Greetings Thompson School District Community,
As we approach the mid-point of the 2022-23 school year, we could not be more proud of our nearly 15,000 students, our staff, and our entire Thompson School District community. The beginning of the winter break later this month will signify the conclusion of the first half of our school year, and as such, it serves as a good time to reflect on a few of our accomplishments so far.
This fall, students throughout our district achieved many successes through activities and athletic programs. I continue to be amazed at the level of talent that is displayed across TSD. It was a terrific and rewarding fall semester, and we can’t wait to see what 2023 brings.
In November, Thompson School District was proud to co-present a Mental Health Summit for local professionals to explore the impact of youth mental health issues in our communities. The workshop featured networking, problem-solving, important discussions, student voices, and a variety of activities. It allowed school leaders, counselors, social workers, county and municipal leaders, and community providers to work together to identify and address challenges and barriers.
TSD has also formed a Mental Health Co-Responder Unit, which will help to provide a more effective response to the increasing number of mental health-related calls for service within our schools. The unit, which includes Larimer County sheriff personnel and a co-responder, has already been activated in dozens of calls, completing activities such as conducting welfare checks, assisting students in emotional crises, and connecting service providers with students and families in need.
Significant construction projects are underway at two of our campuses, and I’m happy to report that they are both on budget and on-time for completion next summer. The High Plains School campus in Loveland is currently undergoing a significant expansion, which will provide additional space for students and staff and the capacity to increase program support. Once completed, the expansion work will include new classroom space, plus an additional gymnasium, performance area, and athletic fields.
Work is also proceeding quickly on the renovation of Conrad Ball Middle School into Thompson School District’s newest PreK-8 campus, which has been named Peakview Academy at Conrad Ball. The campus, which will include a consolidated community of students from the middle school as well as Mary Blair Elementary and Monroe Elementary, will open in the fall of 2023.
In November, the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners voted to award a grant to the district in the amount of $1.5 million to assist TSD’s planned project to create a youth shelter at the Monroe Early Childhood building. Students who are currently enrolled in the Early Childhood program at the building will move to a new space that is being designed for them in Peakview Academy. As of now, the district plans to begin renovation work on the Monroe EC building in 2023 after the current school year. The grant from the county is contingent on the district receiving funding that it has applied for through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
As you can see, things are very busy here in Thompson. Our students are succeeding both within and outside of the classroom, and our district continues to build upon its positive image throughout the region. Thank you so much for your continued partnership and all that you do to support our students and families. I wish you a wonderful 2023!
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District