The Tohickon Golden Eagle
February 2017
The Second Semester Begins!
Dear Tohickon Families,
The second semester is underway! As we move into this phase of the school year, things begin to accelerate with the many activities that are planned. During this month, we will be having our Relay for Life Kick Off Assembly, our Math Midterms and our Third Annual Dodgeball Tournament. Lastly, the final preparations for our Spring Musical will be taking place over the next few weeks.
The Relay for Life Kick Off Assembly will take place on February 8th. Eighth and ninth grade students will attend the assembly. Mr. Senavaitis, the program coordinator, will explain the details of the event. Survivors will be present to share their stories, speak to the impact of the event, and emphasize how important it is to get involved in causes like this.
Math Midterms will take place on Friday, February 10th. The midterms will take place in several math classes, so it is imperative that students eat and sleep well the night before. The midterms typically assess student understanding of math concepts presented during the first half of the year.
The third annual Dodgeball Tournament will also take place on Friday, February 10th. Mrs. Welch, the program coordinator, has been working diligently to manage logistics and organize staff and student teams. This has become a very popular event with our staff and students. Parents, family members and friends are welcome to attend! The fee for admission is five dollars. The proceeds will be used to benefit the Spring Musical, Student Council and The Ron LaMar Scholarship Fund.
In closing, I wish all of our Tohickon Families a safe and healthy month. The calendar of events for the month is included below. As always, if you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact the main office at 267-893-3300 and we will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Marton, Principal
The February Calendar of 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 1st
- 8th Grade Students will attend the Program Planning Assembly.
February 2nd
- 8th Grade Teachers will hold student conferences to share 2017-2018 Course Recommendations
February 6th through 8th
- 8th Grade Teams will meet in computer labs with guidance counselors to make course selections for the 2017-2018 School Year
February 8th
- Relay for Life Kick Off Assembly
February 10th
- Math Mid-Terms for several math courses
- 2017-2018 Schedule Verification Sheets sent home with 7th Grade Students
- Dodgeball Tournament 6:30 - 9:30 PM
February 15th
- Parent Council Meeting at 9:00 AM in Library (moved to Wednesday because of no school on Thursday)
- Spring Sports Meeting for Students in the Auditorium at 2:00 PM
- 2017-2018 Schedule Verification Sheets Due back for Grade 7 Students
February 16th, 17th and 20th
- No School for Students - Presidents' Day Weekend
February 23
- Math Club meets at 2:30 PM
February 25
- Full cast musical rehearsal
February 28
- 2017-2018 Schedule Verifications sent home with 8th Grade Students
- Relay for Life Captains' Dinner 5:00 PM
VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC CONCERT - A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
This past weekend Mr. Dengler, Ms. McGahey and Mrs. Repper joined their CB Music Department colleagues in the annual VH1 Save the Music Concert Series at Holicong Middle School. All proceeds raised at the concerts go to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation to help support financially struggling music programs around the country. Mrs. Repper’s 9th grade Orchestra and Select Strings Ensemble were featured on the Saturday afternoon show.
A NEW GEOGRAPHY BEE CHAMPION CROWNED
Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. On December 2nd, over 600 students at Tohickon, in 7th and 8th grade, took part in the preliminary round of the Geography Bee. When the day ended, the field of 600 students had been narrowed down to 50 students. The following week, these 50 students competed in the semi-final round to determine the ten finalists for the Geography Bee Finals. The Tohickon School Finals were held on the stage in the auditorium on January 16th. All ten finalists represented themselves well, answering many rounds of questions correctly. In the end, eighth grader, Larry S., emerged as the 2017 Tohickon Geography Bee Champion. Larry will now take the State Qualifying Test to see if he moves on to the State Competition to be held in March. We wish him the best of luck!
Important Reminders
Late Arrival to School and Participation in After School Activities
In order to take part in any after-school event (including dances), students must attend school for at least half of the day. At the middle/high school levels, students need to report to school by 10:30 AM.
Water Bottles are Allowed at Tohickon!!!
Water bottles are allowed at Tohickon! It is important for our students to be hydrated at all times, especially as we approach the warmer months.
PARENT COUNCIL MEETING REMINDER
The Parent Council Meeting is scheduled for February 15th at 9:00 AM in the Tohickon Library. The meeting will be on Wednesday this month due to school closings for Presidents' Day Weekend.
TEAM HAPPENINGS!
