs or alcohol could face an immediate
10-day out-of-school suspension for their first
offense. The second offense will result in a recommendation for a 45-day expulsion. Proof of
completing a treatment program may allow the
student to return before the 45 days have expired.
Any student suspected of being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol will be turned over
to police for investigation prior to suspension
and/or expulsion.
Special Education Services
T
he term “special education” means specially designed
instruction to meet the unique needs of a child with
a disability. Special education services are available for
students with identified disabilities in accordance with the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
When a student is not making expected learning or social/
behavioral gains, a request for assistance from the school’s
problem-solving team can be made. The goal of the team
is to find solutions for students through a team approach
using a structured problem-solving process that focuses on
student assets. After completing the process, the team may
determine that the student needs to be referred to special
education for further evaluation.
A special education evaluation includes a variety of individualized assessments administered to a child only after
parents have given written informed consent. This evaluation includes assessment tools, including data from interventions, that will lead to the most complete understanding
of the child’s unique educational needs. A meeting will be
held with the parents, teachers and those who conducted
assessments to determine if the child has a disability and is
eligible for special education services. If a disability is identified, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed.
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For more information, please contact your child’s teacher,
counselor or school psychologist, or the Exceptional Student Services department at 970-613-5055.
Medicaid
In 1988 the U.S. Congress passed legislation enabling
school districts to access Medicaid funds for health-related
services provided to children. Such services include but are
not limited to: health assessments and evaluations, nursing
services, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and
psychological or social work services as part of an individual student’s educational or health plan.
Your child will continue to receive services at no cost to
you under this system. This initiative simply helps the district maximize federal funds in support of local education.
Allowing the school district to receive Medicaid funds in no
way limits other Medicaid benefits for which your child is
eligible and has no impact whatsoever on your own family
coverage.
The district appreciates your assistance with this
important program. For more information about Medicaid,
please contact the Exceptional Student Services department
at 970-613-5055.
Programs and Services
Student Support Services
T
hompson School District provides several programs that focus on various learning approaches used to reach students
with diverse needs. Under this umbrella are programs that provide options to gifted students, students who are linguistically diverse, and students with special needs.
Gifted and Talented education
Programming options and support services designed to help meet the academic and social/emotional needs of our
gifted and talented students are available at each school. Additional district-sponsored opportunities include the Resource
Enrichment Center (a lending library of resources for parents/students/teachers), Odyssey of the Mind, Shadows in the
Arts, Robotics, District Spelling Bee, District Chess Tournament, and Middle School Math Counts. Contact the Gifted and
Talented education coordinator at 970-613-5058 or the Gifted and Talented enrichment coordinator and parent liaison at
970-613-5057 for further information.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
The English Language Acquisition department provides identification, assessment, programming and instructional services to students who are linguistically diverse, are acquiring English as an additional language, and who are not yet fully
proficient in English. Instructional services are provided by fully licensed teachers who are endorsed in the teaching of
linguistically diverse students. Services are provided throughout the school day as well as through after-school and summer
programs. Contact the English Language Acquisition administrator at 970-613-6083 for further information.
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Programs and Services
Attention
All High School Juniors
Equity and Diversity
T
hompson School District is committed to
honoring the diversity of its community,
students, parents and staff. We respect differences including (but not limited to) race, age, color,
religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender,
disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, socioeconomic status, veteran status,
and family structure.
There are many programs offered that support the understanding of the unique needs of
students and families from diverse backgrounds.
These services include the Thompson School
District and Community Diversity Council,
cultural events and programming, the Loveland
Hispanic Latino Leadership Institute (HLLI),
professional development for staff, financial
resources for middle and high school students in
diversity clubs, and resources and networks with
state and national equity professionals.
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T
hompson School District, in accordance with state
and federal law, authorizes the release of names
and addresses of students to Armed Forces recruiting
officers.
The recruiting services have requested this information
in order to inform students about scholarship programs,
tuition assistance and other educational and vocational training opportunities available from the military.
Service in any branch of the Armed Forces is an employment and educational alternative that high school graduates have today. Federal, state and district regulations
specify that the name and address of your son or daughter will be released to the recruiting services unless you
notify your high school in writing to the contrary.
The district will periodically inform high school
students and their parents of the right to request that
the district not release their information or that of their
son or daughter to military recruiters. After a student
or parent makes a request not to release information,
the district will not release that student’s information to
military recruiters unless and until it receives subsequent
parental consent to release such information.
