TMS NEWSLETTER
February 3, 2017
FROM THE DESK OF MR. SCOTT
Dear Thompson Middle School families,
On behalf of the faculty and staff at TMS, I would like to extend well wishes to all of you for this new
year. It is hard to believe that we just finished the second quarter marking period and we are officially
half-way through the school year.
As we move through the 2016-2017 academic school year, students continue to be Respectful,
Responsible, and Safe each day and continue to show their Tiger Pride in school and community.
All of us at TMS believe that by creating and maintaining a positive learning environment, students will
take pride in themselves, others, and their learning which, in turn, will promote academic success. We
believe this is what Tiger Pride is all about.
Students continue to learn new and amazing things each day in the classroom, as well as, have opportunities to attend field trips, assemblies, and sporting events. Outside of the classroom, students are learning
first-hand how simple acts of kindness can have a huge impact on others. Whether it be making first aid
kits for TEEG, organizing the shelves at a local food pantry, making holiday cards for every resident of the
Matulaitis Nursing Home, and collecting food donations for families in need, TMS students are giving
back to the community.
Every day I greet your child as they walk into the school and every day I could not be more proud of the
work they do. Their contributions, whether big or small, make our school a terrific place to be. I am so
appreciative of the continued support from our dedicated staff members, PTO, Student Council, National
Junior Honor Society, and families. This support has made Thompson Middle School such an incredible
learning community; one of which, I am thankful to be a part of.
If you need to contact me, please feel free to call or email me. My door is always open for professional
conversation, questions, suggestions, and concerns.
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What’s Happening in Grade Eight!
We have survived the holiday break and have arrived back to school refreshed and ready to learn.
In English/ Language Arts, we are halfway through our Historical Narrative Unit which focuses on
WWII. In Soldier X, students are experiencing the war through the eyes of a young German soldier
who, through incredible circumstances, exchanges his uniform with a dead Russian soldier. He goes
behind enemy lines to survive by pretending he is a Russian soldier suffering from amnesia.
We have officially kicked off our writing unit on Investigative Journalism. Our students have chosen
issues that are relevant to our community and are learning how to conduct their own research both
quantitatively and qualitatively. Don’t be surprised if a small group of eighth grade students walks up
to you and asks you to participate in a survey or answer questions to help them with their investigation.
In Science, our students are learning about forces and motion. Students will have the opportunity to
build their own airplanes and will be using ramps to calculate speed and acceleration.
In Math, all classes are learning about linear equations. This will focus on slopes, rates of change, and
their associated graphs.
Who was the seventh president of the United States? Just ask an eighth grader. They are working
through a unit on Andrew Jackson’s presidency and the Indian Removal Act which led to the Trail of
Tears.
Earlier this month, students selected class superlatives for the yearbook. Be sure to check out the
class of 2017 8th grade yearbook which is coming out later this year. It’s not too late to order your
copy!
SEVENTH GRADE NEWS
The Seventh Grade students and teachers have been
taking advantage of Mother Nature’s generosity with
the weather. Each day after lunch the team goes for
a walk around the campus. So far the benefits have
been unmeasurable. For instance, the students seem
more focused and ready to endure for the rest of the
day. Hopefully, Mother Nature will continue to
cooperate and we will continue walking.
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SEVENTH GRADE NEWS (cont’d)
Geography
In Geography, students are wrapping up a unit on Europe. We have looked in depth at topics like the
European Union, landmarks, Soviet Union, and capitalism vs communism. Students worked hard to
complete projects and resulted in a wonderful shared learning experience. I look forward to our next unit
that will begin on Monday...titled Africa, north of the Sahara.
English
Students in both Mr. Oakes and Mrs. Domina’s English classes are reading Tangerine, by Edward Bloor.
An interesting novel set in Florida in present day. The main character, Paul, a seventh grader has many
trials and tribulations after moving from his childhood home. The students seem to be absorbed in the story
which is always terrific to see.
Math
Students made many discoveries about operations with integers through the use of integer tiles and
examining patterns. We are finishing a chapter on all operations with integers which will extend to rational
numbers. By the start of next month, students should be proficient with all operations with fractions,
decimals, integers, and a combination of all three. Please encourage students to continue to practice these
operations.
Next chapter, students will work with scaling figures, scales on maps, and proportional relationships.
They will learn to identify proportional relationships with tables, graphs, and equations. In the last section
of the chapter, they will begin working with algebra tiles and algebraic expressions.
