Thompson Tiger Updates

Mission: Thompson students will be kind, balanced leaders who strive to achieve their personal goals.

Vision: At Thompson School, we will build positive relationships and support high expectations through teaching, modeling, and kindness.

Our Thompson Family Values:

• Trust: We depend on one another to be honest and follow through with our words and actions.

• Teamwork: We work together by helping one another, listening, and sharing ideas.

• Kindness: We show empathy by listening, encouraging, and being inclusive.

• Compassion: We listen and are considerate, encouraging, and inclusive.

• Respect: We value each person and treat them how we would like to be treated.

As the school year comes to a close, we take a moment to honor and celebrate five beloved members of Thompson School who are retiring. These dedicated educators and staff members have given years - some even decades- of their time, talent, and heart to shaping the lives of students. Congratulations Kathie Blasius, Matthew Wawiorka, Michelle Lyon, MaryPat Gizowski, and Mary O'Reilly.

Their commitment, care, and tireless work have left a lasting impact on countless children and families. While we will deeply miss their presence in our halls, we are grateful for the legacy they leave behind and wish them all the best in this next chapter.

Join Us for Our First-Ever District-Wide Leadership Event!
Tuesday, May 13 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Palombi Middle School

We are excited to invite you to our inaugural District-Wide Leadership Event—a celebration of student voice, leadership, and family connection!

The evening will kick off at 6:00 PM in the Palombi Middle School Gymnasium with a special presentation by student leaders from across the district. They’ll share how leadership principles and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People have impacted their schools and personal growth.

Following the presentation, families are invited to participate in a variety of interactive, family-friendly activities designed to highlight the 7 Habits and how these habits can be practiced at home. Activities will be suitable for all ages, and PTO will be offering snacks and drinks for concessions.

Come be inspired, have fun, and learn how the 7 Habits can help strengthen leadership skills and family bonds!

Dear Thompson Families,

We are so grateful for the continued support and involvement of our amazing parents and guardians! As we plan for upcoming events and activities, we welcome volunteers to help make these experiences meaningful and memorable for our students.

In order to volunteer at Thompson School, we ask that all interested individuals complete a Volunteer Information Form and Waiver of Liability. These forms help us ensure a safe and organized environment for everyone.

Some of the wonderful ways you can volunteer include:

• Field Day
  
  

• Mystery Reader in the classroom
  
  

• Chaperoning Field Trips
  
  

• And many more opportunities throughout the year!
  
  

Please complete and return the attached form if you are going to be volunteering at Thompson this school year. We understand that volunteers have not yet been determined for Field Day.

Thank you for being a vital part of the Thompson School community. We look forward to working together to create great memories for our students!

What is the Parent Advisory Committee?

The PAC is a group of parents and guardians who work closely with the school administration to provide input, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit our students and school community. This committee serves as a bridge between families and the school, ensuring that parent voices are heard and valued.

Why Join the PAC?

• Have a Say – Share your thoughts on school practices, programs, and initiatives.

• Stay Informed – Get updates on school events, curriculum, and upcoming decisions.

• Build Community – Connect with other parents and school staff to support student success.

• Make a Difference – Help shape the future of our school and create a positive learning environment.

How Can You Get Involved?

Please contact Principal Strieter if you are interested in serving on the PAC. This spring, an initial core group with various stakeholders will be developed.

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!

Lake Villa District #41 will transition to a fully standards-based report card beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This new system enhances communication about student progress by focusing on mastery of learning standards rather than traditional letter grades. The goal is to provide parents and teachers with a clearer understanding of student growth and achievement. More details and resources will be shared as we approach implementation.

SBG Flyer

Expanding Mental Health Access for Students and Families

We’re excited to launch the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program, a partnership with ReferralGPS that connects students and families to critical mental health resources (including individual therapy and/or psychiatric medication management).

With 8 initial visits free of charge and the potential for continued care based on funding and need, this program eliminates long waitlists and financial barriers, ensuring timely, equitable support.

Many families seek help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress management, and the CARES Program provides connections with independent community mental health providers to address these challenges.

Take the First Step: Visit District 41 CARES to learn more and get started today!

Together, we can create a healthier future for our community.

Congratulations to the 103 students who completed the Kingfish reading program! A special shout-out goes to fifth-grader Maddie S., who read the most minutes and will throw out the first pitch at the Kingfish game! All participants will receive two free tickets to Thompson Night at the Ballpark, which will be on Tuesday, June 3rd. All free tickets will be available at will call at the ballpark on the night of the game. Students who participated in the program also received a ticket order form for families who would like to order extra discounted tickets directly through the Kingfish. The staff & students at Thompson are excited to celebrate the end of the school year with a Kingfish baseball game! If you have any questions, please contact Renee Marasco at renee.marasco@district41.org.

The PTO is in need of volunteers and donations for Staff (Teacher) Appreciation Week. Please sign up here https://evite.me/huQ2v33zbT or contact Ashley Fox, PTO VP for Thompson.

