As we move through this week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Twenty-five years ago, we were all in a very different place in our lives. Personally, I was not married, and I certainly did not have children. I was a college student sitting in a computer class when we saw the news on CNN dot com that the Twin Towers had been hit.

I still remember exactly where I was.

I remember the classroom. I remember seeing the news. And I remember the feeling that came with realizing that something had happened that would change our country and our world.

I'm sure many of you have a similar memory. For those of us old enough to remember September 11, it is one of those days when you don't have to think very hard to remember where you were or what you were doing. Twenty-five years later, the memory is still remarkably vivid.

Our students experience September 11 very differently. Today, students across Thompson were reflecting on and learning about the impact of the events of September 11, specifically in their social studies classes. For most of our students, September 11 is history. They know the date and understand that it was a significant event, but they did not experience the uncertainty, fear, and confusion that so many of us remember.

That makes the work our teachers do especially important. We can help students understand the significance of September 11 with honesty, perspective, and care. We can remember the lives lost, honor the courage of those who helped others, and recognize the ways communities came together during an incredibly difficult time.

Perhaps most importantly, we can help our students think about what we carry forward from moments like September 11.

At Thompson, our Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness give us a pretty good place to start. Respect means recognizing the dignity and humanity of every person. Responsibility means understanding that our choices and actions affect the people around us. Kindness means choosing to care for others, especially when we don't know what someone else may be carrying.

Twenty-five years later, those lessons still matter.

As we remember September 11, I hope we take a moment to remember where we were, honor those we lost, and appreciate the people around us today. And for our students, I hope they continue to learn not only about what happened on September 11, but also about the courage, compassion, and humanity that followed.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and Roll Thunder!

Update on Tardies

Hello Parents and Guardians,

Beginning Monday, September 14, tardies to school will be formally logged for students. Students are expected to be in the building and ready to begin their school day by 7:50 AM.

Students who arrive after 7:50 AM will need to check in at the front office, where they will receive a pass to report to class. Families will receive attendance reminders via email when a tardy is recorded.

Students are allowed three tardies before additional consequences are assigned. Once a student reaches their fourth or fifth tardy, they will be assigned a detention.

We understand that occasional circumstances may impact a student's arrival time. If your family needs support in helping your child arrive at school on time, please reach out to your child's counselor. We are happy to partner with you to help your child develop consistent attendance and punctuality habits.

Thank you for your continued partnership in prioritizing student attendance and ensuring our students are ready to learn each day!

Sincerely,

TMS Admin Team

🦽 Supporting Students with Mobility Needs

When a student arrives at Thompson Middle School with an orthopedic injury or temporary mobility need—such as crutches, a walking boot, cast, or other mobility support—we ask families to please connect with one of our school nurses:

🩺 Mrs. Isbrandt • Mrs. Kashuba • Mrs. Ross (TMSC-Nurses@d303.org)

Connecting with our nurses allows us to better understand the student’s needs and work with teachers and teams to plan for safe passing periods, classroom transitions, arrival, and dismissal. Our goal is to make sure students can navigate the building safely and comfortably while they recover.

🚗 Morning Arrival Reminder

For students arriving at Thompson with mobility needs:

Early drop-off: If possible, please consider arriving between 7:30–7:35 a.m. This allows for a less congested arrival and gives us additional time to safely assist your student.
Front drop-off: If arriving during the regular drop-off window, please use the middle lane at the front of the building and have your student wait for a supervisor to assist them safely across the main drop-off lane. This also helps us reduce traffic backups while, most importantly, keeping our students safe.

Thank you for partnering with us and keeping us informed when your child has a temporary injury or mobility need. A quick connection with our nurses helps our entire Thompson team plan ahead and provide the safest possible experience for your child.

In D303, we value the opportunity to provide a community of care and support to our families, especially those faced with financial hardship.

If your family is currently experiencing a significant financial need, our community partnerships have several supports available for families including: school clothes/shoes, winter coats/accessories, school supplies, toiletries, holiday meals, and/or holiday gifts. If you would like to be considered for any of these supports, please complete Family Resource Form by September 11, 2026.

En D303, valoramos la oportunidad de proveer una comunidad de cuidado y apoyo a nuestras familias, especialmente a aquellas que enfrentan dificultades financieras.

Si su familia está experimentando actualmente una necesidad financiera significativa, nuestras asociaciones comunitarias tienen varios apoyos disponibles para las familias, incluyendo: ropa/calzado para la escuela, abrigos/accesorios de invierno, materiales escolares, artículos de aseo personal, comidas para los días festivos, y/o regalos para navidad. Si desea que se le tenga en cuenta para cualquiera de estas ayudas, por favor, rellene este formulario. Para ser considerado, es fundamental que complete esta encuesta a más tardar el viernes 11 de septiembre.

Numbers Help Tell a Story

September 11 is a day of remembrance. Today, we take time to remember and honor the lives affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

Numbers are an important part of how we understand the world around us. In mathematics, numbers can help us measure, compare, organize information, and better understand events and their impact. However, numbers can also represent something much greater than data. They can represent people, lives, families, and stories.

As mathematicians, we use numbers to help us understand information. As people, we remember that behind every number is a story.

Today, we are reminded that while numbers can help us understand the world, they also carry meaning. We can use mathematics to explore, learn, and make sense of information, while never forgetting the people and stories behind the numbers.

Shout-out to students who are taking pride in their learning and advocating for support when needed. Find me during tutorial!

Help Us Collect ONE MILLION Pop Tabs!

We’re on a mission to collect one million pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and we can’t do it without YOU (and your grandparents, cousins, neighbors, and carpool crew)!

Those tiny aluminum tabs from soda cans, soup lids, or sparkling water may seem small—but when we collect them together, they add up to real support for families with seriously ill children.

Here’s how to pitch in:

Save your pop tabs at home—and ask your grandparents, cousins, friends, and neighbors to do the same!
Bring them to school all year long.
Every tab brings us closer to our 1,000,000-tab goal!

Let's pull together and make a difference!

Thompson Middle School

Dr. Matt Clark - Principal

Mrs. Michelle Woodring - Assistant Principal

Mr. Ryan Wood - Assistant Principal

Mr. Sam Pasholk - Dean of Students

Ms. Christine Ellis - Dean of Students

Email: katrina.michaelis@d303.org
Website: http://thompson.d303.org
Location: 705 West Main Street
Phone: (331) 228-3100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thompson-Middle-School-671638232903851/

*please note the use of generative AI images are not the product of the author but the decisions of contributors to this publication