Dear Thunder Valley Families,
We hope you had a wonderful and refreshing summer break! We are excited to welcome you to another great year at Thunder Valley K-8. This newsletter contains important information to help you prepare for the start of school, please read it in its entirety, including the communication below regarding our cell phone policy.
- We also strongly encourage all families to obtain iPad insurance to help protect your student’s device throughout the year.
- Please make sure to review the information about drop-off and dismissal. There is an attached map with detailed instructions. When dropping off, please be courteous and allow others to back out from the parking lot and exit. Thank you for helping keep our students safe.
- School hours 8:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., with student drop-off and adult supervision begins starting at 8:20 a.m.
As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We appreciate your continued support and involvement in our school community. Please let us know if you need any assistance.
Best wishes,
Catrina Estrada, Principal
Sandra Vazquez, Assistant Principal
Matt Romig, Assistant Principal
Grant Elwood, Dean of Students
Important Fall Dates
August 9 – PTA Kinder Play Date: 10:00-11:00 am
August 11 – Class lists and schedules will be sent out
August 11 – Supply drop-off 1st-5th & locker practice for middle school: 2:30pm-3:30pm
August 13 – First day of school for 1st – 6th grade & new students
August 14 – First day of school for 7th – 8th grade students
August 14 – Kindergarten Supply Dropoff: 2:30pm-3:30pm
August 15 – First day of school for Kindergarten students
August 21 – Back to school night: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Drop Off Map
Students can be dropped off starting at 8:20 am.
Kindergarten – can be dropped off at the front of the school. If you wish to wait with your student, please park in the lot so as not to obstruct traffic.
Elementary school students will line up in their designated spots and will enter the building at 8:35 am with their teacher.
Middle school should proceed directly to the blacktop area on the south side of the school. Upon the start bell (8:32 am), students will enter the building and go to their 1st period class by 8:35 am. Middle school students should enter and exit the building through the middle school entrance only.
Dismissal Map
Kindergarten – can be picked up at the front of the school in the kinder playground. Please park in the lot so as not to obstruct traffic. Students who are riding the bus will be escorted to their bus by a staff member.
Elementary school students will be dismissed from the west side of the building with their teachers. Students who take the bus will exit directly to the busses. Walkers and bike riders will leave directly after the final bell.
Middle school students should exit the building through the middle school entrance.
Older siblings should meet the youngest child at their designated location (e.g. if you have a kindergartener and 4th grader, the 4th grade should meet the kindergartener in their designated area to be picked up together.)
Cell Phone Free Classroom/Cell Phone Practice
Please review this information with your student.
Important iPad Updates for the 2025–2026 School Year
St. Vrain’s District Technology Services has made several updates to student iPads for the upcoming school year to support a focused and secure digital learning environment both at school and at home. One key update is the implementation of a new internet filter, Securly, which adds an extra layer of protection to iPads by blocking certain types of websites.
For more information about these updates – and what they mean for your child’s device — please click here.
You can pay your students ipad insurance 8/1/25-9/15/25 through Infinite Campus.
Thunder Valley website– look here for our school calendar on the main page!
If you need to drop off medications, please stop by the office as soon as possible.
In order to drop off medications, you need to have the correct form completed by your child’s physician. We can only accept medications once this has been completed.
Click here to view health services forms
Register for 2025-2026 Transportation Services
St. Vrain’s Transportation Department is dedicated to consistently delivering excellent service for our students and their families and we are currently preparing for the upcoming school year. If you are interested in having your child ride the bus for the 2025-2026 school year, please apply for transportation services as soon as possible. St. Vrain’s Transportation Department makes every effort to accommodate as many eligible riders as possible.
Apply for transportation services online
Visit Transportation Services online to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Parents/guardians shall be required to furnish an explanation for student absenteeism either in writing or orally. Absences not explained within two days after returning to school shall be recorded as unexcused absences unless unusual or extenuating circumstances exist as determined by the building administrator. After 10 excused or unexcused absences, a doctors note is required. Communication is key to successful attendance. In the event your student will be absent, please call the front office at 303-833-2456, email our attendance clerk, at [email protected] or complete this form Report an Absence
Calling 5th-8th grade runners!
Sign ups will begin soon for cross county!
Please help us get our staff started off right! Donate K-cups, creamer, snacks, drinks, or anything else you feel would put a smile on our teachers faces!
Sign up to sponsor the staff lounge
Please see our PTA’s website HERE
Please join us for our first PTA meeting of the year! August 27th at 4:30pm
We will be voting on dissolving our group as a PTA and reinstating as a PTO!
TVK8 Vimeo Video Channel
You can check out past videos in our Vimeo TVK8 Showcase!
Recent Updates
View our latest news and announcements.
Open House Dates 2025: Explore Programming Across St. Vrain Valley Schools Featured
Across St. Vrain Valley Schools, the upcoming open houses offer families a chance to step inside classrooms, meet dedicated teachers, and discover the unique opportunities available in each school. From advanced academic pathways and innovative STEM programs to arts, athletics, and career-focused courses, these events provide parents and students an inside look at the possibilities […]
Read full story
Full-Day Early Childcare: Supporting Families with a safe, enriching, and developmentally supportive environment for our youngest learners
For families of three to four-year-olds or children beginning their first experiences in a school setting, St. Vrain Valley Schools offers a licensed early childcare program designed to support families during this transition. The program provides safe, nurturing, and engaging full-day options for children ages three to four. Whether your child is currently enrolled in […]
Read full story
Superintendent’s Update: Discover Your Path
As we approach our 2024 graduation celebration, I want to take a moment to recognize the unwavering drive, strength of character, and rigorous academic preparation that our approximately 2,200 graduates have demonstrated throughout their time in St. Vrain.
Read full story