TMS Dragons
PRO: Perseverance, Respect, Ownership September 2025-2026
Back to School Month and Family Information
Click on the link to the district’s Back to School guide for resources to get your family ready for school!
Dragons new to the lair!
Meet the new School Security Officer, Kevin Fulks
Before TMS: I was a law enforcement officer
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite book: Band of Brothers
In my free time I like to: Ride my Harley Davidson motorcycle
One thing I am good at is: Not falling down on my Harley Davidson
Counselors Corner
The TMS school counselors are Andrea Wallace (6th grade-last names A-K + 7th grade-all students) and Keefer Lanham (6th grade-last names L-Z + 8th grade-all students). We’ve been working on building connections with students, ensuring norms and expectations are clear, and collaborating with teachers to meet student needs as they arise. As of the end of August, we have already met individually with 90 students at TMS.
Thus far, we’ve tried to talk to all of our 7th and 8th grade transfer or choice enrollment students to see if they need any support with their move to a new school. We are also hosting a weekly lunch group for 6th grade students who are new to Berthoud or who came from elementary schools outside of the community. Please reach out to us if your student is struggling with the transition to TMS.
Here’s an example of a social-emotional lesson students recently did in all of the PRO (advisory) classes. Each student drew a tree and then the parts of the tree were designed to describe themselves - their past (roots), the present (grass on ground), unique characteristics (tree trunk), the future (branches), and the people and things that are significant sources of support (the leaves). This was a way for them to reflect on their own life and to connect with others in their class.
Going along with the work we do to support all students, we would like to invite students to join the TMS Inclusion Club. Anyone who wants to find ways to ensure the school is supportive of students of all backgrounds, connect with others, or who are feeling like they personally are struggling to fit in would be great members for the club. We meet before school at 8 AM on Thursdays. If you'd like more info on the club, please reach out to a school counselor.
KidsPak is a valuable resource for families who may be facing food insecurity. Please visit their website for more information and to fill out the food request form if you are interested in receiving this support. We can put the KidsPak food bags in backpacks on Fridays to send home for the weekends.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We want each person in the community to be aware that there is a free helpline for anyone who is in crisis, has suicidal thoughts, is experiencing depression, is self-harming, or is experiencing other mental health concerns. You can call, text, or live chat with 988 and will receive support from a trained specialist. Please visit their website for more information.
Sources of Strength is a best practice, strength-based, upstream suicide prevention and mental health promotion program that has shown effectiveness in both preventative upstream and intervention outcomes. The TMS group will be starting in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month.
Parenting middle school students is a challenge... and then some! TMS will be offering some additional skills for your parenting toolkit:
- Tools to build stronger, more respectful relationships with your children - and end arguing!
- Promote Responsibility - strategies that encourage children to make good decisions and take ownership of their actions.
- Reduce Stress by navigating discipline and conflict with less frustration and more confidence.
Look for dates and location for Parenting the Love & Logic Way® coming soon. If you want further information, please reach out to our counselor, Keefer Lanham, at: keefer.lanham@tsd.org
Hello 6th Grade Families!
We are just past our first week of school and we are really enjoying this group! We want to take a moment to remind you of a couple of things. First and foremost, students REALLY need a pair of earbuds or headphones. Please, if you see a cheap pair, grab them for your 6th grader! Also, if your kiddo is having a hard time getting supplies, please let us know; we have some extras lying around. Lastly, please have your kiddos show you their Google Classrooms, where they find their daily agenda, etc. This tool will help them with their organization and keep them on top of work they need to complete--which is HUGE now that they have multiple classes and teachers each day.
In Academic News….
In Science,
Science has been having a lot of questions . . . testable questions that is. We have been identifying variables, creating hypotheses and conducting labs to learn the application of the Scientific Method. Soon science students will dive into Geology. We will be ROCK stars! We look forward to having a wonderful year in Science with your Sixth Grader!
In Social Studies, students are fully engaged in learning about Geography. This coming week the students will take on the role of a Cartographer to learn about how people make and use maps. By the end of the lesson students will have an opportunity to process the information by creating their own maps! If your student would like any additional resources, have them email me. Please remind your students that they will need a designated Social Studies folder/paper moving forward.
In Literacy, students are currently building up to writing their own short stories! This past week, they worked on community building, identity exploration, learning routines, and getting ready for the year with Ms. Wade and Ms. Heff. Students should start reading at least 10 minutes everyday at home, so you should see them engrossed in their new library books! Next week, we look forward to delving into some important texts and building the scaffold for an in-depth writing assignment.
