This week the world of public education has seen yet another pivot based on circumstances. As a school district, D303 continues to follow the decisions of the court. Prior to last Friday, masks were mandatory. Beginning this past Tuesday, in St. Charles Public Schools, the wearing of masks by all became recommended.

With the arrival of students on Tuesday, some were a bit uneasy not knowing how the day would roll out. I can proudly say that an air of kindness and support for all could be felt throughout the building. As this week comes to an end, because of all community stakeholders, the week can be described as a typical week in a middle school. Students and staff were kind, understanding, and accepting of the change in masking guidelines. Educators took advantage of teachable moments emphasizing these qualities. Thank you for having similar conversations with your middle schooler at home about the importance of promoting kindness, respect, and empathy for all.

With that being said, the entire school community is committed to providing our students with positive learning experiences in an environment that promotes a sense of belonging. We appreciate your trust, patience, and understanding as we continue to navigate the shifting landscape of the world in which we live.

Steve

• Monday, 2/14 - Magnify Your Love Monday - Valentine's Day (wear red/pink/Valentine's colors)
• Tuesday, 2/15 - Twin Tuesday (twin with a friend)
• Wednesday, 2/16 - Wear Your Hope Wednesday (wear HOPE or TMS shirts)
• Thursday, 2/17 - Thoughtful Thursday - Be Kind Day (wear Be Kind shirts)
• Friday, 2/18 - Fun Hat Friday (wear a hat to school)

Every year, District 303 conducts a satisfaction survey that gives us meaningful feedback from our students, teachers and parents. To take the survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/?target_name=parent. We hope to have 100% of parents participating in the survey and will be periodically reminding families to complete it. Please visit the D303 5Essentials website or call the main office if you have any questions. Thank you to the entire Thompson community for your time and feedback!

State legislation requires that all Illinois children in Sixth Grade will have a dental examination. A licensed dentist must perform the examination, and he or she shall sign the form. Dental offices should have the form available, but it is also available online at www.d303.org under Departments, then Health Services, then “Health Documents and Forms”. Each 6th grade student must present proof of a dental examination by a dentist prior to May 15, 2022. The exam must be dated within 18 months prior to May 15, 2022. If your child has had an exam already, you can ask your dentist to complete the form for the exam.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has established a waiver for children who show undue burden or lack of access to a dentist. Parents or legal guardians who object to the dental examinations on religious grounds shall present to the school a signed, detailed statement of the objection.

The deadline is quickly approaching! Please submit this if you have not already done so. If you have any questions, please contact the TMS nurses:

Diane Isbrandt RN, PEL-CSN

Sherri Esposito, RN

Amy Kashuba, RN

Thompson Middle School

331-228-3104

WHAT IS THE ILLINOIS YOUTH SURVEY? The purpose of the IYS is to better understand youth attitudes and behaviors that can impact student problems and academic success. It asks about topics like nutrition, physical activity, bullying, school climate, and alcohol and other drug use. Students will be asked to complete an anonymous survey (with no names or identification numbers). The survey is completely voluntary and privacy will be strictly protected.

WHAT IS THE SURVEY DATA USED FOR? The IYS will provide our school's combined student results providing data to assess needs, track progress toward physical, social, and mental health goals, and evaluate student support services.

If you have questions regarding the survey, wish to see a sample of the survey, or want your child to opt-out of the survey, please see the attached document or email Mr. Mike Cortina, Thompson's Student Assistance Counselor. A copy of the survey will also be available for viewing in the main office along with opt-out forms..

For more information, please visit the Illinois Youth Survey website at http://iys.cprd.illinois.edu.

The School Board wants to hear your thoughts about:

• current strengths of our schools and district
• current challenges facing the district
• priorities for the new leader
• the professional and personal characteristics you would like to see in the next District 303 superintendent

If you would like to participate in a community forum, they are scheduled for February 22 at 6:00 pm and February 23 at 7:30 pm. The links to these forums will be available on the Superintendent Search page of the District 303 website

Homework Lab is a great place for students needing a quiet location to get work done after school. The Homework Lab is open for 2nd semester and below are the remaining dates, and additional information, for the months of January and February.

• Feb 17th

• Feb 24th

Time: 3:45-4:30

Place: Room #235

Facilitators: Miss Romano and Mrs. Polillo

• Monday, February 14 - Friday, February 18 - HOPE Week

• Monday, February 21 - Presidents’ Day Holiday
  

• Wednesday, February 23 - MS Early Release Day
• Friday, March 4 - School Improvement Day (No School for Students)