School will be closed next Monday, February 18, 2019 in observance of the Presidents’ Day Holiday! Enjoy your long weekend!

H.O.P.E. WEEK

Thank you to all of the Thompson students, parents, and staff for celebrating H.O.P.E. Week at Thompson. A special thanks goes out to Mrs. Jolaoso and Mrs. Walker for their efforts to organize such a meaningful week. Most importantly, a huge thank you goes out to all of our Thompson students who continue to care for one another and reach out to a trusted adult if help is needed.

VAPING IN SCHOOLS

Across the country and in St. Charles, we are seeing a significant increase in the use of vape/e-cigarette devices at the middle and high school levels. These devices may often contain addictive substances such as nicotine and THC (TetraHydroCannabinol) - often referred to as THC Oil or Dab, which are highly concentrated forms of marijuana. These devices are easy to conceal, look like jump drives/small electronics/lead pencil containers and are hard to detect when being used - they often emit a fruity/candy smell.

Below is a link to valuable information from the CDC regarding vaping devices.

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html

We continue to be your partners in keeping all of our students safe! Moving forward, the district will be communicating resources and information regarding this topic on a regular basis.

See you back at school on Tuesday!

~Steve

Families who wish to submit Middle School Transfer requests may do so through February 28, 2019. The request form is available here on the District 303 website. Families must complete a separate form for each student they want transferred. Requests are granted based on space available so siblings are not guaranteed placement. A written decision will be communicated to families before spring break.

Once the request is approved, a student may remain at that middle school throughout his or her middle school career, as long as the student resides in District 303. Families of students granted permission to attend a school outside of their assigned attendance are responsible for their own transportation. Students will return to their assigned attendance area high school regardless of the middle school attended.

Monday, March 4, 2019 (Rescheduled from January 30th)

Preventing and Addressing Bullying: Lessons Learned and Resources for Parents

Thompson 6th Grade Cafeteria - 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Faculty from the Psychology Department at Northern Illinois University will present practical information from their research and their work as part of a U.S. Department of Education training grant “Project Prevent and Address Bullying.” Thompson Middle School is partnering with NIU on this grant project, bringing resources that will be shared throughout the district. The faculty will present helpful knowledge, tips, and resources parents can use when navigating bullying situations.

Click here to register for this program.

February 20, 2019

Common Sense Approach to Managing Technology: Teaching Children How to Be Good Digital Citizens in the Age of Social Media, Gaming and Screen Time

Wredling Middle School – Cafeteria - 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Technology is a part of all our lives. From phones to laptops to video games, we are more “connected” or “plugged in” than ever. How do we help our children (and ourselves) find balance when it comes to the use of technology? During this Parent University we will share tools and strategies to help create balance and set boundaries. The night will feature a panel as well as opportunities for interactive discussion. Come “hang up and hang out”!

Click here to register for this program.

Please click here to view all of the planned Parent University Programs.

• Monday, February 18 - Presidents' Day Holiday - Schools are closed
• Tuesday, February 19 - 6th Grade Amazing Race
• Wednesday, February 20 - Parent University: Managing Technology
• Saturday, February 23 - Project Dance Groovy - St. Charles North H.S. 1:00 - 5:00 pm
• Friday, March 1 - Teacher Institute Day - No school for students
• Monday, March 4 - Parent University: Preventing & Addressing Bullying
• Saturday, March 9 - "Just Shave It!" Cal's Angels Event - St. Charles North H.S. 6:00 pm
• Friday, March 15 - PTO Meeting from 9:00 - 10:00 am at the 7/8 center
• Friday, March 15 - 5Essentials Parent Survey Closes