Taylorville Junior High School

For immediate release: Congratulations to Madison Krachum, our Taylorville Junior High School Illinois Principals Association student leadership nominee. Madison represents the very best of our student body. She is kind and takes the time to encourage her peers and engage in meaningful ways with both students and staff. She is active in many organizations and is a leader in our Student Council, Scholastic Bowl Team, Band, TJHS student library assistants, and involved in community activities. Madison assists on the Mt. Auburn Community Picnic Board and just enjoys doing things for other people. Thank you for the opportunity to recognize this outstanding young leader!

Bullseye! Mrs. Curtin's PE started archery and these 3 students hit their first bullseye!

Wayne Beck and Kurt Longden from the Family Beekeepers of Illinois came to talk to the 7th grade about bees and beekeeping. Students got to observe a colony and learn why they are so important to us. Visit their website and facebook page to find out more. https://family-beekeepers.com/

Tornadoes Together met today and had a great time with their guinea pig projects! Love those smiles!!

Thanks to generous sponsors throughout the school year, TJHS students have been able to shop at the school store monthly with their Tornado Tickets. Tornado Tickets are earned by the students for going above and beyond and following school expectations. Student Council members have taken ownership of working the school store and have done a fabulous job. One popular item in the store this month is book tokens for the school book machine. Thank you to Dexheimer Farms, CNB Bank & Trust, First National Bank in Taylorville, Kiwanis Club, Designed with Detail and TJHS Student Council for their donations this school year.

TJHS's Nurse Fox presents, the 5th grade health film, “Always Changing and Growing Up.” Dates are as follows: Thursday May 9, 2024 in the Forum at 1:45 PM for all girls Friday May 10, 2024 in the Forum at 1:45 PM for all boys

TCUSD3 was well represented this evening at the Central Illinois STEM Fair in Rochester. Thank you to Mrs. Reindl, Mrs. Specha, Mr. Hohenstein and the TommyTV crew, and Mrs. Mateer and the Tommy Photo crew for sharing their expertise!

TJHS--Educational Plan for the April 8--Solar Eclipse --Students will receive their glasses during lunches on Monday and no outside recesses will take place 5-8th grade. --Students will review the safety protocols with their 8th period teachers prior to heading outside. 8th hour begins at 1:47 pm and ends at 2:33 pm. --8th period teachers will read the Safety Protocols. --Full eclipse is slated to occur at 2:03 pm --Teachers will escort their students with ISO glasses to the already designated evacuation areas on the TJHS campus and remain with them until returning inside as a class. --Thank you to Mrs. Wagner "Science Dept Chair" for her guidance and leadership in these protocols and let's enjoy this natural phenomenon in as safe a manner as possible.

A reminder to all that nominations for the 3rd Annual Tommy Awards are still open and will remain open until April 7th at 11:59 P.M.

The Taylorville Knights of Columbus recently gave a donation to special education programs at the Taylorville Schools. The donations are a direct result of the generous donations given during the annual Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive. Pictured are: Eric Bruder, TJHS principal, Joe Champley, Knight of Columbus, Michelle Reiss, Memorial School principal, Karen Kuntzman, North School principal, Matt Hutchison, THS principal, and Roy Hunsley, Knights of Columbus

Sharing information from the Springfield Area Soccer Association, also known as, SASA. They are hosting a Spring Youth Recreational League(s) this SUMMER. See the attached flyer for further details. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bNQw6eja7ap8otGoTrFaX9b6ByBHstFE/view?usp=sharing

Enjoying the Weather! Some of our 5th grade PE students outside enjoying this March weather. It is such a beautiful day out and everyone is excited to be heading into Spring break.

THS graduate Maddy Brown presented to Mr. Dunn's 8th grade PE class about the importance of dental hygiene. Maddy is set to graduate from Lake Land's dental hygiene program at the end of this semester. Thanks for speaking to our kids and best wishes on your career!

Congratulations to Mrs. Jean Ninmer on her second recognition as our teacher of the month/Red Apple recipient. Mrs. Ninmer is in her last year as our band/choir director at TJHS and we once again recognize her for her excellence in the field of education. She reiterates that teaching is her calling, "I use teaching to encourage others to join in a common goal and to treat others well." One of her many fond memories occurred when, "a struggling student finally played a musical passage beautifully. The whole band applauded spontaneously in a show of encouragement and support!" Thank you Mrs. Ninmer. Congratulations to our support staff member of the month at TJHS, Mrs. Tammy Reindl. Mrs. Reindl works collaboratively with our teaching staff to integrate technology with lessons in a meaningful and impactful manner. Her ability to find creative ways to enhance learning experiences at TJHS by making them as engaging as possible is her strength. Mrs. Reindl also helps with all of our testing windows, coordinates with student services, and splits her time to serve at Taylorville High School as well. One of her fondest memories occurred when, "I witnessed the intense reactions as students used the Oculus "VR" to go into space or explore the Titanic. One student even threw the goggles off because he was drifting in space." Thank you Mrs. Reindl.

Please help support our local food pantry this week! Thank you

Celebrate Builders Club Week/Food Drive! March 18-22

"Tornadoes Together" is a 5th grade club created by Ally Koniak and Amber Achenbach. Their hope is to connect peers with students in our life skills class, "FACeS" to make life-long friendships. All of these kids are amazing and their hearts are in the right place! Thank you for making TJHS a better place to be each and everyday through your leadership!! Faculty sponsors are Matt Peabody and Lynn Dexheimer.

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TJHS Track practice is in full swing! Spring is here and best wishes to all of our TCUSD #3 spring sport student/athletes!!

In January, the Tech Team released a new program titled Twisted Training. TCUSD3 staff members can earn badges for completing a variety of training programs and learn new skills at their own pace. For example, staff can earn a Chromebook Fundamentals badge for completing a training on the basics of using a Chromebook. This morning the Tech Team recognized the Badge Masters for the 3rd quarter with a Crumbl Cookie. These individuals earned the most badges in their respective buildings. Congratulations to Dawn Reiser, Emily Repscher, Jennifer Richardson, and Melissa Davidson!