Back to School 2018
© Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
July 26, 2018
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July 26, 2018
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
July 26, 2018
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July 26, 2018
Students, parents adjust to new bell schedule By Aaron Reynolds The Surveyor
At the beginning of the year the Thompson School District Board of Education approved a new schedule for the 2018-19 school year in which middle- and high-school students will begin the day with later classes, while the elementary schools are bumped up to an earlier start time. In addition to the new start times, Thompson School District (TSD) also approved a new measure that will push ack first classes an hour later for all schools on Wednesdays in order “to allow time for educators to collaborate in their planning and professional growth opportunities,” according to board of education president, Lori Hvizda Ward. As a result, students will be attending school later this year. The question is what impact, if any, will the later start times make and how will parents adjust their schedules to the new schedule? The proposal to adjust start times was initiated by the district last year as the board pointed to recent studies that indicated additional sleep in adolescents boosts psychological, behavioral and academic performance. According to one study conducted by Reuters Health, “So much research e plains the impact of insufficient sleep on suicide su stance a use depression, auto accidents and more,” and added “This doesn’t only impact our high-school students. This impacts all of society; as graduation rates improve young adults experience less hardship after graduation, a lower chance of incarceration, and a higher chance of career success.” While “56 to 71 percent of students, parents, employees and community members” demonstrated support of the delayed bell schedule, according to a survey released by TSD in November 2017, not all board members as well as community members are in support of the later start times. Among the chief concerns for the new schedule is the consideration of transportation con icts as well as how extracurricular activities will be impacted by later start times. Parents of elementary students, for example, will need to drop off their children before 8 a.m. — 30 minutes earlier than last year — as well as plan for pick-up beginning at 3:10 p.m., or arrange for after-school daycare. And with middle-schoolers beginning nearly an hour and a half later compared to last year, both middle and high schools will not be able to begin extracurricular activities until 4 p.m. at the earliest. All of this does not factor in the hour later start times for all Wednesdays of the school year either. Therefore, what adjustments must be applied in order to provide a smooth transition to the new school schedule? Stick to curfew: The rationale behind most middle- and high-school students may be that if school does not start for an hour or more later compared to the year before, they can stay up an hour later each school night. Of course this rationale will not have a positive impact on what the
School supply lists can be found at www.teacherlists.com/parents
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018 Back to School 2018© is published by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. Editorial content is provided by Surveyor staff writers and the Thompson School District. For more information about advertising with the Surveyor, call 970-532-2252. All additional information regarding individual schools, fees, registration and testing dates, alternative education options and other resources can be found at thompsonschools.org or call 970-613-5000.
970-532-2252 440 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513
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later start times is intended to make for teenagers. Consequently, keeping a strict curfew is vital. According to NationWideChildrens.org, teens typically get between 7 - 7 ¼ hours of sleep per night, well below the recommended 9 - 9 ½ hours. In order to account for this difference, the organization suggests teenagers maintain a regular sleep schedule, not only on weeknights but also the weekends. Lights out on electronics: Anyone with a teenager will testify to how difficult it may e to separate their son or daughter from a cell phone or computer. However, using these devices late at night is counterproductive to being able to fall asleep, and that applies not only to adults but adolescents as well. It also extends to watching TV and listening to music, as all these activities are stimulating and will cause problems falling asleep. Network with other parents: While middle- and high-school students get to sleep in later, the opposite is true for families of elementary students. The earlier start time will impact you and your work schedule either positively or negatively. The problem is, middle- and high-school students are able to fend for themselves, while the little ones will need adult supervision. If possible, do what you can to reach out and network with other parents to organize and take turns watching children until other parents get home from work if you do not elect to enroll them in an after-school program. Will the new bell schedule improve grades in school as well as the overall well-being of students? The verdict is out yet. Cherry Creek and Greeley school districts have already changed to later start times and the results thus far have een eneficial according to school officials. As with any significant change it will re uire e i ility and patience among parents of the 16,000 students who attend TSD, yet if the end result is a healthier lifestyle for our future generations, then this period of transition is hopefully tolerated.
