
We want to take a moment to recognize our amazing Traffic Safety Dismissal Crew for the outstanding job they are doing each day. These individuals work hard to keep our students safe while also ensuring traffic flows smoothly during dismissal.
A special thank you to Mr. Gettel, Mr. Shnepf, and Officer Layton for their dedication—rain or shine, they are out there making safety a priority! 🌧️☀️
Our Safety Crew is growing as well, with Mrs. Kolobaric helping distribute those bright yellow safety vests to additional staff members. We truly appreciate everyone’s commitment to student safety! 💛


We want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes this week!
Football
• 8th Grade: Defeated Gladwin 14–6
• 7th Grade: Came up short vs. Gladwin 0–35
Girls Basketball
• 7th Grade: Defeated White Pine 33–17 and Bay City Western 29–11
• 8th Grade: Fell to White Pine 36–32, but bounced back with a 51–41 win over Bay City Western
Great effort by all of our student-athletes—your hard work and teamwork make us proud! 💙🤍

Families, please take a moment to read the attached document outlining our Athletic Admission Guidelines. These include important details on:
✅ Payment procedures
✅ Proper supervision of student spectators
✅ Basic admission expectations
These measures are designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable fan experience for all of our students and families.
We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work together to create a positive environment at all of our athletic events. Go Tigers! 🐾🏀🏈


As we begin fall sporting events, please be mindful of the SPSD admission guidlines.
Thank you!


We are pleased to let you know that school WILL resume tomorrow as scheduled. The necessary repairs to our facility have been completed, and we are ready to welcome students back.
We want to thank you for your patience and understanding during today’s early dismissal. The cooperation and support from both our students and families was outstanding, and we truly appreciate your partnership.
We look forward to seeing everyone back in class tomorrow!
Thompson Middle School

Due to an unexpected mechanical failure affecting our water system, we must close school early today. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the matter. Transportation has arrived and will be transporting students home. For parents who pick their children up from school, we ask that you pick your child up promptly. Thank you.

Dear Thompson Middle School Families,
We are writing to share an important update regarding our new attendance policy. Regular attendance is directly connected to academic success, and our goal is to ensure that every student has the best possible opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Your child’s future starts with showing up—every single day. Missing just two days a month, even in elementary school, adds up to an entire month of lost learning each year. Research shows that students who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are less likely to read at grade level by third grade—a key predictor of future academic success.
By middle and high school, attendance becomes even more critical. Students who miss just one week per semester in 9th grade are 25% less likely to graduate on time. Even strong students can struggle when they miss too much class time.
We’re Here to Help!
We understand that challenges like transportation, health issues, or family responsibilities can make it difficult for students to attend school. If your child is facing obstacles, we are here to support you.
How You Can Help:
Set the expectation that attending school every day is important.
Monitor absences and address patterns early.
Reach out to us if your family needs assistance—we’re in this together.
Every day in school is a step toward a stronger future. Let’s work together to make every day count!
New Attendance Policy Highlights
Secondary (Grades 6–12):
15 or more unexcused absences in a semester-long course → Subject to reduction of grade or course failure (denial of credit) unless appropriate make-up sessions are completed.
30 or more unexcused absences in a full-year course → Subject to reduction of grade or course failure (denial of credit) unless appropriate make-up sessions are completed.
Appropriate Make-Up Sessions (in alignment with Board Policy po5200):
Required once a student reaches the absence threshold.
Must be directly related to missed instructional content (tutoring, teacher-led review, lab/skills completion, or approved equivalent).
Scheduled by the school within 10 school days of the absence (unless extraordinary circumstances are approved).
Must be fully attended with all assigned tasks completed.
Documented in the school’s attendance and intervention system by staff.
We appreciate your partnership in ensuring students are present, engaged, and ready to succeed every day. Please contact the school office if you have any questions or need support regarding attendance.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jason LaPorte
Principal, Thompson Middle School

We are excited to share that the first week of school was a huge success! Our students are off to a great start, and we are especially proud of our 6th graders who are acclimating to their new building with excitement and maturity.
This week, NWEA testing will begin. We encourage families to help students prepare by ensuring they get a good night’s rest so they can be focused and ready to do their very best.
Attached are a few pictures from the first week showing our students engaged in building routines including entering the building, going through emergency drill procedures, and classroom routines.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together for a successful school year!
Thompson Middle School





