2020
© Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
July 30, 2020
What’s inside? • Meet the new Turner Middle School SRO Travis Matkin, page 9 • Construction update for Berthoud El and Ivy Stockwell, page 11 • Interview with Thompson School District Superintendent Dr. Schaffer, pages 14-15 • Foolproof tricks for boosting immunity in kids, page 16
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Thompson School District to offer two learning models for 2020-21 By Katie Harris The Surveyor
On July 9, Thompson School District announced plans to offer a full online model and a full inperson model to students for the 2020-21 school year. While details for both models are still being ironed out and are subject to change as Larimer County guidelines evolve, the announcement, which was posted on the district’s website, assured families that both options would “provide students with the knowledge and skills to meet grade-level content standards, expectations and graduation requirements.” The announcement also stressed that the district will adhere to current physical distancing guidelines, face-covering requirements, symptom checking procedures, disinfection measures and contact tracing. Among other measures, the district plans to space student desks as far apart as possible, discourage sharing of supplies, close playground equipment and cafeterias, and potentially limit the number of students using school transportation. While the July 9 announcement lacked detail in terms of the online model, the district’s Chief Academic fficer, awne uckaby, elaborated on Thompson’s plans in a July 14 email, saying online curriculum will be more structured and rigorous than what students experienced last spring, but will not be identical to what’s being taught in the inperson model. “We will be purchasing content from national online providers,” said uckaby. tudents across the state and country have used these programs with a high degree of success when students are engaged in the content and supported by families while learning online.” Due to the ongoing negotiation of contracts, uckaby was unable to provide the names of the online providers being considered. The online model will utilize a different evaluation system than the inperson model, as it will be determined by and administered through the online pro ider, howe er, uck
aby said online grading will work similarly to inperson. Students who choose the online option will be assigned teachers who work solely with online students. “The 100% online model will be staffed by teachers who will not be teaching inperson, said uckaby. “They will receive training from the vendor as well as professional development on effective practices for delivering online instruction.” Online teachers will have the ability to provide whole group, small group and individual support as needed, and students with learning disabilities will have support for their IEP goals as required. “The teachers who will be teaching in the online platform will hold sessions with students throughout the week to support the online curriculum, said uckaby. They will assess the work and provide feedback to the student and monitor progress.” uckaby said that students in the online model can expect fi e to six hours of classwork each day, including online learning, hands-on activities and interactions with their teacher. A survey recently sent out to families by the district asks them to choose between the full inperson and full online models for the fall semester. uckaby said families will have the option to switch models at the start of the second semester, however, students will not be able to change models midsemester. “The online option will be available all year, said uckaby. T has had an online program for years that primarily has served students in grades 6-12 with a few students in grades K-5. This program will continue and we will look at expansion for K-5 in the future if there is a need identified by families in the future.” According to Thompson School istrict s public information officer, ichael ausmann, more informa tion about each model will be made available to families after the survey return deadline on July 30.
BACK TO SCHOOL 2020 Back to School 2020© 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 970613-5000.
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School supply lists can be found at each school website.
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July 30, 2020
The “New Norm” and your eyes
he ongoing coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us to some degree. A few of us have had family or friends who have been dangerously ill. Many of us have had our work schedules disrupted. Masks and gloves, previously only seen when visiting medical centers, have become commonplace anywhere you go. Nearly all of us have spent more time at home than we used to. As a Guest result, our garages and basements are likely cleaner Columnist than they have been in years. Additionally, most of us have dramatically increased the time we spend on the phone and in front of computer and television screens for both work and entertainment. And there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight. While businesses are slowly reopening and plans are in place for our children to return to school at least part-time, employment and school schedules will continue to utilize technology to have people work from home wherever possible. So how does this increased screen time affect our eye health and viCorey sion? Here are some items to consider: Pratt, O.D. 1. Dryness/Irritation: Most of us have a blink rate that is fairly consistent over a variety of activities. However, research has shown that our blink rate can drop by a factor of fi e to se en times when looking at a screen. In Colorado, we already live in an environment with very low humidity, so when our blinking is drastically reduced our eyes suffer the consequences. Imagine them drying out like little raisins. Dry eyes are no laughing matter. They can lead to chronic redness, itching, discomfort, blurred vision and even pain. 2. Fatigue: Our eyes and bodies are amazingly adaptable. That being said, they are not designed to do one single activity for hours on end, day in and day out. Screen time is no different. When forced to look at a screen for extended periods, our eyes’ focusing system gets tired, leading to head-
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aches, blurred or double vision, eyestrain and general fatigue. 3. Blue light issues: Studies have shown that extended periods of exposure to blue light from our digital devices can interfere with our normal sleep cycles. If you’re like me, you can’t afford to lose that sleep. As if that weren’t bad enough, it’s been theorized that excessive exposure to blue light may increase a person’s risk for developing a retinal disease in later life, although more studies are needed on this subject. The life changes that have been forced on us by the pandemic can take a toll on our visual system. So what can we do to help our eyes? First and foremost, take a break. I have many of my patients set an alarm on their watches or phones to remind them every 20 to 30 minutes to look away from their computer screens, relax their eyes, and blink for several moments before resuming their activities. For those who suffer from dryness, a wetting drop may be used. I generally recommend preser ati e free artificial tears to pro ide moisture without any additional ingredients intended to reduce redness. Finally, it is important to have proper visual correction and protection. f you experience significant fatigue, strain, or blur as the day wears on despite taking breaks, then your visual system may need more help to perform the tasks you’re expecting it to do. It might be time to get that old prescription remeasured and refitted to account for your new isual demands. blue light filter may be beneficial as well, either on your screen itself or included in your prescription lenses. While we hope this pandemic ends soon, we can’t foresee the timeline or what changes will stay with us as a result. We can, however, ensure that our eyes are not unwitting victims of the “New Norm.” If you have any questions regarding this article or any other questions regarding your eyes, please feel free to contact Berthoud Vision for Life and I or my colleagues will be happy to answer them. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay wise for your eyes.
