Thomas Community Newsletter

Dear TMS Community,

As we welcome April, Thomas Middle School has officially launched into the 4th quarter—a time filled with energy, accomplishments, and exciting opportunities for our students. It’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is progressing! Before spring break, we celebrated the many achievements of the 3rd quarter during our Recognition Assembly—be sure to check out the photos below.

We are especially proud of our Science Olympiad team, who will represent TMS at the STATE meet next week. Their dedication, curiosity, and countless hours of preparation have truly paid off, and we wish them the very best as they compete at the highest level.

This week, our 7th graders will participate in the highly anticipated Outdoor Education field trip to Sunrise Lake. Gamma students will attend on Monday, April 6, followed by Delta students on Tuesday, April 7. This experience provides valuable opportunities for team building, outdoor learning, and the creation of lasting memories.

Last Thursday, our 8th graders participated in Oral History Day, where eleven incredible guest speakers shared powerful stories and deep connections to Thomas and the Arlington Heights community. We are grateful for their time, perspective, and inspiration. Our 8th graders are also officially in graduation celebration mode. As their time at TMS begins to wind down, we look forward to honoring their accomplishments and creating meaningful experiences to celebrate this important milestone. Parents of 8th graders should be sure to view the Class of 2026 newsletter.

Looking ahead, be sure to mark your calendars for the TMS Spring Musical performance of High School Musical on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25. Our talented students have been working incredibly hard, and we can’t wait to showcase their efforts on stage.

April promises to be a month full of growth, achievement, and celebration. Thank you for your continued support of our students and school community! We also invite you to support TMS through the PTA Spring Plant Sale. Orders are due by April 10, and pick-up will take place on Thursday, May 7—just in time for Mother’s Day. It’s a convenient way to support our school while preparing your garden for the season.

In this newsletter, you'll find information on the following items:

• Spring MAP Testing Information - Testing Dates: Wednesdays, 4/15 & 4/22 *Modified Daily Schedules
• 7th Grade Outdoor Education Field Trip: Monday, 4/6 (Gamma) and Tuesday, 4/7
• 8th Grade Class of 2026 Newsletter
• 8th Grade Oral History Day
• Arlington Heights E-Bike and Scooter Ordinance

Previously Shared Newsletter Information:

• PTA Yearbook Waitlist Form
• Summer U

Standing Newsletter Information Includes:

• PTA Information

• School Resource Office Information
  
• Safe2Help Illinois

• TMS Administrator Team

With gratitude for your partnerships and support,

The TMS Administrative Team

Lori Naumowicz, Principal

Greg Keadle, Associate Principal

Jeremy Fischer, Associate Principal

Allie Yoder, Associate Principal & TMS Student Services Coordinator

This assembly featured performances by the TMS Jazz Band, a preview of the TMS Spring Musical High School Musical, and presentations from leaders of the Den Club. We also recognized our TMS State Qualifiers, including the 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team, 7th and 8th Grade Girls’ Volleyball Teams, Wrestlers, and Science Olympiad members.

As part of the middle school developmental progression toward increased responsibility and independence, Thomas Middle School encourages students to walk or ride to and from school. This practice not only supports student growth, but also helps reduce traffic congestion, limits the need for parent drop-off and pick-up, and promotes environmentally friendly habits that contribute to a greener, healthier community.

We are proud that many of our students choose to walk or ride each day. As a community, we ask for your partnership in helping ensure that all students do so safely. Please take a few moments to review the Arlington Heights Village ordinances regarding e-scooters and e-bikes with your Timberwolf.

ACTION ITEMS:

• Please also check your child's E-device to determine if it is permissible on the sidewalk. If the device is capable of exceeding 10 m.p.h. it should not be used at school.
• Please make sure your middle schooler has the Silver Level Ride Illinois Bike Safety Quiz Completed. See the QR Code below.

• The yearbook orders have closed for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Please click HERE to complete this form if you wish to have your chlid's name placed on the waitlist for a yearbook.
• We CANNOT guarantee that your child will get a yearbook, but should a yearbook become available we can sell them for $25. Parents will be contacted by the PTA in the order in which these requests were received.
• Please contact the TMS PTA at thomasmiddleschoolpta@gmail.com if you have any questions about yearbook purchases.

• The TMS Lost and Found is currently overflowing with PE shirts, shoes, sweatshirts, hats, coats, water bottles, lunch containers, and more!
• Please encourage your middle schooler to look through the collection of items.

The TMS PTA has a lot to offer this year! We are excited for all the activities we have planned!

• President - Jim Moncada

• President Elect - Kym Battista

• Vice President - Ian Silverman

• Treasurer - Sara Hess

• Secretary - Joslyn Katz

TMS PTA Memberships - Have you joined the PTA? Your membership gives you exclusive access to the Thomas Middle School Directory through Directory Spot. Not a member? No problem! You can join by visiting the AH25 Webstore to purchase online or by emailing us at thomasmiddleschoolpta@gmail.com.

Social media concerns, incidents that occur after school hours/on the weekends, or outside of school can be reported to the SRO or you can contact the Arlington Heights Police by calling 911 or the non-emergency phone number (847) 368-5300. You can also go directly to the Police Department located at 200 E Sigwalt Street in Arlington Heights. It is open 24 hours. The SROs can be contacted as well:

SRO: John O'Leary joleary@vah.com Cell Phone: (847) 344-2330

SRO: Chris Seebacher cseebacher@vah.com Cell Phone (847) 878-2949

Station Number: 847-368-5393

Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program where students can use a free app, text/phone, and website (safe2helpil.com) to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. Once vetted, the information provided will be shared with local district and school officials and/or local 911 call center, depending on the nature of the information shared. Safe2Help Illinois is a long-term initiative to change the school culture in Illinois by helping students reach out when they have concerns. To learn further about Safe2Help Illinois, please see the videos below. More information can also be found on their website at safe2helpil.com. Video for Middle School Students

Please click HERE for the latest newsletter from Link Together Coalition. This newsletter contains updates on the coalition's latest efforts and events, education for parents and educators, and great resources.

• Principal - Lori Naumowicz
• Associate Principal - Greg Keadle (Delta, Epsilon, & Zeta Teams)
• Associate Principal & Student Services Coordinator - Allie Yoder
• Associate Principal & Teacher - Jeremy Fischer (Alpha, Beta, Gamma Teams)