Tumwater News

Principal 's Message

Dear Tumwater Families,

We have an event-filled two weeks ahead!

We are excited to be heading outdoors for hands-on science learning with our 6th Graders at a day-camp model of Outdoor School. Our 6th graders will travel to three sites over three days, visiting Rood Bridge Park, Henry Hagg Lake, and Trickle Creek Camp. 6th grade families have been receiving information through ParentSquare and students are bringing home updates from their science classes. Thank you, in advance, to the many family volunteers who are helping make this a successful and fun experience for our kids! Want to see what is happening at camp? Keep an eye on our Instagram page for daily updates.

Another opportunity for students and families this week is BSD's annual Community Conversations on Race on Wednesday, April 6th. As a community of learners, we aspire to be open-minded and reflective. Participating in this event provides us an opportunity to listen to students' experiences and reflect upon our own racial literacy, defined as "the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to talk thoughtfully about race and racism, with the goal of eradicating racism." See the article below for registration information.

Ready to attend an event inside our beautiful building? The Tumwater PTO will be hosting it's first in-person PTO Community Meeting this Thursday, April 7th in the Commons. The following week we will spotlight our student musicians in a Choir Concert and a Band Concert. While you're on campus, please peruse our overflowing Lost & Found carts. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Warmly,

Jill O'Neill

Principal

Upcoming Events

April 6-8 6th Grade Outdoor School

April 6 Community Conversations Around Race (virtual), 4:30 - 6:30 pm

April 6 Special Education Family Resource Fair (virtual), 6:00 - 8:00 pm

April 7 PTO Community Meeting in Library, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

April 11 Choir Concert in the Commons, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

April 12 Band Concert in the Main Gym, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

April 12 THPRD Middle School Track & Field Meet at Sunset HS, 5:00 - 7:45 pm

April 14 Staff Development Day - No students

April 15 Grading Day - No students

April 19 Early Release, dismissal at 1:50 pm

April 21 THPRD Middle School Track & Field Meet at Westview HS, 5:00 - 7:45 pm

April 22 8th Grade Panoramic Picture

Be sure to check the calendars on ParentSquare and our school website (scroll to the bottom of the home page) for the school all school events.

Learner Profile Corner

Teaching and learning in the Middle Year Program (MYP) is centered around inquiry and conceptual learning. Conceptual learning focuses on organizing ideas that have relevance within and across subject groups. These concepts help students:

connect new information with what they already know and understand.
bridge disciplines and subjects to support deeper knowledge of topics and ideas.
facilitates higher order thinking.
make connections to real world situations and see the relevancy of what they are learning.

The aim of the MYP is to encourage students to become lifelong learners, both independently and in collaboration with others. The conceptual focus of learning in the MYP is one step in fostering this attribute.

Community Conversations Around Race

Registration is now open for the Third Annual Community Conversations Around Race. Hosted by Southridge High School and the BSD Office of Equity & Inclusion it will be a virtual event on April 6, 2022 from 4:30-6:30. This year’s conversation will consist of two parts, a Student Roundtable Discussion from 4:30-5:30, followed by a Racial Affinity Space Conversation from 5:35-6:30.

For additional information and to register please go to the CCAR Web Page

For registration assistance please contact susan_ouellette@beaverton.k12.or.us

Special Education Parent Resource Fair - April 6, 2022

Please join us for the 4th Annual Special Education Parent Resource Fair via Zoom on April 6, 2022 from 6-8pm!

Parents will have an opportunity to listen to presentations from different organizations and businesses that serve children with disabilities and their families! Parents will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the presenters after their formal presentations.

The fair will include presentations from:

Spectra Gymnastics
Oregon ABLE Savings Plan
Decoding Dyslexia
Palladio Consulting
TriMet: Ride Connection
Disability Resource Center at PSU

and more!

To register please visit: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/special-education/parent-resource-fair

We hope to see you there!

Oregon Blue Book Student Essay Contest

Calling all civic minded kids!! Oregon State Archives wants to hear from you for the Oregon Blue Book Student Essay Contest. The theme for the 2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book is, “Oregon Students Share Their Pandemic Experience.”

Elementary and middle-school aged students are encouraged to submit written or video essays. Written essays must be 100-300 words and will include an illustration to go with the essay. Video essays must be two minutes or less. Contest rules and submission information can be found here. The contest is open until Thursday, October 20, 2022. Winners will be announced in January 2023.

Walking and Rolling is Good for the Earth!

April is the month we celebrate Earth Day and one way you can help our planet and combat climate change is to replace car trips with active ones! 2 miles of driving = 1.6 lbs of carbon emissions. Think about local car trips that your family takes often. Maybe it is a trip to the park or a friend’s house. Map your route and try walking or biking instead. We often think places are farther than they seem. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your location and be amazed at what your body can do for you!

¡Caminar o andar sobre ruedas es bueno para el planeta tierra!

Abril es el mes en que celebramos el Día de la Tierra y una forma en que puede ayudar a nuestro planeta a combatir el cambio climático ¡es no usando su automóvil, y mejor caminar o andar en bicicleta! Conduciendo 2 millas = 1.6 libras de emisiones de carbono. Piense en el tiempo que su familia anda en automóvil localmente. Tal vez sea ir al parque o a la casa de un amigo. Trace su ruta e intente ir caminando o en bicicleta. A menudo pensamos que los lugares están más lejos de lo que parecen. ¡Tómese el tiempo suficiente para llegar al lugar y sorpréndase de lo que su cuerpo puede lograr!

Sunset Youth Basketball

In March, the 6th Grade Sunset Youth Basketball team placed 3rd in the State Championship in Bend in late March! Notably, each of these 11 boys proudly attends Tumwater. They competed against some tough teams in the State to win the 3rd place title! Congratulations to Sullie Anderson, Peter Delegarde, Zach Fitas, Gus Havelick, Collin Horne, Jake Howard, Alec Palmquist, Marcus Pollard, Keanu Rivera, Iden Rule, and Elliot Ward.

Spirit Week

The students have been earning points for their grade by participating in spirit days and activities. This is the current Tumwater Class Competition update.


Tumwater Tuesday	Rockin' the Shamrock Green	Twin Day

Tumwater Tuesday

Rockin' the Shamrock Green

Twin Day

8th Grade Band on Tour!

The 8th grade band recently visited all 5 of our feeder elementary schools to play songs as the during student arrival. The trips were successful and a lot of fun! The band played for the entire student body at Cedar Mill Elementary, motivating Kindergartners and 1st graders to get up and dance! Many of the 8th grade students enjoyed the chance to reminisce and give back musically to the younger students.

We hope you'll join us as we showcase our choirs and bands in our first in-person, live concerts:

Monday April 11: Tumwater Choirs, 6:30 p.m. in the Commons
Tuesday April 12: Tumwater Bands, 6:30 in the Main Gym

Parking is very limited at TMS, so please plan to carpool or, if possible, walk or bike. For those who park in the south parking lot (bus parking), use the patio to enter the Commons for the Choir Concert. For the band concert, walk up the ramp to the gym entrance. Those who park in the north parking lot (flag pole), use the main entrance.

Digital Citizenship

In Advisory classes before Spring Break our students engaged in Digital Literacy lessons focused on digital identity and presence. We each have the power to define who we are in the real world and online, but our online presence leaves footprints that may be visible for a very long time. Here are the lesson topics each grade level studied:

6th Grade - Who are you online? Essential question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of presenting yourself in different ways online?

7th Grade - The Power of Digital Footprints. Essential Question: How might our digital footprints shape our future?

8th Grade - Social Media and Digital Footprints: Our Responsibilities. Essential Question: How does using social media affect our digital footprints?

These lessons and family resources linked below are intended to help our students be thoughtful and reflective as they navigate the digital world.

SHS Soccer Teams

All 8th Grade Students interested in joining Sunset's Soccer Teams next year, are encouraged to sign up for their email list now. The SHS soccer coaches will be visiting our school Monday, April 4th during 8th grade lunch. Students should look for the table in the Commons to meet the coaches and get information about spring practices, tryouts, and more.

If you are interested in joining the SHS Women's Soccer program, please

email coach Carly Bennett (bennett.carlym@gmail.com) to be added to the email list. This is the best way to receive updates and registration information regarding tryouts, summer camps, and program announcements. Everyone on the list will be notified once summer camp dates and times have been finalized. Please visit our website for more information: https://sites.google.com/view/sunsetwomenssoccer/. We're looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall! Learn more at the Sunset Women's Soccer website

If you are interested in joining the SHS Men's Soccer program, please sign up for our email list in the front page of our website: https://sites.google.com/beaverton.k12.or.us/sunsetmenssoccer/ This is the best way to receive updates and registration information regarding tryouts, summer camps, and program announcements. All important dates for summer camps and tryouts can be found on the website. If you have any questions about the program, please email head coach Conrad Buck: conrad_buck@beaverton.k12.or.us. We're looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall!

Learn more at the Sunset High School Men's Soccer website.

Costa Rica in December 2023

Your child is invited to join Ms. McCollum and Ms. Stepien for a travel experience to Costa Rica in December 2023! This is an incredible opportunity for students to expand their understanding of Hispanic culture while practicing their Spanish speaking skills.

Ms. McCollum and Ms. Stepien will host a virtual informational meeting on Thursday, April 7th at 6:00 PM. Please join the meeting to hear all of the details including the itinerary, dates, and cost of the trip. Please pre-register for the meeting at https://bit.ly/3wenubC to confirm your attendance and receive the meeting link. We would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

This activity is not sponsored or endorsed by the Beaverton School District or Tumwater Middle School.

April Community Meeting & Listening Session on Thursday, 4/7

Save the date for April's TMS PTO Community Meeting

on Thursday, 4/7 at 6:30pm IN-PERSON!

Join us in the TMS Commons to hear school & PTO updates with principal Jill O'Neil and your Tumwater PTO Board.

A zoom link will be provided for those who would like to listen in only.

LISTENING SESSION: This meeting will include a listening session to spark conversation & exchange ideas with your TMS PTO Board as they begin drafting next year's PTO budget. Come prepared to share in small groups!

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS: In an effort to communicate effectively & efficiently, the Tumwater PTO will be taking questions BEFORE our community meeting on 4/7. This will ensure that our meeting agenda and topics will clarify any questions for our parent community. You can submit your questions here.

Zoom info, for those just listening in, will be sent on 4/7.

All parents are automatically members of the Tumwater PTO and all are encouraged to attend.

Questions? Email Hannah (tumwaterpto.president@gmail.com)

VOLUNTEER NEWS

We hope you had a great spring break!

Tumwater staff has been very appreciative of the help provided by our PTO volunteers! Thank you for your continued support and willingness to volunteer! We have current and upcoming volunteer opportunities, including new Lunchtime Volunteer Shifts (see below). Also, be on the lookout for upcoming volunteer opportunities for Art Literacy!

NEW LUNCHTIME VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

With the changes to the lunch schedules that occurred before spring break, we've adjusted the lunchtime shifts to better accommodate their volunteer needs. New volunteer opportunities have been posted in the system with the shifts divided by grade level, as linked below:

Lunch volunteers will assist in the Commons area during lunch periods by greeting, helping and supervising students. Volunteers work alongside administrators, counselors, and other staff to keep the lunch period running smoothly. Volunteers may also assist staff in cleaning tables at the end of the lunch period as needed.

The other big change is we are eliminating the library volunteer shifts as they no longer require volunteers to supervise students during lunch recess in the library. Thank you to our library volunteers for your help this year!

If you have any specific questions on these activities, please send us an email at tumwaterpto.volunteer@gmail.com and we will do our best to answer them.

CONFIRM LOGIN CREDENTIALS BEFORE LEAVING HOME

If you haven’t volunteered in a while, we recommend that you review your username and password for your volunteer profile before leaving home. If you have your login credentials stored on your home computer and aren’t used to entering your username and password each time, you may have issues remembering this information when you arrive at school.

All volunteers must log into the volunteer system prior to volunteering, as there is a COVID declaration that must be acknowledged before you can start the time clock.

APRIL COMMUNITY MEETING!

We hope you’ll join us for our first community meeting IN PERSON! April's Community Meeting will be held on Thursday, 4/7 at 6:30pm!

Join us in the TMS Commons to hear school & PTO updates with principal Jill O'Neill and your Tumwater PTO Board. A zoom link will be provided for those who would like to listen in only. If you want to submit questions ahead of time for our PTO Board to answer during the meeting, please visit this link: Tumwater Community Meeting Questions

If you have any questions on this or any other topic regarding volunteering at Tumwater, please don't hesitate to send us an email at tumwaterpto.volunteer@gmail.com.

Best,

Jyothi Murala & Kristi Nelson

Tumwater MS Volunteer Coordinators

Donations & Volunteers Needed for 8th Grade Celebration

The school year is flying by and it’s hard to believe that our 8th graders are nearing the end of their

time at Tumwater Middle School. To celebrate, we’re planning an 8th Grade Celebration on Friday, June 17th from 12pm-3:30pm. We will have music, a photo booth, games, lunch, and other fun surprises!

DONATIONS: In order to support the 8th grade celebration, we are asking parents to make a donation that goes directly to funding this event. We are asking that you consider a minimum donation of $25 per student. We recognize that not all families will be able to donate this amount, so if you are able to help “sponsor” another child, that would be wonderful. This is also a great time to ask family members and family friends who are looking for a way to help celebrate your student’s milestone. ALL students will participate in the festivities, regardless of financial participation.

Donations can be accepted via Paypal. If you have any questions or would like to pay by check, please email amber.fer@frontier.com.

VOLUNTEERS: Parent volunteers are needed! If you would like help with planning this fun event please reach out Amber at amber.fer@frontier.com. Many volunteers will also be needed on the day of the event. Look for volunteer sign ups in your email several weeks before the big day. Mark your calendars now!!

Dear BSD Families,

We understand that it can be challenging to access current information regarding your child’s schooling in your own language. We do our best to send out messages about important updates, especially during these challenging times. However, you can access the BSD website — and specifically, our return-to-school page — at any time. Below, we’ve included a link that will take you to our website, where you’ll find it already translated into your language. Please know, the translation is generated by Google Translate. It’s not perfect, but we do hope it’s helpful.

If you need additional assistance, please contact our Multilingual Department at 503-356-3755.

View the BSD website in Arabic قم بزيارة الموقع الإلكتروني للقطاع التعليمي لمدارس بيفرتون باللغة العربية