SILVER FOX NEWS
January 16th, 2026
Reminder for families: Friday, Jan. 16 is a 2 1/2-hour early dismissal for students. Schools are closed to students on Monday, Jan. 19 and Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 is a teacher workday.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Mr. Marty Graham on being named the Ten Oaks Middle School Support Staff of the Year!
Mr. Graham is a Mod–Severe Paraprofessional in our Special Education Department who serves students with compassion, patience, care, and heart. He truly believes in his work and his purpose, and it shows in the way he goes above and beyond every day to ensure our students feel safe, valued, and capable of success.
On top of that, he’s working toward his master’s degree at Francis Marion University to become a certified Special Education teacher—proof of his dedication to students and lifelong learning.
We are so proud of you, Mr. Graham, and excited for you to represent TOMS at the district level this spring. You truly embody what it means to be a Silver Fox. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor—Success, Nothing Less!
Congratulations to Mr. Chad Hammer who was chosen as this week's TOMS Staff Member of the Week! Mr. Hammer was nominated by Mr. Ryan Wilson.
Mr. Hammer is our Orchestra Director and Media Arts Instructor at TOMS and has been an instructor here for 9 years, since the school opened!
Mt favorite memory of Middle School was... One of my favorite school memories was rehearsing and performing musicals each spring.
My advice to my Middle School self would be...
Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they seem scary or intimidating. Don't dream it, be it!
Please help us give a warm TOMS welcome to the newest staff member at Ten Oaks Middle, Mrs. Samantha Udeagha! She will be joining the 8th grade ELA Teaching Team!
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Hi everyone! My name is Samantha Udeagha and I am so thrilled to join the Ten Oaks Middle family. I’ve been teaching for 10 years, with experience ranging from elementary school all the way up to the college level. I’m a bit of a nerd for learning—I’m currently finishing up my Doctorate in Teaching and Learning with a focus on Critical Media Literacy!
Outside of school, I’ve been happily married to my amazing husband for 13 years, and we have three rambunctious little boys who keep us very busy. When we aren't at a practice or a game, we love traveling and spending as much time as possible on the water. I can’t wait to get to know all of you!
Freezin' for a Reason: Ten Oaks Middle School's Epic Polar Plunge Adventure! ❄️🌊
Hello, Silver Foxes! Join our bold TOMS Silver Fox Plunge Squad as we dive into the chilly Atlantic for the 21st Annual Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Sands Ocean Club (9550 Shore Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572). We're "Freezin' for a Reason" to raise funds for Special Olympics South Carolina, supporting over 30,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports, training, and inclusion—last year raised over $150,000 statewide, and our team aims for $5,000!
Event Highlights
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (plunge slots at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, or 1:30 PM) TOMS Plunge time TBD. Probably 11:30AM
Why Join? Sun, sand, shivers, and huge impact—no training needed, just bravery and fun vibes!
How to Get Involved
Plunge: Raise a minimum $50, register on the TOMS Silver Fox Plunge Squad page (or grab forms from Mrs. Shriver's classroom), complete the form with parent/guardian waiver, and earn a Polar Plunge T-shirt!
Donate: Can't plunge? Contribute directly to our team page.
Support: Be a Plunge Narrator—share online or cheer us on the beach!
The Squad includes brave plungers, social media hype crew, costume designers, and narrators—together, we're unstoppable Silver Fox pride!
Let's make a tidal wave of difference—plunge, cheer, or donate. Ten Oaks Middle School: Freezin’ with Purpose! 💙🦊
Register & learn more: https://www.classy.org/team/779955
Get Cozy & Support a Great Cause! ❄️🧸
Join the TOMS Silver Fox Plunge Squad for two fun Pajama & Hat Days!
📅 Friday, January 16th & Friday, January 23rd
Dress Code:
Cozy pajamas → $3 (school dress code still applies)
Fun hat → $1 (or both for max spirit!)
All proceeds support our team's fundraising for the 21st Annual Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge on January 31, 2026 — a chilly ocean dip to benefit Special Olympics South Carolina! We're freezin' for a reason to fund year-round sports and inclusion for athletes with intellectual disabilities. 🌊💙
How to join:
Bring cash and give it to your advisory teacher in the morning.
Let’s fill the halls with comfy vibes, silly hats, and school spirit!
Share your PJ & hat pics.🦊❄️See you in your PJs — let’s make it unforgettable!
Conversations with Cliff
A NEW CHALLENGE AWAITS!
Students can now register on Beanstack for our latest reading challenge!
To earn 2 TOMS Silver Dollars, students must:
Log 600 pages
Write 5 reviews
Between December 1st and January 31st
Encourage your students to jump in and start reading!