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Berthoud El — a team effort — a supportive and caring learning community
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elcome to the 2018-2019 school year. Whether you are (1) a student anticipating a new teacher, new learning and lasting friendships; (2) a teacher drawn to the allure of the school supply aisles while carefully preparing your classroom for the young hearts and minds, you will soon have the opportunity to in uence or a parent celebrating summer memories with your family, while nostalgic for the rhythm of routine that the school year brings, it is easy to embrace the excitement of the back to school season. As Berthoud Elementary prepares for the arrival of our returning and new students, I am grateful for the privilege to serve them. The impact of our talMelanie Patterson Principal at Berthoud ented and dedicated staff is enhanced by our highly Elementary School committed families and an incredibly supportive community. Our partnerships with loyal volunteers and devoted community organizations enhance the culture of excellence among Berthoud schools that we are proud to contribute to. Several preparations for this school year begin last spring. The Thompson School District Board of Education demonstrated tremendous support for Berthoud students and schools when modulars were approved for the incredible growth occurring in our community. In addition, school start and end times were adjusted across the district. The school day at Berthoud Elementary will begin at 8 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. A 9 a.m. late start time will occur every Wednesday. tudents will e released at p.m. daily. We will be utilizing the late start professional development time on Wednesdays to support our staff in maximizing the resources provided by the phenomenal generosity of the Berthoud Bash and the Berthoud community this year, while enhancing instruction for student engagement and achievement. We are also looking forward to maintaining the practices, traditions and relationships that strengthen our school community. Our students will continue to be empowered to SOAR with behaviors that allow them to be Safe, On-task and responsible, to Achieve their best and to demonstrate Respect. We support our students socially and emotionally and develop the skills that establish a foundation for physical and mental health through our InFocus curriculum e i le seating options and wellness initiatives. ast year ids Hope mentors brought smiles and support to the students they served, and we look forward to continuing and growing this partnership as well. Thank you to the multitude of volunteers and community contributors. We truly could not do what we do without the remarkable investment of the Berthoud community in its children and youth and it’s schools. Upcoming events: Aug. 1 from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. – Registration support hours Aug. from p.m. Back to chool ight Aug. from p.m. indergarten pen ouse Aug. from a.m. p.m. irst day of school
Berthoud Elementary, 560 Bunyan Ave., 970-613-7500, Principal Melanie Patterson.
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Surveyor Columnist
School lunch ideas I t can be a real challenge getting kids to eat lunches at school, especially when the lunches being offered at the cafeteria are not to their liking. Here are a few ideas for lunches that do not require a lot of effort on the part of parents to bring together in the few minutes before the kids need to leave for school. PB&J Waffle Sandwiches
Take a pair of equal-sized waffles and spread one side of each with an equal portion of peanut butter or other nut butter, such as Nutella, and top each half with their favorite jelly. Press the halves together to form a sandwich. These can be quite tasty and are well received by most kids. Either prepackaged frozen waffles or homemade waffles which have been made ahead and frozen may be used. If you are making waffles ahead and freezing them yourself, consider adding two to three tablespoons of the nut butter to the mix before cooking. If your kids are into swapping lunch items with schoolmates, as some are, be certain to have them warn the others the waffle treats contain nuts. These can be made quite healthy by using whole grain waffle mix and being choosey about the ingredients of the nut butter being selected. Healthy fruit mix
Kids will usually go for a blend of their favorite fruits. Consider strawberries (whole or sliced), blueberries, grapes, blackberries, raspberries, and various types of sliced melon for this lunch. Also popular are apple wedges and segments of citrus fruits (oranges and cuties). If your kids are “put off” by having the fruit mixed together in the same container, you may consider placing them in smaller containers to keep things separate. One of the small individual containers may also be used for a fruit dip. Lunch skewers
Meats and cheeses, and even some veggies, work well here. Slice meats and cheeses to appropriate thicknesses. Cut the meats and cheeses into various shapes using sharp cookie cutters. In a likewise manner cut various shapes from the center of cucumber slices. When a sufficient quantity of ingredients has been cut, place on short- or medium-length skewers. Cherry tomatoes, or cherub tomatoes which are all the rage at present, work well as spacers between ingredients and as toppers for the end of a
skewer. Giving skewers to young children is probably not wise. Simply place the items in a plastic bag. Chickpeas are chock full of vitamins and fiber, and dipping the chips or carrots in the hummus can add to the enjoyment of lunchtime. Hummus
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained 1 clove garlic ½ cup yogurt (8 oz.), plain, low-fat 1 fluid oz. lemon juice 1 Tblsp. olive oil Dash of salt Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until desired consistency and texture is obtained. The hummus may be made ahead and divided between two or three dipping cups. Serve with the kids’ favorite chips or carrot sticks.
Rudy Hemmann
School Calendar 2018-2019
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July 26, 2018
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Ivy Stockwell Elementary School
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
