Triad Middle School

Friday, February 21, 2025

Get the Facts on Triad’s Zero-Rate Change Bond Proposal

• Be sure to check your mailbox for the District’s Five Facts mailer! It’s important to get the facts about Triad’s zero-rate-change bond proposal that will improve our schools, including a NEW Triad Middle School. 

• Would you like to learn more about the upcoming bond proposal? You are invited to attend one of our informational meetings where you can ask questions and become more informed.  These meetings will be held at various locations within the Triad District in the coming weeks.  Many are scheduled prior to other district events within the same school for your convenience.

• Our schools have important needs that must be addressed to provide the best learning environment for all students.

Here's a look at some key improvements in the plan:

• Replacing the 65-year-old middle school

• Updating career and tech classrooms and labs at Triad High School

• Renovating and updating learning spaces at Marine Elementary

• Constructing an auditorium at Triad High School for district and community use

• Adding district-wide safety and security upgrades, as well as improvements to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to share additional information about this critical plan to improve our schools. If you have any questions or would like more details, please visit our website at www.tcusd2.org/page/2025bond or feel free to contact me directly.

Student Council SOUPer Bowl:

• Thank you, thank you to all of our TMS families for the overwhelming support and donations! The band trailer was full of canned goods when it arrived at Ministries Unlimited. Thank you to the THS Student Council who helped to sort all of the cans upon their arrival.  We appreciate all of the support from the TMS students and families who participated by donating food to help those who are less fortunate. We have such a caring community full of wonderful students, parents, and staff members. 

Grade Level Totals (Soup - 2 points, Other canned items - 1 point)

• TMS total = 4,568 points

• 6th Grade = 1,752 points 7th Grade = 1,460 points 8th Grade = 1,108 points

• Band Homeroom = 248 points

• Homeroom Winners = Brandt (210), Wise (299), Walter (454)

5 Essential Survey

• The Illinois 5 Essential Survey window recently opened. Students, staff, and parents will have the opportunity to take the survey to share their experiences with Triad Middle School.

• More information regarding the 5 Essential Survey can be found here: 5Essential Parent Letter - 24/25

• Parents should use this link to access the survey. Goal is to have at least 20% of TMS parents take the survey. Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. 

• Students will take the survey in CSC/Homeroom classes next Thursday and Friday. Parents can have their students opted out of the survey by completing this form. Opt Out Letter.

Fine Arts Fridays:

• Beginning on March 7th, we are thrilled to bring back the Fine Arts Fridays, an initiative by the TMS & THS Fine Arts Department aimed at spotlighting and celebrating the diverse spectrum of fine arts within our schools. Included in these ideas are themed Fridays sponsored by the band, choir, theater, and visual arts.

• March 7:  Name that Tune

• March 14 (Half Day): Wear your favorite artist, band, or theater shirt.

• March 21:  Class Colors

• March 28:  Karaoke at Lunch and wear a Fine Arts Shirt (or Band/Choir/Musical/Drama shirt)

• Spiritwear:https://www.gatewayimpressions.com/triad_fine_arts

Madison County Sheriff's Office - Doug Visit

Doug, the jail support pup, and his handler, Sgt. Tassone enjoyed their visit with School Resource Officer Maue and the students on Valentine’s Day.  The students and staff loved having Doug in the building!! 

Sports/Extracurricular Activities:

• Our girls cheerleading wrapped up at the IESA state finals this past week. They finished 7th overall in their routine performance and 6th overall in game day.  This was a strong showing from our cheerleaders, and the coaches were very well pleased, and proud of the girls

• Our dance team just finished up their competition season. The girls placed 6th in Open Pom and 6th in Jazz at state. They did a really great job.

• Our boys basketball seasons just ended with our seventh grade winning a regional title and playing for the right to go to state. Unfortunately, they came up short in that game but they had a tremendous season.

• Both volleyball teams are prepping for the postseason. Our eighth grade team just won conference and is still undefeated on the year. They are looking for a repeat performance in the postseason and trying to get to state.

• Our wrestling team has regionals this weekend in Collinsville.  They’re hoping to get several wrestlers to move on to sectionals.

• The TMS bowling season is underway. Unfortunately, the inclement weather has canceled several of their matches. Those are being rescheduled, and hopefully our team can get into a routine of playing multiple matches per week.

Spring Scholastic Book Fair:

Our annual TMS Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be taking place the week of March 7th-March 14th. Family Night will take place on Tuesday, March 11th from 3:00-6:00.  Students will shop during their regular library times. You may also visit the Book Fair homepage to shop online or add money to a child’s e-wallet from March 7th-March 20th. With the book fair quickly approaching, we could use some parent volunteers to make the event as smooth and successful as possible. We’re using SignUp to organize our upcoming Book Fair Volunteers. Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to see our SignUp for the TMS Book Fair

2. Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you would like.

3. Sign up! It’s Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp. Please note SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address please contact Rebecca Chigas in the library at (618) 667-5406 ext. 4530., and she can sign you up manually. 

E-Learning Schedule for TMS:

6th - 8th Grades (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The normal instructional day will be 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. TMS students are expected to follow their normal class schedule and log into their Google Meet virtual classroom (posted in Canvas) at the start time indicated for each period.  The teacher will provide instruction for 20-25 minutes and then provide independent practice where students are able to ask questions for each period. Students do not need to check in during their study hall/homeroom period. If students would like to meet with a teacher individually, they can meet with their teacher during office hours from 12:40 PM - 1:00 PM. 

