Tecumseh Middle School Newsletter
November 2023 - Volume 3, Issue 1
Message from the Principals
Trisha Howard - Principal
Kris Hoag - Assistant Principal
As we approach the end of the year, I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and high spirits. The holiday season is a time of joy, gratitude, and reflection, but it is also an opportunity to reinforce the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect within our school community.
In the spirit of the season, let us reaffirm our commitment to treating each other with kindness, compassion, and respect. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every student thrives. As parents and guardians, we encourage you to have conversations with your children about the importance of empathy, standing up against bullying, and embracing differences.
Right now, our students are learning to create a culture of promoting wellness, where students feel comfortable getting help when they are struggling emotionally, might feel suicidal, or are having a tough time with anger, anxiety, or depression. We are staying focused on the strengths in our lives and how to help others recognize their strengths.
In other news, we had a great opportunity to serve our Veterans who have done so much for us and our country. We hosted a Veterans Day Breakfast. Our local heroes had a nice meal with our Tecumseh Middle School students and TMS Staff. Our cadets and other TPS members served food to those who attended. During the event, the Chamber Choir performed The Star-Spangled Banner, while the Tecumseh Symphony Orchestra played the Armed Forces Salute. This was a small token of appreciation for Veterans who have bravely dedicated their lives to defending our freedom.
Thank you for your continued support in creating an inclusive and safe school environment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any school-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Message from the Counselors
Michelle Doerfler - Counselor
5th & 7th Grades
Deborah Followell - Counselor
6th & 8th Grades
With Thanksgiving upon us, we would like to center our newsletter around gratitude, as it is an important quality that can enrich our lives in numerous ways.
Gratitude goes beyond merely saying "thank you." It is about cultivating a mindset of appreciation and recognizing the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how big or small. Research has shown that practicing gratitude has a multitude of benefits, such as improved mental health, increased resilience, stronger relationships, and enhanced overall well-being.
Remember, gratitude is a habit that can be cultivated and nurtured over time. Incorporating these practices into your child's routine can help them develop positive thinking patterns.
1. Gratitude Journal: Encourage your child to keep a gratitude journal, where they can write down things they are thankful for each day. It can be anything from spending time with a friend to appreciating a beautiful sunset. This practice can help them reflect on the positives in their lives and shift their focus toward gratitude.
2. Acts of Kindness: Inspire your child to perform acts of kindness towards others. Encourage them to write a thank you note, lend a helping hand, or volunteer for a cause they care about. Such actions can foster gratitude and empathy, as they witness the impact of their actions on others' lives.
3. Family Gratitude Time: Set aside a few minutes each day or week as a family to express gratitude. It can be during dinnertime or before bedtime, where each family member takes turns sharing something they are grateful for. This activity promotes a positive atmosphere within the family and encourages open communication.
4. Model Gratitude: Be a role model for your child by expressing gratitude in your day-to-day life. Show appreciation for their efforts, express thanks to others, and demonstrate a thankful attitude. Children tend to imitate their parents' behavior, so leading by example can have a profound impact on them.
We are thankful for the time we get to spend with the students of TMS and are wishing your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
Harassment Policies
District Policy on Harassment
The Board of Education will vigorously enforce its prohibition against discriminatory harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") that are protected by Federal civil rights laws (hereinafter referred to as unlawful harassment), and encourages those within the School District community as well as third parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify such problems.
The Board will investigate all allegations of harassment, and in those cases where unlawful harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. Individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Race/Color Harassment
Prohibited racial harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's race or color and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity.
Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets, and/or negative references relative to racial customs.
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Happening Around Tecumseh Middle School
Tecumseh Unites in Gratitude: A Day of Tribute to Veterans
The community of Tecumseh came together in a resounding display of gratitude and honor, celebrating Veterans Day with two remarkable events that paid tribute to the veterans and exemplified the unity and appreciation felt across the district.
The day began with the resounding success of the Veterans Day Breakfast at Tecumseh Middle School, which witnessed an overwhelming turnout. The event, orchestrated by the TMS staff and supported by the National Junior Honor Society from TMS and Cadets from Tecumseh High School, was a heartfelt gesture to honor the courageous veterans who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding freedom.
A striking performance of The Star-Spangled Banner by the THS Chamber Choir set an inspiring tone for the event, followed by captivating displays from the TMS band and the 8th-grade Orchestra. The TSO’s rendition of the Armed Forces Salute, representing various military branches, was a moving tribute to the heroes in attendance.
However, the morning's highlight was the Gratitude Campaign, where over 1,000 heartfelt letters from TMS students were delivered to the veterans. The aim was to create a lasting impact, mirroring the profound effect it had on the students themselves.
Carrie Barden and Kristin Hess, instrumental in orchestrating these projects, received commendation for their hard work and dedication. The generous support from Tuckey's Big Boy in Tecumseh, through their donation of food and workforce, significantly contributed to the event's success.
The day continued with Tecumseh High School's grand "We Salute" Ceremony and the Sculpture Garden tribute unveiling. This collaborative effort involved multiple school departments and organizations, all coming together to pay homage to the veterans.
TMS Students "Rake A Difference" in Annual Community Service Event
Despite facing a two-day weather delay, Tecumseh Middle School students rallied together for their annual "Rake a Difference" day, proving that nothing can deter their spirit of community service.