Programs and Services
Transportation (Busing) Services
Walkers / Riders
Although Colorado public schools are not mandated
to provide transportation services for regular education
students, the Thompson School District Board of Education elects to provide services to eligible riders who reside
outside of the following distances:
numbers, pick-up/drop-off information or other information applicable to the transportation of your child. We ask
that you contact Transportation at 970-613-5185 prior to
student absences or if your child will not require transportation for the day to avoid unnecessary stops.
• Elementary students residing over one and one-half (1.5)
miles from school
• Middle school students residing over two and one-half
(2.5) miles from school
• High school freshmen and sophomores residing over
three (3) miles from school
Bus stops
Board policy calls for bus routes to be arterialized, meaning buses will not travel into every subdivision or down every street. Bus stops will typically be located on main roads
in an effort to reduce route miles and route times throughout the district. As a result, students may be required to
walk several blocks to reach their assigned bus stops.
Students residing within the distances indicated above
are considered “walkers” and are not scheduled for transportation services. High school juniors and seniors are not
scheduled for transportation.
Kindergartners enrolled in half-day programs and who
reside outside of the walk area may be provided one-way
busing in the morning or afternoon. Midday busing is not
provided.
The City of Loveland works with the Thompson School
District to determine the placement of crossing guards at
numerous intersections on elementary student walk routes
in the city. Contact Transportation for specific information
on suggested student walk routes.
Bus registration
• Transportation registration forms will be sent home with
each child during their first week on the bus.
• Completed registration forms must be returned to your
child’s driver.
• Failure to return the form may result in transportation
privileges being denied.
• Parents are urged to review the bus rules and guidelines
with their child to avoid a possible suspension from the bus
due to improper behavior at the bus stop or while aboard
the bus.
Exceptional Student Services routes
Exceptional Student Services (ESS) routes have specialized schedules based on the programs and students they
serve. If your child has been assigned to an ESS route, you
must notify Transportation of any changes in contact phone
Bus schedules
Preliminary bus stop locations and stop time information
for the start-up of school is available at all schools during
August registration dates – please ask to view the bus schedule list when registering your child at their home school.
After Sept. 15, stop locations and times may be adjusted. If
stop locations are moved or schedules are altered more than
five minutes, written notices will be distributed to parents.
Important facts
• Students should be at their assigned bus stop no more
than five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Students are strongly discouraged from bringing skateboards, scooters, rollerblades or other bulky items with
them to the bus. These items must be placed in under-body
storage compartments and not all buses are equipped with
under-body storage compartments. Suitable storage areas
for large items are not readily available on buses. The district cannot assume liability for lost or damaged items.
• For the safety and security of students and staff, audio/
video cameras may be used on school vehicles transporting
students to and from school or extracurricular activities.
Contact information
General information
Regular education routing
ESS or Early Childhood routing
Dispatch/field trip scheduling
970-613-5186
970-613-5188
970-613-5189
970-613-5191
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 21
Sky
The
is the
Limit
WATCH
LEARN
Comcast Channel 14
thompsonschools.org
LIKE
22 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
FOLLOW
Programs and Services
Nutrition Services
T
hompson School District offers both breakfast and lunch at all school locations through the help of the National School
Lunch and National School Breakfast programs. The district serves meals that meet students’ nutritional requirements
(1/3 at lunch and 1/4 at breakfast) without taking money away from instruction and other school needs.
Two registered dietitians create Thompson School District’s breakfast and lunch menus according to high quality standards including: fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal; locally grown produce whenever possible; milk that is rbST and
hormone free; menu choices that emphasize whole grains, natural meats, beans or fish; no fried foods or foods containing
trans fat; and reusable, biodegradable and recyclable serving materials wherever possible.
The Nutrition Services department welcomes comments and input regarding menus. The department can be reached by
calling 970-613-5143 or 970-613-5147. The district also encourages parents and visitors to join students and staff members
for lunch any day. Please contact the school in advance to reserve a meal. For more information on our nutritious meals,
please visit www.thompsonSDnutrition.org.
Paying for your student’s meals
To add money to your student’s account electronically, please visit www.schoolpaymentsolutions.com. You will need your
student’s school-issued ID number to create an account. This is a recommended system as it allows parents to monitor their
students’ spending and easily add money to their accounts. We also accept cash and checks at each school’s cafeteria. Please
make sure to give it directly to your school’s cafeteria staff. If you have questions or concerns regarding School Payment
Solutions or your student’s account, please call the Nutrition Services department at 970-613-5144.
