IAR TESTING AT THOMPSON

Beginning next Wednesday, April 10th and running through Wednesday, April 17th Thompson students will be taking IAR assessments. Students will take one test in the morning each day. It is important to remind students that this assessment is a brief snapshot of their academic progress. These tests are an opportunity for students to be challenged and tested. I think it is important that we emphasize them without “over emphasizing” them. Ultimately, these tests are an opportunity for our students to “show what they know!” Please make sure your child is in attendance each day unless ill. To accommodate testing, we will be running alternative schedules for all students during these assessment days.

Below, I have included a few test taking tips that I encourage you to review with your child:

• Visualize yourself doing well on these tests
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Dress comfortably
• Eat a balanced breakfast
• If you feel tense, use deep breathing to relax your mind and your muscles.
• Ask the teacher if there is a question about the test directions

Because all students will be testing on computers, any technology capable of accessing the wireless network will need to be turned off during these days of testing. This includes cell phones and any other device that could gain access to the wireless network. In addition, it is important that students charge their Chromebooks each night in preparation for the following day’s testing.

THIRD QUARTER REPORT CARDS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE HOME ACCESS CENTER

Third quarter report cards are now posted in the Home Access Center. As we begin the “final stretch” of the year, this is a great time to have a conversation with your middle schooler about his or her progress. If you are having trouble accessing HAC, please contact the main office. If you have any questions about your child’s performance, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teachers.

Enjoy your weekend!

~Steve

D303 offers a variety of summer school, athletic and music camp opportunities at our schools.

Visit our Summer School & Camps page to view brochures that provide detailed information on

the various offerings and grade levels served for each offering at each school. Summer camp brochures are also linked to this Friday Forecast. Registration can be completed by visiting PushCoin or returning the forms to the main offices.

State legislation requires that all Illinois children in Sixth Grade 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 available online at www.d303.org under Departments, then Health Services, then “Health Documents and Forms”. Each child must present proof of a dental examination by a dentist prior to May 15, 2019. The exam must be dated within 18 months prior to May 15, 2019. 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:

Diane Isbrandt RN, PEL-CSN

Thompson Middle School

331-228-3404

331-228-3401 (fax)

Join us on April 16th to learn strategies to assist and respond to your child when they are feeling anxious. A representative from Tri-City Family Services, along with D303 staff will offer insight on how to help your child deal with anxiety. This session will take place in the Wild Rose LRC from 6:30 - 8:00pm. Please click here for more information.

• Wednesday, April 10 - IAR Testing - April 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17
• Tuesday, April 9 - 5th Grade Parent meeting - 6:30 - 7:30 pm, 6th grade LRC
• Thursday, April 11 - PTO Meeting from 9:00 - 10:00 am at the 6th grade center
• Thursday, April 11 - 5th Grade Parent meeting - 6:30 - 7:30 pm, 6th grade LRC
• Tuesday, April 16 - Parent University - Angst Follow-up #3 at Wild Rose - 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• Thursday, April 18 - Operation Snowflake at Wredling 4:00 - 7:00 pm
• Friday, April 19 - No school for students - School Improvement Day
• Wednesday, April 24 - 5th Grade Parent & Student Open House - 6:15 - 7:30pm, 6th grade center
• Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday
• Friday, June 7 - Last Day of School (if no more 'Emergency Days' are used)