Twin Peaks Middle School
Weekly RAM Newsletter
From the desk of Principal Mills
Sunday, October 22nd, 2023
Happy Sunday Ram Families!
I hope this newsletter finds you all well and enjoying this beautiful San Diego weather this weekend! We had another amazing week of learning at Twin Peaks that had 6th graders learning about Ancient Mesopotamia and Hammurabi's Code, 7th graders taking their European countries map assessment, and 8th graders investigating the battles of the American Revolution! We're excited for the final weeks of October as we inch closer to Halloween, the end of trimester 1, and the Veteran's Day holiday.
A big THANK YOU to all of our parents who attended the TPMS Foundation's Fall Parent Social at Second Chance Brewery Saturday night. I was pretty bummed to have missed this awesome event... I'm currently quarantined at home with everyone's least favorite virus. I do apologize for not being able to be there, and I hope all that did get to attend enjoyed themselves and had a chance to meet some new Ram families! More importantly, thank you to all of our staff and parents who provided prizes and auction items to raise money for the Foundation and all of the wonderful things they provide TPMS! Be on the lookout for some new benches out front of school provided with funds raised by the Foundation.
PUSD is hiring, and Twin Peaks needs you!! We are looking for Instructional Assistants to work in classrooms and 1:1 with students, Noon Duties to supervise during lunch time, a very part-time crossing guard for before and after school, and a Music Assistant to help Mr. Moreau and our music program! We are always looking for qualified substitute teachers, so if you have your teaching credential, we encourage you to apply! Please reach out if you have questions about any of these available positions! Please CLICK HERE to search available PUSD jobs and to apply today!
Our PTSA rescheduled its October meeting and will now meet this Thursday, 10/26 at 6:15pm in the TPMS Library. Meetings are open to all Twin Peaks parents, and we are always looking for new parents to be part of the conversation. If you're not able to attend the meetings, but still want to join the PTSA, please CLICK HERE to access their membership site.
What I Wish My Parents Knew is back and you are invited to attend! This is a series of workshops held twice a year for PUSD parents to learn about their students and some of the realities of their day-to-day world in school today. Workshop sessions include Establishing Guardrails, Managing Stress & Anxiety, Social Media Pressures, and Balancing Academics. Sessions are facilitated by PUSD Administrators and local faith leaders, and also feature student voice! The fall WIWMPK workshops will be held on Wednesday, November 8th starting at 6pm at Oak Valley Middles School. No sign-ups are needed - please make sure to bring a friend or two with you to this important and unique parent event!
Hey Students! Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity?! Pomerado Elementary School is hosting their Family Fun Night on Friday, October 27th and they are looking for some student volunteers who want to help out! If you're interested in signing up, click the volunteer link here: https://volunteersignup.org/FLQ3P. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Sherbondy by email at telite11@aol.com.
October 23rd-27th is Red Ribbon Week, a week dedicated to encouraging students to make healthy life choices and stay drug free. We will be hosting a spirit week to celebrate the occasion, and various student groups will be hosting events every day during lunch in the quad. Students - make sure to participate in our spirit days to earn 5-Star Points and show your TPMS Pride! Check out the graphic below with the spirit days for each day of the week.
Finally this week, I'd like to encourage all of our TPMS active duty military families to complete the TPMS Military Families Google Form LINKED HERE. This form was developed by our Counseling Department to allow us to connect with our active duty military families and make sure they and their students are receiving the support and services they might need. Look for an invite in the coming weeks to our Military Appreciation Lunch in Pride Park where we host our active duty service men and women and their students for a family lunch. Please see the bulletin announcement and link below for more information.
In Partnership,
Steve Mills
Proud Principal
Twin Peaks Middle School
1(858)748-5131 x2806
Instagram: @principalmills_twinpeaks
UPCOMING EVENTS:
TPMS NEWS AND EVENTS
October 25th: Late Start - 9:50am
October 27th: 7/8 Band/Orch Pop-up Concert, 7:30am, Quad
October 27th: Jazz Band Concert, both lunches, Quad
October 30th & 31st: Minimum Days - Dismissal at 12:35pm
November 1st: Non-Student Day - NO SCHOOL!
