Dear Families,
I have recently moved into my office at Thompson. It is nice to be in one spot and to be in such a beautiful space but, actually, my greatest pleasure comes from being in the neighborhood. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone and meeting all our new families. If you need to reach me, please send an email or call me on my cell:
617-429-8505.
Finishing and punch list work continues. School will definitely open on time as scheduled: Tuesday, September 3, for grades 1-5 and Monday, September 9, for Kindergarten. Furniture begins to arrive this Monday, August 5. Phones will be installed once there are desks to put them on. All other major systems are up and working well.
By now every household should have received class lists for their children. If you are reading this email and haven't received a class list for your child, please contact me. As you may have noticed, we did not solicit parent requests this year before making up the lists. Over the course of the last five years I have watched carefully the process of making new lists. I came to realize that often, in fact most of the time, parent thoughts about what would be a good fit for their child coincided with the teacher's thoughts.
We have very little teacher turnover at Thompson each year, but this year we did lose Jo-Ellen Rowley, a beloved and admired kindergarten teacher. She has moved to Vermont to be closer to her family. Our new kindergarten teacher is Lauren Byron. She worked at Thompson a few years ago as a teaching assistant while studying for her masters. For the last few years she has been teaching at Stratton. She is extremely talented and we are thrilled to have her back at Thompson.
In addition, we welcome Liz Ferola who also was a teaching assistant at Thompson while studying for her masters. This past year she was a first grade teacher at Bishop and will be teaching first grade at Thompson. Liz is also a very talented educator who we have been trying to find just the right position for and this year because we have 4 first grades we are able to get her back.
Liza Halley will be our new librarian. Many of you know her because she is a parent of Thompson students. She is presently studying for a Masters in Library Science, has been teaching writing and poetry at Thompson, and has been a member of the School Council for several years.
During the next few weeks I will be emailing you more information about events in September, arrival and dismissal patterns,etc. Right now the most important event to have on your calendar is:
Thompson Outdoor Picnic and Open House
August 22
4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Families are invited to bring a picnic supper, a blanket, beach chairs, etc.
Tours of the new school will be given.
I am looking forward to the beginning of a very special school year.
Fondly, Sheri
Sheri Donovan, Principal
Thompson School
181 Everett Street
Arlington, MA 02474