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Berthoud Elementary
fter a historic ending to the previous school year, Berthoud Elementary is preparing for the school year with anticipation and excitement. It is a privilege to serve our students and families, and we have been fortunate to have the support of our phenomenal community. As we await information that will guide us in planning for a dynamic and inspiring school year filled with learning and connections, we will continue to share updates with our families. We want to support you. Who’s new at Berthoud Elementary? • Due to growth in our community, we were able to hire an additional teacher. This has allowed us to provide four sections and lower class sizes in kindergarten, first, second and third grades. • We are pleased to welcome several new staff members to our school: Kim Knutzen — Fourth grade teacher Kristi Lewis — District school nurse Tonia Maher — District early childhood teacher TBD – District early childhood paraprofessional • Summer bond work — We can’t wait to see the interior of the new addition. It will provide needed classroom space for our fifth graders. t is so exciting that this group of students will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautifully designed space. There are a number of other projects that will be completed this summer, including: drainage remediation around the exterior of Melanie Patterson the building, new furnishings in nine additional classPrincipal at Berthoud rooms and in the front hall, new flooring inside the front Elementary School entrance, sidewalk replacement in front of the building and various mechanical updates. • Technology — erthoud schools ha e been so fortunate to benefit from the support of the Berthoud Bash. This support was instrumental our selection
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Berthoud Elementary School, 560 Bunyan Ave., 970-613-7500, Principal Melanie Patterson.
as a site for one to one technology access. Devices will be deployed for individual use at the start of the school year. • Safety — lease be assured that the safety of our students and staff is extremely important to us as we engage in planning for the 2020-2021 school year. I will be hosting a listening forum in August, and hope that many of our parents will consider joining me. Your thoughts and questions are important to me. Upcoming events: August (date TBD) — Virtual BES Community Forum TBD — 20-21 Back To School Night Aug. 31 — Kindergarten Transition Day from 8 - 11:30 a.m. Sept. 1 — First day of school (K-5 grades) from 8 a.m – 11:30 a.m. I am grateful for the support, trust and patience demonstrated by our families and community stakeholders. Together, we will rally to ensure a positive school year, and to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our students.
The benefits of a new approach to learning for students
Special to the Surveyor
The validity of the adage “necessity is the mother of invention” was on full display during the COVID-19 outbreak. People quickly had to learn to adapt to a new way of life, including an educational system that was transformed dramatically by social distancing guidelines. More than 76 million students are enrolled in United States schools, per the latest Census Bureau information. In a matter of days, millions of students who once attended classes in-person were forced to transition to virtual learning instruction. The process showed ust how flexible learning systems can be, and how virtual instruction may become more than an emergency protocol in the future. Schools utilized systems like Google Classroom, Canvas and virtual meeting apps to connect and learn. While in-class lessons provide the socialization and one-on-one interaction that can be vital for students’ academic success, there are many different reasons why virtual instruction can be a key component of learning models as well. When virtual learning is used in conjunction with traditional teaching, students may ha e a more well rounded experience. ere are some potential benefits that may unfold as • Pace. Virtual learning affords students the chance to work on lessons at
a pace that fits their indi idual needs. tudents can go back and re-read or re-work problems until they re satisfied they ha e learned their lesson. Lessons can be slowed down or sped up depending on proficiency, creating a customized educational experience. • No more weather days. Many school districts include snow or extreme weather days into their calendars, adding on extra days at the end of school year to meet the specified number of educational days. Remote learning can take over in these times and keep school districts from having to pad calendars. • Convenience. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to provide students the best chance to get the amount of sleep they need. Still, most adolescents currently start school before 8:30 a.m. Remote learning enables students to complete their assignments when it works best for them. This may help them get more sleep, too. • Apps. Learning apps are a new wave of educational tools that have helped buoy virtual instruction. Primary school students or those with indiidual education plans may benefit the most from reinforced app skills that match their learning pace in fun ways. Virtual home instruction may become a large part of the educational landscape even after it’s no longer a social distancing necessity
School Calendar 2020-2021
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Please visit the Thompson School District website at www.thompsonschools.org to view this calendar online.
July 30, 2020
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Ivy Stockwell Elementary School
Message from the Thompson School District: The Thompson School District is pleased to announce that it has named Anne Marie Sanchez as principal at Ivy Stockwell Elementary chool. he will fill the position that is being acated by ick owles, who is fully transitioning to the principal position at i er iew school in Johnstown. The new school will open at the beginning of the school year. Ms. Sanchez has worked in education for over years. he has ser ed in Thompson chool is trict for much of her career, including as the prin cipal of Centennial Elementary School in Loveland for fi e years. he later transitioned to the district administration office, initially to work on a lit eracy initiative and later to serve as a director of elementary education for an additional fi e years. ast uly, s. anchez was named the interim principal at Carrie Martin Elementary School. am honored and excited to work alongside the Anne Marie Sanchez students, staff, and families of this extraordinary Principal at Ivy Stockwell community to continue to make Ivy Stockwell Elementary School lementary the best in e ery way, s. anchez said. he will officially transition into the principal role at the school uly .