Eligibility guidelines for meal benefits
Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Applications
will be available to all households either by mail, at registration or during the first week of school. Applications are available
during the school year at all school sites and online at www.applyforlunch.com. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining if a student is eligible for free or reduced price
meals.
2013-2014 School Breakfast Prices
Students
Elementary
Secondary
Reduced price
$1.35
$1.60
Free
Adults
Breakfast without milk $1.95
Breakfast with milk
$2.45
2013-2014 School Lunch Prices
Students
Elementary
Secondary
Reduced price
À la carte items
$2.50
$2.75
$.40
Varied
Adults
Lunch without milk
Lunch with milk
$3.10
$3.60
As of fall 2013, menus will only be offered electronically. Parents are encouraged to download the menu from our website
at www.thompsonSDnutrition.org or by using a QR code reader on the image below.
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 23
Programs and Services
Athletic Seasons
Middle School
Girls Volleyball
Boys & Girls Swimming
Boys & Girls Cross Country
Fall Intramurals
Boys Basketball
Boys Basketball Intramurals
Girls Basketball
Boys Wrestling
Girls Basketball Intramurals
Boys & Girls Track
September-October
September-October
September-October
September-October
November-December
November-December
January-Early March
January-Early March
January-Early March
Late March-Early May
The middle school athletic program seeks to balance traditional interscholastic competition with an expanded emphasis on intramurals so more students can participate. No return busing is provided from in-district middle school athletic
events.
High School
Girls Softball*
Boys Football*
Boys Tennis
Boys Golf
Cross Country
Girls Gymnastics*
Girls Volleyball*
Boys Soccer*
Boys Basketball*
Girls Basketball*
Boys Wrestling*
Girls Swimming*
Boys Swimming*
Track
Baseball*
Girls Tennis
Girls Soccer*
Girls Golf
Boys Lacrosse*
Girls Lacrosse*
August-October
August-November
August-October
August-September
August-October
August-October
August-November
August-October
November-March
November-March
November-March
November-March
February-May
February-May
February-May
February-May
February-May
February-May
February-May
February-May
*Admission is charged for these events.
Please note:
All high school students are eligible to participate in athletic programs that are not offered at their home high school.
Homeschooled students may participate in athletic programs at the middle school and high school level as long as they
meet the same eligibility requirements as Thompson School District students.
24 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
Programs and Services
Athletic Event Ticket Prices
N
o admission is charged for middle school athletic events except for
end-of-the-season tournaments. Admission to these events is $3.00
for adults and $1.00 for students. General admission tickets for high
school athletic events are $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for students. Children
six and under are free. Family and all-sports plan tickets are available at
Thompson Valley High School, Loveland High School, Berthoud High
School and Mountain View High School for all home athletic events.
Parents can obtain these tickets at the high school. For more information
about prices, contact the school. A combo family ticket (includes attendance at the four high schools) can be purchased at the Administration
Building, 800 S. Taft Avenue, Loveland. Senior citizens (65+ years) can
obtain a Golden 65 Card which allows them to attend any regular season,
at-home athletic event for free. Call the district athletics and activities
coordinator at 970-613-5030 for more information.
Athletic / Activity Fees
S
tudents who participate in secondary level athletics and
some selected activities are required to pay a fee, which
is collected at the school. Students with financial need may
request a waiver of the fee through their principal. Fees are
to be paid or waivers obtained prior to a student’s participation in a sport or activity.
Participants who are cut or who quit an activity within 10
practice or school days will be reimbursed the full amount
of the fee if reimbursement is requested no later than 15 calendar days after the first practice. Students who participate
in an activity at least 10 days will not be reimbursed if they
choose to drop out of a program.
Middle school athletic/activity fees
-$20 per sport participation fee for enrolled students for
intramural sports
-$30 per sport participation fee for non-enrolled students
for intramural sports
-$50 per sport participation fee for enrolled students for
interscholastic sports
-$70 per sport participation fee for non-enrolled students
for interscholastic sports
-$5 per activity trip travel fee
-$125 family maximum for middle school (excluding the $5
travel fee)
There is NO yearly maximum for non-enrolled students.
High school athletic/activity fees
-$125 per sport participation fee for enrolled students
-$150 football equipment fee (first-time Thompson School
District participants)
-$175 per sport participation fee for non-enrolled students
-$30 per activity (Knowledge Bowl, Forensics)
-$5 per activity trip travel fee
-$325 family maximum for high school (excluding the $5
travel fee)
There is NO yearly maximum for non-enrolled students.
