Kimberly Hitchcox

EDUC 350 - -Summer

Setting and Context
Thompson School District is the 16
th
largest district in Colorado, providing education for
16,226 students in the Loveland-Berthoud areas. The mission within Thompson is to empower
learning, challenge to achieve and inspire to excel. The district includes 13 early childhood
centers, 20 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools and two charter schools.
Throughout the schools in the district multiple programs are offered such as IB and pre-IB
programs, STEM, Core Knowledge programs, LISA, and Advanced Placement programs. There
is also an established program for home school students/parents called LEAP. Thompson
Schools District strives to empower, challenge and inspire students, faculty, staff parents, school
leaders and community members to learn achieve, and excel.
Ferguson High School is one of the oldest alternative, at-risk programs in the state. Since
1972, Ferguson has been located in the Loveland area providing educational opportunities to
students in the surrounding areas. Ferguson provides an assortment of both traditional and
non-traditional options for around 140 students. The E3 Learning Program is a personalized
learning opportunity for independent learners and for homeschoolers. SOARS is a program that
is dedicated to Juniors and Seniors. They are in charge of their learning, and is focused around
online classes. LEAP allows homeschooled students the chance to come one day a week to school
and have interactive hands on learning. Ferguson also offers a classroom designated to
Thompson Online so that all students have access to computers and other necessary technology.
The mission at Ferguson is to foster a diverse learning community, honor and hone personal
potential and support and practice responsible citizenship.
The Garden Club class being offered at Ferguson currently is a diverse group of about ten
students all working on different places in their education but all striving for the same end goal.
Being able to talk with a few of the students, it seems that they all have different reasons for
being in the summer course. One student wants to graduate early and is taking as many credits
possible, while others are trying to make up classes that were not satisfactorily completed at a
surrounding high school. I have also talked to students who dont know what else to do with
themselves and feel that Ferguson provides a safe place to spend the day. During this summer
class, the students planted a pollinator and vegetable garden. They used math skills, as well as
horticulture knowledge to pick native plants and assure each plant had adequate room for
growth. Most of the students seemed to enjoy the hands on learning and enjoyed the experience.
Overall, I have a true appreciation for the teachers and students at Ferguson. It would be
very easy for many of the students to back out or walk away from their education, but with the
help of teachers that truly care, the students choose to stay and be successful.