The Tohickon Golden Eagle
August/September 2016
Greetings From Mr. Marton, Tohickon Principal
Dear Tohickon Families,
I hope that you are having a fantastic summer, enjoying time with friends and family! It is hard to believe that the month of August has arrived. The summers at Tohickon are generally very busy. If you have an opportunity to visit, you will find our custodians, secretaries and administrators working diligently in order to prepare for the opening of the next school year. It is a time of year when we develop new goals, create students' schedules and fine tune all of the logistical details that are essential for a smooth opening on the first day and throughout the year.
This is our first newsletter of the 2016-2017 School Year. Our newsletters, with the exception of this first one, are typically sent out on the first day of each month. These newsletters are designed to be informative and substantive. If you are a new Tohickon parent, I encourage you to read through our monthly newsletters, as they always contain important information such as events, dates and special announcements.
With this in mind, there are some key dates that you should be aware of as we move closer to the first day of school and on through the month of September. They are as follows:
August
8/18 - Schedule Pick-Up and Building Tours 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
8/22 - Parent Portal Opens (Schedules will be available to view)
8/31 - First Day of School for ALL Students
September
9/5 - Labor Day - No School
9/6 - Fall Sports Sign-Ups during Resource 2:00 PM
9/9 - Emergency Personnel Recognition Assembly
9/9 - Fall Dance 7:30 - 9:30 PM
9/14 - Grade 7 Back-to-School Night 7:00 PM
9/15 - Parent Council Meeting 9:00 AM
9/20 - Grade 8 Back-to-School Night 7:00 PM
9/22 - Grade 9 Back-to-School Night 7:00 PM
9/23 - Picture Day
Mr. Dudley and I are greatly looking forward to the upcoming school year! We cannot wait to see your sons and daughters and welcome them on the first day. We are especially excited to welcome our new seventh grade students! Our goal is to make Tohickon feel like a second home and we will do everything we can to make that happen. It is essential for our students to feel comfortable and supported in the middle school environment. In closing, I want to wish all of our Tohickon Families a wonderful second half of the summer! Enjoy every minute. As always, please feel free to stop by the office at any time. We look forward to working with you and your child this year.
Mr. Kevin Marton, Principal
Tohickon Middle School
Introduction to the 2016-2017 Leaders of Tohickon Middle School
Once the new year begins, please feel free to contact these team members, should you have any questions that pertains to their area of specialization. The team, subject area and specialized leaders are as follows:
2016-2017 Team Leaders
Team Discovery (Grade 7) - Mrs. Kelli McMahon (kmcmahon@cbsd.org)
Team Summit (Grade 7) - Mrs. Jennifer Reese (jereese@cbsd.org)
Team Odyssey (Grade 8) - Mr. Michael Weir (mweir@cbsd.org)
Team Expedition (Grade 8) - Mrs. Kimberly Rissing (krissing@cbsd.org)
Team Trailblazer (Grade 8) - Mr. Zachary Sibel (zsibel@cbsd.org)
Grade Nine - Mr. Christopher Gay (cgay@cbsd.org)
*Please keep in mind that math and world language will continue to be cross-teamed in eighth grade. Students will learn which team they are on when schedules become available on August 18, 2016.
2016-2017 Subject Area Coordinators
English - Mrs. Amy Fry-Daly (afry@cbsd.org)
Math - Mrs. Laurel Kennedy (lkennedy@cbsd.org) and Mrs. Andrea Bellavance (abellavance@cbsd.org)
Science - Mr. Jarred Levenson (jlevenson@cbsd.org)
Social Studies - Mr. Travis Forney (tforney@cbsd.org)
Special Education Facilitator - Mrs. Kelly Zagwoski (kzagwoski@cbsd.org)
2016-2017 Specialized Area Leaders
Director of Athletics - Mr. Frank Pustay (fpustay@cbsd.org)
Building Community Service Coordinator- Mr. Frank Pustay (fpustay@cbsd.org)
Building Technology Coordinator - Mrs. Bridget Fox (brifox@cbsd.org)
Head School Nurse - Mrs. Colleen Fox (cfox@cbsd.org)
Tohickon Welcomes New Staff Members
We are thrilled to announce the following new Tohickon Staff Members this year:
Math (Grade 8) - Ms. Melinda Fuller
Math (Grade 8) - Mr. Brian Price (through Nov. 27th for Mrs. Rissing)
Math (Grade 7) - Ms. Stephanie Busichio (First Semester for Mrs. Bellavance)
Math (Grade 9) - Mr. Steve Love (First Semester for Mrs. Campbell)
Science (Grade 7) - Mrs. Kelley Peloquin
Social Studies (Grade 7) - Mrs. Angela Parisi
Spanish (Grades 8 & 9) - Mrs. Elibeth Mora
Physical Education (Grade 9) - Mrs. Kerri Rabberman
Educational Assistant - Ms. Andrea Chiarappa
Educational Assistant - Ms. Megan Sweeney
Schedule Pick-up Thursday, August 18th
All students are welcome to pick up their schedules and tour the building between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Parents are also welcome. We anticipate that this will take approximately thirty minutes.
