Dear Parents/Guardians:

I’m happy to be the first to welcome you and your child with great anticipation as we look to begin the 2018-19 school year at TMS! The summer has flown by as it always does, and we here at TMS are eager for the return of your child. I hope the summer provided you and your family many fun experiences and memories and also opportunities to learn and grow. If not, summer is not over yet!

Keeping our parents and students informed is one of our priorities. Our newsletter and school website will always contain dates/times of important events that will be occurring for you and your child. These can always be found on our school webpage. In addition, TMS has its own Facebook page for those of you who use this resource. Please review the information in our newsletter and visit our website (for much more information) so you are prepared as the school year begins.

The safety of our students is our most important priority. We at Tomah Middle School do all we can proactively and reactively ensuring your child has a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Even with the vigilance of our staff, we also rely on the insights of our students and parents. Please help reinforce this message with your child. Should they ever feel unsafe due to bullying behaviors or other situations at school, please encourage them to speak with an adult here. I assure you we will investigate and respond to all situations. Again, there is nothing more important to us than providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment and experience for your child. Thank you for your assistance.

One of the most important dates mentioned in this edition of the TMS Parent Newsletter is our Fall Rally that takes place on Friday, August 10th from 10:00am until 6:00p.m. in the middle school gymnasium. Please review all of the important Fall Rally information referenced in this newsletter so we can help make the transition into this school year very smooth.

With school shopping coming up soon, I’d like to be sure you and your child have all of the necessary information regarding our school dress code. It’s my hope that by providing this to you early we will help avoid any purchases of items your child would wear to school that do not meet our school expectations. You will find our dress code included in this letter for your convenience. A copy of the school supply list is also included for your convenience.

Enjoy the rest of the summer as it will be gone before we know it. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We’ll see you at the Fall Rally and let’s get ready for a great 2018-19 school year, The Timberwolf Way!

Sincerely,

Steven T. BussPrincipal

Tomah Middle SchoolAugust/September 2018 Newsletter

STUDENT DRESS CODE EXPECTATONS

The appearance of any young person is primarily the responsibility of that individual and his/her parents. Student dress or grooming should not affect the health/safety of students or disrupt the learning process within the classroom/school. Clothing should be neat, modest, clean and appropriate for school activities and should always cover the torso from above chest cleavage to mid-thigh. According to state regulations for public buildings, appropriate footwear (any form of a shoe) must be worn at all time. Jackets, coats, sunglasses, bandannas and hats are not to be worn in the classroom. Articles of clothing, hairstyles or makeup, which are determined by the building administrator/designee to interfere with the educational process, are prohibited. These guidelines apply to all school-related functions including those held outside the normal school day.

Examples of inappropriate clothing include (but are not limited to):* Clothing and/or expressions which are obscene, representative of illegal behavior

(promotion of drug/alcohol use), demeaning to others (racial, religious, sexist or ethnic inscriptions), contain sexual references/double meanings or apparel/signs symbolic of gang related activity, or sexually suggestive material such as Big Johnson, Co-Ed Naked, Budweiser, or Hooters.

* Any pants/shorts that are worn below the waist where undergarments (including boxer shorts) are exposed or pants/shorts with holes in them that expose undergarments.Shorts and skirts that are not of appropriate length and fit according to acceptable standards (while standing with their arms hanging at their sides, shorts, and skirts that do not extend at or past the finger tips are too short for school).

* Shirts without sleeves. Spaghetti strap tops/dresses/tank tops/muscle shirts/etc. are acceptable only if another garment that has sleeves with non-transparent material is worn over or under it.

* Halter tops, backless tops or other tops that have inappropriate necklines.* Shirt or other tops which are transparent, or in any way see-through, with the

undershirt/garment not meeting the dress code expectations.* Any type of shirt that exposes either the front or the back of the abdomen area.

Some clothing styles/attire may also be deemed inappropriate by the administration because of safety.

* Pants should be worn at the waist. All straps and suspenders will be fastened.* Excessively baggy pants in which contraband items could be hidden or which could cause

a student to trip and fall will not be allowed.* Wheels must be removed from Heelys or any other type of shoe with wheels while

wearing the shoes on school property.* Face or body painting.* No gang graffiti dress, activity, or related materials will be allowed.

Students who do not meet these expectations will be asked to change clothes (ESS clothes are acceptable), contact home immediately for a change of clothes, be loaned an alternative shirt from the office, or be sent home. Absences due to this type of behavior are unexcused and repeat offenses will result in additional consequences.

Students who are involved in extracurricular activities may be assigned uniforms that do not meet the requirements of this dress code because of the nature of the activity in which they are involved.

