Dear Thompson Community:
When I think about the strength and success of the Thompson School District, I immediately think about the word “Community” with a capital “C.” I use a capital letter to represent the all-inclusiveness of our entire Community that works together to ensure the support of our nearly 16,000 students, who depend on our Community to create a robust and effective school experience. For me, our Community is made up of our parents and guardians, our staff, our district residents and our local businesses.
Our parents and guardians are a necessary and important part of our Community. Parents and guardians help support our students by attending school events and special activities, staying engaged in the academic and social/emotional lives of students and showing an active interest in what students are doing each and every day at school. Parents and guardians serve as chaperones on school field trips, are members of PTA/PTO organizations and even volunteer their time at school for activities and events. Finally, parents and guardians serve on school and district committees to provide input and thinking around the important work we are doing in the district.
The Thompson School District staff team is made up of more than 2,100 professionals who are “all in” to help support our students before, during and after the school day. Our transportation staff and crossing guards help to ensure that students arrive and depart safely each day. Our school personnel, including front office staff, food service workers, teachers, support staff, paraprofessionals, custodians and school administrators, create school environments that foster safety, a sense of belonging and a positive culture while also offering strong instructional and cocurricular programs. The behind-the-scenes staff members, from our Learning Services and Human Resources departments to Instructional Technology, Facilities, Communication and Business Services, also support our students and district by playing key roles in the daily operation of Thompson School District.
Our Community is made up of citizens within five cities and towns as well as unincorporated property in Larimer, Weld and Boulder counties. Nearly 75% of our Community does not have students who currently attend our schools. Yet, we depend on this large segment of our population to help support our schools and students through engagement and participation. Community members volunteer their time at our schools to help students as academic tutors and reading buddies as well as lend their expertise in areas of interest and talent. Community members also attend school concerts, plays, athletic competitions and other school-wide events which directly support and benefit our students. Community members serve on school and district committees, share feedback with the schools and the district and remain engaged and interested in our work.
Finally, our business Community directly supports our students in so many important and tangible ways. For example, it has partnered directly with the district on our Career and Technical Education initiatives. Businesses also provide perspective, expertise, feedback and support when it comes to developing programs and facilities to support workforce readiness. Our businesses not only generously provide resources and time, they also invest in our students by hosting apprenticeship and internship experiences. We recognize that our business Community is a necessary and valuable part of our Thompson School District Community.
Our Community partners provide extraordinary support to surround our students with the opportunity to be college, career and Community-ready, while also being invested in the success of our district. It truly takes a “big-C” Community to ensure the success of our district…and we thank you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District