An important message from the principal

Dear Thunder Vista families and students:

I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an update concerning the fire that took place in the school’s crawl space early Saturday morning, Dec. 27. 

Background

North Metro Fire was able to extinguish the fire before it spread beyond the crawl space, but there’s damage to electrical wires and plumbing fixtures. Additionally, smoke from the fire spread throughout the school, causing damage that must be remediated. 

The fire started in the area where contractors were making repairs to address past sewer line breaks. We expect a report identifying the specific cause(s) for the fire from fire experts next week.

A smoke remediation contractor was able to access the building on Tuesday, Dec. 30, and begin work. Given the scope of this remediation and the repair work that needs to be done in the crawl space, it’s anticipated that it will take 3 to 4 weeks before we can safely reoccupy the building. This timeframe could change once contractors and electrical engineers are able to access the crawl space and evaluate the extent of repairs that are necessary.  

Start of school delayed and temporary learning options identified

My priority is to resume school as soon as possible while providing a safe environment for students and staff, to ensure that students can continue to learn and thrive. I have been working closely with our district Learning Services team to identify temporary learning options we can utilize while remediation and repairs are being made to Thunder Vista. We have narrowed those options, and I would like to share those ideas with you at Friday’s meeting and get your feedback to inform our decision. 

Given that it will take time for our staff to plan, prepare and implement a new learning option, students’ first day of school will be Monday, Jan. 12. This allows us to make as seamless a transition as possible given the circumstances. I recognize this means our families will need to arrange for childcare next week. I apologize for this inconvenience and hope sharing this information with you now allows some time for you to plan accordingly. 

Family meeting to learn more

I recognize many of you may still be traveling or have other commitments later this week, but I feel it’s important to connect in person with our families as soon as possible to share the latest information we have for returning to school.

If you’re available, please join me in the Legacy High School auditorium (2701 West 136th Ave.) at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2. Children are welcome to attend. You can enter the school through the West doors off the student parking lot.

For those who are unable to attend, we will share a video of the meeting over the weekend.  

We Are One 

This is not the news I was hoping to share with you as we head into 2026, and I acknowledge the inconveniences this places on families and staff. Our motto has been, We Are One, and there is no clearer moment to live in that truth. I value the cohesiveness of our school community, and know that we will collectively come out the other side stronger than ever before.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this Friday at Legacy High School. Until then, have a happy and safe New Year.

With respect and gratitude,

Jody Roper,
Principal