Schools are built to have kids in them! What a celebration it is to have our students, albeit in reduced numbers, back in Thompson. It has been so refreshing to see our bright eyed, 6th graders experiencing middle school for the first time. Watching them navigate the building, reconnect with friends, and interacting with teachers and staff has been rejuvenating for me. As our first group of 7th graders returned today, you could feel their enthusiasm and appreciation for being back and you could see that many of them spent their time away from school working on growth spurts. Monday, we are looking forward to seeing our second group of seventh graders, with Tuesday and Wednesday having our eighth graders return, in preparation for all grade level ‘A’s returning next Thursday and ‘B’s on Friday.

As students entered the building this week, they were greeted by eager staff members who were equally excited to see middle school students again. Please know that the Thompson staff has worked countless hours preparing for this week and beyond and I would publicly like to communicate my appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the students and families of St. Charles.

I would also like to throw a shout out to our Thompson families for your flexibility and engagement with the constant district and building communications leading up to this first week of school. Thank you!

On a personal note, earlier this week I dropped my “baby” off at Butler University for his freshman year of college. This experience has prompted me to offer parents a little perspective about time. It seems like only yesterday that my youngest, Jack, was entering his middle school for the first time. And now, in the blink of an eye, he’s a college student. My advice...cherish the moments you have with your kids and family. The time will most definitely go faster than you think and the time will absolutely pick up speed as your kids grow older.

Have a great weekend,

Steve

Pre-order pictures on-line to receive special offers:

• mylifetouch.com
• Picture Day ID is EVTBDH8TR

Please note that the student name on the order should match your child's full first name. For example, if your child's first name is 'Mitchell', don't use 'Mitch' on the LifeTouch site, but instead use 'Mitchell'.

Thompson full remote students can have their pictures taken on Thursday, August 27th and Friday, August 28th between 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Full remote students will also be able to pick up classroom materials during this time as well. Please sign up for a 10 minute slot by clicking on the Pick-a-Time Scheduler. Enter through Door #5 (by the gym) and exit Door #6.

A/B students will have their pictures taken during the day; after school time slots are reserved just for our fully remote learners. Please do not sign up if you are a hybrid learner.

Please review all of this Cross Country information regarding the practice schedule and contact one of the coaches or our Athletic Director with questions. Contact information is included on this document.

Please let us know if you are planning to participate by signing up with this Google Form. Go Thompson Thunder!!

The middle school food vendor is OrganicLife again this year. District 303 has collaborated with our food service vendors to provide grab and go meals for students to enjoy at home. As we move into the school year, we want to make you aware of procedures for making sure that students continue to receive meals, whether they are learning in-person or remotely. Please review the information attached to this Friday Forecast from the District Office.

Click here to view the Food Services website with a link to the daily menus.

Breakfast: $1.60; Reduced Breakfast: $0.30

Lunch: $2.90; Reduced Lunch: $0.40

Milk: $0.60 (when purchased separately from meals)

Due to COVID-19, the school district is no longer accepting check payments and cash at the schools. Parents will need to use PushCoin to apply funds.

SCHOOL FEES WAIVER: The school fees waiver will ONLY be a PAPER application since there is financial documentation required for income verification. A family can only qualify for a free waiver of fees; there are no reduced fees. The application is on the district website. Questions regarding school fee waivers - Sharon Wlezien at 331-228-5417

FOOD WAIVER: Only one application needs to be completed for each household. Please include ALL family members that live in the household (even those not attending a school). Applications are posted on the district website. In addition, paper applications are available at the schools and the Administration Building as in years past. Unlike the school fees, families can qualify for Reduced. Questions regarding food waivers - Patti Townsend 331-228-6529

Families directly certified by the State of Illinois for the 2020-2021 school year will receive FREE FOOD and their FEES will be WAIVED. If your family is qualified by the state, do NOT need to complete either application. You should have received an approval letter in the mail in July.

• Thursday, August 27 & 28 - Picture Days
  
• Thursday, August 27 - All 'A' in-school attendance students
• Friday, August 28 - All 'B' in-school attendance students

• Tuesday, September 1 - Curriculum Night (All Grades) - Video (not virtual) posted by 6:30 pm
• Friday, September 4 - No School for Students - Teacher Institute Day
• Monday, September 7 - No School for Students - Labor Day Holiday