Athletic/activity fee maximum
There is a $450 maximum athletic/activity participation
fee per family per school year, which includes the fees
collected for Knowledge Bowl, Band, Choir, Orchestra and
Forensics. This includes participants in both middle and
high school programs. Parents should keep track of the athletic/activity fees (excluding the $5 travel fee) they pay and
notify the school(s) when the maximum has been reached.
The football equipment fee does not apply to the family
maximum. There is NO yearly maximum for non-enrolled
students.
Please note:
• Fees will be waived for students qualifying for free or
reduced price school meals under the Federal Free or Reduced Price Meal Policy. Students coming on or going off
the free or reduced price school meal program during the
school term will have fees prorated.
• Extracurricular activities (other than athletics) and
student organizations may collect fees to cover the cost of
specific activities or events.
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 25
Board of Education
Director District A
Term Expires 2013
Jeff Berg
800 South Taft Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
970-775-7050
Elementary
Middle
High
Big Thompson
Ponderosa
Van Buren
Bill Reed
Ferguson
Loveland
Elementary
Middle
High
Centennial
Coyote Ridge
Laurene Edmondson
Lincoln
Lucile Erwin
Ferguson
Elementary
Middle
High
Cottonwood Plains
Stansberry
Conrad Ball
Lucile Erwin
Loveland
Mountain View
Elementary
Middle
High
Carrie Martin
Namaqua
Turner
Walt Clark
Berthoud
Thompson Valley
Elementary
Middle
High
B. F. Kitchen
Garfield
Sarah Milner
Truscott
Walt Clark
Thompson Valley
Elementary
Middle
High
Monroe
Mary Blair
Winona
Bill Reed
Conrad Ball
Mountain View
Elementary
Middle
High
Berthoud
Ivy Stockwell
Turner
Berthoud
Ferguson
[email protected]
Director District B
Term Expires 2013
Janice Marchman, Vice President
800 South Taft Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
970-679-9706
[email protected]
Director District C
Term Expires 2015
Denise Montagu
800 South Taft Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
970-679-9705
[email protected]
Director District D
Term Expires 2015
Leslie Young, Secretary
800 South Taft Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
970-203-4084
[email protected]
Director District E
Term Expires 2013
Sharon Olson, President
800 South Taft Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
970-669-3297
[email protected]
Director District F
Term Expires 2013
Leonard Sherman, Treasurer
800 South Taft Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
970-667-3807
[email protected]
Director District G
Term Expires 2015
Bob Kerrigan
2028 Elmwood Street
Berthoud, CO 80513
970-290-3610
[email protected]
26 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
Board of Education
Board of Education Strategic Planning Focus Areas
1. Make Thompson School District the uniquely preferred choice for families inside and outside the district.
2. Focus on maximizing student achievement for all children.
3. Promote student participation in visual and performing arts, athletics and other cocurricular activities.
4. Develop and implement a plan to attract and retain quality employees.
5. Analyze needs and update the technology plan to provide the infrastructure for organizational efficiency to effectively
meet student and employee needs in a 21st century environment.
6. Ensure fiscal responsibility by maintaining a balanced budget with long-range focus, clarity and planning to equitably
support student learning.
7. Optimize the effective use of district resources and facilities to meet student learning needs.
8. Ensure post-secondary readiness opportunities for all high school students through integrated, rigorous and relevant
academic and vocational curriculum.
9. Engage the community and parents as active partners in the objectives, activities and performance of the district and its
students.
10. Develop safe and secure campuses through the implementation of security practices that include disaster and threat
preparedness, development of community partnerships with emergency responders, as well as related technological
systems for communication and deterrence.
Board Authorized Fees
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
T
he Thompson School District Board of Education voted to set fees for the 2013-2014 school year. We have done this
reluctantly. Although some have questioned the board’s authority to establish student fees, Colorado law specifically
provides that the board may require students to pay “reasonably necessary” fees. Under the law, we have decided that it is
necessary to impose and collect student fees in order to maintain the quality of our educational programs.
No student will be denied access to transcripts, graduation ceremonies or necessary classes for failure to pay required
fees. As provided by state law, students who qualify for free or reduced price school meals are exempt from paying fees.
Our aim is to provide the best programs and services possible. We believe that the imposition of student fees is necessary to
maintain and enhance the educational experiences of students in the Thompson School District.
Thank you for your continued support of your student(s) and the district. If you have further questions regarding the fees
or the voluntary or mandatory nature of such fees, please contact your school for clarification. If fee payment at the time
of registration presents a hardship for you, the school will be happy to work with you on a payment plan. Please remember
that the staff is working diligently to implement this policy and appreciates your cooperation.