Please remember to check my homework page frequently, as other important information is posted there.
This information includes dates when grade sheets and graded assessments are distributed to students. An
alternative is to sign up for Remind 101 to get updates sent directly to your phone. Contact Mrs. Caya for
details.
Science
In Science, we have been learning all about cells- their structure and function, how they obtain and use
energy, and how they replicate. We are just finishing up this topic, and will be moving into DNA and
Genetics!
Other exciting info for science includes some OPTIONAL dissections that will be happening
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6TH GRADE
Winter Reading Challenge
Grade 6 offered a Winter Reading Challenge to ALL 6th graders. (It was an optional opportunity). Out of all our 6th graders, these
were the ones that took part in the Grade 6 Reading Challenge: Each of these students read a minimum of 300 minutes over the
winter break.
Elena Polsky, Maddie Beausoleil, Matthew Seigmund, Lavender Gaudette, Elizabeth Neff, Nicole Creighton, Deidrea Hanshaw,
Taylor Annis, Ben McGarry, Logan Gagnon, Zachary Walker, Maggie Bowen, Kayla Botelho, Hanna LeClaire, Aidan Zimmer,
Shawn Gauthier, Nathan Marquette, Taylor Morales, Tahlia Smith.
ELA
Sixth grade ELA students recently completed their 2nd marking book reports. Once again they did a great job! Students can start
looking for their next book, so that it can be brought in and approved. Keep reading 6th graders!!!
In celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month, the office of Congressman Joe Courtney is
sponsoring a writing contest. Students in grade 6 ELA classes will have the opportunity to participate if they choose. The grade
six entries need to discuss a historic accomplishment by an immigrant or African American that inspires them. Two middle school
students in the Second Congressional District will be chosen and will receive a Congressional Certificate of Merit at their school.
Math
All students are making wonderful progress. We recently completed a unit on Proportions and Integers and explored decimals,
percent’s, fractions and how they relate. We will continue with the 6th grade curriculum with Variables and Ratios.
Please continue to encourage your child(ren) to review their math facts and complete homework on a consistent basis. This is a
record year for attendance of the 6:30 a.m. Jammin Study Session. Thank You parents and students!!
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6TH GRADE
MYSTIC AQUARIUM
Science: On Thur sday, J anuar y 19th the students attended the Mystic Aquarium as the second part of the Mystic Aquarium
Grant Program for the Next Generation Science Standards. While there the students viewed the marine life, participated in interactive exhibits, and saw the sea lion show as part of their trip. A good time was had by all and it was an excellent learning
opportunity. We thank the Aquarium for this opportunity and a special thanks also goes out to all of our parent chaperones.
DUCT TAPE FLOWER PENS FUNDRAISER
The sixth grade is currently holding a duct tape flower pen fundraiser. Students and staff stayed afterschool to learn and make
the pens. The very unique pens will be sold during parent conferences. The money raised will help offset the cost of upcoming
field trips.
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*****Grade 5*****
English Language Arts
Students are moving into Unit 3 of the Wonders Reading Program. The Units Big Idea is: Getting From
Here to There. Be sure to ask your son or daughter about the various fiction as well as nonfiction texts that
are being read in school. In addition, all students have been independently reading a Mystery book. Please
encourage the independent reading at home! All students have been given a book report assignment that is
due February 17, 2017.
Math
Students are doing a fantastic job on Unit 2: Adding and Subtracting Fractions. Looking for ideas to discuss
at the dinner table? Ask your son or daughter about the parts of fractions, equivalent fractions and how to
add and subtract fractions. Also, it is extremely beneficial to have your child practice their multiplication
facts( tables 0-12) on a daily basis.
Science
Unit F: Forms of Energy, has the heat turned up! Students will continue learning about the many types of
energy that are used on a daily basis. Talk to your child about the various types of simple or compound
machines that are in your house, such as a pair of scissors that combines two simple machines: wedges and
levers. How are they used to assist around the house? Also, students will be discussing electrical safety.
Educating them on electrical safety, such as household outlets and circuit breakers will assist them with the
content being taught in class.
Social Studies
It’s time to really learn about our continent, North America! Students will begin by learning about the
settlement of North America. Looking to take an educational trip with your family? Consider exploring
where the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Additional News
February 24th- Field Trip to the CT Science Center
March 15th- Mystic Seaport in school field trip
April- Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A. R. E.) will begin. Students will learn the decisionmaking necessary for safe and healthy living. Thank you to the PTO for assisting with the costs for
our students to take part of the D.A.R.E. program.