Ivy Stockwell Elementary, 175 Fifth St., Berthoud, 970-613-6100, Principal Anne Marie Sanchez.
be sure of that e can t wait to meet our new families and welcome back all of our returning students. ere s to an amazingly interesting and spectacular school year.
From the principal: elcome to another great year at y tockwell lementary. y name is nne arie anchez and am the new principal of y tock well. ha e been a part of the Thompson chool istrict for years in different roles as well as an educator for years. feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the erthoud community and to help contrib ute to an amazing erthoud feeder system. ow more than e er, it will be important to continue to work together to make our schools the best they can be for our students. s you know, erthoud has been experiencing huge growth, and we want to welcome all of the new people to our community. erthoud is a wonderful community and has four of the best schools you will find. For those who will be new to y tockwell, we know you will lo e it and feel like a welcome part of the Ivy family. e d like to introduce and welcome new y staff members: annah ogle ead custodian atie ppel usic teacher e in ale ifted and talented teacher ilissa tewart econd grade teacher am erez chool secretary alerie lwood ounselor What’s New at Ivy Stockwell Elementary: ne to one technology students will be assigned their own electronic de ices. indergarten second grades will recei e i ads and third fifth grade will recei e hromebooks beautiful new addition Four new classrooms that support the increasing needs around space as our enrollment continues to grow afety protocols doing e erything we can to ensure our stu dents and staff remain healthy and can teach and learn in a safe and producti e en ironment not a new concept, but definitely different Upcoming events: ug. , from p.m. irtual y tockwell ommunity Forum ack to chool ight T The Thompson chool istrict is an amazing district and our er thoud schools are excited to work together to continue to stri e to make it e en better especially considering the circumstances this school year. e look forward to finally seeing our students smiling faces and with help from our supporti e parent community, talented staff, and incred ible students, we will make this a school year to remember we can
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
July 30, 2020
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Meet the new Turner Middle School SRO Travis Matkin in Matkin too. This surprised Matkin, since he was the new guy in the position. The deputy likes that students ask him to come to The 2019-2020 public school year a game they are playing in. e says he is flattered by ended abruptly due to COVID-19. This these requests. caught teachers, administrators, parents Deputy Travis as the students call him, wears a and students by surprise. Someone else polo shirt with the LCSO logo on it to school, instead who was surprised was Larimer County of his uniform. “It’s good for the students, the comSheriff’s Deputy (LCSO) Travis Matkin. munity and the staff to see there is actually a person Matkin was in his “rookie year” as underneath all this,” Matkin said about the uniform. a school resource officer at erIn addition to rapport, Matkin says the other imthoud’s Turner Middle School (TMS). portant factor for an is school safety. apport Although Matkin was in a new role as an and safety go hand in hand,” according to Matkin. , he has some years of experience e takes it seriously that s are entrusted to in law enforcement. keep students safe. He added that parents trust the He started as a community service adults working in the school to take “darn good care officer in o eland. fter fi e years, he of their kids.” He feels this is a huge honor and a switched to the LCSO. His duties as a responsibility. deputy took him to Estes Park, Wellingeing an re uires good teamwork with ton and now erthoud. school administration, according to Matkin. He and The position is one that a deputy Photo by Bob McDonnell T principal randy rie es are on the same volunteers for. Matkin met with the TMS LCSO Deputy Travis Matkin is ready for school to start. page” in this regard, the deputy said. administration when there was an openMatkin regrets how school ended because of COing for an . atkin says the candiVID-19. The last day of school was the Friday before spring break. At the time, date has to be a good fit for the school and the community. e was thrilled to get no one knew school would not resume. The day would have been different if the TMS assignment. everyone realized it was the “last” last day. atkin said he sees his role as an is first to de elop rapport. e likes When school is not in session, Matkin does patrol duties. This is also a time how he gets to know the students, and see them on a daily basis. In some cases, for him to oin fellow officers in training on policing skills and techni ues. the school is a child’s stability, Matkin said. encourages s to take their acation during the summer too. Matkin likes to learn about the students including what sports they play, Matkin, like everyone else, doesn’t have a sense yet for how the upcoming what clubs they belong to, what their interests are, along what subjects they like school year will look. e ust knows that he as T s he is ready to go back or don’t like. and be with the students. It’s his job, but to LCSO Deputy Travis Matkin, it’s e likes that students stop by his office to talk, or tell him about their day or much more than that. “It’s the best gig I’ve had,” he said. want to ha e him oin them to shoot some baskets. t times, students do confide By Bob McDonnell The Surveyor
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Turner Middle School
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Dear Turner parents and community, First, I would like to thank you for your support and understanding last March when it became necessary to go to remote learning. I am proud of the Turner staff and their work to adapt quickly to provide learning opportunities for students given the unprecedented circumstances. We too learned a lot and will be applying these new skills and resources into our physical and virtual classrooms. I am anxious, as I know teachers are, to begin working with our students again. Wow so much has taken place in the last few months and as we look toward this school year starting there are a lot of unanswered questions and concerns. Many of us have been busy over the summer working to better understand safety Turner Middle School, 950 Massachusetts Ave., 970-613-7400, Principal Brandy Grieves. protocols/procedures for COVID, thinking Brandy Grieves Principal at through best practices for student learning Turner Middle School district s leadership team. in hybrid models, and working on plans that In the coming weeks, district schools will also be hosting virtual community accommodate both of these key factors. Safety for our students, staff, and community is at the forefront of all of our forums, which will serve as an additional opportunity for families to connect with school staff and ask questions directly related to the school and its prominds and work. We are striving to return to school with enhanced cleaning, gramming. disinfecting and safety procedures in place. With that said, we are looking at Finally, we are excited that over this summer we have hired some new numerous possibilities to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of our faces and we are eager for our students to meet and work with these teachers students. and staff members. We would like to thank our PTO for their hard work in s we finalize our plans and get appro al, will be sharing out with our fundraising; we now have new hallway workspaces installed down our sixthfamilies more specifically Turner s plan to ha e students safely return to our grade hall — these look GREAT! building and begin working with our teachers once more. n closing, appreciate your continued support as we work to find the best Our district has set up the following opportunities for families to receive and safest way to educate your student in this upcoming school year. more information: On Thursday, July 23, the district released its formal “Return to Learn” Respectfully, plan, which will contain completed information on the upcoming school year Brandy Grieves and what families can expect to experience. The district will be hosting a virtual community forum Thursday, July , at p.m. on the district s ouTube channel. n online form will be a ailable for people to submit questions that will be answered by members of the
