Rundown The - Thompson School District R2-J · † Emily Silva - 5th Grade - Garﬁ eld Elementary † TaTiana Torres - 5th Grade - Garﬁ eld Elementary February 2014 A Publication

The

RundownDistrict News & Notes

Thompson School District proudly hosted an amazing ceremony at Moun-

tain View High School honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. The evening included a speech by Dr. Ryan Ross, who serves as the Dean of Student Development at Community Col-lege of Denver. Dr. Ross spoke about the role every individual can play in promot-ing peace. A tribute to Nelson Mandela was also presented by Loveland Mayor Cecil Gutierrez and musical offerings were provided by gospel and jazz musical artist Tweed Smith. An art and essay contest was held within the district, which produced over 500 en-tries. Winners include the following stu-dents:

Middle School Essay Contest • Derikk Coblentz - 6th Grade - Bill Reed Middle School

Elementary Art Contest (1st-3rd) 1. Zack Bakker - Kindergarten - Garfi eld Elementary 2. Luc Gow - 3rd Grade - Namaqua Elementary 3. Katie Morrison - 1st Grade - Edmondson Elementary

Honorable Mentions • Nynaeve Eagle-Clark - 5th Grade - Garfi eld Elementary • Emily Silva - 5th Grade - Garfi eld Elementary • TaTiana Torres - 5th Grade - Garfi eld Elementary

February 2014

A Publication of the Department of

Communication and Community Resources

Thompson School District R2-J

800 South Taft AvenueLoveland, Colorado

80537

2014 - 2015 Kindergarten RegistrationFebruary 5

3 p.m. - 6 p.m.All Elementary Schools

Board of Education Meetings

Wednesday,February 5

6 p.m. Board Room

District Admin. Bldg.


6 p.m. Board Room



6 p.m. Board Room


Upcoming Events

Celebrating PeaceThompson School District Hosts Ceremony in Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work was hosted at Mountain View High School.

The Rundown - February 2014

By Zack Bakker By Luc Gow

By Katie Morrison


TVHS Students and Staff Wrap Up Successful “Adopt-a-Family” Effort

Thompson Valley High School wrapped up an excellent season of service with its “Adopt-a-Family” efforts for the holidays this year. Led by their student council, the entire student body and TVHS staff

participated in collecting gifts, food, and gift cards for families in need in the Loveland area. Within 10 days, the Thompson Valley High School community brought in $2,800 in gift cards that were distributed among families in the area. Each of those nine families also received a Christmas meal and gifts for each family member. In addition, staff and students brought in thousands of nonperishable items to help stock the Larimer County Food Bank during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season.

Dreams Can Come TrueBy Derikk Coblentz

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dreamAnd to a lot of people how right it did seem

But to others they didn’t think the sameThe thought of peace and equality behind his name

He stood behind what he believed was rightAnd just like him we should put up the same fi ghtThere’s a problem today with accepting others

Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, BrothersWe are the same in one way or anotherJust because our skin is a different color

Doesn’t mean we can be mean to each otherWe should all get along and pursue to make his dream

come trueIt all begins with me and you

So next time you see discrimination or hateHelp them out before you’re too late

Let’s stand together and make a differenceAnd love all and eliminate ignorance


An EXTREME Dedication to Literacy...

Over winter break, Laurene Edmond-son Elementary School students were

challenged to read 20 minutes a day, fi ve days a week. The numbers were tallied and the students met their goal. Students were split into two teams: Mrs. Malik’s team and Mrs. Southworth’s team. The team with the highest number of minutes won the contest, which forced the other team leader (not the students) to eat real worms! Students read a total of 38,919 minutes over winter break. Mrs. Southworth’s team read a total of 21,271 minutes compared to Mrs. Malik’s 17,308 minutes. The top-three readers fi lled Mrs. Malik’s plate with hot sauce, syrup and relish to enhance her worms! Now THAT is a dedication to reading!

The fi nal numbers are in! Subaru of Loveland’s “Share the Love” program was a terrifi c success for Kids Pak, the weekend hunger relief effort by the Loveland Rotary Club that assists Thompson

School District students. For every vehicle purchase or lease from the dealer through Jan. 2, a $250 donation from Subaru of America was made to one of six local nonprofi ts. A total of 69 cars were sold at the dealership during the time period, with 67 of the new owners choosing to award their donation to Kids Pak. Their generosity raised a grand total of $16,750, which will provide food for hundreds of Thompson School District students.


This past fall, Sarah Milner Elementary School hosted its fourth annual 9Health Fair in the Classroom. Student volunteers from 3rd, 4th and 5th grade taught their classmates about health-related topics,

including the importance of staying active, proper nutrition, and the dangers of smoking. The materials to teach about these topics were provided by 9Health Fair in the Classroom, an affi liate of 9News. Also in attendance were volunteers from Longmont United Hospital who provided information about human anatomy and the importance of protecting the head and spine.

