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Thomas Timberwolves
School Community Newsletter - March 15, 2021
Dear Thomas Middle School Community,
We hope this newsletter finds you happy and healthy. The week before spring break is always an exciting time of year. With many of our extracurricular activities in full swing, there's a noticeable surge in energy & school spirit amongst the staff and students. Many of our sporting events are now livestreamed and we welcome you to join in on the action. See below for athletic updates and links.
Last week the final selection for in-person/remote learning was completed and following Spring Break TMS will have 82% of our students attending in-person learning and 18% remote learning. Please see below for the specific numbers for in-person/remote students on each team. With 168 of our students electing to remain remote for a variety of reasons, we continue to remain committed to doing our best to connect with all our learners. Teaching in a hybrid format can be challenging. We appreciate your patience and understanding and ask that you please reach out to us if there's anything we can do to better support your child. Please note that many of our clubs are offered in a remote format in hopes that we can provide engaging extracurricular activities for all students. Esports and Cooking Club are especially popular.
With about 170 more students returning to TMS following Spring Break, if you have a child that is coming to TMS for the first time this year, please see below for essential information on in-person expectations. We also invite these families to take a moment to click the SignUpGenius below if you would like to have your child come to the building after school on Monday, March 29th to get acclimated with classroom locations.
PARENT HELP NEEDED PLEASE...The 5Essentials Parent Survey is closing soon and we want your input! We need at least 20% of our parents to take the survey. We ask that you please participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey. It's a short survey that helps guide our programming and support the community.
DATES TO NOTE:
- TMS Student Council Corner Bakery Fundraiser - Thursday, 3/18/21 7:30am – 8:00pm
- Spring Break - No School 3/22/21-3/26/21
- No School - Non-Attendance Day for Students - Friday, 4/2/21
- No School - Non-Attendance Day for Students - SIP Day - Monday, 4/19/21
This newsletter has several NEW items posted:
MAP, IAR, ISA Testing Information
PTA Spirit Wear - Orders due 3/19/21
NWSRA SIBSHOPS Virtual Free Event
We hope Spring Break brings a time for rest and relaxation for your family. Travel guidance is listed below and we ask that you please contact the health office directly if you have any questions on this. We are grateful for your collaboration in maintaining a healthy and safe community for all to enjoy.
Lastly, we wish you a shamrock'in day tomorow and we leave you with this message...“May your day be touched by a bit of luck, brightened by a song in your heart, and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.”
Take care and be well,
~ Lori, Greg, & Nick
Travel Guidance
The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has updated its travel guidance (linked here). CCDPH guidance is consistent with the City of Chicago’s Travel Order to reduce confusion among people living and working in Cook County. CCDPH’s guidance is our recommendation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You do not need to provide any travel documentation to District 25, but we wanted to share the basic changes with everyone. Please contact the TMS health office directly if you have any questions about this: ltoussaint@sd25.org. Absences can be reported on the TMS Online Absence Form linked here.
Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list on this webpage is directed to:
- obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in suburban Cook County; OR
- quarantine for a 10-day period (or for the duration of their time in suburban Cook County, whichever is shorter); OR
- Be fully vaccinated, maintain strict masking and physical distancing, and not have any COVID-19 symptoms. Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or two weeks after one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
- NEW (3/15/21) - Children under the age of 18 are not exempt from the travel order and must follow pre-arrival testing/quarantine requirements.
- NEW (3/15/21) - Unvaccinated children traveling with fully vaccinated people are not exempt from the travel order and must follow pre-arrival testing/quarantine requirements.
It is important that our parent community stays informed, especially as conditions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continue to change. Information about COVID-19 and how it impacts District 25’s school plans for 2020-2021 is fluid and therefore will be continually evaluated and updated in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
Reminder for Care of Devices Over Spring Break
Care of Computer Devices Over Spring Break
As we head into spring break, we wanted to remind families and students that district-issued technology devices are for school purposes. These devices should be stored over break unless students need to complete schoolwork. We want to make sure devices are taken care of and ready for school when we return so please do not bring them on trips over the break. This is a good time for the devices to be updated, restarted, and charged to be ready for school. Thank you for your support regarding student devices.
5Essentials Survey Information
Each family is asked to please participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, as a part of the Illinois 5Essentials Survey administration. The survey responses will never be connected to the identity of you or your child as school reports will only present aggregated information of how parents responded as a whole.
