The Tohickon Golden Eagle
October 2021
OCTOBER BEGINS!
Dear Tohickon Families,
The first month of school has concluded. September was packed with all kinds of activities including, but not limited to, our Back-to-School Nights, our first Parent Council Meeting, the Magazine Drive Assemblies, Picture Day and the rollout of the Tohickon Intervention and Enrichment Program.
The month of October will include the administration of the PAYS (Pennsylvania Youth Survey), Red Ribbon Week, a Seventh Grade Welcome Dance and the continuation our of intervention and enrichment program.
The PAYS Survey is conducted in the state of Pennsylvania every other year and is given to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The purpose of the survey is to assess prevalence rates of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use by youth as well as the protective and risk factors that research shows effects decision making. The survey provides information that is useful in planning prevention and intervention strategies to support our youth at both the state and local levels. The survey will be administered to Tohickon eighth grade students online during the week of October 11th.
During each Wednesday, throughout October, we will be continuing The Tohickon Intervention and Enrichment Program. We are absolutely thrilled to offer this program to our students! The program’s main goals are to support struggling learners and to provide enrichment for students by giving them choice and opportunity in areas of interest. The program runs every Wednesday for sixty-one minutes and involves an adjusted bell schedule. Since this is a new program, we are constantly making logistical adjustments. However, we are off to a great start!
Red Ribbon Week is October 23 through October 31. This an annual drug prevention program. Wearing red ribbons represents a pledge to live drug free. Through our middle school Advisory program, we will be emphasizing how important it is to stay away from drugs.
In closing, I wish all of our families a great month! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Tohickon Main Office at 267-893-3300 or the Tohickon Guidance Office at 267-893-3310.
Sincerely,
Kevin Marton, Tohickon Principal
OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
- Tohickon I & E Wednesdays
October 11
- PAYS Survey administered to 8th Grade Students
October 21
- Parent Council Meeting at 9:00 AM
- Grade 7 Welcome Dance
- ALICE Drill (Intruder On-Campus Drill)
October 29
- Half Day for Students - Dismissal at 10:45 AM
- Open Mic Night from 7:00 until 9:00 PM in band room
October Parent Council Meeting
We will be holding our monthly Parent Council Meeting on Thursday, October 21, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be virtual and, for those that would like to attend, we will be sending out registration information at the beginning of that week. As always, we will have a featured presentation, followed by a period for questions and discussion. We hope to see you there!
On Monday, September 17th, Tohickon Middle School welcomed emergency responders from four local departments as part of our school’s observance of the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Members of the Plumstead Twp. Police, Point Pleasant Fire Department, Point Pleasant/Plumsteadville EMS, and Plumstead Fire Department were in attendance along with our newly elected Student Council. In a small ceremony, first responders were presented with baskets overflowing with snacks, treats and gift cards for their members to use throughout the year. We appreciate all of the donations from parents, staff and community!
ATTENDANCE
PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OF ANY ABSENCE. LATENESS OR EARLY DISMISSALS THROUGH THE PARENT PORTAL. Excused absences include illness, death in the immediate family, inclement weather that would jeopardize the safety of the student, religious holidays, home emergencies directly related to the student, health care of the student which cannot be arranged outside of school hours, and educational trips or family travel under the conditions outlined as per the School Board Policy. Please use the parent portal rather than send your child with a written absentee notice. If an absence has not been entered through the parent portal or call has not been received within one week of the absence, it will remain marked as unexcused. We strongly encourage submitting a doctor note if your child has missed three or more days of school or has missed school due to a scheduled appointment.
Lateness:
A student is considered late if they are not in their seat in 1st period by the second bell at 7:30 AM. Students must report to the office (with a note from their parent/guardian explaining their lateness) to receive a late pass in order to gain admittance to class. Such reasons as missing the bus, oversleeping, etc. are not valid excuses for lateness. On the third unexcused tardy, an administrative conference will be arranged. If the problem persists, stronger measures may be taken. Late time may be accumulated and count toward unlawful absences from school.
RX FUNRAISING/RITE AID
Please help Tohickon raise funds by registering below:
Share Good News About Tohickon Students!
Tohickon Students achieve amazing things and make a difference in school and in the community. Share your story about the accomplishments and good work of a Tohickon student with Mr. Marton at kmarton@cbsd.org so that he may highlight this good news in an upcoming edition of the Tohickon Golden Eagle online newsletter.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB INFORMATION
General Information About After School Clubs
In order for clubs to run, a teacher must be willing to sponsor the club after school and there must be a reasonable level of student interest. For these reasons, Tohickon clubs may be different from year to year. Currently, Tohickon is running the following clubs:
Art Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Hallman-DiCicco
Description: This is a relaxed and creative atmosphere where you can meet new friends who enjoy Art. No previous experience required.
• Location: Art Rooms 114 and 115 • Dates: Selected Wednesdays (10/6 12/8 3/9 10/20 1/5 3/23 11/3 1/19 4/20 11/17 2/16 5/18) • Times: 2:35ish till 3:45PM Students must arrange transportation pick-up at 3:45. Turn in the interest form (Click here) to Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Hallman-DiCicco or email the form to DTHOMAS@CBSD.ORG and DHALLMANDICICCO@CBSD.ORG
Astronomy Club - Sponsored by Miss Gresko
In this club you will build and use a telescope, learn about and observe constellations (both circumpolar and seasonal zodiac), famous stars and their various colors, visible planets, the moon, and other space objects in the night sky. We will focus on the various things that you can see in the fall, winter, spring, and summer night skies. Pick up an interest form outside of Ms. Gresko's classroom (room 315).
Digital Ambassadors Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Fox and Mr. Powell
Digital Ambassadors is a club where students can become involved in all aspects of educational technology used throughout the school day. As ambassadors they will make an effort to become positive representatives for Tohickon. This will sometimes include taking part in fundraising activities to purchase technology and creating projects for special events, like Tohickon's 20th Anniversary celebration or the CB Technology Showcase. There will also be a component where students can spend some of their resource periods helping to support their peers when they have laptop problems. This club is open to ideas from the students on what they want the club to become. Meeting dates advertised on the Morning Show.
Diversity Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Fox
The mission of Tohickon’s Diversity Club is to promote understanding and acceptance of social misconceptions and foster respect for all individuals that we encounter throughout our lives. We will utilize inspired discussion and activities among our peers to raise enlightenment of current social issues and we will try to break down the barriers of stereotypes. Meeting dates advertised on the Morning Show.
Farm to Fork- Sponsored by Mrs. Flath
Farm to Fork is a service-oriented club that focuses on harvesting and preparing crops from the Tohickon garden. Students will spend time outside during the Fall and Spring collecting herbs and vegetables as weather permits. In addition, students will learn how to wash, trim, prepare and cook, if applicable, the food for use in the FCS classroom and to offer as community donations. Students who enjoy fresh foods and cooking, as well as those who are looking for community volunteer opportunities are encouraged to join. This club is open to all Tohickon students in grades 7, 8 and 9. Stop by room 408 and speak with Mrs. Flath or e-mail her at yflath@cbsd.org. Meeting dates advertised on the Morning Show.
Forensics Club - Sponsored by Miss Gresko
In this club you will learn about the forensics that goes behind crime scene analysis. We will focus on the evidence and conduct experiments to understand the science of forensics. Some things you will learn about are collecting evidence, handwriting analysis, footprint analysis, hair analysis, and fingerprint analysis. Pick up an interest form outside of Ms. Gresko's classroom (Room 315).
Garden Club (seasonal) - Sponsored by Mr. Neely
History Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Girardi and Mr. Forney
Calling all history lovers! A new club is forming at Tohickon dedicated to enriching your passion for history. In this club, we will explore ways to integrate the past into Tohickon today. Our club will explore many themes, including world affairs, the observance of important historical events, capturing stories through podcasts, videos and interviews, and participating in design contests and local outreach. We hope to see you join! See the club sponsors for more information.
Homework Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Showaker
Join the Homework Club to make up or complete assignments, get extra help, review concepts, work on group assignments, and more. All are welcome every Wednesday until 3:30. Come see Mrs. Showaker for more information.
Reading Olympics - Sponsored by Mrs. Fox
Reading Olympics is a countywide event that encourages students to increase the quality and quantity of books they read for enjoyment. The Reading Olympics is based upon research which shows that good reading habits form the foundation for a productive and successful life. Reading Olympics is designed to inspire students to read for pleasure and learn the value of teamwork at the same time! This year’s competition will be online (Kahoot) and we will compete between April 19 and April 29. Sign-up can be found in the Library Canvas Course. We will begin our afterschool meetings in mid-to-late October.
Service Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Bartchak
Members of the Tohickon Service Club will participate in a variety of service projects. The students can also lead a service project of their choice. The first project that we will work on is Caring for Friends. We will make frozen meals for those in need in our area. Members of the club will be asked to bring donated items for the club to make the meals. Future meeting dates (10-7, 10-21, 11-11, 11-18, 12-9, 12-16). A new schedule will be made in January for the rest of the year. Mrs. Bartchak will only be at Tohickon on A days in the 3 and 4 semesters, so the schedule dates will be adjusted.