Tohickon Back-to-School Nights 2016
Seventh Grade, Wednesday, September 14 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Seventh Grade Parents will meet in the auditorium at 7:00 PM for a brief 10-15 minute introductory presentation from Mr. Marton and Mr. Dudley. Following the presentation, parents will attend their child's classes.
Eighth Grade, Tuesday, September 20 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Eighth Grade Parents will proceed directly to their child's classes at 7:00 PM.
Ninth Grade, Wednesday, September 22 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Ninth Grade Parents will proceed directly to their child's classes at 7:00 PM.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
The fall sports informational meetings for students will be held on Tuesday, September 6th, during our Resource period. They will be held in the following locations:
- Boys Soccer- Auditorium
- Tennis - Gym
- Field Hockey - Cafeteria
Tryouts and practices will begin shortly thereafter. Before a student can participate in a sport, sections 5 and 6 of the PIAA physical form must be completed and signed by a certified medical examiner and turned-in at Tohickon's office. In addition, each family must register on FamilyID. Tohickon’s FamilyID link can be found on the school’s athletics website.
First year participants in football, cheerleading, field hockey, and soccer must participate in concussion baseline testing. All testing is done at school in Computer Lab 409 beginning during our Resource period. The test takes approximately 45 minutes. At the conclusion of the test, these students will report to practice or tryouts. Testing will occur on the following dates:
- Cheerleading - 9/1
- Football - 9/6
- Boys Soccer - 9/13
- Field Hockey - 9/14
COMMUNITY SERVICE MESSAGE
We will kick off our community service initiative with a First Responders Recognition Assembly on Friday, September 9th. During this assembly, local first responders are recognized for their dedication to our community. In addition, the events of September 11th, 2001 are remembered and reflected upon. At the conclusion of the assembly, the first responders in attendance are presented with gift baskets to take back to their stations to share with their coworkers.
Throughout the first two weeks of school, four gift baskets will be in the main office. Students and staff are encouraged to donate a treat such as packaged snack items, coffee k-cups, gift cards, etc. for the baskets. On Thursday, September 8th, students are invited to stay after school from 2:30 to 3:30 PM to work with Mr. Pustay in decorating these baskets and creating “thank you” signs for the following day’s assembly. Students interested in participating should see Mr. Pustay by September 7th.
Important Tips for New Seventh Grade Students and Parents
We are committed to making sure that students feel safe and comfortable at Tohickon. We are always available to help our students, especially our new seventh graders. There are a few areas below that provide some details of what a new student and/or parent can expect while attending Tohickon.
Communication
We pride ourselves on communication at Tohickon! There are a number of ways we communicate with our parents. They are as follows:
- Monthly Newsletter - The newsletter typically comes out via email on the first of each month, running from August through June. The newsletter is designed to be informational and substantive. There is always a chronology of upcoming events listed. All present and past Tohickon newsletters can be found on the Tohickon website.
- School Website - The Tohickon website is a great place to find important information. The most recent newsletter and daily announcement links are always located on the front page. All information pertinent to parents and students can be found in the "Parent/Student" section of the website.
- E-Mail Blasts - Email blasts at Tohickon are used when an important message needs to be sent to parents quickly. PLEASE do not delete these messages, as they are most likely very important.
- Parent Council Meetings - These are great opportunities to hear what's going on and to provide feedback to Mr. Marton and Mr. Dudley. The Tohickon Administration values your opinion and wants to hear your thoughts on given topics. Meeting dates are as follows:
September 15, 2016
October 20, 2016
November 17, 2016
January 19, 2017
February 15, 2017 (Wednesday)
March 16, 2017
April 20, 2017
All meetings are held in the Tohickon Library. The meetings begin promptly at 9:00 AM and usually conclude between 10:00 and 10:30 AM. There is no meeting in December or June and the May meeting is traditionally reserved for the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. - Teacher Websites - All teachers are expected to maintain an updated school website. These sites are useful for finding out what is going on in class, tracking assignments, etc.
