The End of the 3rd Quarter is Quickly Approaching!

Friday, March 11th, marks the end of the third quarter. Please have a discussion with your child to make sure that this date is on his/her “radar.” It is important that students are aware of the end of the quarter so that they can complete and turn in assignments. Contact your child’s teachers or counselor if you have any concerns or questions.

Looking Toward 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.

Scheduling begins by taking a look at our anticipated school population for next year. Based on these numbers, core teams are adjusted to accommodate 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 in early spring.

To that end…parents of current 6th and 7th grade students, if your child has a specific learning style need, placement issues, and/or social/emotional concerns that you would like to share, please let us know. While we do not accept specific team requests, we do want your input regarding your child’s educational needs. Please contact your child’s counselor so that we can find the best possible fit for your child as a learner. Please submit this information on or before March 25, 2022.

Have a great weekend!

Steve

Would you like to try being on stage? Or do you love acting? Improv Club is starting next Wednesday, March 9th from 3:40 - 4:30 pm in the orchestra room 108. Improv is a relaxed way to play with characters and just have fun! See google classroom for dates and details: code lmvaxra.

The Thompson PTO is taking Board nominations! The PTO is composed of elected board positions, dozens of non-elected committee chairs, and numerous volunteers. Our Board positions are open to parents, guardians, and staff as well. If you are interested in running for a Thompson PTO Board Position for the 2022-2023 school year or know someone who would be a good fit, please complete this form.

Members of the current Board will reach out to anyone who is nominated to share what it is like to be a Board member and to answer questions.

For more information about the open positions, please contact any of the current PTO Officers: Shannon Puri (President), Laura Bouton (Vice President), Stephanie Chabura (Treasurer), and Kari Ann Harry (Secretary). You may also visit the PTO website at https://thompsonpto.com.

State legislation requires that all Illinois children in Sixth Grade will 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 also available online at www.d303.org under Departments, then Health Services, then “Health Documents and Forms”. Each 6th grade student must present proof of a dental examination by a dentist prior to May 15, 2022. The exam must be dated within 18 months prior to May 15, 2022. 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 the TMS nurses:

Diane Isbrandt RN, PEL-CSN

Sherri Esposito, RN

Amy Kashuba, RN

Thompson Middle School

331-228-3104

Schools throughout the state of Illinois will have the opportunity to conduct the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) with students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. Thompson 8th graders will be taking the survey in their social studies classes on March 16, 2022.

WHAT IS THE ILLINOIS YOUTH SURVEY? The purpose of the IYS is to better understand youth attitudes and behaviors that can impact student problems and academic success. It asks about topics like nutrition, physical activity, bullying, school climate, and alcohol and other drug use. Students will be asked to complete an anonymous survey (with no names or identification numbers). The survey is completely voluntary and privacy will be strictly protected.

WHAT IS THE SURVEY DATA USED FOR? The IYS will provide our school's combined student results providing data to assess needs, track progress toward physical, social, and mental health goals, and evaluate student support services.

If you have questions regarding the survey, wish to see a sample of the survey, or want your child to opt-out of the survey, please see the attached document or email Mr. Mike Cortina, Thompson's Student Assistance Counselor. A copy of the survey will also be available for viewing in the main office along with opt-out forms..

For more information, please visit the Illinois Youth Survey website at http://iys.cprd.illinois.edu.

• Friday, March 4 - School Improvement Day (No School for Students)
  
• Friday, March 11 - End of the 3rd Quarter
• Monday, March 14 - Start of the 4th Quarter
• Friday, March 18 - 3rd Quarter Grades Posted in HAC
• Wednesday, March 23 - Early Release Day
• Monday, March 28 - Spring Break Begins
• Monday, April 4 - School Resumes