SILVER FOX NEWS
September 12, 2025
Superintendent's Challenge!
As you may know, our Superintendent's Literacy Challenge and SCA’s Literacy Spirit Week kicked off on Monday, September 9th. Rise with Reading is a districtwide literacy challenge designed to motivate and celebrate reading among our 48,000 K-12 students. Spearheaded by Superintendent Jones, the program sets a quarterly goal of reading 1,000 pages per student quarterly, encouraging daily reading habits, improving literacy, and building a shared culture of learning. Through achievable goals, recognition, and engaging resources, we aim to build a community of readers and celebrate the joy of learning.
To help launch the celebration at TOMS, our Assistant Principal Mrs. Danielle Hamilton put together a TikTok-inspired “We Ready” video, highlighting the importance of reading, writing, vocabulary, and more. Please watch and enjoy!
Today was an exciting day as we launched The Silver Fox Shop!
A huge thank you to our Student Council Association and TOMS PTO for their collaborative efforts, as well as to our amazing TOMS families for donating items to The Silver Fox Shop.
As part of our initiative to promote students being Caught Being Good, over 100 Silver Dollars were collected today from students! Everyone had a great time redeeming their Silver Dollars at the store.
Our student contest for donations is still running—keep them coming!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to our TOMS Staff Member of the Week Mrs. Kelley Zehfuss!
She was nominated by Mr. Al Ferrara.
Mrs. Zehfuss is our Secretary II and this is her 4th Year with us!
My favorite memory of middle school was taking field trips to New York City to see Broadway plays!
My advice to my Middle School self would be... Don't worry so much about what others think. Most of the people you're trying to impress now won't be in your life later — but you will be. Stay true to yourself.
Please help us welcome the newest 2025/2026 Staff Member to Ten Oaks Middle, Ms. Bernadette Dugan! Ms. Dugan will be heading up our Nursing staff at TOMS!
Nurse Bernadette Dugan, aka Nurse B, has over 25 years of experience in the medical field and 11 years as an RN. She is already bringing her heart, skills, and energy to Ten Oaks Middle School!
In her spare time, you can catch her going to sporting events rooting for her three grandsons Michael, Patrick and Colt.
TOMS PTO's first Fundraiser of the year runs Through September 17th!
Grand Strand Attraction Books will be sold to help raise funds to support Student and Staff Activities throughout the year. The books are $25 and hold over $8,800 worth of LOCAL Savings!
Click the link below to register your child to start selling to family & friends in 27 states! Top 3 sellers will win amazing prizes! Help us raise money for sunshades at TOMS!
https://partnerlink.savearound.com/SellerRe.../Invite/288759
Have questions? Please contact PTO President Callie Bowden at TOMSPTO@gmail.com.
Conversations with Cliff
Superintendent Jones would like to continue his community engagement events across our school district for the 2025-2206 school year. These events will cover all nine attendance areas and include morning sessions and evening sessions.
Important Dates
September
12 ~ CogAT Testing Request deadline
15 ~ Math Counts Club
16 ~ SIC Meeting 7:45 AM
16 ~ TOMS Football Away at Blackwater CFHS 6:00 PM
17 ~ Chess Club 3:45 - 4:45
17 ~ CFHS Boys Soccer Interest Meeting at CFHS 4:30 PM
17 ~ End Date for 1st Interim Report
23 ~ TOMS Football Away at St. James HS 6:00 PM
24 ~ Chess Club 3:45 -4:45
25 ~ Paradise Flavors
26 ~ Guitar Club 7:45-8:15 AM
30~ TOMS Football Away at Socastee HS 6:00 PM
October
8 ~ Makeup Picture Day
13 ~ Student Holiday/School Closed
14 ~ Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
22 ~ End date for 1st quarter
29 ~ Report Cards Issued via PowerSchool
Attendance
To view the new HCS Attendance policy, click on the link here.
For questions, please reach out to Mrs. Stephanie Graham at SGraham005@horrycountyschools.net.
Backpacks
For more information, click on the link below.
The News Room at HCS/Clear Backpacks (Horrycountyschools.net)
BUS
Dear TOMS Parents/Guardians,
In an effort to minimize classroom disruptions and maintain a focused learning environment, we are implementing a few new procedures effective immediately:
Lunch Drop-Offs
If a student’s lunch is dropped off at the front office, it will be placed on a designated cart near the security desk.
Students will not be called out of class to pick up their lunch.
Please remind your child to check the cart if they realize they do not have their lunch.
Other Item Drop-Offs
If other items (e.g., forgotten computers, books, clothing, etc.) are delivered for a student, an email will be sent to the teacher of the class the student is currently attending.
Teachers will check their email regularly throughout the day so students can receive their items in a timely manner.
Changes in Dismissal
Any changes to your child’s transportation home should be communicated prior to your student arriving at school.
