There was a lot to celebrate from Thompson Crossing Elementary School at Monday night’s FTCSC School Board meeting!

Thompson Crossing Principal Trae Heeter started the evening by recognizing two groups of teachers who Make A Difference every day in our FTCSC Flashes Community: the school’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teachers and Related Arts teachers. Then, each group of teachers had the opportunity to turn the celebration around and recognize students who are Making A Difference through their Purposeful Learning, Meaningful Collaboration, growth, character, and hard work.

The celebration began with Thompson Crossing’s DLI Program, which gives students the opportunity to become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware through daily instruction in both English and Spanish.

The program began in 2022 with Kindergarten and has added a grade level each year. This year, Thompson Crossing reached another exciting milestone as its first group of DLI students moved on to fourth grade at Edgewood Intermediate School.

“We are incredibly proud of the work these teachers have done to build and grow this program and the lasting impact they are having on our students,” Mr. Trae Heeter shared.

After recognizing the DLI teachers, Yuridi Lopez, Yeimi Rodr, Christine Stevens, Jennifer Swallow, Alyssa Beasley, Talia Romero, Claudia Seidle, Barbara Barker, Becky Arkins, and Damaris Lopez, they celebrated Antonio, Anahi Coello, Lucca, Estefania, Lizeth, Taylor, Michelle, and Julie, who represent the Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration happening throughout the program. Teachers shared stories of students persevering through challenges, growing in both English and Spanish, embracing another language and culture, helping classmates, and giving their best each day.

Mr. Trae Heeter also took time to thank the DLI families who have helped build the program. “Our community is what makes us who we are in FTCSC,” Heeter said. “There’s so much that goes into creating a DLI program, from our teachers to those parents who support our kids who are taking on the challenge of learning two languages.”

The celebration then moved to Thompson Crossing’s Related Arts teachers, Sondra Wooldridge, Ryan Young, Nathan Fellerman and Eric Simmons, who give students opportunities to explore their interests, discover new talents, and find areas they are passionate about.

Mr. Heeter also highlighted the team’s work to make sure students in Thompson Crossing’s Essential Skills program have opportunities to participate in Related Arts throughout the week. Their Meaningful Collaboration to create the program is yet another example of their commitment to Making A Difference for every student.

Then it was the Related Arts teachers’ turn to celebrate their students! Caden, Apollo, Michelle, and Colbie were recognized for everything from including and encouraging classmates in PE to a love of music, creativity in art, and a passion for reading in the library.

It was a great night celebrating our FTCSC Flashes Community member, Thompson Crossing Elementary, and an even better reminder of what happens when our teachers Make A Difference through Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration, and then see those same qualities growing in our students!