TEAM SUMMIT and TEAM DISCOVERY - GRADE 7
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 T5 theme of “Pay it Forward”. 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 this year include HE laundry detergent, Scott’s toilet paper, bleach, paper towels, white washcloths, and copy paper. This collection will take place for one week at the end of the month. The teams will send out more specific information and dates soon, so keep an eye out!
Pictured below are some of Mrs. Showaker’s students reviewing and discussing an article on kinetic and potential energy and some Team Summit students relieving stress while coloring during our latest T5 lesson on dealing with anxiety and stress.
TEAM ODYSSEY - GRADE 8
In Mrs. Moran’s English/Language Arts classes, students are reading the story “Flowers for Algernon.” The protagonist, a 37-year-old intellectually disabled man, is selected to undergo an experimental surgical technique to increase his intelligence. After having read the story, among other things, students will discuss whether the protagonist is better off for having had the surgery, or if he would have been better off not having it at all.
Mrs. Kennedy’s 8th grade Math classes are busy getting ready for their midterm exam, which will take place on Friday, February 10th. Students were given a yellow review packet that they will have at least two weeks to complete. Questions will be reviewed in class prior to the exam. All midterm exams cover the units learned from September through January. Encourage your child to work hard on their packet, see their teacher for extra help if needed, and to get a good night of sleep the night before the exam.
In Mr. Weir’s Science class, students are wrapping up the Astronomy Unit and are beginning the Human Body Unit. As a culminating activity, the advanced Science classes in 8th Grade had an opportunity to speak via Skype with an astronomer named Colin Stuart. Colin has authored many books as well as written and narrated a TedEd video on time travel. Students were able to ask him many questions that they had about the cosmos!
Mr. Forney’s Social Studies classes are learning about the Constitution and the many ways that it is used in our everyday lives. Coming off of a recent presidential election, students are getting firsthand experience with how the Constitution works and how it can be interpreted. Soon, students will be having their own class election and congress to see just how our federal government works.
TEAM TRAILBLAZER - GRADE 8
Here you can see Team Trailblazer Social Studies Classes diving into the journey of the Constitution. Students have been following the process of a how a bill becomes a law and deciphering the differences between the branches of government. Team Trailblazer has been discussing the complexity of our government, the powers of each branch, and the system of checks and balances. In addition, Team Trailblazer is learning how the Constitution is amended and the Bill of Rights. You never know, Tohickon may be holding our next President! Stay tuned!
TEAM EXPEDITION - GRADE 8
SS - In SS students are studying the Constitution. As part of the unit, students are participating in a mock Congress simulation. They will be engaging in a mock presidential election and role playing members of Congress. Election season, as we know, gets intense. Students will lobby for votes and attempt to pass various bills through Congress.
ELA - In English class, students are continuing to refine their close reading abilities. Classes are finishing up Flowers for Algernon (the adapted short story) and completing a literary analysis essayette. Students have been focusing their attention and critical reading to the structure of the text presented by Daniel Keys. With this approach, students have been able to pinpoint specific themes and analyze how they add to the authors craft. Coming soon to room 220A, students will be moving into our next course novels in February - "Fahrenheit 451" and "Tuesdays with Morrie." Students will be placed in literature circles in order to provide collaborative analysis to the given text.
Math - Miss Fuller's 8th grade math classes have been applying systems of equations and polynomials to real life scenarios! We have also been getting ready for our midterm. Though this can be a stressful time for math scholars, T5 has proved well in helping to ease that stress. Students are doing a great job handling the sometimes difficult task of preparing for a big test. I have the utmost confidence in them. GOOD LUCK and happy studying!!!
Science - We’ve learned about our solar system and its formation. We’ve learned why Pluto is not a planet. We learned about galaxies, red giants, supernovas, neutron stars, and what happens if you fall into a black hole (it’s called “spaghettification”). And now that we’re finally wrapping up the Astronomy unit, we will soon begin our study of the human body. After brushing up on the body systems, we’ll be focusing on some of the body’s more complicated processes: immunity, hormones, and the function of our brain and senses.
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 fossils as part of our unit on Evolution. The fossils help students learn how the living things on Earth have changed over time. Each student studied 24 real fossils that have been found around the world. The fossils date back from 1 million years ago to 500 million years ago. Students will study each fossil and categorize the fossil by how long ago the organism lived on Earth, where the fossil was found and if the organism lived on land or in the ocean. By the end of the activity, students will see how life on Earth has changed over time, and how scientists study these changes.
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 Inherit the Wind which is based on the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. The story focuses on the court case of a science teacher who is arrested for teaching Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. This is a nice tie-in to current units in both social studies (1920s) and science (Evolution), and students have commented on how much they like the cross-curricular connection.
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.
COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATE -RELAY FOR LIFE KICK OFF
The Relay for Life Kick Off Assembly is scheduled for February 8th. Eighth and Ninth Grade Students will attend the assembly. It is hard to believe that we have reached this point in the year already. We are thrilled to host this fantastic event once again!!!
ATHLETICS UPDATE
Spring sports are quickly approaching! This year, the Central Bucks middle schools will be offering 7th and 8th grade boys and girls lacrosse as part of the spring sports options. Sport specific details will be provided at our Resource period informational meetings on February 15th. Students interested in participating in spring sports will meet in the following locations:
Track- cafeteria
Girls Soccer- auditorium
Baseball - main gym
Softball - main gym
Boys Lacrosse - aux. gym
Girls Lacrosse - aux. gym
Students interested in participating in a spring sport must have a PIAA physical on file with Tohickon's athletic department and be registered for a spring sport on Family ID. If a student has already played a sport for Tohickon, he or she must complete a Parent Recertification Form as well as register for a spring sport on Family ID. All forms and links are available through the athletics website.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB INFORMATION
Tohickon’s Diversity Club had a special guest speaker in January. Sophie Edbrooke described her experiences as an intern for the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. The HRC is a nationwide organization that champions the rights of LGBT people. Sophie spoke about many things, including: the importance of interning while you are at college; how she was able to juggle going to school, working PT, and interning; and the mission of the HRC and the things she did while she interned there.
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. Over the course of this year, Tohickon will be running the following clubs:
Debate Club - Sponsored by Mr. Forney
Diversity Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Fox
Anime Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Bongiorno
Math Club (2nd Semester) - Sponsored by Mrs. Bellavance and Mrs. Rissing
Science Olympiad - Sponsored by Mr. Weir and Mr. Collins
Garden Club (Seasonal) - Sponsored by Mr. Neely and Ms. Mangold
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.
MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Cold and Flu season is here! We are seeing an increase in students with respiratory and GI symptoms. Please continue to encourage your child to get plenty of rest, eat healthfully, stay hydrated, and wash their hands often. If your child does not feel well, please choose wisely in deciding if they are well enough to attend school. Avoid telling students to text you or you text them if they are not feeling well. Instead advise them to be evaluated by the school nurse. Our nursing staff will never deny a student a call to parents.
School dental exams have been offered to any 7th grade student who did not submit a private dental exam report as required by the Pennsylvania. Please return the permission form to the school nurse office as soon as possible if interested in this service.
FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
SAP – Student Assistance Program
Tohickon recognizes students who are subject to a variety of pressures. The mission of our Student Assistance Program (SAP) is to identify students through a referral process and to intervene in an effort to promote achievement and academic success. We seek to promote healthy, safe, and substance-free lifestyles by connecting these students and their families with appropriate school based or community resources. For more information, please visit the link on the Tohickon webpage under Guidance:
http://www.cbsd.org/Page/28103
Parent Portal
Online Census Verification is a feature available in Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Each year, the Central Bucks School District asks our families to fill out a census verification form. This year the form is online. This form ensures that student information is accurate and also provides our school nurse with important medical permissions for your child. If you have not already done so, please complete the census verification through the PARENT PORTAL as soon as possible.
For more information, including trouble shooting suggestions, please go to: http://www.cbsd.org/Page/26952
If you are unable to complete the online verification, please call the Tohickon Guidance office at 267-893-3310.
Haven’t set up your Parent Portal Account?
Go to www.cbsd.org
Click on “Parent Resources”
Click on “Parent Portal Information” in the left column
Select link “Need a Parent Portal Account”
Complete “Parent Portal Online Request Form”. Submit.
Do we have your E-Mail Address?
In an effort to communicate with all of our families in a fast, efficient manner, we are asking parents/guardians to enter their E-mail addresses through the parent portal. Having a contact E-mail address on file will allow us to mass E-mail all of our Tohickon families at once regarding urgent news and information. Not only will the information reach you faster than through the traditional mail service, but we will also save considerably on paper and postage costs.
How to add or update your E-Mail address?
Log on to the Parent Portal
Choose option to “Change Contact Info”
Enter E-Mail address in field and SAVE
Thank you for helping us improve our communication with our families!
Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-3300