Greetings, Bulldog Families -
This letter has been a long time coming as I have been trying to identify the appropriate
time to formally reach out to our school community. As you are likely aware, we have
navigated several changes on our campus over the last several years. I have prioritized
remaining considerate of the most recent changes and the emotions surrounding them
before writing to you. Today, I want to introduce myself, provide an update on our school
happenings, and assure you that our Bulldog Family is stronger than ever!
I am Jaime Thompson, the extremely proud Interim Principal of South Fork High School. I
have been an educator for 21 years, including 18 in Martin County. I taught 7th grade
English in Brooklyn, New York, for three years and then moved to Martin County with my
husband in 2005, where I began teaching English at Jensen Beach High School. At one
point, I transferred to Martin County High School, where I served as a literacy coach for two
years until I was hired back at Jensen Beach High School as an assistant principal and
served in that capacity for eight years. I transferred to South Fork last year as an assistant
principal and have immensely enjoyed my time getting to know our Bulldog students,
faculty, staff and families.
I have had the unique privilege of serving all three of Martin County’s comprehensive high
schools and can unequivocally say each is amazing in its unique way. Martin County
students surely can’t go wrong, as our schools offer something special for every learner. I
have noticed that South Fork High School is truly the hidden gem of our community. Our
school may not be located off a main road, but we take immense pride in serving multiple
communities, including South Stuart, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound and Indiantown. Once you
turn onto Bulldog Way, you know you are headed for something special, unlike any other
high school!
I take my responsibility to your children (our students) very seriously. As a mom of two
students enrolled in the Martin County School District and a career educator, I
wholeheartedly understand parents' expectations for school leaders. The primary
expectations are timely, transparent communication and a commitment to the growth and
success of all learners. I am committed to guiding and working alongside our faculty and
staff to ensure every Bulldog has a robust and safe learning experience with transparent
communication being sent regularly to our families and community.
We are conducting business as usual at South Fork High School and preparing for hard work
and fun days ahead. Our Bulldog Nursery hosted its first plant sale of the year this past
Saturday. Students worked hard, assisting customers with their purchases and educating
them on plant care. Homecoming Week has officially begun - I am writing this letter as I sit
at the Martin County Fairgrounds, watching students build floats for the parade. Students
are excited to show their Bulldog spirit and celebrate all week long leading up to our parade
on Thursday night, cheering on our varsity football team Friday night under the lights and
concluding with the Homecoming Dance on Saturday. Please check our social media
channels for information on these events, and join the fun and celebration!
Our Drama Department is rehearsing for its first production of the year, Steel Magnolias,
with multiple performances scheduled from October 26- 28. Please consider coming out for
a truly fantastic experience in our theater and supporting our thespians. Tickets can be
purchased through ShowTix4u. One of our art rooms is being outfitted for the installation of
a long-awaited kiln. The Art Department is thrilled to begin incorporating more 3D
opportunities through pottery and ceramics instruction.
Fall sports are well underway, and our student-athletes are crushing it, bringing their “A”
game to each field, course, court and track they visit! Check out our athletics website and
follow us on social media to stay current on scores, schedules, and events. All of our
extracurricular and co-curricular activities are busy at work each afternoon. Energized and
excited sounds fill the air after school each day - stop by for a visit, and you'll undoubtedly
see our Band, Chorus, Color Guard, and JROTC rehearsing and practicing for upcoming
events and activities.
Construction on our brand-new, state-of-the-art gym/sports complex is moving along! I enjoy watching construction progress each morning as I arrive on campus. We can’t wait to host athletic events and for our students to take full advantage of their new facility. Our students and
staff remain grateful to the Martin County taxpayers who made this project possible by supporting the half-cent sales tax referendum in 2018. Other exciting improvement updates include refurbishing the Bulldog marquee located just past the guard shack. It is being
refurbished to be a general welcome sign, and we hope to purchase a new digital marquee as part of our gym project that will be placed on Bulldog Way in the future!
In terms of academics, we are approaching the end of the first quarter on October 13.
Students have been participating in engagement learning strategies in their classrooms,
with teachers focusing on Kagan strategies and AVID WICOR strategies, designed to
encourage student participation during class time and build skills on notetaking, study
habits and writing. After-school tutoring will start soon, with various support options for our
students. We will run activity buses so all students taking advantage of tutoring have access
to transportation. Information on tutoring will be forthcoming by the end of this week.
Our incredible faculty, staff and students are coming to campus each day with resiliency and
the determination to make this a successful and spirited school year. I am honored to be a
member of Bulldog Nation and will serve with pride and enthusiasm in all that I do. My door
remains open - please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, ideas, concerns or
compliments you may have to share. Go Bulldogs!
Educationally Yours,
Jaime Thompson
Interim Principal
South Fork High School