The Fred Tjardes School of Innovation

A few days ago, we shared that our teachers stay after students begin summer break to reflect, collaborate, and plan for an incredible year ahead.

One of our favorite traditions is choosing our Loop Learning theme—and then taking our staff learning off-road!

Our staff spent the day exploring historic sites around Greeley, diving into the stories behind these important places and discovering how they have evolved over time while still honoring their roots. And, a special shout out to the for hosting our first stop! 🙌

Why? Because great learning starts with curiosity. We believe collaborators should experience the same kind of engaging, hands-on learning that we want for our students.

The day was filled with questions, conversations, discoveries, and plenty of clues about where next year’s learning journey might lead.

So... can you guess our Loop Learning theme for the fall? 👀

Drop your guesses below! ⬇️

The students may have started their summer, but our collaborators weren’t quite finished yet! ☀️📚

After an incredible school year, our team spent one final week together reflecting, dreaming, and planning for what’s next. One of our favorite traditions during this time? Choosing our new Loop Learning themes!

This process is full of creativity, collaboration, and big ideas—because at the start, no idea is off the table! 💡✨

Together, we brainstorm, debate, and narrow down possibilities while considering:
⭐ Essential skills students need to learn
⭐ Important topics and big ideas to explore
⭐ Balance across grade levels and content areas
⭐ Student interests that inspire curiosity and engagement

We also took it a step further by inviting families and students to share their input as we made decisions. Thank you to everyone who helped shape the learning experiences ahead!

The result? Loop themes designed to spark wonder, encourage deep thinking, and create unforgettable learning adventures.
We can’t wait to reveal what’s coming next... 👀

📸✨ The school year may be over, but we’re not done sharing the memories! ✨📸

During the last week of school, our Purple, Orange, and Blue Bands headed to the Denver Children’s Museum for an unforgettable day of adventure! 🚌💜🧡💙

From hands-on exhibits to creative exploration, students spent the day learning through play, following their curiosity, and making memories with friends. 🎨🔬🚀

It was the perfect way to celebrate a year filled with growth, learning, laughter, and friendship. ❤️

What a fun way to wrap up an amazing school year! 🎉

The school year may be over, but we’re not done sharing the fun! 🎉

Before summer break, our bands put their knowledge to the test in a hilarious game of “How Well Do You Know Your Collaborator?” (That’s what we call our teachers at TSOI! 💙)

Students had to predict their collaborators’ answers to a series of questions—and wow, they nailed it! After spending an entire year learning, growing, and making memories together, it’s safe to say these students know their collaborators VERY well. 😄

Check out the laughs, surprises, and sweet moments that show just how strong these classroom connections have become! 🎶✨

School may be out, but the memories are still rolling in! 🎉☀️

Before heading off for summer break, our students wrapped up the year with some unforgettable adventures and community bonding time. These special trips gave kids the chance to try new things, make memories with friends, and celebrate an amazing year together!

🧊 Black Band spent the afternoon skating and laughing at the Ice Haus.
🎳 Yellow Band hit the bowling lanes for strikes, smiles, and friendly competition.

From the rink to the lanes, these end-of-year experiences were the perfect way to celebrate growth, friendship, and a year well spent. 💙

Big voices. Real impact. 💙

Our Blue Band students took civic action to the next level! After identifying a real issue affecting families in our community — park bathrooms in Greeley being closed much of the year — these young learners got to work researching, problem-solving, and advocating for change.

At Museum Night, students collected petition signatures from community members, researched park bathroom policies in surrounding cities, and developed persuasive talking points supported by evidence and community feedback.
Then came the biggest step yet: presenting their research and petition at Greeley’s latest City Council meeting.

These students showed incredible courage, confidence, and professionalism as they spoke in front of city leaders about why this issue matters for our community. Their advocacy was so impactful that a council member launched an initiative to further investigate the matter!

We could not be prouder of these brave changemakers for using their voices to create meaningful change. Way to go, Blue Band! 👏💙

One final tradition to share as we wrapped up an incredible school year! ❤️🌭☀️

On the last day of school, our entire TSOI community came together for our annual cookout — a favorite tradition filled with laughter, connection, and great food.

One of the most special parts? Our 8th graders stepped into leadership by serving the rest of our school community with kindness and care. Watching our oldest students support our youngest is such a beautiful reminder of what makes TSOI so special.

From big students to small students, the bonds built here go far beyond the classroom. We are so grateful for a community that truly shows up for one another and lives out what it means to be 💙

Here’s to a summer full of sunshine and memories — and to another amazing year together!

One more favorite end-of-year tradition… FIELD DAY! ☀️💦

In true TSOI fashion, Field Day was created by kids and run by kids. Each band designed their own station, and our Black Band students took the lead setting up and running every activity.

From water games and teamwork challenges to lots of laughter and friendly competition, it was the perfect way to kick off summer break!

We are so proud of the leadership, creativity, and collaboration our students showed all day long. What an incredible way to celebrate another amazing school year! 🎉