Factors to consider when setting up a school carpool Special to the Surveyor Getting kids to and from school can be a challenge for working parents. School start times do not always coordinate with parents work schedules, and school typically lets out before parents workdays end. Carpools are one way parents confront the challenge posed by juggling work and family. With a new school year approaching, parents can take the following factors into consideration as they work to establish carpools. • Determine your insurance needs. Before planning carpools, parents who plan to participate should contact their auto insurance providers to make sure their policies co er dri ing others. The organizer of the carpool should make sure every parent does this prior to the school year. Some parents may need to purchase supplemental insurance, and each parent should be willing to provide proof of their insurance as well. • Reach out to parents in your neighborhood. A carpool that is neighborhood based as opposed to one that is based more on students social circles will likely prove more convenient for parents. A carpool with neighbors means parents won t ha e to dri e far to pick up and or drop off other students, sa ing everyone valuable time each day. • Don’t go overboard. en if your mini an or can seat half a dozen children, you may want to limit the carpool to a more manageable number of youngsters. Getting kids up and out the door each morning is a challenge when there s ust one youngster in ol ed, let alone se eral. y limiting a carpool to between two and four children, parents won t ha e to worry about too many hiccups during their morning routines. • Discuss early closures and other unique days in advance. School schedules tend to be the same throughout the year, but there are various times when early closures can affect carpools. This is especially true for parents with children who attend different schools. When planning a carpool, discuss early closure dates with other parents and develop a plan for how to manage pickup. School carpools are convenient for working parents. Planning prior to the school year is a great way to ensure carpools are successful.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
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Ivy Stockwell, Berthoud Elementary see significant upgrades thanks to bond and Berthoud El, Turner and Berthoud High have already had work completed on each building’s roof. Berthoud High is also in the process of athletic facilities upgrades that include In the 2018 election, voters in the the installation of a new track and synthetic turf at Max Thompson School District (TSD) apMarr Stadium, both projects will be complete in time for the proved a $149 million bond measure beginning of the football and soccer seasons in late-August. for capital improvements districtTo this point, the lion’s share of the work in town has been wide. Every school in the TSD was on the two elementary schools. According to Knauer, “We to receive a cut of the money for have worked hand in hand with the principals at both sites needed improvements on everything for the last year, through design and construction. They are from fire alarms to athletic facilities both tracking the weekly construction meetings and receive upgrades and a new K-8 school in a personal updates from the TSD project manager each week eastern Loveland that is currently also.” The project manager for the work at both sites is Heidi being built. Roge, a Berthoud resident. Two of the more high profile $5,501,900 was allocated from the bond for Berthoud ElPhoto courtesy of Thompson School District upgrades from the bond measure are ementary, which was originally built in 1962. The principle Construction crews working this summer on the new occurring to Berthoud’s two elemenclassroom additions on the western side of Ivy Stockwell work includes the classroom addition as well as a new swing tary schools, which have exceeded Elementary School in Berthoud. set, some landscaping and new asphalt which began this maximum capacity and needed adweek. On July 21, the new additions were connected to the ditions. The Surveyor reached out to building’s main power supply, exterior metal panels were installed and the the TSD and Tammie Knauer, bond director for the district, provided details millwork began July 20. Interior and exterior doors were installed last week on the progress of the projects. and the inyl flooring in the entry is also underway. As also reported, the start of the 2020-21 school year has been delayed by Ivy Stockwell was built in 1975 and has had a prior building addition on two weeks due to the preparations necessary to handle contingencies created the south side that was completed in the 1990s. This year’s addition is on by the COVID-19 pandemic. School was originally set to begin this year Aug. the west side of the building. The classroom addition also included a new 17 but that date has been pushed back to Aug. 31 and, according to Knauer, bathroom that has had lighting and toilet fixtures installed. Two weeks ago, the construction has been progressing in line with the originally planned windows and doors were installed and the concrete sidewalks were poured completion date of Aug. 9. and began to cure. sphalt for the fire lane, millwork, new carpeting in the “TSD staff return on the sixth, so we really have to be on task regardless kindergarten classroom, computer room and corridors all began this week. of the revised school start date. We will be working right up to the end for nstallation of a new fire alarm system is also currently underway and insure, but the contractor has finished many summer wonders and we plan to spection is scheduled for Aug. 7. be successful here too,” Knauer said. Further information on all the TSD bond projects can be found at https:// Projects for all schools in the district were scheduled based upon the urwww.tsdbond.org/. gency of need. All four of Berthoud’s schools have had bond funds allocated By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor
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Berthoud High School
BHS is a small, student-focused, comprehensive high school with approximately 700 students in grades 9-12. We have a staff of 70, including 40 teachers, three administrators, three counselors, one resource officer and support staff. We offer over 150 different courses designed for students to follow their interests and career paths. Our academic programs include traditional, Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses along with concurrent enrollment courses where students can receive college credit as well as high school credit. Students can earn a traditional, honors or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) diploma. Our computer network allows students and staff to access the most current research materials to expand their knowledge. Gordon Boschman We are a Ubiquitous Technology Access (UTA) Principal at Berthoud High school with a student to laptop ratio of 1:1. School Our typical senior class includes a +90% graduation rate with 85% attending 4-year, 2-year, or vocational colleges while earning more than $4.5 million in scholarships. e offer comprehensi e athletic, fine and performing arts clubs and activities including nine different sports for both males and females. There are more than 20 student clubs. Our Instructional Leadership Team and School Accountability Advisory Council provide effective oversight of the functioning of our school. ur football field and track ha e been replaced o er the summer.