partners who have chipped in to make our A ocal Band concert at Turner Middle School a success. We are so lucky to be in a community that supports our local schools. With the proceeds from this fundraiser we will be able elcome to another great year at Ivy Stockwell Elementary. As you complete the ne t phase of our utdoor lassroom project including shade know, Berthoud has experienced a huge period of growth, and we structures, music instrument installation, and purchase of native plants. want to welcome all of the amazing new people to our community. Another huge thanks to the You have made the right choice. Berthoud is a wonderBerthoud chools und B for ful community and has four of the best schools you will allocating over $30,000 to ensure find. or those who will e new to vy tockwell we Ivy Stockwell has technology in know you will love it as much as the hands of all students. We we do. We are in year seven as a are incredibly blessed to have STEM focus school and continue the B supporting all students to grow and enhance our proin the Berthoud community by gram. giving schools the resources they As you return to school this need to prepare students for the August you will notice the big 21st century. changes that took place over If you are new to Ivy Stockwell the summer. There are now two Elementary, please make sure large modular buildings located you have completed your online outside of our gymnasium. These registration as soon as possible. will house some of our special ou can find this information programming to allow more on our district website at www. classroom space in the building Rick Bowles thompsonschools.org. We will to accommodate the growth. As Ivy Stockwell Elementary, 175 Fifth St., Berthoud, 970-613-6100, Principal at Ivy Stockwell a result of this growth we will also be available for registration Principal Rick Bowles. Elementary School support on Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. - 6 be unable to publish classroom p.m. ou can turn in any re uired documentation immuni ations etc. durplacements until back-to-school night. This will allow ing this time. Also, back-to-school night will be on Aug. 16 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. us time to see which grade levels are most impacted by the growth so we can Students can bring in their supplies and visit their new classrooms. In addiadjust accordingly. We appreciate your support. tion parents can pay fees and access a variety of resources efore after school I want to extend a huge thank you to all of the parents, staff and students care us routes nutritional services etc. . who volunteered their time this summer to water and weed our Ivy comur first day of school for all students is Aug. . chool starts at a.m. munity garden. I would also like to thank our outdoor classroom committee and is dismissed at 3:10 p.m. A reminder that school on Wednesdays is a late for all of the hard work preparing for the next phase of implementation and start every week and will egin at a.m. dismissal at . for installation of the irrigation system. Many hours of hard work went into Thank you to all of the Berthoud community for your support of Ivy Stockcompleting this phase of the project. This is another great example of the comwell, Berthoud Schools and the Thompson School District. You help make our munity coming together to make our schools better. schools amazing. A huge thanks to all of the parents, staff, local businesses and community
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July 26, 2018
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Berthoud Life Center to host inaugural Back to School BASH By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor
Now that Berthoud Life Center is open, the House of Neighborly Service wanted to bring Loveland’s annual Back to School Bash to Berthoud. For the past three years the HNS Life Center in Loveland presented the bash, featuring a party and school-supply drive at the Life Center, 1511 E. 11th St. This year the bash will extend to the Berthoud Life Center, which opened in October 2017 to ring together several nonprofit partners in one location that offer services to those in need. “It’s a great way to let the community know about the resources that are available in the community,” said Jinger Tomassi, Berthoud Life Center manager, adding the event aims to let Berthoud residents know they don’t have to travel to Loveland or Longmont to access those resources. The bash and school-supply drive, co-hosted by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, will be 3-6 p.m. Aug. 10 at Grace Place, 375 Meadowlark Dr., where the Life Center is located. The Loveland bash will be held the day before, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the HNS Life Center in Loveland. “We just want the entire community to come out to see what’s happening at the Life Center and see how impactful it is when a community is working together to meet the needs of our children,” said Glorie Magrum, executive director of HNS. The Back to School Bash will feature hot dogs and buns donated by Hays Market and cooked by the Berthoud Lions Club, drinks provided by American Family Insurance, cookies provided by Rise Bakery, a photographer, and children’s activities in the church pavilion such as in ata le ounce houses and traveling magicians Lloydini and Linda, who have been performing in Northern Colorado for more than 15 years. Also, in the pavilion will be booths of resources — so far, about 10 agencies will be providing information and activities at their booths. The Berthoud-based newspaper has held a school supply drive since 2006, and this year is partnering with HNS to expand the drive. The newspaper places plastic
tubs at six locations around Berthoud to collect the supplies and runs weekly ads listing the supplies and drop sites. Typically, the supplies include paper, pencils, erasers, folders, crayons and markers, for students in need in grades K-8. “We want to help the children that need it the most,” said Becky Justice-Hemmann, publisher of the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. Since students will receive the essentials from the backpack program, the supplies from the bash can be used for homework, school projects and other needs. Preparing for school entry puts an additional urden on families’ financial resources,” Magrum said. “This is a way for the Berthoud community to support low-income families and ensure their kids feel ready for a good school year.” Families also can pick up brand-new socks and underwear for children, donated by the community through drop-off locations. The items will be bundled in packs of two per child. To receive the items families can state the sizes they need and do not have to give their name and other information. “There are no strings attached or criteria they have to go through. This is open to the community. They don’t have to be clients. They don’t have to explain their situation. It’s one way we can bless families with a supply of that for each of our kids,” Tomassi said. The socks and underwear are items donors often don’t think of donating to HNS, though they do think of clothing and shoes that are distributed to clients through the boutique. Last year more than 500 children received the items through the bash. During the first year there were to children. “We’re hoping it’s going to be something the whole community will want to come out and see what resources are available,” Tomassi addedd. The House of Neighborly Service is seeking additional donations of socks, underwear and school supplies, along with monetary donations and sponsorships. Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Berthoud Life Center or sent to the HNS Life Center, 1511 E. 11th St., Ste. 100, Loveland, CO 80537. The agencies that will have booths at the event so far include Alternatives to Violence, America’s Kids Belong, Berthoud Community Library District, Berthoud Fire Protection District, Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, Easterseals Colorado, Larimer ounty heriff’s ffice Parents As Teachers ummit tone ealth Partners TEAM Wellness & Prevention and United Way of Larimer County.
