Tamanend Connections
Tamanend Together!
October 1, 2021
Tamanend's Library is the Place to Be!
Tamanend’s Library has been extremely busy during the month of September! Students and Staff are loving the atmosphere and new furniture of our newly renovated space! 80 classes visited the Library and 708 books were checked out.
CALENDAR ITEMS TO NOTE
Fall Dance--Friday, October 1 at 7:30 PM
7th Grade Field Trip to PA Renaissance Fair--Wednesday, October 6
Crushing the Stigma: Building Mental Strength for Life Presentation--Wednesday, October 6 at CB South (details below)
Tamanend Fall Fundraiser Ends--Thursday, October 7
Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) Administration for 8th Graders--Monday, October 11 (details below)
Election Day is a Virtual Learning Day--Tuesday, November 2
TAMANEND ATHLETICS
INFORMATION:
- Family ID opens for Winter sports registration on October 1st. This includes girls basketball, wrestling, and boys basketball. All 7th and 8th Grade students interested in playing a Winter sport for Tamanend this year must be registered on the Family ID web site. Please click HERE for detailed information, deadlines, and requirements.
- If you are interested in becoming part of the Wrestling program, please click HERE for information about the upcoming season.
- If you and would like to receive immediate updates on game schedules, cancellations, etc., visit Tamanend Athletics web page and become a “fan” to get alerts for your child’s team.
Player’s Buddies: Volunteer Opportunity to Work with Students with Special Needs and Local Soccer Organization
PA Rush Soccer is looking for individuals that would like to join our program to be a Buddy. Buddies are boys and girls ages 8+. Buddies will work with our players with special needs, taking directions from our trainers, assisting the players with staying on task and offering guidance. Participating as a Buddy can earn you community service hours. There is no charge to be a Buddy.
Our goal is to grow the program into a Special Needs league where the players that are able will compete against other clubs. Any questions about the program, please contact: Betsy Grove bgrove@parush.com
FROM CB SOUTH:
- CB South 9th Grade Boys Basketball will host three open gyms this fall prior to the start of the Basketball season. They will run from 6:00-7:30 on Thursday Oct. 7, Thursday Oct. 28, and Thursday Nov. 11. Please bring your own water bottles.
- There will be a CB South Boys and Girls Winter Track interest meeting for those in grades 9-12 on Wednesday, October 13th from 2:30-3:30 in Room D204 and D205 at South.
Athletics Schedule
Monday, 10/4
- 7th Grade Soccer @ Holicong (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- Boys Tennis @ Holicong (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- Girls Tennis vs. Holicong (Home; 3:15)
Tuesday, 10/5
- 7th Grade Field Hockey @ Holicong (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- 7th Grade Football vs. Holicong (Home; 3:15)
- 8th Grade Field Hockey vs. Newtown (Home; 3:15)
- 8th Grade Soccer vs. Newtown (Home; 3:15)
Wednesday, 10/6
- No Contests
Thursday, 10/7
- 7th Grade Field Hockey vs. Tohickon (Home; 3:15)
- 7th Grade Soccer vs. Tohickon (Home; 3:15)
- 8th Grade Field Hockey @ New Hope-Solebury (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- 8th Grade Soccer @ New Hope-Solebury (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- 8th Grade Football @ Log College (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- Boys Tennis vs. Tohickon (Home; 3:15)
- Girls Tennis @ Tohickon (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- Volleyball vs. Holicong (Home; 3:15)
Friday, 10/8
- No Contests
TAMANEND FEATURES
PROMO VIDEO FOR CRUSHING STIGMA: BUILDING MENTAL HEALTH FOR LIFE EVENT
This event will feature a keynote presentation designed to educate attendees on the stigma that surrounds mental health, while empowering and instilling hope. Two panel discussions will also take place: "Navigating the System," presented by CBSD social workers, and "From the Experts: Mental Health and Wellness," featuring a team of mental health and educational experts who will share supports and insight on mental health and wellness. More than 20 local mental health service providers will also be on site. Visit www.CBSD.org/crushingstigma_register to get event updates, reminders, and to register for childcare if needed. Open to students and adults.
Tamanend Parent Book Club
Yearbook Ordering is Now Open
It’s a great time to order your child’s 2021-2022 Tamanend Yearbook! If you order online prior to January 31, 2022 the cost of the full-color, hardback yearbook is on sale for $35 (plus tax). This is also the deadline if you’d like to add any additional personalization to your child’s yearbook. The price of the yearbook will increase to $40 (plus tax) from February 1st- April 30th. After this date, we unfortunately cannot guarantee your child will be able to purchase a yearbook at the end of the year. Please click the link here to take you to Jostens online ordering page. No preorders will be accepted in school – all orders must be done through Jostens. If you have any questions, please email Kristen Gerth at kgerth@cbsd.org.
