Thompson Friday Forecast

From the Principal... Matt Clark

This week certainly seemed to fly by, thanks in part to our day off on Tuesday for Election Day. While a day away from school is always appreciated, I hope it also provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of exercising our civic duty. Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and regardless of our individual beliefs, participating in the democratic process is something we should model for our children. The freedoms we hold dear are not guaranteed without the continued commitment of each generation to uphold them. Teaching our children the importance of civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and responsible citizenship is one way we help preserve those freedoms for generations to come.

Next Wednesday, we will continue this conversation about honor, duty, and responsibility during our annual Veterans Day Assembly. This is one of the most meaningful traditions we have at Thompson, as we come together to recognize the men and women who have served our country. It is an opportunity for our students to better understand that the freedoms we enjoy come with sacrifice, and that service to others is among the highest expressions of citizenship. Our veterans remind us that what makes our country great is not simply the freedoms we possess, but the people willing to defend them.

At Thompson, we emphasize being Respectful, Responsible, and Kind. These values extend well beyond our classrooms and hallways. They are the foundation of good citizenship, and I hope the lessons of this week and next encourage our students to consider the role they will one day play in shaping the future of our country.

Thank you for your continued partnership, have a wonderful weekend, and Roll Thunder!

Dr. Matt Clark

Thompson Principal

📣 Attention 8th Graders

Veterans Path to Hope Food Drive

All Donations Welcome!

Our 7th graders are gathering canned goods and shelf stable foods for our Food Drive benefitting Veterans for Hope! Please see the letter here for instructions on donating. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

An Invitation to our Veterans Day Assembly Nov 11th

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Veterans Day Alternative Schedule

8th Grade High School Updates

On Tuesday, November 17 during 1st hour (7:50-8:36), 8th grade students will be attending presentations from North, East and Compass High School counselors. Counselors will review the course selection procedures and deadlines with the students. D303 High School Counselors will be visiting again in January to meet individually with students for course registration.

Once students meet with the High School Counselors on Tuesday, November 17, here are the next steps students will need to follow. . .

Complete their blue/orange registration form
Have parent/guardian sign the form
Enter desired classes in Synergy
Turn blue/orange registration form into the Thompson Student Services Office as soon as completed.

Specific curricular questions should be directed to the high school counselors. Reach out to our 8th grade TMS counselors Mrs. McElroy or Mrs. Gary with any questions.

👕 TMS Fall Spirit Wear Sale - NOW OPEN

***Sale ends November 23rd. NO LATE ORDERS ACCEPTED.

Orders distributed at the school by Dec 8th.

🧮 Mrs. Zitella's Math Corner

Why Algebra?

In Algebra, we learn to solve for x, that mysterious little variable that seems to follow us everywhere! And the truth is, we will probably be solving for x for the rest of our lives! Whether we're figuring out a math problem, making a big decision, working through a challenge, or trying to figure out what happened to the missing remote, life is full of unknowns! And x doesn't stop with equations. It shows up again when we graph, helping us understand relationships, recognize patterns, and see how numbers connect. (Just when we thought we had found x, there it is again!)

Algebra teaches students much more than how to work with numbers and variables. It builds perseverance, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the confidence to tackle problems even when the answer isn't immediately clear. It encourages students to ask questions, think creatively, recognize patterns, and find solutions. More than just numbers on a page, Algebra is a way of thinking that prepares students for real-world challenges, future learning, technology, science, and so much more.

So, the next time you hear someone say, "We need to solve for x," remember that it's a skill you'll use long after you leave math class. Because in life, there will always be an x to figure out! One equation, one graph, one challenge, and one solution at a time!

Math Tip: Checking if a Point is on a Line

To see if a point (x,y) lies on a line, follow these steps:

Start with the equation of the line.
Substitute the x and y values from the point into the equation.
Simplify: If the equation is true, the point is on the line. If it’s not true, the point is not on the line.

***Shout-out to students shout-out to our students for continuing to tackle those unknowns, think critically, ask questions, and persevere through challenges! 🙌 You’ve got this!

💙 BHFV - Last Day to Donate is Wed. Nov 11th!

The PTO is teaming up with Big Hearts of Fox Valley for their 2026 Holiday Toy Drive, and we need your help to make this season brighter for local families.

What: NEW, unwrapped toys and gifts for young children and teens

Where: Collection box in the TMS lobby

When: October 19 – November 11

Every item collected goes to struggling families right here in our own School District 303. Whether it’s a puzzle, a board game, a art set, or a gift card for a teen, it will mean the world to a kid this holiday season.

🧤 Maddie's Mittens

We have arranged for Maddie's Mittens to come to Wredling Middle School! This is an organization that brings winter clothing items such as pants, hats, gloves, scarves, jackets, and boots for families to choose from. No registration is required and it is first come first serve for families. They have clothing items for everyone, infants to adults! They will be at the front of the school from 4:30-6:30pm Monday November 16th. We hope you can join us!

¡Hemos organizado la visita de Maddie's Mittens a la Escuela Secundaria Wredling! Esta organización ofrece ropa de invierno, como pantalones, gorros, guantes, bufandas, chaquetas y botas, para que las familias elijan. No es necesario registrarse y la entrega se realizará por orden de llegada. ¡Tienen ropa para todas las edades, desde bebés hasta adultos! Estarán en la entrada de la escuela de 4:30 p. m. a 6:30 p. m. el lunes 16 de noviembre. ¡Esperamos contar con su presencia!

⚡ PTO Updates

🙌 GET INVOLVED! 🙌

We're excited to share our first volunteer opportunities of the school year. Please take a look at the committees and opportunities Thompson PTO runs and supports throughout the school year. We’d love to have you join us!

A quick note about these opportunities:

Many of the opportunities listed here are for planning and organizing roles that help make out PTO events and programs possible. These are ongoing committee opportunities rather than day-of event volunteer shifts.

There will also be opportunities to volunteer on the day of certain events, such as our dances. Those sign-ups will be shared closer to each event date.

Time commitments are our best estimates and may vary depending on the committee and event. Whether you have a little time to give or would like to take on a bigger role, there’s a place for you! Grab a friend and sign up to help—or jump in and lead a committee of your own.

Click HERE for 2026-2027 Thompson PTO Committee & Volunteer Opportunities

If you have questions about any of our current volunteer opportunities, please reach out to us. And, as always, we welcome your ideas! If there’s something you’d like to see the PTO do, please let us know. We’d love to hear your ideas and find ways to make them happen.

Board@ThompsonPTO.org

Mark your calendars now - we hope to see you at many of these events!

October 28, 2026 - Monster Bash (Halloween dance)
December 15, 2026 - Holiday Cookie Exchange (as gifts for Staff)
February 5, 2027 - Snow Ball (winter dance)
May 14, 2027 - 8th Grade End of the Year Celebration Dance
May 26, 2027 - 8th Grade End of the Year Celebration Picnic

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!

📣 High School Headquarters

Future Saints Families

Click here for information the high school has shared with us for you.

Future North Stars Families

Click here for information the high school has shared with us for you.

Future Compass Families

Please find more information here.

📆 Community Events

Virtual Coffee House Meeting Link

2026-2027 Playgroups

St. Charles Public Library

All students are eligible for a St. Charles Public Library card. Check out the FAQ to learn how to obtain a card for you child.

Donate to pay off Student Lunch Debt

District 303 has created a Pushcoin link to donate to student food accounts with negative balances. Please feel free to donate if you are able to do so! Every little bit helps!