May 2025
Greetings to our Thomas Families,
Family Conversations Matter
Thank you for taking the time to talk with your student about school and for setting a positive tone around the value of education. These conversations at home are powerful.
As a family, consider exploring what words like lifelong learning, collaboration, character, and leadership mean to you. When students hear these values discussed at home, it reinforces their importance and supports personal growth, motivation, and achievement. Together, we can help students build strong foundations for life.
State Testing in May
May is an important month for state assessments. All students will take the Smarter Balanced assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics, and our eighth graders will also complete the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science.
Throughout the year, students have been building the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on these exams. We believe that when students approach testing with confidence, a can-do mindset, and a commitment to doing their best, they are capable of great success.
At Thomas, we hold high expectations and are committed to supporting every student in achieving proficient or higher on their assessments.
Items for your calendar:
Smarter Balanced and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science Tests:
These state assessments will be for content areas English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
May 5: Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). Grade 8 only. 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
May 12, 13, 15, 16: English Language Arts. Grades 6-8.
May 19, 20: Mathematics. Grades 6-8.
Find more information about Washington State Smarter Balanced testing by entering “Testing OSPI” into your browser.
Student Laptops and Testing:
Students must bring laptops and chargers to school.
Assemblies and Events:
May 2nd: Thomas Talent Show Assembly at 2:30 p.m.
May 2nd: Thomas staff and parent volleyball game at 6:00 p.m.
May 5th: WCAS testing. 8th grade
May 5th – 9th: Teacher appreciation week.
May 8th - 10th: 40 eighth grade students will go to the State Capital and participate in Youth in Government and Legislation.
May 11th: Happy Mother’s Day!
May 12th, 13th, 15th, and 16th are SBA Language Arts 6th - 8th testing.
May 16th: Sports photos at 3:00 p.m.
May 19th, 20th: SBA Math 6th – 8th testing.
May 23rd and May 26th: Memorial Day Observance. No school days.
May 28th: Night of Visual Arts at 6:00 p.m.
May 30th: Kultura Asian American Pacific Islander Assembly
May 30th: Eighth grade dance at 6:00 p.m.
Getting ready for June:
June events planned include 6th, 7th, and 8th grade award assemblies and the 8th grade Move-Up assembly.
June 3rd: 8th grade awards assembly.
June 3rd: Orchestra Farewell Concert at 6:00 p.m.
June 4th: Choir Farewell Concert at 6:00 p.m.
June 6th: Band Concert at 6:00 p.m.
June 9th: Jazz Band Concert at 5:30 p.m.
June 10th: 6th, 7th grades awards assemblies. We will send updates for the grade level time.
June 10th: 8th grade Move-Up ceremony. The ceremony will be at the Lakes High School gymnasium. We will send updates for this event.
Activities:
Spring sports at Thomas are Tennis, Baseball, Track & Field, and Girls Volleyball. There are many after-school clubs and activities for students to participate in, including homework help.
Our character word for May is “Integrity.” Partner with us to discuss with your child the meaning of this important word and how it aligns with the values you model at home.
We are thankful for those who are serving in the military at JBLM and around the world.
Principal Steve Seberson