Welcome to May, Thomson Families!

As we step into the vibrant month of May, we are excited to embrace new beginnings, warmer weather, and a fresh burst of energy here at Thomson Elementary.

May brings with it a sense of renewal and growth, much like the blossoming flowers in our schoolyard. It's a time for us to reflect on the progress we've made so far this school year and to set our sights on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Throughout May, we have a calendar brimming with engaging activities and events designed to enrich your child's educational journey. From field trips to new learning adventures, we're committed to providing stimulating experiences that foster curiosity and inspire a love for learning.

As always, we encourage open communication between home and school. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to share your child's achievements, our doors—and inboxes—are always open.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Together, let's make May a month filled with growth, exploration, and memorable moments.

Andrew Criswell

Proud Principal of Thomson Elementary

It was one of the most anticipated days of the year when a portion of the gymnasium at Thomson Elementary was transformed into a makeshift barnyard. Students and staff alike marked the annual "Farm Day" visit by Upland Hills Farm by dressing in bib overalls, boots, hats and other western wear.

During the 45-minute presentation, students learned about life on the farm. They got to hear baby piglets squeal and the rooster crow, help make butter, watch a sheep get sheared and had the opportunity to milk a cow.

Kindergarten students from Hill Elementary joined the students at Thomson.

You can check out pictures from this week's visit to Thomson Elementary by watching the video below and visiting our Facebook site.

**The PTO members asked that I share the following:**

Please help us show our appreciation and say thank you to our amazing teachers and support staff. We would like to provide them with gift cards during Teacher Appreciation week. Please click on the link below for more information.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6th-10th. Please send gift cards to the office in attention of the PTO by May 1st. Thanks!

Teacher Appreciation Gift Card Sign-Up Genius Link

They have also shared an Amazon Wish List below of things that will be needed for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Amazon Wish List for Teacher Appreciation Week

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions. Thank you for all your help and support!!

We continue to work hard at Thomson to teach and reinforce the Cardinal Code behavior expectations in all areas of the building. Each month classroom teachers will nominate one student from their class to be the STUDENT of the MONTH. Each student of the Month will receive a certificate, medal, and their photo will be on display in the hallway during that month.

We are pleased to recognize students for consistently demonstrating excellent behavior. Thank you for sharing your outstanding children with us. I am pleased to announce our Students of the Month for May are:

• Mrs. Lucy - Owen Simpson
• Mrs. Romanik - Nora Mauter
• Miss Maule - Mariella Davis
• Mrs. VanEvery - Mason Lovik
• Ms. Seeley - Kinsley Terryah
• Mrs. Driskill - Sophiee Kuebler
• Mrs. Williams - Stephen Ahrens
• Mrs. Ruzicka - Poppy Reader
• Mrs. Schwab - Conner Baxter
• Mrs. Bell - Cecily Genshaw
• Mrs. McKinnon - Luke Diamond
• Mrs. Tober - Ella Le
• Mrs. Newsom - Athena Lewis
• Ms. Wheatley - Vanessa Boyd
• Mrs. Wheeler - Akil Griffin
• Mrs. Waite - Grace Koresh

Congratulations to these outstanding young learners!

Davison Community Schools will be accepting limited applications for non-resident students under Sections 105 and 105c Schools of Choice for the 2024/2025 school year. Acceptance under either plan will be based on limited availability and elementary students will be placed in school buildings according to equalized space available in all classrooms.

The application period for each program will be:

• 105c Schools of Choice, May 1-15, 2024: The District will accept applications for pupils whose district of residency is outside of Genesee County in districts within the following bordering counties: Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Tuscola.
• 105 Schools of Choice, May 1-15, 2024: The District will accept applications for pupils whose district of residency is in Genesee County.

Schools of Choice applications will be available on our website beginning at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Applications cannot be distributed or accepted outside the application period. Applicants will need to provide a copy of a valid driver’s license or some other proof of non-resident status.

