Friday, September 1, 2023
TMS Families,
Thank you so much for your patience, flexibility, and understanding with the traffic issues this week. We share your frustration in something that is beyond our control. Even though we knew it was coming, there were a few days that were even worse than expected. IDOT having a light that functioned properly made a big difference this morning!
Today, all TMS students should be bringing home their 2023 IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) scores to share with their parents. Overall, Triad students typically do fairly well on these annual state assessments. At our back to school staff meeting I was happy to share with our middle school team how proud we were as an administrative team with the students’ Spring IAR scores. TMS continues to not only outpace all state averages on the IAR tests, but we’re also proud to be Triad District leaders as evidenced by the growth shown by our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. We’ve color-coded the various cohort groups to illustrate the improving test scores that are consistently shown by students at our school. TMS cohort scores are highlighted by color on the left and state averages are on the right.
Students will participate in Fall benchmark MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing beginning September 5th. The Fall benchmark data will be used by teachers and administrators in conjunction with the 22-23 data to get students who have fallen behind more targeted support in addressing any individual learning gaps. Last year at TMS, a large percentage of our students met or exceeded their expected growth goals on MAP testing. Great things are happening in the classrooms at TMS because of the emphasis placed on Social Emotional Learning skills and building connections with students. Students who fit in and have a sense of belonging in our school are more likely to achieve academic success. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s social emotional or academic progress.
Tips for Success at TMS
Digital Citizenship - Students at TMS have access to amazing technology and digital curriculum via their Chromebook. Use of the district provided device is intended for acceptable educational purposes only. TMS administration are provided with alerts for any type of unacceptable use via LINEWIZE. Misuse can result in administration taking the device or limiting usage. If you question what is acceptable please contact the Office or classroom teacher.
Cell Phones - All cell phones must be turned off before entering the building and should be stored in the students’ lockers during the ENTIRE DAY. Staff members will confiscate and turn cell phones into the office if they are seen being used during the school day. A notification will be sent to inform the parent.
Dress Code - Students should come to school appropriately dressed. Clothing which is revealing or suggestive may not be worn. The following clothing items continue to be addressed at TMS - Camis, halter tops, crop tops, short shorts, short skirts, and skirts with shorts visible under the skirt. Clothing should not display bare stomachs, cleavage, backs, sides or any type of undergarment. Students will be asked to change into a PE uniform, visit the Crusader Closet, or call home. If parents need financial assistance getting their child a PE uniform, please contact the main office or one of our guidance counselors.
We’re Hiring:
Are you interested in joining our team at TMS? We’re looking for a school day security monitor to help us keep our school safe and running smoothly. Please visit our job posting on the employment section of the Triad District website for more information. This could be one full-time position or split into two part-time positions if needed. We’re especially looking for someone who would be willing and able to start as early as 6 or 6:15am before our early bird band students start entering the building. We also need a paraprofessional to help support some of our special education teachers and students. Let us know if you are interested!
7th and 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tryout - CHANGES
Girls basketball tryouts are going to be at the high school on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 to 8:30.
SOAR (Sixth Grade Only After-school Recreation):
All sixth grade parents should read the SOAR letter that was emailed out on Sunday, August 27th. Do sign your sixth grader up for the Fall session, please complete and return a SOAR registration form along with the $50 fee.
Yearbooks:
2023-2024 TMS Yearbooks are discounted to $22 now through September 22nd. After that, the yearbooks will return to the normal price of $25. Check out the Josten’s Yearbook link to order your yearbook today before the prices go up. If any families have any back to school pictures or if their child is playing in any TMS sports that they have action shots from, please send pictures to tmsyearbook@tcusd2.org.
Important Dates/Reminders:
A physical exam with completed immunizations is due on or before SEPTEMBER 15TH or 30 days from the first day of attendance. (Physical Exam Form)
An eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is due by September 15th or as soon as possible. (Vision Exam Form)
A dental exam is due by May 15th of the current school year. (Dental Exam Form)
Students enrolled in free/reduced lunch can get a dental exam for free on Monday, October 9th.
Checkout the Triad District Virtual Backpack for other flyers regarding events in our community.
Sept. 1st - Spirit wear orders are due! Today is the deadline to order TMS gear. Get your order in ASAP!
Sept. 4 - No School - Labor Day
Sept. 5 - Bobby’s Caramel Apple Fundraiser Begins
Sept. 5-6 - MAP Testing (7th Grade Reading & 8th Grade Math - Accelerated Algebra Classes)
Sept. 5th-7th - Conference Baseball Tournament
Sept. 6th-12th - 8th Grade Softball Regionals
Sept. 6th-8th - 6th Grade MAP Testing
Sept. 7th-8th - Fall MAP Testing for 7th Grade (English) & 8th Grade (Reading)
Sept. 7 - 4:00 - Cross Country @ O’Fallon Carriel
Sept. 7 - 4:00 - 8th Grade Football Home vs Alton
Sept. 9 - 8:30AM - 8th Grade Baseball Home Doubleheader vs Greenville
Sept. 11th-12th - Fall MAP Testing for 7th Grade (Math)
Sept. 11 - 4:00 - 7th Grade Baseball Home vs Alton / 8th Grade Baseball @ Alton
Sept. 11 - 4:15 - Cross Country Triad Jamboree @ Triad High School
Sept. 12 - 4:00 - 8th Grade Football @ Edw Liberty
Sept. 12th-13th - Fall MAP Testing for 8th Grade (English)
Sept. 13 - 4:00 - 8th Grade Baseball Regional Semifinals
Sept. 14th-15th - Fall MAP Testing for 8th Grade (Pre-Algebra & Algebra)
Have a safe Labor Day weekend!
Matt Noyes, Ed.D.
TMS Principal