The Tohickon Golden Eagle
April 2022
Dear Tohickon Families,
We have reached the final quarter of the year. The fourth marking period officially begins on April 4th and from there we have approximately nine weeks left in the school year. As we move into the month of April, there is a lot of planning that takes place. The month of April holds a few key events to be aware of. These events include a Travis Manion Character Education Presentation, the Tohickon Jazz Festival, the Ninth Grade Washington DC Trip, spring break and the beginning of the PSSA Exam period.
On April 1, members of the Travis Manion Foundation will be here to present to our ninth-grade students. The presentation is focused on developing character in future generations, with the goal of strengthening our local communities. This presentation fits in well with many of the key concepts emphasized through our Advisory Program. We are thrilled to have them speak to our ninth-grade students!
Tohickon’s Jazz Festival called “Toh Jam” is being held on April 8! Everyone is invited to come out to support Jazz in our community and hear amazing bands from Holicong, Lenape, Penndale, Tohickon, Unami, Wissahickon, CB East and CB West. The music begins at 6:30 PM! Concessions will be available and tickets to the festival are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. All proceeds benefit the Tohickon band program!
The Washington DC Trip is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 13. All ninth-grade students attending the trip will arrive at Tohickon early in the morning to board buses. Typically, we arrive in DC between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM and are dropped off by the Lincoln Memorial. As the day progresses, students and teachers will tour sites in and around the National Mall, ending their day at Union Station. The trip aligns with the ninth-grade curriculum and is always a memorable experience for our staff and students.
PSSA Testing will begin for all seventh and eighth grade students on Tuesday, April 26. We will be administering the English section of the exam that week and the test will be computer based this year. There is important information regarding the exams further along in this newsletter.
Lastly, there will be no school for students on April 14, 15 and 18. We are hopeful that all of our students and families have a great spring break, enjoying time with each other and friends.
In closing, I am hopeful that this message finds you and your family healthy and well. If you have any questions and/or concerns regarding these events, please contact the Tohickon Guidance Office at 267-893-3310 or the main office at 267-893-3300.
Sincerely,
Kevin Marton
Tohickon Principal
There are upcoming events of which students and parents should be aware of. The events for the month of April are as follows:
April 1
- Travis Manion Presentation to Grade Nine
April 7
- LaMar Strong Dress UP Day for Students & Staff
April 8
- Toh Jam - Jazz Festival 6:30 - 9:30 PM
April 13
- Ninth Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
April 14, 15 & 18
- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS/SPRING BREAK
April 21
- Tohickon Parent Council beginning at 9:00 AM in Library
April 26, 27 & 28
- English/Language Arts PSSA Testing
March 31, 2022
Dear Parents and Families,
This information within this letter provides an update to families regarding PSSA testing and scheduling in our school this year. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all school districts to administer PSSA testing for the 2021-2022 school year. The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is aligned with the PA Standards. The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAs are administered in grades 3 through 8 and the Science PSSA is administered in grade 4 and grade 8. Students learn all skills, concepts, and content necessary to take the assessment within their daily reading, writing, mathematics and science instruction. The specific dates for the English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science Assessment are listed below.
Testing Schedule
English Language Arts
7th-8th grades
Tuesday, April 26th
Section 1 @ 8:00 AM
English Language Arts
7th-8th grades
Wednesday, April 27th
Section 2 @ 8:00 AM
English Language Arts
7th-8th grades
Thursday, April 28th
Section 3 @ 8:00 AM
Mathematics
7th-8th grades
Wednesday, May 4th
Section 1 @ 8:00 AM
Mathematics
7th-8th grades
Thursday, May 5th
Section 2 @ 8:00 AM
Science
8th grade
Monday, May 9th
Section 1 and 2 @ 8:00 AM
Each year there is a question regarding whether students must take the PSSA. Chapter 4 of Title 22 of the Pa. Code (22 Pa. code 4.4) provides for the right of any parent/guardian to excuse his/her child from the state assessment if the assessment is in conflict with his/her religious beliefs. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires schools to have policies to ensure parents or guardians are able to review a state assessment in the school entity during convenient hours for parents or guardians in order to determine whether a state assessment conflicts with their religious belief. This is the only reason the state allows students to opt-out of an assessment. If after reviewing the test, parents or guardians find the test to be in conflict with their religious belief and wish their student(s) to be excused from the test, the right of the parents or guardians will not be denied upon written request to the applicable school district Superintendent. Parents or guardians considering opting their child out of the test should contact the Tohickon Guidance Department at 267-893-3310 to make arrangements to review the test.
Also attached below is the 2022 PSSA Parent Cell Phone and FAQ Letter. Please review the 2022 PSSA Parent Cell Phone and FAQ Letter with your students as we prepare for the PSSA.
