The Tohickon Golden Eagle
February 2018
The Second Half Begins
Dear Tohickon Families,
The month of February is here and with it comes the beginning of the second semester. In addition to midterm exams and the continuation of Program Planning, February is known as the month of the Relay for Life Kick-Off. The Relay for Life Program is designed to raise money for cancer research. It is the cornerstone community service activity at Tohickon Middle School. Involvement in the program promotes understanding, kindness, good will towards others and the importance of giving.
Tohickon will hold the annual Relay for Life Kick-Off Assembly on Tuesday, February 6th. During this assembly, Mr. Senavaitis, the Program Coordinator, speaks to all eighth and ninth grade students. Seventh grade does not participate in the event. During this presentation, Mr. Senavaitis explains what the program is, its purpose and the steps that students can take to get involved. After these items are explained, cancer survivors have an opportunity to speak to students, sharing their experiences with the disease, emphasizing the importance of being involved and how it can make a difference. The assembly is followed by a luncheon for the cancer survivors. This is organized and coordinated by Mr. Senavaitis. During this special event, teachers have an opportunity to meet with the survivors and engage in conversation.
In the months that follow, donations will be made and collection efforts will shift into high gear. Students will form their Relay groups, parent chaperones will be determined and the logistical aspects of the event will be finalized as we approach the culminating activity on May 19th. Relay for Life continues to be a special event for our school. If you are a parent of an eighth or ninth grade student, please encourage your child to get involved. It is a truly great experience!
I hope you have a fantastic month!
Sincerely,
Kevin Marton, Principal
FEBRUARY EVENTS
There are several upcoming events that students and parents should be aware of. The events for the month of February are as follows:
February 5th and 6th
- 8th Grade Students will make 18-19 elective selections during school day.
February 6th
- Relay for Life Kick Off Assembly and Spirit Day
February 7th
- High School Counselors to meet with 9th Grade Students
February 8th
- 8th Grade Teachers will hold mid-year conferences with students
February 9th
- Math Midterms
February 14th
- Parent Council Meeting in Library (Wednesday Meeting)
February 15th and 16th
- NO SCHOOL - Professional Development
February 19th
- NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day
TOHICKON ORCHESTRA TRAVELS TO KIMMEL CENTER FOR OPEN REHEARSAL
On Thursday, January 18th, Mrs. Repper's 9th grade Orchestra students traveled to the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia to attend an open rehearsal of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Orchestra rehearsed Mendelssohn's Symphony Number 3 ("Scottish") and Bruch's Scottish Fantasy featuring First Associate Concertmaster Juliette King on violin with world famous Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
VH1 SELLS OUT AT HOLICONG MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs. Repper, Mrs. McGahey and Mr. Dengler many of our Tohickon students participated in the VH1 Concert held at Holicong Middle School on Saturday, January 27th. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation provides grants of brand new musical instruments to public elementary and middle schools in order to build sustainable instrumental music programs. Beginning in 2004, the CB music department has been raising money for the foundation by putting on an annual charity concert that primarily features teachers and students from throughout the district.
DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT TO BE RESCHEDULED IN SPRING
The planned Dodgeball Tournament, originally scheduled for Friday, January 26th, was postponed due to low registration numbers. Tohickon is planning to reschedule the tournament sometime in April. We plan to advertise the event much earlier and, as a result, are hopeful that more people will register for the event at that time.
TEAM HAPPENINGS!!!
7th Grade Teams
This month, the 7th grade will be holding its annual drive to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge as part of this month’s Advisory theme of “Service to Others”. It is a great way for the 7th graders to be involved in the school’s Relay for Life efforts, since only 8th and 9th graders are able to participate in Relay. The closest Hope Lodge to us is the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge in Cheltenham, PA. Tohickon has worked closely with this Hope Lodge since it opened its doors in 2009. The Hope Lodge serves as a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers who are receiving treatment in the Philadelphia area. For more information about the Hope Lodge and the services they provide, please visit their website: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/philadelphia/about-our-facility.html.
