Mountain View High School
September 14, 2020
Welcome to Mountain View High School. Home of the Mountain Lion. Our motto is: PRIDE!
Be Present
Show Respect
Get Involved
Honor Diversity
Give Effort
Visit our website: https://www.thompsonschools.org/mountainview
CLICK BELOW FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO TRANSLATE THIS NEWSLETTER!
Pictures
If you would like to order student's school pictures, online order code ended two days after our last picture date. We received proof sheets that have a specific online order code on it that is specific to your child that was photographed. You can order with this online code through June 15, 2021 and your order will ship directly to their home.
Please contact Suzy Hass at (970) 613-7802 or suzanne.hass@thompsonschools.org to make arrangements to pick up your proof sheets.
RETURNING TO IN-PERSON LEARNING IN THE THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Good Morning, Thompson Community:
Last month, following the guidance of Larimer County Department of Health and Environment officials, the decision was made to delay the return to in-person instruction in Thompson School District schools through at least Friday, October 16. The decision was made based on the need by county officials to have a much shorter turnaround time in COVID-19 testing results. Recently, Larimer County health officials announced that in coordination with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, local COVID-19 tests are now being sent directly to a laboratory with the capacity to return results within 48 hours of receiving them.
Due to this latest announcement and after careful evaluation, a decision has been made to return to in-person instruction in a staggered fashion beginning on Monday, September 28. This procedure will allow the district to start bringing students back into school buildings in a structured manner, while ensuring that it is done in a safe way that helps students and families adjust to the new schedule. Please note that this process will not impact students who are enrolled in Thompson Connect Online, the district’s full on-line educational model.
Please look at the section below called "What's the Schedule for Returning to In-Person Learning" for more information.
WHY ARE WE RETURNING?
The district’s rationale for an earlier return to in-person instruction is as follows:
Critical local COVID-19 metrics have now shifted. The testing turnaround time has hit the marker that was established by county health officials. In addition, the overall positivity rate remains fairly low and the overall case count in Larimer County is also relatively small.
School districts that have opened to in-person learning seem to be navigating successfully overall at this time, with limited outbreaks and largely successful containment measures.
As this year’s cold and flu season approaches, there is a probability that COVID-19 and flu cases will spike. By returning to in-person learning as soon as possible, we will be able to take advantage of the relatively low case count that is currently here.
Students learn best when they are in schools, working with staff in-person. Utilizing a staggered schedule will allow our students an opportunity to become better acclimated to the campus environment.
WHAT'S THE SCHEDULE FOR RETURNING TO IN-PERSON LEARNING?
THIS WEEK and NEXT WEEK (September 14-September 25)-
Small groups of students have returned to school, including some groups at high school and groups of students in special education.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT? (September 28-October 2)-
Elementary: In-Person Return for K-1 and Continued Remote Learning for Grades 2-5
Middle School: Continue Remote Learning
High School: Continue Remote Learning. In-Person Return for Small Groups*
Please look for communication from your child's school today with more information about specifics (including how middle and high school families can find groups A and B in Infinite Campus).
* Small Groups' criteria (but not limited to this): At-risk populations of students (based on grades, attendance and behavior); students who have the following plans: on 504s, IEPs, ELD; other students selected by teachers; students who do not have access to the Internet; classes that have science labs; classes that need primarily hands-on learning tasks (for example, but not limited to, small group counseling, Career and Tech Ed and other experiences that can't be done authentically using a virtual platform).
Click here for the full schedule for returning to in-person learning.
SAFETY SPECIFICS
Here are some of the main requirements designed to keep students and staff safe:
- Masks or face coverings are required for all staff and students. If outside and physically distanced by 6 feet or more, or in a room by yourself, masks can be removed.
- Physical distancing will be implemented to the fullest extent possible. Physical distancing may look different between buildings and classrooms due to the uniqueness of spaces and infrastructure.
- When students arrive for school, they should follow all physical distancing and mask requirements. They will enter the building when directed by staff.
- Students will be encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Drinking fountains will be shut off, but bottle-filling stations will be open where available.
Prior to students returning for in-person learning, parents will be required to sign an In-Person Learning Acknowledgement Form, which confirms the student will adhere to all safety guidelines included in our Return to Learn plan.
This also includes the acknowledgement that guardians will symptom and temperature check their students at home prior to coming to school.
You will receive additional information about this electronic signature required for all families, which will be in Infinite Campus.
OPTIONAL CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE FOR FAMILIES
Thompson School District has partnered with One2One Risk Solutions to provide optional accident and loss protection insurance for families for our district Chromebooks. Registering with One2One and purchasing a damage waiver will protect families from the full cost of repair or replacement for your district-issued device and limits your responsibility to a per-occurrence deductible (see below).
