Greetings, Thompson Community:
Here in Thompson School District, our mission is to provide an excellent education and a supportive environment for each student who attends our schools. We believe that each child is unique and that the educational support that they receive should reflect their strengths and nurture them as they grow. One of the ways we support our district families is through our Exceptional Student Services department. This department features a staff team dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where each student can achieve success.
Thompson School District provides Special Education services for students with qualifying disabilities who require specialized instruction as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). TSD offers a full continuum of services to meet each student’s unique needs. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team includes the family, the general education teacher, and the special education teacher. It can also include administrators, additional support services practitioners, and sometimes the student. This team meets yearly to ensure the student receives the necessary support for a Free and Appropriate Education.
All district schools, including charter schools, have a Learning Center designed to support students with disabilities. Intensive Learning Centers (ILCs) are also available at many schools for those requiring higher levels of support. If an ILC is unavailable at a student’s neighborhood school, services will be provided at another site with a Center, and transportation will be offered.
Additionally, TSD offers Affective Learning Centers (ALC) to support students with significant social and emotional needs. Similar to ILCs, ALC services are available at many schools, and students without access to an ALC at their home school will receive services at a site with an ALC, with transportation provided. For students in grades 6-12 requiring more intensive support than ALCs can offer, TSD provides services through our partnership with Sierra School. Sometimes, students may require placement in an out-of-district school or a homebound hospital setting. Our IEP team makes all placement decisions, ensuring a collaborative approach to meet each student’s needs.
Transition plans are also included in an IEP starting in the eighth grade. Transition plans support students as they consider what they want to pursue as they prepare for careers and life after graduation. Based on our students’ transition needs, we also offer two specialized programs: Project SEARCH and Community Connections.
Project SEARCH is a one-year school-to-work program to prepare young adults with disabilities for competitive employment, hosted at Banner Health McKee. This unique initiative helps participants gain hands-on experience in a real-world work setting while also building transferable, marketable job skills. Students enrolled in the program learn essential job skills, soft skills, and even specific job tasks relevant to various departments within Banner Health McKee. Students participate in three rotations throughout different departments at Banner, including individualized support from job mentors and trainers, classroom instruction and career exploration, and even job placement assistance upon graduation. The program is open to all TSD students ages 18-21 who are currently receiving services through the district Exceptional Student Services department and meeting other eligibility criteria.
Meanwhile, TSD’s Community Connections is another transition program designed for students ages 18–21 receiving special education services. The program provides education and training to help students achieve their post-school goals. With an emphasis on functional skills, participants receive support in areas such as independent living, recreation and leisure, and vocational skills. This program is vital in preparing young adults for a successful transition to adulthood, fostering independence, and empowering them to reach their full potential.
Working with each of our students and families in TSD is an honor, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to educate and support our children as they take these important steps. Thank you so much for your continued partnership. The future of Thompson School District is bright, and we are proud to be with you on this journey.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District