Exceptional educational experiences for students and teachers in Thompson School District.
Maximize student potential in Thompson School District by optimizing educational experiences.
To be the community's best answer to support student and educator opportunities in Thompson School District.
$3 million In post-secondary scholarships awarded to TSD students since 2015.
800+
Unhoused students receive support each year to overcome barriers to classroom success.
1 in 9 TSD students receive a supply-filled backpack from the Help Kids Succeed program each year.
15,000 Students are supported each year by TEF's programs, grants and scholarships.
TEF's annual report gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past year and celebrate the ways we supported students and educators. Some highlights of the 2022-2023 year were:
◊ Hosted the annual Scheer Student Opportunity Fund Golf Tournament in August 2022; the annual Trailblazing Thompson breakfast event in March 2023 to celebrate educators and engage the community; and the annual Loveland Classic 5k/10k in April 2023. The race was rebranded to Earth Day 5k/10k to increase race awareness, create annual date consistency and align with Earth Day celebrations in TSD and the community.
◊ In partnership with TSD, the foundation created a new position, Marketing & Programs Technician, increasing foundation staff to three people.
◊ The Help Kids Succeed school supply program stuffed 1,465 backpacks for back to school needs for economically insecure student families.
◊ Participated in a multi-organization team to plan and implement a Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter to be located in Loveland. The Shelter is scheduled to open in late fall 2024.
◊ Project Prom Colorado partnered with the Promenade Shops at Centerra to host the pop-up shop giveaway over four weekends, expanding the program’s reach to the larger Northern Colorado community. Some shopping hours were limited to TSD students only. 193 students benefited from the program - a 503% increase from the pilot year.
2022-2023 YEAR IN
◊ Assumed management of Clothe Our Kids, a local effort started by a community member. The clothing was absorbed into TSD’s Clothing Closet program at Community Connections.
◊ Expanded the Educator of the Year awards to include a Rookie of the Year award. Recipients must be licensed teachers starting their career and with TSD 18 months or less.
◊ Established the Student Athlete Fund to help economically challenged student athletes afford practice gear and letter jackets.
◊ Initiated an annual gift catalog mailer, showcasing different funding opportunities for donors within TEF.
◊ Awarded $364,370 in post-secondary student scholarships & scholarship renewals to 132 students.
Kim Akeley-Charron Executive Director
THE WHYThompson School District believes in the imperative of preparing its students to contribute to their community and to compete in a global economy. Through the five competencies that comprise the Portrait of a TSD Graduate, this imperative is embedded in daily interactions between students and staff.
Thompson Education Foundation's mission is to provide exceptional educational experiences for students and teachers in Thompson School District. To assist students in achieving TSD graduate competency, TEF operates under nine priority areas that provide support and resources to TSD students and teachers:
◊ Music & Arts
◊ Field Trips
◊ Student Athlete Fund
◊ Scheer Student Opportunity Fund
◊ Student Resiliency Fund
◊ Educator Appreciation
◊ Teacher Grants
◊ Scholarships
◊ Career & Technical Education (CTE)
CRITICAL THINKER COMMUNICATOR
SELFADVOCATE
COLLABORATOR
CITIZEN
A TSD graduate seeks career pathways and opportunities, using time and financial resources wisely to set goals, complete tasks and manage projects. In addition, they engage in reflection for individual improvement and advocacy.
The TSD Career & Technical Education (CTE) program provides quality career and technical education programs emphasizing core academic content, post-secondary and workforce readiness (PWR) competencies, technical skills, and seamless transition to further education or employment and better prepare students to meet the demands of the workforce, economic development, and emerging occupations.
Thompson Education Foundation supports CTE programs and the Thompson Career Campus (TCC) as a bridge between local donors and the various programs, classroom naming opportunities, student scholarships, certification fees and grants.
