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Big Thompson Elementary
Principal: Kendrick White

Name/History: The school was built in 1921 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1996. The school is named after the Big Thompson River, which runs through Loveland.

Mission Statement: The mission of Big Thompson Elementary is to provide the opportunity for each child to receive an excellent education in a safe, happy, and comfortable environment. We have extensive School to Career activities. We also have a very active site-based shared decision making school improvement team, along with high expectations for student achievement and involvement.

Sense of belonging/community - Big T is a small, rural school. It has been a meeting place for our community over 85 years. The school recently celebrated its 56th annual chili supper, and we have numerous families who are third generation Big T students. Students are known by all. There is a welcoming atmosphere when you walk in the building and staff, students, and parents are all a part of what makes it so inviting. Parents are active - helping in fundraising, working in classrooms to support teachers, and being there for activities.

High expectations - Big T is a school with high academic expectations. Staff differentiates for students' needs and understands the materials they are teaching and how to extend or re-teach based on results. They teach to students' strengths and help improve their weaknesses. We strive to meet the needs of the whole child. Laughter, listening, and guiding are expected from all staff members. Making connections to students on a personal level is equally important. Big T also is a school that focuses on positive behavior through Respect, Achievement, Manners, and Safety (RAMS, our school mascot) in all of our students.

Nature and science - Because of its unique location with the Devil's Backbone to the east, a mountain to the west, the river across the road and our outdoor center, connecting to nature and science is a natural focus. We take full advantage of this setting and the authentic curiosity it causes. Science and nature is integrated into daily activities whether it is students studying the plants in the outdoor center, writing about the different land formations, or just enjoying some of the wildlife that shares space with our area.

Caring staff - At Big T we see our roles as more than just being teachers. We are friends to families, comforters to those who need it, or a laughing partner. Our staff cares not only about our students and their families, but about each other. We model what we want from our students in the way we treat each other and those we work with on a daily basis.

Where a kid can be a kid - School needs to be a place where kids feel comfortable. Our Parent/Teacher Organization provides after-school enrichment classes where students can participate in a variety of activities, many taught by teachers. Through recess, PE, music, and art, we let kids express their creative side. Oftentimes in classes students will have opportunities to try something a little different to see if it works. We encourage risk-taking, but also provide a safe environment where they feel okay to take risks. Students work hard at Big T, they learn a lot and are challenged academically each day, but they also get time with friends, spend time doing things they want, and they get to enjoy a well-balanced, healthy approach to school.