Diana Birnbaum

The study session included a presentation from Coyote Ridge Elementary School regarding their status as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, detailing the IB continuum within the Thompson School District (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma programs) and the school's history as an authorized IB school since 2013. Key discussion points focused on IB principles such as inquiry-based instruction, international mindedness, and a whole-child approach. A recent IB Wellness Night was presented, featuring stations on various topics including self-management, movement regulation, gun safety, nutrition (farm-to-table concepts), and sleep hygiene. The discussion also covered the benefits of the IB designation for attracting and retaining families and the strong continuum collaboration between the district's IB schools. Cost to the district for the IB program was noted as an item to be followed up on.

The Thompson School District's strategic framework outlines goals and focus areas to achieve its mission, utilizing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and a Portrait of a Graduate. Key strategic pillars include Academic Achievement, fostering an Inclusive and Supportive Culture, investing in Human Talent, and ensuring responsible Stewardship of Resources. Additionally, the plan emphasizes developing graduates with core competencies such as Critical Thinker, Collaborator, Communicator, Citizen, and Self-Advocate, aiming to prepare students for life beyond school, create a supportive environment, and ensure fiscal responsibility.

This document outlines a plan for utilizing American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funds for the period 2021-2023. The plan's core objective is to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the safe operation of schools. Key strategic areas for fund allocation include instructional technology, student-family supports, addressing learning needs, facilities and transportation enhancements, and staff development. The plan also details broader eligible uses, such as improving indoor air quality, supporting vulnerable student populations, enhancing preparedness and response efforts, and providing mental health services.

The Thompson School District's Mission/Vision outlines a commitment to empowering, challenging, and inspiring students, staff, parents, school leaders, and community members. This is achieved through focused, safe, and technologically rich environments, strong instructional leadership, community collaborations, and robust learning. The plan promotes ownership of learning, global citizenship, critical thinking, and adaptability, while fostering creativity, innovation, ethical lifestyles, lifelong learning, and leadership. The overarching goal is for all stakeholders to learn, achieve, and excel.

The meeting commenced with introductions and included a review of instructional framework documentation. Key discussion points focused on graduation rates and requirements, comparing the 2025 district rate of 90.9% against the state average of 85.6%, and the district dropout rate of 1.0% versus the state's 1.6%. The group engaged in an analysis of the Instructional Framework (IKF) through notices and wonders, leading to thematic discussions on graduation pathways, eligibility waivers for IEP/504 plans, communication regarding the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP), and community service monitoring. The EC-12 Think Tank Group was tasked with creating draft proposals concerning PFL, ICAP, 9th Grade Schedule/Experience, and IKF updates. Discussions also covered the Thompson School District's three-legged approach to Career and College Readiness (CTE Curriculum, Work Based Learning, Concurrent Enrollment), highlighting the offerings at the Thompson Career Campus and other district CTE programs. Finally, the group began capturing celebrations and recommendations to inform future reports to the Board of Education.