Thompson Middle School

Stephen J. Baglivio, Assistant Principal

Reprinted from the Parent Faculty Association Gazette

WE NEED YOU !!!

Life is changing…….Our children are getting older…….And we need you, our parents, to stay involved.

It has been a great opportunity for all of us at Thompson to meet one another and work together for one common goal, the successful education of your children, our students. 

Over the past weeks I have made two observations I would like to share with you. The first is the process that our 8th grade class is undertaking right now. The process of choosing which high school they would like to attend. 

We are very lucky in that our high schools are among the best. I can attest to that fact because in my career I have worked in five high schools from New York City to the Jersey Shore. Your commitment to education can be seen in the quality of the schools, the professional teaching staff, the scope of the curriculum and the success of our students. And, research has proven that when parents stay involved in their children’s education, those children are more successful. 

There will be an open house at both high schools very soon. Please accompany your child and instruct them to make an educated decision. This decision should not be one that is made by the student alone, but through the guidance of their parents.

High School South:

Wednesday, Nov. 18th—6PM

High School North:

Thursday, Dec. 3rd — 7PM

The second observation stems from a report that is based on the results of “The American Drug and Alcohol Survey” completed by our 8th grade class last spring. I am happy to say that the overwhelming majority of our students denied using any type of drug including alcohol. That number was 78.2 percent of the graduating class. Although I am happy, I am very concerned about the other 11.8 percent. This is not a trivial fact, and it is imperative that all of us; school, parents and community, work towards 100 % non use. We have many on going programs at Thompson, and I assure you these programs will be enhanced. 

The message that is so clear to me is a strong one. As parents, we must stay involved. We must make the hard decisions that will guide our children into the future. Don’t let go! It is not necessary to hold their hand, but it is necessary to stay behind them…and sometimes next to them. And, this is something you need to do through middle school, through high school and even through college. If any of us at Thompson can help in any way please stop by and ask.

All the best for an upcoming safe and happy holiday season.

Steve Baglivio

Assistant Principal