Thompson Friday Forecast

From the Principal...Steve Morrill

Happenings at Thompson…

This week Thompson had the privilege to support the district’s “future teacher” program by allowing students from St. Charles North High School to participate in the “shadow a teacher program.” A few of our Thompson students may have shared with their families that a high schooler joined their class period. This program allows high school students, who are considering studying education in college, to observe classroom environments through the lens of being a teacher. It pleases us to know that some of our future educators are looking to get a jumpstart at being middle school teachers.

Also I had the opportunity to attend one of our exploratory theatre classes that was visited by a professional actor who is currently working in Chicago. Mr. Thomas Squires used his experience as an actor on the Beauty and the Beast set to run the students through a lesson on improvisation. As I reflected upon this experience, it pleases me to know that our dedicated teachers are regularly looking for ways to make the classroom environment come to life. Thank you to Mrs. Zitella for making this happen. If you are interested in seeing Mr. Squires in action, his next project is La Cage aux Folles in Skokie.

Students completed the “Illinois 5Essentials survey” in PE/Health classes on Wednesday.

This survey provides our students with the opportunity to have a voice in their educational experience. If you have not done so already, please consider completing the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey. Thank you to the entire Thompson community for your time and feedback!

Have a great weekend,

Steve

TMS Health Office Donations

On occasion, students come to the Health Office and need more than an ice pack or a band-aide. While we keep a limited supply on hand, we do need to replenish these items periodically. We would appreciate your donations. Click on the link below. Thank you for your generosity!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4BACAD22A3FB6-donations

Thunder Track and Field for 7th and 8th Graders

7th and 8th grade students who are interested in participating on the Track and Field team this year should plan to attend an informational meeting next Thursday, March 3rd at 8:15am in the main gym. Information about the track season and the meet schedule is posted on our website. Join the google classroom hft67hz and contact one of the coaches if you have any questions. We are looking forward to a great season!

2022-2023 Thompson PTO Board Openings

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.

A Reminder from the School Nurse

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

Illinois Youth Survey for 8th Grade Students

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.