Tiger Talk
TES Weekly Newsletter for the week of October13-16
NO SCHOOL October 5-12 for Fall Break! Have a great week with your families!
This Week's Cafe Menus
Specials Schedule
Free and Reduced Lunch
Families may apply for free or reduced meals by completing a free or reduced lunch application. You can do so online using the link below (the fastest method), or you may complete a paper application (available in the TES office). Families must re-apply each year, unless you were "Directly Certified" previously. Guidelines for qualifying are described in the link below.
Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism
Please remember that parent notes for absences must be for sickness to be excused. Please refrain from taking family vacations during the school year. A list of excuses is in the policy below detailing what absences I (Mrs. Ivens) am allowed to excuse. If it's not for one of these reasons, I am not allowed to excuse the absence, no matter how I feel about it. They are listed here:
"A student shall be excused for:
1. The child's personal illness. A parent's signature is sufficient for ten (10) days for each school year. After ten (10) days per school year, a physician's statement will be required;
2. Death in the family;
3. Family illness requiring temporary help. (physician's statement is required);
4. Religious observances;
5. Absences excused by the principal (if prior to the student's absence, the parent or guardian consults the principal and both principal and teacher agree that the absence is legitimate, the absence shall be excused);
6. School-endorsed activities; or
7. Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control.
If the student's absences do not come in one of the above categories, he or she will be given an unexcused absence. Principals shall check regularly to see that this is closely followed. Admission slips, notes from parents, doctor's statements, etc. shall be kept on file either in the principal's office or by the homeroom teacher."
Please see the Blount County School Board Policy on K-5 Attendance at the link below. Thank you!
Townsend Tiger Logo Shirts now Available for Purchase
If you’ve been looking for a TES shirt, 2 Girls and a Cricket now has one available in their online storefront. Note: these are separate and not through the school, so you will have to pick them up across from the Alcoa Kroger at 2 Girls and a Cricket's storefront location.
To purchase, go to https://www.2girlsandacricket.com/shop-1
Water Bottles
At TES, we DO allow water bottles in the classroom. Please be sure that your child's name is on the water bottle that he/ she brings each day. Water bottles should have WATER ONLY in them. Flavored water is NOT ACCEPTABLE due to its stickiness when spilled. Thank you for your understanding!
Social Studies Textbook Adoption
If you would like to be a parent representative for TES as our district begins the process of adopting new social studies textbook, please email Mrs. Ivens at ashlee.ivens@blountk12.org. If multiple people express interest, we will draw a name from a hat. Thank you!
Trot for Education Registration NOW OPEN!
Registration NOW OPEN!
Join us for the 2026 Trot for Education on Saturday, November 14th at our new home, Eagleton College & Career Academy!
And this year, we’re adding something new to the Trot…
UPPER GRADE DIVISION
We’re adding a separate upper grade division with trophies AND cash prizes up for grabs!
Follow us on our BCEF Facebook Page for race announcements, prizes, updates, and other fun!
NEW LOCATION. SAME TURKEY.
See you November 14th!
Save the Date:
All new information is in italics
October 5-9: Fall Break
October 12: PD Day; No students report
October 14: Report Cards and Literacy Letters come home
October 23: Townsend Elementary Night at the HHS Football game against Gibbs (student tickets will be sent home that day). Kickoff is 7pm.
October 23: Townsend Family Game Night- bring your board games to play with family and friends! Dinner will be provided!
October 27: Make up and Sports Pictures
October 30: Whole School Field Trip to Cades Cove (more info coming soon!)
November 3: PD Day; No students report
November 5: School Board Meeting at CO 5:30pm
November 6: Fun Friday: Twin Day (Dress up like you're a twin with your friends!)
November 10: Third and Fourth Grade Veteran's Day Program in the Gym 1pm
November 11: Veteran's Day; No students report
November 14: Trot for Education
November 16: 4th & 5th Field Trip to BizTown
November 18: Progress Reports Come Home
November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break
December 3: School Board Meeting at CO 5:30pm
December 4: Fun Friday: Camo Day (Come to school dressed in your best camo attire!)
December 8: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Kindergarten Christmas Program in the library 1pm
December 21-January 1: Christmas Break
January 4: PD Day; No students report
January 5: All students report; beginning of second semester
January 8: Fun Friday: Pajama Day (Come to school relaxed in PJs after a long break!)