Tamanend Fall Fundraiser Going On Now Until October 7
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
Tamanend Ski Club
After running the ski club at Tamanend for over 20 years (the past year excluded), it is with regret that we announce that we will not be able to offer it for 2021-2022. We had a longstanding relationship with Jack Frost and Big Boulder and based on the number of beginner skiers/snowboarders we typically have in the club, felt very comfortable with the structure/safety of their mountain trails and lesson programs, while also feeling that there was still plenty of challenge/features for our more experienced students. Unfortunately, JFBB is under new ownership, and the school group offering they are making is very limited, does not allow weekend dates, and is more expensive than before by a significant margin. In our cost-benefit analysis, as well as consideration of other locations, we do not feel we can offer an opportunity this year that is cost-effective, and above all else, safe for our students. We will continue to explore solutions for future years and are hopeful that we can resume the ski club at Tamanend in the future.
UPCOMING TAMANEND EVENTS
Reminder--Support October 1st Blood Drive in Honor of Tamanend 8th Grader Gregory Matczak
Fall Dance is Friday, October 1
Attention all students: This Friday, October 1st, Tamanend Student Council is hosting our first dance of the school year. The dance is from 7:30pm – 9:30 pm. The cost to enter the dance is $8 and all money will be collected as you enter the dance on Friday night. Please remember that our dances are only open to currently enrolled Tamanend students. Refreshments will also be provided free of charge in the cafeteria during the dance. Finally, the fall dance theme is GLO CRAZY! Wear black…white…neon…whatever you wish to GLO CRAZY this Friday night.
Reminder--8th Graders to Participate in Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS)
Our school is taking part in the 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The survey will ask questions about the behaviors of students in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades, including questions about school climate, violence, depression, bullying, and substance abuse.
The information we receive will assist us and our community partners in working to prevent adolescent drug use and other problem behaviors. We want to ensure that all parents and caregivers are notified that the survey is being conducted and provide you with as much information about the survey as possible. As a parent or caregiver, you have the right to prohibit your child’s participation. The following facts about the survey will help you make an informed decision about your child’s participation:
- Participation in this survey is completely voluntary. Students will be instructed by their proctor that they can skip any questions they do not understand or choose not to answer. If they have any questions or concerns after taking this survey, they are instructed to talk with their school counselor or a trusted adult.
- The survey is designed to protect each student’s privacy. It is anonymous and confidential. Students will not put their names on the survey, and no student will ever have their individual responses reported.
- The survey is well tested, having been administered to over 1,000,000 Pennsylvania students since the 1990’s. The information collected has proved invaluable to prevention planners in selecting programming to promote healthy youth development.
You can request a list of the survey questions by visiting this link: http://episcenter.psu.edu/node/599. For more information about the survey, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.pays.pa.gov then click on “2021.”
The survey will be administered during the school day during the Week of October 11 and will take one class period to complete. If you do NOT want your child to participate, please email your request to Mrs. Andrea Consoletti at aconsoletti@cbsd.org by September 27, 2021.
Thank you for your help in our efforts to keep our schools drug free and safe for learning. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kyle Dudley at kdudley@cbsd.org
Reminder--Please Complete Your Annual Emergency Update by October 15
Reminder--Tamanend Pink Out--October 28
FROM OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Auditions for Jazz Band and Symphonic Swing Ensemble Auditions are Wrapping Up
Jazz Band and Symphonic Swing Ensemble Auditions will be wrapping up early next week. The results will then be available Wednesday afternoon! Any remaining instrumentalist who have yet to be heard should speak to Mr. Werner on Monday next week or simply email him! If you have any questions, please see Mr. Werner in the band room. Thank you
EARN YOUR STRIPES--TAMANEND'S SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SYSTEM
This week, we reviewed expectations for appropriate behavior in our Cafeteria. You can read more about SWPBIS here.
SWPBIS Cafeteria Expectations
TAMANEND ADVISORY
Advisory is a 19-minute period between 2nd and 3rd periods. The purpose of Advisory is to communicate important information to students, engage in wellness activities, and build strong, positive relationships between students and teachers.
QUOTES AROUND TAMANEND
UPCOMING DISTRICT & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Reminder--Doylestown YMCA Offers Free Memberships for 7th Graders
Did you know that the Doylestown YMCA offers free memberships for 7th Graders? Click here to read all about this great opportunity.
FROM OUR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
FROM OUR GUIDANCE OFFICE
Guidance Information
- A special event being held at Central Bucks High School South on Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 entitled “Crushing Stigma: Building Mental Strength for Life.” It’s a topic with tremendous implications for both parents and students; moreover, it represents an opportunity for something more powerful, and that is hope and victory over the factors that compete for our students’ well-being. We look forward to seeing you at this important event, and encourage you to attend. For more information on what you can expect, please visit www.cbsd.org/crushingstigma_event. Free childcare will be provided for all or a portion of the event as needed. Registration is not required, but encouraged to aid in our planning and to secure necessary staff for childcare. Visit www.cbsd.org/crushingstigma_register to complete a brief registration form.