We are excited to share that the first day of school was a huge success! Thank you to our students, families, and staff for making it a positive start to the year.
As we move forward, we want to remind students of a few important expectations:
✅ The dress code will be fully enforced beginning tomorrow. While we were patient on the first day, we expect all students to come prepared and dressed appropriately.
📵 Cell phones are not allowed in the building. We strongly encourage students to leave them at home.
🎒 Clear book bags will continue to be distributed this week, and student lockers will also be assigned.
Parents, your patience during afternoon dismissal is greatly appreciated as we work to make pick-up routines smooth and safe for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming all of our students back tomorrow for another great day at Thompson Middle School! 💙

Please understand that busses could be a bit early or a bit late as we all adjust to the new year.
Thank you.



We are so excited to welcome everyone back for the first day of school on Monday, August 25th! As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, here are a few important reminders:
✅ Please be at your bus stop a little early to ensure a smooth pickup.
✅ Clear book bags will be distributed during the first few days of school.
✅ All cell phones will be collected upon entry to the building.
✅ Be sure to wear proper school attire and follow the dress code.
✅ Drop-off and pick-up will be busy during the first week—please be patient, as safety is our top priority.
🚪 Doors open daily at 6:55 AM.
We can’t wait to see the smiling faces of our students as we kick off an amazing school year together! 💙🤍


We’re thrilled to welcome over 50 new teachers and social workers to kick off the 2025–2026 school year — our largest group of new hires in years! From hometown heroes returning to serve their community to fresh faces bringing new energy, this team is ready to inspire, empower, and elevate our students.
Meet some of the incredible educators joining us — including alumni who are coming full circle and passionate professionals who believe in the power of public education.
“Saginaw Public Schools is the best in the area,” says Executive Director of HR Tiffany Pruitt. We couldn’t agree more.
Read the full story and meet some of our newest team members on the district website: https://www.spsd.net/article/2357595




📅 Thursday, August 14
Orientation Sessions – 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM
✨ During orientation, students will:
✅ Receive their schedules
✅ Get their student ID photos taken
We can’t wait to see you there!

We are excited to welcome our students and families to orientation over the next two days!
📅 Wednesday, August 13
Meet & Greet with our new principals – 12:00 PM
Orientation Sessions – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM
📅 Thursday, August 14
Orientation Sessions – 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM
✨ During orientation, students will:
✅ Receive their schedules
✅ Get their student ID photos taken
We can’t wait to see you there!

🏈 Attention Thompson Middle School Students! 🏈
Are you interested in playing FOOTBALL this year?
We are still looking for students to fill out our roster.
Sign up in the main office to secure your spot!
Sign up sheets will be available during the upcoming orientations this week.
📌 IMPORTANT: You CANNOT practice in any capacity without:
✅ A current sports physical on file
✅ Proof of insurance
Don’t wait — get your physical and insurance taken care of now so you’re ready to hit the field! 💪

Thompson Middle School Families —
This is a friendly reminder that Fall Sports begin on Monday, August 11th! Students interested in participating in Football, Girls Basketball, or Cheerleading must have a current sports physical on file in the main office before they can participate.
📌 No physical = No practice or play!
Let’s get ready for a great season — Go Tigers! 💙🐾

We’re excited to welcome all Thompson Middle School students and families to our 2025-2026 Student Orientation! This is an important opportunity to get ready for the new school year and meet your new school leaders.
🗓 Orientation Dates & Times:
Wednesday, August 13th
🔹 Meet & Greet with the New Principals – 12:00 PM
🔹 Orientation Sessions – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM
Thursday, August 14th
🔹 Orientation Sessions – 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM
📌 During orientation, students will:
Receive their class schedules 📄
Have their student ID photos taken 🆔
Receive their FREE clear book bags as part of our updated safety measures 🎒
💡 Please plan to attend one of the orientation sessions.
We look forward to seeing everyone soon and kicking off an amazing school year at Thompson Middle School!

If you have not yet done so, please sign up your student(s) for transportation needs using the attached QR code.
Thank you.


Clear Book Bag Policy for Saginaw & Thompson Middle Schools
To maintain a safe learning environment, all middle school students are required to use clear book bags for the 2025–2026 school year.
Here’s what families need to know:
Free Clear Book Bag:
Every student will receive their first clear book bag at August orientation.
Replacements:
Additional clear bags will be available for $10 each while supplies last.
Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe and welcoming for all students.
– Saginaw Public Schools
