Terrific Thomson Tidbits
May 5, 2020
A Note from the Principal
Hello Thomson Families!
As you may already be aware, this is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! I am so proud to be part of a staff that works to give their best to our students everyday...even in uncertain times. Additionally, I can not tell you the tremendous amount of time that our teachers are putting into distance learning and ensuring that they stay connected to your child. Like my own daughter, I am sure that your child is missing their teacher tremendously and you should know that we are all missing your child equally as much!
While our PTO Board has worked to do something pretty special for each and every staff member on Friday, I hope your child will be able to participate in sending some 'love' to their teacher through some of the 'Virtual Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week' activities they have created in the flyer below. Please join me in thanking our staff for all they do!
Additionally, I'd like to continue to include student/family photos in our newsletter. If you'd like to submit a photo for our Thomson Tidbits newsletter, please email it to nmiller@davisonschools.org with "Tidbits Photo" as the subject.
Stay well and know that I miss seeing your little ones everyday!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Miller, Proud Thomson Principal
Spread Some Joy!
Distance Learning
Supplemental Learning Packets
In addition to the Distance Learning Plans that teachers are sending out each week, the District will continue to provide supplemental learning packets for those desiring hard copy materials. The packets will also include specific grade level worksheets/papers that may be needed to complete the week's Distance Learning Plan. They will be available each week on Mondays at our Food Distribution sites and during the week at the Cardinal Center (in the plastic bin under the canopy) and at Gate Elementary (in the plastic bin by the front doors). Links to the grade-level packets are below and will continue to be available online at http://www.davisonschools.org.
Notes from the Couselor
Hello Thomson families!
I hope this message finds you doing well. I would like to share a couple resources with you that may provide some comfort and support for you and your kids during these troubling times.
This first link is a great article about the power of books, stories and reading for the emotional wellbeing of children:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5yPfC0wWS_SzMEp7ioaXpIcHLa0GT8U/view?usp=sharing
After having read the article about the benefit of reading emotionally focused books to children, you may be wondering, "That's great, but where do I find stories that could have an impact on the welbeing of my child?" Here are some links to articles that are emotionally beneficial to children during these uncertain and anxiety ridden times that we are living in. Reach out and let me know what you think!
Videos:
Documents:
A Story to Help Children Understand Coronavirus from Music City Counselor
Coronavirus Talksheet from Counselor Keri
Sincerely,
Mr. Vannest
Thomson Elementary Counselor
Community Resources
The Genesee Intermediate School District has a Social-Emotional Resource phone line for parents who may need assistance. The phone number is 591-HELP (591- 4357). Students or parents can call this line and be connected with a licensed professional from the GISD (social workers, counselors, therapists) during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Callers are able to leave a message after hours and will receive a call back during operational hours.
The licensed professional answering the call may assist in the following areas:
- Provide support to assist students and parents in dealing with stressful situations.
- Provide assistance in accessing resources and getting the help students/families need.
- Refer students/families to other local and county agencies for additional support. It is important to note that the intention of the phone line is not to provide telehealth therapy. If it is deemed that therapy may be needed, families will be assisted through a referral process.
In addition, families are also encouraged to reach out to their student's DCS counselor if they need assistance. While our staff members are not physically in the buildings, our counselors are checking their emails and continuing to assist families. If you need assistance in determining who your child's counselor is, please contact us by clicking on the Email icon on the upper right corner of our website, www.davisonschools.org.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Resource Packet Locations
Just a reminder that we will be distributing meals Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (or until food runs out) at Central, Gates, Siple, Hahn and DHS. Hard copy learning packets will be available at food distribution sites on Mondays and Wednesdays and at any time at the Cardinal Center (located in the bin under the canopy).
As a reminder, volunteers will now be placing food in your vehicle trunk or truck bed. This will further reduce contact between individuals. Please be prepared to open your trunk when the volunteer approaches your vehicle.