In Math, kids are jumping into some Math basics to review factors, multiples and order of operations. All math classrooms have agendas and daily work accessible online through the Google Classroom and teacher websites, so never again should you hear , “I don’t remember what my homework was…” :) Additionally, since the books are completely online as well, everything the kids need for their math work is truly at their fingertips.
Welcome to 7th grade! We are so excited to begin this new school year with each of you. Seventh grade is a year of growth, discovery, and new opportunities. Together, we’ll be exploring challenging ideas, building strong skills, and creating lasting memories. Our goal is to make our classrooms a place where students feel supported, encouraged to take risks, and excited to learn every day.
As we start the year, we want both students and parents to know that communication and teamwork are key. Families play an important role in helping students succeed, and the 7th grade team looks forward to partnering with you to make this year a positive and rewarding experience. Let’s work together to ensure that 7th grade is filled with curiosity, confidence, and community. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful things we will accomplish this year!
Welcome to a brand-new school year! We are so excited to work alongside you and your student during this important final year of middle school. Eighth grade is such a meaningful time—it’s a year full of growth, new opportunities, and preparation for the exciting transition to high school.
Your student recently completed the iReady Fall Diagnostic in both Math and Literacy. These results help us understand where they’re starting from, guide instruction, and support students in setting personal goals they’ll be working toward this year. We encourage you to take a few minutes every so often to ask your child about the goals they set—it’s a great way to see how they’re thinking about their learning and to cheer them on as they make progress.
Students will take the iReady assessment again in the middle of the year and once more at the end. Each time, they’ll get the chance to reflect on how far they’ve come, celebrate their growth, and, if needed, adjust their goals. This process helps keep them motivated and focused, while giving us valuable insight into how to best support them.
We’re looking forward to a wonderful year together and can’t wait to see all that our 8th graders will accomplish. Thank you for your support—it truly makes a difference in helping this year be both rewarding and memorable.
8th Grade Team
Everyone loves Electives
FACS (Family and Consumer Science) Mrs. May’s Family and Consumer Science classes are getting to know one another and learn class expectations through various activities, creating videos, and playing games. The students are learning about kitchen safety to prepare for cooking.
Lifetime Sports classes are learning yard games. Students should bring a water bottle because it is hot! Mr. Farus and Mr. Ruiz teach these classes.
PE is assessing their current fitness testing and writing goals to maintain or improve fitness by the end of the term. Good sportsmanship is being taught through team-building activities. Mrs. Olivas and Mr. Gonzales teach these classes.
Technology and Engineering is learning the Design Process. Students set goals each day and work to accomplish them. Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) skills, equipment safety, and using the 3D printer are being taught. Mr. Gonzales teaches these classes.
Band, Choir, and Orchestra are preparing for the first concerts to be held on October 7 & 8. More details will be forthcoming. The expectation for band class is that students practice a minimum of one hour a week at home. Mr. Farus is the band and orchestra director. Mr. Wulf directs the choir.
Art classes are learning about the elements of art and expressing oneself through art. They are reviewing what was learned last year about drawing, value, scale, and color theory. Ms. Merena is our art specialist.
Spanish classes are working on introductions and basic foundations of conversations. Our 8th-grade classes are building upon what they learned last year. Students who work hard should be prepared to take Spanish 2 as a high school freshman. Mr. Ruiz is currently the substitute teacher for the class.
Desktop Publishing is working on typing skills, using the different programs offered in Google Suite, and internet safety. Mrs. May and Mrs. Merena teach these classes.
Electives Needs and Wants
PE classes need to bring deodorant. We could use some donations of travel-size deodorant for students who do not bring their own.
FACS classes could use donations of dish soap and laundry detergent.
All classes can use kleenex donations.
GT news
Kristi Leonard - kristina.leonard@tsd.org or 970-613-7454
Gifted education in middle school is different from elementary school. Our classroom teachers work with the GE teacher to meet student needs. Students are not generally pulled out of class. TMS offers advanced math classes. Acceleration in the other subjects is done through a cooperative effort between the classroom teacher and GE teacher.
Students who were identified Gifted in another state will need to be re-identified in Colorado. Students who have been identified Gifted in Colorado do not need to be re-identified. However, it would be helpful to let Mrs. Leonard know this status for incoming students.
Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) goal writing will begin this week has begun. Parents are invited to join the process either in person or virtually. A SignUpGenius link has been sent to parents of GE students. Parents will receive a copy of the ALP even if unable to attend the meeting. Please contact Mrs. Leonard if you have any questions or concerns.