Thompson School District Board of Education
Please note: The fee structure as adopted by the Board of Education is subject to annual change.
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 27
Programs and Services
2013-2014 Student Fees
T
here are three types of fees district students are assessed: the instructional materials fee, student fees, and athletic and
activities fees. Students at all grade levels are also expected to have their own basic school supplies. A list of those supplies is available at each school. (Elementary school supply lists must not exceed $30.00 per student.)
Instructional materials fee
The instructional materials fee charged to high school and middle school students is based on the purchase price and
normal life expectancy of texts and items that are expected to last multiple years but still need to be replaced. The instructional materials fee charged to elementary school students is based on a combination of the purchase price and normal life
expectancy of texts (used in intermediate grades), the actual cost of workbooks (used in primary grades) and consumable
materials. The instructional materials fee is charged on a per-student basis and goes into the district’s general fund for distribution to the curriculum budget for text purchases and to schools for additional texts, replacement materials or consumable materials.
Kindergarten
Elementary school (grades 1-5)
Middle school (grades 6-8)
High school (grades 9-12)
$16 per student
$32 per student
$25 per student
$28 per student
Student fees
Student fees are charged to high school and middle school students based on the actual cost of consumable materials and
supplies or the cost to rework materials to accommodate reuse. These fees are charged to students participating in specific
classes and activities. These fees are deposited to each school’s fee-supported fund and are used for the purpose designated
in the fee schedule.
In some high schools, fees are assessed by credits and half credits rather than by year or semester. Please check with the
high school registration department.
The student fee schedule falls within Colorado statute, which allows the district to assess fees for extended school programs, summer school tuition and miscellaneous fees as a condition of participation or attendance at extracurricular activities or programs that are not within the academic portion of the educational program.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All fees are authorized by the Thompson School District Board of Education for the 2013-2014 school year.
Students who qualify for meal assistance are exempt from paying fees.
Fees will be prorated for students coming on or going off the meal assistance program during the school year.
No student will be denied the use of textbooks or enrollment in a class based on his or her parent’s inability or
refusal to pay.
All fees will be used for the purpose set forth in the fee schedule and will not be used for any other purpose.
No fee will generate revenue in excess of the purpose for which the fee is being collected.
Students who do not participate in the activity or consume supplies or incur costs associated with a particular
course or activity will not be charged a fee.
Students may be required to bring specific, necessary supplies for their own use in the classroom.
Students may be required to pay all or part of field trip costs related to admission fees, meals and lodging. Field
trip fees are waived for students qualifying for meal assistance.
Students may be required to pay the cost of materials for projects in specified classes when the items produced
will be retained by the student.
28 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
Programs and Services
Middle School Fees (Mandatory)
High School Fees (Mandatory)
These courses may fulfill core requirements for graduation. The fees charged are associated with expendable supplies and
are assessed when students register for the course. Fees associated with graduation and International Baccalaureate (IB)
and Advanced Placement (AP) exams are assessed during the school year and are included in this list as an approved fee.
(Continued on following page)
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 29
Programs and Services
High School Fees (Mandatory) (Continued)
30 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
Programs and Services
2013-2014 District Calendar Variances
Board of Education Meeting Schedule
M
eetings begin at 6 p.m. and are held in the Board Room at the Administration Building, 800 S. Taft Avenue, Loveland.
However, the October 16, 2013, and April 16, 2014, meetings will be held in the library at Berthoud High School.
Board of education meetings held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Administration Building are televised live
on Thompson Schools Television, which can be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 14 or by clicking on “Board of Education” then “Live Stream” on our website, www.thompsonschools.org. These meetings are rebroadcast on Comcast Cable
Channel 14. Board of education work sessions held on the first or second Wednesday of the month are not televised.
2013
August 7
August 14
August 21
September 4
September 11
September 18
October 2
October 9
October 16*
November 6
November 13
November 20
December 4
December 11
December 18
2014
January 8
January 15
February 5
February 12
February 19
March 5
March 12
March 19
April 9
April 16*
May 7
May 14
May 21
June 4
June 11
June 18
*Meetings to be held at Berthoud High School library.
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 31
General Information
School Closings / Late Starts
I
f you are signed up for Infinite Campus through your school, you will receive late start or closure messages. The district
will also announce on its website at www.thompsonschools.org, the district Facebook page and Twitter.
The superintendent may announce a late start schedule for the opening of schools if weather or other emergency conditions are severe but not serious enough to close schools. If a decision is made to start schools late, it will be announced no
later than 5:30 a.m.