PTO Elections are coming up in May. Voting for PTO Board President, Communications, and VP of Thompson, Martin, and Palombi are on the ticket.

5/5-5/9 Staff Appreciation Week. *Need Volunteers and Donations* https://evite.me/huQ2v33zbT
5/16- 5th Grade Send Off Party 5p-8p
5/31- End of Year Bash (12p-5p) open to all students

As always, if you'd like to get involved or volunteer time with the PTO please reach out to Ashley Fox, Thompson VP at 224-622-6797 or thompsonvp2023@gmail.com.

Thank you to all of our parent/family/Staff volunteers this year!

As a reminder-

No personal communication devices, including but not limited to cell phones, are

allowed to be used during the school day. Smartwatches may be worn and used as

watches. However, they may not be used as communication devices. At the middle

school, communication devices should be off or disabled, and phones should be in

lockers. At the elementary school, communication devices should be off or disabled,

and phones should be in lockers or in backpacks. In addition, personal communication

devices should not be used until students are outside of the school building at the end

of the school day.

Imagine IM is a problem-based core curriculum designed to address content and practice standards to foster learning for all. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Teachers can shift their instruction and facilitate student learning with high-leverage routines to guide learners to understand and make connections between concepts and procedures.

Accessing the Family Support Hub:

Visit ilclassroom.com to access the Family Support Hub without logging in. Click the “Explore Curricula” button at the bottom of the screen and navigate to your student’s subject and grade!

Please click this link to access the Illustrative Mathematics Parent Information.

Attention 5th grade families! The Illinois State School Code Health Law, Section 665, requires that a child have a complete physical examination including mandated immunizations, upon entrance into sixth grade. Any child entering 6th grade is required to show proof of updated vaccinations including one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal vaccine. Please ensure your child receives both of these vaccines at their 11 year old check-up in order to be in compliance before the October 15, 2025 state deadline.

MEASLES

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, a confirmed case of measles was reported in Illinois. The measles virus spreads easily through contact respiratory droplets and via airborne spread. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infectious person leaves an area. Measles is highly contagious. Up to 90% of susceptible people who have contact with someone with measles will develop measles. Patients are contagious starting four days before through four days after rash onset (with rash onset date being day zero). Anyone with measles should isolate during that time except to seek necessary medical care. Vaccination is the best protection against measles. Those traveling internationally, especially to countries where there are known measles outbreaks, should ensure they are up to date on all their vaccinations. Those traveling within the U.S. to areas with measles outbreaks should ensure they are up to date on their measles vaccinations. MMR is a measles containing vaccine that is highly effective in providing measles immunity. The Illinois Department of Public Health, dictates that susceptible contacts who are not vaccinated and do not receive the vaccine within 72 hours of exposure will be excluded from school for 21 days after the onset of the last case. If your child is not vaccinated against MMR and is exposed to measles, they can be vaccinated within 3 days of exposure.

If you'd like more information about Measles in Illinois, please visit the IDPH Measles Website.

DENTAL EXAMS DUE MAY 15TH!

Students in Kindergarten and Grades 2 and 6 are required by the State of Illinois to have a Dental Examination. Exams must be performed by a licensed dentist, and he/she must sign & date the PROOF OF SCHOOL DENTAL EXAMINATION FORM. *Dental Exam Forms must be dated within 18 months prior to May 15th

EYE EXAMS DUE MAY 15TH!

Students in Kindergarten and ALL grade levels for Out-Of-State TRANSFER students are required by the State of Illinois to have an EYE EXAMINATION. Exams must be completed by a licensed Opthamologist, and he/she must sign & date the State of Illinois Eye Examination Report. The Eye Examination Report must be dated 18 months prior to May 15th.

Please be sure to check out the handbook linked below and be sure you have reviewed the valuable information contained inside! Click here for a copy.

At the beginning of each school year, school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools are required to notify parents and guardians of the availability of ISBE’s Resource Guide: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf

School Lunch
A reminder that the District no longer provides free lunch for all students. Paid Lunch is $3.25. To apply for Free/Reduced Lunch visit our website under Food Service. Click here for information on how to create an account for lunch purchases.

Registration and Fees
School Registration Fees are now due. Payments can be made electronically on the District's website, via regular mail, or in person at the school building.

Supplemental Insurance
The district offers Voluntary Supplemental Student Accident Insurance. To enroll, please see the information by clicking here. For more information on our accident insurance coverage, click here.

May 13 - District-wide Leadership Event

May 16 - 5th Grade Send-Off

May 22 - 5th Grade Awards Assembly 2pm

5th Grade Band Concert 6:30 pm

May 26 - Memorial Day No School

May 29 - Field Day

Last Day of School for Early Childhood

May 30 - Move Up Day

May 31 - PTO End of Year Bash 12-5 PM

June 2 - Last Day of School