Page 7
News from the Thompson Middle School Nurses Office!!
Let's stay healthy!! Let’s focus on the importance of good hand washing to
prevent the spread of disease and illness.
Reminders!!!!!!!!
Physicals:
Physicals are required for all students in grade 6 and for any student playing sports. All
physicals must be done after July 1st of this school year. If your child has had a physical
send a copy to the nurse, or have the doctor’s office fax to 860-963-4874.
Injury:
If your child has an injury and requires the use of assistive devices i.e., crutches, sling,
braces etc. the nurse must be notified prior to coming to school and a written note from the
physician is required.
Medicine:
If your child requires medicine to be given at school and this includes over the counter
medicine, a written authorization/order must be signed by a physician.
No child is allowed to transport medication to and from school.
If your child has an extended illness and/ or any change in his/ her health status a written
note from a physician may be required.
Ann Hougasian,RN
Middle School Nurse- 860-923-3574 / Fax 860-963-4874ougasianHh
Page 8
ARTROOM HAPPENINGS
Students are finishing up their semester in art. They have learned about color, value, sculpture, art history and much more. Each grade had
artwork featured at the Thompson Town Library over the month of December.
Students from the second semester will have their artwork featured in the library in the spring.
5th Grade students just completed botanical artworks
inspired by the work of Van Gogh and Ito. They compared and
contrasted the styles of these two artists.
6th Grade students just completed color mixing with paints to create values and they created halfed citrus fruits. They learned to create 9 values of a
single color by mixing it with white.
7th Grade students just completed their dot art project (pointillism). They took
cereal boxes and narrowed down their view with a viewfinder and created pixelated
artworks by dotting with markers of one part of the box.
8th Grade students just completed their still life-painting of
various geometric and natural objects. They used light, shadow and
value to create the dimension within the artwork.
Thanks for reading,
Miss Peltier
Any questions please contact me.
Email: [email protected]
Page 9
MUSIC NEWS
Providence Bruins game
Thank you to all the chorus members and their families that attended the game! The group sounded terrific and it was a fun night!
I’ll email the link to watch our performance once I receive it.
2017 Variety Show
Rehearsals: Act 1 – Monday, February 13th and Act 2 – Tuesday, February 14th ; Both rehearsals will be from 2:30-5:00 p.m. in
the auditorium. Dress Rehearsal (for both acts) will be on Thursday, February 16 th from 2:30-5:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
The Variety Show will be on Friday, February 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission is $5. Everyone is welcome to
attend!
Musicians of the Month
Each month one student from every grade is recognized as the ‘Musician of the Month.’ Factors such as leadership, rehearsal etiquette, participation and musical skills are considered for this award. The Musician of the Month bio sheets will be on display in
the glass case near our cafeteria. Congratulations to the following students that earned the award for January!
5th: Aaron Bickelhaupt
6th: Matthew Siegmund
7th: Lauren Wajer
8th: Makayla Tackson
Remind Text Messages
Don't get left out! Sign up to receive text message reminders from me about important schedule changes, concert dates, deadlines,
etc. Once you sign up you’ll have the ability to text me any questions that you have as well (and we won’t see each other’s real
phone number)!
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc to 81010
6th Band Class- To receive messages via text:
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc1 to 81010
7th Band Class - To receive messages via text:
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc2 to 81010
8th Band Class - To receive messages via text:
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc3 to 81010
5th Chorus Class- To receive messages via text:
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc4 to 81010
6th Chorus Class - To receive messages via text:
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc5 to 81010
7th Chorus Class - To receive messages via text:
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc6 to 81010
8th Chorus Class - To receive messages via text:
With your phone text the message @mrleclerc7 to 81010.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have
any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Justin Leclerc
[email protected]
860-923-9380, ext. 148
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Health education
Grade 5
After weeks of learning about the body systems each student selected one organ to research. Each
student made a model of their selected organ and wrote a brief report that they presented to their
classmates. We ended the semester with a unit on healthy eating.
Grade 6
The class has been wrapping up a unit on Mental Health. One of skills learned in this unit was how to
improve one’s self esteem. The group learned that giving to others can often make you feel good.
We took that knowledge one step further and made first aid kits. Each student made a kit with basic
first aid information and supplies. The kits were given to TEEG to be distributed to those in need in
the community.