Thompson Schools screens all sixth grade students for Gifted services. Parents may opt their student out of the screening process if desired. There are three -10 minute computerized tests used for the screening process. Students who are already identified as a Gifted learner will not be tested. Dates and opt out forms will be sent out soon.
CAGT Student Art Contest - Students are invited to share their outstanding artistic talents by creating their own artistic interpretation of the theme, Empowering Change. Artwork must be an original, creative interpretation of the theme, not a copy of anyone else’s material. Art can be 2D or 3D. 2D pieces must be no larger than 24” x 36”. 3D pieces must have dimensions no larger than 24”x24”x24”. Submissions should be directed to Mrs. Leonard or Ms. Merena.
PRO Class
PRO is our connections/advisory class. Each student is in a same grade group and each grade level group belongs to a castle. There are 8 castles: time, wind, energy, rock, water, metal, ice, and fire. PRO class meets twice a week. Sources of Strength, Character Strong, and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports are part of the lesson development.
August and September we focus on building connections, community agreements, getting to know your school, goals, and Xello.
Xello is a program that helps our students evaluate their future goals, college, technical schools, and build employability skills by integrating a work-based learning modules. Students will continue to use this program through high school.
6th grade ONLY Dance
All 6th graders are invited to attend our Dragon Link dance on Thursday, September 11 from 4:15-5:15. The dance will take place in the gym and cafeteria. This dance is for 6th grade only; the cost of the dance is $3.00 and concessions can be purchased during the dance.
Picture Retakes
How to Register for Transportation Services
It is important that you register each school year for the bus.
If you have any questions, contact the Transportation Department at 970-613-5185 or transportationrouting@tsd.org as soon as possible. Please know that your needs are important to us and we will respond to your questions as soon as possible.
For information about your student’s transportation eligibility and possible route information, please refer to the bus stop locator.
Start by logging in to Campus Parent.
Forgot your username and/or password? Click Forgot Password on the login screen or email portal@tsd.org for more assistance.
No classes for students
Tuesday, Sept. 2 for Staff Professional Development
TMS PTO
TMS parent teacher organization (PTO) meets at Turner Middle School.
Please feel free to join them for the next meeting on Friday, September 5 at 9:00am. This meeting sets up the opportunity to work together with the school to supplement and enrich our student's educational experience.
See TMS Website for contact information.
SAAC
In Honor of September 11
Each passing year we pause to remember September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our nation. In rememberance, we honor the lives lost and recognize the bravery of first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who came together in the face of tragedy.
At school, we encourage our students to reflect on the importance of kindness, unity, and resilience—the same qualities that carried our country through that difficult time. By practicing these values each day, we honor the memory of those we lost and the strength of those who continue to serve.
NOCO Emergency Alert
Larimer County Fire Departments have asked us to share this information. This emergency alert will alert those who sign up for it with emergency notifications from Larimer county. Please text NOCOALERT to 888777.
Safety Drills
TMS practices emergency safety drills on a continuous basis throughout the year. The type of drill we practice and discuss with students is rotated. We help students to become familiar with the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) which outline 5 situations and the actions that both the students and the adults do during an emergency.
School fees are due!
You can pay your student fees one of two ways:
1. You can drop off a check or cash at the school
2. Pay in Parent Portal with a credit card.
3. If you have previous years fees to pay, you must change the school year in the school year drop down menu.
If you have any questions, please contact the front office.
Thank you!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
We are excited to share activities and learning opportunities throughout the year that highlight the importance of diversity and the power of celebrating our differences. Together, we can recognize and appreciate the many ways Hispanic heritage enriches our lives every day.
Turner Middle School
Mission:
We will provide a safe and inclusive environment and ensure a high level of learning for every student to become engaged citizens and lifelong learners.
Vision:
Cultivate Excellence, Celebrate Diversity, Connect with Community
Principal: Brandy Grieves
Assistant Principal: Adam Kohn
Dean: Lacey Scadden
Secretary: Merri Hocker
Attendance Secretary: Kelly Sandoval
Registrar: Brandii Wilson
School Nurse: Stephanie Roberts
School Health Office Aide: Pam Sargent
Website:https://tms.tsd.org/
Location: 950 Massachusetts Avenue, Berthoud, CO, USA
Phone: 970-613-7400
Email: Info.TMS@tsd.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurnerMSBerthoud
Twitter: @tmsdragons