- Parent Portal - All grading and assignment information can be accessed using the Parent Portal. If you are having any trouble accessing your child's information, please contact the guidance department at 267-893-3310.
Arrival/Dismissal
Students will begin arriving at Tohickon around 7:10 AM. The buses arrive on the South Side of the building, where the bus lanes are. Students will enter through the doors on that side. When students arrive, there will be teachers to help guide them to the right location. Car riders should be dropped off along the curb in front of the school. Please use caution when dropping students off next to the curb. Do not allow your child to walk through traffic or parked cars as this is a very busy time of morning and can be dangerous. All seventh grade students proceed straight down the hallway to the Tohickon Auditorium, when they arrive.
Students generally dismiss at 2:30 PM. However, for the first week, we allow the seventh grade students to depart at 2:25 PM. This gives them a five minute head start to find their bus and seat.
Lockers, Lockers, Lockers...It's All About Lockers
We know how important lockers are to new students. During the first day, we have several teachers and older students available to help students with their lockers. The orientation on August 18th is a great time to find out your locker number and practice your combination. The key is not to worry...we will always be there to help you!
What Do I Need to Know About Lunch?
During the first week of each marking period, 7th and 8th grade students can choose who they'd like to sit with (9th grade students can change seats daily). Once they have chosen their seat, they are expected to remain in that seat for the duration of the marking period.
The times for lunches are as follows:
- 7th Grade - 11:30 AM - 12 Noon
- 8th Grade - 10:31 AM - 11:01 AM
- 9th Grade - 12:29 PM - 12:59 PM
If a student forgets their lunch, a parent may drop off a lunch in the main office. There is a designated table with grade levels listed. The lunch will be brought down to the cafeteria and given to your student during their lunch period.
Attendance
Students are expected to be in school daily, unless they have an excused absence (i.e. illness). If your child will not be able to attend school, parents need to call the school attendance line at 267-893-3305 or email tohickonattendance@cbsd.org. Students must be in school before 10:30 AM in order to get credit for the day. Students will not be allowed to participate in any after-school activities if they are not here before 10:30 AM. If a student needs to leave before 2:30 PM, they should bring a note to the front office in the morning. Once a note is provided, they will be given a yellow pass, which allows them to leave their class at the designated time.
How Can I Reach My Child During the School Day?
If you need to get a message to your child, please contact the front office at 267-893-3300. Students are not permitted to use their cell phones during the school day. If your child calls or texts you, please instruct them to go to the Nurse's or Guidance Office, depending on their concern.
These tips for new students can also be found on the school website. There you can find more detailed information on each of these topics.
BUILDING PROJECTS
Throughout the 2015-2016 School Year, we began turning our center patio area in to usable outdoor space. Tables and umbrellas were purchased. The area was used primarily for classroom instruction and an additional eating area during the lunch periods. This was the first time, since the building opened in 2002, that effort was put into designing the area for daily usage.
During the 2016-2017 School Year, we plan to continue developing this outdoor area by adding vegetation, artwork and a water feature. We are hopeful that these new additions will be in place in time for the first day of school on August 31st.
Guidance Department
Guidance Office: 267-893-3310
Mrs. Diane Schute (dschute@cbsd.org) will be working with those students with last names from A-H.
Mr. Joseph Stryker (jstryker@cbsd.org) will be working with those students with last names from I-R.
Mrs. Marykate Blankenburg (mblankenburg@cbsd.org) will be working with those students with last names from S-Z.
How to Make Changes to Student Information
Please note the following procedures for submitting address changes and/or changes to mailing addresses, guardian(s) or other household information. This information is also available on the Central Bucks School District Website - www.cbsd.org.
Any changes to the current information we have on file can be changed through the Parent Portal.
Change of Address
All student address changes within Central Bucks must be validated at the Central Registration office by appointment only. We cannot make changes at the middle school.
Student Change of Address Procedures:
Download the Change of Student Address Within Central Bucks form or obtain the form from the school your student currently attends.
Call or email Central Registration for an appointment. Central Registration 267-893-2111.