November 6th - 10th: National School Psychology Week
November 8th: Step-It Up Event at lunch
November 8th: What I Wish My Parents Knew, 6pm @OVMS
November 9th: Military Appreciation Lunch, Pride Park (both lunches)
November 9th: End of Trimester 1
November 10th: Veteran's Day, No School
November 13th: Start of Trimester 2
November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break
RED RIBBON WEEK – OCTOBER 23 – 27TH
Every year during the month of October, Twin Peaks Middle School is proud to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a week dedicated to encouraging students to make healthy life choices and stay drug free. We will be hosting a spirit week to celebrate the occasion, and various student groups will be hosting events every day during lunch in the quad. Make sure to participate in our spirit days to earn 5-Star Points and show your TPMS Pride!
Monday – Red Ribbon Day (Wear Red)
Tuesday – Team Up Against Drugs Day (Wear Sports gear)
Wednesday – Black Out Drugs Day (Wear all black)
Thursday – Lei Off Drugs Day (Wear Hawaiian/Beach Gear)
Friday – Wake Up Drug Free Day (Wear your Pajamas!)
Attention Military Families
Twin Peaks Middle School deeply appreciates the sacrifices and dedication of our service members and their families. Your resilience and commitment to our county do not go unnoticed. In an effort to better understand the unique needs and challenges faced by military families, we have created a brief survey. Your input is invaluable and will aid us in tailoring our support programs to best serve your needs. Please take a moment to complete the Google Form HERE.
Please also save the date for our annual Military Appreciation Lunch taking place on Thursday, November 9th, 2023.
6TH GRADE ASB APPS AVAILABLE STARTING 10/16
Attention TPMS 6th Graders! Are you interested in joining our ASB team starting in Trimester 2? ASB Applications for 6th Grade Representatives will be available starting October 16th in Room 911. Applications are due no later than October 27th, with elections happening the following week. Visit Mrs. Crow in Room 911 during lunch or break to pick up an application!
PTSA Reflections Art Contest
“I am Hopeful Because…” That’s the theme for the 2023-24 Reflections Art Program, which has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education.
All TPMS students are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas:
- Dance Choreography
- Literature
- Photography
- Film Production
- Music Composition
- Visual Arts
TPMS Entries are due by 10/31. CLICK HERE for more information.
TPMS HAUNTED HOUSE – 10/30
Calling all Spooky Rams! This year, Twin Peaks ASB will be hosting our first ever TPMS Haunted House on October 30th from 5:30-7:30 PM. Entry will be $1 for all TPMS Students and $2 for any other guests. Tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the event. All guests under the age of 18 will need a permission slip, which can be found on the TPMS ASB Activities Canvas page, or in Room 911.
In the meantime, we need your help! We are looking for some donations to help with the cost of creating the Haunted House of our dreams (or nightmares...). Please review our DONATION REQUEST LIST and sign up if you'd like to help out and donate an item!
What I Wish My Parents Knew
Attention Taylor Swift Fans
The TPMS Parent Patrol Needs YOU!
Attendance Corner
Is your Student leaving early? Call the Attendance Hotline (858) 668-2730 that morning. Leave a message and a note gets sent to the student that block. Bring in your ID, sign the student out, and away you go!
Is your Student running late? Absent? Call the Attendance Hotline (858) 668-2730
Leave a message with the requested information and the Tardy or Absence will be excused.
Did your student go to the Doctor/Dentist/Orthodontist/Dermatologist/Optometrist?
It is beneficial to his/her attendance record to bring an official medical note to the Attendance Desk. Any absence excused by a medical note does not count toward your student’s absence total.
ASES Sports Donations
TPMS Bike Permits
More Than A Meal
MORE THAN A MEAL (formerly called FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION) can help you out in many ways. Please click on this link More Than a Meal to complete the online application. Listed below are a few ways this program can help:
- Discounts for passes on public transportation
- Discounts on home internet costs
- Discounts on fees for SAT, ACT, AP tests
- Discounts on application fees associated with colleges and universities
- Our district can receive increased funding to support students.
Main Office Drop-Offs
As a general rule, we do not accept drop-off items for students once they arrive at school. While we do make exceptions for medical and emergency situations, our TPMS Student Planner states: "In an effort to limit classroom interruptions as well as encourage students to become more independent and self-sufficient, Twin Peaks does not allow delivery of forgotten lunches, PE clothes, homework, non-emergency messages, or other items during the school day."
Delivery food and Door Dash-like companies may not deliver to students at school; additionally, cell phones will not be held for students at the front desk for them to pick up. Breakfast and lunch items are provided to all students, free of charge, so there should not be any reason to drop off a lunch for your student - they will be able to get food at school. If your student has food allergies that require special lunches, the Student Planner states you "must provide a Medical Statement (SNP-925) that explains the need. The medical statement must be signed by a physician and include recommended alternate foods."
ASB Student Activities Canvas Page
Food & Nutrition Update
All children in PUSD are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch meals regardless of income for the 2023-2024 school year. Please see the PUSD Food and Nutrition Website for more information. Breakfast is served 30 minutes before school starts daily, if your student can not make it before school, they can receive a free breakfast at morning break!
Parents/Guardians are still encouraged to complete a meal application online to receive other benefits such as a Pandemic EBT card for each child. The website to apply is www.myschoolapps.com
Paper meal applications (for parents that can’t complete one online) are available in the TPMS front office.
*PUSD Food and Nutrition Department is cashless. Please click on the following link to learn more about the cashless system Cashless System
TPMS Yearbook Info
Yearbooks are available for $55. Reserve yours now!
Pay by card: Go to www.jostens.com or use the QR code above.
Pay by cash/check: Download the typable order form from our webpage
http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/ or pick up a form in the office. Return the form and cash or check to the school office.
8th Grade Yearbook Ads
Calling all families of 8th graders here at Twin Peaks! 8th Grade Recognition Ads are open and ready for purchase. Go to www.jostens.com and click on Recognition Ads to start the process of celebrating your 8th grader in this year’s yearbook!
Deadline is February 1st so don’t delay! Don't forget to order your yearbook, too!
Want more information about Yearbooks? Go to http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/
PUSD Parent Education Courses
- FREE Teen Positive Parenting Program (English) via ZOOM.
- Gender Identity & Expression Part I - All Grades in Person.
- Talking & Listening to Your Kids - TK-5th Grade via Zoom.
- Talking and Listening to Your Kids – 6th -12th Grade NEW.
- Early Childhood Development: Shaping the Mindset TK-3rd Grade NEW.
- Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety – TK-5th Grade.
- Using your Strengths to Navigate Life Storms – All Grades NEW.
- Help Your Teen Manage Stress and Anxiety – 6th-12th Grade NEW.
- Developing an Effective Individualized Education Program – All Grades.
- Empowering Parents with Consequences that Work – TK-5th Grade NEW.
Scholarships are available to parents who may be in need. Parents can contact the Caring Connections Center for more information. You can visit their website by clicking here and searching for the course you are interested in and enroll directly from their site.
TPMS Foundation 23-24
Twin Peaks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational excellence for ALL students at Twin Peaks Middle School. Their purpose is to bridge the widening gap between the amount of money actually provided by the State of California and the Poway Unified School District and the amount necessary to fund technology upgrades, educational programs and resources necessary to support the school. The Foundation typically meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm in the TPMS Library. Here are their monthly meetings dates for the 2023-24 school year:
October 17th
November 14th
January 16th
February 13th
March 12th
April 16th
May 21st
Please visit the TPMS Foundation Web Page by CLICKING HERE!
PTSA Meeting Dates 23-24
The Twin Peaks Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is a membership-based, volunteer organization dedicated to making each school year a rewarding and enriching experience for all students. As a volunteer organization, PTSA is integral to the success of many campus events. We fund, organize and provide volunteers for a variety of PTSA programs and important school activities which serve to enhance your student’s middle school experience
All Executive Board meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:15pm in the TPMS Library unless listed otherwise. Association Meetings will be held in September, February, and April. Board meetings are open to PTSA Board Members and Committee Chairs while Association Meetings are open for all members of the Twin Peaks Middle School PTSA:
October 19th
November 16th
December 14th
January 18th
February 15th (Association Meeting @6:15pm; Board Meeting to follow)
March 14th
April 18th (Association Meeting @6:15pm; Board Meeting to follow)
May 23rd
To join the PTSA for the 2023-24 school year, please CLICK HERE!
Shop Amazon through TPMS Foundation
Twin Peaks Middle School
Nondiscrimination Philosophy and Policy Statement
The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, James Jimenez, Associate Superintendent of Personnel support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, jjimenez@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator/504 Coordinator Jamie Dayhoff, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2840, jdayhoff@powayusd.com.
Email: chamilton@powayusd.com
Website: http://tpms.powayusd.com/index.html
Phone: 858.748.5131
Twitter: @TwinPeaksRams