This week, Ms. Anderson kicked off the exciting new class, Computer Science for Innovators and Makers (IM). This class is part of a program made possible by a grant received last year, and it's designed to help students explore the fascinating world of computer science. In the first week, they looked at the different components they will be using throughout the course. These parts include sensors and actuators that allow us to create systems that can interact with the physical world around us. (micro-bits). One of the key ideas discussed is that programming is not just about writing code on a computer. Instead, it extends into the real world! Learning how to design algorithms and use computational thinking to solve problems. Students will have the chance to code and upload programs to microcontrollers. These small devices can perform various tasks, making projects come to life. This class will help students understand important computer science concepts through hands-on applications. Students are excited to see what innovative projects everyone will create as they learn and grow in this class! Pictured is a student holding a micro bit.

Ms. McChristy's 5th grade completed a haunted pumpkin patch escape room! They had to complete a variety of activities to escape and enjoyed completing the escape room!!

Miss Sharrow’s fifth grade class has been exploring history hands-on! Our students have been hard at work creating models of Native American homes. This project consisted of a nature walk to gather materials, researching the home they chose to build, and working as a team to build their structure. Great work!

"TJHS 7th grade Art students working with plaster to create Day of the Dead masks."

Taylorville Whitetails Unlimited donated 6 new targets to the junior high PE program. The new targets are commercial grade and used in youth competitions across the country. The students at the junior high love the archery units and these new targets are a much needed upgrade for what we have been using for years. We want to thank Josh Asad and Dennis Crowder from Powder Keg for helping do the leg work on finding the perfect targets!

TJHS 8th grade Art students working with wire and plaster to create their own versions of Jack Skellington"

Items will be distributed to TCUSD #3 students the week of Nov 11...Thank you in advance!!!

David McCreary "Relevant Speakers Network" came to TJHS to share with our students and staff about his mission to share the secret of how to truly Live More. David shared moments from his life that made an impact on how he views time. He posited that today is someone in the futures past that they will one day regret. He challenged our kids to be better and do better, as well as to learn to laugh along with others. His comedy and magic tricks were a welcome break for us all. Thanks for the message David and thank you to our Student Council for sponsoring these opportunities to take a positve message school-wide.

The TJHS Spooktacular Fall Concert is tonight beginning at 7 pm--be there or beware....ooooh, ahhhh, ooooh...

More pictures of Mrs. Reber's 6th grade class codiing spheros. In Mrs. Reber's 6th grade science class, Mrs. Reindl visited to teach students about coding using spheros, which are fun, robotic balls that can be programmed to move, light up, and make sounds. This exciting activity allowed students to combine science and technology while learning important coding concepts. Mrs. Reindl explained that in both coding and science experiments, it’s important to change only one variable at a time. This means if you want to see how a change affects the Sphero's movement, you should only adjust one thing, like speed or direction, instead of changing everything at once. The students learned how to give commands to the spheros. They practiced coding to: - Move: Control the direction and speed of the spheros. - Light Up: Change the colors of the spheros to make them look cool. - Make Sounds: Program the spheros to play different sounds while they moved. This hands-on coding experience with spheros not only made science fun but also helped students understand the importance of variables in both coding and scientific experiments. They left the class excited about technology and eager to learn more!

TJHS Parent/Teacher Conferences Reminder: if you are having trouble scheduling your conference please call us ar 824-4924 and we will be happy to assist! Thurs, Oct 24 from 11-3 pm and 4-7 pm Fri, Oct 25 from 8-11 am

More pictures of students in Mrs. Curtin's JH PE class enjoying the new target!

Mrs. Curtin's class enjoying the new target JH PE class!

Good morning from TJHS! Enjoy another high five Friday and the pics that go with it!! Have a great weekend!!!

The students of Taylorville Junior High School are proud to honor the veterans in our community with a Veterans Day Breakfast on Monday, November 4, 2024. Reservations can be made through the district website, or by calling the office at (217) 824 - 4924 and asking for Ms. Moutrey. Please RSVP by Friday, November 1.

Two Taylorville JH Runners Advance to State Eighth graders Sarah Wagner and Zac Wright each earned a place in the IESA State Cross Country Race. The top 3 teams and the next 7 individual runners from each Sectional race advance to the State competition. Wagner placed 7th with a personal record of 12:42.4 in the women’s race. Wright placed 5th in the Men’s race with a time of 11:04.6. Both athletes will be honored with a Walk of Champions on Friday, October 18th at the Taylorville Jr High. The whole Cross Country team will run with a police escort from Jaynes Park to Angelo’s Friday evening to prepare for the State race on Saturday. The Taylorville team is Coached by Chad Sutton.

Congratulations to our Taylorville Junior High I.L.M.E.A. select students!

Thank you for supporting the Builders Club Food Drive this year! Our kids and community did a great job of caring for others by collecting 2,159 donated items and $307.41 in cash. We exceeded our goal of 2000 items because of our collective efforts. The winners of the breakfast pizza class party is Mrs. Tyler's class, and the second and third place classes Mrs. Febus's 1st period and Ms. Laker's class will both receive ice cream sandwich parties.

TJHS Picture Day is Thursday, Oct 17! Thank you!

Some more pictures from 5th grade's most recent field trip to Rock Springs! Our 5th graders had an incredible day filled with learning and adventure. Our students explored various educational stations, including: World of Water, Ponds/Wetlands, Native Americans, and Archery. Some skills students learned was about the importance of these ecosystems and their role in our environment, water conservation and water cycle, information to help students understand the heritage of Native American Culture, and hands on experience that taught students about focus, coordination, and teamwork.