Thompson Friday Forecast

Good afternoon Thompson Middle School families. Who’s ready for the best school year ever? I know, I know—saying that to middle schoolers might earn us an eye-roll or two (trust me, I live with one); but seriously, I’ve got a great feeling about this year. Lockers are set, schedules are nearly finalized, and we’re all gearing up for a fantastic start.

What has me especially excited is our focus this year on what we call our Guidelines for Success: Respect. Responsibility. Kindness.

At Thompson, this is what it means to Roll Thunder—living out these values every day in how we learn, how we treat each other, and how we grow together as a school community. Early in the year, we’ll spend time helping students understand what these values look like and feel like here at Thompson.

RESPECT – Treat everyone with fairness, honor their dignity, and value our differences.
RESPONSIBILITY – Own your actions, keep your commitments, and do what’s right—even when it’s hard.
KINDNESS – Lead with compassion, include others, and take action to make everyone feel seen, valued, and safe.

This is more than just a theme—it’s the mindset of a Thunder student, and we’re excited to bring families into that conversation as well.

Embracing Challenges and Growth

Please remind your student that the first day (and even the first week) might not go perfectly—and that’s okay. At Thompson, we emphasize the power of perseverance. Learning to face challenges is part of growing up. Even if your student isn’t thrilled to hear it (I’ve got a 7th grader too—I understand), it’s a lesson that makes a lasting difference.

Key Info for the Start of the Year

Before your child heads to school next Wednesday, please take a moment to check their schedule in Home Access Center (HAC)—especially their first period class. We’ll also provide paper schedules in first period classes that day so they’ll have an extra copy to follow.

Thank you for your continued support as we launch into what promises to be an incredible year. If you have any questions or need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s make this the best year ever—together.

Roll Thunder!

Dr. Matt Clark

Principal

Final Reminders

Early Release Every Wednesday – Every Wednesday this school year will be an early release day, starting with the first day of school on Wednesday, August 13th.
Phones must be off and away in lockers during the school day.
Bookbags and sling bags need to remain in lockers for the duration of the school day.
(I apologize, as this is contrary to what was stated in the 6th Grade Survival Guide.)
Student lunches should be either brought from home or purchased in the cafeteria. Please do not have lunches delivered to TMS or bring in a large lunch for your child to share with others.

Thank you in advance for helping us uphold these expectations!

Important Attendance Reminder

District 303 attendance procedures were updated and approved at the June 9, 2025, Board Meeting. All district procedures are available in the CUSD 303 Student Handbook found in the Parent/Community tab in the Information column of the districtd303.org website.

Updates to the attendance procedures were made to bring consistency across all schools within the district and to clarify student attendance expectations. One example of an update is the removal of the pre-arranged absence procedure. This aligns with the definitions of excused and unexcused absences found in Section 2.2.

Families are encouraged to review the CUSD 303 Student Handbook to familiarize themselves with the districtwide procedures.

6th Graders - come join us on Thursday August 21st for a Social Kick Off! Meet and mingle with fellow classmates. Enjoy food, music, yard games and inflatable obstacle courses. Event will be held near the football field from 3:30pm - 5pm.

Food is available for pre-purchase through our website. Limited food will be available for purchase on site at the event. Cash and card will be accepted at the event. Please note - ice cream is PRE ORDER ONLY. Orders due Tuesday 8/19.

Thompson PTO

Parents - we need your help! Please click the link below to see how you can volunteer to make this event a success!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044EADAE28ABFB6-57791480-6thgrade

Registration for Fall Sports is now LIVE on Snap!

Registration for all 2025-2026 athletics IS NOW OPEN! Note: Incoming 6th Graders are eligible to participate in Cross Country. Please register online (choose the registration tab). Please bring sports physicals to the front office or email to jamie.bedenbaugh@d303.org. ALL ATHLETES MUST BE REGISTERED AND HAVE A CURRENT SPORTS PHYSICAL IN ORDER TO TRYOUT FOR A TEAM! Parents will be billed separately through PushCoin once your student makes the athletic team.

Please find additional information for the start of the school year here.

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!

The Thompson Theater Department is excited to announce the 2025 Fall Musical:

Alice in Wonderland, Jr!

This updated version of the musical includes both the classic Disney cartoon characters as well as modern music and elements from the live-action version! Audition packets will be available the first week of school from the Choir room or the LRC, contact Mrs. Rybski for more information!

No backpacks, bags, or outside food or drinks are allowed. Only small bags (8x6 or smaller) will be permitted, and all bags are subject to search.
These games are official school events and are considered an extension of the school day, so behavior expectations still apply.
Middle school students must be with a parent or guardian at all times while inside the stadium.
There is no re-entry once someone leaves the stadium.
Not allowed: profanity, taunting (including racial or inappropriate remarks), throwing objects, or bringing anything that blocks the view of others.
If a student is asked by staff to provide their name and school, they are expected to respond honestly and respectfully. All workers—whether staff or event personnel—should be treated with respect at all times

We’re excited to share a fun and creative opportunity for our elementary and middle school students this summer!

In partnership with District 303, the St. Charles Business Alliance is hosting a Water Bottle Design Contest inviting students to design a label for a 100% recyclable aluminum water bottle. The winning design will be printed on over 1,600 bottles and handed out during the 40th Anniversary of Scarecrow Weekend in fall 2025!

Who can participate?

All D303 elementary and middle school students are welcome to submit a design.

What are the judges looking for?

Designs will be evaluated based on:

• Creativity – Is the design unique and visually appealing?

• Relevance – Does it reflect the 40th Anniversary of Scarecrow Weekend?

• Execution – Is the artwork clean, clear, and high quality?

How do students submit their design?

All details, including the downloadable template and the submission form, can be found here:

Water Bottle Design Contest Info & Submission Link

Deadline to submit: August 20th

Students are welcome to start their designs over the summer, and art teachers may also be sharing this opportunity during the first week of school for those who’d like to participate then.

We can’t wait to see what our creative students come up with!

Our Next Picture Day will be August 19th.

HR Imaging is the company we use. The link to order pictures is now live.

To contact HR Imaging with questions: https://shop.hrimaging.com/pws/contactus.aspx

RETAKE Day is September 17th

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!