Cougar Connection

As we enter November we are focused on gratitude and reflection. Each day I am grateful to come to TEMS and interact with such an incredible group of students, educators, staff, and families.

Though it seems hard to believe, the end of the first marking period is November 4th. More information will be sent on October 31st to signup for report card conferences. These are scheduled on December 3rd, 5th, and 6th. These are all Early Release days for students (12:05). Please plan to meet with your child's homeroom teacher to hear more about their progress this year. More information is included below.

Matinees are up and running for our fall session and we are proud to share that we have offered 20 unique enrichment opportunities that over 300 students are participating in, ranging from chess club, Husky-thon fundraising, financial literacy, writer's workshops and leadership.

In other news about student activities, over 70 students are gearing up for the first middle school debate tomorrow, October 26th. TEMS is also excited to be launching eSports. Over 40 students have started to meet and practice in preparation of competitions with middle schools across the country. Students can look forward to more information about AMC Math Competition, the UConn Writing Project, and TEMS Robotics soon. Students should pay attention to daily announcements to hear all the important updates about TEMS events and activities.

TEMS students and staff raised money to support breast cancer research as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October. The field hockey team hosted a staff bake sale and raised over $300, and staff purchased pink "Fight Like a Cougar" shirts with over $800 in proceeds going towards finding a cure. After our building-wide Pink Out Day on 10/18 we have raised over $1,500!

We have had a great fall athletics season. See the athletics section below for updated information about team standings and winter sports registration information. One important update about winter sports registration is that registration for the winter sports will close on 11/25 at 8am.

Tonight is our first school-wide dance hosted by the TEMS Robotics. I am looking forward to a fun night with our middle schoolers.

Have a wonderful month, and in the spirit of gratitude- thank you to all the veterans in our community who make our country proud.

As we approach the upcoming election, it's important for us to guide our middle schoolers in navigating this time with grace and respect. Engaging in discussions about differing viewpoints help students develop critical thinking skills and empathy. However, I want to remind everyone that we have high expectations for the use of inclusive and kind language in our school. As the adult role models for our children, let's commit to modeling respectful dialogue at home and school. In this way we help our students navigate this election season thoughtfully, building a more inclusive school community. Thank you for your support in promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.

Please click here to see a month-at-a-glance for November. You can also reference the school event's calendar that can be found on the school's website. Follow TEMS on Facebook, Twitter, and Threads.

• South Windsor Public Library Teen Events
• Hartford Public Library Teen Events

See below for themes for each day of spirit week.

South Windsor High School will be hosting the annual RISING FRESHMAN STUDENT NIGHT (Formerly known as 8th Grade Family Night) on Wednesday, November, 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., beginning in the auditorium. Upon your arrival you will be greeted by various community and parent volunteer organizations that are here to support your transition and provide connections to our school family upon your arrival. A full overview of the night’s events and focus areas can be found by reading this letter from SWHS Principal, Mr. Joseph LeRoy.

For students and families applying to independent or private middle or high schools, please refer to this guide to ensure the student's application is completed satisfactorily and on time. Please note, this guide does not apply to technical or magnet schools. It is highly recommended that you work closely with your school counselor throughout this process

Click Here for More Information: Private School Application Process at TEMS

We will be sending a Sign Up Genius for conferences on Thursday, October 31st! Please sign up by November 15th.

Timothy Edwards Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on:

• Tuesday, December 3
• Thursday, December 5
• Friday, December 6

You will meet with your child's homeroom teacher during the conference. Prior to signing up, please look up your child's homeroom teacher in Parent Portal. Please sign up by November 15th.

Note About Homeroom Conferences: The homeroom teacher will provide a report from your child's other team teachers. Each conference will last approximately 10 minutes. There are options for in person or for a Virtual Google Meet. If you choose a Google Meet, the teacher will reach out to you via email with a link to join online.

Note about Special Services/ Encore: Teachers will be available for brief check-ins while you are in the building for homeroom conferences. If you would like to schedule a time to meet with any of them you may contact them directly.

Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-up Directions:

1. Use the link sent on October 31st to get to the TEMS Conference Sign Up Genius Site.
   
2. Locate the grade level of your child below and select the team of your child.
3. Locate your child's homeroom teacher and select .
4. Please review the available sign ups for that teacher.
5. Select a slot and fill out the required fields.

As we continue to prioritize the safety of our students during morning drop-off, I want to remind everyone about our arrival procedures. Please pay close attention to our safety officers and School Resource Officer (SRO) as they guide traffic. To ensure a smooth and safe process, all students should exit their vehicles along the sidewalk in Lot D. This helps keep the flow of traffic moving and minimizes potential hazards. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining a safe environment for our students, and we appreciate your support in following these guidelines. Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe!

