Special to the Surveyor

Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District

Yesterday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis extended the closure of state-wide suspension of in-person instruction at all public and private schools through April 30 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. School districts have been encouraged to work with their local county health departments for further guidance on how to proceed.

After close consultation with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person instruction and to close district buildings in Thompson School District for the remainder of the current 2019-2020 school year.  We will continue with on-line and virtual learning opportunities that are currently being launched at the school level. Information was recently distributed by schools and additional information will be forthcoming as well.

The key factor leading to this decision is guidance from county health officials that the impact of COVID-19 is likely to peak during the last week of April. This creates a significant safety risk for all of our students, families and staff members and because of that determination, I truly feel that this is the wise step for us to take as a district and a community.

“Larimer County is recommending school districts consider closing for in-person learning through the end of the year,” said Larimer County Public Health Director Tom Gonzales in a communication. “All of us want our students to go back to school, including me, but we have to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and that means keeping students out of schools.”

We also commit to our graduating seniors that we will be looking to hold a graduation ceremony in your honor.  At this time, we are exploring options of delaying the ceremony to a later date or holding the ceremony virtually.  

During these unique and complex times, we recognize that we will need to adjust our traditional way of educating and meeting the needs of our students.  This will mean that teaching and learning will look different. Our commitment is to continue to serve our students and our community to the best of our ability.  

Again, thank you for your continued support and for all that you do for Thompson School District.