The items requested by the Hope Lodge that we are focusing on collecting this year include HE Tide laundry detergent, Clorox bleach, Dawn dish soap, Cascade Dishwasher liquid soap, paper plates & cups, Soft Soap liquid hand soap, dryer sheets, and Lysol/Clorox Wipes. The collection will run until Friday, February 9th. Students can drop their donations off each morning to any team classroom near their locker. Thank you in advance for your support of this meaningful cause!
This year we are increasing our support of the residents at Hope Lodge by sending a big jar of “Care Cards” that the students have been making in advisory. The cards are some notes of encouragement to help the patients and their care givers stay motivated throughout their daily battle against cancer.
TEAM EXPEDITION
Mr. Sibel’s Class: In English class, students completed a poetry mini unit. Student’s got to sample poetry from a number of literary classes and movements; including the Romantics, Victorians, Modernist, and Contemporaries. A close attention was paid to structure and style. Students created their own mirrored poems from their favorite of the unit. The Rose That Grew From Concrete was a popular choice amongst all classes.
Mr. Trimbur’s Class: In social studies, students finished up the revolutionary war. Now students are learning about the constitution. Get out the jukebox, because it is school house rock time!! Students are uncovering what constitutes our government and how the government works, important in the socio-political climate of today.
Mr. Levenson’s Class: In science, students finished up the human body unit and are making their way into astronomy. Students can look forward to creating their own telescopes and using a high powered score to observe planets and space!
Mrs. Rissing: Students are currently prepping for their big midterms coming up on February 9th. Algebra students are continuing their study of graphing while students in Geometry are working with polygons and multi-dimensional objects!
Ms. Gendron: Students are finishing up the intellectual class, Flowers For Algernon. Students put themselves in Charlie’s shoes and engage in discussion based on intellect, ethics, and truly analyze the theme, “nothing gold can stay”. This theme connects directly to that of The Outsiders.
TEAM ODYSSEY
2018 is off to an exciting start for Team Odyssey. There is a lot of enthusiasm around the building as the Eagles make their run to the Super Bowl. Students in the picture are showing off their Eagles Spirit and standing on the “Road to Victory” set up in the 8th grade hallway. It is a busy time of year as the second marking period comes to a close and students are working hard in classes. Some students are working on a long-term science project and others on a National History Day project in Social Studies. The third marking period will begin soon and students are looking forward to their specials classes changing.
NINTH GRADE TEAM
It’s hard to believe that we have already finished two marking periods and are heading into the second half of the school year. Here is a quick recap of some of things going on in ninth grade.
9th Grade Science – Students in 9th grade have been studying the Hydrosphere which focuses on ocean features, properties of water, currents and ocean life zones. Students are making connections between the Hydrosphere and how it interacts with the Atmosphere and Biosphere.
In social studies, we are studying the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression. These units include a strong dose of politics, economics and culture. The stock market, banks, music and speakeasies all come into play. Coming soon to a “theater” near you – WWII.
In English, a number of students are reading the memoir Night by Elie Wiesel. The book depicts Wiesel's experiences as a Jewish prisoner in a concentration camp, when he was fifteen years old. The subject matter meshes well with the ninth-grade social studies curriculum, and it is relatable for our freshman class, who are close in age to Elie.
Ninth graders are in the midst of the course selection process for next year. Be sure to talk to your son or daughter about his or her choices for next year.
Soup Kitchen
Soup Kitchen will be meeting from 2:30-5:00 in room 408 on the following dates: February 6th and 22nd. This activity is open to all Tohickon students on a first come basis. Sign up sheets for this activity can be found on the Community Service bulletin board two weeks before the date. This activity is limited to 25 students.
Our Soup kitchen benefits Aid For Friends and the New Britain Food Larder.
Tohickon Club Information
We, at Tohickon, have always expressed to parents and students the importance of getting involved in school activities, clubs, events, etc. Club offerings have greatly expanded during this school year. At this point, I am proud to announce the following club offerings for Tohickon:
Afternoon Math Club – Sponsored by Andrea Bellavance and Kim Rissing (abellavance@cbsd.org)
Art Club – Sponsored by Alison Bongiorno and Samantha Schollenberger (abongiorno@cbsd.org)
Band Enrichment Club – Sponsored by Sarah McGahey (smcgahey@cbsd.org)
Chess Club – Sponsored by Alison Lewis (alewis@cbsd.org)
- Dance Club - Sponsored by Melinda Fuller and Natalie Dobrowolski (mefuller@cbsd.org)
Diversity Club – Sponsored by Bridget Fox (brifox@cbsd.org)
Garden Club – Sponsored by Jim Neely (jneely@cbsd.org)
Morning Math Help Club – Sponsored by Andrea Bellavance (abellavance@cbsd.org)
Iron Chef Club – Sponsored by Susan Furfari (sfurfari@cbsd.org)
Orchestra Enrichment Club – Sponsored by Jennifer Repper (jrepper@cbsd.org)
Reading Olympics Club – Sponsored by Bridget Fox, Jennifer Reese and Alison Lewis (brifox@cbsd.org)
Running Club – Sponsored by Alison Lewis and Angela Parisi (alewis@cbsd.org)
Science Olympiad Club – Sponsored by Joshua Collins and Michael Weir (jucollins@cbsd.org)
Sewing Club – Sponsored by Susan Furfari (sfurfari@cbsd.org)
Student/Parent Book Club – Sponsored by Zach Sibel (zsibel@cbsd.org)
If you would like to sign your child up for one of these clubs or have any questions about time, place, etc., please use the email listed next to each club. We are thrilled with the expansion of these clubs and are hopeful that we will have many students interested in participating. As the school year marches on, more clubs may be added, so keep a close eye on the monthly newsletter for updates.
Parent Council Meeting Reminder
The monthly Parent Council Meeting will take place on Wednesday February 14th, at 9:00 AM in the Tohickon Library. Typically, the Parent Council Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month. In lieu of no school on February 15th, the meeting was scheduled a day earlier.
From the Nurse's Office
As we get into the colder weather please keep in mind that Cold and Flu season is upon us. Please remind your children to wash their hands often and to cover their cough with the arm. If your child needs medication please administer it at home, as the health office does not have any cold medication. Your child may carry their own personal supply of cough drops with them but absolutely no other medication is permitted without a physician’s order. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the health office at 267-893-3315. Thank you!
Tohickon 8th Grade Girls' Basketball win Championship!!!
This year's 8th grade girl’s basketball was very successful. After suffering an early season loss, the team rallied to finish 11-1 and brought home the northern bucks championship. The northern division consists of teams from the Centennial, Council Rock, and Central Bucks school districts. This is Tohickon’s first championship since the instillation of the district tournament. Additional wins were had over New Hope and big win in the Pennsbury Middle School Showcase.
In order to participate in a sport at Tohickon, the following needs to be done prior to tryouts:
• Register for child's desired sport via Family ID on the Tohickon Website under Athletics.
• Hand in section 5 and 6 of the PIAA physical if your child did not play a fall sport. This needs to be dated after June 1, 2017. If they did play a fall sport, section 7 of the PIAA physical needs to be completed and handed in.
All physicals can be handed in to Mr. Costello in Room 122 or emailed directly to pcostell@cbsd.org. Physicals will not be accepted at tryouts; they need to be handed in at least three days before tryouts.
Please, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Costello (pcostell@cbsd.org) if you have any questions or concerns.
FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
9th Grade
Students enter their course requests in the portal by February 4th
Counselors will meet individually with all 9th grade students during Science classes to review their course requests. All students will meet with a counselor before the end of February.
Verifications will be sent home on March 7th
Signed verifications are due back March 14th
No changes to course requests will be accepted after March 16th
8th Grade
Program planning assembly – February 1st
Teachers review Honors vs Academic criteria in class
Students select electives during Science classes:
Team Expedition February 5th
Team Odyssey February 6th
Verifications will be sent home February 27th
Signed verifications are due back March 6th
7th Grade
Teachers review Honors/Academic and Reading/World Language recommendations in class
Students who would like to Add or Drop Chorus, Band or Orchestra for 8th grade must stop by the guidance office by February 5th to request the change
Verifications will be sent home February 9th
Signed verifications are due back February 14th
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Middle School Orientation for parents of sixth graders will be held on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 PM at Tohickon Middle School. Plan to attend and learn everything you ever wanted to know about middle level education and more. If you have any questions, please call 267-893-3310.
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Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-3300