This past week, our administrative team delivered the second installment of Pod Talks to each of our student team pods. These sessions allow us to address the entire student body directly on important topics shaping our school’s climate and culture. In this recent presentation, we covered reminders about tardies, cell phone use, and hallway behavior but dedicated most of the time to discussing the power and impact of our words. We’ve received reports from students and staff regarding the use of inappropriate, vulgar, and offensive language in our hallways, prompting us to speak with students about their responsibility in fostering the environment they want to be part of.
The central message of our presentation was clear: At TMS, Our Words Matter! We reminded students that Thompson Middle School is a diverse community, home to individuals from a variety of races, cultures, and identities. To ensure our school remains welcoming and respectful, we focused on what constitutes hate language or slurs—insulting, degrading remarks often targeting specific identity groups. Students were asked to reflect on the impact such language has on the individuals it targets, as well as the broader school community. By highlighting questions like whether slurs are ever appropriate, even in jokes or media references, we encouraged students to critically evaluate their actions and make choices that align with our shared values.
We emphasized that change begins with us. Students were given practical strategies for addressing harmful language, including calmly confronting those who use offensive terms, alerting staff through incident reports, and offering support to those affected. Staff also committed to immediate intervention and education when incidents occur, ensuring that consequences are appropriate and restorative where possible. Together, we aim to create a community where respect is not only encouraged but expected. We ask for your continued partnership in reinforcing this important message at home—because at TMS, words truly matter.
I’d encourage all of you to continue this conversation with your children at home to ensure we honor the dignity of every student and staff member at TMS. Have a wonderful weekend and Roll Thunder!
Dr. Matt Clark
Principal
The traditional, comprehensive high school model isn’t the best fit for everyone. That’s why District 303 offers students another option: Compass Academy, a high school of choice with a flexible schedule that provides students with a small learning environment where they receive a personalized educational experience that challenges them and capitalizes on their interests and passions. With an intentional focus on cultivating positive relationships and building connections to the community and potential careers, the Compass Academy approach combines academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and experiential opportunities while fostering a culture of trust, curiosity, and pathway exploration. Students at Compass engage in projects in a competency-based model, removing the traditional constraints of "seat time" and empowering student-driven learning inside and outside the classroom. This approach allows students to earn credit toward graduation requirements in ways other than traditional coursework, incorporates real-world knowledge and challenges, and prepares students for any post-secondary path they choose with options to earn both early college credit and industry credentials.
If you are interested in learning more about Compass Academy, complete the Interested Student Form and someone from Compass will follow up with you soon to schedule a tour and answer any questions you might have. Space is limited, but there are still spots available for the 2025-26 school year, so if you are “Compass curious”, be sure to reach out soon!
Link to Order School Pictures
HR Imaging is the company we use for school pictures. Here is the link to order pictures .
To contact HR Imaging with questions: https://shop.hrimaging.com/pws/contactus.aspx
Thompson Middle School
Mrs. Michelle Dague - Assistant Principal
Mr. Ryan Wood - Assistant Principal
Mrs. Danielle Moeller - Student Support Coordinator
Mr. Sam Pasholk - Student Support Coordinator
Email: katrina.michaelis@d303.org
Website: http://thompson.d303.org
Location: 705 West Main Street
Phone: (331) 228-3100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thompson-Middle-School-671638232903851/