Grade 7
The 7th grade students are completing a unit on safety by creating posters on environmental hazards.
Grade 8
The 8th grade students have been focusing on Nutrition and Physical Activity. One group spent their
health class helping out in the TEEG food pantry. They learned who donates the food, how to sort the
food, how to restock the shelves and what happens to the expired foods.
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Physical Education
Hello! It has been a terrific first half of the school year! I hope that everyone had a great holiday and is off to
a terrific start for 2017. I know I am! During the first half of the year is physical education we completed a
cooperative games unit, a soccer unit, a basketball unit, a fitness unit, a badminton unit, and a volleyball
unit. Along with that, we also completed fitness testing. Students did a great job on their fitness test and
have been working every day in class during our warm up to get better. With the 3 rd quarter starting soon, I
am looking forward to welcoming a new group of students to physical education and meeting students that I
haven’t met yet! Have a great day!!!
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Second semester was exciting in the Tech Ed lab.
5th and 6th grade students have been mastering their computer skills while learning about digital citizenship, and cyberbullying. Students created their own digital footprint to help them understand how their
behavior on the internet could affect them in the future. Students also worked in pairs to create anticyberbullying posters.
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TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (Cont’d)
7th graders challenged their engineering abilities by planning and building an invention to solve a
classroom problem. In addition, they created a company name, product name, slogan, logo and a sales
pitch to go along with their invention. Using the skills they learned about marketing, students pitched their
new inventions to a group of “sharks” during a mock Shark Tank episode.
8th grade Tech Ed students have been using the engineering design process to build rubber band powered
cars. Students explored the internet to find out how the potential energy in a wound or elongated rubber
band could power a small car made out of found materials. Josh Southwell and Tyler Leblanc created cars
that traveled the furthest distances.
Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have about the new Tech Ed program! [email protected]
Page 13
TMS 4-H Club
DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMBERS OF THE THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL 4H CLUB COMPLETED AN INSPIRATIONAL CARING GESTURE BY SENDING CHRISTMAS
CARDS TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE WEST VIEW NURSING HOME. THE OVERALL
GOAL WAS TO MAKE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE VERY LITTLE VISITORS FEEL
CHEERFUL DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GIVE JOY TO
PEOPLE AND SHOW THEM THEY ARE CARED ABOUT. THE 4 – H GIRLS, ZARIA POKROPOWICZ (PRESIDENT), ALIVIA DALPE (VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER), OLIVIA
LUBOMIRSKI(HISTORIAN) AND RHIANNON MARTIN (SECRETARY AND REPORTER)
ARE WORKING EXTREMELY HARD TO BECOME BETTER CITIZANS FOR THEIR COMMUNTITY. THEY ARE PLANNING A SPECIAL SAINT PATRICKS DAY SURPRISE. OUR 4-H
CLUB MEMBERS ARE LOOKING FORWORD TO WORKING MORE WITH THE COMMUNTITY IN THE FUTURE.
-FROM THE 4-H CLUB AT THOMPSON
MIDDLE SCHOOL.
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PTO
Thank you for your Support with our Adopt-A-Teacher program. It was a HUGE SUCCESS
with each Teacher receiving their Christmas wishes.
Thank you for your support with Half Day Hat Days and for your continued support with
Box Tops.
New
In support of the school's PBIS program, we have opened up a Tiger Ticket Store. So
exciting! Students can use their Tiger Tickets to purchase items. The next time it will be
open is Feb. 24th and March 17th. We are looking for cash donations to keep running the
store for free.
Upcoming Events
New Box Tops Challenge starts Jan. 27.
Half Day Hat Days
Feb. 3rd - collecting cat and dog supplies going to NECOGG.
Feb. 17th - collecting gently used or new children's books to be donated to local hospitals but
instead of hats, students can wear their PJ’s.
Light Bulb fundraiser - Kickoff Start, February 3rd.
KIDS MOVIE NIGHT FOR 5TH AND 6TH GRADES, February 10 th.
PTO is looking for volunteers for committee for Easter Breakfast on April, 2nd.
If you would like to help, please contact Shannon @[email protected].
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PRINCIPAL FOR
THE DAY
TMS CHORUS CAREER
MINI-WORKSHOP WITH
NY THEATRE PROFESSIONALS
TIGER PRIDE RALLY
Page 16
GEOGRAPHY BEE
CHORUS AT PROVIDENCE BRUINS GAME