The protection plan cost is $15 per device and covers the device through the end of the school year against accidental damage, cracked screens, fire, liquid damage, electrical surge and loss/theft (a loss/theft claim requires a police report for coverage). First incident has a zero deductible, second claim on the same device will be a $25 deductible, and the third claim will be a $50 deductible. A loss/theft claim without a police report will require the replacement cost of the device (this varies depending on the make/model of the device). If families want to take advantage of this optional insurance, please visit www.one2onerisk.com and select “Enroll My Device” to get started. Open enrollment ends on September 30th so don't delay. Again, this is optional. Families are not required to get this insurance. This is only for Chromebooks, we have a 3-year warranty on iPad damage if it happens in its case, but no loss protection for iPads.
Self Service - Technical Support Guides for Student Devices
The following one-page guides were e-mailed directly to all students on September 6th. The purpose of these guides is to provide methods for students and families to fix minor technical issues on a student device checked out to them by their school or the district. Please click on the appropriate guide below if you have a TSD student device.
Technology Community Forum
Thompson School District will present a Technology Community Forum for Families on Thursday, September 24th from 6:30-7:30 pm. Comments and questions are being collected in advance using the online form at https://forms.gle/2v61ErdZgECJKhAX6. This form will also be open during the forum. You can view the forum at the TSD Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZzIEj4cJ6T7yASDFFf47A.
Agenda:
- Introduction to TSD Technology for Students
- Common Issues of Chromebooks and iPads
- Learning Management Systems and Securly Classroom
- iPad Management with JAMF School
- FuelEd and Buzz
- Media Services
- Infinite Campus and Parent Portal
- Information Security on TSD Networks and at Home
- Q&A Facilitation
- Tech Support Info and Closing
New Addition to MVHS
Do you remember the cottages in front of the building? They have been replaced by this new outdoor classroom.
We are excited to get a chance to use it.
Finishing Touches to Our Outdoor Classroom
Outdoor Classroom
Outdoor Classroom
Student Announcements
WANT YOUR CHILD TO GET INDIVIDUAL HELP - TUTORING, SCHOOL COUNSELING, ETC.?
Tutoring Excellence of Loveland
Tutoring Excellence of Loveland, as well as our Longmont and Fort Collins locations, are all running free SAT/ACT practice tests with score breakdowns and recommendations for studying throughout the semester. I wanted to email you this file with our scheduled times for the free tests and to please ask you to let any students who might benefit from the practice know about it. They would need to call, text, or email the center to reserve a slot since we are limiting capacity due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Longmont: (720) 613-8090
Loveland (970) 829-0876
Fort Collins: (970) 829-0866
Boettcher Scholoarship Application
The Boettcher Application is now open!!!
This is a full ride scholarship to any college in Colorado!!!
The deadline is November 1 at 5 p.m. Boettcher Scholarship
Senior Remind Groups
To join the group for updates about graduation and other general senior information: Graduation and Other Senior Information
To join the group for updates on college and scholarship information: College and Scholarship Information
Thank you for your partnership as we support your Senior this year!
College Funding Coach
How to Access Your Student's Account Information Through Your Parent Portal
Waiver for the Summer Food Service Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended the waiver for the Summer Food Service Program through as late as December 31, 2020. This waiver allows Thompson School District Nutrition Services to offer meals to ALL children 18 months - 18 years old AT NO CHARGE!
Since this is temporary, Nutrition Services encourages ALL families to apply for meal benefits. Apply online at: www.myschoolapps.com or email nutrition@thompsonschools.org for more information.
FoodPaks
Pickup for FoodPaks during remote learning time will be every Friday from 11am-1:30pm at Mountain View High school or one of the other locations listed below. Stop by the location most convenient for you and ask for a KidsPak weekend foodpak (no sign up necessary). Students you can pick a paks up for yourself, or parents may pick up with their student in the vehicle.
Mountain View High School 3500 Mountain Lion Dr Loveland, CO
Bill Reed Middle School 370 W 4th St. Loveland, CO
Berthoud High School 850 Spartan Ave Berthoud, CO
Sarah Milner Elementary 743 Jocelyn Dr Loveland, CO
Conrad Ball Middle School 2660 N Monroe Ave Loveland, CO
Laurene Edmonson Elementary 307 W 49th St Loveland, CO
BF Kitchen 915 Deborah Dr Loveland, CO
Winona Elementary 201 S Boise Ave Loveland, CO
Lucile Erwin Middle School 4700 Lucerne Ave Loveland, CO
Cottonwood Plains Elementary 525 Turman Dr Fort Collins, CO
Lincoln Elementary 3312 N Douglas Ave Loveland, CO
Transportation Services Update
To maximize student ridership, families will be required to apply for transportation services. The application process will be open to all eligible elementary, middle school and high school families. Please click HERE to view Thompson School District’s applicable policy, which contains detailed eligibility information.