Berthoud High School - 850 Spartan Ave., 970-613-7700, Principal Gordon Boschman
New turf at BHS By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor
onday morning crews began installing the new synthetic field turf at ax Marr Stadium at Berthoud High School. The new turf will also be accompanied by a new track that will be laid after the turf installation is complete, as well as upgraded lighting. The price tag for the project is roughly $750,000 with funding coming largely from the bond measure voters approved in 2018. The old track was in terrible shape and posed a tripping risk to high school athletes competing in track and field and, as Thompson chool istrict Todd Piccone explained at a board meeting this summer that the new track, turf and upgraded lighting apparatus are good long-term investments for the school and the district. Not only will the new turf be able to be enjoyed by BHS athletes, but without the need to keep the old grass field in perfect condition, the new synthetic field can be used for youth and community sporting e ents as well. The entire pro ect will be finished in time for the beginning of the fall sports season in late August.
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Thompson School District details “Return to Learn” Plan middle school from 8:20 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., high school from : a.m. to : p.m. for the first week. From Sept. 8 on, the elementary schools will be from 8 a.m. to The Thompson School District 3:10 p.m., middle school from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., high (TSD) announced their detailed plans school from 8:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Wednesday late start for the 2020-21 school year last week. will continue with the elementary, middle and high District leadership, including Superinschools beginning at 9:00, 10:00 and 9:30 a.m., respectendent Dr. Marc Schaffer, explained tively. the details of the plan, dubbed “ReThe virtual, or online, option turn to Learn,” to the Surveyor last The platform used for the online instruction for the Wednesday. kindergarten through fifth grade le el will be Florida Providing families with a choice Dr. Marc Schaffer Virtual Academy. This platform will be taught entirely by “We’ve been working on this since spring break, knowTSD teachers with students assembled in online groups, ing that there’s been disruption to our schools. It’s been a called “cohorts,” of roughly 40 students from all schools in collective effort, we’ve had community involvement, staff the district in the same grade level. For example, a thirdinvolvement, administration and the Board of Educagrader from Ivy Stockwell will be grouped with other tion,” Schaffer explained. third graders from the district’s other elementary schools. Students and their parents will be provided with a bi“We’ve done deep research and it’s a company many nary option for either full in-person instruction or a fully other school districts in Colorado are using. It aligns with online option. For those who select the online option, TSD state standards as well as TSD curricula,” Schaffer said is requiring that elementary and middle school students of the platform. “It will look different from what we did remain with the online program for the full semester; in the spring.” Teachers who will be administering the high school students who opt for online will be required virtual platform will be receiving specialized instruction to remain with the online program for the duration of germane to the program. the full school year. At any point during the school year, For sixth grade and up, the online program will be students who opt for in-person will be permitted to tranthe same one used in the past, the Thompson Online sition to the online option. program by Fuel-Ed, which partners will over 2,000 and The TSD school year calendar will be identical for studistricts throughout the nation. The TSD will provide the dents regardless of which of the two options they select. needed technology, equipment and internet access for any The start of the school year has been pushed back by two family who requires it. Schaffer explained that students weeks. All kindergarten, sixth and ninth-grade students opting to go virtual will be held the same attendance, aswill begin Aug. 31 and the remainder of the students on sessment and assignment standards as students who opt Sept. 1. The opening week of the school year will be half for in-person instruction. days, “to build a runway to the school year,” Schaffer There will be differences in some areas, Schaffer said. stated; the hands-on aspect of educational activities such Elementary school will be from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor
as science labs will be different. Students in this option will be able to interact with their teacher and classmates and can receive one-on-one assistance with coursework just as they would in-person. The in-person option For those families who select the in-person option, Schaffer explained, things will look a lot like a regular school day for students in the elementary and middle schools. Students at all levels will also be placed into cohorts, which is not much different than the current practice at the elementary level; the cohort will be very similar to the “4A” and “4B” sections for fourth grade, for example. Middle school students will be grouped by class level, similar to years past. “We’re able to do integrated curriculum as much as possible,” explained TSD Chief cademic fficer, awne uckaby. ixth graders aren t mixing with seventh and eighth graders.” When students will arrive in the morning they will be required to report immediately to their classroom or cohort assembly area. Schaffer said the goal with this policy is to prevent “mixing and mingling” and thus hopefully keep contact to a minimum. Students will remain with their cohort throughout the day, including lunchtime and recess. To cut down on as much contact as possible, teachers will travel from classroom to classroom rather than the students. Bussing services will be provided but seating will be very limited, 26 or 27 students per bus, Schaffer said. The district is asking as many parents as possible to drop off and collect their children on their own but officials do understand that is not feasible for every family. Students riding the bus will be one per seat, with masks or face coverings on and the windows of the bus will be open to creating as much airflow as possible. ussing will only be
