Weekly Community Message from Mr. Lawrence

February 5, 2023

Mr. Lawrence

February 6, 2023

February 5, 2023

Good evening Topsail Middle families, this is Mr. Lawrence with this week's community message.  Parents just a reminder that this Wednesday, February 8, will be an early release day and students will be dismissed at 11:35 am.  Please take an opportunity this week to thank our School Counselors for all they do as we celebrate National School Counseling week.  We have new information to share this week, so check your email or the school website for our TMS community message. 

  • Pender County Schools is asking for your input in a survey regarding our school calendars. Your opinions and feedback are important to us as we strive to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.The survey will consist of questions that gauge your preferences and opinions on the pros and cons of each calendar option. Your participation in this survey will help PCS make a better decision about the implementation of a new school calendar.  The survey will be available online and will take less than five minutes to complete. We would appreciate it if you could take the time to participate in the survey by Sunday, February 5, at Midnight. Please click this link to access the survey.

  • Parents of students in 7th & 8th grade: On Tuesday, February 28th, students in grades 7 - 12 will have the opportunity to participate in Pender County Schools' Job Shadowing Day!  Job Shadow Day allows students to gain first-hand information about the workplace and explore the possibilities for their future careers. It’s an opportunity for Pender County Schools students to make connections between school and the real-world. It's recommended that students and their families’ network with friends, family and neighbors in an effort to find a placement in a career of their interest. Students can pick up an application from our school counselors or you can access one here.

  • Rising 9th grade parents, I have attached the presentation here for anyone who might have missed the CAP presentation at Topsail High.

  • Interested in volunteering?  All volunteers in PCS are required to complete the processes through the volunteer tracker.  Once completed, you can sign up to assist in the hallways, PA, or Cafeteria.  Please use this sign-up genius if you are interested in volunteering on the TMS campus.

  • Meet our Superintendent, Dr. Breedlove, at THS from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 9.  

  • Attention 6th and 7th-grade parents, TMS students have the opportunity to participate in an essay writing contest via the local Rotary of Hampstead.  ELA Teachers have created this extension activity for students via Google Classroom for any 6th or 7th-grade student interested.  This year’s topic is ideas to reduce Bullying, either in person or online. 1st place winner will receive $75, 2nd place $50, and 3rd place will get $25.  The district winner will have a cash award of $500.  The essay deadline is February 15, 2023.  If your child is interested in this essay contest please have them contact their ELA teacher for a participation sheet.

  • Yearbook Dedications are now available! This is offered only to our 8th graders.  It is similar to Senior Ads at the high school. The cost is $25 per dedication for a quarter page.  There are 4 options to choose from. You (or your parents) will create your own design with pictures and text using the link. Due by March 1st. This deadline is firm.  Absolutely no ads will be accepted after this date.  enter code: 14491023

  • Yearbook orders are now live! Order yours at ybpay.com and the code for our school is 14491023.

  • SGA is selling candy grams again this year for Valentine's Day! They will be selling during lunches on 2/08, 2/09, 2/10, and 2/13.

  • Parents mark your calendars for Thursday, February 16th.  Topsail High School will be hosting an International night with over 38 Countries represented.  More information can be found here.

  • Mrs. Markijohn is looking to start a book club with parents this school year.  The book will be KIDS THESE DAYS by Dr. Jody Carrington.  If you are interested in being in the book club please complete this google form.

Athletics & Clubs

  • Our boys and girls basketball teams will host a couple of home games this week.  On Monday, the Cazpe Fear Grizzles will be in town and on Thursday the West Pender Warriors will be at Topsail Middle. The girls will tip off at 4:15 pm, boys will follow.  The cost to attend the game is $5. Based on parent volunteers, concessions may be available.  If your child attends home basketball games please remind them to pick up their trash in the stands before they leave.

  • All SGA representatives will meet MONDAY after school from 2:35-3:15 in the Media Center! 

  • The Builders Club meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Our next meeting is Thursday, January 19th in the media center after school. Anyone who would still like to join Builders Club is welcome and should see Mrs. Williams in Room 603 or Mrs. Hardison in Room 604 for a form. Also, a big thank you to all those who donated to our Animal Angel Tree in December. It was a big success!

Team Newsletters:

PTO NEWS

  • Bus Driver Appreciation Week is fast approaching and we're looking for donations to help to spoil our amazing drivers! https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0e4eadaf2ea1fbc07-tmsbus  All donations need to be delivered to TMS by Thursday, Feb 9th.  Also, if your student rides a bus please encourage them to write a note of appreciation for their driver during the week of Feb 13th-17th.

  • SGA is selling candy grams again this year for Valentine's Day. They will be selling during lunch on 2/08, 2/09, 2/10, and 2/13 from 10:30-12. They need a volunteer present to handle the cash. If you can help, please contact Mrs Baer (lindsay_baer@pender.k12.nc.us)

  • Concessions for basketball can't happen without YOU!!  We need volunteers to help staff the concession stand at the basketball games.  We need at least two adults per time slot to be able to continue delivering those hunger filling snacks to our Pirate Basketball fans.  Sign up at   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090449aba92aa4f94-basketball?useFullSite=true#/ or email us at pto4tms@gmail.com

  • Are you interested in being more involved at TMS??? The 2023-2024 school year is quickly approaching and the TMS PTO is currently recruiting for our '23-'24 school year PTO board.  We have several openings.  Please send us an email (pto4tms@gmail.com) if you are interested in learning more.

  • It's never too late to join the PTO! And we are always looking for volunteers. Come join us in helping to make TMS a place for our students and teachers to thrive!!( https://www.topsailpto.com/ )

  • Does your student have a birthday coming up or do you want to celebrate a special victory for your team or club?  We're still taking reservations to paint the rock!  Please use the signup genius to reserve your date.  Payments can be sent in with students or made to the PTO venmo account.  ( https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090948aea92fa5fe3-tmsrock )  

  • Still In Need of Spirit Wear?  We’ve got you covered!  Head over to the PTO and either print off the order form and send it in with your student or email it directly to the PTO. You may pay by cash, check, or Venmo. The shirts will be given to teachers to be distributed during homeroom the following week. (https://www.topsailpto.com/shop)

*****Be sure to follow us on Facebook by searching Topsail Middle School or on Twitter by searching for our handle which is @tms_pirates