Thompson Friday Forecast

August 19, 2022

From the Principal...Steve Morrill

Beginning of the year observations…I attempt to spend school days out and about in the building and classrooms as much as possible. Through the first week and a half of school, I absolutely love how this building feels and enjoy watching our eager learners navigate classroom activities and a large school. The movement of middle schoolers through the building is relatively smooth and controlled. With the return of traditional cafeteria furniture, our 'food court' seems much less crowded and more organized. I attribute this positive, safe environment to the work of our fabulous students and adults that we have here at Thompson. Thanks to all for a smooth start!

As we get settled into the new school year, I know that for many families this is the time of year when parents establish and reinforce good habits with their children. I encourage you and your family to develop consistent evening schedules that include both designated homework times and time away from technology. Research tells us that students who have a specific time and place to complete schoolwork at home are more organized and more likely to succeed in school. Beyond evening structures, we also know that mornings in the house of middle schoolers can be super challenging. Through experiences with my own children, I found that morning routines after a good night of sleep were an extremely effective way to grow the likelihood of happy, on-time departures for school. Developing these routines will certainly be helpful while also sending the strong message that school is important to your family.

Enjoy the weekend,

Steve

Curriculum Nights

Thompson’s Curriculum Nights will be held on Tuesday, August 30th for 7th and 8th grade parents/guardians and Wednesday, August 31st for 6th grade parents/guardians. These evenings will begin in your child’s first hour classroom at 6:30 pm. Please allow 15 minutes for parking and getting to your child’s first hour classroom.

The format for the night will give you the opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, learn about the curriculum, and hear about classroom expectations while following your child’s schedule found in H.A.C. Students are encouraged to take a picture of their schedule and share it with you. The evening will conclude a little after 8:00 pm. We hope that you will be able to attend!

Dress Code

Families, please review the district dress code on pages 5-6 in the District Middle School Handbook with your child. We taught our dress code lesson this past week and will be enforcing it next week. It is always a safe plan to send students with an extra shirt or sweater. Thank you!

After School Activity Bus

The Thompson after school activity bus will run again this year on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning on Tuesday, August 23rd. Students sign up for the bus with the club adviser who they are meeting with that afternoon. The bus route is posted on the Thompson website under Activities. The times are estimated as the number of students riding the bus will fluctuate.

Join a Club! Get Involved!

Many of our clubs are starting next week and more are coming soon! Check out the Daily Announcements and join in the fun activities! Clubs are list on the Thompson Website. Students can the Schoology groups with their district accounts.

Enjoy working out with your friends? Starting next week you can have the opportunity to play a variety of sports! Fitness Club begins Tuesday, August 23 at 7am in the main gym. Join the Schoology X79R-757T-N2FCW to share the sports/activities you enjoy and find the schedule posted there!
Do you like helping people in our school and community? Builder’s Club will be having their first meeting on Monday, August 22nd, in Room 133 from 3:45-4:30. Join us for treats and to brainstorm ideas of who we can help this year! Bring a friend!
Dungeons and Dragons club will start after September 1st. Please listen for the announcements and join the D&D Schoology group MCBH-H95D-9VJJ5 for more information.
Regular Chess meetings on Thursdays will begin on October 20 from 3:40-4:30. To prepare for the upcoming club season, we will begin analyzing famous chess games on Thursday mornings. If time permits, we will play some short games afterwards. The Schoology Code is: H6PP-S2V4-V88BN.
Interested in joining the TMS Maker Club? Makers are immersed in projects that work through challenges such as 3D design, digital storytelling, robotics, and more. Our first meeting will be August 25th after school in the LRC.
Are you feeling stressed, need some relaxation, or maybe want to connect with some new friends? If so, “Peace of Mind” Club is just the place for you! Join us in this safe space for some mindfulness, yoga, snacks, and crafts. All 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are welcome to join! We will see you on your mats at our first meeting, Thursday, August 25th after school in the LRC Fishbowl.
Flyers for Drone Club and Business Club are posted throughout the school.

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Food Services

The elementary and middle schools food service vendor is OrganicLife. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to students. Click here for more information, view menus , and obtain a free or reduced lunch application. Students will not have to pre-order meals this year and there will be more choices offered for lunch. Lunch and breakfast will no longer be free for all students.

Organic Life, the K-8 Food Service provider is looking for candidates to serve as Cashiers, Food Service Workers & Lunchroom Supervisors for the 2022-2023 school year in School District 303. Please contact Patricia Burton at 331-228-5242 or patricia.burton@d303.org for more information.

Early Release Days

Early release days this year will be on Wednesdays and approximately once per month. Students will be dismissed from school at 2:52 pm. The following are the eight 2022-2023 Early Release Days for Middle School:

August 31
September 28
October 26
November 30
January 25
February 22
March 22
April 26

These dates can also be found on the Thompson calendar on our website.

Community Backpack

Fox Mill 5K & 1-Mile Color Run/Walk - September 10, 2022

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!! Visit www.foxmill5k.com to register and follow us on Facebook (Fox Mill 5K & 1M Family Color Run/Walk) for the latest news and announcements.

**NEW THIS YEAR!!** In order to keep costs down and participation high, we are offering only one style of tee (cotton) and are making these an OPTIONAL purchase at registration for $10. Hard cut off for tees is August 22. If you choose not to make a purchase, we encourage you to wear a tee from one of our previous races to show your support.

When: September 10, 2022 (8:00am 5K; 9:30am Color Run)

Where: Farmstead Park

In keeping with our theme of “running for a reason” and giving back to our community, all proceeds will be put equally towards the four prior race beneficiaries: