Gov. TJMS Newsletter
February 2022
Our Mission
At GTJMS, we strive everyday to create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, academic achievement, and well-being. Our mission is to empower students for success today and persevere through tomorrow’s 21st century challenges.
Our Vision
Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School is a diverse community of students, educators, support staff, parents and local organizations working collaboratively to provide an academically rigorous education, which includes the technology skills necessary for the 21st century. By holding students, educators and parents accountable for success, we are creating lifelong learners who take responsibility for their own educational goals and positive personal development. Excellence in teaching and learning is paramount to developing productive citizens who have promising and successful lives.
Upcoming Important Dates
School Improvement Plan Spotlight
This section is dedicated to GTJMS School Improvement Plan (SIP)! Last month we went over detailed explanations of our Evidence-Based Strategies. This month we will detail some more information.
This month we will go over our Health and Wellness Goals. At GTJMS, we promote 4 goals to aid in the health and wellness of staff and students. Below are our 4 goals.
Physical Activity Goal #1: We will promote physical activity (above and beyond the instructional program) in our school.
Nutrition Promotion/Education Goal #2: We will promote nutrition education in our school.
Other Goal #3: We will promote student wellness in our school.
Other Goal #4: We will promote staff wellness in our school.
Cultural Heritage Information
February is National Black African American History month.
Check out the linked calendar for a full calendar of various information regarding important and iconic African American role models.
This month also includes other holidays and events such as:
Mexico’s Constitution day
Chinese New Year
The end of the school year will be here before we know it! If you would like to help plan 8th grade end of year activities please contact Jenny Lazarus at jennylaz@msn.com.
This year we are hoping to bring back the spring fundraiser at Oscar's Ale House. If you are interested in helping with our silent auction spring fundraiser please contact Lori Mauzy at lmauzy@gmail.com.
Our next PTSA meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday 2/15 at 7:00 pm. Join us on Google Meet to discuss fundraising, teacher appreciation week and end of year activities- meet.google.com/msr-gjxk-vox.
Contacts
If you have questions about the PTSA, please feel free to reach out to one of our board members:
Caitlyn Reed- President
Jenny Lazarus- Treasurer
Susan Myers- Secretary
Mrs. Rudy and Mrs. Gunter were in current 6th and 7th grade classes this week to talk about elective choices for next year. Students will be given course verification sheets for next school year, in the next few weeks that they will bring home for review. A Find Out First will be sent when the sheets are distributed.
Current 8th grade students need to register for high school courses. Those attending Governor Thomas Johnson High School need to complete the schoology registration by February 13th, 2022. The form will lock on February 14th. Oakdale High School students' forms were due February 4th, 2022.
TJMS Counseling Department
- Sarah Gunter- 6th grade/ sarah.gunter@fcps.org 240-236-4851
- Laura Rudy- 7th grade/ laura.rudy@fcps.org 240-236-4852
- Brian Dwyer-8th grade/brian.dwyer@fcps.org 240-236-4884
School Culture
Testing Information from our School's Testing Coordinator: Mr. Hoover-Beet
Fall MCAP Reports
Students have been analyzing how the central idea is revealed in an informational text. They will soon be comparing and contrasting how the characters’ actions and points of view convey the theme of two texts. Students will need to provide evidence from both texts to support their responses.
Students should be reminded to charge their chrome books in order to be prepared for class daily.
Math: 6th Grade Students have been working on Unit 4. We are finishing this unit by simplifying algebraic expressions. We will be taking our Unit 4 test during the week of February 14th. Our next unit will be Unit 5. We will learn about algebraic equations.
Science: Students have begun exploring water. They are able to identify the three states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) on a macro and micro level, as well as how to add and remove thermal energy to change phases. They have also started exploring water’s different properties including cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, density, and heat capacity.
Coming up, 6th graders will review the water cycle as they learn how to make scientific models and the 3 different ways that heat (energy) can transfer. These concepts will help students gain valuable background knowledge before beginning the Extreme Planet (weather) module.
Social Studies: In 6th grade we are continuing to travel through our ancient world as we stop in Ancient China. While exploring ancient China we are learning about the dynasties,philosophies, and accomplishments they had during this time. As we continue our path through the ancient world we will continue to work on our argumentative writing skills that includes writing a thesis statement, finding textual and outside evidence to support our argument and convincing our readers to side with our stance. Some ways you can help your student from home is to check their grades weekly to help make sure they are turning in assignments on time and have discussions with them that have them taking stances and back up their stance with evidence from their learning.
Food Science: A big warm welcome to Mrs. Tatum who will be stepping in for Mrs. Wilson who retired February 1st.
Lab 21: 6th grade students are currently learning how to apply computational thinking skills to an authentic task, which is this year’s Tech Fair challenge. The challenge asks students to work in groups of 2-3, decide as a team to pick one Social & Global issue, work together to research why their choice is an issue, find ways to reduce, and finally apply scratch coding skills to help create an animated presentation about their Social & Global issue.
Tech Expo: Tech Expo classes have been introduced to the principles of flight. The initial slide show was due today. This is their final grade before mid-term. In addition, we enjoyed the oral presentations of all groups in our biotechnology unit and those grades have been entered.
Language Arts: Students have been reading and analyzing how the central idea is revealed in various informational texts. They will compare and contrast how connections and relationships convey the central idea of two texts about courage and resilience in answering the question: How does a person overcome adversity? Students will need to provide evidence from these texts to support their responses.
Students should be reminded to charge their chrome books in order to be prepared for class daily.
Math: 7 Accelerated: 7th grade students have been working with problem solving with rational numbers. We have been working on multi-step word problems and will continue with work in unit 5.
7Accelerated: Students took their Unit test this week on unit rates and percents. The next unit focuses on solving single variable equations and writing expressions to solve real world problems.
Science: 7th graders are finishing up the Earth’s Processes module. We will finish by learning about how geologic time scales help Scientists understand the history of Earth. Scientists use fossils to determine ages of different layers. Students have learned the difference between relative dating (a guess of an age) versus absolute dating (an exact age).
Once we wrap up this last topic, we will move on to our next module: Chemistry and Matter. During this module, students will learn about atoms and molecules, chemical changes, conservation of matter, and thermal design.
The Chemistry and Matter unit is the most hands on topic during the year. Students will be reviewing how to be safe in a Science classroom. Students will engage with various chemicals to observe hands-on chemistry. Safety is our top priority when working with chemicals. Please remind your child the importance of being safe. Not being safe can result in losing lab privileges.
Social Studies: 7th graders are continuing their explorations through the medieval world. Currently we are working our way through our unit in Asia with exploring China and Japan then we will be moving on to explore Mesoamerica. As we continue our path through the medieval world we will continue to work on our argumentative writing skills that includes writing a thesis statement, counterclaims, finding textual and outside evidence to support our argument and convincing our readers to side with our stance. Some ways you can help your student from home is to check their grades weekly to help make sure they are turning in assignments on time and have discussions with them that have them taking stances and back up their stance with evidence from their learning.
Creative Arts: Students are exploring the close relationship between Visual Arts and Music through a Synesthesia Art Project.
Invention and Innovation: We have delved further into the 8-Step Engineering Design Process by exploring SCAMPER. SInce our last email, students should have the SCAMPER’d plate, Design Process Boot Camp and Walmart SCAMPER completed. Please check your student’s grades in Schoology. I have repeatedly reminded students that all unfinished work was due today (Friday, Feb 11)
Life Skills: Mrs. Wilson retired on February 1st and Mrs. Tatum has taken over.
Students have been reading and analyzing how the central idea is revealed in various informational texts. They will compare and contrast how connections and relationships convey the central idea of two texts about courage and resilience in answering the question: How does a person overcome adversity? Students will need to provide evidence from these texts to support their responses.
Students should be reminded to charge their chrome books in order to be prepared for class daily.
Math: Students have just started Unit 4 which will focus on solving multi-step linear equation with a single variable. Students will be combining like terms, using the distributive property and moving variable to one side of the equation in order to solve these problems
Algebra: Students have been working on using a variety of methods to factor quadratic expressions.
Science: 8th graders are well into their study of inheritance. They have learned how mutations occur and will be learning how traits are passed from parents to offspring using Punnett Squares.
The inheritance module introduces students to a variety of concepts and vocabulary that can be challenging if not practiced. Therefore, students are spending time practicing the vocabulary in different ways - class discussions, warm-ups, self-checking assignments, hands-on activities, and through media presentations (videos).
Social Studies: 8th grade classes are finishing up our unit about westward expansion with an examination of the California Gold Rush and 19th century immigration. In our next unit, we will be researching issues and events involving slavery that eventually led to the U.S. Civil War. Students will explore topics such as the cotton gin and plantation system, Dred Scott decision,
“Bleeding Kansas,” John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, Nat Turner’s Rebellion, the Fugitive Slave Act, the Underground Railroad, Lincoln’s election, and the attempted secession of Southern states.Foreign Language
Spanish One: Students are covering Unit 4.2 at the moment (around town). They are also having one weekly quiz on the grammar covered.
Spanish Two: Students are covering Unit 4.2 at the moment (the city). They are also having one weekly quiz on the grammar covered.
English Language
Expressions Program
During times of quarantine or illness, check Schoology for each content area for any work you would like for your student to complete.
The February Calendar of events and skills was sent home last week. Remember that Feb. 18th is a 2 hour early dismissal day.
On 2.22.22, The Expressions program is having a PJ day. Students can dress in their favorite comfy clothes.
Week of: 2/14: Valentines Day Party in the PM
Reading:Mystery Valentine
Math:Addition skills
Science/Social Studies: Candy Heart Experiments and the heart/rib cage
Week of 2/21: No school on Monday -Presidents Day
Reading:
Math: Subtraction skills
Science:Moon/moon cycle-Gravity
(Back to force and motion!)
PE & Health
Students in health with Ms. Broadhurst and Mrs. Moats are continuing to cover health skills like decision making, communication/refusal skills, and analyzing influences as they discuss a spectrum of topics from nutrition, mental health, physical health, drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
The policy for family life has changed. IF YOU DO NOT wish for your student to be a part of this unit you will need to complete an opt out form or notify your students’ teacher via email, schoology message or phone.
Students in PE with Mrs. Fohner and Ms. Nixon have just completed term 3 fitness testing and are now comparing scores to term 1 as well as creating personal plans to improve their own fitness by Term 4 fitness testing. Students are continuing to work on striking skills in a variety of sports.
Health & Wellness Tip
Visual Arts
Mr. Parker returns on Monday February 11th.
Music/Choir
Performing ensembles and working on music for their upcoming concerts.
Adjudication Preview Concerts: after school
March 1 - Orchestra and Chorus
March 2 - Band 2/7 and Band 8
County Adjudications: during the school day
March 3 - Chorus
March 8 or 9 - Band 8
March 14 - Orchestra
Music Performance Lab students have learned how to play different chords on the keyboards. We are going to begin learning some common chord progressions and writing our own songs using these progressions in Soundtrap.
Theatre Arts
Students are currently working on monologues and reading various class plays.
We are fortunate to have two students from the Academy of Fine Arts joining period 1 and 2 Theatre Arts classes as mentors to the students.
Pre-Engineering
8th grade students finished their compressor car unit and raced their 34 cars in a double elimination bracket. Winners: 1st Maceo Mobley, 2nd Camden Swinton, 3rd Grace Curry, 4th Marklindy Pierre, 5th Geneva Shry.
Student next challenge will be a Tech Fair Challenge to create a working hovercraft. Students will learn how to safely solder, wire motors in series and parallel, and work as a team to utilize the engineering and design process to design & create their functioning prototype. Top team will be entered in this year's Virtual Tech Fair.
CSI
Mrs. Lucas-Literacy Specialist
Join me in congratulating 7th grader, Aurora Darby! Her poem, “Where I Came From,” was selected as the grade-level winner for the Frederick County Literacy Chapter’s Young Authors’ Contest!
Aurora’s poem will now move on to the state judging. Best of luck, Aurora!
Mrs. Gemmill- Math Specialist
Mrs. Cole-Advanced Academics
The Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program at Fort Detrick brings local students to the cutting-edge world of science for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).
The program is designed for current 4th through 12th grade students of all academic abilities in the 2021-2022 school calendar. GEMS promises a hands-on experience that will excite. There will be five weeks of student programs this summer. Student applications open March 1, 2022. Click here for more information.
Student Service Learning
News from our Media Specialist- Mrs. Ralston
Looking for your next great read? Use NoveList K-8 to find:
Read-alikes
Award winners
Books by genre, reading level or theme
TJMS Book Recommendations
Ongoing Announcements
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures Reminder
Dismissal: All students must be picked up at the curb in the car rider line. Students are not to be in the parking lot. Do not pick up on Schifferstadt. It is not safe to have students cross Schifferstadt and it causes a back up on the road.
If you need to pick up your child from school early, or be one of the first ones out of the lot, please arrive prior to 2:45 to get a curb side space or one of the first backing in spaces.
There have been numerous close calls lately where students have jumped out of moving cars and almost got hurt. Safety is very important at TJMS. We need full cooperation to make this work.
Dismissal Line is clear between 3:20 & 3:25 (8-13 mins after student dismissal bell)
Attendance
Possible Attendance Scenarios since One Call is now active:
Scenario 1: If you know your child will be absent
- Send email to TJMS.attendance@fcps.org
Scenario 2: If your child will be leaving early for the day
- Send them in with a note to the front office to pick up a pass or
- Send email to TJMS.attendance@fcps.org
Scenario 3: If your child is absent and you receive a One Call voice message stating your child is absent from school
- Send email to TJMS.attendance@fcps.org
Scenario 4: If you receive a phone call from One Call stating your child is not in school, and you believe they are at school. please call 240-236-4900
If you are going to pick up your child from school early, please send in a note with them. Ask them to come to the front office to turn that note in. By doing this, this helps your wait time for pick up.
Buses
News From Our School Health Room
Frederick County Health Department / Frederick County Public Schools
If you have any health related concerns or questions, please reach out.
Reliable Resources
Frederick County Health Department
Maryland Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Governor's COVID-19 Pandemic: Orders and Guidance