Greetings, TMS Families! Ever find yourself nostalgic for the days when "because I said so" was the ultimate mic drop? Ah, the simple joys of parenting in a simpler time! Nowadays, our young scholars seem to have swapped that script for their favorite line: "What's in it for me?" Yes, the tables have turned, and it’s not just a phase—it’s a mindset. According to brain science, this tendency to ask "what’s in it for me?" is perfectly natural. Let’s be honest, we’ve all done it—whether during a lecture or while scrolling social media. So, the next time you’re met with resistance, try beating them to the punch. Outline the benefits upfront—it just might save you a marathon debate!
I’ve recently had firsthand experience with this strategy in the Clark household. My high school daughter, Juliet, recently earned her learner’s permit, and let me tell you, she’s never been more tuned in to what I have to say. Why? Because the "what’s in it for me" is glaringly obvious—she gets to drive! If only middle school motivations were so easy to decode. But that’s the challenge, isn’t it? Here’s to finding that magical lever and helping our TMS students see the benefits in every lesson, whether at home or at school.
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend. And as always, Roll Thunder!
Dr. Matt Clark
Principal
High School Counselor visits are next week. East High School will visit Thompson on Tuesday, January 28 for individual student appointments. North High School and Compass will visit on Thursday, January 30. Please start having conversations with your child about courses they will be choosing. Prior to the high school counselor visits, all 8th grade students should select their courses for next year in Home Access Center (HAC) including elective courses. Students must bring their completed (blue or orange) worksheet to their appointment. Worksheet provided below. ?s reach out to your counselor
North High School
East High School
8th Grade Worksheet-Española
St. Charles East Peer Leadership
Peer Leadership is an extracurricular program that matches selected incoming freshmen with juniors and seniors who make the transition into high school fun and easy and mentor them throughout the year. Because this program meets during the school day, it has to be put into a student’s schedule when registering for next year’s classes. Although we would like to be able to offer this to all interested incoming freshmen, our numbers are limited by available classroom space and our budget. Therefore, in order to start the selection process, interested students should apply using the application found below.
Short video "What is Peer Leadership?"
Peer Leadership Flyer from Future Saints Night
If your child is interested in the program, please fill out the application and e-mail it to Kelly Pursel, the Peer Leadership Coordinator (Kelly.Pursel@d303.org).
We hope to hear from you!
Hard Copy Application for you to print, complete, and return
St. Charles North Peer Leadership
SCN is a great place, but it’s also a big place. Peer Leadership (PL) hopes to make the transition to high school more comfortable and fun, while offering opportunities for growth.
The goals of Peer Leadership are to:
Match incoming freshmen with selected upperclassmen mentors.
Foster lasting friendships and bonds between the freshmen, their mentors, and the kids in their PL Groups.
Improve freshmen self-confidence and self-advocacy.
Prepare freshmen to become participants in clubs, sports, classes, and other activities at SCN.
Prepare freshmen for future leadership roles.
PL Students meet together in groups every day. PL is formally added to student schedules and takes the place of lunch/ study hall. There are weekly themes that are educational, informative, supportive, and fun. PL also attends a day of teambuilding “Camp”, has several “all PL” activities during the year, and meets together in groups both formally and informally.
We would like to be able to offer PL to all interested incoming freshmen, but our numbers are limited. In order to start the selection process, interested students (or their parents) should fill out this:
Fill out this FORM if you're interested in Peer Leadership
Contact stephanie.stavropoulos@d303.org with specific questions.
Peer Leadership... a great way to start high school!
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/