Poudre School District

Bamford Elementary’s ribbon-cutting ceremony

Poudre School District opened Bamford Elementary School, PSD’s first new school in 13 years, for students’ first day of school on Monday, Aug. 16. Dozens of new Bamford students and families, community leaders and district staff gathered on to cut the ribbon and celebrate Bamford’s grand opening.

“Bamford was built during COVID and has to be strong. Wolves are strong,” says Ashton Hochhalter, a fifth-grader at Bamford. “We know that as Bamford Wolves we will be able to stay strong, push through and do hard things. This year at Bamford Elementary is going to be AMAZING!”

Bamford is located at 6055 Travers Stakes St. in Loveland. Bamford opened with about 275 students enrolled in grades Pre-K-5; it can eventually serve 600.

Bamford is named after Gary Bamford, who was a PSD leader for many years. He served as principal at Boltz Middle School in 1986 before moving into the role of executive director of personnel in 1989. Bamford then opened Preston Middle School as principal in 1993, worked as an assistant superintendent of secondary schools, and briefly served as interim superintendent of PSD in 2004 before retiring. Bamford Elementary will carry on his legacy through strong relationships, positive climate and culture, a love for learning, and humility. As a tribute, his desk was refurbished and installed in the school’s media center so that every student can connect with their school’s namesake. Bamford is one of three new PSD schools that is funded by the 2016 bond. Project details are available on the Bamford bond webpage.

“Every single person—from classroom teachers, custodians, administrators, and support staff— is laser-focused on creating an amazing school for our kiddos,” says Alissa Poduska, principal of Bamford Elementary. “We have intentionally worked (together) on establishing a climate and culture that fosters collaboration, respect, admiration for each other, high expectations with support and love, and lots of laughter and fun.”

Another piece of excitement for the team is seeing the planning work since 2019 come to life. From architecture, interior design, and signage around the building, Poduska has been a part of the process from the beginning.

That is rewarding, she says. “It reminds me of how lucky I am to be the principal of this incredible school.”

Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Traci Gile echoes, “Opening Bamford Elementary begins a legacy for an entire group of children in PSD. Through a collaborative design process with many stakeholders, Bamford was built to be a futureforward learning environment where student agency will be at the center.”

Gile is thrilled that Bamford Elementary will join PSD’s team of excellent elementary schools.

NEW ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SERIES FEATURES TEAM LEADERS

Each month during the 2021-22 school year, a Poudre School District high school student athlete will be highlighted in a new “PSD Athlete of the Month” series. Featured student athletes are nominated by their coach or school athletic director based on their leadership on their team or in the classroom. Athletes of the month can be found on PSD Twitter or PSD Facebook.

In addition to athlete features on social, PSD TV will highlight middle and high school athletics in special videos throughout the year. Check it out on PSD TV YouTube!

Ella Johns, a Fort Collins High School student and cross country runner, has been selected as the PSD female athlete of the month. Johns pushes herself competing at track and cross country meets and has been successful at winning several events. Last fall, she finished ninth at the state cross country meet, as the top local finisher with a time of 18:40.4.

FCHS cross country coach Tom Ruthven says, “She not only leads by her hard work, but she inspires her teammates to work hard as well. Even while breathless, finishing her own intervals, she will focus on her teammates— cheering them on.”

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Find resources for Mental Health, Health and Wellness and more through Student Services. Access Student Health programs and services and keep up with Colorado’s required immunizations.

For the latest on COVID-19 protocols, visit the PSD 2021-22 Health and Safety webpage.