Attendance Policies & Information
The Compulsory Attendance Law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that an absence excuse submitted by the parent or guardian be on file for every day of the student’s absence. Our new attendance procedures allow parents to submit this absence request via the parent portal. These requests serve as the excuse for the absence and parents will not be required to an excuse electronically or written. Please submit all Doctor notes to Ms. Meadows at dmeadows@cbsd.org. For every Doctor note that is received it will be coded as Medically Excused and will not count towards the maximum ten parental excused absences permitted.
Tardy Students
We have had an increasing amount of student tardiness this year. A student is considered tardy if they are late to school or class. Students are expected to be in their seat by 7:30. There has been increasing traffic in the morning due to busses and car line; please be sure to add extra time to your morning commute. Student who are tardy more than five times will receive an after-school detention.
Vacation Requests
We are no longer requiring Vacation Forms. These requests can be made through the parent portal. Please be sure that your student is communicating with their teachers ahead of time, so they can get a plan together for missing work, instruction, and assignments. Please remember that a maximum of five days per student per school year can be approved.
Appointments
Please use the portal to report times when your child may be arriving late or leaving early. When picking your child up from school, please come to door #1 and have your ID ready. Please make sure to communicate the absence in advance to avoid having to call into classrooms during instructional times. Please enter student appointments by 9:00 am if possible. This allows us to get passes to students during their advisory.
Please contact Tohickon’ s Attendance Secretary, Dawn Meadows with any questions. She can be reached at 267-893-3302 or dmeadows@cbsd.org
Student Council Receives Plaque
(In the picture above, from left to right: Helena B. Yoel N., Mr. Marton, Susan S., Isabella R., James P.)
“In December, Tohickon’s Student Council lead a Toys for Tots toy drive that culminated in our building donating over 430 toys to local families in need. Tohickon was one of the largest contributors in the area and received a plaque for their efforts, in late March. Thank you to all students, families, and staff members who contributed!”
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAST, CREW & MR. DENGLER FOR AN AMAZING SPRING MUSICAL
Sound of Music was a huge success! Congratulations to all of our students and staff involved in this year's Spring Musical. Our cast and crew put on a fantastic performance. We are very proud of those who put the time and effort into this amazing performance!
ART T-shirts
Support the Central Bucks Art Scholarship Fund by purchasing an original design on a T-shirt. All proceeds go to one high school senior at each CB high school to pursue future dreams. Shirts will be delivered to Tohickon’s Art Department for dispersal. Thank you for your support, Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Hallman-DiCicco
Sale dates: 3/21 till 4/11
Submit ALL Order and Payments via My Payments Plus
“CB 2022 District Art Show T-Shirt”
RX FUNDRAISING
If you have not registered yet, please help Tohickon raise funds by registering below:
support.rxfundraising.com/TohickonMS
Thank you for taking a minute to register!
Five Tohickon students, Isak, Emelia, Prithvi, Lily and Vladimir, worked with Ms. Hallman-DiCicco and Mrs. Fox to create projects for the PA Media and Design Competition (MADCom). The projects included 3D design, programming, animation, and logo/graphic design. After regional judging their work may be considered for the state level competition.
Message From Student Council
As part of Tohickon’s commitment to serving the Central Bucks community, Tohickon’s Student Council will be raising money for the Jason Smith Medical Trust. Jason is a Central Bucks alum who currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife and two daughters. In 2014, thirty-five year old Jay Smith was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a degenerative disease which robs you of your ability to move and eventually breathe. Jay’s only mobility is his eyes and he is on a tracheotomy and ventilator. Jay’s OUT OF POCKET medical expenses are currently $4,000 a week.
Beginning on March 21st, Tohickon’s Student Council will be selling raffle tickets for our Second Annual Jay Smith Candy Basket Fundraiser. Each ticket will cost $0.50 and can be purchased during our daily advisory periods or at the end of the day on the bus platform. This fundraiser will begin Monday, March 21st and will conclude Friday, April 1st. All raffle ticket sales will be donated to the Jay Smith Medical Trust. The winner of the raffle will be announced on the morning show during the week of April 4th. The main prize will be a large basket of Candy, but at least five consolation prizes will be awarded as well! In purchasing raffle tickets, exact change would be greatly appreciated!
Along with purchasing tickets, if you would like to make a donation on behalf of Tohickon to the Jay Smith Medical Trust, please reach out to Mr. Powell (mpowell@cbsd.org) to arrange a time after school hours to drop off your donation.
On Thursday, April 7th, Student Council will be sponsoring a Tohickon Dress Up Day for the Ron Lamar Memorial Scholarship. Tohickon Students and Staff will encouraged to make a voluntary $5 donation, with all money ultimately being donated to the scholarship fund.
Thank you for supporting Tohickon’s Student Council!