Important Dates
January
16 ~ 2-1/2 Hour Early Dismissal
19 ~ School Closed
20 ~ Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
21 - 22 ~ NO Fox Academy
21 ~ Chess Club
21 ~ Basketball Game HOME Vs Myrtle Beach Middle School 6:00 PM
22 ~ FCA
22 ~ Basketball Game AWAY Vs Black Water Middle School 6:00 PM
22 - 23 ~ All County Orchestra
23 ~ $3.00 PJ day $1.00 Hat Day
23 - 24 ~ SC Honors Choir at CCU
26 ~ Report Cards issued via PowerSchool
26 ~ Basketball Game HOME vs Loris Middle School 6:00 PM
27 ~ Disc Golf Club
27 ~ eSports
28 ~ American Heart Association Fundraiser
28 ~ Chess Club
28 ~ Basketball Game AWAY at Ocean Bay Middle School 6:00 PM
29 ~ FCA
29 - 30 ~ All County Chorus at MBHS
31 ~ Polar Plunge (See flyer above)
February
2 ~ Round 1 Basketball Playoff Game TBD
2 ~ 4 Basketball Semi-Final Game TBD
9 ~ HCS MS Basketball Championship Game TBD
16 ~ Student Holiday
17 ~ Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
23 ~ End Date for 3rd Quarter Interim Report via PowerSchool
Attendance
As a reminder, the Horry County Attendance policy changed for the 2025/2026 School year.
We wanted to highlight and bring to your attention a few of the changes that will affect your student's attendance if not followed!
• Parents must submit a note within 3 days of the student’s return to school from an absence. Notes may be submitted prior to the student’s absence.
• Parents may submit notes for up to 6 school days, and the days will count as parent-excused.
• Elementary/Middle Schools – 6 days total
• Parent notes will not be accepted during designated state testing dates.
To view the entire HCS Attendance policy, click on the link here. https://www.horrycountyschools.net/.../attendance-policy...
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
Contests
Make your nominations for the January Student of the Month!
The student with the most votes wins a plaque, prize from Beazer Homes and a follow up feature story in our local papers! Vote & Nominate: 1/1-1/31 | Winner Contacted: 2/1
Make your nominations for the January Teacher of the Month!
The teacher with the most votes wins. Don't forget to vote every day! Vote & Nominate: 1/1-1/31 | Winner Contacted: 2/2 Vote until 1/31/2026 @ 11:59 PM Eastern
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.
The TOMS Jr. Beta Club thanks you all for helping to support their December Food Drive!
Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference!
Thank you for helping us spread generosity this season.
Chess Club will be held every Wednesday from 3:20 - 4:45 PM. Registration forms must be submitted to Mr. Campman in order to participate. Chess Club Registration
TOM’S Morning Devotional Group — a student-led club designed to start the week with purpose and positivity! It is a time for students to come together, read and discuss Bible verses, and explore how faith connects to everyday life. The focus is on reflection, responsibility, and leadership — all led by students, for students.
Every Monday Morning | 7:30–7:55 AM Room 151
Open to all students - must have a signed permission slip
Arrive by 7:25 AM for bag checks with Officer Davis
Permission slips are available in the front office. Return them to Mrs. Miksa (Room 151).
TOMS Disc Golf club is in full swing!
Next meeting January 27th!
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.
IMPORTANT UPDATE! CLUB HAS MOVED TO TUESDAYS!
TOMS Esports Team
Meets every TUESDAY 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!
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is open to all students!
FCA Meets each Thursday morning in the Gym from 7:45 - 8:20 AM.
We are excited to announce that the TOMS Gaga Ball Club will expand and open to 6th-7th graders this year. The club will meet on the following Thursdays after school:
January: 1/22
Any 6th-7th grader who is interested in joining the club needs to sign up via this form – click here. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfCENbMetzPhg.../viewform
The only criteria is that students joining must be passing all core subjects. If students have any questions about the club they can reach out to Mrs. Ladd or Mr. Frechette.
Guitar Club next meeting on January 29th!
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 January 8th at the next Kindness Club!
All students interested in problem-solving, math challenges, and competitions are welcome to join.
Math Counts Club will meet every Monday afternoon from 3:45-4:45 PM.
The TOMS Girls Running Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday
afterschool from 3:45 - 4:45 PM.
We will resume meeting on March 3rd in the new year!
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!
Student Council members will meet on February 5th from 8:25 - 8:40 AM
in the upstairs Green Collaboration Space starting at 8:25am
TOMS Science Club is open to all students!
Get ready for experiments, discoveries, and hands-on fun.
Science Club next meeting will be February 11th!
Don’t miss out on an exciting year of science exploration!
Tom’s Technology Club is BACK! If you love gadgets, coding, or just want to explore how tech works, this is the place for you. Are you ready to get techy with us?
Club will meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month 3:45 -4:30 PM! Next meeting is February 5th.
See Mr. Robinette with any questions!
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.
Spring Sport Tryouts At CFHS are Coming! Is your 7th or 8th Grade student prepared?
In order to workout or tryout students must be registered and approved in Big Teams.
