Thompson Friday Forecast

October 8, 2021

From the Principal...Steve Morrill

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

Yesterday and today, Parent, Teacher, Student conferences took place at Thompson. Thank you for taking the time to participate in these conferences. These days have been packed full of great communication, and in many cases students contributing to these conversations. During these meetings, teachers and parents shared valuable information about your middle school child. This type of communication is the key. As parents/guardians, we all know we could use more time each day having meaningful conversations with our kids. Please take the time to have frequent, purposeful discussions with your student about his/her learning, academic progress, and goals for the future. When communicating, I’ve found that it is important to listen to our kids and be responsive to their questions. Encourage your children to make positive changes as a result of the information shared at conferences. Support your student in his/her efforts to learn and work hard.

Although yesterday and today were specifically identified as conference days, please know that we encourage parent/teacher conferences anytime that the need arises. If you would like to schedule a conference, please contact your child’s teacher, team leader, or counselor. As parents, you are a vital component to not only your child’s educational success, but the overall success of our school. Thank you for supporting all of the learning that goes on here!

End of the 1st Quarter

Next Friday, October 15th, marks the end of the first quarter. Please have a discussion with your child to make sure that this date is on his/her “radar.” It is important that students are aware of this date so action can be taken to ensure that all assignments and activities are completed and turned in before the end of the quarter.

Schools will be closed Monday, October 11th for Columbus Day. Enjoy your long weekend!

Steve

Summer CTE Camps Survey

The Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System is a consortium of school districts U-46, District 300, District 301, and District 303 working together on career and technical education and college and career readiness throughout the region. The districts are currently considering the possibility of offering summer camps aligned to these opportunities giving students exposure to different career fields. Career fields include robotics, computer science/programming, automotive technology, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, welding, construction, video and music production, culinary arts, veterinary science, and health science.

In order to plan and offer the very best in camp opportunities for our students, we need to hear from you and your students. We would like your feedback on these possible summer opportunities. Please take a moment to complete the survey below by October 31st and share your thoughts with us.

CTE Summer Camp Parent Survey

Parent Volunteer Communication from the District

In District 303 we believe that families are the strongest partners we have to support our students’ education. We are excited to welcome volunteers back into District 303 buildings to assist with a variety of classroom and school activities.

As a public school district, we are required to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order relative to COVID-19 mitigation steps in all district buildings. These steps will keep our students, staff members, and volunteers safe while they are in our schools. Given that, all volunteers must:

Provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test received within 72 hours of arriving to volunteer
Bring documentation to the front office upon arrival
Wear a properly fitting mask at all times while in the building
Complete the Volunteer Information Form prior to the first time you volunteer

Our students and staff members appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time!

Volunteers Needed To Share Career and Education/Training Experiences

College and Careers plays an integral role in the classroom experience for each of our 7th and 8th grade AVID classes. On Fridays we are looking for volunteers to share their career and education/training experiences via Zoom during either 4th (11:15 - 11:40 am) and/or 5th period (12:15 - 12:40 pm) each week. If you would like to present to our students, please complete this Google form.

PTO Thompson Spiritwear - Click Here

Order your PTO Spirit Wear by November 14! Orders will be delivered to Thompson Middle School by December 10th.

From Your PTO

PTO DUES - ELIMINATED

At the September PTO meeting, it was voted and approved to eliminate membership dues for the Thompson Middle School PTO. Instead, we are focusing on the Write-A-Check Campaign. (Read below for more information.) Any dues already contributed will be added to the Write-A-Check Campaign. We encourage all families to give what they can, when they can. Not having dues allows more flexibility in how our community can show its support.

As a result, all families and TMS staff members are welcome members of the PTO. Everyone is welcome to participate in PTO sponsored events and activities.

WRITE-A-CHECK CAMPAIGN

Please donate to the Thompson Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) via our Write-A-Check Campaign!

This campaign, which is instead of selling cookie dough, magazines, wrapping paper, etc. throughout the year, is our main fundraiser for the year. All money goes directly to the students and staff and funds supplies, educational resources for the classroom, events, staff grants, and much more!

It is as simple as paying online via PushCoin. Donations via check (made out to Thompson PTO, memo Write-A-Check) can be dropped off in the main office.

DOUBLE YOUR DONATIONS WITH CORPORATE MATCHING!

Did you know that many business organizations offer a matching gift program as part of their employee benefits package?

These programs allow you to invoke your organization's philanthropy for the benefit of Thompson Middle School! Through corporate gift matching, your employer can multiply your donation to our Write-A-Check Campaign!

Please check with your company's Human Resources department to see if they offer gift matching. If your employer does offer this program, your Human Resources department should provide you with a matching gift form to include with your donations.

Attention Parents and Guardians of All 8th Grade and 7th Grade AVID Students

District 303 offers all students enrolled in 8th grade and 7th grade AVID classes the opportunity to take the PSAT 8/9 in the fall. The PSAT is a part of the SAT series of assessments that help guide students through academic measures of college and career readiness ending with the SAT taken in their junior year. The SAT can be used with most colleges as a part of the admission process.

Your son/daughter will be participating in the PSAT test on Wednesday, October 13th. Like any other day, attendance is important. If students arrive late to school, they will be held in the cafeteria until the window for one of the tests has closed.

Below are some helpful tips to help your child as they prepare for testing day:

Get a good night sleep
Eat a healthy breakfast
Be sure to charge the chromebook overnight

If you have specific questions about the assessment please contact David Chiszar (david.chiszar@d303.org) You can also find additional assessment information at https://district.d303.org/departments/assessment.

Michelle Dague

Assistant Principal

TMS Administrator and Staff Contacts

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District Calendar - 2021-2022

Upcoming Parent University Programs

Supporting Kids Who Learn Differently: Back-to-School Edition

October 13, 2021

Debbie Reber, NY Times bestselling author

Zoom Webinar, 6:30 pm; Recording to be posted

Click here to register!

School always presents certain challenges for students who learn and think differently (kids with ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, autism, anxiety, or other neuro-differences). But the COVID-19 pandemic has created even greater obstacles. Debbie shares ideas on how parents can best prioritize and plan in the pandemic-era school landscape. She also offers advice on how to support differently wired children’s cognitive, social, and emotional needs during this atypical time, while also taking care of one’s own emotional health and well-being.

Facilitated Book Talk: Differently Wired by Debbie Reber

October 20, 2021
Zoom - 6:30 p.m.
Click here to register!

Dr. Cindy Ruesch, Director of Staff, Family and Student Services, and Dr. Patti Palagi, Director of Instructional Interventions will lead a discussion about the book and how it can help parents embrace and accept their children who think differently. As part of the registration, you will receive a free copy of Ms. Reber’s book you may pick up at Town House Books.

Pick up a free copy of the book any time during normal business hours (Monday-Saturday 9:00-4:00) at:
Town House Books
105 N 2nd Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
Please note, you must register in order to be on the list at Town House Books.

Voices of D303

Join us for rich conversations with individuals who are making a difference and shaping the future of education in D303. 9/3/21 Podcast - The Launch of Empower.