Here is the link to the first meeting RSVP and item sign up:
First meeting: October 7, 2021 from 2:30-4:00. You must provide your own ride home. Pick up will be in front of the school.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BA9AC28AAFCC34-caring
Please contact Mrs. Bartchak with any questions mjbartchak@cbsd.org.
Studio Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Fox
Additional time for the Morning Show students to discuss ideas and film segments for the morning show.
If you are interested in joining one of the clubs at Tohickon or have any questions, please see the club's sponsor in order to sign up.
Crushing Stigma – Building Mental Strength for Life
The Central Bucks School District and NAMI Bucks County PA are pleased to partner together to offer this program to our community. The event is open to students, adults, and families, and free childcare will be provided for all or a portion of the event as needed. Register for event updates and childcare at www.CBSD.org/crushingstigma_register.
Video link to embed: https://vimeo.com/601233183
FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
Guidance Office: 267-893-3310
- Mrs. Judy Jacob (jujacob@cbsd.org) - Secretary
- Mrs. Mary Kate Blankenburg (mblankenburg@cbsd.org) - Counselor (Tuesday/Thursday/Friday)
- Mrs. Diane Schute (dschute@cbsd.org) will be working with those students with last names from A-Le.
- Mr. Joseph Stryker (jstryker@cbsd.org) will be working with those students with last names from Lf-Z.
Guidance Discussion Groups
This year the school counselors at Tohickon Middle School will conduct a series of discussion groups. These groups usually consist of six to eight students under the supervision of one of the counselors. Each group will run for a period of six-weeks, and students will meet once per week. Some discussion groups are facilitated in conjunction with the school psychologist or a certified counselor from a community agency.
Discussion groups are confidential in nature and are intended to help students cope with everyday situations. Students will fill out a Google survey in early October and they may self-refer to any of the following groups: Mindfulness and Stress Management, Family Support, Friendship Finding, Grief and Loss, or Study Skills. Participation in a group is on a voluntary basis. Different groups will run at different times throughout the remainder of the school year.
If you or your student have specific questions about the group that will be offered, please feel free to contact Marykate Blankenburg at mblankenburg@cbsd.org.
From the Nurse's Office
Welcome back! As we transition back to in-person learning, we ask all parents/guardians to go online and complete the Student Emergency Form through the parent portal if you have not already done so. It must be completed every school year. Please update your emergency contacts as this is extremely important in the event your child needs to be picked up from school. You are being asked to have someone available to pick up your child within 30 minutes. You can update demographics, health conditions, and may give permission for the administration of an analgesic (Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen) while your child is in school.
A FREE grab and go breakfast is available when students come in from the bus in the morning and FREE lunch is available to ALL STUDENTS AT NO COST.
We encourage all students to carry a water bottle to keep hydrated during the day. Water filling stations are available in multiple locations throughout the school.
Notice for all 7th Grade Students
All 7th graders are required to have the meningitis and Tdap vaccines. Any student without insurance may call the Bucks County Health Department at 215-345-3344 to schedule an appointment for free vaccines.
The Pennsylvania State Mandated Dentals are due by October 15, 2021. This is required for all current 7th grade students. The dental exam may be dated any time after September 1, 2020. Please send to the attention of the school nurse.
Please feel free to call the health office at 267-893-3315 or email the school nurse,
Sheila Kelly @ shkelly@cbsd.org with any questions.
Tohickon Librarian, Bridget Fox, and three Tohickon students, Matthew Boell, Prithvi Krish, and Yoel Nahor were invited to lead the final Keynote discussion at the 2021 Bucks County BookFest on Saturday, September 25. They were thrilled to interview the wildly popular author, Jason Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds is the National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, a literary honor bestowed by the Library of Congress. He is also a Newbery Award Honoree, a Printz Award Honoree, a National Book Award finalist, a Carnegie Medal winner, a Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award Winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. His many books include All American Boys, When I Was the Greatest, The Boy in the Black Suit, Stamped, As Brave as You, For Every One, the Track series, Look Both Ways, and Long Way Down.
Tohickon 9th grade is selling the “We are Tohickon” shirts! No better way to participate in school unity! (Please order by October 8th!)
If interested, please click on the link below and place your order. Everything will be shipped to Tohickon and we will distribute them once we receive them.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Fall sports will be wrapping up soon. Registration for winter sports is now open! Students can register for wrestling, girls basketball or boys basketball. To register, click here for Sports Registration Directions. Girls basketball start date is November 1. Wrestling start date is November 15. Boys basketball start date is January 10. Reach out to Athletic Director Ken Hall if you have any questions. khall@cbsd.org
Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-3300