SILVER FOX NEWS

Congratulations to our HCS Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Ashley Klopfer!

Last night, Ashley was honored at the HCS Teacher of the Year festivities, and we couldn’t be more proud of her hard work and dedication.

It was a double honor to have last year’s HCS Teacher of the Year, Dr. Prochaska, at the ceremony as well, offering words of wisdom to the finalists.

Ms. Cara LaPier was thrilled to celebrate this special achievement with both of them.

Here’s to many more years of inspiring and shaping young minds, Ashley!

Congratulations to Mrs. Amy Shriver, our TOMS Staff Member of the Week! She was nominated by Mrs. Michele Stimpson.

Mrs. Shriver is a Special Education teacher at TOMS and this is her 4th year here,

36th year teaching overall.

My favorite middle school memory isn’t just one moment, but a montage of the feeling of belonging—the adrenaline of competitive sports, the quiet pride of seeing hard-earned grades on my report card, and the pure, awkward joy of school dances where the music felt louder than the world outside. Most importantly, it was the era when I found my "people," forging lifelong friendships that began in crowded hallways and grew into a foundation for my future.

If I could go back and whisper to my middle school self, I’d say: "Keep leaning in. Every practice, every game, every late-night study session, and every nervous laugh at a dance is shaping the person you’re becoming. Don’t sweat the small stuff or the temporary drama; the friendships you’re making right now are the ones that will still be by your side decades from now. You’re doing better than you think."

As part of TOMS Screen-Free Week—“Unplug to Power Up!”—Mrs. Poulos’s A-1 and A-2 students collaborated to sequence key events from Bridge to Terabithia and organize them within a plot structure diagram.

This activity helped strengthen their understanding of narrative structure and served as an important step toward crafting clear, concise objective summaries for their cereal box book projects.

Great job working toward being off screens and staying engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning!

Mrs. Paske’s Art Club had the privilege of attending a Senior HS Art show at the Franklin G. Burroughs–Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach today. Students explored 11 galleries and even had the opportunity to sit and create their own art pieces in the onsite studio.

A huge thank you to TOMS parents Fabio and Alessandra Migliore for treating all of our students to a delicious lunch at their restaurant, Fratelli’s Pizza at Market Common! The students were raving about the food!

TOMS Boys With a Purpose teamed up with Help for Kids to give back to our community.

They packed over 600 snack bags for children in Horry County—helping make sure more kids have access to food, clothes, and school supplies when they need it most.

Small acts can make a big difference, and today proved that. Grateful for everyone who showed up and put in the work! Thank you again to Mr. Carassco and Mr. Brown for their leadership and guidance.

Hey Ten Oaks families! Let’s turn kindness into a little friendly competition

Our friends at Meals on Wheels need our help big time before summer hits—and we KNOW this community can show up strong!

They desperately need:

Canned veggies

Canned fruit

Canned chicken

Canned tuna

Check out the attached flyer from Meals on Wheels for even more ideas on what to donate!

When to bring items:

May 11 – May 15

Hosted by our awesome PTO

THE CHALLENGE:

Which advisory class will bring in the MOST donations?!

The top class in each grade wins a special treat from the PTO! Make sure your advisory teachers sees what you bring!

So raid those pantry shelves, grab a few extra cans at the store, and let’s see which class takes the crown.

Let’s make a BIG impact together—because small cans = BIG help

*8th grade yearbooks will be issued May 27th

*6th & 7th grade yearbooks will be issued May 28th

Did you forget to order a yearbook?

Yearbook sales WILL open up online Monday, April 27th through Saturday, May 2nd for a last minute sales blitz @ jostens.com.

Yearbook will also be sold in school after distribution on May 29th as first come first serve for $55 cash.

Permission forms and early release forms will be sent home on April 13th!

As March begins, we are hard at work preparing for our end of year TOMS Award Day/Promotion Ceremonies! Please take time to add these dates to your calendar for June of 2026.

Please note, the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony will again be split into two different groups to accommodate our large class size.