In addition, a copy of the student’s behavior report for the past two years MUST be submitted with each application (for enrollment in grades 1 through 12). IMPORTANT: The student’s Schools of Choice application will not be accepted without a copy of a behavior report for each of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years or a document from the school(s) attended in 2022-23 and 2023-24 on the school district’s letterhead, including dates of enrollment and signed by a school representative indicating there is no behavior record for the student.

Students who have been suspended, expelled or withdrawn in lieu of expulsion within the last two years may be denied enrollment in the district under the 105 and 105c Schools of Choice guidelines.

Parents of Schools of Choice students are responsible for transporting their children to and from school.

Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2024. Applications will not be accepted after that time.

For further information, please email Robin Ricica, Secretary to the Superintendent, at rricica@davisonschools.org.

Be sure to join us for our next PTO meeting, Monday, May 20th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Thomson Lounge.

Get Involved! Many studies indicate increased student success when families join educational staff in creating exciting and memorable experiences together. If you have any questions, please contact the Thomson office at (810) 591-0911.

Have you moved? Are you getting ready to move? Please contact the Thomson office to update your address and phone numbers if needed. Be sure to let us know if you need to make any changes for emergency contacts as well. We want to make sure we keep your student's records current especially if we need to contact you in case of an emergency or illness.

Just a friendly reminder!

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote healthy and inclusive celebrations, we kindly request that non-edible items be considered for birthday celebrations in the classroom.

Opting for non-food items helps accommodate various dietary preferences and ensures the well-being of all our students. Popular alternatives include small stationery items, bookmarks, or classroom supplies.

We appreciate your understanding and support in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all our students.

As we head into May and hopefully much warmer weather, please make sure that students continue to wear closed toe shoes for class. Any student wearing flip flops or open toed sandals may not be able to participate as they are a danger to the activities we partake in. In the next week, students will be taking the trip back to the high school for final assessments regarding endurance as we conquer the track again. This is a very fun event for all students so please make sure they have the appropriate footwear. As we move into the month of May the students will engage in field day activities that will require a lot of learning and reteaching over the month. Please advise that we will need volunteers for this event and more information will come shortly. The PTO will publish donations that may be needed for the day of the event and I look forward to sharing more information at a later time. Remember a body in motion stays in motion!

- Mrs. Lints

-Mrs. Lockrey

In the month of May we will be reading books about animals and doing activities related to the books!! Students will continue to check out books and are able to check out one book of their choosing each week as long as they have returned the previous books back to the library!!

Please be sure to check out Mr. Romanik's monthly newsletter titled, "Music Notes."

Are you looking for Part-time Work?

We are hiring additional Playground Monitors and Paraprofessionals at Thomson Elementary. If you are interested in applying to be a Playground Monitor you can apply online at www.gecs-inc.org. If you are interested in applying for a Paraprofessional position you can apply at www.davisonschools.org. Please call the office at 810-591-0911 to let the office staff know you have completed your application. Also, please be aware that part of the hiring process is a complete background check and fingerprinting. If you have any questions please feel welcome to call us.

While students should be kept home when they are ill, being at school on-time and staying until dismissal matters. When students are absent, they miss valuable learning time which can be a negative impact on learning. Likewise, arriving late or leaving early, even 5 to 15 minutes, can throw off a child's day. When children walk in late, they can become stressed or experience anxiety, trying to catch up with the start of the day.

Additionally, when children leave early, they often miss the end of the day's closure. Please be mindful that every minute matters and we must work to make the most of every minute!

If your child is going to be absent please don't forget to call the attendance line @ 810-591-0916. This ensures that your student gets marked correctly for the day.

• May 1st: Early-Release Day
• May 6th: Board Meeting - Students of the Month for April will attend
• May 6th - 10th: Teacher Appreciation Week!
• May 20th: PTO Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. in the Lounge
• May 24th: NO SCHOOL!
• May 27th: Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL!
• June 6th: Field Day @ Thomson! **More information to come**
• June 7th: NO SCHOOL!
• June 14th: NO SCHOOL!
• June 18th: 1/2 day for students
• June 19th: 1/2 day for students
• June 20th: 1/2 day for students - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Website: https://www.davisonschools.org/
Location: 617 East Clark Street, Davison, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 591-0911