Thompson Middle School
705 West Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
Hello, my name is Matt Clark and I am excited and honored to serve as the principal of Thompson Middle School. I have been an educator in Illinois for over twenty years and have worked in a variety of different capacities including: teacher, coach, dean, coordinator, adjunct professor, assistant principal and now as a principal (details below).
My family is what is most important to me. My wife Kristin and I have two daughters, Juliet (13) and Beatrice (10). My wife teaches 2nd grade in Oswego, which is where we live and where our kids go to school. I currently have the distinct pleasure of being with middle schoolers all day at work and then when I get home. You would think as someone who spends their day with middle schoolers that I would be an amazing parent to my own middle schooler. Unfortunately, I’m trying to figure it out just like everyone else, and welcome any helpful advice. Outside of spending time with my family, in my free time I also enjoy running, listening to music, swimming, disc golfing, hanging out with friends and watching sports of all types.
I thoroughly enjoy working with middle school students and believe that middle school is a time when students figure out who they are and what they want to become. I look forward to working with the Thompson community as we embark on this middle school journey together. Please reach out to me if there is anything I can assist you with.
Education: Illinois State University (BS in ED), Governors State University (MA in Educational Administration, Northern Illinois University (Ed.S. & Ed.D.)
Educational Experience: Plainfield South High School (teacher and coach), West Aurora School District #129 (teacher, coach, dean, coordinator, assistant principal, Minooka Community High School (assistant principal), Gregory Middle School (assistant principal), Aurora University (adjunct professor), and Thompson Middle School (principal).
My name is Michelle Dague and I am one of the Assistant Principals at Thompson Middle School. I began my teaching career in 2001 after completing my Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Additionally, I earned my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2006 and my National Boards accreditation in English Language Arts/Early Adolescence in 2009.
At the onset of my career, I had the opportunity to teach 9th, 11th, and 12th grade English in the Coatesville Area School District in Coatesville, Pennsylvania during the 2001-2002 school year. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in Community Unit School District #303 for the past 20 years. During my tenure in D303, I had the privilege of teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Language Arts, 8th grade Drama, and 6th grade Social Studies at Thompson Middle School from 2003-2013. For the past 10 years, I have been an Assistant Principal at both Wredling Middle School and Thompson Middle School. It is my love of working with students, staff and parents/guardians that provides me great joy, as I am committed to our student’s safety, well-being, and academic progress. While I have a passion for learning, it is my desire to connect and help students reach their full potential that drives me each day to do what I do as an administrator.
When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family and friends. It is not unusual to catch me with a book in my hand as a great love of mine is reading!! I also love to cook, play golf, and travel, but most importantly, I love spending time with my family. My husband, Mark, and I have two children, Heather (37) and Mark (35), both graduates of St. Charles North High School.
As a parent, teacher, and administrator, I look forward to partnering with you as your child continues their academic journey. Please don't ever hesitate to contact me with your celebrations, concerns, and/or questions.
Greetings! My name is Ryan Wood. I’m honored and excited to join the incredible Thompson team supporting the education, social-emotional and character growth of all our middle school students. For over 10 years, I’ve served as an educator (Physical Education & Health), coach, dean of culture and administrator proudly serving multiple communities such as Norridge, Chicago, Northbrook, Lake Forest and most recently as an Assistant Principal for Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein School District 75.
My family is everything to me, and my wonderful wife Jillian and I have 3 amazing children (Bryson, Brinley & Bria) who we love unconditionally and constantly keep us on the go. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family, playing sports, coaching, reading, traveling and most importantly being a dad.
Without a doubt, there is magic that takes place in middle school as students venture paths that expose and encourage them as lifelong learning leaders. As part of your Thompson Administrative Team, our goals and actions stem from a mindset centered on every child, every chance, every day. I’m eager to partner with this incredibly dedicated staff and community as we provide innovative and positive learning experiences for all our students.
It’s clear St. Charles District 303 and Thompson Middle School is a fantastic place to learn and grow, molding the leaders of tomorrow. Personally, I cannot wait to contribute to Thompson’s bright future; supporting and collaborating with all stakeholders in our endless journey to educate, inspire, and transform as we together build pathways to excellence!
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or ideas you would like to share.
Roll Thunder!
Hello, Thompson Community! My name is Christine Ellis, and I am honored to serve as one of the Student Support Coordinators at Thompson Middle School.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Butler University, majoring in Secondary Education and English and minoring in Mathematics and English as a Second Language. Most recently, I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.
Before joining Thompson Middle School, I taught middle and high school English, served on Academic and SEL SIP committees, and sponsored several student organizations in Carmel, Indiana, Hinsdale, Illinois, and Glenview, Illinois.
In my free time, I am an avid reader and someone who loves to work out and travel. Also, you will often find me cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Butler Bulldogs. Most importantly, I love spending time with my friends and family whenever I can.
It is a privilege to be able to be a part of your child’s middle school experience, and it is a blessing to guide them throughout their formative years. I look forward to partnering with students, staff, families, and community members in ensuring that all Thompson students’ needs are met, and they are able to “better their best” every day.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. As always, Roll Thunder!
Hello! I am Sam Pasholk and I am very excited to serve the students, staff, and the Thompson community as one of the Student Support Coordinators, here at Thompson Middle School.
I graduated with my Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University in 2012, where I majored in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education. Go Huskies! In 2018, I received my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.
Prior to joining the team at Thompson, I taught physical education and health at both the middle school and high school levels. In addition to teaching, I served as a Team Leader and Department Head of the Wellness team at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake. I also have coached both boys basketball and soccer at Magee and South Elgin High School.
When I’m not working, I am usually spending time with family and friends. I’m an avid sports fan so I am usually staying up to date on most of the Chicago teams. I also enjoy exercising and try to stay active as much as possible.
I look forward to working together this school year to ensure our students are getting the best educational experience possible. Please reach out to me at any time if you have any questions or concerns. ROLL THUNDER!
