Principal's Message
Greetings!
On behalf of our entire staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Thompson Middle School, Home of the Timberwolves! I am honored and proud to serve as your principal and to work alongside an exceptional team of amazing educators, dedicated staff members, and supportive school community.
Team TMS is committed to maintaining high expectations for both academics and behavior. We believe that every Timberwolf can achieve excellence when challenged, supported, and encouraged to do their very best. Our exceptional teachers, along with our support staff, work collaboratively to design meaningful, engaging, and high-interest lessons that are anchored in the California State Standards and encourage students to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and apply their learning to real-world situations. Through differentiated instruction, our teachers intentionally meet students where they are by providing multiple pathways for learning, ensuring every student is appropriately challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to educating the whole child. While academic achievement is a priority, we also recognize that middle school is a pivotal time for students to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and ethically. We strive to help students build confidence, resilience, responsibility, empathy, and strong character while fostering healthy relationships and positive decision-making. Our goal is to prepare every Timberwolf not only for success in high school, but also to become compassionate leaders, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners.
We recognize that every student learns differently. That is why we dedicate time throughout the school day to provide targeted intervention, differentiated instruction, and enrichment opportunities to meet the diverse needs of our learners. Whether a student requires additional academic support, opportunities to extend their learning, or social-emotional guidance, our staff is committed to ensuring that every Timberwolf receives the right level of support at the right time.
We are proud to offer award-winning Robotics, Leadership, Band, Color Guard, and Choir programs, where students develop their talents, creativity, leadership skills, and school pride while representing Thompson at the highest levels. For students who enjoy athletics, we offer championship-caliber intramural sports, along with Cheer and Dance programs that promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit.
One of our signature opportunities is our Sports Performance elective, offered in collaboration with Murrieta Valley High School. This one-of-a-kind program provides students with advanced athletic training focused on strength, speed, agility, and overall performance while preparing them for success in high school athletics and beyond.
Students interested in the arts can explore their creativity through our outstanding Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) elective offerings, including Drama, Theater, Art, and Video Production. These courses encourage creativity, collaboration, innovation, and self-expression while allowing students to discover new passions and talents.
Thompson is also proud to offer the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which prepares students for success in rigorous coursework, high school, college, and future careers. AVID helps students develop strong organizational skills, effective study habits, critical thinking, leadership, and a college- and career-ready mindset.
Learning and engagement continue beyond the school day. Students have access to after-school tutoring and homework support, providing additional opportunities to strengthen academic skills, receive individualized assistance, and build confidence. We also offer more than 25 student-led and interest-based after-school clubs, allowing students to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, serve the community, and build meaningful friendships with their peers.
Just as important as our instructional program are the people who make Thompson Middle School such a special place. We are incredibly fortunate to have outstanding teachers, a caring and dedicated support staff, talented coaches, exceptional counselors, intervention specialists, classified staff, dedicated volunteers, a hardworking PTSA, and the unwavering support of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. Together, we work as one team with our families and community partners to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued, connected, and supported.
We firmly believe that strong partnerships between school, home, and the community are essential to student success. When educators, families, and community members work together with a shared commitment to student learning and well-being, our Timberwolves thrive. We value open communication, mutual respect, and meaningful collaboration, and we invite every family to become an active partner in their child's educational journey. Together, we will inspire our students to dream big, work hard, overcome challenges, and achieve their fullest potential.
By combining rigorous instruction, high expectations, meaningful relationships, and personalized supports, we are confident that every Timberwolf will have the opportunity to learn, lead, grow, and succeed.
We thank you in advance for your partnership and look forward to another successful school year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Rod DeLeon