Complete the form and bring it to your scheduled appointment along with the following REQUIRED documentation: Property Deed/Agreement of Sale (follow up with deed) OR Current Lease Agreement AND one of the following: current utility bill, current tax bill/receipt, current bank statement. Your student’s records will be updated to reflect the new address upon receipt of the required documentation.
Change in Household Membership
All student household membership additions, deletions or changes must be documented on the Household Membership Change form. This would include the following: Parent/Guardian changes, Sibling changes and Mailing changes.
Student Household Membership Change Procedures
Download the Household Membership Change form or obtain the form from the school your student currently attends. Complete the form and return to your student’s school or mail it to the address below:
Central Bucks School District
Educational Services Center
Central Registration
16 Welden Drive
Doylestown, PA 18901
If you have any questions, please call Central Registration (267-893-2111) or email your questions to CentralRegistration@cbsd.org
9/11 Heroes Run - Travis Manion Foundation
It's not too late to register for the 9/11 Heroes Run! The 5K and 1 mile race is set for September 25th this year at the Fonthill Museum with a great course through beautiful Doylestown Borough. Please join Central Bucks School District as they support this very worthy event. Registration is simple and easy, and students, families, and friends can register as a team and compete together. Each team can manage their runners and their team from their very own "page." Just visit their site for additional information.
Just by doing your routine shopping, you can help Tohickon in our efforts to raise money for special programs and various items to support our school and students. Tohickon has registered in fundraising programs sponsored by Giant Market, eScrip.com, and Amazon.com. We also collect Boxtops for Education, and recycle paper and clothing. Check out the details below. It’s easy to do, and a wonderful way to support our school! Thank you, in advance, for your participation in these programs!
GIANT A+ School Rewards Program - (registration begins August 15, 2016)
Tohickon Middle School has the opportunity to earn cash through Giant A+ School Rewards Program. All you have to do is: Log on to giantfoodstores.com/aplus to register online OR dial 1-888-448-4642 to register your card over the phone. After you register your card, each shopping trip at Giant using your BONUSCARD earns CASH for our school! Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the Giant website. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. We need your support. Please be sure to register your card to benefit Tohickon Middle School using ID #05868. Thanks to our Tohickon families, we raised $5,200 from this school rewards program last year.
Just register online at www.escrip.com. Tohickon’s Group ID # is 150239570. You can split your donation among several different schools or organizations, so if you’re already registered with another group, consider adding Tohickon! While you’re logged onto the www.escrip.com site, you may want to consider registering your debit and/or credit card so that Tohickon will benefit from purchases made with those cards at retailers like Office Max, Eddie Bauer, Barnes and Noble, and Payless Shoes. Choose “my escrip” from the menu at the top of the screen, log in with your password, go to “Account Administration,” and select “Credit and Debit Cards.” Be sure to check out the complete list of participating merchants and contribution rates.
Amazon.com
An easy way to support Tohickon’s programs is just a few clicks away! If you purchase anything through Amazon.com, our school can earn up to 15%! To ensure Tohickon receives credit for purchases, you will have to access the link on the Tohickon website under "School Links" then click “Support Tohickon.” Once you’ve done that, shop as you normally would. It’s that easy!
Box Tops for Education
Tohickon continues to collect Box Tops for Education. Box Tops coupons are found on a large variety of products. Please clip the coupons from participating products and send them to the school. All coupons can be turned in to homeroom teachers. Talk to your family and friends and ask them to clip Box Tops coupons also. All money raised from this continuous collection will supplement club and activity programs, including volunteer activities. For more information on Box Tops for Education go to www.boxtops4education.com.
Paper Retriever/Project WRAP
Did you know that every person in the United States throws away about two pounds of paper per day? What can you do to help? Tohickon Middle School wants your paper! Please help us by depositing your household paper in the paper retriever bin every week. If 200 families put their paper in the paper retriever bin each week, our school would collect more than 2,800 pounds or 1.4 tons of paper per week. Deposit your school paper, office paper, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, junk mail and envelopes in the paper retriever recycling bin every week. Our school and the environment thank you! As the weather changes and you find yourself cleaning out your summer clothes and preparing for winter, please remember that we have a clothing “drop-off” right next to our paper retriever bin. Both bins are located in the back of Tohickon. They not only provide you with one stop “drop-off,” they provide the building with some additional funds.
Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-3300