TJHS science students in Mrs. Reber's class were challenged to build the tallest, free-standing tower using only cranberries and toothpicks, in 25 minutes. This was an Ag in the Classroom activity that is done in cooperation with the Extension Office in Christian County. They were in groups of 2-4. The tallest tower was 40 inches tall, built by Hayden Funderburk and Blake Sample.

More holiday fun and excitement to come...

The high school boys from Mrs. Hoy's Rise room were able to learn how to drywall. Jesse Febus, the assistant in Mrs. Hoy's room, made a partial wall and brought it to the school to teach the students the fundamentals of drywalling. They busted holes in the wall and then patched them. This is going to be an ongoing activity for the class this year. These are skills that they might need after completing high school.

Congratulations to the following Taylorville music students on being selected to perform at the 2025 Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State conference in Peoria this January. The following students worked hard to make it to the ILMEA District 5 festival and were rewarded for their efforts by being selected to represent THS and District 5 at this year’s conference. Chase Clayton All-State Band Baritone Sax Paige Cunnington All-State Band Trumpet Lillie Jones All-State Band Clarinet Olivia Garren Honors Chorus Alto 1 Skyler Stockon Honors Chorus Soprano 1 Madelyn Likes Orchestra Flute Adrian Gonzalez-Mateos All-State Jazz Band Tenor Sax

Congratulations to Sue Schafer on winning the Bill Johnson Excellence in Education Award!

On Tuesday morning the sophomore and junior classes listened to presenters from CACC, CEO, and LLCC College Now to learn about the opportunities they have to take next year! We are so lucky here at THS to be able to offer to many opportunities for our students.

The TJHS Winter band and choir concert is Thursday, December 19th at 7pm in the TJHS Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:30. The 5th grade beginning band will perform for the first time! Don’t miss 6th grade band, 7/8th grade band, 6th grade choir, 7/8th grade choir and the jazz band too!

Our 5th grade music students at TJHS have been learning about rhythm! Here are some students from Mrs. McChristy’s class writing their compositions and getting ready to perform for the class!

Weekly Verse 2 Join us Wednesday mornings at 7:45 for breakfast and devotional! Photograph by Marley Dively

Mark your calendars for the TMH Walking Challenge strating January 2nd. It's a great way to stay active and healthy after the holiday season!

Family title night information

Unified Tornadoes from THS visited the RISE Classroom on Monday. Students made a craft together and had fun socializing.

The RISE Classroom at TJHS celebrated Thanksgiving together on Tuesday. Students helped make spaghetti and enjoyed a meal with each other and their teachers.

TJHS--Picture Retake Day is tomorrow, Monday, Dec 2 and for: 1--Anyone who had their photo taken and wants a retake (if they purchased images or not). 2--Anyone who was absent on Picture Day and needs their first image taken. Hope your Thanksgiving Break was memorable and welcome back to all!

United Tornadoes had a blast at memorial school on Monday!

TJHS Staff Spotlight Meet Ms. Amanda Moloney, our TJHS teacher of the month for October at TJHS. Ms. Moloney is our band and choir instructor, as well as teaching fifth grade music. She enjoys helping students find their love of music. Her fondest memory is taking her students to ILMEA festivals in hopes of students making All-State recognition. Her favorite book is The Hunger Games and she enjoys dancing to the grooves of the TJHS Jazz band. Our October support staff member of the month is Ms. Erica Pillischafske. Ms. P is an outstanding addition to our paraprofessional staff and is willing to fill in wherever she is needed. Her favorite aspect of teaching occurs when she is helping a student with their work and it finally clicks. She loves seeing how proud they are to have learned a new concept. Ms. Pillischafske loves building relationships with all students.

Mrs. Cope’s class had Rolando Salazar come and speak to the class about his job at Nolen Services. The students really enjoyed looking at his work truck and learning about his job.

Ms. McChristy's class served up slices of Gratitude Pie today at Taylorville Junior High School during Social Emotional Learning with Ms. Whitehead.

TJHS is decorating for the holidays. Students got in the holiday spirit today by helping to decorate areas of the school.

Dear Parents and Guardians, As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support and partnership. I am thankful for the opportunity to educate and inspire your children. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy, love, and good food. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday! Sincerely, Brandi Bruley Superintendent, TCUSD#3