In 2023, TEF awarded 132 scholarships to TSD students, through both new awards and a combination of renewals and deferrals. 92 New Awards
$218,870 40 Renewals/Deferrals
$145,500 132 Grand Total $364,370
B. Scott Olson Memorial Scholarship
Chance Hill, Thompson Valley High School
Luke Orr, Thompson Valley High School
Zach Orr, Thompson Valley High School
Berthoud High School Scholarship
Jacqueline Carrion-Ramirez, Berthoud High School
Ben Hughes, Berthoud High School
Maryn Maggi, Berthoud High School
Axel Peterson, Berthoud High School
Kayla Petrovich, Berthoud High School
Nolan Simon, Berthoud High School
Bob Ball Track & Field Scholarship
Aleqzander Baker, Loveland High School
Konstanz Searle, Loveland High School
Christine Lewis-Hastings Memorial Scholarship
Taryn Thompson, Loveland High School
Clarence W. McCauley & Juanita L. McCauley Scholarship
Lexi Custer, Berthoud High School
MaRynne Robertson, Loveland High School
Mikayla Robertson, Loveland High School
Doyle & Luvesta Frances Jones Scholarship
Aidan Carr, Berthoud High School
Ian Hopkins, Berthoud High School
Willem Larson, Berthoud High School
Lillian Strait, Berthoud High School
Follow Your Dream Scholarship
Lauren Barr, Ferguson High School
Xavier Biggs, Thompson Valley High School
Kohen Hubble, Loveland High School
Ford Scholarship
Daniel Hatton, Berthoud High School
Holly Jaros, Berthoud High School
Jabaily Community Service Scholarship
Jacqueline Carrion-Ramirez, Berthoud High School
Elliot Harrington, Mountain View High School
Andrea Koly, Mountain View High School
Aidan Magruder, Loveland High School
Kathryn Propp Memorial Scholarship
Jacqueline Carrion-Ramirez, Berthoud High School
Allison Mertens, Thompson Valley High School
Bradley Peters, Mountain View High School
Matteo Scalise, Loveland High School
Law Office of Brady, McFarland & Lord Scholarship
Daniel Hatton, Berthoud High School
Lehigh Memorial Women's Golf Scholarship
Reece Bandemer, Loveland High School
Maryn Harlow, Loveland High School
Live Laugh Love Believe Scholarship
Libby Himes, Mountain View High School
Elsa Whittaker, Loveland High School
Loveland Big Thompson Kiwanis Scholarship
Mary Liakas, Thompson Valley High School
Loveland Golden K Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship
Jason Maitta, Thompson Valley High School
Camryn Wiersema, Thompson Valley High School
Loveland Rotary Scholarship
Bailey Arellano, Mountain View High School
Lauren Barr, Ferguson High School
Bailey Bianco, Mountain View High School
Amy Brewer, Ferguson High School
Lexi Custer, Berthoud High School
Kathryn Daley, Mountain View High School
Erika Garcia Calderon, Ferguson View High School
Mauryise Johnson, Ferguson High School
Andrea Koly, Mountain View High School
Mary Liakas, Thompson Valley High School
Aidan Magruder, Loveland High School
Kayli Olsen, Ferguson High School
Taylor Payne, Ferguson High School
MaRynne Robertson, Loveland High School
Gabriella Saenz, Mountain View High School
Lillian Strait, Berthoud High School
Loveland Contractors/Vocational Trade Scholarship
William Moneypenny, Berthoud High School
Mary Ann & Velma Jean Memorial Scholarship
Taryn Thompson, Loveland High School
Braden Turner, Loveland High School
McKee Ferguson Scholarship
Lauren Barr, Ferguson High School
Amy Brewer, Ferguson High School
Erika Garcia Calderon, Ferguson High School
Mauryise Johnson, Ferguson High School
Kayli Olsen, Ferguson High School
Taylor Payne, Ferguson High School
Gavin Wadholm, Ferguson High School
Nick Wiesen Memorial Scholarship
Kiren Wimber, Mountain View High School
RE/MAX Alliance Local Excellence Scholarship
Elliot Harrington, Mountain View High School
Anya Knoll, Berthoud High School
Aidan Magruder, Loveland High School
Chloe Rojas, Thompson Valley High School
Salomonson/Fickel Scholarship
Jacqueline Carrion-Ramirez, Berthoud High School
Christian Foxworth, Berthoud High School
Scotty Weissmann Scholarship
Aleqzander Baker, Loveland High School
Zoey Boudette, Loveland High School
Dylan Lindgren, Loveland High School
Sethre Scholarship
Taryn Thompson, Loveland High School
Braden Turner, Loveland High School
Sierra Marie Krizman Memorial Scholarship
Bailey Arellano, Mountain View High School
Stuart & Barbara Boyd Scholarship
Christian Foxworth, Berthoud High School
Ted & Mabel Thompson Loveland Valentine Scholarship
Bailey Bianco, Mountain View High School
Zoey Boudette, Loveland High School
Kaylee Chavez, Mountain View High School
Ellie Heiser, Loveland High School
Payton Rechkemmer, Mountain View High School
Clara Stewart, Loveland High School
Teen Parent Scholarship
Yami Campos Maldonado, Ferguson High School
TEF Scholarship
Riley Eberhardt, Loveland High School
Luke Orr, Thompson Valley High School
Noa Phillips, Mountain View High School
The Dr. Stan Scheer Memorial Student Opportunity Fund removes barriers for Thompson School District students to embrace individual academic, leadership, recognition and extracurricular opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible due to financial need.