A late start means that all bus routes and school starting times will be delayed 90 minutes.
• All bus routes will run as usual only 90 minutes later.
• All school start times will be delayed 90 minutes.
• All morning kindergarten and preschool programs will begin 90 minutes later than usual.
• Afternoon kindergarten will have no delay in their normal start time.
When the district is on a late start schedule, all schools will be dismissed at normal times and all after-school bus routes
will run in the normal order and at the normal times.
If the district decides to cancel school because of inclement weather or other dangerous conditions, these stations will
carry the announcement: radio stations KCOL (600 AM) and KTRR TRI-102.5 (102.5 FM), Denver television stations and
the district’s television channel, Comcast Cable Channel 14. For route advisories, dial 970-613-5192.
Media sources will be contacted for both school closings and late starts. Information will also be available on the district’s
school closure line at 970-613-6788 and the district’s website at www.thompsonschools.org.
If the district has to cancel school after students have already arrived for the day, no child will be sent home on the bus or
released to walk home unless a responsible adult has been contacted and the child has a place to go.
When schools are closed, all athletic events and practices are canceled.
Distribution of Materials
T
hompson will continue the process of website postings and very limited distribution of noncurricular materials from
nonprofit agencies and organizations. Materials regarding events and activities for youth in the LovelandBerthoud-Fort Collins area are no longer distributed by paper through the schools to students’ homes, with some exceptions.
Individual notices are now posted on the district website at www.thompsonschools.org under Parents–Friday Folder.
There is a link from participating school websites to the district site.
All approved materials are posted on the Friday Folder page with a link to more information. These materials are limited
to events and activities aimed at youth. The district continues to disallow marketing of materials from for-profit organizations.
All materials posted must be approved and organizations must have a nonprofit status. Requests must be turned in on the
provided form no sooner than two weeks before the desired posting date. School or site postings must also go through the
approval process.
The request form contains other possible options for disseminating information to families about youth activities and
events.
32 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
General Information
Emergency Response
I
f you hear of a community emergency affecting
Thompson School District, please turn your radio
dial to KTRR TRI-102.5 (102.5 FM) or the City of
Loveland station (1610 AM) for information and
updates. The latest information will also be posted
on the district’s website at www.thompsonschools.
org, Facebook and Twitter. For information on school
closures, call 970-613-6788.
Reserving Meeting
Space in Schools
T
hompson School District’s community usage policy welcomes members from the community to rent space for
their events in district buildings. Fields for outdoor events
are also available. To make a building reservation and receive
a permit, please contact the facility use coordinator at 970613-5351.
Introducing “Parent Link”
I
n April 2013, the Thompson School District launched a new tool for communicating with district families. Parent Link
allows the district to send messages to families via e-mail, telephone, and even text messaging. Individual schools are
able to communicate with all of their families in a quick and efficient manner, while district administration also has the
ability to contact all parents, students and staff when the need arises. In the past, the district’s Infinite Campus program
was being used for communication duties. The use of Parent Link helps TSD in its messaging efforts by offering a much
more robust system that is also more efficient. The system will be used to announce district and school closures as well as
to share important information from the schools and the district office.
The contact data used by Parent Link is the same information that is stored on your student’s Infinite Campus account.
Therefore, if you ever need to change your contact e-mail address or phone number, simply log on to your Infinite Campus
account and make the changes. If you are interested in receiving text messages as part of the district’s communications,
please contact your school for more information.
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 33
General Information
Schools of Choice
A
ll students in the Thompson School District are assigned to attend a specific school based upon the geographical attendance area of their residence. However, students have the option of attending a school outside of their assigned school
area. Families who wish to enroll their student in a school other than their neighborhood school must complete a School
of Choice/Open Enrollment application and submit it to their school of choice. Applications for School of Choice/Open
Enrollment are accepted from the Monday following Thanksgiving break to the last school day prior to winter break.
Applications are available at any school or on the district’s website at www.thompsonschools.org during the application
window. A separate application must be completed and submitted for each child. Requests are approved based on space
and program availability. Transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the family choosing this option. Once a
student is accepted, he/she is enrolled at the school of choice for the duration of the grades served by that school.
Specific questions about enrolling in a school can generally be answered by calling that school’s administrative office.
Board policies JFBA/JFBB and JFBA/JFBB-R, School of Choice/Open Enrollment, provide detailed explanations of the
school of choice procedures.
You are also invited to visit a Thompson school to get a personal look at the quality educational programs. Contact any
school to arrange for a visit.
