11-1-22

Dear Teeland Families:

As the weather cools our students move towards more indoor activities. Thank you for keeping your students involved! We currently have Basketball, Game On, First Lego League, Cheer, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Battle of the Books, NJHS, Study Hall, Math Lab, Girls Who Code, Guitar Club, Speech & Debate, and Art Adventures happening in our after-school programs. The benefits of involving students in extra-curricular activities are many, including, building relational skills, teamwork, improved brain function, developing time management skills, and increasing students’ connectivity to their school. Students that feel more connected to their school, are proven to be more academically successful.

Another great indoor, at-home activity is reading! Each night students should be taking the time to read. Below are a few tips to encourage your middle school student to make time for reading:

1. Let your child choose what to read.

2. Talk about what your child is reading.

3. Listen to books on tape in the car.

4. Ensure that children have a good reading space.

5. Role model taking time to read.

We have an excellent library here at TMS and free books available outside both school entrances.

Bus routes have increased beginning October 24th, and we are hearing that in November, we will have even more bus routes running fulltime. Student attendance has been a concern and we are hopeful that it will improve with the additional routes in place. We appreciate how supportive our TMS families have been throughout the transportation concerns.

Safety is our first priority at school, and this includes students wearing appropriate clothing and shoes to school. Please ensure that your students are wearing shoes that cover their feet and bringing a coat to school. In the event of an emergency, students may have to stand outside or walk to a nearby school, in inclement weather.

Quarter two always goes by fast so please take the time to sit with your student and check grades. We have study skills and math lab available after school. We also have the option for students to be assigned 3 days a week, during 4 C’s, to a class where they need additional support.

Remember to download the parental Go Guardian App! This is a tool that will allow you to put restrictions on your student’s Chromebook after school hours. This app also gives parents the ability to allow or block sites as needed.

Every day I am grateful for the opportunity to work with your students. Thank you!

Jo Ann Hinds, Principal

All bus passes must include the following information:

• Student’s name

• Parent and/or guardian’s name

• Parent and/or guardian’s contact phone number (in case of bus emergency)

• Approved bus stop location that the student will be dropped off

You may email Teeland at tms@matsuk12.us to request a bus pass.

Ms. Olson may be contacted at 907.352.7528 or at kimberly.olson@matsuk12.us.

*Bus passes must be received by 12:00 pm for same-day passes.