Cougars ROAR: TEMS Community News
Issue IV: December 23, 2022
Principal's Message
I am so happy to be able to share some wonderful highlights from the past month. Winter sports are up and running, with the boys and girls basketball teams having their first games this week. For those that joined any of the student musician performances I know you would agree that TEMS students certainly have talent. I am grateful for the ongoing support of our chorus, orchestra, and band program. Our debate club competed this weekend, and in the Open Division one of our TEMS teams finished the day with a perfect 3-0 record. Three of our Novice Division teams finished with a perfect 3-0 record. 86 mathematicians competed in the MathCounts competition and it is truly impressive to see how students show what they know.
We are wrapping up this week with a lot of energy throughout the building. I know we are all excited for the well-deserved break. I would like to end this month's message with my gratitude- I appreciate the TEMS family- the students, staff, and families that are all part of the fabric of this community- your collective support of our learners and programs allows us to continue to bring high quality experiences to our middle schoolers. I wish you well this holiday season and sending all my best as we ring in the new year!
Athletic News- Student Spectators at Home Games
Now that winter sports are here we want to share a reminder about student spectators. Students who wish to come cheer for our teams must stay after school and check in with our teacher monitors at the end of the day. Students who leave and come back to watch the game should be accompanied by a guardian. Students must have transportation for 4:45 on days that they stay after school with our teacher monitors. Thank you for helping us make sure we keep our students safe while they cheer on our athletes.
Schedules are shared on TETV News and on the TEMS Winter Athletics webpage.
Upcoming Schoolwide Student and Family Event
Look out for more information about a schoolwide activity night that is being scheduled for January 20th. In addition to student activities in many spaces throughout the building, we are also inviting parents in to learn about and to discuss social media and the impact on our middle schoolers.
School Counseling Information
You are invited to the SWHS School Counseling's Grade 8 Parent/Guardian Night on Tuesday, January 10th beginning at 5 p.m. in the SWHS Auditorium.
At this program, Ms. Dina Keleher & Ms. Krista Nordmark (SWHS Grade 9 School Counselors) will discuss the following:
-How to prepare for the upcoming transition to high school
-How middle school is different than high school
-SWHS culture and expectations
-Key SWHS policies and procedures
-The grade 9 course selection process
-The SWHS Course Catalog
-And much more...
Grade 8 students will receive this same information via a classroom lesson at TEMS during this same week and thus should not attend this evening program.
Throughout the program, there will be plenty of opportunities for parent/guardian questions. We hope that you can attend.
Teaching and Learning: News from Our Instructional Coaching Team
Mrs. Alison Fetta and Mr. Kent Besocke are instructional coaches that support faculty and staff in providing instruction that meets the needs of our diverse learners at TEMS.
Participation often means having a voice in class. Teachers offer students a variety of opportunities to respond. Have you ever wondered how your child engages in cooperative learning groups or joins in class discussions? Spark a conversation with the following questions:
How often do you share your thoughts and ideas in class?
When you are in a group, what is your role?
When your teacher asks for volunteers, do you volunteer? Why or why not?
What are ways that you respond to the opinions and ideas of peers?
How often do you ask for help?
Encourage your child to have a voice in all of their classes, because all voices matter!
Winter Matinees
Registration for winter matinees has closed, but we do still have space in a handful of session offerings. If you are still interested in your child participating in a winter matinee you can email
Lori Stewart to discuss options. The brochure is
linked here.
Help Wanted SWPS Daily Substitutes
The South Windsor Public Schools has openings for caring, responsible, and reliable individuals to substitute in all of our schools. We need your help to find individuals interested in working in our amazing district with wonderful students and staff, while having a flexible schedule and earning $125 per day. Prior experience working with school-aged children or a bachelor’s degree is required. Our substitutes are an essential part of our schools. Please talk to your friends, neighbors, and relatives who may be looking for a flexible job opportunity, enjoy community involvement, or are interested in gaining experience working in the field of education.
For more information, please contact any of our school administrators or visit our website to apply for about these important positions: https://www.southwindsorschools.org/departments/personnel_and_administration/substitutes
TETV Morning News
The daily TETV Morning News serve as our primary vehicle for communicating important information to students each day. This is where students can learn about upcoming events, tryouts, clubs and activities, and current events. In addition to playing during homeroom each day you can access the daily news on our
school website. South Windsor Teen Center
We value our partnership with South Windsor Youth and Family Services. Please see the information about upcoming events and resources below.
