Fall 2023
About this newsletter
The TEF Quarterly is published as an educational resource and outreach tool for the Thompson Education Foundation and Thompson School District community.
Copyright 2023 Thompson Education Foundation. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without permission in writing from TEF. All information and links were accurate and functional at the time of publication. However, because this electronic publication contains links to third-party sites, information can change and become unavailable.
While using this epublication, you may click on a link to other websites. We provide links to other websites that may contain information that could be useful or interesting to you. We do not endorse, and are not responsible for, the content and accuracy of linked websites operated by third parties or for any of your dealings with such third parties. We encourage you to read the terms of use and privacy policies on such third-party websites.
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CONTENTS 3
IDEA GRANTS
of TEF’s signature grants, the Great Idea Grant, which supports teacher-driven classroom innovation, is now accepting applications until October 1. 4 HALLOWEEN HULLABALOO Join us for a spooktacular street festival on Halloween weekend, and support Thompson Education Foundation. 5 TEF MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM TEF is introducing a fast, flexible and focused way to support your favorite education foundation. 8 COLORADO ROCKIES APPRECIATION SERIES Batter up! Enjoy a day at the ol’ ballgame and support Thompson Education Foundation into the bargain. 7
GRADE FIELD TRIPS
students settle into the school year, TSD 4th grade students look forward to exploring at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and the Big Thompson River flume. ABOUT TEF 10 SUPPORT TEF 11 6 TEF & COLORADO GIVES 365 TEF is proud to partner with Colorado Gives 365, and excited to participate in this year’s Colorado Gives Day on December 5, 2023. 9 MORE FROM TEF 10
GREAT
One
4th
As
The 2022-2023 Great Idea Grant recipients were Katharine Adams from Lincoln Early Childhood, for the Early Childhood Language and Literacy Enrichment Project; and Robyn Davies from Laurene Edmondson Elementary School for a Sound & Light Garden. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the Great Idea Grant application window will be from early August to early October for implementation in classrooms that school year.
The 2023-2024 grant application window is currently open until 11:59pm October
1. Grant decision notices will be sent on or before December 1. We encourage teachers from each TSD school to submit Great Idea Grant applications as soon as possible!
For grant application access, please visit: thompsontef.org/teacher-grants-1
TEF awards Great Idea Grants to TSD teachers and staff for the purpose of implementing an innovative project within education and instruction to enhance the student learning experience. A teacher or staff member may be awarded grants up to $2,000.
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“Hey, that’s a great idea!”
Friday, September 29
Saturday, September 30
Sunday, October 1
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Fourth Grade <-TRIP
Each spring and fall, 4th grade students in Thompson School District visit Bobcat Ridge Natural Area to study soil properties and soak up the natural beauty of the foothills.
They also learn about the properties and characteristics of rivers at the Big Thompson Elementary river flume.
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The 17th Annual Halloween Hullabaloo Street Festival returns to Fall River Drive at Centerra on Saturday, October 28, from noon-3pm!
This FREE spooktacular street festival will feature a wide variety of complimentary hands-on and interactive activities for all ages from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy pumpkin bowling, a not-sospooky graveyard maze, face painting, petting zoo, spookie selfie station, games, treats and more! Complimentary goodies and candy available courtesy of Centerra Engagement Assembly, while supplies last.
The festival concludes with a Halloween costume contest from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the main stage. Guests are invited to visit the Centerra Booth prior to 3 p.m. to register for the costume contest. The contest is open to all ages including infants, children, adults, groups and family pets. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each age group as follows: Ages 0-4; Ages 5-7; Ages 8-12; Ages 13 & up; group theme; and family pet. Dress up the entire family and join in the fun!
Halloween Hullabaloo is brought to you by the Centerra Engagement Assembly and benefits Thompson Education Foundation. The event is made possible by participating partners such as Townsquare Media, FNBO, The City of Loveland Parks and Recreation and The Marketplace at Centerra. Centerra Marketplace is located at 5704 McWhinney Blvd, on the west side of I-25 and Hwy. 34. For more information, visit www.centerra.com/news-events/ or email centerra@coherelife.com.
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8 MORE FOCUS MORE OPTIONS MORE IMPACT MONTHLY GIVING thompsontef.org/monthly-giving
THOMPSON EDUCATION FOUNDATION is a proud partner of Colorado Gives 365. This means you can support TEF by participating in Colorado Gives Day each December and also make a donation to TEF any time of the year through our page on Colorado Gives 365. Learn more about our partnership with Colorado Gives 365 at: coloradogives.org/organization/Thompson-R2-J-Education-Foundation
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SUPPORT THOMPSON EDUCATION FOUNDATION TODAY!
Donations from community members and organizations help support students and staff in TSD. Each gift contributes to life-changing educational opportunities offered by TEF.
MORE FROM TEF
Pints for the People
Each Wednesday in December, TEF will be the featured non profit at Loveland Aleworks. For each pint and four pack sold in the taproom on Wednesdays, $1 goes directly back to TEF. You can support TEF by enjoying a midweek pint, or by taking a four pack home!
2022 Annual Report
Click the above link to learn about the foundation’s fiscal performance and impact.
EOY Nominations
Nominations for the 2024 Educator of the Year awards open on Thursday, November 2, and close on Friday, January 5.
Donate on our website Donate with Venmo Call our office at 970-613-5074 to discuss setting up a scholarship or customizing your gift. 10
TEF IMPACT
• Music and arts programs are enhanced with support for visual art consumable supplies and musical instrument repair
• One in 10 students receive a supplyfilled backpack each year through the Help Kids Succeed school supply program
• 800+ unhoused TSD students receive resources to overcome barriers to classroom attendance and success
• Over $2 million in post secondary scholarships awarded since 2015
• Educator excellence is celebrated with the annual Educator of the Year awards
• Teacher grant programs create new classroom experiences for students
• Field trip opportunities for all 2nd and 4th grade students to explore local learning areas
• Individual student experiences made possible through the Scheer Student Opportunity Fund
• TSD student athletes have access to opportunities that would otherwise be financially inaccessible through the Student Athlete Fund
ABOUT TEF
Thompson Education Foundation (TEF) enhances educational opportunities for students and educators in Thompson School District (TSD). TEF removes barriers and supports experiences that students need to more deeply engage in their academic environment.
As a bridge for the community to support students, TEF is grateful to those who continually step forward to assist students and educators in TSD. Your involvement guarantees TEF’s mission to provide exceptional educational experiences continues through our programs and initiatives.
We look ahead to 2023 and beyond ready to grow and expand support for TSD. We are excited to share this journey with you.
TEF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Baron
Pam Howard
Brian Cullins Lori Hvizda Ward
Stephanie Chapple Dr. Marc Schaffer
Celeste Smith
Cody Fullmer
Matt Thies
Sarah Walgast
Brandy Grieves Dr. Jason Hatch
Lauren Haug Eric Weedin
thompsontef.org