Tuesday, June 2nd @ 9:30 am - Group 1 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

Tuesday, June 2nd @ 1:30 pm - Group 2 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

Group 1 - Students with the following 1st Academic Teachers - Boone, K. Brady, Carswell, Forsythe, Brady/Graham, Hughes, Lentz, Lowery, Luscavage, McKever, Miksa, Rodriguez, Shriver, Shupe, Steele, Varcadipane

Group 2 - Students with the following 1st Academic Teachers – Ashby, G. Evans, Frazzini, Grant, Pierson, Samon, Shankle, Streater

Wednesday, June 3rd @ 9:30am - 7th Grade Awards Day Ceremony

Thursday, June 4th @ 9:30am - 6th Grade Awards Day Ceremony

Dear Parent/Guardian,

As the end of the school year approaches, please pick up your child's medication. Our medication policy requires the disposal of All medication, prescriptions and non-prescription, that are not picked up by June 5, 2026, at 1:00 pm. (This includes emergency medications such as Inhalers and EpiPens/AuviQ.) If your child's medication is not picked up, it will be destroyed and discarded.

Please remember a parent/guardian must pick up the medicine. Medication cannot be sent home with students. If you need to make special arrangements to pick up the medication(s), please contact Nurse Dugan or Nurse Gorby at 843-488-8961 or email at bdugan@horrycountyschools.net

May

11 ~ Morning Devotion Club - Last Meeting

12 ~ SC READY Testing Writing

12 ~ TOMS Spring Band Concert 6:00PM

13 ~ TOMS Spring Chorus Concert 6:00PM

14 ~ SC READY Testing Reading

14 ~ TOMS Spring Orchestra Concert 6:00PM

18 ~ SC READY Testing 6th Grade Science

18 ~ English 1 Final Writing

19 ~ SC READY Testing Math

19 ~ Disc Golf 3:45 -4:45 - Last Meeting

20 ~ English 1 Final Reading

21 ~ FCA - Final meeting

21 ~ Geometry Final

25 ~ Memorial Day, Schools Closed

June

2 ~ 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM

3 ~ 7th Grade Awards Assembly 9:30 AM

3 ~ Early Dismissal 1:00 PM (No Backpacks)

4 ~ 6th Grade Awards Assembly 9:30 AM

4 ~ Last Day of School / Early Dismissal 1:00 PM (No Backpacks)

12 ~ Report Cards Issued via PowerSchool

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.

For more information, click on the link below.

The News Room at HCS/Clear Backpacks (Horrycountyschools.net)

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

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.

The 2025-2026 Student Calendar is available now!

Visit www.horrycountyschools.net/calendars to view or download the PDF.

Click the following link to learn more about the

HCS student cell phone policy.

Student Cell Phone Policy - Horry County Schools

Check our link below to hear from our TOMS Counselors for important information

throughout the year! See what is happening here.

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.

Boys With a Purpose Club is starting at TOMS!

Boys With a Purpose is more than a mentoring club — it’s a movement dedicated to encouraging young men to be their very best.

We teach practical life skills like:

How to tie a tie

Dressing for the occasion

Proper manners & etiquette

Character development

Confidence & leadership

Our goal is to positively mentor young men, build strong character, and help them truly believe that They Have a Purpose. When young men know their value, they move differently. They lead differently. They live differently.

Students can see Mr. Carrasco or Mr. Brown with questions!

#BoysWithAPurpose #MentorshipMatters #BuildingLeaders #TheyHaveAPurpose

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 until May 11th. | 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! The clubs last day will be May 19th.

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.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes is open to all students!

FCA Meets each Thursday morning in the Gym from 7:45 - 8:20 AM.

No Meeting may 14th.

Last meeting May 21st!

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.

Visit www.mypaymentsplus.com for more information.

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

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!

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.

All Athletic information for sports not managed by Ten Oaks Middle

can be found at www.cfpanthers.com.

7th and 8th Grade Students, Parents and Guardians!

Per the CFHS Athletic Department, the Athletic Shuttle Bus to CFHS will begin after school on Monday, 2/2, at the start of Spring Sport Tryouts. The shuttle bus will run daily (weather permitting and bus availability).

To ensure all safety protocols are followed, students who plan to ride the shuttle bus must have a signed Parent/Guardian permission slip.

The completed form must be returned to Coach Deaton by next Friday, January 30th. Students without a signed permission slip will not be permitted to ride the shuttle bus.

Thank you all for your cooperation and support.

TOMS Admin

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!

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.