Student Belonging Conference
The 2024 Student Belonging Conference was designed to align with the Thompson School District’s (TSD) strategic goals of promoting inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging, and elevating student voice, particularly for marginalized groups. This event, held in September 2024, brought together students and chaperones across high schools to discuss issues of identity, empowerment, and college access.
Loveland High School students at the 2024 Student Belonging Conference
Students arriving at the 2024 Student Belonging Conference
Dr. Schaffer welcoming students and staff to the first ever 2024 Student Belonging Conference
Students and staff listening to Thomas Valles, keynote
Dr. María Gabriel speaking to students and staff
Thomas Valles speaking to students
Students at the BIPOC booth
Students at the Thompson Career Campus booth
Students at the Thompson Athletics and Activities booth
Students at the University of Northern Colorado- Cumbres booth
Heart & Sol booth
2024 Student Belonging Conference welcome
El Sueño Latino booth
Thompson School District Media Services booth
Aims Community College- Loveland Campus booth
Colorado State University Undocumented Students booth
Landscape view of the exhibitor booths at the 2024 Student Belonging Conference
Breakout sessions at the conference- expression and empowerment workshop with Dr. Gabriel
Breakout session at the student belonging conference- Academic Identity with Jesse Tijerina
College Access workshop with Aims Community College, University of Northern Colorado and Colorado State University
I really like this and I've felt very honored to [have] this opportunity and I want to thank everyone for being so understanding.
-Loveland High School student
“When we run, we own the earth. The land is ours. We speak the birds' language. Not immigrant no more.”
-McFarland USA Disney Movie
My favorite thing I learned was Thomas Valles' story because I related to it so much and felt like I was being seen.
- Berthoud High School Student
I enjoyed learning about Thomas Valles and how he came a long way even with all the stuff he went through as a kid.
- Ferguson High School Student
Ferguson High School Students with keynote, Thomas Valles at the 2024 High School Student Belonging Conference
Students meeting Thomas Valles at the 2024 HS Student Belonging Conference
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Student Belonging Conference for middle school students is happening on May 16, 2025. Stay tuned for more details on how to join us for this unforgettable day of growth and connection!