Supporting resilience in middle school students is essential as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. This developmental stage often involves social dynamics, academic pressures, and self-discovery. Encouraging a growth mindset—where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning—can help students build confidence in their abilities. Providing a safe space for open dialogue allows them to express their feelings and concerns, fostering emotional intelligence. Additionally, teaching problem-solving skills and promoting healthy coping strategies can empower students to face difficulties with a positive outlook. By reinforcing these skills, we can help our middle schoolers develop the resilience they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Tips from the American Psychological Association:

• Reinforce empathy and help your child keep perspective. If your child falls into the shifting of social groups that form in middle school, help them understand that other children may be feeling just as lonely and confused, and help them to see beyond the current situation.
• Talk with your child about your own feelings during times of extraordinary stress. Your children may be old enough to appreciate hearing about your own thoughts and feelings, but also the ways in which you cope. Share how the ways you cope are helpful to you, but also find techniques that may benefit your child.

We may still be at the start of the year, but it isn't too early to purchase a yearbook! These are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the Josten's Website. The cost is $43 until October 31st when the price will be raised.

On November 13th, we will celebrate World Kindness Day, a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of compassion and empathy in our school community. We encourage families to participate by sharing acts of kindness—big or small—that you and your students engage in throughout the day. Whether it's helping a neighbor, writing a note of appreciation, or simply offering a smile, these gestures can have a profound impact. We invite you to share your stories with us, which we will highlight in our school newsletter and social media. Let’s work together to inspire kindness and create a ripple effect that extends beyond our school, reinforcing the values of respect and understanding. Thank you for your support in making this day meaningful!

The next meeting is scheduled for November 21st at 6:30 and will be virtual. Go to the TEMS PTO Website to stay up to date on news and activities. Here is the link to join the meeting.

Key PTO Events:

• PTO Meeting November 21st
• PTO Music Bingo November 22nd

Check out how close we are to our fundraising goal. Donations are accepted until November 1st.

Click here to register for PTO Music Bingo on November 22nd.

Mrs. Debbie Matchett is our school's Technology Content Coach. She supports educators, students, and families in navigating technological tools that can enrich educational experiences.

Student Chromebook Help

If a student device is not functioning correctly, please refer to the Troubleshooting Common Chromebook Issues Document.

If a student device is broken or not working correctly, please have the student visit the Chromebook Help desk at school in room 376. The hours for the help desk are 7:45-11:30 and 12:00-1:00pm daily.

For additional resources, please visit the EdTech Resources for Students website.

The daily TETV Morning News serve as our primary vehicle for communicating important information to students each day. This is where students can learn about upcoming events, tryouts, clubs and activities, and current events. In addition to playing during homeroom each day you can access the daily news on our school website.

Check out this video the TETV crew made about their work for their spotlight during the October 22nd Board of Education meeting!

• Boys Soccer: 11-0-1; The team is in first place and will host the semi-finals on 10/28 at Nevers Park.

• Girls Soccer: 8-2-2; The team heads to the CRAL tournament next week.

• Boys XC and girls XC are both 8-0. The CRAL meet was last night and both teams took the win. Congrats to our CRAL champs! States are scheduled for next week.

• Field Hockey: 4-3; Our field hockey athletes are having a great season and TE’s next game is home on Monday verse Somers.
  

Winter sports registration opened on Monday, October 21st and will close on Monday, November 25th at 8am. Winter sports are girls and boys basketball and cheerleading.

Registration Reminders: Please click on the Athletic Registration page for more information, but be sure to complete the following prior to the deadline:

1. Register on Parent Portal.
2. An updated physician statement dated after June 1st of 2024 and turned into the main office by the deadline. Athletes cannot tryout without this form on file in the nurses office.
3. The Sports Participation Fee is to be submitted once it is confirmed that your child has made an athletic team's roster. Please DO NOT submit payment prior to tryouts. After teams are selected, you will be required to submit payment which is $100 per sport.

Mrs. Alison Fetta and Mr. Kent Besocke are instructional coaches that support faculty and staff in providing instruction that meets the needs of our diverse learners at TEMS. See their tips below to enhance a curious mindset.

How can I motivate my child to embrace struggles and mistakes especially with new learning? Here are some reminders:

• Obstacles build resilience; encourage productive struggle.

• Curiosity equals discovery; model a mindset of inquiry.

• Attitude is everything; create a “not yet” mentality, especially when your child says “I can’t do it.”

• Problems require perseverance; praise your child for problem-solving skills rather than just intelligence.

• Mistakes are marvelous; remind your child that setbacks are part of the learning process.

Tuesday's at the Teen Center are back! These are special hours just for Timothy Edwards Middle School students. If your child is looking for something fun to do and hang out with friends, the South Windsor Teen Center has got what they need. They even provide transportation if you need it. Students have to fill out this form to attend. Any questions please call the Teen Center at 860-648-6360. Hope to see your middle schooler here!