Tohickon’s Diversity Club joined up with CBSD’s secondary schools’ GSAs/Prism Clubs for a field trip to the Mercer Museum followed by a walk to Evolution Candy for an ice cream/cookie social. The docents at the Mercer Museum gave students a tour of the Spruance Library and the Found, Gifted, Saved: Local History Exhibit. Students learned how exhibits are curated and how the objects, images, and documents help illuminate the people, history, and culture of Bucks County. It was a beautiful day to meet fellow CB students, learn about local history, and take a walk in the sunshine.
Algebra Enrichment
“Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Kennedy ran a Jeopardy competition for their 7th grade Algebra students as an enrichment opportunity during I&E. Students signed up to compete in teams of 15 and they answered challenging questions from each unit they have studied so far this year. Mrs. Kennedy’s Team Infinity students were crowned the winners and received tasty donuts as a prize!”
Team Expedition
On Friday, March 18th, students and teachers from Team Expedition took to the floor to participate in a floor hockey tournament to benefit the Travis Manion Foundation. The event was organized by a team of eighth grade students. Through registration fees and donations, the team raised $610. The team wants to give a huge thank you to all who donated, including Dominick’s of Plumstead and the Philly Pretzel Factory in New Britain for supplying our players and supporters with pizza and soft pretzels! Way to go team!
Plumstead P&R Volunteer Opportunity
Plumstead Township Park and Rec has some volunteer opportunities for students who need to accumulate volunteer hours or would just like to give back to the community. If you are no longer the contact for your School for these opportunities please let me know and if possible pass along the new contact.
We will be holding our Annual Egg hunt Saturday April 9 (Sunday April 10 Rain Date) at Hanusey Park. We would like volunteers to arrive at 1:00 to help spread the eggs and then stay to help with allowing the different age groups out during the Egg Hunt. We are typically all wrapped up by 3:00. We will also be looking for a volunteer who would be willing to be our Easter Bunny, we have the bunny costume.
We have created a SignUp genius page for volunteers for our Egg Hunt. Below is the link for students to sign up if they are interested in volunteering.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EAEA82DABFFC61-plumstead
We also have a volunteer opportunity for Summer Camp helpers the week of June 13-17. This would be for a morning only camp and students would help our Counselors during the camp. If you think you would have students interested in this please let me know and I can have our Camp Programmer provide more details.
Thanks you for your consideration and help!
Regards,
Duane Freed
Parks Foreman/Program Coordinator
Plumstead Township
Public Works
5119 Stump Rd.
Pipersville, Pa 18947
Phone: 215-766-8914 ext. 208
Phone: 215-766-0189
Fax: 215-766-1439
Here are some pictures (above and below) from Mrs. Reese's Advanced ELA class. Students read a book with a “dated” or “bad” cover. One of their assignments with the book was to redesign the cover. They met in small groups and shared their books.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
Welcome Spring! With the weather turning nice along comes seasonal allergies. Please be mindful that allergy medication needs to be administered at home. If you have concerns about other illnesses, reach out to discuss with your physician. Remember to keep your children home if they have a fever over 100.3. Children should remain fever free, without medication, for 24 hours prior to their return. Here’s to a calm and healthy April!
REMINDER FOR CURRENT 7TH GRADE PARENTS: If you have not done so, please submit a recent dental exam form or dental information including Child’s name, Dentist name, Contact info and Date of exam to shkelly@cbsd.org This is a 7th Grade requirement.
Important Information for Incoming 7th Graders
7th grade students need to have the Tdap and Meningitis vaccinations prior to the start of the new school year. Please keep this in mind as your child has their yearly physical completed. Also, incoming 7th grade students are required to have a Pennsylvania State Mandated dental exam. Dental exams are acceptable with any date after 9/1/2021. Please complete and return the dental exam form prior to the start of the new school year. Feel free to email Sheila Kelly, school nurse, at shkelly@cbsd.org with any questions or health concerns you have for your child.
Guidance Office: 267-893-3310
- 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 would like to introduce Mrs. Danielle Chickanosky dchickanosky@cbsd.org (267-893-3304) who will be taking Mrs. Schrack’s place in the guidance department. She will be at Tohickon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday afternoons and is excited to join the guidance team.
What could be better than “April in Paris”?
Well, our Tohickon Middle School French classes are about to discover all the glories of “April in Paris”. We’ll decorate our classroom to look like the city of Paris and complete a variety of activities aimed at learning about all things French!
Please feel free to join us by focusing on the French influences in your subject areas such as:
1. Science – Marie Curie
2. Art – French Impressionist painters
3. Music – French composers (Debussy/Chopin/Ravel)
4. English – French literature and poetry
5. Physical Ed – Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron (who recently won the gold medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics in Ice Dancing). Their skating routine to Ed Sheeran’s popular song “Perfect” is stunning!
Vive la France!
Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org/tohickon
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-3300
Twitter: @CBTohickonMS