Thompson Friday Forecast

January 31, 2025

From the Principal... Matt Clark

As we dive into the second half of the year, I want to take a moment to highlight a subject that often flies under the radar—social studies. While reading and math tend to get the spotlight, social studies plays a vital role in shaping critical thinkers and engaged citizens. Seeing the thoughtful planning and dedication of our social studies teachers has reinforced just how impactful this subject is.

Here’s why:

✅ Critical Thinking in Action – Social studies isn’t about memorizing facts; it’s about analyzing complex issues, evaluating different perspectives, and making connections between the past and present. These skills help students navigate both school and life.

✅ Learning from the Past – Understanding history helps students see how societies change, how progress happens, and how they can play a role in shaping the future.

✅ Balanced & Thoughtful Instruction – Our teachers are committed to presenting history and current events with objectivity, encouraging students to think critically and form their own informed opinions.

✅ Cross-Curricular Connections – Whether analyzing primary sources, interpreting data, or crafting persuasive arguments, social studies strengthens skills that support learning across all subjects.

✅ Preparing Future Citizens – Social studies helps students understand government, economics, and cultures—giving them the tools to engage in their communities and the world.

I encourage you to ask your child what they’re learning in social studies. These conversations help bring the past and present to life!

Dr. Matt Clark
Principal

*Please note: some students may be missing due to FERPA

Tickets on Sale Through February 5th!!

Snow Ball | Friday, February 7th

5:00-7:00 PM | Thompson Gyms

The Snow Ball is just ONE WEEK AWAY! Whether you're rocking your winter best or just vibing as you are, the Snow Ball promises a frosty good time!

Taylor Street Pizza & icy drinks
Winter Candy Wonderland
Snowflake studio photo booths
Glitter and Frost eye tattoo bar
The “coolest” beats from a top DJ

Wristband presale ends Wednesday, 2/5 3:00 PM. BUY NOW before they melt away!

Help the evening be a success.

Volunteer to set up, tear down or chaperone at dedicated stations. Sign up NOW!

DJ Requests!

Please remind your student to make their own DJ requests through Spotify here or google form next week during tutorial. (Only clean songs will play!)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does my child have to dress up? Not at all, but there are those who do dress up.
Should I send my child with cash? Not if you already purchased a wristband. Everything is included in wristband price.
Can I pick my child up early? Yes, but parent/guardian must be present at the door for student to be released.
Are there food options for specific allergies? Yes, but only if you pre-purchase your wristband and note the specific allergy on the food allergy field at checkout.
Can non-Thompson students attend? No.
When will pre-sale wristbands be distributed? Friday, 2/7 in your student’s tutorial class. Please send them with ALL wristbands included in the envelope. Colored bands will be used for form of payment for pizza, drinks and candy.
Are wristbands available for purchase at the door? Yes, and at the same $15 all-inclusive price.

Math Corner with Mrs. Zitella

4 Mathematical Components…

In order to be successful in math, we need to understand four mathematical components which supports the “why” behind mathematics. These components are: number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning.

Number Sense: understanding the quantity that a number represents and concepts like more or less, numer order, symbols, and relationships.This takes place at an early age and continues to grow gradually over time.

Operational Sense: understanding how to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems as well as recognizing relationships between operations and systems for computing numbers.
Proportional Reasoning: the abilities to understand how quantities change in relation to each other.
Algebraic Reasoning: understanding and using concepts, symbols, and equations to solve problems.

Together, these components, lead us to solving real-world problems or situations. They are all connected. All of these are mathematical stepping stones that lead to mathematical success.

***Please see the grade level below to find out what we’ve learned in math class this week!

Upcoming PTO Restaurant Nights

CPK - February 6th

MOD Pizza - February 17th

NEW! Boys Volleyball Clinic

D303 Updates

Upcoming SEPAC Meeting - February 6th

View Inclement Weather Page

Ver la página web sobre Inclemencias Meteorológicas

StC High School Peer Leadership Information

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!

Digital Application

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!