FALL RALLY

The date is set for our 14th annual TMS Fall Rally. We continue to have great participation each year, and we receive many positive comments from parents how this event takes the stress out of the start of the school year. The purpose behind the rally is to take care of much of the “start of the school year” information and paperwork. On Friday, August 10th between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., all Tomah Middle School students and parents are invited to stop in the school and accomplish the following:

1) Receive student schedule and assignment notebook 2) Receive school medication/procedure form and check on immunization

status3) Deposit money in lunch account4) Submit paperwork forms printed and completed from website or pick up

required paperwork and complete at Fall Rally5) Have school picture taken – Forms available at Fall Rally Payment needed6) Sign up expressing interest in school extra-curricular activities, (i.e.

Sports, Yearbook, Chess Club, Student Council, Art Club, etc…)7) Get a lock and a locker assignment

While this can be a paperwork-heavy event, completing these at the beginning of the school year not only allows your child to be ready for the school year, but also takes care of everything before the year begins.  We are doing all we can to provide you with the ability to complete some of these forms online at home even before you arrive at Fall Rally.  This will make better use of your time on that day.  Look for more information coming soon through email and/or our TMS Facebook page. We highly encourage everyone to participate in this date. A parent/guardian does need to attend the Fall Rally with a student. We will not give out materials to students who attend without a parent/guardian.

We want to stress this is the first “picture day”. Forms will be available at Fall Rally. Your child is able to get his/her picture taken (without the worry of his/her hair getting mussed up in Exercise and Sport Science class) and you can view the picture for quality assurance! If your child does not have his/her picture taken at the Fall Rally, it will be taken on Thursday, October 4th.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: You may access your child’s schedule using your home or work computer if you have

completed the Parent Student Information Web Access form. We highly encourage parents to use this technological tool to stay updated on school information. Besides your child’s schedule, you will be able to access attendance information and the monetary status of your child’s lunch account, as well as what he/she is eating each day. All TMS teachers will open access to their computerized grade book and assignments for parents to monitor.

The Tomah Middle School athletic program begins prior to the start of school. A fall sport player/parent meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 13th at 5:00 p.m. for 7th & 8th grade Football; 5:45 p.m. for Boys’ and Girls’ Golf; 6:30 p.m. for 7th & 8th grade Volleyball; 7:15 p.m. for Girls’ Tennis and 8:00 p.m. for Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country.

The September menu will be available on the school website by Friday, August 10th. We

will also have hard copies available at our Fall Rally.

TMS MUSICAL Please stop by and visit me during the Fall Rally. I will have exciting news about our upcoming musical.

Lisa McCormickTMS Musical Director

TMS Parent/Student Handbook and Newsletter Online for Your Convenience

Our handbook and newsletters can be found on our school website. This allows you to view both our handbook and the monthly editions of our school newsletter at your convenience, wherever you have the ability to reach the internet. As each new edition of the newsletter becomes available, you’ll receive an e-mail notification (and Facebook notification for those who follow TMS through Facebook) that it’s ready for your review. If you are not able to access these through our website, please contact our office at 608-374-7885, and we’ll coordinate a way for you to receive this information.

Beginning Band Lessons 2018Attendance at these lessons is required in order to be registered for band class at Tomah Middle School.

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday (August 20th – 23rd)8:00-9:00 am Flute Class9:00-10:00am Clarinet Class10:00-11:00am Saxophone Class12:00-1:00pm Trumpet Class1:00-2:00pm Trombone Class2:00-3:00pm Euphonium/Tuba/French Horn Class3:00-4:00pm Percussion Class

Friday, August 24thAll students meet from 10:00am-11:00am for a large group rehearsal.

All Summer Band Lessons will be held in the Tomah Middle School Band Room.

If you cannot attend Summer Band Lessons, please contact Ms. Prihoda ASAP to set up a time for her to meet with your beginning band student.

7 th & 8 th Grade Marching Band Camp August 20th – August 23rd, 2018

Every fall all 7th and 8th Grade Band Students participate in marching band performances. To prepare for these performances, all 7th and 8th grade band students will need to attend the TMS Summer Marching Band Camp on the following days:

Monday, August 20th 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Percussion Rehearsal6:00pm – 8:00pm: Full Band RehearsalTuesday, August 21st 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Percussion Rehearsal6:00pm – 8:00pm: Full Band RehearsalWednesday, August 22nd 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Percussion Rehearsal6:00pm – 8:00pm: Full Band RehearsalThursday, August 23rd 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Percussion Rehearsal6:00pm – 8:00pm: Full Band Rehearsal

Please bring your instrument, music, and a water bottle (if you need it) to all rehearsals, and come wearing tennis shoes ready to march! Flip folder and lyre are optional for this camp, but will be required by the first day of school. Students may purchase supplies from Ms. Prihoda or from one of the music stores in LaCrosse. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Have a great summer, and I’ll see you on August 20th!

Ms. Prihoda

TOMAH MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST for the 2018-2019 School Year

Note: Other materials or minor fees may be necessary based on experiences throughout the year. Your child will be notified in advance when these are needed. Many supplies like pencils, markers, glue sticks and Kleenex will need to be replenished at various times during the school year.