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
SCHAFFER continued from page 14 available for elementary and middle school students. Differences at the high school level High school students opting for in-person instruction will see greater differences. Students will be taking four classes per semester, rather than the usual eight. The four classes will be subdivided into “A” and “B” blocks with students attending 125 minutes in the morning for two classes then traveling home for two, 65 minute online classes; the next day, the classes taken person will be taken online and those taken online will be done in-person. For example, a student takes four classes in the fall semester — U.S. History, chemistry, Spanish and trigonometry. On Monday, he or she will have U.S. History and chemistry in person, go home at 12:40 p.m., before taking Spanish and trigonometry online for minutes apiece. n Tuesday, the schedule will flip with panish and trigonometry in person in the morning and then U.S. History and chemistry online in the afternoon. Students will be permitted to travel to the Thompson Career campus in Loveland but will not be allowed to take classes at a school other than their “home” school. The district is also asking that high school classrooms be grouped by grade level rather than subject. A certain section of each building will be divided among the four grade levels, as best as possible, rather than by subject area; there will be a “sophomore wing” of classrooms rather than a “math wing” of classrooms. uckaby and chaffer both admitted that keeping cohorts together will be more difficult at the high school le el as students ha e greater schedule flexibility but the schools will do their best to keep cohorts together as much as possible. “We’re going to get as close to a true cohort as we can,” Huckaby said. Masks required, enhanced sanitation and ventilation procedures Kristen Battige, from TSD Operations, outlined the lengths to which the district is going to assure buildings are sanitized as much as possible. “We are disinfecting our buildings multiple times per day, we are promoting one-way hallways as much as possible so we can control that traffic, we re going to be using plexiglass shields in higher use areas,” Battige said. Everyone in the building will be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times; “100% in masks, 100% of the time,” Schaffer said. Furthermore, Schaffer said that the district’s schools will take advantage of warm weather months to conduct classes outside as often as possible, where students will be distanced but will be able to remove their face coverings. Students will be given chances to take breaks from masks and all food service will be done as “grab and go,” with students eating their meals at their desks or outside. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students, even those who opt for the virtual the option can come to pick up meals to-go.
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“We will be spacing desks as far apart as possible; six-feet isn’t always achievable in those spaces but we will be spacing them as far apart as we can while facing all the students in the same direction,” Battige said. “We are not going to be using drinking fountains but there will be water bottle filling stations and water a ailable for purchase through Nutritional Services.” Students at all levels will not be allowed to share supplies. Any equipment that is used communally, such as computers in the libraries or lab equipment in science classes, will be thoroughly sanitized following every use. Schools have been working to create enhanced ventilation throughout each building to maximize air exchange and keep students comfortable in both warm and cold months. Extra-curriculars and specialty classes The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) will be announcing details on sports and other extra-curricular activities in the near future. Schaffer explained that the TSD will follow CHSAA guidelines for these activities. Furthermore, he said the plan for middle school sports and other activities will largely follow what is done per CHSAA suggestions at the high school level. Schaffer explained that extra-curriculars outside of sports such as student leadership, speech and debate, KEY club, etc., will look very similar to years past. For performing arts classes, the students will not be able to play instruments or sing in the allotted indoor space. Huckaby said that band and choir classes can go outside as much as possible. “The existing space for them to play their instruments and sing is not large enough because the aerosol projects when you’re doing that so we’re working with our music educators to think about what we can do outside,” she said. Gifted and talented, special education and English Language Immersion services will all continue to be pro ided, officials stated. The Surveyor will provide details on the plans for high school sports when CHSAA announces the guidelines but Berthoud High School teams have been holding voluntary practices and camps since July. “We’re working hard. This is certainly unprecedented and uncharted times, we have the best interest of our students, our staffs and our communities in mind. All decisions we make are rooted in health and safety, that takes priority over everything else. We are open to feedback, we are aware there is a variety of perspectives, we appreciate the engagement, by allowing for choice we are hoping to give families those options and flexibility so we don t ha e a one size fits all approach. s we migrate through the year there will be changes, being able to be agile and flexible is really, really important, Schaffer explained. He continued, “We don’t want to compromise on educational quality and services for our students; we want to be able to provide the best in class. We’re trying to minimize disruption, we want to work with you, want to partner, we recognize every family has different situations, our intentions are noble, earnest and sincere, we want to do what’s best for kids.”