Infinite Campus Portal and Mobile Portal for Parents and Students
I
nfinite Campus Portal and Mobile Portal are tools that provide real-time, secure online access to pertinent student information. Information available on Campus Portal may vary from level to level and school to school. Campus Portal refers
to viewing student information via a Web browser. Mobile Portal refers to viewing student information via an app that is
downloaded from the iTunes App Store, the Google Play App Store or the Amazon App Store for Android.
How do I obtain a Portal account?
In order to create your personal Portal account, you will need your unique Person GUID, which serves as the activation
key when you first go to the Portal. This key is available from your child’s school; during summer break, contact Campus
Support at the number listed below. Parents and guardians will need only one account to access information for all of their
children. Student accounts are system generated based on active enrollment. Students will receive their Portal log-in information from their school.
After receiving your activation key, you can set up your account by visiting the Thompson School District Campus Portal
website: https://campus.thompsonschools.org/campus/portal/thompson.jsp.
Information on downloading the Portal app to your mobile device and the required District ID are located on the Campus Portal home page.
Campus Portal support:
For assistance or additional information on Infinite Campus Portal and Mobile Portal, contact Thompson School District
Infinite Campus Support at 970-613-5102 or [email protected].
34 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
General Information
2013-2014 Official Assessment Days
for Elementary Schools
F
our school days are designated as assessment days for all elementary schools. The staff at elementary schools will work
to assess the reading and mathematics level of students. This data is critical for effective instruction of our students.
Schools schedule testing for all K-3 students and some 4th and 5th grade students. If your student has been scheduled for
a testing period, please make every effort to have him/her at school for that period. These are official school days and your
student is required to be present at school for his/her scheduled testing period. Testing days for fall are Aug. 23 and 26;
spring testing dates are May 1 and 2. If you have not yet scheduled a testing period for either Aug. 23 or 26, please contact
your elementary school.
Student Assessment
C
ollecting information about student performance relative to the skills and knowledge required at each grade level is
vital. This information allows teachers to tailor instruction to the specific needs of the class and individual students.
We collect a body of evidence about student performance by administering assessments at various times during the year.
Our assessments are progressive in difficulty. This means that as your child’s abilities improve, some assessments will no
longer be used, but other assessments will be utilized to produce useful data. This allows us to track longitudinal growth of
students as well as growth during the year. Our comprehensive assessment system includes ACUITY for reading and math,
the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) for reading, writing, math, science and social studies, and DRA2
for assessing literacy at the elementary level. At the secondary level we use EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT/SAT and IB/AP assessments to evaluate college and career readiness.
In addition to these assessments, teachers utilize daily assessments such as running records and observations to assist in
meeting the specific needs of your child.
It is important that you receive and understand the assessment data collected on your student. This information provides
insight regarding your student’s abilities and allows for meaningful conversations with your child’s teacher about specific
academic strengths and weaknesses.
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 35
General Information
Get Involved - Volunteer!
T
he education of Thompson School District students is a vital partnership between the community, schools, parents and
children. Whether you are volunteering with individual students or the classroom teacher, making a one-time presentation on a career or culture, or serving on a decision-making committee, you are an active partner affecting the lives of
children.
All volunteers must register online and clear a background check. Parents and guardians can register on the district website, www.thompsonschools.org. Click on the Volunteer Online Registration link under Quick Links on the homepage. If
you have questions, contact the district volunteer program specialist at 970-613-5072 or call the volunteer coordinator or
principal at the school.
Volunteer Coordinators
Early Childhood...................................................................................................................Jane Everett
613-5053
Berthoud Elementary..........................................................................................................Amie Burrows
720-275-0911
B. F. Kitchen Elementary.....................................................................................................Julie Corsello
635-1896
Big Thompson Elementary.................................................................................................Kathleen Hatanaka
622-8873
Carrie Martin Elementary..................................................................................................Ann Pakenham
613-1217
Centennial Elementary.......................................................................................................Sabrina Hoyt
391-3016
Stacee Kersley
430-6235
Cottonwood Plains Elementary.........................................................................................Rose Culbertson
613-9921
Coyote Ridge Elementary....................................................................................................Johna Cabrera
622-9521
Garfield Elementary............................................................................................................Tracie Jenkins
593-0342
Ivy Stockwell Elementary....................................................................................................Jennifer Tow
491-5888
Laurene Edmondson Elementary......................................................................................Leanne Johnson
290-6459
Robin Keen
776-9712
Lincoln Elementary.............................................................................................................Kaila Kocer
218-0855
Mary Blair Elementary........................................................................................................Kallie Bauer
420-4539
Volunteers work hard to provide thousands
of hours of service to TSD students and families.
