Congrats to our JH Choir on their pending performance this Saturday at the IESA 8th grade state championship basketball tournament!
This week, Mrs. Reindl visited Mrs. Wagner's 8th-grade classes to introduce students to the fascinating world of coding and cybersecurity. The primary objective was to engage students with historical devices and demonstrate the concept of cracking codes, while also inspiring them to consider future careers in Computer Science or Cybersecurity. Students participated in hands-on projects that included:
1. Morse Code
- Students learned about the Morse code system and practiced encoding and decoding messages.
2. Cipher Disk
- The cipher disk activity allowed students to create their own substitution ciphers and understand how they can be used for secure communication.
3. Enigma Machine
- An overview of the Enigma machine was provided, explaining its historical significance and complexity in code-making and breaking during World War II.
4. Binary Code
- Students explored binary code, learning how computers use this system to process information.
5. Pig Pen Cipher
- The pig pen cipher activity involved students creating messages using this simple yet effective substitution cipher.
Mrs. Reindl also engaged students in a discussion about various career paths in the fields of Computer Science and Cybersecurity this included with degrees or just a certification.
Mrs. Reindl went into Ms. Anderson's science classes on Friday to show the students Binary Code. Students then worked on solving some binary code. At the end of her week long lesson - she talked to the students about a cybersecurity path or computer science path to think about. She also shared websites to students for certifications.
Mrs. Reindl went into Ms. Anderson's science classes on Wednesday and Thursday. She taught the students about the Enigma machine and how complex the coding on the Enigma machine was. She also discussed how hard it was to hack the machine during the War. Students then made personal Enigma machines. They then did some coding with their Enigma machines.
Mrs. Reindl is going into Mrs. Anderson's 8th grade classes this week to talk to students about a career path in computer science and/or cybersecurity. She is talking to them about the qualifications for jobs in various areas. She is also doing some coding and cybersecurity activities to show the students how long coding and solving codes have been around. They started on Monday learning about the Disk Cipher and how they had to adjust codes they sent to make it tougher to crack. Today they learned about Morse Code and how it was used during wars.
Terrance Talley is coming to TJHS on Monday, Jan 27 at 9 am to encourage our kids to "Never Give Up" and to have each others back! A great speaker with an inspiring message is just what we need to push through the third quarter grind. Looking so forward to this and the support that our students and staff provide for each other as we learn to grow together!
The TJHS Chess Club is meeting each Friday afternoon to sharpen their skills and have some fun in our Media Center! Do you know what these chess terms mean? Castling, Check, Backward Pawn, Rank, and En Passant...? They do!
All our love, thoughts and prayers to you Mt. Zion community, from the Taylorville Junior High School students and staff. Stay strong and know that the Tornadoes care for you!
Homework Help resumes tomorrow at TJHS and will meet each T/TH from 3:15-5 pm. Just a reminder that if you would like to take advantage of this program a parent or guardian must be able to pick up the student by 5 pm. Please call the office at 824-4924 if you would like further information regarding this opportunity and we can send home a packet with your son or daughter.
7th and 8th grade students that passed 20 lessons in both math and reading got to enjoy some time at the Decatur Indoor Sports Complex on Wednesday, Jan 8. Here are a few of the pics for your review. Next Wednesday, Jan 15, our 5th and 6th grade students who earned the incentive will be heading that way as well. i-Ready is our latest computer program designed to meet students at their readiness levels and increade grade level competency. Thank you to our JH Student Council for funding this Rewards Trip activity for the kids!
TJHS students and staff are wearing red and black tomorrow to show our support for the Mt. Zion community as they stand together in hope and prayer through their recent tragedy. Rivals come together when it really matters and nothing is more precious to us than the lives of our kids and the wellness of our communities.
The TJHS Builders Club sponsored Christmas cards creation and delivery for our senior citizens throughout the assisted living facilities in Taylorville. We are so thankful for opportunities to show our appreciation!
The November Students of the Month at Taylorville Junior High School are selected by their teachers and have demonstrated "Grit--the ability to persist after a setback" throughout the month.
Cutline: Front (L-R) Darius Cockerill, Elliot Potter, Kylie Paine, AddyJones, Hollyn Becker, Amelia Kerr, Brody Houston, Isaac Parks, Brody Holler, Rylee Glasco,
Back (L-R) Ella Bates, Grace Mizeur, Sam Wagner, Morgan Likes, Coady Johnson, Braylen Campbell, Ximena Cabrera, Zariah Pearse, Savannah Brune
Pic 2: (L-R) Olivia Ashlock, Owen Bilyeu, Clint May
TJHS--Picture Retake Day is tomorrow, Monday, Dec 2 and for:
1--Anyone who had their photo taken and wants a retake (if they purchased images or not).
2--Anyone who was absent on Picture Day and needs their first image taken.
Hope your Thanksgiving Break was memorable and welcome back to all!
4-Square is still a big deal, even in junior high! Savage moves and game on in winter weather!!
Thursday, Nov 21--STUCO Dress Up Day!!!
TJHS Fannie May fundraiser update...
Dear Parents/Students/Customers:
Fannie May Candy is experiencing widespread product shortages and delays. Mint Meltaways are on back order. When the Mints become available, they will be delivered to the school, labeled. To help with this process, we have made copies of the original order forms, students can then get the Mints to their awaiting customers. We kindly ask for your patience.
Because of the shortages, Mint Meltaways & Buttercreams cannot be selected for the free item(s). Those items must be used for the paying customers. Your free Mints & Buttercreams have been substituted with another item; we are truly sorry.
We do appreciate your understanding, and we do sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
This is only the second time we have had any Fannie May candy back orders. This news is frustrating, but we are handling it the best way that we can. We will get through it.
We thank you for your continued support of our schools.
Sincerely,
Ruthie & Dana Fundraising
Cell: 217-369-4049
Patriots Pen Essay
The following eighth grade girls placed first, second, and third place respectively in the VFW Patriots Pen Essay writing contest: Carson Corzine, Saya Ohlwine, and Kailey Samson. They will continue on to the district competition later this year. Congratulations, girls! WRITE ON!
(L-R)--Morgan Likes, Sarah Wagner, Liambrady Duke, Josie Dees, Lauren Hartwig and Avril Gatton . These students auditioned and were accepted into the District 5 ILMEA Jazz Festival! They travelled to EIU and performed in a concert that evening with their peers from across the region.
Miss Sharrow’s class has been learning all about matter in Science. This week they focused on gases and learned how hot air balloons work! They got to work with a partner and design a model of a hot air balloon.
