Dear Thomas Middle School Community,
We are proud to report that our 6th-grade students and the staff that support them made a smooth transition to hybrid learning this week. We carefully studied what worked well and made some minor tweaks. Overall, the feedback and attendance data has been positive. Our technology upgrades (speakers, microphones, Apple TV's, etc.) have allowed our remote learners to stay connected to the in-person students and teachers. As with all new things, there's room for growth. Please know that we are dedicated to continuing to explore ways we can best support all of our students while finding a healthy balance with expectations and rigor for all.
Here are a few 6th-grade student reflections shared this week:
- "I'm happy to be at school. I like having my backpack with me and not worrying about opening a locker."
- "Learning really isn't different when you're remote. It's just wild to see your friends in the classroom when you're at home. I can still hear my teacher."
- "Mask breaks are helpful." "My mask keeps me warm when it's chilly out!"
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION:
- REPORTING ABSENCES. Please be sure to report your child's absence and tell us the reason why your child is unable to attend school. We need to know specific details on what symptoms your child has.
- HYBRID STUDENTS THAT GO REMOTE FOR A DAY: If you have a hybrid learner that is going to remain at home and do remote learning for a day, please call and report this. We need to know the reason your child is remaining at home.
This mid-month Community Newsletter only has a few NEW items in it. All other items are reminders for our 7th & 8th-grade families as they transition to hybrid this week. Starting Tuesday, October 20th the 6th, 7th, & 8th-grade hybrid students will attend school by last name (A-K = Tuesdays/Thursdays and L-Z= Wednesdays/Fridays). Please encourage your child to dress in layers and be prepared to go outside throughout the day.
NEW ITEMS:
- Congratulations TMS on earning the Illinois PTA Excellence in Communications Award
- Congratulations to the TMS Cross Country athletes on your Sectional Accomplishments
- PTA Reflections Information
- High School Happenings for 8th Grade Families
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Monday, October 19th - Monday Schedule (2-2:45 Asynchronous Thrively Time)
- Tuesday, October 20th - TMS Coolest School Capannari's Fundraiser (Online Order Up Day)
- Tuesday, October 20th - LMC Book Pick-Up OPEN until 5 PM
- Saturday, October 24th - Capannari's Ice Cream Pick-up 11 AM - 2 PM
- Monday, November 2nd - SIP Day for Staff - NON-STUDENT ATTENDANCE DAY
- Tuesday, November 3rd - NO SCHOOL
- October 19th - November 11th - MAP Testing Window
- Thursday, November 19th & Friday, November 20th - Parent-Teacher Conference
ITEMS FOR REVIEW:
- Thomas Hybrid Procedures
- District 25 STEP 3 document linked here
- TMS Admin Hybrid Q & A session
- See below for reminders on LMC Book Check-Out, Student Drop-off & Pick-up Instructions & Assign Entrances Locations, NEW Monday Schedule, Bus, Masks & Student Supplies Information.
We are grateful for your continued partnership as we focus on SAFETY, CONNECTION & INSTRUCTION.
The TMS Admin Team
~ Lori, Greg, & Nick
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 CROSS COUNTRY SECTIONAL ATHLETES
Girls - 3rd Place in Sectionals & Boys 4th Place in Sectionals
TMS is a WINNER of the Illinois PTA EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATIONS AWARD
Ruby Level Award for excellence in creating
a communication bridge to the Thomas Community.
This award was earned for providing consistent communication with families and staff to create new programs/activities during the spring of 2020 when the end of the year events were canceled.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH CLASS!
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is taken each period. Click here for details on reporting absences.
Is Your HYBRID Student Staying REMOTE For A Day?
If your child is a hybrid student BUT is going to remain remote for a day, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AND REPORT THIS!
Students are permitted to do this due to specific situations, but we need parents to report this.
PTA REFLECTIONS 2020
Have you ever participated in Reflections?
We would like to invite you to encourage your student to participate in the Reflections contest. During these times of uncertainty, art of any form is a wonderful outlet for people of all ages.
We are excited to announce the information below, in hopes that we can have a record-breaking year of submissions. Each and every one of us matters. This is one of the many ways that our students can express themselves by sharing how they matter. Please reach out if you have any questions.
What? – Reflections is a National PTA sponsored Art Contest. There are seven different categories: visual arts, photography, literature, dance choreography, film, music, and special artist (for students meeting ADA definition of disability). In addition, children can enter into the Theme Search contest to select next year's theme for Reflections.
This year's theme? "I Matter Because…".
When? Submissions are due by November 6th, 2020 by 3PM - All forms can be accessed on the TMS Website
Where? The TMS front office OR drop off at Kim Hemminger - 1140 North Walnut OR Rebecca Brown – 601 West Rand Road
Who? –All students from Pre-K through 12th grade may enter as many pieces as they would like.
Contact: Kim Hemminger (Kjhemminger@gmail.com) OR Becky Brown (bbecky4936@gmail.com) with questions.
