Events from the week~

Monday of this week was our first early release day at the middle schools. I had the privilege to visit many PLCs (professional learning communities) to witness, first-hand, the powerful collaboration this time provides. Teachers at the 6th grade level were carefully evaluating the effectiveness of formative assessment questions. A 7th grade PLC was busy developing a protocol that will help support students with both technology and traditional learning platforms. An 8th grade group was identifying the learning targets of an upcoming unit in order to personalize the learning opportunities for students. I am appreciative that the district has provided us with this valuable collaboration time for our staff and excited about the positive impact that this work will have on student learning.

We survived our first snow day this past Tuesday. I want to thank the school community for your flexibility and support as we navigated our first remote learning snow day. I think this is one positive outcome of the circumstance this pandemic has caused. Just a few years ago having students participate in school from home on a snow day would not spoken about. As educational experiences, resources, and platforms are being redefined and shifted out of necessity, the school district is now able to pivot to remote learning for all. This past Tuesday the weather conditions did not allow for safe travel to and from school and now I think it is safe to say that the traditional snow day will be a thing of the past!

Semester final exam information regarding high school level classes

Middle school teachers will be implementing an engaging, authentic summative assessment to gather evidence of student learning, in lieu of a second semester comprehensive final exam, for high school World Language, Algebra, and Geometry classes. This could include activities such as labs, presentations, projects, essays, exams, etc. Additional information will be provided later this spring by the teachers of these classes.

Enjoy your snowy weekend!

Steve

In an effort to recognize our outstanding students, teachers recommend students who are following the Thunder Guidelines for Success (responsibility, perseverance, team work, respect, and kindness). All nominated students were entered into a raffle to win a giftcard.

Congratulations to the following winners!

• Allie Bardouniotis
• Grace Bellue
• Angie Escarcida
• Javier Garcia-Cruz
• Camden Hadzima
• Tate Krebel
• Trey Long
• Jose Medina
• Addison Taylor-Bujak

Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade middle school students will be receiving exploratory/elective course selection sheets in the mail over the coming days. These need to be filled out, signed by a parent or guardian, and returned to your elementary school (for 5th graders) or middle school by Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

Descriptions of the explore options can be found on both of the Thompson and Wredling websites under the Academics tab. Replacement forms are on both schools’ websites at the bottom of the home page as well.

The Learning and Teaching Department created a video explaining how to complete the Explore Course Selection Forms. Please reach out to your child’s counselor if you have questions.

• TMS 6th Grade Counselor 21-22: Leigh Gary
• TMS 7th Grade Counselor 21-22: Christy Jolaoso
• TMS 8th Grade Counselor 21-22: Chris Fedyski

We are excited to provide these learning opportunities for our middle school students!

We need your students in school, hybrid or remote, to learn. Being present is simply the most critical component to a student’s academic success. Our goal is to support your child and family by making sure that your student is present and active in their daily education, both synchronously and asynchronously. Please refer to the D303 Student Handbook for more detailed and additional information.

Examples of Excused Absences (hybrid or remote):

• Illness (3 consecutive days may require a physician's note)

• Medical/dental appointments

• Required state/county court appointments

• Serious family emergency (i.e. funeral, family illness)

• Family vacations, sporting events that have been pre-arranged with administration approval.

Examples of Unexcused Absences (hybrid or remote):

• Oversleeping/needing rest

• Excessive issues with chromebook not working

• Excused (per legal guardian) with no reason

• Arriving 10 minutes after the beginning of class / leaving 10 minutes before the end of class without acceptable reasons

A Reminder for Remote Learning:

Attendance is based on whether or not a student is present. Students who are logged in but cannot be seen on camera or do not respond to teachers either verbally or via chat will be marked ABSENT. If the teacher calls on them several times and there is no response, the teacher may end the meeting for that student since we don’t know who is on the call. If this issue continues, our Student Support Coordinator will meet with the parents and students to create an appropriate participation plan.

Communication from parents is essential in maintaining accurate attendance records. Please call the main office (331) 228-3100 if your child will be absent from class even if it is only one period!

All players will need to have a current physical and sign a waiver in order to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Wilke, Mr. Patrick, Mr. Otterby, Mrs. Wainwright, or Mr. O'Connor by email or in person.

Early release Mondays will continue next Monday and run through the remainder of the year. All students will be following the Early Release Bell Schedule (found on the Thompson website) and the school day will conclude at 2:42 pm. Buses will leave Thompson shortly after the dismissal bell. The office will be open until 4:00 pm if you have any transportation concerns.

• February 1, 8, 22
• March 1, 8, 15, 22
• April 5, 12, 19, 26
• May 3, 10, 17, 24

Please call the main office at (331) 228-3100 if you have any questions.

The Saint's tutoring Thunder (STT) club provides students with an opportunity to receive help on homework, projects, and/or comprehension of material that they are learning in classes. The Saint's tutoring Thunder (STT) club is available for both students attending in-person or remotely. This club meets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Parents can sign their child up for this tutoring and/or students can sign up themselves!

STT allows students to meet virtually with a Thompson club supervisor and a St. Charles East Sophomore tutor from 4:15 until 5:00 pm. The Thompson club supervisor will facilitate the after school support while supervising the high school students tutoring our students.

Sign-ups are available Thursday-Monday for the following week. This ensures that we have the correct amount of tutors for our students. You can click here to sign up for Saint's tutoring Thunder club. Once your student has been signed up, they will receive an invite link in their email.

​Families who wish to submit a Middle School Transfer request may do so beginning February 1, 2021. Families must complete a separate form for each student they want to be transferred. Requests are granted based on space available. This means that 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 area are responsible for their own transportation. Students will return to their assigned attendance area high school regardless of the middle school attended.

The Middle School Transfer request window will close at 4:00pm on February 26, 2021. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Marsan at 331-228-2397.

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.

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.

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.

• Monday, February 1 - Early Release Monday
  

• Tuesday, February 2 - Parent University - Wake Up Call

• Monday, February 8 - Early Release Monday

• Thursday, February 11 - PTO Meeting (virtual) - 9:00 - 10:00 am

• Monday, February 15 - Presidents' Day Holiday - Schools are Closed