Dismissal changes cannot be made over the phone after 2:00 PM to allow sufficient time to notify both the teacher and student.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
TOMS Administration
Cafeteria Information
HCS Offers Students Free Breakfast & Lunch in 2025-26
All students in Horry County Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025-2026 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.
Students will still have the option to purchase additional meals, food & snack items, and beverages at à la carte prices. À la carte items can be paid for in cash or by prepayment on the student’s cafeteria account.
Click here for more information.
Calendar
The 2025-2026 Student Calendar is available now!
Visit www.horrycountyschools.net/calendars to view or download the PDF.
Cell Phone Policy
Click the following link to learn more about the
HCS student cell phone policy.
Check Return Policy
CogAT Testing
Attention Parents/Guardians:
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is one of the screening tools used to identify students for Gifted and Talented identification.
If you are a parent or guardian of a student at Ten Oaks Middle and would like your student tested please complete the following google form - Parent Referral or email Cassandra Beale at cbeale@horrycountyschools.net. If your student is already identified as Gifted and Talented there is no need for the student to test.
The deadline to refer your student for testing is September 12, 2025.
Counseling Departments at TOMS
Check our link below to hear from our TOMS Counselors for important information
throughout the year! See what is happening here.
Clubs at TOMS
Ten Oaks Middle offers a variety of Clubs and Discovery classes! Our students enjoy everything from Chorus, Band and Orchestra to Drama, Science Club and Mock Trial, just to name a few!
Many Clubs will begin this month and we will share information in Advisory classrooms, Facebook and here in the newsletter. We encourage all students to get involved! Check back with us here for important upcoming dates and information.
Any sixth, seventh, or eighth grade student interested in applying to Jr. Beta Club and meet the membership requirements may get an application form from:
6th—Mrs. Ladd, 7th—Mrs. Brady or Mrs. Wims and 8th Mrs. Brady or Mr. Lentz. Applications must be submitted BEFORE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
Chess Club Registration forms can be picked up before your discovery classes in Mr. Campman's room 270, for students that are interested.
Chess Club will be held every Wednesday from 3:45 - 4:45 PM. Registration forms must be submitted to Mr. Campman in order to participate. Chess Club Registration
Student Council members will meet on October 3rd and 17th from 8:20 - 8:40 AM
in the downstairs Orange Collaboration Space.
Come check out our newest TOMS Club on September 10th! Disc Golf!
Registration forms are available from Mr. Saar in room #220. All students interested in participation mut have a parent/guardian complete the form and return to Mr. Saar.
🎮 TOMS Esports Team🎮
Meets every Thursday afternoon in the Orange Collaboration Space from 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Are you ready to game competitively? Come check out TOMS Esports Team!
Questions? See Mr. DeBell in 251
Let’s level up together! 💥
Kindness Club has started but there is still time to join!
The TOMS Kindness Club was created for our students, and will meet once a month during our morning Advisory time. The goal is to provide an opportunity for students to promote kindness in their school and communities while also increasing their leadership abilities. It also fosters an attitude of teamwork and problem-solving by working together in a respectful manner. The students will participate in several different activities during the school year that will work to foster leadership skills while promoting kindness.
Students can pick up an application/permission form in the Library at the Circulation Desk and have the parent/guardian fill it out.
We look forward to seeing you on October 2nd at the next Kindness Club!
Exciting News!
We’re hosting our first Math Counts Meeting on September 15th!
All students interested in problem-solving, math challenges, and competitions are welcome to join. Location and time details are on the flyer—check it out above!
TOMS Science Club is Back!
Get ready for experiments, discoveries, and hands-on fun.
Science Club next meeting will be October 8th!
Permission slips are now available in Advisory classes.
A parent or guardian must sign the form for students to participate.
Don’t miss out on an exciting year of science exploration!
Attention TOMS Girls! Are you interested in running?
The TOMS Fall Running Club is about to begin on September 23rd!!
The club will meet every Tuesday and Thursday afterschool from 3:45 - 4:45 PM
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just want to try something new, come join the fun and get moving this fall! See Mrs. LaValle in Room 222 for more information.
Let’s hit the ground running!
Delivery Information
Attention TOMS Parents and Students,
For security purposes, we do not accept ANY deliveries for students. This includes, but is not limited to, floral deliveries, gifts or outside restaurant food items etc. We are not responsible for your student’s personal property. Please have your student be mindful of having everything they may need for the school day and after school activities prior to leaving home for school.
If the items are an absolute necessity, you can come to the school and drop off in the front office. We WILL NOT interrupt instructional time for students to leave class to retrieve items from a family member.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
MyPaymentsPlus
Visit www.mypaymentsplus.com for more information.