36 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
General Information
Monroe Elementary............................................................................................................Alicia Rohrbacher
599-8996
Namaqua Elementary.........................................................................................................Brandi Kreutzer
402-5800
Ponderosa Elementary........................................................................................................Angie Essex
690-9039
Sarah Milner Elementary...................................................................................................Amanda Nanez
818-1961
Stansberry Elementary........................................................................................................Stacey Walsh
669-9274
Truscott Elementary............................................................................................................Suzanne Cinert
776-9929
Shellie Olsen
663-6043
Van Buren Elementary........................................................................................................Candice Brown
669-1285
RaeAnna Tucker
635-9199
Winona Elementary............................................................................................................Candie Joshi
686-5622
Bill Reed Middle School.....................................................................................................Vanessa Klinker
203-9793
Sharon Gustafson
556-5649
Darlene Hall
669-1695
Conrad Ball Middle School................................................................................................Jo Burda-Smith
461-8788
Lucile Erwin Middle School..............................................................................................Sandy Brewer
214-0975
Lori Richard
278-0463
Turner Middle School........................................................................................................Agnes Juhasz
532-5235
Linda Pennock
532-2348
Walt Clark Middle School..................................................................................................Lori Wilson
520-661-8590
Berthoud High School........................................................................................................Shona Brown
443-3059
Jennifer Carter
532-4743
Clarissa Norris
290-0589
Ferguson High School.........................................................................................................Linda Higuera
988-0165
Loveland High School.........................................................................................................Brenda Martinez
663-1156
Terri Johnson
663-6197
Mountain View High School.............................................................................................Danaeé Kembel
593-9302
Thompson Valley High School..........................................................................................Shana Cundall
679-9500
Denise Walton
622-8816
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 37
Thompson Education Foundation
D
id your child go on a science field
trip to Bobcat Ridge in 5th grade?
Learn to play a recorder in music class in
3rd grade—and bring it home? Create a
masterpiece during Art Steps? Or maybe your family or one you know needed
a school-supply stuffed backpack or an
Adapted P.E. class or received a scholarship. For all these activities and
more, Thompson Education Foundation (TEF) is here to help.
Established in 1989, TEF is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization that is helmed by a community board of leaders committed
to exceptional educational opportunities and innovation for Thompson
School District. During the 2013-2014 school year, TEF will continue to
support initiatives like Help Kids Succeed school supply drive, Creativity
and Founders grants for classrooms and schools, Bobcat Ridge field trips,
Adapted P.E., and the annual Educator Appreciation Breakfast. New and
exciting initiatives are added regularly, creating new opportunities for
Thompson students.
Local community support is critical to the success of our educational
system and TEF is the avenue to channel that support. If you would like
to help TEF make our schools better for our students, please contact me at
970-613-5067. E-mails are welcome at [email protected].
Kim Akeley-Charron
Executive Director
The annual Educator Appreciation Breakfast is
one of the many events and programs presented
by the Thompson Education Foundation.
38 - 2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide
Information Directory
W
henever parents have questions, the best place to start is in the student’s school. The Thompson School District has
adopted the philosophy of allowing as many decisions as possible to be made at the level closest to the students, staff
and parents. However, most programs also have a designated coordinator for the entire district. This directory is designed
to help parents find the appropriate contact person as quickly and easily as possible. The district’s main phone number is
970-613-5000. Information is also available through the district’s website at www.thompsonschools.org. The prefix for the
following phone numbers is 613.
2013-2014 Thompson School District Guide - 39
Produced by the Department of Communication and Community Resources
This publication is a product of the Thompson School District, 800 S. Taft Ave., Loveland, CO 80537. Thompson School District can be
contacted at 970-613-5000 or by visiting www.thompsonschools.org.
Thompson School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of religion, veteran status,
marital status, race, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability in its activities, programs or employment practices. The prohibition against sexual harassment includes a prohibition against harassment based on religion, race, color, natural origin, age,
sex, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or marital status. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact
the Director of Human Resources, 800 S. Taft Ave., Loveland, CO 80537, 970-613-5000 or the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of
Education, Region VIII, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204, 303-844-5695.
The 2013-2014 District Guide is published by the Thompson School District. Content is copyrighted by the Thompson School District. All
rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content, in part or in whole, without express written permission is prohibited.
The Thompson School District does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.