Friday, March 7, 2025
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:
Click this link to see our SignUp for the TMS Book Fair
Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you would like.
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.
Congrats to our Fine Arts programs:
Mar. 1, was the IGSMA State Solo/Ensemble Contest at Coolidge Jr High in Granite City. TMS Band had 44 soloists and 5 ensembles perform. Those performances resulted in 14 Superior solos, 29 Excellent solos, 1 Good solo, and 5 Superior ensembles including the Pezz Band, the 8th Grade Percussion ensemble, 1 trio, and 2 duets! Congratulations to all the students that performed and represented TMS with outstanding results!
The choir had 15 soloists and 5 ensembles perform. Those performances resulted in 2 Superior solos, 12 Excellent solos, 1 Good solo, 2 Superior ensembles, 2 Excellent ensembles, and 1 Good ensemble, including three duets and two double duets.
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.
Triad Together - Community Engagement Information: Triad Together Website link
Date | Time | Event | Informational Meeting Location |
3/13/25 | 6:30pm | General Informational Night | CA Henning Elementary Cafeteria |
3/27/25 | 6:15pm | THS Spring Musical | THS Library |
Thank you for helping us speed up drop-off this morning - we really appreciate your cooperation. We have been able to start school each morning promptly at 7:30, and decreased our tardy arrival significantly!! Thanks again for your help.
Permission to ride bus
Students can not ride another bus without special permission from the Office.
A note signed by both parents must be brought to the Main Office at the start of the day.
The notes will be approved by the Principal, and a bus pass assigned.
Please note we will not call for verbal permission.
The bus must be able to accommodate the student/students.
Can students switch buses at THS or get off and ride with someone?
Students are not allowed to exit the bus at Triad High School.
Students cannot ride with another family member or sibling waiting at THS.
Safety is our #1 priority, only students who have Athletic Passes can get off at THS.
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.
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 (postponed to Monday, March 10th)
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
Triad High School Spring Cheerleading Camp
K-8 @ Triad High School
March 25 & 26th, 5:30-7:30
Registration Fee: $45, fees due by March 12th.
Forms available in the Main Office or Virtual Backpack
Contact abigail.carter@tcusd2.org
SOAR - 6th Grade
We would like to encourage your child(ren) to become involved in the TMS SOAR Program. The purpose of SOAR (Sixth Only After-School Recreation) is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational activities after the regular school day ends as an extension of the school’s physical education program. Participation in SOAR will not only give your child(ren) the chance to be active, it will also give them ample opportunities to make new friends and demonstrate such qualities as good sportsmanship, cooperation, and leadership in a supervised and structured environment.
The TMS SOAR Program will run a Spring session starting at the end of March. They usually meet 2 days a week (either on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays) after school from 1:55-3:30pm. Spring session dates are March 24, 27, April 1, 3, 7, 10, 23, 24, 28, and 30. Students will be eligible to ride the 4:15 activity bus to predetermined local stops if they cannot be picked up at 3:30pm. The cost for each session is $50 per child. Forms will be available early March in PE classes, online, or in the main office for the session.
Tryout for 2025-2026 TMS Baseball:
Listed below is a schedule of tryouts for the 2 baseball teams (7th & 8th) that we have at Triad Middle School. Tryouts will be held at Triad High School turf field on Tuesday, August 5th and Wednesday, August 6th (final cuts will be on Wednesday at the end of practice).
8th grade tryouts will be from 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM both days weather permitting
7th grade tryouts will be from 8:45 AM - 10:30 AM both days weather permitting
Team practices will begin on Thursday, August 7th. The regular season games will start the following week. PLEASE PLAN VACATIONS BEFOREHAND. A game schedule for both teams will be given to players who make the team. Each person trying out for the baseball team MUST HAVE A PHYSICAL BEFORE AUGUST 5th IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN TRYOUTS. You must bring your physical form to tryouts stating that you have had one. If you turned it into the school office, please let the coaches know.
Once you have made the team, we will let you know the everyday practice schedule and any other additional information. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email Coach Vickrey, the 8th grade team coach, or Coach Bugger, the 7th grade team coach at school (667-5406).
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:
The Troy/Edwardsville Shrine Club is hosting a screening clinic on Saturday March 29th 9 am to Noon at Anderson Hospital (Entrance 2). Our hospital provides many different services for children, including sport injuries, free of charge. Please help us by sharing this information with any students we might be able to help. If you have any questions please give us a call. This screening is for children with various muscular or skeletal issues such as cleft lip, cleft palate, scoliosis, spina bifida, cleft foot, leg length discrepancy, developmental disabilities, and other orthopedic conditions. Call Shriner Patrick James for more information @ 618-709-6316.
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
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
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
TMS through photos: