Thompson Friday Forecast
December 18, 2020
From the Principal...Steve Morrill
Today marks the conclusion of a most unusual first semester of school. I would like to thank the entire Thompson School Community for your patience, flexibility, and determination to see that our middle school students, your children, have been able to learn and grow during this pandemic. Something that I remind our staff of every so often is that nothing happens by “accident.” Although our students are “doing” school in a way never seen before, they continue to learn, adjust, and grow their adaptability skills. I am certain, based on the work and commitment of our dedicated staff and the love and support our families show their children, the success of Thompson students with school during this pandemic has been no accident.
Just a quick reminder that all students (hybrid and remote) should check the Home Access Center on Monday, January 4, 2021 for possible schedule changes. We are still working on the second semester master schedule so although you might see changes over the break in HAC, nothing will be final until January 4th. We are looking forward to starting the third quarter with our students on Tuesday, January 5, 2021!
I wish each of you a restful, safe break away from school and I hope the time in your family “bubble” is both meaningful and memorable.
Happy Holidays~
Steve
Chromebook Device Exchange
On Monday, January 4, 2021, the device exchange will resume at the Haines building, Door #2, but the hours are changing to 12:00 - 4:00 pm. You do not need to make an appointment.
Winter i-Ready Diagnostic Reports
The i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Reports for both Math and Reading are being mailed home to parents the week of December 21, 2020, so be on the lookout for them! Included with these reports, you will receive a letter from Mr. Dave Chiszar, who is the Director of Assessment and Accountability, that explains the i-Ready diagnostic report and what is being included in the documents. If you have any questions pertaining to i-Ready, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dave Chiszar at David.chiszar@d303.org.
Please note that if you don’t receive i-Ready reports in the mail, it is because your child did not complete them. If you have any issues with accessing the assessments, please email Mrs. Michelle Dague at Michelle.dague@d303.org for assistance.
D303 Employment Opportunities
One of the more flexible positions available is that of a D303 Substitute. You can choose to work, or not work, as your schedule permits. Take a moment and read the Substitute Handbook to see what this job entails.
If you are interested and hold a:
- Bachelor's degree in any field you would qualify to apply for a substitute license with the state which allows you to sub for teachers or teacher assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
- Associate's degree you apply for a Paraprofessional license which only allows you to sub for Teaching assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
- High School diploma you have to take an aptitude test with the KANE ROE office. Once you pass that, you apply for a Paraprofessional license which only allows you to sub for Teaching assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
Contact Julie Wenger (julie.wenger@d303.org) with any questions.
Compass Academy
Compass Academy is a new D303 program that will open in the Fall of 2021 at the Haines Center. Key features of the Academy include flexible scheduling, project-based learning, interdisciplinary courses, competency-based education, and more. Any District 303 student entering grades 9-12 is eligible to enroll at the Academy. There are no entrance criteria and all students are invited to apply. This program is designed to support all students, including those interested in early college courses and/or career pathway experiences.
The Compass Academy brochure is attached below for your review. More information can be found by viewing this presentation from a recent BOE meeting. Interested parents or students should contact Director Sharon Stanley at sharon.stanley@d303.org or via this form.
High School Information for our 8th Graders
High school registration:
Click here for the East presentation
Click here for the North presentation
Schedule
8th Grade Course Selection--January 19-January 22, 2021
Directions
Students will enter course requests directly into (HAC) Home Access Center. The registration portal will remain open through 1/15/21.
Worksheets
Students should complete their worksheet prior to their counselor appointment.
East 8th grade worksheet
Resources
We encourage students to make use of the resources found on the East & North CCR websites to make course selections that will help them accomplish their college and career goals.
East Academic Planning page
North Course Selection page
Appointments
The date and period of your appointment and the virtual conference link for your counselor will be posted to the Academic Planning/Course Selection page of the CCR websites after winter break.
Future Freshmen Nights
Save the date!
Future Saints Night is scheduled for 1/13/21. More details about the event format will be shared after the winter break.
Future North Stars Night is scheduled for 1/14/21. More details about the event format will be shared after the winter break.
Peer Leadership Program for Incoming St. Charles East Freshmen
Dear Parents of 8th Graders Attending East,
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 at the bottom of the Friday Forecast.
If your child is interested in the program, please fill out the application (also attached below) and e-mail it to Jim Reed, the Peer Leadership Coordinator (James.Reed@d303.org). Completed applications must be received no later than Tuesday, January 19, 2021. For more information about Peer Leadership, please attend Future Saints Night in January.
We hope to hear from you!
AAUW Writing Contest for 7th and 8th Grade Students
Attention 7th and 8th graders: Do you like to write? Do you have a story that you are really proud of? Or a poem that you wrote this past year? Maybe an essay or report that is awesome?
Then the 42nd Annual AAUW Creative Writing Contest could be for you! Please click on this link for more details. Entries are due by February 3, 2021.
2020-2021 Thompson Yearbook
We want to make sure that all students and staff members are included in our yearbook this year! If you did not get your picture taken, please upload your own portrait to the Walsworth website. Remember to choose “Thompson Middle School.” In the field that says “City” make sure to add in St. Charles and then click on “Shop the Store.”
Access code: thompsonms_123
We encourage students to also use this site to upload photos which the Yearbook staff can then add to the yearbook.
Buying a yearbook is optional and not all students choose to own one. The price of the yearbook is $25. You can check your PushCoin account to see if you have purchased one by going to 'transactions' and then adjusting the start date back to April 1, 2020. We are extending the due date for ordering books to Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
Contact Kim Walters (kimberly.walters@d303.org or 331-228-6410) if you have any questions or need financial assistance. Yearbooks will be distributed at the end of May.
D303 Parent University
Parent University was developed in response to the need for programming to address the social and emotional needs of students in District 303. Over the last decade, the district has strived to provide information on topics that are relevant, timely, and beneficial for all parents and guardians.
February 2, 2021
Wake Up Call
Virtual
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Wake Up Call is a three-part drug and alcohol prevention presentation. The first part of the presentation focuses on current trends such as vaping, marijuana, alcohol and prescription pills. Next, attendees will virtually walk through a life-size teen bedroom with more than 20 “red flags” that can signal drug or alcohol use. The bedroom identifies spots where drugs can be hidden, household items that can be used as drug paraphernalia and ways teens try to cover up drug and alcohol use. Lastly, attendees will learn practical prevention strategies to prevent substance abuse and where to go for help if they are concerned. Please fill out this form if you are interested in attending.
Dates to Remember
Friday, December 18 - End of the 2nd Quarter
Monday, December 21 - Start of Winter Break - No School for Students
Monday, January 4 - Teacher Work Day - No School for Students
Monday, January 4 - Check HAC for possible schedule changes
Tuesday, January 5 - School Resumes for Students
Tuesday, January 5 - Start of the 3rd Quarter
Wednesday, January 13 - Future Saints Night
Thursday, January 14 - PTO Meeting (virtual) - 9:00 - 10:00am
Thursday, January 14 - Future North Stars Night
Monday, January 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - Schools are Closed
Thompson Middle School
Mrs. Michelle Dague - Assistant Principal
Mr. Shane Darnell - Assistant Principal
Mrs. Danielle Moeller - Student Support Coordinator
Mr. Sam Pasholk - Student Support Coordinator
Email: kimberly.walters@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/