- If you are in 9th grade and interested in participating in the “Patriots of the American Revolution” high school essay contest, click HERE for details.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) has been established in schools throughout Pennsylvania with the cooperative support of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Health and Welfare. SAP programs provide schools with the means to identify, refer, and support students who are exhibiting behavioral, academic, or attendance issues that put them at risk. Every secondary school in Central Bucks has a team of dedicated school personnel who are trained to assist students, faculty and family members in identifying problems that impact the student’s ability to function in school. The team can also offer students and their families resources to assist them in alleviating these problems. Click here to read the latest edition of the SAP newsletter.
FROM OUR HEALTH OFFICE
Free COVID-19 Testing
Reminder--Required 7th Grade Dental Exams
FROM OUR CAFETERIA
Reminder--Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Tamanend Students for 2021-2022 School Year
In April 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service extended the program that will provide for free meals for all students, regardless of income, for the 2021-22 school year. This has been made possible by nationwide waivers that provide for free meals for all students through June 2022.
All menus are available to be viewed online up to 2 weeks in advance by visiting cbsd.nutrislice.com.
Students are entitled to one complete reimbursable breakfast per day and one complete reimbursable lunch per day. Any second entrée or a la carte snack item will be charged to the students’ lunch account. We encourage all families to put money on their students account through MySchoolBucks.com as there will be no cash transactions this year to serve the students as safely and swiftly as possible.
We are thrilled to continue to safely serve students delicious, fresh, and nutritious meals at no charge, and we are equally excited to re-introduce our favorite programs to deliver fun, exciting, and tasty experiences to students throughout the coming year.
Please note: If your child has participated in the free and reduced meal program in the past, we encourage you to apply again as participation allows for eligibility in other programs. You can find the application here: Food Services / Free & Reduced Lunch Application (cbsd.org)
RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE
CB Farmer's Market at Barclay Elementary School
Any Central Bucks family who may need a little extra food assistance is welcome to join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month at Barclay Elementary School. Our drive-up food distributions run from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. We generally have free dry goods, fresh produce, milk, eggs, and bread, and often have some frozen meat and poultry. At each event we pass out an average of 12,000-15,000 pounds of food.
The CB Farmers Market started in 2019 as a monthly market that distributed free produce. At the start of the pandemic, we recognized a significant need in our community, with many families needing food assistance for the first time in their lives. As our operations grew, so did our network of amazing individuals and community organizations—all of whom are committed to addressing food insecurity in the Central Bucks School District. By our estimates, 1,500 CB children may experience temporary or chronic food insecurity—a statistic which should not exist in a community with our resources.
Our completely volunteer-run and managed organization was founded on two beliefs: 1) During times of need, which we all experience in one form or another, we should be able to count on the compassion and support of our neighbors; and 2) Our community’s collective commitment to our children is a bond much stronger than all of the other forces that might otherwise divide us.
Help with Resources
If you are experiencing a financial hardship, please know that the staff members listed below can help you and your family. We can provide assistance with food, clothing, field trips, student fees, internet access, and other issues. Please don't hesitate to contact us:
Brian Caughie, Principal bcaughie@cbsd.org
Kyle Dudley, Assistant Principal kdudley@cbsd.org
Lauren Myrtetus, Certified School Nurse lmyrtetus@cbsd.org
Jeff Klein, Guidance Counselor jklein@cbsd.org
Mandy Cammann, Guidance Counselor mcammann@cbsd.org
Housing Information
CB CARES
HELPFUL REMINDERS ABOUT TAMANEND PROCEDURES
Reminder--Required Masking
As a reminder, at this time, students, staff, and visitors must wear masks inside Tamanend. Any mask exemption forms must be submitted to the Main Office in order for a student to be considered mask exempt. Students who are not on the mask exemption list will be reminded that they are required and expected to wear a mask throughout the school day, except when participating in certain activities as outlined in the CBSD Health & Safety plan. Please have a conversation with your student regarding your family's decision related to masking. Thank you!
Reminder--Volunteering at Tamanend
All Central Bucks School District Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the staff, students, sports programs and other activities of our schools.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering! We are excited to introduce our NEW contactless application and paperwork submission process to our CBSD volunteers. You can now upload your clearances online through our Volunteer Tracker portal. Please click App Garden- Volunteer Tracker to sign-up and review the clearance requirements. Sign-up is required for both New and Returning Volunteers! The Volunteer Tracker will allow you to sign-up for volunteer opportunities specific to your building and/or classroom of choice. You will receive communication via email to update you on the latest upcoming event(s), clearance expiration, and to review your participation level. Clearances and Background Checks are valid for five (5) years. Click here for required documentation and further information.