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Turner Middle School
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
e at Turner Middle School are preparing to welcome our incoming and returning students for the 2018-2019 school year. Our commitment at Turner is to provide a safe and intellectually challenging environment that will empower our students to become innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and prepared for their transition to high school. Our staff is committed to each and every one of our students and is looking forward to a successful and enjoyable year. As the school year begins we encourage our families to discuss the importance of their student’s contribution to our school community. We assist our students in striving to be a PRO each day and to fully embrace and understand these words: Perseverance, Respect and Ownership. Our students, by fully participating in their academics, activities / athletics, and by taking Turner Middle School, 950 Massachusetts Ave., 970-613-7400, Principal Brandy Grieves. personal responsibility, will make Turner an exceptional learning community. On behalf of all students and staff I would like to Mark your calendars thank the Berthoud Schools Fund Committee and all participants in the Berthoud Bash. Their efforts Brandy Grieves Back to School Night: to make financial contri utions allow for us to have Principal at • Tuesday, Aug. 14 from 6-7 p.m.: Sixth grade only Turner Middle School additional technology, learning opportunities and im• Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 6-7 p.m.: Seventh and eighth grades prove existing educational programs for our students. First Day of School: In closing, we look forward to working closely with our families. We • Monday, Aug. 20: Sixth grade only welcome your participation by volunteering in our school and/or attending • Report to the gym for assembly and schedules events that showcase the wonderful talents of our kids. • Backpacks and school supplies are not needed this day • Tuesday, Aug. 21: all students Respectfully, Brandy Grieves For additional information please visit our website: Principal https://www.thompsonschools.org/turner
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July 26, 2018
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Thompson’s new superintendent intends to lead by listening, collaborating
By Katie Harris The Surveyor
Only a few days into the job, Thompson School District’s new superintendent, Dr. Marc Schaffer, is already busy learning the ropes, meeting with the Loveland/Berthoud community, and brushing up on all things Thompson. “There are so many traditions and values in the community that ’m hungry to learn a out he said. These first weeks and months will e a out taking the time to meet with the community, to listen and learn, and develop a deeper understanding about what the district’s all about.” Schaffer, who is replacing retired superintendent, Dr. Stan Dr. Marc Schaffer Scheer, for the 2018-19 school year, grew up in Chicago before moving to Indiana to earn his bachelor’s degree. “With a double major in history and English you either teach or go to law school,” he said. “I did law school for a year but discovered that wasn’t my passion or my calling. worked as a camp counselor during the summers and it wasn’t long efore decided to pursue teaching and move to Phoenix to begin my career.” In Arizona Schaffer taught at the elementary, middle- and high-school levels for nine years before a chance run-in with a Chicago principal at an educational conference led him to an assistant principal position ack in his hometown. While ack in hicago chaffer earned his master’s degree in curriculum instruction and then his doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Illinois. It was also during this time Schaffer was promoted to principal, got married, and became the proud father of a baby girl. Wanting to be closer to his wife’s family; Schaffer, his wife and daughter moved to Colorado. He accepted a position as director of middle-school education in Douglas County where he served for two years before moving closer to the Boulder Valley District to serve as assistant superintendent in charge of secondary education. “When the position in the Thompson School District opened up it was very exciting to me,” said Schaffer. “I was very aware of the innovations in the district and thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of it.” For Schaffer; a talented staff and faculty, a student-oriented philosophy, an over-
whelmingly favorable public opinion of the district as a whole, and the opportunities that exist for continued improvement are just a few of the qualities that led him to Thompson. “This is a people-oriented school district that values its traditions,” he said. “At the same time it’s a forward thinking district on a continuous improvement cycle that’s always looking for ways to get etter. There’s a willingness to e less traditional in a way that serves our students.” Schaffer said he’s excited to be part of a district with a high level of parent and community involvement, and his leadership style tends to be one of collaboration, visibility and trust. think lead est when listen to a lot of voices and even more so when involve voices that don’t agree with me,” he said. I’m highly relational and I lead interpersonally. I don’t feel that I need to be the smartest person in every room. I believe that sometimes the est leaders do more listening than talking. Schaffer said while he values forging deep relationships with the faculty, students and their families, and the greater community, he understands trust has to be earned over time with deeds as well as words. For him this means being out and a out in the schools and in the community rather than leading from his office. Among his short-term goals, Schaffer plans to get started right away with community engagement sessions during which he can ask the community what they’d like to see from the district. Closing achievement gaps and providing social-emotional support for students are also top priorities for the new superintendent. n the long term chaffer would like to see Thompson chool istrict viewed as a district of choice, one that’s considered world class, highly innovative and forward thinking e ercising strong fiscal responsi ility and meeting the needs of all students. want this district to e seen as a lue ri on district he said. look forward to sharing our celebrations with the community as well as our needs.” As he settles into his new position with Thompson, Schaffer urges school families and community members to venture beyond spectatorship and share their opinions and feed ack. “I have an open-door policy,” he said. “I want the community to feel heard and listened to. We need everyone’s partnership to achieve great things.”
