MORE SUPPORT FOR OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLS

We are pleased to announce that the Board of Education has approved a plan to secure a police liaison officer for both middle schools for next year to complement our existing high school police liaison officers. At the middle school level these authorities will help us support our kids by encouraging them to make good decisions and working with them when they don’t. Additionally, these officers will enhance the partnership between our schools and the community.

LOOKING TOWARDS NEXT YEAR

As we approach spring, the Thompson staff has already begun planning for your child’s transition to the next grade level. A big part of this involves the scheduling process. It begins by taking a look at the anticipated school population for next year. Based on these numbers, core teams are built and adjusted to take into consideration student needs. Next, the development of Exploratory and Physical Education rotations takes place, followed then by developing specific class period offerings. This is a complex process involving many variables, which is why this process begins during the winter.

To that end...parents of current 6th and 7th grade students, while we do not accept specific team requests, we do want your input regarding your child’s educational needs. If your child has a specific learning style need, placement issues, or social/emotional concerns that you want to share, please let your grade level counselor know so that we can find the best possible fit for your child as a learner. Please send this information on or before March 22, 2019.

This year’s 6th and 7th grade counselors:

• 6th Grade Counselor – Leigh Gary (Leigh.Gary@d303.org)
• 7th Grade Counselor – Christy Jolaoso (Christine.Jolaoso@d303.org)
• 7th Grade Counselor – Bridget Hult (Bridget.Hult@d303.org)

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)

Families who wish to submit Middle School Transfer requests may do so through next Thursday, February 28, 2019. The request form is available here on the District 303 website. Families must complete a separate form for each student they want transferred. Requests are granted based on space available so 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 are responsible for their own transportation. Students will return to their assigned attendance area high school regardless of the middle school attended.

Monday, March 4, 2019 (Rescheduled from January 30th)

Preventing and Addressing Bullying: Lessons Learned and Resources for Parents

Thompson 6th Grade Cafeteria - 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Faculty from the Psychology Department at Northern Illinois University will present practical information from their research and their work as part of a U.S. Department of Education training grant “Project Prevent and Address Bullying.” Thompson Middle School is partnering with NIU on this grant project, bringing resources that will be shared throughout the district. The faculty will present helpful knowledge, tips, and resources parents can use when navigating bullying situations.

Click here to register for this program.

• Saturday, February 23 - Project Dance Groovy - St. Charles North H.S. 1:00 - 5:00 pm
• Friday, March 1 - Teacher Institute Day - No school for students
• Monday, March 4 - Parent University: Preventing & Addressing Bullying
• Saturday, March 9 - "Just Shave It!" Cal's Angels Event - St. Charles North H.S. 6:00 pm
• Friday, March 15 - PTO Meeting from 9:00 - 10:00 am at the 7/8 center
• Friday, March 15 - 5Essentials Parent Survey Closes
• Monday, March 25 - Spring Break through March 29
• Monday, April 1 - School Resumes