Power School
Parents and guardians, if you need to change your information, phone number, email, emergency contact, address, etc., you can log in to your PowerSchool parent account, click year-round updates on the left-hand side of the page and change your information. Please note you will need to use the regular desktop version of PowerSchool as this feature is not available on the mobile app.
- Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account here https://myps.horrycountyschools.net/public/home.html
- Have questions? Please contact our Registrar, Stephanie Graham at sgraham005@horrycountyschools.net
Schedule
Student Handbook and Resource Guide
All students reviewed a copy of the TOMS Student Handbook and Resource Guide during the first week of school. Please make sure you have read through all documents and discuss with your child. TOMS Student Handbook Link
Our school motto is Success Nothing Less! We strive to succeed in everything we do and partnering with students and families helps all of us achieve this goal!
Let's Talk Technology!
Have questions about the Personalized Digital Learning Devices at Ten Oaks? Check out this information below on the Dell Latitudes our students use at Ten Oaks Middle. Distribution will begin after the first week of school.
All the following must occur for your student to receive a device:
All Technology fines must be paid in full; the $25 technology fee must be paid and we must have a parent/student permission form signed. Below is a detailed explanation of the difference between Tech fines and Tech fees. Only Tech FINES are currently available to be paid at My Payments Plus. 2025/2026 Tech Fees payments will need to be made in person at Ten Oaks Middle.
Technology Fines: Technology fines are charges that may have been added to your child’s account for any of the following incidents: Lost device, lost charger and or damage to the device.
Technology Fee: There is a $25 dollar technology fee that each student pays at the time of registration. It is beneficial for each student to pay this fee.
Students who pay the Technology Fee receive the following benefits:
● first accidental damage repair will be $25; the second accidental damage repair will be $75 and full cost of repair/replacement for all subsequent accidental damage repairs during the academic year
● device replacement due to theft (requires formal police report) will cost an additional $25
● pay full repair for all damage caused by neglect or abuse.
● pay full replacement cost for loss of device.
● students in grades 6-12 are allowed to take devices home.
Students who do not pay the Technology Fee:
● pay full repair cost for all damage.
● pay full replacement cost for lost due to theft.
● pay full replacement cost for loss of device.
● students in grades K-12 are not allowed to take devices home.
If you have questions, please email Mr. Wilson at RWilson@horrycountyschools.net.
Sports at Ten Oaks Middle and CFHS
All Athletic information for sports not managed by Ten Oaks Middle
can be found at www.cfpanthers.com.
TOMS STUDENTS!
Want to show your school spirit and support our Football Team?
Come out to the TOMS home games in OCTOBER and get LOUD in the TOMS Student Spirit Section!
Each game has a fun theme — so dress up, show out, and cheer on our team!
Spirit Themes:
October 7th – Black Out
October 15th – Camo Out
October 21st – Pink Out
October 28th – Neon Out (End of Season Game!)
Let’s bring the energy and make every game unforgettable!
Spirit Rock
TOMS PTO is excited to announce that the TOMS Spirit Rock is now available for rent! Please see the link below for the rules and procedures. Thank you supporting TOMS PTO!
Sign up HERE!
Exciting News!
TOMS PTO & SCA are thrilled to introduce The Silver Fox Store – a special place where our students can spend the Silver Dollars they’ve earned through hard work, responsibility, and positive choices!
To help stock the store with fun and useful items, we’ve created an Amazon Wish List. If you’d like to support our students, please consider donating – every contribution makes a difference and gives our kids something exciting to look forward to!
Check out the Wish List here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/10EZ782HBICHP...
Thank you for helping us encourage and reward our students!
TOMS PTO
Check out the latest news from TOMS PTO on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TOMSPTO/
TOMS PTO is recruiting for 2025/2026! There are many events where your help is needed. Volunteering at your child's school can have a positive impact on the academic success of our children and show support for our hardworking teachers and staff. Please make sure you are cleared to be an Horry County School District Volunteer. Need to fill out the application? Go ahead and click here to complete the application.
TOMS VIRTUAL NEWS / YouTube
The 2nd edition of TOMS Talk Newsletter of the 25-26 School Year has been posted! https://youtu.be/yP8RoDFfvO8
This week we have some football updates, a bit of trivia, multiple club announcements, several staff birthdays, the weather, lunch menus, and of course the Dad Joke of the Week!
Please take time to watch, like and subscribe to see all of our student's work this year!
Volunteer in HCS
Click on the photo below to learn more about becoming a HCS Volunteer!
Yearbooks
Click below to pre-order your TOMS 202-2026 Yearbook from Jostens!
The cost is $45.00 until September 12, 2025. The price will go up to $50.00.
You can order by clicking here!
About Ten Oaks Middle School
Website: https://www.horrycountyschools.net/Ten_Oaks
Location: 150 Revolutionary War Way, Myrtle Beach SC 29579
Main Phone: 843-488-8896 Fax: 843-236-0014