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The vision is that this person will support the many activities of the school, including athletics just as the person last filling the role did. nce the activities director has been hired, we will set up a community event so we can connect with you in person. irst let me begin by thanking the Berthoud High School staff and the A reminder that school start times have changed. We will be beginning larger Berthoud community for such a warm welcome as the new princlasses at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and at 9:30 cipal. I am ecstatic to be a member of the team a.m. on Wednesday. The and have spent most all of my time thus far as prinbuilding will open at 8:05 cipal getting to know members and 9:05 a.m. respectively, of the school community and so please plan student listening to learn what BHS arrival times accordingly. is all about. This process has The first day of school for been essential in helping me all ninth-grade students chart the unifying direction is Aug. 20, with all other of the school for the coming BHS students beginning year — we are family. This has on Aug. 21. been a theme that has emerged I look forward to seeing in every conversation I have you all at Back to School had, be it with BHS graduates Night, which will be held who upon learning I had been on Aug. 16. Freshmen and named the new principal would their families are invited greet me, not just with their to come from 5 - 5:30 p.m., Dr. Sarah Beth Bliss name, but with the year they sophomores from 5:30 - 6 Principal at Berthoud High graduated, as well as conversa- Berthoud High School - 850 Spartan Ave. Berthoud, 970-613-7700, Principal p.m., juniors from 6 - 6:30 School tions with former staff members Sarah Beth Bliss p.m., and our seniors from who continue to be and see themselves as part of the 6:30 - 7 p.m. Freshmen fabric of what makes BHS great. will need to enter from the south/east door and everyone else from the east Berthoud has a strong and rich history as a school community that values door for the best entrance experience. We are hoping to have a food truck connections, not just for the short-term, but for the long haul. This threads present at this event and will communicate more on this and specifics of the from our elementary schools all the way up to our high school. As we connight via email as we get closer to the event. tinue to welcome new staff members, students, and community members, it I am exceptionally proud to be a Spartan and the principal of BHS. Thank is essential we hold on to what makes us great and that truly is that we are you for inviting me in so graciously to be a part of what you have all worked to family. This isn’t something that happens by accident or happenstance, but so hard to collaboratively create. It really is magical. requires nurturing. As we work together to plan for the exponential growth Please feel free to reach out and connect with me at 970-613-7703 or at that is coming to Berthoud, it is key that we hold on to this. sarahbeth.bliss@thompsonschools.org. Go team. In that spirit, we are currently looking to add to our BHS family and have just completed the interview process for the activities director for the school.
Berthoud High School F
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Berthoud Fire Protection District invites you to go “Back to school” in their first Citizen’s Academy
Special to the Surveyor Berthoud ire is opening wide its fire engine red doors to the community. They are giving citi ens a chance to see first hand how their fire service aims to give the highest quality service to maintain the safety of this community and provide ex cellent and effective help in time of great est need. Berthoud ire Protection istrict’s first ever Citizen’s Academy will be held this fall and will e an eye opening e perience to all who participate. Fire Chief Stephen harles and all the staff at the fire district invite you to take part in this amazing opportunity to learn about the operations, skills, values, roles and responsibilities of the district staff. This seven week long academy held once a week on Wednesday nights, will give Ber thoud citizens an insider’s view like never before into their local fire service. The engaging weekly courses will include informative classroom sessions and e citing hands on demonstrations. This is an opportunity to ask uestions get to know our fire fighting staff and ecome informed citi ens a out comple ities the fire service faces. The first night you will meet the command and
operational staff of your fire service get a tour of both stations, and learn about the overall opera tions of a fire department. The second session you will learn from our firefighters the skills ha ards and approaches to motor vehicle accidents. n the third session you will learn a out fire ehavior and see a demonstration of a house fire and the tactics used y firefighters. ight four we will demon strate the relationship between the many inter agency partnerships with law enforcement, para medics and dispatch. The fifth night will include a
presentation from our peer support counselor and Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority. At the sixth session you will learn from our expert wildland, dive and rescue crews about the scope of their responsibility. The seventh night will detail hazmat and emergency medi cal operations. The highlight of the academy will e a field day full of firefighter activities with potential activities including spraying a hose driving a fire truck unker gear o stacle course, and climbing a truck ladder. Citizens who complete the academy will receive a certificate and acceptance into the academy alumni. The Citizen’s Academy is for Berthoud residents or business owners, age 18 and older. Applicants must pass a background check. A fee of $30 will help cover the cost of materials, a t shirt and lunch on the field day. lasses will be held Wednesdays Sept. 5 through Oct. from to p.m. And one aturday field day on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All classes will take place at station 1 or 2 in Berthoud. Seats are extremely limited so sign up early. To register email msoricelli erthoudfire.org. Pay ment and background disclosure are required at time of registration. For more information visit erthoudfire.org.