Reminder--Dropping Off Items For Your Child
It's simple to drop off an item for your child! All you need to do is drop the item in the correct grade-level blue bin in the Lobby of our school. Please make sure your child's name is on the item.
Reminder--If You Bring Your Child To School After 7:30
If you bring your child in late to school, please follow this process:
- ring bell to come in to Lobby
- write note
- send student in to Main Office—parents don’t need to come in the Main Office
Reminder--New CBSD Student Absence Reporting System
The Central Bucks School District will be changing the way in which absences are reported, beginning on the first day of school, August 30, 2021. The following items are some key points to be aware of.
- Parents and guardians will be able to submit absence requests via the Parent Portal. Parents can request a full day absence, early dismissal, or late arrival.
- Absence requests will be reviewed by school attendance staff and approved or denied.
- Requests made using the parent portal will also serve as the excuse for the absence. Parents will not be required to submit an excuse either electronic or written.
- Parents and guardians can also still call the school to report an absence, but emails will no longer be accepted.
In addition, when a student is absent from school, but the school did not receive communication from the parent or guardian, the following communication will be sent:
- A text message will be sent midmorning notifying the parent or guardian of the absence
- An email will also be sent at the end of the school day reminding the parent or guardian that the student was marked absent.
Information regarding how to use the Parent Portal to report an absence can be found here.
Reminder--Communicating Absences
You may report your child's absence in any of the following ways:
- Through Parent Portal
- Phone (Attendance hotline): 267-893-2920
Reminder--Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up & Parking Lot Safety
If parents/guardians decide to drive students to school, please plan enough travel time to allow for safety and congestion on Stuckert Road and in our school parking lot. The speed limit in our lot is 15 mph.
Below is a map of how the student drop-off works in our parking lot. Drop off should only happen along the sidewalk at the Athletics Entrance as indicated by the red dot on the map. For your safety and the safety of our students, please follow these directions and do not drop your student off on Stuckert Road, the Visitor's Parking area, or in the middle of the Main Parking Area.
When dropping off your child, please remember that YOU SHOULD ONLY MAKE A RIGHT-HAND TURN INTO/OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. Please stay to the right of the parking lot, along the sidewalk, all the way up to the Cafeteria/Gym Entrance. Pull up as far as you can when the cars in front of you clear, and let your child out there.
When picking up your child, please remember that YOU SHOULD ONLY MAKE A RIGHT-HAND TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT. The line of traffic will extend back toward the baseball field (Kelly Rd.). Please stay in the line of traffic and continue moving up as the car(s) in front of you move up. If we follow this procedure, all cars we be gone by 2:40.
Para nuestras familias hispanohablantes...
¡Bienvenidos a Tamanend! Yo soy Brian Caughie, Director de Tamanend Middle School. Soy hispanohablante. Pasé mucho de mi vida en España. Estoy aquí para apoyarles a todos los estudiantes y familias en Tamanend. Favor de llamarme or escribirme (en inglés o en español) si Ud. tiene cualquier duda o pregunta.
Correo electrónico: bcaughie@cbsd.org
Oficina: (267) 893-2900
STAYING CONNECTED WITH TAMANEND
Ways to Stay Connected with Tamanend
Here is a list of ways Tamanend communicates with students, families, and the community:
- Tamanend website: includes important information, resources, calendar of school events, and daily announcements
- Calendar of school events (posted on our website)
- Good Morning Tamanend daily announcements (emailed to parents* and students each morning, scrolling on TV screens during school day and posted on our website) *parents should email Mrs. Donna Kirkpatrick at dkirkpatrick@cbsd.org if they would like to have the daily announcements emailed to them directly
- TV show (weekly, during Advisory period)
- Email blasts from Tamanend administration regarding important news, new procedures, and reminders
- Parent Portal: student information, grades, and attendance
- Tamanend Connections newsletter: useful information, important reminders, and school highlights emailed weekly during school year and posted on Tamanend website
- Twitter: @CBTamanendMS highlights of activities, events, and daily life at Tamanend
- CBSD app: highlights of activities, events, and daily life in Central Bucks
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Can Sign Up for Email Blast of Tamanend Daily Announcements
If parent(s)/guardian(s) wish to receive the daily announcements via email blast, they should email Mrs. Donna Kirkpatrick. Daily announcements are always posted under the "Daily Announcements" Section of the Tamanend website for those who do not wish to receive the daily email.
TMS Parent Council
Parent Council is an open meeting where all parents are welcome to attend to learn more about Tamanend Middle School. Parent Council typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. There is no obligation to attend all Parent Councils and there are no elected positions. Parent Council is a forum for parents and school leaders to learn from and with each other, together.
Thursday, Oct 21, 2021, 09:00 AM
Tamanend Middle School
RSVPs are enabled for this event.