Dear TMS Community,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We hope that your family has been enjoying a restful and super fun-filled summer. TMS is ready for the Learning Adventure to begin! On Thursday, August 22nd, an email will be sent to each family with student TEAM, HOMEROOM, & LOCKER ASSIGNMENTS. (If you have not completed registration, this email will not include these assignments.)
Please take some time to read through our first Community Newsletter of the school year. Communication is essential to providing an outstanding middle school experience. The TMS Community Newsletters are our primary method of communication and are sent on or near the 1st and 15th of each month. We strive to condense our communication into just these two newsletters and fill them with important learning updates and event details. All newsletters are archived on the TMS Website.
In this newsletter you'll find the following:
TMS Administrative & Office Team
TMS In's & Out's, District 25 Parent/Student Handbook, Arrival & Dismissal Links
Locker Set Up Event
6th Grade Orientation
Orientation for Families New to District 25
First Day of School Schedule & Safety Drill and Back to School PTA Kona Ice Fundraising Event
TMS PE Uniform Pick-Up and Purchase *NEW this year!
7th & 8th Grade Student Leader Volunteer Opportunities *We need student leaders!
TMS Choir Sign-Up Information
TMS Athletic Information - Cross Country, Girl's Basketball, Girl's Softball
PTA Information & ABC25 Memberships
Summer Reading Information - Your Adventure Awaits!
School Supply List for 2024-2025
District 25 Food Services
Chromebook Information
The Importance of Daily Attendance
School Resource Information
Safe2Help Illinois
SAVE THE DATES for the 2024-2025 School Year:
- Team, Homeroom & Locker Assignment Email - The afternoon of THURSDAY, 8/22/24
- 6th Grade Orientation - FRIDAY, 8/23/24 from 9-11 AM
- Locker Set-Up - FRIDAY, 8/23/24 from 11:15 AM - 3:00 PM
- Orientation for Families New to District 25 - THURSDAY, 8/28/24 @ 6 PM
- First Day of School - THURSDAY, 8/29/24 [Students should arrive at 7:30 AM]
- Back To School Event - THURSDAY, 8/29/24 from 4-6 PM, PTA Kona Ice Fundraiser!
- Picture Day - WEDNESDAY, 9/4/24 [During PE/Health Classes]
- 6th Grade Curriculum Night - THURSDAY, 9/5/24 @ 6:00 PM
- 7th & 8th Grade Curriculum Night - THURSDAY, 9/19/24 @ 6:00 PM
- Bus Information - Emailed just before school starts [Contact Laura Comastro, Transportation Coordinator (lcomastro@sd25.org) if you have questions]
Next week TMS will welcome our new staff to District 25. We'll send another newsletter to share our amazing staff with you.
We are looking forward to an incredible year of learning! Thank you for sharing your children with us!
The TMS Administrative Team
Lori Naumowicz, Principal
Greg Keadle, Associate Principal
Jeremy Fischer, Associate Principal & Epsilon Teacher
Allie Yoder, Associate Principal & TMS Student Services Coordinator
We want to take a moment to introduce the AMAZING TMS office team. We are here to support all our students and families. We hope to connect with our families throughout the year at the school and at different events.
If you have any questions you can always call the school office, 847-398-4260 or email us directly.
Allstar Administrative Assistants:
- Anna DiStaola - adistaola@sd25.org
- Ryan George - rgeorge@sd25.org
- Colleen Wytmar - cwytmar@sd25.org
Heroes in the Health Office:
- Laura Toussaint, RN - ltoussaint@s25.org
- Stephanie Musolf, RN - smusolf@sd25.org
- Jenny Hibbs, CSN - jhibbs@sd25.org
WHAT: An opportunity to set-up the student's hallway locker and to practice opening the combination.
WHERE: Thomas Middle School
TRANSPORTATION: Students are welcome to walk, ride bikes, or carpool to this event. Please note that crossing guards will not be available for this event.
DIRECTIONS: There could be over 1000+ students attending this event. In order to attempt to organize this, we are suggesting the following times:
- 6th Grade Students: 11:15 AM - 1 PM
- 7th Grade Students: 1 PM - 2 PM
- 8th Grade Students: 2 PM - 3 PM
*These are just suggested times. This is a drop-in event and students & families can opt to come anytime between 11:15 AM - 3 PM. Please just be mindful that the hallways may be crowded and parking could be limited.
6th grade students and 7th & 8th grade student leaders attending the LOCKER SET-UP EVENT immediately following 6th Grade ORIENTATION will remain in the Large Gym. Parents should park and plan to enter the Large Gym at 11:15 AM to meet their student.
WHO: All 6th Grade Students *This is a student only event!*
WHAT: Orientation provides the 6th graders with an opportunity to further familiarize themselves with TMS, tour the building, and to meet students from their homeroom.
WHERE: Thomas Middle School - This event will start in the Large Gym. Students will enter the building by team based on the assignments below. Students will be dismissed to these locations at 11 AM.