A Model of Good Health

The following Mountain View High School students’ artwork has been selected to be included in the 2014 Colorado Scholastic Art Competition Art Show at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.

There are three show categories: Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. The Gold Key winning artwork moves on to participate at the national level for awards. Gold Key Winners: Taylor Graham, Kacy Holm and Luis SantaCruz. Silver Key Winner: Cameron Culley. For over 90 years, the Scholastic Art Awards has brought outstanding visual arts to a national audi-ence by highlighting exceptional student work and encouraging creative development. This year, 311 educators submitted more than 4,000 pieces of art to the Scholastic Art Awards of Colorado. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Jefferson High School. The Silver Key Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. and the Gold Key and Portfolio winners ceremony will be at 1 p.m.

Coyote Ridge Students Host Visit by Congressman Jared Polis


Congressman Jared Polis recently visited the 4th grade classes of Mrs. Opfer and Mrs. Niebauer at Coyote Ridge Elementary School. The congressman’s visit coincided with the school’s unit of inqui-

ry about citizenship. During his visit, the students were able to ask the congressman questions about the roles and responsibilities of leaders in government. The 4th grade classrooms have created micro-societies based on the state system of government. Students were curious about how they could make the senator and representative positions in their classroom parallel the actual roles and responsibilities of real senators and representatives. Students loved hearing about how a bill becomes a law and have modeled the same structure in their classroom societies.

Winona Elementary School hosted their Science Fair Exhibition on

Wednesday, Jan. 8. In addition to sci-ence projects on display, families also enjoyed science activities such as a Star Lab presentation by 5th grade students, an Omniglobe demonstration and an in-teractive experience with a Van De Graff generator generously brought by Hugh Kirbie with Power Mountain Engineer-ing.

The Rundown - October 2013The Rundown - February 2014

OtterCares, the foundation arm of local iPad/iPhone case manufacturer Otterbox, has

graciously donated 25 iPad tablets enveloped in Otterbox Defender Cases to Laurene Edmondson Elementary School in Loveland. District offi cials were presented with the surprise donation at a meet-ing with Gary Rogers, OtterCares Executive Direc-tor, and Tricia Lemmer, OtterCares Community Advocate. The meeting began with Edmondson principal Trish Malik detailing the history of Edmondson’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focus and the impact on student learning. Ms. Malik described how the teachers and staff were currently utilizing 14 iPads purchased by the school’s Parent Teacher Association. Just as she was describing Edmondson’s plans to raise money to buy more devices for student learning, a stream of employees from OtterBox walked into her of-fi ce carrying beautifully wrapped presents. “How would you like it if your wish for additional iPads was fulfi lled right now?” asked Rogers. For the last several years, OtterCares has used the holiday season to fi nd a local school with a pas-

sion for technology that supports excellence among at-risk students, with the hopes of bolstering its mission. This year, OtterCares selected Laurene Edmondson Elementary after hearing about the school’s adventure in becoming a STEM focus school. The employees of OtterBox covered the cost of the iPads; a tradition began several years ago to create a special Otterbox Christmas ornament that is sold solely to OtterBox employees during the holiday season. The money raised from the gener-osity of the staff is used to purchase 25 iPads that are donated to a local elementary school. Principal Malik is looking forward to inviting various staff members from OtterBox into the school to work side-by-side with the teachers and help make their STEM-focused units of learning authentic. “We have been looking for strategic partners who are interested in engaging as mentors in our school,” explained Malik. “The OtterBox corporation is a perfect fi t for us and we hope to work with them to further bring our lessons to life. We are so grateful for their generous donation and their support.”

Edmondson Elementary School Receives Donation of iPads and Otterbox Defender Cases

Fifteen Conrad Ball Middle School 6th, 7th and 8th graders competed in the regional “Optimists Brain Bowl” last month in Westminster. Pitted against other top minds in Colorado and Wyoming, team

members utilized brain power to answer tough questions about science, English, history, mathematics and literature. All of the teams performed well, proudly representing their school and Thompson School District! Participants included the following students: 6th grade: Dylan Joshi, Stella Lee, Casey Tripi,Audrey Vanderpool and Colby Vrem; 7th grade: Savanna Fanjoy, Britta Olson, Sarah Peters, Tasha Reichhardt and Paul Slayback; 8th grade: Dexter Gibbs, Jeramy Gordon, Kaleb Joshi, Dylan Pedioncelli and Cameron Piccone. The team was sponsored by assistant principal Matt Brungardt and parent volun-teer Greg Reichhardt.


