On a national scale, this week has certainly provided a canvas for reflection. Several times, I took the opportunity to share with students, through morning announcements and casual conversations with them, thoughts about two significant events this week. Monday our country celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His life changing accomplishments, actions, and positive impacts on our country decades ago continue to be felt today more than ever. Speaking to students about MLK day, I challenged them to learn more about Dr. King and take his lead by committing to a goal and making a difference.

Two days later our country observed the inauguration of Joe Biden as our 46th President. I reminded students that at Wednesday’s inauguration, the full power and grace of the United States was on display as our country transitioned from one president to another. Typically many Americans take this “exercise” for granted, but given the turmoil we have witnessed over recent weeks and months, eyes around the world, and our own, were watching these proceedings. What they saw was a smooth political transition in the United States representing a meaningful pillar of democracy and showing the world how great America is and will continue to be.

In my role as your middle school principal, I think it is important to take note of and draw attention to significant moments like the ones in recent days. Emphasizing this week’s national events, I hope that I have, in part, been able to provide students an opportunity to learn more about the world around them and grow their appreciation for those, such as Dr. King, who dedicated himself to making the world a better place.

Have a great weekend,

Steve

Monday, January 25th, will be our first early release Monday. 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.

• January 25
• February 1, 8, 22
• March 1, 8, 15, 22
• April 5, 12, 19, 26
• May 3, 10, 17, 24

We are excited for this opportunity as our teachers work to improve their instruction and raise student achievement! And as always, thank you for your continued support as we partner with you during your middle schoolers educational experience.

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

Boys Basketball and Cheerleading will resume on January 26th and run through February 19th. Girls Basketball begins on February 9th and will run through March 19th. There will be no practices on Mondays (early release days).

Basketball for both boys and girls will consist of non contact drills with an emphasis on dribbling and shooting. Athletes will attend on the days that they have in person learning. Remote students may attend on the A/B day corresponding with the first letter of their last name and they must have proof of self certification. All participants must have a physical on file to begin practice.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Wilke or call the main office at (331) 228-3100.

Registration for Compass Academy is opening on Monday, January 25. Compass Academy is open to any and all students entering grades 9-12 next fall who are interested in an innovative learning environment that offers:

• a flexible schedule with a later start or earlier end to the day
• the chance to join a small learning community
• a voice and choice in learning activities
• opportunities to explore career pathways
• project-based seminars with hands-on learning

Students who attend Compass Academy may take specialized courses, such as band or Driver Education, at their home high school, but they will be able to meet all graduation requirements through courses at Compass Academy. When students graduate from Compass Academy, their diploma will be from their home high school, St. Charles East or St. Charles North High School.

Students who would like to talk with someone in person about this opportunity may stop by the cafeteria/main commons to meet with the Director of Compass Academy, Ms. Sharon Stanley, next week according to this schedule:

• Monday, 1/25- Wredling Middle School (tutorial & 8th grade lunch, 12:26-1:14 pm)
• Tuesday, 1/26- Thompson Middle School (tutorial & 8th grade lunch, 12:56-1:50 pm)
• Wednesday, 1/27- East High School (lunch/break and extended learning sessions, 12:35-2:30 pm)
• Thursday, 1/28- North High School (lunch/break and extended learning sessions, 12:35-2:30 pm)

If you would like more information, you may visit the Compass Academy webpage or email Director Sharon Stanley at sharon.stanley@d303.org.

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, January 25 - First Early Release Monday
  

• 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