Takoma Park Elementary School
Newsletter
May 7, 2023
From Ms. Ramos
Dear Takoma Park Families,
I wanted to let everyone know that this will be my last year teaching at TPES. I have enjoyed teaching and getting to know the students and staff at Takoma Park Elementary School for the past 3 years. One of my favorite parts of teaching is introducing books and authors to students. I also believe in the importance of lifelong learning. As such, I have decided to continue my education by pursuing a degree in library and information sciences. I want to thank everyone for their support throughout my time at TPES.
Best wishes to all,
Melissa Ramos
From Mr. Bergfalk
Dear TPES Parents and Families,
It has truly been a privilege to have spent the past four years with you! I have enjoyed every moment of being a kindergarten teacher. TPES is an amazing place with great leadership, teaching, students, and families! You will all hold a special place in my heart going forward. I am moving on to be a 2nd grade teacher at my daughters’ old school, Montgomery Knolls, which is closer to home. Thank you for the wonderful memories!
Ben Bergfalk, Kindergarten Teacher
From Mr. Baek
Dear TPES parents/guardians and staff,
Good morning! It's already May and hard to believe that the school year is almost coming to an end. Students are finishing strong and making every day count here at the school.
I had a wonderful time and experience at TPES over the past 2 years. Both staff and PTA have been very supportive of the specials department, and I appreciate all that you've done for the school and it's students.
Next year, I'd like to broaden my teaching experience across different grade levels. After a long consideration, I've decided to transfer to Odessa Shannon middle school. It's a shame that I will be leaving, but excited for everyone's new teaching journey next year.
Thank you for all the hard work you've done and will do in the future!
Best,
Ethan Y. Baek
From Ms. Bozel
TPES family-
I want to express my gratitude for the many years of memories and wonderful students and family relationships. TPES truly has truly been "home" for me, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to teach your students. This community is so special and truly a wonderful place to work. In the fall, I will be journeying on to Stonegate Elementary as their reading specialist, to be closer to home and to spend more time with my family. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my nine years at TPES which includes student interning, 1st grade teacher, team leader, and now reading specialist. It is my hope that you all have a tremendous 2023-2024 school year and please don't hesitate to reach out via email to say hello or ask a question.
Michelle Bozel
Reading Specialist
Takoma Park ES
Parent Meeting-Social Emotional & Behavioral Supports, Thursday, May 11th at 7:00 p.m.
As a result of ongoing concerns about student behavior, TPES will have a parent meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023 via Zoom. We will talk about our kids, their current way of being in school, what we would like to see at school and how the parents and school can work together to meet the children's' needs. There will be resources for parents at the conclusion of the meeting. The Zoom link for the meeting will be sent on Thursday afternoon. There will be translation for the meeting as well. Let's band together to be the village our kids need to be the best versions of themselves. Please join Dr. Gadsden and other MCPS staff members to help us create a warm, welcoming environment for all our students.
Digital Citizenship Curriculum:
Students in kindergarten, first and second grades have been learning how to stay safe and balanced in their online life through Common Sense Education age-appropriate lessons in Library Media classes. Caregivers can reinforce healthy choices by talking to their children about their screen-time. Here are some resources to guide families in these complex issues:
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Bring the family to the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20th at Bohrer Park (506 South Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg)! The festival and parking are free and there will be authors/activities for all ages. Learn more at https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/.
Pride Town Hall Set for May 20
The annual Pride Town Hall will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 20 at Walter Johnson High School. Students and their families, staff, youth service providers and community members are welcome to attend.
The event will feature workshops, activities for elementary students, community building for secondary students and a resource fair.
The keynote speaker is Elizabeth Graham, a local advocate who speaks to her lived experiences as a transgender, autistic woman. Elizabeth works with the LGBTQIA+ community, helping to run a peer-led transgender support group. She is dedicated to supporting transgender and neurodivergent people.
Walter Johnson is located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda.
Plant Pick Up
Thank you to everyone who donated a plant to beautify our atrium this year! It made our school an inviting place to come each day, you are appreciated!
If you are interested in having your plant returned to you please swing by to grab it by May 19th. If you are unable to pick it up by the 19th and would like it back, please email lindsey.n.archuletta@mcpsmd.net to have it set aside as we will be making arrangements to adopt a plant into their summer homes as we wind down the school year.
Thank so much!
Lindsey Archuletta
1st Grade
Takoma Park Elementary School
"Work hard and do your best"
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