- Please CLICK HERE to take the parent survey. The 5Essentials Survey is open through April 2.
- If you have any questions about the survey, please contact 5Essentials Customer Support at 1-866-440-1874 or 5essentials@uchicago.edu.
In-Person Learning Expectation Reminders (Students Returning From Remote Learning)
For parents of in-person learners, please remind your children about the importance of adhering to safety mitigation strategies and reinforce the expectations on the correct wearing of masks—completely covering students' noses and mouths, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
ATTIRE:
- Students should dress in layers and be prepared to go outside weather permitting.
- Students are not permitted to wear hats or hoods while inside the school building.
MORNING DROP-OFF (Between 7:30-7:40):
- 6th graders are dropped on via the Arlington Heights/ Thomas Street parking lot.
- 7th & 8th graders should be dropped off in the loading/unloading zone on Belmont Avenue. Please pull up as far as possible before dropping your child off.
STUDENT ENTRANCES:
- Gamma and Epsilon students will enter at the main entrance.
- Zeta students will enter door # 14 off of Thomas Street.
- Delta students will enter door #6 which is located to the west of the main gym.
- Alpha and Beta students enter door #9 on Thomas Street which is accessible from the Arlington Heights/Thomas Street parking lot.
UPON ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING:
- When students enter the building, they should head directly to homeroom.
- Students should avoid standing and gathering in the hallways.
- Staff will be in the hallways to help students navigate the building during passing periods.
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:
- Students should only carry essential items in their backpacks.
- Students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle and a towel or small blanket to sit on while outdoors.
- Students will keep materials (coats & lunches) with them throughout the day.
AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP:
- The busses load in the Arlington Heights/Thomas Street parking lot.
- Parent pick-up occurs in the student loading zone on Belmont Avenue.
- Students walking home are encouraged to exit the building with masks on.
Spring Assessment Information
NWEA MAP Testing
The MAP test is a computer-administered assessment that aligns with the Illinois math and reading standards. District 25 uses the information from the MAP assessment in a few ways: to help determine academic intervention groups; as an essential part of the advanced learning placement, and to identify student strengths and needs for the next school year. District 25 has decided to test ALL students in person, so there will be no remote testing option offered. Our goal is to make this process smooth for all students while gathering the most up-to-date data that will help teachers plan for instruction moving forward. Testing will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, April 7th & 8th, for both ELA and Math. There will be an adjusted bell schedule that will be shared. Parents/guardians of remote learners, please check your email for a letter from Mr. Keadle regarding testing.
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)
Annually, third through eighth graders participate in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. The IAR is a computer-administered state assessment that serves as an accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school. Students are tested on the English Language Arts and Mathematics Illinois Learning Standards. In-person testing sessions are scheduled in five testing blocks ranging from 60-90 minutes each. Testing will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 5th, 6th, & 7th. An adjusted bell schedule will be shared closer to the testing date. Please note that these testing dates may change as we await assessment guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)
The ISA is a computer-administered assessment that is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for science for fifth- and eighth-graders in Illinois. In-person testing sessions are scheduled in three testing blocks for 60 minutes each. Blocks may be scheduled on the same day. All blocks will need to be completed to finish the assessment. Testing will take place between April 29th through May 15th, though these dates may change as we await assessment guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
TMS Athletic & Extracurricular Updates
7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball
Coach Keller and Coach Kuch recently wrapped up the Boys Basketball seasons with the 7th graders having an undefeated season. Way to go!
7th Grade Girls Volleyball
Congratulations to Coach Slowinski and the 7th grade girls for winning the IESA Regionals last week. They will compete for the Sectional Crown this Wednesday, 3/17/21 at 4:30pm vs. Lake Zurich North. The game will be livestreamed on Vimeo here.
8th Grade Girls Volleyball
Congratulations to Coach Renno and the 8th grade girls volleyball team on winning the first round of the IESA Regional Semifinals tonight. They will play tomorrow night, 3/16/21, for the regional championship. Go T-Wolves! Please check our website for a livestream link.
7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball
Coach Nisbet and Coach Christiansen held their tryouts last week and will begin practice this week. This game schedule will be updated with livestream links when they are available.
7th & 8th Grade Boys Volleyball
Coach Stocco and Coach Hamilton will be holding tryouts this week on Tuesday, 3/16/21 and Wednesday, 3/17/21. The game schedule will be updated with livestream links when they are available.