WHEN: Friday, 8/23/24 from 9-11 AM
TRANSPORTATION: Students are welcome to walk, ride bikes, or carpool to this event. Please note that crossing guards will not be available for this event.
DIRECTIONS: There will be over 300+ students attending this event. In order to attempt to organize the drop-off and pick-up for this event, please note the following:
DROP-OFF & PICK-UP:
- ALPHA STUDENTS - Enter at the main entrance at the Belmont Avenue parking lot. Drop off & pick up should occur on Belmont Avenue.
- BETA STUDENTS - Enter door #8 by the LMC via the drop-off line accessible from the Arlington Heights/Thomas Street parking lot.
Students attending the LOCKER SET-UP EVENT immediately following ORIENTATION will remain in the Large Gym. Parents should park and plan to enter the Large Gym at 11:15 AM.
WHO: Families NEW to District 25 (move-ins or transfers) Bring your TMS student and at least 1 parent.
WHAT: Orientation offers a time to learn essential information about what to expect from TMS and to tour the building.
WHEN: Wednesday, 8/28 @ 6 PM
WHERE: TMS Large Gym
PARKING: Please park in the main entrance parking lot off of Belmont Avenue
First day of school - Thursday, 8/29/24:
- 7:30 AM Arrival: Students should plan to arrive at TMS at 7:30 AM each morning.
- 7:40 AM First Bell: Students will enter the building at 7:40 AM.
- 7:50 AM Homeroom: Students should be in their seats in homeroom by 7:50 AM. Students will receive their complete class schedule when they arrive in homeroom.
- Modified Schedule: Students will attend all of their classes during periods 2-10. Lunch - 6th, 7th, & 8th periods - will be 40 minutes.
- 2:00 PM Homeroom Safety Drills: Students will return to homeroom and practice all of the emergency safety drills. The Arlington Heights Police and Fire Departments will attend these drills.
- Soft Lock Down Drill
- Hard Lock Down Drill
- Shelter in Place Drill
- Fire Drill/ Evacuation Drill
- Relocation Drill
- 2:45 Dismissal
- 4-6 PM Back to School Night & PTA Kona Ice Fundraiser
WHO: All TMS Students & Parents & Family Members *Note, children elementary school age and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
WHAT: A time to walk the student's schedule, set-up lockers, and become more familiar with TMS while enjoying a Kona Ice treat that helps raise funds for the TMS PTA.
WHEN: First Day of School - Thursday, 8/29 from 4-6 PM
WHERE: TMS - All hallways will be open.
- NEW THIS YEAR! Students and families will have an opportunity to pick-up TMS PE uniform shirts on Friday, August 23, that were ordered online during registration or to pay cash or check for a PE uniform shirt.
- Need to Purchase a $5 PE Uniform Shirt? Stop by the PE uniform table during locker set-up on Friday, 8/23 between 11:15 AM - 3 PM and during our Back to School Event on Thursday, 8/29 from 4-6 PM and pay cash or check for a uniform shirt. You will receive the uniform shirt that day!
- Online Uniform Shirt Purchases: Click here for a link to the online school store to purchase a $5 shirt. Students can purchase PE uniforms online all school year long.
Dear TMS Families,
The Thomas Choir is ready for another amazing year of singing! If your child loves to sing and make music with their friends, now is the time to sign up to join choir.
- WHEN: The TMS Choir rehearses before school, on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, from 7:10am-7:45am in the music room (rm. 257). Attendance at rehearsals is important.
- WHO: Choir is open to ALL TMS students- no audition or experience required! Our first rehearsal will be Wednesday, September 11. If your child is also signing up for band, they CAN join choir as well, but do not have to.
- HOW: The link to the sign-up for can be found here: TMS Choir Sign Up Please complete the form as soon as possible, with Thursday, September 5 being the final day to sign up.
- QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please reach out to the choir director, Ms. Conomikes, at kconomikes@sd25.org.
Thank you so much & take care,
Katie Conomikes
Music Teacher, Ivy Hill Elementary
Choir Director, Thomas Middle School
- Cross Country: Please click here for information on the 2024-2025 Cross Country Team which is open to all TMS 6th, 7th & 8th grade students! This is a great way to start the school year.
- Girl's Basketball: Attention all 7th and 8th grade girls! Girl's Basketball Tryouts for the 2024 - 2025 school year are fast approaching and we couldn't be more excited! Girl's Basketball tryouts will be on September 9th and 10th after school and are open to all 7th and 8th grade girls! To try out, you must have a current Physical turned into the nurse's office, the Athletic Registration Form filled out, and the Girl's Basketball Interest Survey filled out.