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Dr. Sarah Beth Bliss new Berthoud High principal By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor Dr. Sarah Beth Bliss, the newly-minted principal at Berthoud High School (BHS), has hit the ground running in the first two plus weeks she has been on the job. Bliss, who holds a doctorate in Educational Equity from the University of Colorado-Denver, has been a school administrator since 2008. er first stint came as an assistant principal at Prairie View Middle School in Henderson, Colo. before moving north to the R2-J school district a year and a half ago where she served as the assistant principal at Thompson Valley High School (TVHS). easured ut candid r. Bliss spoke at length about her past experience as well as her future plans for Berthoud igh. Working on all matters at the operational, tactical and strategic levels, Bliss hit on three recurring themes — listening, communicating and leading — throughout her nearly forty-minute discussion with the Surveyor. Bliss has ne t to nothing in her office at BHS because, as she explained, it’s “People before things. I haven’t gone over (to TVHS) to get my things yet because that isn’t the priority right now, my priority is people and connecting with people and making sure really have a Dr. Sarah Beth Bliss great grounding because we need to set a vision and direction for this school and that needs to come from me.” A native of Treynor, Iowa, a town with fewer than 1,000 residents, Bliss
welcomes the small town, community-centric aspect of Berthoud. She said the, “(Berthoud community and BHS faculty) have been nothing but open arms, welcoming, loving, caring, free to share … readily sharing with me what their journey has een like through this school ecause they really really want me to be successful and they are invested in that.” Bliss said she has been setting up one-on-one meetings each member of the staff, listening to their concerns working in a uilding that will e seeing its third principal in as many years. Bliss explained she welcomes the challenges of the job before her and that it has, “Always been a dream of mine to be a high school principal.” She continued, “I expect that people will want me to prove myself. I don’t think that people will follow you just ecause you have the title of leader. aving worked for a year in a half already in Bliss was asked if the familiarity with the ins and outs of the district will help the transition and replied, “Absolutely. I already have some established relationships with people throughout the district so what I really can focus on now is building relationships with the people in this building and in the community, I don’t have to do both at the same time. That frees up a lot a space” Asked what she elieved was an area of strength that will prepare her to lead B Bliss e plained think a lot of it is my relational capacity. I thought was a result of being in the same district for eight years and developing the relationships I did … but I learned when I went to Thompson alley and got to work with the wonderful staff there that those skills had were transferra le. was a le to come to a system that was different and it worked. In addition to meeting with as many people involved with the school as possi le Bliss e plained one focus she has had in the first few weeks on the job is developing clear lines of communication and putting in place the structures and systems that will be needed when the school year begins next month. Said Bliss, “One piece that I already have (principal secretary) Kristin BLISS continued on page 17
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
BLISS continued from page 16 (Lutz) working on is having a staff handbook, that’s updated with our expectations so we have that clarity. We need to have some systems so people have that clarity of what our systems and structures and expectations are in the school. We need clarity and common clarity.” The overarching theme that Bliss will use as she begins her tenue is “we are family which is written inside a heart on the white oard in her office. As she explained, “The vision for the year is ‘we are family’ and that’s not something came in with. After ’ve met with a num er of staff mem ers asked what do we really need our focus to be here and that became we are family. So we’re going to source everything we do around that, making our decisions around that. Some systems and structures and getting those up in place in the building to support people to have the capacity to focus on the important stuff.” To achieve these ends, Bliss explained she is going to heavily emphasize face-to-face professional learning time, most notably on Wednesday mornings with the later start. Bliss believes this will position the staff to best serve the needs of the student body. “I anticipate us to be able to do a lot for students, staff, community to develop the clarity and have that common understanding so we’re moving in the same direction. I believe in good instructional design, we need to make sure it meets the needs of the teachers and is well-designed,” she explained. The district is in the process of hiring an assistant principal/athletic director as that position was also vacated at the end of the prior school year. Bliss explained she is going to refer to the person as the ‘activities director’ and, while some charges of the position will be dependent upon the person hired, Bliss said she would like that person to be in charge of all athletics and other activities, handle discipline within the school and possible handle some safety and security operations as well. When asked what her message to the school and the Berthoud community is as the school year rapidly approaches, Bliss said, “Equal parts, love and accountability.” I’m here, I plan to be present. One thing I heard really clearly in the interview process is the need for someone who is present and who is a communicator so those are two benchmarks I am going to try to hit.” The school year will egin on Aug. .
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By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor ince the tate of olorado has provided a service to communities across the state that enables citizens to make anonymous reports of threats to groups or individuals. The program was implemented following the Columbine school shooting and has provided a link between students and other individuals who may see something of concern but would otherwise not know how or to whom they should report it. It is designed to help schools identify youth who are struggling in order to prevent violence and tragedies from occurring. Safe2Tell is based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety. The goal is to develop a partnership “to engage key stakeholders and empower young people to be a part of the solution of school and community safety.” It gives students, parents and community members multiple ways to report threats completely anonymously. Although initially it was intended to report potential violence in schools, the service has expanded to reports of students harming themselves or considering suicide; along with bullying, harassment, stalking, dating violence, fighting and other criminal concerns like gang activity illegal guns or other weap ons, drugs and alcohol, and sexual crimes. Anyone who has information a out a potentially dangerous situation can call the toll free state wide num er at or y visiting safe tell. org and submitting your concern online. There is now also a mobile app that is available to use where you can submit your comments via smartphone. Phone calls are answered by trained Colorado State Patrol Dispatchers who collect the information needed but will not ask for personal identifying information from the caller. After making the report you’ll e assigned a tip num er and a password so if more information is needed you can log on to the website and check messages sent to you. The olorado tate eneral Assem ly passed legislation to protect the reporter’s anonymity. After a report is made the information is sent to the appropriate school and or law enforcement officials and then afe Tell olorado re uires a disposition on every report sent out detailing the action that was taken and the result. Another goal of the program is to not just identify potential threats but to also provide help for those who need it after interrupting concerning behavior.