TMS Remote Learning/Weather Event Bell Schedule (Times are slightly different from the regular schedule, so please pay close attention.)

• Early Bird - 7:20 AM 

• Period 1 - 8:00 AM 

• Period 2 - 8:40 AM 

• Period 3 - 9:20 AM 

• Period 4 - 10:00 AM 

• Period 5 - 10:40 AM 

• Period 6 - 11:20 AM 

• Period 7 - 12:00 PM 

• Teacher Office Hours - 12:40-1:00 PM

Attendance Policy for 2024-2025 - Reminder

TCUSD #2 Attendance Policy & TMS Zero Hero Attendance

Worldstride Travel Opportunities:

• 2025 DC/NYC trip - Current 8th grade families, we have three spots available for this year's trip in June due to cancellations.  Click here for more details and to register.  Please call customer service at 1-800-468-5899 if you need help with extended payment plans.

• DC/NYC 2026 trip - Current 7th grade families, there’s still space available for next year. Don’t miss out!  We will begin a waitlist once we reach capacity.  You can find all the trip details and sign-up information here. Please call customer service at 1-800-468-5899 if you need help with extended payment plans.

• France June 2025 - there are two spots still available to travel to Paris and the French Riviera in June 2025.  Don't miss your chance to stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower and put your toes in the Mediterranean Sea!  Click here for more information and to register by February 28.  This trip is open to all TMS families.

• Ireland/Scotland Spring Break 2026 - Don't forget to register here by February 7 to save $150 using promo code 2026earlybird.  Lock in your spot with a $50 deposit and take advantage of the lowest monthly payments.  This trip is open to all TMS families.

• Please email jennifer.cochran@tcusd2.org with any questions.

Notes from Nurse Ann:

In an effort to make Illinois health requirements easier for families.  Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation will have a mobile unit available for any student to have a physical examination/sports physical and/or immunization.  This mobile unit will be at Triad High School on Tuesday May 6th. SIHF takes most insurances as well as state insurance. If your child has no insurance they will work with you on a sliding scale payment. If you would like your child to participate please complete the attached consent form and return to your school nurse by Friday April 25th.  SIHF Consent Form

Middle school and high school students DO NOT need a parent present for the exam or immunization.  

Attention 8th graders - IMPORTANT 9th Grade Info:

Illinois Health Requirements for Ninth Grade 2025-2026 school year: 

Now is a great time to schedule physical appointments so that your child will be ready to attend ninth grade in August.  The following records are due the first day of student attendance. Failure to comply with the State of Illinois regulations will result in exclusion from school beginning September 15, 2025. APPOINTMENTS AFTER THIS DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

9th Grade requirements due by September 15th 2025:

 ● Physical Exams (Sports Physical is NOT acceptable) must be on the State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Exam form and completed within one year prior to the first day of school. *Parents/Guardians must complete, sign and date the Health History Section on the top of the physical exam form. 

Dental exams on an Illinois Dental Exam Form need to be completed between November 15, 2024 - May 15, 2026.  Due May 15, 2026. 

Health forms will be accepted electronically prior to the first day of school, please send forms to natalie.propst@tcusd2.org or faxed to 618-667-8853.  All health forms are available at Triad’s website. https://sites.google.com/tcusd2.org/tcusd2-health-services/home

How can I check academic progress for my student at TMS:

• Check grades in Skyward and Canvas

• Communicate with teachers if concerns arise

Triad Together - Community Engagement Information: Triad Together Website link

Zero Hero Reward:

Just a reminder as we start a new quarter the 3rd quarter expectations are updated below - to qualify for the reward the following criteria must be met: 

3rd Quarter Expectations

• No missing work or zeroes

• 3 or less absences (Excused or Unexcused)

• No office referrals

TMS Daily Announcements: 

Would you like to have access to our TMS Daily Announcements? The announcements are located under the “Daily News” section on our TMS Website. TMS Daily Announcements

TMS Frequently Asked Questions

• Check out our Facebook posts with FAQs for TMS!!!

TMS Yearbook and Pictures:

Send your photos to tmsyearbook@tcusd2.org. 

School Breakfast & Lunch: ALL CHECK PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE TO TCUSD#2, 

Students whose families are eligible for free or reduced price breakfast or lunch will be able to access meals once again this school year at no cost or a discounted rate. Triad families who wish to apply for free or reduced meals must do so through the Skyward Family Access portal. Once in the portal, click on the “Food Service Application” tile. 

Important Dates 

• This Week at TMS

• February 24th - TCUSD #2 Board Meeting 

• February 25th - Band Concert - Triad High School, 7:00 p.m.

• February 28th - Group/Club Picture Day

• March 2nd - 7th - Respect Week

• March 2nd - School Social Worker Week

• March 6th - TMS Jazz Concert - Triad High School, 7:00 p.m.

• March 7th-14th - TMS Spring Book Fair

• March 7th - School Maintenance Appreciation Day

• March 7th - Fine Art Fridays begin

• March 13th - End of 3rd Quarter

• March 14th - SIP Day - Early Dismissal

• March 17th - No School

• March 24th - Board of Education Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

• March 25th - Spring Picture Day

• April 4th - School Librarian Day

• April 11th-12th - TMS Musical

• April 16th - April 21st - Spring Break

TCUSD #2 Virtual Backpack

TMS through photos:

Feb Photo Album