You will need to submit: Student Packet With Student Entry Form for the Reflections Contests (DUE November 6th)
Rules: Rules for categories can be found on the TMS PTA Website: Visual Arts Rules, Photography Rules, Film Literature Rules, Dance Choreography Rules, Music Special Artist Rules
Extra Credit: The National PTA is also holding a contest for the theme of next year's contest. You may enter your suggestions using the Theme Search Entry Form (DUE November 1st)
Students from grades K-12 can enter into the Reflections contest. Any student qualifying per the ADA defined rules, can submit under the Special Artist Category. There are many categories for students to include past, or current pieces of work. They need to fit the theme of "I Matter Because…".
If you have any questions about how to submit something, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Kim Hemminger (Kjhemminger@gmail.com)
OR
Becky Brown (bbecky4936@gmail.com)
LMC BOOK CHECK-OUT
Remote Students:
- Curbside self-serve will continue.
- Students place books on hold by logging into Destiny with their D25 google account. When the book is ready, LMC staff will send a message via schooling.
- Book will be placed on book cart located outside the main office doors.
Pick up hours:
School days 8:00-3:30
Tuesday’s extended hours until 5:00 pm
Book Return cart also located outside main office doors.
————
Hybrid Students:
- Limited browsing will be available.
- Students can also place books on hold by logging into Destiny with their D25 google account. When book is ready, LMC staff will send a message via schooling.
- A book cart will be located outside the LMC for easy pick up during the school day.
Mondays - October 19th
During Thrively Mondays, students will self-select activities from a Thrively playlist: Effective Remote Learning - Thomas MS, and complete these activities at their own pace.
The purpose of this playlist is to help students learn strategies and tips to help prepare for a successful learning experience in a distance learning environment. By asynchronously completing these lessons, students learn how to develop the following skills:
- time management
- decision making
- prioritization
- critical thinking
- organization
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Students should bring...
- Lunch & a water bottle
- Headphones, device, and charger each day (devices should be charged at home)
- Any school supplies requested by the teachers - pencils, pens, and paper, etc.
- Outdoor weather gear - we will try to get outside for masks breaks, PE, and lunch daily. Students are welcome to bring a towel or a small blanket to sit on during lunch.
Teachers will...
- Tell students what classroom materials are needed for each class.
- Try to limit the sharing of classroom materials.
TMS PTA
Do you have questions for the PTA? Email the PTA at: thomasmiddleschoolpta@gmail.com
2020-2021 PTA Officers:
*President: Lucy Block
*President-Elect: Amy Hoffman
*Vice President: Melissa Teuscher
*Treasurer: Suzanne Krause * Secretary: Lisa Ulyrich
Future Meeting Dates:
* November 17 * January 13
* February 17 * March 18 * April 20 * May 19
HELPFUL LINKS:
Link to the TMS PTA Website.
Link to order TMS Spiritwear Items. Please contact Stephanie Notaro - sgnotaro@sbcglobal.net or Stephanie Gries - sgries6@comcast.net for questions regarding Spiritwear.
Directory Spot: Shannon Hull is the TMS Directory Spot Chairperson. Please email ThomasPTADirectory@gmail.com for changes or access issues.
Friends,
Gerry’s Cafe is excited to sponsor our first Virtual Art Show!
The show will spotlight the works of children and adults with developmental disabilities (our future workforce) as well as all other interested artists. How can you be involved?
We are looking for artists willing to donate their pieces. All work will be auctioned with 50% of the sale to go to the artist and 50% of the sale to benefit Gerry’s Cafe.
To participate, please email the attached Artist Agreement to Natalie Grin along with an artist bio and/or statement about the piece and a photograph (jpeg) of your artwork. The photograph will be used on our online auction site and will also be used to create notecards that will be available for purchase at a later date. The agreement, statement, and photographs should be sent to Natalie at Natalie@gerryscafe.org by November 1st.
The virtual art show will run from November 5 through November 15. Two-dimensional work should be ready for hanging (either framed or stretched canvas) and sculptures are welcome as well. Please carefully wrap and label your piece. Work can be dropped o by November 1st ℅ Mary Beth Delaney at 44 N. Vail Ave anytime between 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday through Friday or 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday or Sunday.
We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance for your support,
Natalie and Amy
BUS INFORMATION
- Bus information was mailed home on Monday, 10/5/20.
- Please direct all busing questions to the D25 Transportation Specialist:
- Laura Comastro - lcomastro@sd25.org
- PHONE: (847) 758-4888 | Fax: (847) 228-2078
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
- Day: Every Wednesday
- Times: *9:30 am – 10:30 am* & 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Where: Thomas Middle School ONLY
- Who: All Arlington Heights families with students age 18 and under
- Important Notes: *Neighbors or friends are allowed to come pick up meal bags for you from Thomas Middle School.*
PICKUP MAP & DETAILS
- Follow the traffic map below and attached here.
*You will not be allowed to enter the Thomas parking lot heading South on Belmont.* - Pull into the parking lot as if you are doing drop-off/pick-up for your child.
- Remain in the car with your windows closed. A food service team member will come to you.
- Indicate with your hands how many students (age 18 and below) you are picking up for.
- Pop your trunk. Please have a large box, bin, or a designated space in your trunk for the meals to be loaded into.
- The District 25 team member will place the meals in your trunk and you can then drive home.
