TEMS Family Newsletter 11/28/25

Posted Date: 11/26/25 (09:00 AM)

Cougar Connection

Issue 4: November 26, 2025

Stylized illustration of a purple cougar's face with a geometric background.

Principal's Message

As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support of our school community. Your partnership is invaluable as we work together to provide the best possible education for our children. This month has offered so much to be grateful for, but most of all I am grateful for the small moments with our remarkable middle schoolers that I get to be part of every day. It is a privilege to work alongside incredible teachers, and with families, that share a strong commitment to our work.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at report cards conferences scheduled on December 2nd, 4th, and 5th. These are early release days for students (12:05), and all families should have scheduled a conference with their child's homeroom teachers to discuss current progress in all classes.

December also brings the winter concert series beginning with Orchestra on December 8th, Band on December 15th, and Choir on January 8th.

Tryouts for winter athletics started this week- we are so excited for another great season.

Girls Basketball Tryouts-November 24th and December 1st
Boys Basketball Tryouts- November 25th and December 3rd
Cheer Tryouts- December 1st and December 3rd

I wish each of you the best as you enjoy some time off together. Thank you!!

A cartoon image shows a Thanksgiving feast with animal characters.

Important Dates

Please click here to reference the school event's calendar that can be found on ParentSquare. Follow TEMS on Facebook, Twitter, and Threads.

A 'Lost & Found' sign with winter accessories like hats and gloves.

TEMS Lost and Found

Our bin is overflowing with jackets, bags, and water bottles! Please help us connect these lost items to their rightful owners. The bin is located in the main foyer and students are encouraged to check there if they are missing anything. All items will be laid out during report card conferences. Items still left after conferences will be donated. Thank you!

Attendance Matters

As we move into the winter season, we understand that illnesses may arise, and we encourage students to stay home when they are not feeling well. At the same time, every day of school matters, and consistent attendance plays an important role in student success. Please help us support your child by ensuring they are here every day they are able. We also ask families to keep attendance in mind when planning any upcoming travel for upcoming holidays. Thank you for your partnership in helping our students learn and thrive.

TEMS PTO Family Night Out

Take a break from holiday shopping, wrapping, and cooking, let Red Robin handle dinner while you support TEMS!

Join us for a delicious day of fundraising to benefit Timothy Edwards Middle School. Whether you dine in or grab takeout, a percentage of your bill will help the PTO continue supporting every TEMS student.

Simply show this notice to your server or when picking up your order, and Red Robin will donate a portion of your total back to TEMS.

Bring the family, spread the word, and let’s turn burgers into a boost for our school!

Every burger, every fry, and every sip helps our students thrive.

Ordering Online? Here’s How to Make It Count:

Start your order at redrobin.com/order and select the location listed above.
In the menu, scroll to the category labeled “Fundraisers (To-Go Only).” Click on it.
Click “Add” and then “Add to Bag.”
Add your meal items and complete checkout as usual.
Swing by Red Robin - come in, say hi, grab your food, and you’re on your way!
If the location offers curbside pickup, they’ll happily bring it out to your car

A Red Robin Family Night Out! event is advertised with a mascot interacting with diners.

A purple feline parent helps a child with homework at a desk.

How Do I Help My Child Learn?

Tip #3: Nurture a Love for Learning

Provide Enrichment

Connect what your child learns in class to real-world examples, such as identifying the science when cooking, using math when planning a trip, or exploring historical topics when visiting museums.

Encourage Reading

Promote literacy by reading together to build fluency, reading yourself to model a love for reading, and providing a variety of reading materials to accommodate all interests and hobbies.

Engage in Conversation

Talk to your child by asking thoughtful curriculum-based questions to stretch their thinking, encourage analysis and evaluation, and build awareness of their own learning processes.

A purple jaguar mascot stands with four people in a school hallway.

TEMS PTO Website

Stay connected with what’s happening at TEMS! Click below for the latest PTO updates, including upcoming restaurant nights and our Winter Spirit Wear Sale. As always, you can like and follow Timothy Edwards Middle School PTO on Facebook, and visit our website at swtemspto.org for all the details.

TEMS PTO Spirit Wear Sale- December 11th and 12th

Show your school spirit and stock up while prices are at their lowest of the season! We’ve got a wide selection of sizes and logos - perfect for gifts, spirit days, or just staying comfy. Visit the sale from 7:00–10:00 AM and 2:00–4:00 PM in the TEMS Lobby.

Sale Highlights:

Short-sleeve shirts: Was $15 → Now $10
Tie-dye short-sleeve: Was $20 → Now $12
Long-sleeve tie-dye: Was $25 → Now $15
Flannel PJ: Was $35 → Now $30 or 2 for $55
Hoodies: Was $40 → Now $35 or 2 for $60

The more you buy, the better the discount!

We accept cash, check, or card.

If sending a check with your student, please leave the amount blank but write the maximum amount you approve in the memo line. Checks may be made payable to: Timothy Edwards Middle School PTO

Come grab your favorites before they’re gone!

Various TEMS branded apparel, including hoodies, shirts, and beanies, are displayed.

Peer Role Model Application for Preschool Outreach Program (POP) 2026-2027

South Windsor Public Schools is now accepting applications for community peer role models in the preschool outreach program (POP) for the 2026-2027 school year. If you are interested in this opportunity for your child, please complete the Preschool Outreach Program (POP) Community Role Model Application. Peer role model screenings will begin in January 2026. You can learn more about POP by accessing our school district's website.

Picture Day Retake- December 11th

Retakes are scheduled for 12/11. Please click the image below to see the flier.

Announcement for Timothy Edwards School retake picture day, with date and prepay code.

Radon Testing

Radon testing will be taking place beginning the week of December 1, 2025 and will be completed by December 5, 2025. Please see this letter and brochure from the CT DPH.

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.