PLEASE allow staff ample time to process and approve registrations. Registrations completed the day before or day of, may not be approved in time for your athlete to workout or tryout.
Use the link below for instructions on registering and to obtain a copy of the current physical form. For Spring Sport questions email the head coach listed above. For questions about Big Teams registration email the athletic trainer Tyler Saylor tsaylor@horrycountyschools.net
Big Teams Registration Link CLICK HERE https://studentcentral.bigteams.com/...
2025-2026 Physical Form CLICK HERE https://resources.finalsite.net/.../2025_26_HCS_Physical.pdf
CFHS offers the following sports in the spring: B-Team Baseball and Softball, JV and Varsity Baseball and Softball, JV and Varsity Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys Golf, Boys Tennis, Boys and Girls Track and Field, and JV and Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer.
7th and 8th graders are allowed to try out for all of the above spring sports except for the Varsity Levels of Girls and Boys Lacrosse and Soccer. Middle school students interested in lacrosse or soccer may only try-out for the JV teams.
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2026 Spring Workout & Tryout Information
Girls Lacrosse:
Tryouts- February 2nd, 3rd, & 4th TIME: TBD at the Lacrosse Practice Field
Workouts- Every Monday - Thursday in January starting Monday Jan 5th and last workout on Wednesday Jan 28th 4:15-5:30 at the Lacrosse Practice Field
Boys Lacrosse:
Tryouts - February 2nd, 3rd, & 4th TIME: 4:00-5:45 at the Lacrosse Practice Field
Workouts- January 6-9 4:00-5:45, January 12-15 4:00-5:45, Jan 21-23 4:00-5:45, Jan 24 10am - Noon, Jan 26-28 4:00-5:45
Girls Soccer:
Tryouts- Soccer Practice Field
Varsity Tryouts (grades 9-12 only) Feb 2, 3, & 4 from 3:45 - 5:45 MUST ATTEND ALL THREE
JV (grades 7-10) Feb 9, 10, & 11 from 3:45 - 5:45 MUST ATTEND ALL THREE
Open Workouts - Soccer Practice Field
Grades 9th-12th Only
Jan 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 from 3:30 - 5:30
Grades 7th-12th
Jan 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 from 3:30 - 5:30
Boys Soccer:
Tryouts- Soccer Practice Field
February 2, 3, & 4 3:45-5:30 MUST ATTEND ALL THREE
Workouts - Every Monday - Thursday in January starting Monday Jan 5th and last workout on Thursday Jan 22nd 3:45-5:30.
No workouts on Jan 19th & Jan 20th
Track & Field:
Workouts: Every Monday - Thursday in January starting Monday Jan 5th and last workout on Wednesday Jan 28th 3:40-5:45.
No workouts on Jan 19th
Tryouts:
February 2, 3, & 4 3:45-5:30 MUST ATTEND ALL THREE
Softball Varsity, JV, and B Team:
Tryouts: February 2, 3, & 4 at 4:00-6:00 Softball Field
Workouts: Every Monday - Friday in January starting Monday Jan 5th and last workout on Wednesday Jan 28 at 4:00-6:00 Softball Field
No workouts on Jan 16
Baseball:
Tryouts:
JV & Varsity: February 2, 3, & 4 at 4:00-6:00 Baseball Field
B- Team: February 16, 17, 18 at 5:00-7:00 Baseball Field
Workouts:
JV & Varsity: Every Monday - Friday 4:30-6:00 Saturday TBD
B Team: Every Monday - Friday starting Jan 19 - Jan 28 5:00-6:30
Boys Tennis:
Interest Meeting: 2/2 at 4:00 in D116
Tryouts: Tuesday Feb 3 at 4:00
Boys Golf:
Interest Meeting: Jan 13 at 3:30 in Room K-106 (if can’t attend email Coach Patterson spatterson@horrycountyschools.net
Tryouts: February 12 4pm at Myrtle Beach National
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!
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
Get your TOMS Talk News HEEEERRE!
What's better than ONE Ten Oaks Virtual Newsletter? How about TWO! Check these out!
We have posted the combination Newsletters 16/17 (6 7!!!!!!!) as well as the brand new Newsletter #18 for the new year!
16/17 has many highlights from December (Winter Concerts, Basketball, and more) plus some of the more ridiculous outtakes we've had in a while.
18 has highlights from last week and lost of info about the upcoming polar plunge!
Newsletters #16/17 Combo episode- https://youtu.be/dMe1gE2cseM
Newsletter #18 - https://youtu.be/iKHHarJk35Q
Please watch, like and subscribe to our channel!
Volunteer in HCS
Click on the photo below to learn more about becoming a HCS Volunteer!
Yearbooks
Click below to pre-order your TOMS 2025-2026 Yearbook from Jostens!
The cost is $45 untill 1/30/26
The price increase 1/31/26 to $50
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