6th GRADE8 Spiral notebooks (one subject with 3 hole punches) Binder (at least 2 ½ inches deep)8 pocket folders (with 3 hole punches) 1 Package of loose leaf paperPencils/erasers Kleenex (3 big boxes)Pencil case (with 3 hole punch) 1 Box of pencils for Team useHighlighter - non toxic 1 Pack 3x5 blank notecardsHead phones/ear buds Hand held pencil sharpenersWireless mouse (strongly encouraged)

7th GRADESpiral notebooks (one per subject) Kleenex (3 big boxes)Pocket folders (one per subject) 2 Black dry erase markers Head phones/ear buds (1) 100 count packs of index cards4 Packs of pencils 1 Composition notebookPens (black or blue) Red penWireless mouse (strongly encouraged)

Organization device (of the student's choosing) such as a large binder, 8-pocket folder, trapper keeper, accordion file, etc. to help your child to organize themselves

8th GRADESpiral notebooks (one per subject) Pens and PencilsPocket folders (one per subject) HighlightersHead phones/earbuds Kleenex (3 big boxes) - for iRead teacher2 Composition notebooks TI-30 Scientific calculator

Wireless mouse (strongly encouraged)

ESS (P.E.) UNIFORM FOR ALL STUDENTSClothing: Crew neck T-shirts or sweatshirts (no sleeveless, low cut or v-neck shirts), shorts or sweat pants (no jeans shorts or pants), tennis shoes and socks; all items must meet school dress code policy Colors: Gold, black, gray or whiteWe often receive requests from parents wanting to donate supplies. If you wish to, we could always use your assistance for the basic supplies such as folders, notebooks, pencils, and pens or any items on this list.

Thank you!

August/September 2018 Events Note: Please verify dates and times for sporting events on the website as they are subject to change.

Thursday, August 2 Summer PACK Ends

Friday, August 10 TMS Fall Rally 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday, August 13 Fall Sports Parent/Player Meeting 5:00 p.m. - 7th & 8th grade Football – THS 5:45 p.m. – 7th & 8th grade Baseline Concussion Testing 5:45 p.m. – 6th – 8th grade - Boys’ & Girls’ Golf – THS 6:30 p.m. - 7th & 8th grade Volleyball – THS 7:15 p.m. – 6th – 8th grade Girls’ Tennis – THS 8:00 p.m. – 6th–8th grade Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country – THS

Tuesday, September 4 First Day of School - Students report to 1st hour classPractice Begins:Cross Country – TMS 3:30 p.m. 7th & 8th grade Football – Cramer/Schroeder Field 3:30 p.m. 6th – 8th grade Golf – Hiawatha Golf Club 3:30 p.m. 6th – 8th grade Girls’ Tennis – THS 3:30 p.m. 8th grade Volleyball – TMS Gym 3:30 p.m. 7th grade Volleyball – La Grange Elementary 3:30 p.m.

Friday, September 7 Green & Gold School-Wide Fundraiser Kick Off More information will be coming home at that time.

Thursday, September 7

Friday, September 8

Monday, September 10 Golf vs. Holmen MS @Hiawatha Golf Club 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 11 Girls’ Tennis vs. La Crosse Longfellow @ Central High School 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 13 Girls’ Tennis vs. Onalaska THS 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 15 Cross Country @Brookwood HS 9:00 a.m.

Monday, September 17 Golf vs. Onalaska – Hiawatha Golf 4:00 p.m. Cross Country @Myrick Park 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 18 Green & Gold Fundraiser Order Forms Due7th grade Football @Onalaska 4:30 p.m. Girls’ Tennis @Lincoln Middle School 4:30 p.m. 8th grade Volleyball vs. Holmen – TMS 4:30 p.m. 7th grade Volleyball vs. Holmen – La Grange 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 20 8th grade Football – Lincoln Middle School – TBA 4:30 p.m. Girls’ Tennis vs. Aquinas @UW La Crosse Courts 4:30 p.m. 8th grade Volleyball @G-E-T 4:45 p.m. 7th grade Volleyball @G-E-T 4:45 p.m.

Monday, September 24 Golf vs. Sparta @River Run Golf Course 4:00 p.m. Girls’ Tennis vs. Longfellow @La Grange Elem. 4:15 p.m. 8th grade Volleyball vs. Aquinas TMS 4:30 p.m. 7th grade Volleyball vs. Aquinas La Grange 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 25 8th grade Football vs. Logan Mc Kean Field THS 4:30 p.m. 7th grade Football vs. Aquinas MTHS 6:00 p.m. Girls’ Tennis vs. Logan - La Grange 4:15 p.m. Cross Country Meet - @West Salem Elementary 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, September 27 Early Dismissal 1:18 p.m. – Teacher Collaboration

Friday, September 28 NO SCHOOL – Cranfest

Student Pictures In the Fall, Life Touch takes pictures of each student for our yearbook. If you prepay, yourdesired packet of pictures will be printed and sent home with your child. The second picture day isscheduled for Thursday, October 4th if you are unable to attend the Fall Rally.