In order to uphold safety guidelines, transportation services for all eligible high school students will be approved using a space-available application process. Services will be assigned by available space per route and availability may vary. Priority for high school transportation will be assigned to freshman and sophomore students. Please submit an application for each eligible student in your household to request transportation services. Transportation applications can be found HERE.
Transportation will be provided for qualified students with disabilities who have special transportation designated on their IEP or 504 plan, as well as students who qualify for applicable services under the McKinney-Vento Act or our English Language Development program. All transportation service options are subject to change in order to uphold safety guidelines.
Transportation has begun notifying families when their student has been approved for transportation services. If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Department at info.transportation@thompsonschools.org
RESOURCE: COVID Counseling Suport: Free support line offered by SummitStone Counseling
<< Call our free, anonymous and confidential support line 970-221-5551, seven days a week. >>
Are you interested in:
Talking to someone about COVID-19?
Learning how to manage your stress?
Understanding the common reactions to disasters?
The Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) is made up of not traditional mental health providers. We do not diagnose people or treat mental illness. Instead, crisis counselors are a combination of mental health paraprofessionals and professionals who support community members’ functioning and coping with COVID-19.
Our main outreach is providing a 24/7 support line. With the help of Larimer County through the Health District’s Connections call center, we are taking COVID-19 support calls from the community. Information is also available online at summitstonehealth.org/ColoSpirit.
Free Outside Therapy for Children 11-18 (not on Medicaid)
Or go to our jot form application on our Webpage at TCFFO.org.
Find the column that says parents and classes, and community referral form to fill it out.
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD'S WELL-BEING DURING CHALLENGING TIMES
During these unprecedented circumstances, we know that our children would benefit from support to reduce anxiety and increase their social emotional skills. Luckily, there are many fantastic resources out there that parents and guardians can use at home to support their child’s well-being during these challenging times (and maybe join in on a bit of the fun and learning themselves!).
We’d like to share a few of our favorite resources to get you going:
Asset Education has created this great library of kids teaching kids calming activities (and grown-ups can do them, too!)
Alliance for a Healthier Generation has created an excellent toolbox for everything from talking with your kids about COVID-19, to ways to stay socially connected while physically distant, and more tips on whole body wellness.
Thompson School District has created a week’s worth of self-awareness activities (for all ages) and a week’s worth of self-management activities, also for all ages.
Build Our Kids’ Success has put together a Summer Fun Pack to help reduce anxiety with activities for play, fun and to get kids moving (for ages K-9th grade).
Looking for some yoga and mindfulness activities for your family? Check out this great resource: English & Spanish.
Want to hear from the experts? Check out the National Association of School Psychologists’ Mental Health Tips for Parents and Educators
If these strategies feel a bit overwhelming, just remember that the very best thing you can do to support your child is to just listen. Connect with them, appreciate their unique self and take joy in the person they are growing into. An added benefit of slowing down for a few minutes to listen to your child is that it gives you another opportunity to notice changes in their affect, attitudes, mood and behavior and realize you may need to refer them to the school counselor, social worker or a private therapist for additional support. You are not in this alone; your child’s school staff are here to partner with you to help navigate these challenging times.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives. Numerous studies of disaster response...have shown that social support is the most powerful protection against becoming overwhelmed by stress and trauma...The critical issue is reciprocity; being truly heard and seen by the people around us, feeling that we are held in someone else’s mind and heart. For our physiology to calm down, heal, and grow we need a visceral feeling of safety.” --Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Helping Your Child Save a Life
This 30-minute webinar for middle school and high school parents will educate on the risk factors and warning signs of depression and suicide and how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) if you are concerned about a young person in your life. The webinar will also discuss the SOS program and the basics of school-based suicide prevention. At the end, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session.
The webinar will be hosted on the following dates and times. Please see the attached flyer for more details.
Sep 10, 2020 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Mountain Time)
Sep 23, 2020 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Mountain Time)
Free Local Childcare Find Portal through Larimer Childcare Connect
Early Childhood Council of Larimer County has officially launched a free local child care and school-age referral portal, which can be found at www.larimerchildcare.org.
Larimer Child Care Connect will provide real-time connections for families to access open child care spots in our County. The website is available in English and Spanish. Providers are prompted weekly to keep their availability open, and families can search for care based on location, cost, commute, etc.