“Brainy” Conrad Ball Students Impress at Regional Event

Thompson School District presented “Camp T-Town” last month, a middle school student

effectiveness retreat. Fifteen students from each middle school were brought together to empower them by examining the numerous infl uences that affect their personal and academic success and to train them to be agents of change in their schools. Students examined their own culture and identity and learned about others, developed a common defi -nition and the observable behaviors of an “effective student,” developed and enhanced a school-wide behavior program, and learned about Restorative Practices and effective communication skills.

Middle School Students Become “Agents of Change”


LHS Students Perform at Northern Colorado Honor Band

Big Thompson Elementary School is very proud of its students who competed in the district science

fair on Jan. 11. Congratulations to Chance Hill, Sam and Wyatt Malara, Joey and Ava Perko, and Alysa Arhens.

Students had a great time at the Northern Colorado Honor Band event the weekend of Jan. 17. The students rehearsed with guest conductor Dr. Ray Cramer on Friday and Saturday, with a culminat-

ing performance on Saturday at Fort Collins High School. The band featured 92 outstanding students from the Poudre and Thompson school districts. Students representing Loveland High School included the following: (L to R) Front: Sarah Sch-weickart (clarinet), Megan Nord (baritone sax), Andria Burdick (trumpet), Amanda Nierman (clarinet), Martha Strawbridge (alto sax), Sydney Brown (trumpet), Jordan Gerardy (percussion), and Joe Bower (percussion). Back: Sarah Foss (percussion), Nathan Abrahamson (euphonium), David Leech (clarinet), Scott Bragg (bassoon), Peter McCarty (bass trombone), Alan Moy (tenor sax), Tyler Ruth (percussion), Henry Buckley (clarinet), and Nathan Larson (tuba).


You Are Invited to the 6th Annual Educator Appreciation Breakfast!Friday, March 7, 2014, 8 a.m.Embassy Suites Loveland Thompson Education Foundation’s annual Educator Ap-preciation Breakfast celebrates all the outstanding Thomp-son School District educators who empower, challenge and inspire students every day. Each year, TEF opens nominations for coworkers, families, and community members to recognize educators who have made a difference in their lives. This year’s breakfast will honor six educators as the 2014 Educator of the Year recipi-ents. Honorees will receive their award and a car lease from sponsor King Buick GMC to celebrate their success. Admission is free. Reservations are required.Reservations close on Feb. 28, 2014. So reserve your seat today at www.ThompsonTEF.org.

Have a GREAT IDEA for Your Classroom? Thompson Education Foundation is accepting Great Idea and Encore Grant applications through Monday, March 17, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. for grant awards to be given for the 2014-2015 school year. Formerly known as Creativity Grants, Great Idea Grants provide funds to teachers to implement an innovative project in education and instruction that enhances the learning experience of students in TSD. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. TEF will award Encore Grants to previous Creativity and Founders Grant recipients that can show growth opportunities in their funded projects. 2014-2015 Encore Grants can be awarded to recipients from 2012-2013 or 2013-2014 in amounts of up to $1,000 for Creativity

Grants and $2,000 for Founders Grants. Information and applications can be found at www.ThompsonTEF.org.

Hockey Fans Can Support Schools! Thompson Education Foundation has TWO opportunities to enjoy hockey and raise money for your school and the foundation. Each game features fan experiences for schools that have the highest numbers of ticket sales.

Colorado Eagles (vs. Stockton Thunder)Budweiser Events Center, LovelandSunday, Feb. 23, 2:05 p.m.Tickets: $20.00To purchase tickets: Call Tyson Wheeler, (970) 686-SHOT (7468) or e-mail [email protected]$2.50 of each ticket will benefi t your school and $2.50 will benefi t TEF.

Colorado Avalanche (vs. Phoenix Coyotes)Pepsi Center, DenverFriday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.Tickets: $22.00To purchase tickets: www.ThompsonTEF.org $2.00 of each ticket will benefi t your school and $2.00 will benefi t TEF.

Have You Ever Been Bitten by the Theater Bug? Thompson Education Foundation is thrilled to announce that the performance group Moonlighting Teachers will stage two performances with proceeds benefi ting the foundation. Watch for upcoming ticket information for the shows on

Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at the Rialto Theater Center in Loveland. Moonlighting Teachers writer/direc-tor Cheryl Miller Thurston reports that the group needs additional cast members who are able to effectively play younger roles – both male and female. Any adults with a connection to the world of education are encour-aged to audition. Auditions will be held by appoint-ment on Feb. 22 & 23, 2014. More audition details are available at www.scattershotentertainment.com. To schedule an audition or for questions, please contact Thurston at [email protected].

Thompson EducationFoundation Notes

Documents

Rundown The - Thompson School District R2-J · † Emily Silva - 5th Grade - Garﬁ eld Elementary † TaTiana Torres - 5th Grade - Garﬁ eld Elementary February 2014 A Publication