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Foolproof tricks for boosting immunity in kids
By Katie Harris The Surveyor
Most kids will soon return to the classroom, where a new and concerning health threat lurks, in addition to the usual colds and flu that make the rounds this time of year. Luckily, there are steps parents can help their kids take to build up their immune systems and help fight off illness. etter yet, many of these tips and tricks begin to improve immunity within mere days, so your kids can have a better defense against sickness from the moment they step back on school grounds. “It’s 100% possible to improve your immune system through lifestyle changes,” said Northern Colorado nutritionist Megan Carpenter, owner of Root to ise utrition and certified nutrition therapist. “Obviously handwashing and mask-wearing are important,” she said, “but changing your habits to build your immune system, especially with the pandemic, is something that’s not being talked about enough right now.” arpenter suggested fi e areas in which most people, kids included, can change their habits to directly improve their immune systems. “The starting point for me is food,” she said. “My mantra is that food is the foundation of health, and what we eat has a profound effect on our health.” Staying hydrated is key, according to Carpenter, and can be achieved by drinking plenty of water, and limiting soda and juice. The rule of thumb for kids is one eight-ounce cup of water per day per age in years up to age eight. Fruits and vegetables, with their high water content, are also a great option for helping to stay hydrated. In terms of diet, Carpenter advises her clients to make healthier choices at every meal. “Generally, if you take out high calorie, nutrient-poor, processed foods like cookies, crackers and chips, and replace them with real, whole foods, you’ll stay healthier,” she explained. “Meat contains zinc, seafood has selenium, vitamin D can be absorbed through sun exposure or through foods like eggs and dairy — all of these vitamins and minerals improve immune health.” To encourage kids to eat a healthier variety of food, Carpenter likes to refer to nutrient-rich eating as “eating the rainbow.” “Colorful fruits and veggies contain antioxidants that help the immune system,” she said. “For really picky kids, it helps to get creative. Throw a handful of spinach in a smoothie or some carrots in tomato sauce. Aim for a serving or two at every meal.” Adding supplements to your diet is another way to build immunity. Carpenter’s go-to is elderberry syrup, which tastes good and has immune building benefits. n addition, during the winter months when sunny days are fewer and farther between, many people s immune systems can benefit from a itamin D supplement. In some cases, including when kids just can’t get the nutrition they need from food, a multi itamin can also be beneficial. Finally, broad spectrum probiotics, like those found in yogurt, sauerkraut, or as a supplement, are great immunity boosters. The next items on Carpenter’s list are sleep and exercise. “Sleep in particular is essential,” she said. “Typically kids need 10 to 12 hours a night in order to stay healthy and fight off illness. In terms of exercise, Carpenter said studies have shown that 30 minutes to an hour of daily outdoor activity stimulates antibody immune responses in the body, as well as increasing levels of vitamin D. “Let kids be kids, run around outside, get some healthy sun exposure and boost their immune systems at the same time,” she said. Finally, maintaining low levels of stress is key to a healthy immune system, particularly in kids. etween the pandemic and e erything else that goes on in life, stress le els in parents are high right now and that’s trickling down to kids,” Carpenter explained. “Prolonged stress negatively affects the immune system.” eing mindful of parents own stress le els can help calm the mind and body, according to Carpenter. She also suggested adding 10 minutes a day of mindfulness activities, such as stretching or deep breathing, to the family schedule in order to help calm the mind and body. While results vary depending on the individual and his or her starting point, Carpenter said many people start to feel changes within days or weeks of adjusting their lifestyles. She warned, though that these tricks for better immunity take commitment to really make a difference. “In terms of immune health, you can boost your immune system really
uickly depending on what you re doing but it s not a uick fix, or a race to get the healthiest the fastest. It’s something that takes daily practice.” If the idea of making so many changes at once feels daunting, Carpenter suggested starting out by focusing on a healthier diet. “If you just make one change before school starts, try to really increase the ariety of food your kids eat, she said. e creati e, be silly, be playful and make colorful foods fun!”
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
No more sandwiches – get creative with these healthy lunch ideas By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor
If you get in a rut trying to come up with new ideas for what to pack in your child’s lunch you are in good company. Sometimes the easiest options aren’t always the healthiest. To help spark some simple creativity here are some healthier lunch options kids and adults might enjoy. Quesadillas — Have tortilla will travel. This is a super-quick change of pace from a regular sandwich and can be a healthy option with whole wheat tortillas, spinach tortillas, legumes of all varieties and some tasty cheese. Make it vegan, make it vegetarian, add meat, there are a lot of combinations to this seemingly simple fare. Throw a small container of salsa or taco sauce in to spice things up. Rice/quinoa bowls — These one-container wonders can come in , fla ors. ou know what your kids like, throw some leftovers on some protein backed quinoa and call it lunch. Think along the lines of Poke (Hawaiian salad made typically from cubed pieces of fish or other meat mixed with vegetables and other toppings), or something like a Teriyaki Chicken. Similarly, Buddha bowls are also pretty popular these days and include topping like avocado, cucumbers, edamame, olives, bell pepper, tomato, sweet potato, you name it there is a recipe for it. Go a totally different direction with Spanish rice and buffalo or sweet and sour chicken — grilled for extra health points. Hot dogs — t first thought not the healthiest of options but use a sandwich thin as a bun, or whole wheat bun to up your game and consider nitrite and nitrate-free (preservatives used in cured meats) variety or even turkey, tofu or veggie-dogs. Put a hot dog, of whatever variety you choose, in a bun and wrap it in foil — you are ready to go. Use those packets of condiments you’ve been hoarding from fast food restaurants for such a time as this. Nachos — A life-hack that has never served me wrong when ordering na-