- Girl's Basketball Interest Form - Link
- Athletic Registration Form 24/25 - Link
- Girl's Basketball Tryout Dates/Times:
- MONDAY, September 9th: 7th Grade: 3:00 - 4:30pm and 8th Grade: 4:30 - 6:00pm
- TUESDAY, September 10th: 8th Grade: 3:00 - 4:30pm and 7th Grade: 4:30 - 6:00pm
- QUESTIONS: Please reach out to the Coaches
- Matt Majeski (8th Grade Coach) at mmajeski@sd25.org
- Bradford Keeler (7th Grade Coach) at bkeeler@sd25.org
- Girl's Softball Tryout Dates/Times
- MONDAY, August 19th: 7th & 8th Graders - All players 3:15-4:45pm @ TMS
- TUESDAY, August 20th: 7th & 8th Graders - All players 3:15-4:45pm @ TMS
The TMS PTA has a lot to offer this year! We are excited for all the activities we have planned!
- MEMBERSHIP: Join the TMS PTA and help support the TMS community! Check out the TMS PTA Website Each membership includes 1 TMS yearbook.
- MEETINGS: If you are interested in getting involved in the PTA or simply checking out a meeting @ 7:00pm in the TMS Library. Everyone is welcome!
- Tuesday, September 10, 2024
- Wednesday, October 9, 2024
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025
- Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- 2024-2025 Executive Board Members
- President: Kristen Dugan
- President-Elect: James Moncada
- Vice President: Sara Hess
- Treasurer: Diane Beardmore
- Secretary: Jocelyn Katz
- COMMITTEE POSITIONS: We do have a few committee positions open: Communications Chair, Buffalo Grove High School Liaison, Student Activities Committee member, and the Volunteer Coordinator. If interested, please email thomasmiddleschoolpta@gmail.com
- VOLUNTEERING: If chairing a committee is not for you, we will have many volunteer opportunities throughout the year!
- BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT on Thursday, 8/29/24 from 4-6 PM: The Kona Ice PTA fundraiser will once again be at the Back to School Schedule Walk!! After walking your schedule, cool off by enjoying a tasty Kona Ice!
TMS PTA Memberships - Have you joined the PTA? Your membership gives you exclusive access to the Thomas Middle School Directory through Directory Spot. Not a member? No problem! You can join by visiting the AH25 Webstore to purchase online or by emailing us at thomasmiddleschoolpta@gmail.com.
ABC 25 Memberships - As well as providing teacher grants, each year, the ABC/25 Foundation grants $2,500.00 to all District 25 schools when 25% of the school's families become members. These funds may be used at the school’s discretion. Past Membership Incentive Grants include: lighting and sound system updates, playground equipment, app subscriptions, digital books, Chromebooks, Nooks and iPad minis. We invite you to join ABC/25 Foundation and make an impact on District 25 student learning. Your support ensures that we can continue to provide students with projects and programs that foster innovation, creativity and excellence. One membership counts towards all district schools your children attend.
Become an ABC/25 Foundation Member by donating a minimum of $40.00 per family. District staff may join at an educator’s rate of $25.00 or more.
- Where can I view the school lunch menu? Click Here
- How do I pay for my child’s meals? Click Here
- How do I apply for free & reduced meals? Click Here
We ask that students have money loaded onto their Mealtime account to purchase food prior to lunch time. Parents can pay online at www.mymealtime.com or students can bring cash or check and drop it off in the Lunch Account Deposit Box located in the school foyer. Money will be collected daily by 10 am to be deposited on students' accounts. For more information about paying for school lunches, please visit our website. Thank you!
All medical forms such as physicals can be turned in at the TMS office or uploaded to the TMS Health Office form linked here.
Athletes must have a current physical BEFORE they can participate in ANY practices.
Physicals are good for 13 months.
Physical exam MUST be turned in before try-outs.
IL Certificate of Child Health Exam or IHSA-Sports-Physical-Form.pdf
6th grade Health Requirements - 2 Items:
1. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION - exam must have taken place on or after AUGUST 29, 2023.
Due NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15, 2024 to avoid school exclusion.
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS - PROOF of previously required immunizations and two new mandatory 6th grades immunizations:
∙Tdap
∙Meningococcal conjugate vaccination
Certificate of Child Health Examination-English
Certificado de Examen de Salud Infantil-Español
2. DENTAL EXAMINATION
Due by May 15, 2025. A dental exam dated from 11/15/23-5/15/25 is acceptable.
Students that are NEW to D25
1. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION And All required IMMUNIZATIONS
2. DENTAL EXAMINATION
3. EYE EXAMINATION
All medical forms such as physicals can be turned in at the TMS office or uploaded to the TMS Health Office form linked here.
Please contact the TMS Health Office if you have any questions:
Laura Toussaint - ltoussaint@sd25.org
Stephanie Musolf - smusolf@sd25.org
- Bus information will be sent the week before school starts.
- Click here for the Bus Safety Guidelines and Rule as well as details on lost items on the bus.
- Please direct bus transportation questions to the District 25 Transportation Specialist: Laura Comastro as she can answer your questions and resolve issues. lcomastro@sd25.org. Phone: 847-758-4888
- Bus Company Questions: Contact Cook Co. School Bus Company at 847-439-0923