Congratulations! We have survived week one of remote learning! I, like you, am figuring out how to navigate being quarantined while also fulfilling my professional responsibilities, which, for me, includes supporting a learning community of 1300 students and 175 staff. Two weeks ago I knew nothing about a “zoom” meeting; now I feel like I’m nearly an expert. What I can tell you about this adventure so far is that a vast majority of students and all of our teachers are vested in this new process.

Earlier this week, I met with the entire staff through a “zoom” meeting to problem solve challenges and prepare for the weeks ahead. I also virtually brought together our building leadership team to do the same. I’m excited to share that both of these groups are eager to get back to working with your children and helping them learn to the best of their abilities. I can also tell you that there have certainly been some bumps in the road and there will continue to be as we work to refine this new learning process which was really unthinkable a few months ago.

As expected, our students are flexible and eager to learn and our teachers are working carefully to be as intentional as possible regarding the remote learning experiences that they are providing while working at a pace that keeps them a step ahead of their students. As we work through this process, your patience is appreciated and as always, we thank you for your continued support of Thompson Middle School and this unique situation. Thanks also to our parents and guardians for taking a super active role in your middle schooler’s learning!

Have a great weekend; stay safe!

Steve

The safety and health of our D303 community is a priority now more than ever. Our efforts to support student growth and development include both academics and social emotional learning (SEL) standards. Both are critical to a child’s success and during times of stress, recognizing feelings and having strategies to deal with those feelings are essential. Each week, parents/guardians and students will be provided SEL information and lessons aligned with the five core competencies. This information will come to you through Thompson's Friday Forecast. This week’s competency is:

• Self-awareness: The ability to accurately recognize one’s emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior. This includes accurately assessing one’s strengths and limitations and possessing a well-grounded sense of confidence and optimism.

We are asking students to reflect on the construct of positive self-talk. Video clips and text is embedded to foster conversation. The challenges and uncertainty facing families and children are impactful on overall mental health and well being. We are hopeful the resources shared will be a support to parents/guardians and children. If you have any questions on the information provided or are seeking additional support for yourself or child, please contact Patti Palagi, Director Instructional Interventions (patti.palagi@d303.org or 331-228-6457).

We want students to learn every day! Monday through Thursday our teachers will be providing lessons. Friday is a day to continue learning by completing lessons, catching-up on past or missing work, or doing enrichment lessons.

Please visit the website D303 Optional Remote Learning For Students to access enrichment lessons. In addition to the weekly SEL activity, the website houses a variety of optional learning experiences in the areas of math, digital citizenship, English Language Arts, college and career, and STEM. We encourage you to ask your child to engage in the SEL lessons before exploring the other choice options. Although these optional learning experiences were designed for use on Fridays, students are welcome to engage in the learning experiences on the website anytime.

Although the administrators and office staff are following the governor’s stay-at-home order, we are still available to answer questions and assist you when needed. Please call the main office at (331) 228-3100 or email one of the administrators. We are here for you!

• 6th Grade Assistant Principal - Shane Darnell
• 7th Grade Assistant Principal - Grant Montgomery
• 8th Grade Assistant Principal - Sarah Cann
• Principal - Steve Morrill

Unfortunately, all field trips and track season are canceled for the remainder of the school year. If you paid in PushCoin the money will be credited to your account. If you paid with a check or cash, a check from the school will be mailed to you. Please be patient as this will take a bit to issue these checks. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Walters.

Please join us for the next PTO meeting this coming Thursday, April 16th from 10:00 - 11:00 am. All are welcome! If you would like to attend, please email Nicole Snopko or Kim Walters for a link to the virtual meeting.

This message is a reminder to elementary school families that the Intra-District transfer window for the 2020-2021 school year opened on April 7 at 8:00 a.m.

For the 2020-2021 school year, ALL elementary students have been assigned to their attendance area school by the District. This includes elementary students currently attending a school on an intra-district transfer.

An Intra-District Transfer Request must be submitted online by 4:00 pm on Monday, April 20th. A link to the request form is posted on the District 303 web page.

If you are requesting a transfer for more than one child, a separate request must be submitted for each. Due to fluctuating class sizes at schools and each grade level, siblings are not guaranteed placement. If granted, transportation is the responsibility of the parents.

If you have questions about the process, please call the District office at 331.228.2000.

Every year, Thompson students publish a Thompson Yearbook. Students who decide to purchase a yearbook are given this keepsake at the end of the school year. Buying a yearbook is optional and not all students choose to own one. The price of the yearbook is $25.

Have you ordered your Thompson 19-20 Yearbook? You can check your PushCoin account to see if you have purchased one by going to 'transactions' and then adjusting the start date back to April 1, 2019. Contact Kim Walters (kimberly.walters@d303.org or 331-228-6410) if you have any questions or need financial assistance. Or stop in the main office during conferences!

• Monday, April 13 - Start of the M6 Health Rotation
  
• Thursday, April 16 - PTO Meeting from 10:00 - 11:00 am