
Out-of-the-Blue
September 14, 2023 Issue 4 Vol. 4

The unexpected threat our school received Monday afternoon was not how I would have liked to start off the week. However, it provided us with a real-time moment to put what we learned and practiced during our Safety Week activities to the test. We were prepared for a quick and confident activation of our emergency response plan. Our students and staff rose to the occasion. In fact, I would describe the overall response as textbook perfect.
Monday was an example that TCSC is not immune from incidents and threats of violence via notes, calls, emails, social media posts, or discriminatory and hateful actions. Threats against students and schools is an extremely troubling trend impacting schools in Tipton County and across the country.
When we are informed about a possible threat of danger we take it seriously with the appropriate level of urgency and caution. We work cooperatively with our law enforcement partners to investigate all claims we are made aware of. We also employ every means available to locate any individual responsible for these types of claims or threats. If those threats are deemed credible, we will take the appropriate action. However, if it is found that the person making the threats or comments is doing it as a prank, a joke, or for some other reason, we will also take the appropriate action. Making these types of comments brings with them serious consequences and criminal prosecution.
These threats, the related evacuation or shelter protocols, the police response and the frequency of these events bring increased anxiety and fear in our community, regardless of the intention behind the threat. The actions taken on campus during any type of emergency depend on the specifics of the incident. For example, one or more school buildings may evacuate, lock down, or initiate a shelter-in place response according to the nature of the threat or emergency. During a developing situation, our focus first and foremost is to ensure the safety of the students and staff impacted. As quickly as possible, we’ll then move on to communicating with our families about the schools impacted so that you are aware of the situation. In many of these instances, there may be multiple updates sent via email or text. I encourage you to make sure you have opted in to receive text updates from your child’s school and from the school system, which include emergency notifications if you have not done so already.
Our comprehensive and multitiered corporation-wide safety plan and coordinated support system addresses facilities, school climate, the social and emotional domain, behavioral and mental health and wellness, emergency preparedness, and crisis intervention and response. Our safety protocols and best practices have been created to protect lives and support all aspects of the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff while on campus. While we hope this isn’t something we have to experience on a regular basis, we will continue to discuss, practice, and prepare for the worst as we hope for the best.
Thank you for doing your part and for being ambassadors of safety in our school district and throughout our community. We are stronger and safer together. #BlueFuture
TMS Athletic Entrance
Our new signage for the TMS Athletic Entrance is up and operational. It will be a couple of months before the entrance will be accessible, but the signage looks great! Special thanks to Hoosier Sign Guy, Omni Electric, and RLTurner for the design and installation.
THS Teachers
THS teachers learning about Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) teaching methods for our expanding multilingual student population.
Science of Reading
Jessica Higginbotham leading primary (K-2) grade teachers and staff in the methods for teaching reading.
5th Grade Team
Our 5th Grade Team working on formative assessments during our PD Day. Making sure students can demonstrate their learning.
TMS Boy's Locker Room
This week the floor was poured in our new TMS Boy's Locker Room. Both girls and boys locker room renovations are on schedule and will be ready for occupancy in about two to three months.
Aquatics Expanded
We've expanded TCSC Aquatics to give all students in PE classes more time in the pool. Thank you to Steven Thompson, our Aquatics Director for expanding this opportunity for our students.
Washington DC Trip
Mr. Bales talking to 8th grade students about the Washington DC Trip scheduled for this spring. We love to offer this great opportunity for TCSC students to learn about our nation through this immersive experience.
CAMPUS MAP
Calendar of Events
September 26-TES Family Literacy Night 5:30-7:30PM
September 26-2024 Budget Public Hearing-5:30PM
October 10-Monthly Board Meeting
October 11-Pk-12 Parent Teacher Conferences-Students Do Not Report