Reminders from the Thompson School District Special to the Surveyor New school start and release times will take effect beginning this school year. In January, the Thompson School District Board of Education approved the adjustments as well as a one hour late start on Wednesdays. A district task force has completed its work in helping to ensure a smooth transition. The start and release times for the 2018-2019 school year are listed below. *Charter school parents: Please visit your school’s website or contact your school for applicable information. School start dates: onday Aug. chool egins rades plus Transition ay ull ay for rades and Tuesday Aug. chool egins rades onday Aug. irst day of classes for Thompson arly hildhood Students 2018-2019 School Start and Release Times Early Childhood Times: *Please contact your Early Childhood center for detailed information. Elementary school times: onday Tuesday Thursday and riday a.m. p.m. Wednesday a.m. p.m. Middle school times: onday Tuesday Thursday and riday a.m. p.m. Wednesday a.m. p.m. High school times: onday Tuesday Thursday and riday a.m. p.m. Wednesday a.m. p.m. igh Plains chool times onday Tuesday Thursday and riday a.m. p.m. Wednesday a.m. p.m. Please note the one-hour late start on all Wednesdays during the school year, eginning Aug. . This will allow time for educators to colla orate in their plan ning and professional growth opportunities. The new calendar adds four more
school days for students, as the previous practice of full days for teacher professional development is being replaced by the Wednesday one-hour late start. Additional information will e forthcoming from your school s as we ap proach the first day of classes. School closings and late starts due to inclement weather School closures during periods of inclement weather are based upon several factors: weather conditions that are both current and predicted to occur during the course of the coming day, road conditions and closures, and the ability of the school sites to prepare for the arrival of students for that day. Decisions regarding school and district office closure are taken very seriously. ere are the fac tors that the district typically uses in making its evaluation: amount of current snowfall; strength of wind, drifting factor and visibility; temperature and wind chill factor; utility outages; local business closures; and weather forecasting. Overnight, in the very early morning hours, TSD employees (including the superintendent) travel along city, county and state roadways throughout the district to monitor travel conditions. They also monitor conditions at district sites as well as road advisories. Neighboring school districts and city, county, and state agencies are also contacted to confirm delays or closures. The superin tendent may announce a late start schedule for the opening of schools if weather or other emergency conditions are severe but not serious enough to close schools. If the district decides to cancel school or initiate a late start because of inclement weather or other dangerous conditions, the announcement will be carried on radio and tv stations: A T T . A . A panish A A B A (Spanish) •Denver television stations The announcement will also e made via the district we site ace ook Thompson chool istrict Twitter Thompson and the district school closure line . A phone call email and te t message will e sent to all district families who have authori ed the communication in the nfinite Campus “Parent Portal.” Media sources will be contacted for both school closings and late starts. When schools are closed, all athletic events and practices are canceled.
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Movies that make education fun
I
’ve spent a great deal of the last few months covering the “summer blockbuster season” in which Hollywood releases their highest-budgeted and marketed films of the year. It is no coinciSurveyor dence the May through Columnist August timeline parallels summer vacation for kids. However, just because the summer is nearing its end does not constitute the end of good movies for the year. In fact, there are several classics out there that are about Aaron the value and imporReynolds tance of education. Perhaps you have watched many of these films efore yet if you as a parent are seeking a method to get your child excited and inspired for school again, these classics are what you should put in the DVD player: “Dead Poets Society” (PG): One of my personal favorites, “Dead Poets Society,” is a classic tale about taking unconventional methods to teaching, especially regarding subjects in school that are not often regarded as “legitimate” subjects, such as music and literature. The late and great o in Williams who defies the traditional approach to teaching by taking the students outside the classroom and challenging them to resist the status quo, is brilliant in the film. ne word of caution despite its PG rating “Dead Poets Society” is a little dark at times, including a very devastating scene in which one of the students commits suicide, so it’s not appropriate for the little ones. “Mr. Holland’s Opus” (PG): If you have a child who doesn’t believe teachers are anything more than boring disciplinarians, then I highly recommend “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” It’s one of those
powerful stories that at one moment makes you smile and laugh, the next moment shaking your head in disappointment or even shedding a tear. Coming from a family that has worked in education, perhaps no other film e plains the complicated and strenuous life of an educator better than “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” “School of Rock” (PG-13): Intended for a slightly more mature audience, “School of Rock” is still a rather clean and goofy movie about a su stitute teacher who fills in long-term for the regular teacher for selfish motives to advance his own music career with a backup teen band. It’s a great comedy and demonstrates school can be both educational and fun. “Freedom Writers” (PG-13): It does feel like Hilary Swank has fallen off the map, but there was a string of five or si years where the Academy Award winning actress was on a roll, including “Freedom Writers,” which examines the immense challenges teachers face trying to educate in troubled inner cities. It reminds us all that everyone is entitled to the very best education, and we should take public education (and its funding) very seriously. “Remember the Titans” (PG): While “Remember the Titans” is technically a movie about sports, its lessons apply just as much to the classroom as it does MOVIES continued on page 19
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
MOVIES continued from page 18 on the foot all field as anyone who participated in after school activities past or present will attest. en el Washington is tasked with taking over a high school program in the south in one of the first integrated schools during the s. t’s an important lesson for adolescents who may not reali e it wasn’t all that long ago the nited tates separated students in schools ased y the color of their skin. ean on e P An older yet important movie a out education ean on e features a young organ reeman and a story loosely ased on oe ouis lark a real life inner city high school principal who faced a government shutdown due to poor student performance on state assess ments. t’s a uality tale a out the
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important yet difficult role school principals play in education. indergarten op P While Arnold chwar enegger is an action star often regard ed as eing unintention ally funny the movie indergarten op was designed to e intention ally funny and actually is. or anyone who has ever worked with little children they will greatly appreciate this underrated comedy a out early childhood education. The Breakfast lu ated ohn ughes was one of the rare writers directors who was a le to make comedies into dramas and vice versa. e was a rare talent and The Breakfast lu remains one of his finest pieces of work. The film was a gigantic reakthrough for several ollywood actors in cluding milio steve and olly ingwald. The film is a fantastic e ample of the various cli ues in high school and what separates yet unites us all though is rated and parental guidance is o vi ously needed if you deem this film appropriate for your teenage son or daughter.
