STEAM at Tope

10/07/2026

STEAM @ Tope emphasizes the "A" in our program in various ways. We want to highlight our wonderful Artist in Residence (AIR), Mrs. Charity Finnigsmier, who leads all of our Kindergarten-5th grade learners in engaging and creative art projects each month. Mrs. Finnisgmier not only includes visual arts standards and concepts, but she also wraps literacy and math into her lessons. We are grateful to our D51 AIR program and our Tope PTA for their contributions to this important aspect of being a STEAM school!

09/25/2026

We are wrapping up a great STEAM Week here at STEAM @ Tope! We highlighted all the aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math this week with lots of learning around everything STEAM! We enjoyed a night at Eureka! Science Museum for all of our families, we've had drone demonstrations, Atomic Legacy Cabin came to lead our students through Science exploration, students engineered "Anything But a Backpack" for a day, and we wrapped up our STEAM Week with Engineering Design Process challenges in our MakeSpace. So much STEAM learning this week! Thanks to our AMAZING PTA for hosting our 2nd annual Block Party this week as well!

09/15/2026

Did you know our students are engineering regularly at STEAM @ Tope?!

The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is an essential part of being a STEAM school. When our students participate in an EDP challenge, they are becoming real problem-solvers! Students are given a problem or challenge and work together to think of ideas, create a plan, build a solution, test it, and make improvements. They may build a bridge, design a way to move an object, create a structure, or find a solution to a real-world problem.

Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade have the opportunity to participate regularly in EDP challenges in our MakerSpace. These hands-on experiences give every student an opportunity to build, create, collaborate, and solve problems in an engaging environment. They also learn that it is okay when something doesn't work the first time—engineers test, fail, change their ideas, and try again!

Most importantly, EDP helps students become confident, creative, and persistent thinkers who understand that their ideas matter and that there can be many different ways to solve a problem.

09/08/2026

Get ready to celebrate STEAM Week — September 21st–25th! 🎉

Check out the themed dress-up days below and show your school spirit! We can’t wait to see everyone getting into the STEAM spirit!

Let’s make it a GREAT STEAM Week, Tope Eagles!

09/02/2026

STEAM @ Tope family love in action! ❤️❤️
This morning, several of our amazing STEAM @ Tope staff had the opportunity to come together to celebrate and support a very special STEAM @ Tope family who has been a part of our school community for years, as they officially became a part of their forever family through adoption.




(Sharing with permission from the family)

08/31/2026

Picture Day is Coming!

Tope Elementary
Tuesday, September 15, 2026

WHY PRE-ORDER?

Families who pre-order their photo package before Picture Day receive special savings on their purchase.

Place your order using your school's online access code:

C209
https://shop.imagequix.com/B9JXT9T

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

MJ Thomas Customer Service: 1-970-241-2467

[email protected]
www.mjthomasphoto.com

08/18/2026

Hey, STEAM @ Tope Eagles! 💙💛

Want to be part of the fun and help make our school even more amazing? Join us for our PTA Meeting TODAY at 4:20 PM in the Makers Space! 🎉

Come meet other Tope families, share your ideas, and learn how you can get involved. Whether you’re a longtime PTA supporter or brand new to the Tope family, we’d LOVE to see you! 🦅✨

📅 Today, August 18
⏰ 4:20 PM
📍 Makers Space

Let’s soar together, Eagles! 🦅💫
We can’t wait to see you there!

07/30/2026

Mark your calendars for STEAM @ Tope Back to School Night!

07/27/2026

Help us welcome Avery Racine to the Tope family! Avery will be coming on as our new Instructional Coach. Avery says:

A little about me: I’m originally from Golden, Colorado, and came to Grand Junction for college. I taught four years at Mesa View and six years at Orchard Avenue. Working with wonderful coaches inspired me to become an instructional coach, and I’ve spent the past two years coaching at Dos Rios. I’m excited to bring that experience to Tope.

Outside of school, I love being with friends and family—especially my little boy, Tommy, who will start preschool this fall! I also enjoy sports and being outdoors.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all and supporting our students’ growth.

07/25/2026