Dozens of enthusiastic TMS students, accompanied by dedicated staff members, descended upon more than 30 homes in the Tecumseh community to participate in this event. Whether they walked or rode a bus to their designated locations, these young volunteers joined forces to rake leaves and fill countless bags, providing assistance to those who may struggle with this task on their own. It was a heartwarming display of unity and compassion within the community.
Rake a Difference is organized by the Tecumseh Middle School Builders Club, which is the largest service organization for our middle school students. What makes this club even more inspiring is that it's entirely run by the students themselves. This hands-on approach not only allows students to take charge of their community service efforts but also instills in them the values of empathy and responsibility.
The event wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, Mary Tommelein, and Cindy Hook, who played vital roles in the organization of this incredible community service project. Their dedication to making a difference in the community is commendable and serves as a reminder of how collaboration and community support can create meaningful change.
Rake a Difference not only showcases the remarkable dedication of Tecumseh Middle School students and staff but also demonstrates the power of community service in bringing people together for a common cause. The event is a testament to the positive impact that young people can have on their community when they come together with a shared goal: to make a difference.
Talent Together: Empowering Aspiring Educators in Tecumseh Public Schools
In a significant development for Michigan’s educational landscape, Tecumseh Public Schools has welcomed its very first participant into the “Talent Together” program. Launched this year, Talent Together is a state initiative aimed at boosting the quality of education by providing Michigan residents with the opportunity to become educators or expand their qualifications in crucial learning areas, all at no cost to the individual.
The Michigan State Legislature is taking proactive steps to address the teacher shortage by allocating $66.4 million to the Talent Together initiative – a collaborative effort involving 48 intermediate school districts across the state.
Talent Together is garnering recognition as a groundbreaking program driven by the goal of nurturing highly skilled educators while removing financial barriers that might deter aspiring teachers. With its commitment to educational excellence, TPS has eagerly embraced the program and has six employees who have been accepted into this transformative initiative.
Its emphasis on experiential learning sets Talent Together apart from conventional educational pathways. Participants engage in all required coursework through various accredited higher education institutions in Michigan. However, the program’s uniqueness truly shines through its approach to real-world teaching experiences. Participants are paired with host districts and mentor teachers for an entire school year, with compensation and benefits. This format provides invaluable insights and practical skills that differentiate Talent Together from traditional student teaching programs.
Jayme Funchion from Tecumseh Middle School is the first TPS employee to embark on her Talent Together journey. She is currently in her apprenticeship. Jayme’s unwavering passion for education and her commitment to professional growth have earned her this distinction, and her apprenticeship officially commenced in September.
Carrie Barden, an experienced 5th-grade teacher at TMS, has assumed the role of Jayme’s mentor for the current school year. Together, they will navigate the intricacies of classroom management and other essential pedagogical skills, providing Jayme with a well-rounded and immersive educational experience.
Upon successfully completing her Talent Together program, Jayme will emerge as a certified teacher, well-prepared to assume a vital role as a qualified Michigan educator. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of Talent Together’s potential to transform dedicated individuals into accomplished educators who will contribute to Michigan’s educational landscape.
As Talent Together continues to gain momentum, it promises to usher in an era of excellence in education throughout the state. The collaboration between Tecumseh Public Schools and this groundbreaking program underscores a shared commitment to nurturing talent, fostering educators, and ultimately enhancing the quality of education for Michigan’s students.
Jayme had served as the secretary at TMS for the past several years. With her taking on this new role, Bobbie Jo Brandou has transitioned into the secretary position. Bobbie Jo has been with TPS for a few years, spanning several positions during that time.
TMS Band Students Visit University of Michigan
An exciting day at the University of Michigan for Tecumseh Middle School's 5th Grade Band!
Our talented young musicians visited Revelli Hall after being invited by Dr. Colleen Conway, a renowned professor of music education. Our band couldn't have been more thrilled to accept the invite!
The 5th graders had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the next generation of music educators, sharing their love of music.
Our musicians were able to tour the home of The University of Michigan Marching Band and even take in a private concert.
Moments like these truly shape our young musicians' passion and appreciation for the world of music.
After School Homework Help
After-school homework help is available for Tecumseh Middle School students.
Tutoring is on Tuesdays right after school ends. You will meet in the cafeteria at TMS.
Tuesdays - 2:50 pm-3:40 pm
Please have a ride home arranged to be picked up promptly at 3:40 pm.
National Honor Society students and Community Learning Connections staff are available to help as needed.
Clubs at TMS
As your child moves through middle school, participation in after-school 'clubs' can be a transformational experience.
Teens should strive to be thoughtful and strategic about what clubs to join during middle school. Not every club will be a perfect fit, but it's important to approach the process with a plan in mind. Be intentional.
Daily morning announcements provide information for students when it comes to joining a club.
Current available clubs at TMS:
Art Club
Chess Club
Builders Club
Sources of Strength
Fuel up to Play 60
Jr. S.A.D.D
Equations
District Calendar
307 North Maumee Street
Tecumseh, MI 49286
517-423-1105
Start/End: 7:40 am - 2:35 pm
Half-Day: 10:50 am
Early Release: 12:35 pm