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How to help kids learn to love reading
Special to the Surveyor Reading is a passion for many people. But even avid readers may not know just how far back their love of reading stretches. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics children who find pleasure in reading have the potential to become lifelong readers. In addition, studies have shown that reading to children can help kids become familiar with sounds, words and language, helping them in their earliest stages of cognitive development. So adults who love books might be able to trace their passion for page-turners to those times their mothers and fathers read aloud to them as youngsters. Parents who want to their children to learn to love reading can rely on various techniques to accomplish that goal. • Make reading a routine. Routine is a necessity for parents, helping children learn when it’s time to eat, play and go to sleep, among other things. Parents can include reading to their children as part of their daily routines. As noted, doing so will promote language skills and cognitive development while also acclimating children to books and providing valuable time for them to bond with their parents. • Create a distraction-free reading environment. When reading to children, parents can create an environment with little to no distractions. This allows kids to focus on their parents’ voices as well as the story they’re being told. Parents can turn off the television and the radio when reading to their kids. In addition, moms and dads should leave smartphones or tablets in another room so they aren’t distracted by alerts or tempted to check for incoming messages or emails. • Read aloud together. Some children may shy away from reading if they struggle in their initial efforts to read. That does not mean kids won’t ultimately enjoy reading, it just means a little more effort may be required on parents’ part to help kids overcome any issues they have. Reading aloud to children can help little ones learn how to become good readers, as they will learn how to pronounce words and form sentences. Kids who know how to
read can be encouraged to read to their parents, which can instill self-esteem. If kids struggle with certain words or sentences when reading aloud, parents can read those words and/or sentences aloud to them and ask them to repeat the phrases back. • Let kids pick their own books. When reading to youngsters, whether they’re babies, toddlers or already in school, parents can let sons and daughters choose their own books. Children might be especially enthusiastic about reading if they’re allowed to choose their own books and stories. eading can enefit children from the earliest stages of their lives all the way through adulthood. Parents can take various steps to foster a love of reading in their children.
$37 in the 80513 zip code, $47 elsewhere
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Back to school requires more than just 20/20 vision Special to the Surveyor When you think about going back to school, you think about “new clothes … new classes.” We don’t often think about “check eyes … need glasses?” Yet did you know that 85 percent of everything your child learns in school comes through their eyes? School vision screenings, although helpful, will not detect all of a child’s vision problems. They may pass the screening, but still be burdened with struggles ... especially with reading. Many children, especially young ones, won’t complain when having difficulty. They just assume that’s how the world looks to everyone. A thorough eye exam
Electronic devices
A commonly asked question parents pose to us at our vision clinic is, “Is looking at a screen or phone for long periods of time a problem?” Like it or not, as your child continues to grow he or she will experience thousands of hours on some sort of electronic device each year. A good rule of thumb is the 20/20/20 Rule. This means every 20 minutes take at least 20 seconds to look 20 feet away (or at least across the room). By doing so the eye muscles that work to focus at near can relax and “stretch out.” Returning to the near-vision task will then be more effective and productive. We also have lens coatings that can block the troublesome blue light that is emitted from nearly all electronic devices.
We love kids During a comprehensive vision examination we can discover hidden problems Over the past 15 years Berthoud Vision for that may significantly improve your child’s Dr. Pratt and Brady Lear. Life has been dedicated to providing Comreading experience. Struggles with reading prehensive Vision Care for people of all ages. may include: As our practice continues to grow we are fortunate to have Dr. Corey Pratt • Focusing problems working with us. Pratt graduated from the same professional school as Dr. • Eyestrain Rex Eland, the Southern California College of Optometry. Over the past 10 • Headaches years Pratt has specialized in working with children ... from infants through • Dyslexia (reversing words) teens. He has a passion for working with kids and is able to uncover some • Double vision problems that can affect a child for life. And he has a way of making “a trip to • Eye tracking problems the eye doctor” quite fun. We welcome your concerns and questions and look These impairments can be diagnosed and treated, turning a stumbling forward to seeing you and your child in our office soon. We accept most insurblock into a stepping stone for your child to discover everything about the ance plans and are located just south of Adams Bank on Berthoud Parkway. world that they live in. You may call us at 970-532-5605.