The Student Athlete Fund provides access for Thompson School District student athletes to opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible because of financial need. The Student Athlete Fund is intended to fill gaps or shortfalls when other funding sources can’t meet the full need of the opportunity and are intended to level the playing field for our student athletes.
Over 800 students in Thompson School District experience homelessness each year. TEF is committed to removing barriers to these students' attendance, education, and success by providing bridge opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them.
TSD graduates contribute their talents toward solutions that benefit the broader community through service. They show empathy, compassion and respect for others by demonstrating civic responsibility.
Thompson Education Foundation supports this development through financial assistance funds like the Scheer Student Opportunity Fund, the Student Athlete Fund and the Resiliency Fund for unhoused youth.
Education is the key to opportunity in our society, and the equality of educational opportunity must be the birthright of every citizen.
-Lyndon B. Johnson
TSD graduates engage in problem-solving, inquiry and design of innovative solutions to overcome obstacles that improve outcomes. They demonstrate divergent and ingenious thought that enhances the design-build process. They evaluate and analyze ideas and information sources for validity, relevance and impact.
Thompson Education Foundation supports the development of these skills early in TSD students' educational journey by providing field trip opportunities that enhance classroom instruction by giving context to historical, geographic and scientific curriculum.
Students in 2nd grade align with their local history requirement by visiting the Rialto Theater, Loveland Museum and Lone Tree School. Students in 4th grade enhance their science curriculum with a visit to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and the Big Thompson River Simulation.
The Lu Haskew Arts Education Fund provides financial support for consumable items to art classrooms every two years, increasing opportunities for students to experience new mediums and genres in the visual arts.
By providing recorders for every elementary student and ensuring access to a music lab in each elementary school, we help set the stage for students to pursue music in middle and high school.
Through instrument repair and maintenance, TEF ensures that district-owned instruments are in good working order and ready for students to play, increasing access to the discipline of music.
The arts can help students became tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively.
-Arne
Duncan, former US Secretary of Education
TSD graduates work effectively with others to achieve group goals and take actions that respect the needs and contributions of others. These efforts positively facilitate and contribute to teamwork.
TEF's enrichment for music and art programs in the district provides enhanced opportunities for students to develop these crucial life skills. Music and art programs inspire creativity, discovery and innovation. Through donations, sponsors and endowments, TEF supports music and art programs in each Thompson School District school.
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.
The Windows on the World (WOW) Travel Grant provides a teacher or teachers with up to $3,500 to complete an educational experience to an international or domestic travel destination. The experience is expected to enhance the teacher's classroom skills, expand curriculum options, and benefit students. When possible, the teacher's gained skills and knowledge should also be shared with their peers in the school and throughout the district.
This grant is sponsored by the Hiatt Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. Jeff & Mary Hiatt committed to the grant program as a way to extend their gratitude to the teachers who were so influential in the lives of their children, as well as to recognize and honor the exceptional work of all teachers in Thompson School District.
TSD graduates incorporate effective reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for various purposes and adapt their communication style to their audience. They use technological skills and digital tools to explore and exchange ideas.
TSD is dedicated to preparing each and every student for life beyond the walls of its schools. Thompson School District staff focus on educating “the whole child,” helping to ensure that students are able to demonstrate their learning in meaningful ways and move forward in life as healthy and strong individuals.
TEF provides opportunitites for students to give back to teachers and staff by nominating them for Educator of the Year recognition.
TEF also supports teachers by providing grant opportunties than enhance classroom instruction and educational opportunities.
OPERATING EXPENSES: $752,113
END-OF-YEAR NET ASSETS (accumulated): $1,574,858
(as of June 30, 2023)
Cody Fullmer, Chair
Brian Cullins, Secretary
Matt Thies, Treasurer
Paul Baron
Stephanie Chapple
Danielle Feeney
Brandy Grieves
Jason Hatch
Lauren Haug
Lori Hvizda Ward
Celeste Smith
Sarah Walgast
Eric Weedin
Ex Officio: Pam Howard
Dr. Marc Schaffer
MEET OUR BOARD: thompsontef.org/board-of-directors
Kim Akeley-Charron
Executive Director
Lesa Biedron
Marketing & Programs
Eowyn Sanders
Executive Assistant & Scholarship Coordinator
MEET OUR STAFF: thompsontef.org/our-team
Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. -Vince Lombardi
2023 THOMPSON EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
800 S. Taft Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
970-613-5074
thompsontef.org
Follow the foundation on social media:
