GUEST SPEAKER AT THE 6TH GRADE CENTER

This week, our 6th graders had the privilege of hearing a presentation by Jarrett Payton. Mr. Payton has created The Jarrett Payton Foundation which is “committed to positively impacting the lives of children and adolescents physically, emotionally, and psychologically by creating and providing programs that present them with a wide variety of opportunities specifically designed to develop their leadership skills and enrich their lives.” (Jarrettpayton.org)

On Tuesday morning, Mr. Payton (Walter’s son, for those of you from my generation) motivated our 6th grade students and staff with inspirational words of resilience, “writing your best story”, and striving to help others. The students were engaged in his message and excited to listen to the former professional athlete and current media personality. Some students were even lucky enough to have their picture taken with Jarrett. This presentation was a complement to the message our 7th and 8th graders heard last quarter during an assembly featuring Matt Wilhelm. Matt is a BMX Flatland rider and motivational speaker who spoke of perseverance, bullying, kindness, and resilience.

When our school has the opportunity to hear from presenters such as these, we always attempt to capitalize on the opportunity for a teachable moment by taking the opportunity to process these assemblies with students in the classroom setting as well. If you are the parent of a 6th grader and have a moment, I encourage you to ask your child what his or her take away was from Jarrett’s speech. If you are a parent from our 7/8 building, I encourage you to visit Jarrettpayton.org to familiarize yourself with Jarrett’s organization.

PRINCIPAL COFFEE

Our next Principal Coffee will take place on Thursday, April 4th from 9:30 -10:30 am at the 7/8 center. This time is structured so that I can be available to speak with parents and answer any questions that might be presented. I look forward to meeting with Thompson parents!

Enjoy your weekend!

~Steve

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.

Fiction on the Fox, an annual community writing event for middle school and high school students, is being held on May 17th at the Baker Community Center. If your child enjoys creative writing, please encourage them to submit their piece to be shared at this special event. Students should send pieces to FictionOnTheFox@d303.org. Please email Lizzy Vander Woude or Megan Keane with questions!

• Monday, March 18 - Spirit Week at Thompson!
• Monday, March 25 - Spring Break through March 29
  
• Monday, April 1 - School Resumes
• Thursday, April 4 - Principal Coffee - 9:30 - 10:30 am
• Thursday, April 11 - PTO Meeting from 9:00 - 10:00 am at the 6th grade center
• 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