7th & 8th Grade Cheerleading
Coach Wharton's cheerleaders have done some virtual performances so far this year and we welcome you to check out the routine featured in the morning announcements.
*Similar to previous years, student-athletes are held to academic and behavior expectations in order to participate. The eligibility standards and code of conduct can be found here.
Science Olympiad and musicians in our Band Programs continue to work hard and improve their talents. We are so proud of the wide range of achievements our students are making in and out of our classrooms!
Activity Bus Update
Activity Bus: This runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and most Fridays. Due to Spring Break, there will not be an Activity Bus this Friday, March 19th! Students should complete the Activity Bus Form each time they ride the bus for contact tracing purposes. The bus begins to load at 3:25 and departs TMS promptly at 3:35. Students must be bus riders and have a bus pass to be eligible to take the Activity Bus.
TMS Student Council Corner Bakery Fundraiser
Thursday, 3/18/21 7:30am – 8:00pm
Location: 470 E Rand Rd 470 E Rand Rd, Arlington Heights
DescriptiOrders can be placed via:
Phone Call
Restaurant Website (Promo Code: 659)
Walk-in
Staffing Update
psychologist. We are grateful to have Dr. Porter's join our staff again this year!
PTA Amazon Smile
AmazonSmile is a way for customers to support their school every time they shop with Amazon. Shoppers who start at smile.amazon.com will find the same Amazon they know and love, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the price of eligible purchases to the school of their choice. Signing up is easy.
Here's how to shop AmazonSmile:
1. Visit smile.amazon.com
2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials
3. Choose Thomas Middle School to receive donations
4. Start shopping!
K-8 D25 students! Design your own Summer U Course for the chance to win one of 10 $100 scholarships to Summer U or the Park Districts. Entry deadline is March 15.
Visit the AHC PTA Website (ahcpta.org) or click here for the details and to enter: https://forms.gle/WiqEEETzZ5TmUaad8
Email ahcpta25@gmail.com with questions.
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 Ulrych
Future Meeting Dates:
* March 18 @ 7 PM - RSVP on this form if you plan to attend.
* April 20
* May 19
HELPFUL LINKS:
- PTA 2020-2021 Bylaws - Here is a link to the 20-21 bylaws which have been approved. The public has 30 days to read and review these before they are finalized at the April 20, 2021 meeting.
- Link to the TMS PTA Website
Questions regarding Spiritwear? Please contact:
Stephanie Notaro - sgnotaro@sbcglobal.net
Stephanie Gries - sgries6@comcast.net f
Directory Spot: Shannon Hull is the TMS Directory Spot Chairperson. Please email ThomasPTADirectory@gmail.com for changes or access issues.
Save the date!
Get ready for the 10th Annual ABC/25 GetBurbed Challenge on April 24, 2021!
Our event this year will consist of an In-Person 1 Mile Run along with a Virtual 1 Mile and 5K! While our goal was to have students, families, teachers, staff and community all back for a full in-person event this year, we are unable to do so according to IDPH guidelines for this type of event. Safety is our top priority, we are excited that we are able transition our 1 Mile event back to in person.
Please visit this link, www.raceroster.com/44529, for full details and guidelines and to REGISTER for both the in-person 1 Mile and virtual events.
We also have a really fun contest planned for all participants with PRIZES!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the current updates!
Summer U 2021
Nick Filipowski
Summer U Principal, Arlington Heights School District 25
Mental Health Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (call 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential support for people in distress and best practices for professionals)
- Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor)
- Call4Calm (text TALK or HABLAR to 552020 to get connected to a counselor in your area)
- Safe2Help Illinois (a 24/7 tip line that gives students a safe and confidential way to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence, or other threats to school safety).
FOOD DISTRIBUTION & FREE LUNCH
FREE LUNCH FOR STUDENTS - Students can order a free lunch Tuesday-Friday at TMS. Orders are placed during homeroom.
- 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 to pick up meal bags for you from Thomas Middle School. If food delivery is needed, please contact us and we can arrange for a delivery time.
BUS INFORMATION
Laura Comastro - lcomastro@sd25.org
PHONE: (847) 758-4888 | Fax: (847) 228-2078
TMS Office Information
*Hours may be modified over spring break. Please call before coming to the office.
Address: 1430 N. Belmont Ave. Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Phone: 847-398-4260
Fax: 847-394-6843