Did you know? Special to the Surveyor The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 left no aspect of life untouched, and education was no exception. The short-term effects of stay-athome measures were felt immediately by millions of students across the globe. ut there will be long term effects, too, and one of the first such long term dominoes to fall was the relaxation of SAT requirements for aspiring college students. As stay-at-home measures lasted longer than many people initially anticipated, high school students learned that SAT and SAT subject tests were being canceled. The Princeton Review® noted in late May that the College Board added a new test date for September after the June tests were canceled. However, many schools have dropped the SAT and ACT requirement for fall 2021 admissions. The University of California, which includes nine different schools in its system, suspended the requirement for students applying for fall 2021 in early April, and many schools followed suit in the ensuing months. s prospecti e high school seniors prepare for their final year of high school and begin thinking about where they want to apply for college, they should work with their guidance counselors to determine just what is required of them during the admissions process
chos is to get the chips on the side. This ensures no soggy chips and leftovers are still edible. Use a small container and layer your nacho fixings (think 5-layer bean dip) and throw in a baggie of tortilla chips. If your kids happen to like salad add a container of greens and voila, taco salad. Salads in general — It is healthy and the ingredients list can be a mile long. Not all kids are onboard with salad but with hundreds of combinations of toppings, you might stumble on one they enjoy. Add some olives, different cheeses, fruit, nuts, different meats or beans, take things you know they like and throw them on top. From my experience, you add a little ranch dressing to anything and many a child will consume it. I don’t like soggy food, as evidenced by my nacho hack. Salad is the same way. Put toppings in separate small containers along with dressing to avoid weird soggy salad. Some lunch container kits even come with salad dressing bottles that won’t leak. Mini-pancakes or waffles and fruit — Breakfast for lunch was something I enjoyed as a kid. There are lots of options, including protein-packed mixes, whole wheat and gluten-free options that make whipping up a batch incredibly easy. Add a small container of maple syrup or honey for dipping. Throw some fruit and a little real whipped cream and it feels like a decadent treat. Charcuterie — Just throw a whole lot of healthy stuff in a container and call it something fancy. Hard-boiled eggs, meats, veggies galore, cheeses, fruits, some pita bites and hummus, tzatziki or other dips your kids enjoy — there is no limit to the combinations you can come up with. ou can make a healthful lunch that’s kind of like sending Lunchables but packs a much higher nutritional punch.
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Easing mask wearing for back to school
By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor
Berthoud students who opt for in-person learning this fall will be required to wear masks or face coverings — to do so comfortably they can employ a few tricks from buttons to laundry sanitizer. Students also will need to follow a few other rules protecting their health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. They won’t be able to eat in the cafeteria or use the playground equipment. Halls will be one-way; classroom furniture will be socially distanced; and high-use areas will be disinfected daily. The result: the first day back will be something students will need to be prepared for — this year it will be delayed two weeks with the transition day Aug. 31 for kindergarten and grades 6 and 9 and Sept. 1 for all other grades. To prepare students for mask wearing, parents can start with an explanation, while also validating their concerns and fears. They can explain how masks help prevent the spreading of germs, since respiratory droplets might be carrying the virus even if the carrier is not showing symptoms. They also can offer choices of colors, patterns and styles or let them decorate a plain colored one using fabric markers. Have them practice wearing it, such as during playtime, or if they are younger, make it a game and try using a doll or stuffed animal as a tester. Selecting a mask requires additional choices. To start, avoid medical face masks or respirators, which should be reserved for health care and other key workers on the front lines. Find a mask with a good fit, making sure the material covers the top of the nose to the bottom of the chin. Avoid anything too tight that may require continual readjusting, reducing its effectiveness. Since a mask should have multiple layers, opt for light materials,
particularly in warm weather. A 100% cotton fabric is preferable, since it will have better ventilation and trap less of the moisture that can build up from breathing and sweating. Avoid polyester, nylon and other similar fabrics, since they are water-resistant and can trap moisture. Masks generally come with ear loops or ties to attach them to the face. Ear-loop masks might be uncomfortable to put on, putting pressure on the ears and aggravating the skin. Instead of placing the loops over the ears, attach buttons to a hat or a cloth headband to hold the elastic in place. Another option is to use an ear saver or guard, a small plastic device for attaching the loops at both ends that sits on the back of the head. Alternatively, tie-on masks have ties or strings that can be tied at the neck and the top of the head, allowing for a more customized fit and keeping material off the ears. For those wearing glasses, find a mask with a flexible metal strip that can be molded to the bridge of the nose, creating a snugger fit and reducing the amount of condensation that lands on the lenses from breathing. Other options include sewing a pipe cleaner into the top of the mask, or pulling it up higher on the face and using the weight of the glasses to hold it in place and block air flow. To keep the mask fresh, spray it with an antibacterial laundry sanitizer and bring along an extra one in case it gets moist or dirty. When it’s time to remove the mask, use the ties or loops to physically take it off, while also avoiding touching the face and the front of it to prevent transferring germs to the hands. As a last step, wash reusable masks in laundry detergent in hot water and tumble dry on high heat to kill the germs. With these tips and a few practice sessions, children should be ready to wear their masks to the classroom. Like with anything, there is a learning curve. Once students come home, ask them about their experiences and for a story to share. Make it a discussion point for family time.
Follow the Thompson School District on facebook and twitter @ThompsonR2J Visit their website at thompsonschools.org
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