The Tohickon Golden Eagle
October 2016
Off and Running!
Dear Tohickon Families,
The first month of the school year has come to a close and it has been a busy one. We began school on August 31st and, since that day, we have had three Back-to-School Nights, our 9/11 Personnel Recognition Assembly, Picture Day, the T5 Kickoff Activities, and our first school dance. It has been great having students back in the building and really nice to meet our new seventh graders.
The month of October will be equally busy. Celebrate Education Week will take place during the week of October 10th. The seventh grade teachers have a breakfast from 7:00-7:20 AM on Thursday, October 13th on the third floor. The eighth grade teachers will have breakfast from 7:00-7:20 AM on Tuesday, October 11th in the library. All parents are welcome to visit classes throughout the week. Dr. Mackensen's Lab Night will take place for Team Summit students and parents on Monday, October 10th, between the hours of 2:45 and 8:00 PM. Lastly, picture retakes will take place on Wednesday, October 26th. We hope to see you during this week!
One of our main goals at Tohickon is to make sure our students are happy, comfortable, and excited to come to school everyday! As we move further into the year, I want to remind parents how important it is to maintain an open line of communication between home and school. If you should have any important information to share or any concerns, please contact us at 267-893-3300. I hope that you have a wonderful month!
Sincerely,
Mr. Kevin Marton, Principal
FALL HAS ARRIVED...UPCOMING EVENTS
The month of October has arrived. There are several upcoming events that students and parents should be aware of. The events for the month of October are as follows:
October 3rd
Rosh Hashanah - No School
October 7th
Lee National Denim Day
October 10th through 14th
Celebrate Education Week - Parents/guardians are invited to attend classes in all grades. Team Activities include:
Grade 8 Breakfast from 7:00 - 7:20 AM on Tuesday, October 11th (Library)
Grade 7 Breakfast from 7:00 - 7:20 AM on Thursday, October 13th (Third floor)
October 10th
Lab Night at Tohickon - Dr. Mackensen will host this event from 2:45 to 8:00 PM in room 315
October 12th
Yom Kippur - No School
October 14th
Family Movie Night 7:00 - 9:00 PM - Tohickon Auditorium
October 19th
Tohickon Evacuation Drill to Gayman Elementary (Weather Permitting) - Please encourage your child to dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.
October 20th
Parent Council Meeting 9:00 AM in the Tohickon Library
October 26th
Picture Retakes
October 28th
Matt Weintraub, the Bucks County District Attorney, will be at Tohickon to promote social media awareness with our ninth grade students.
TEAM HAPPENINGS!
The students on Team Summit are off to a great start at Tohickon! One of the core novels in seventh grade is The Giver, by Lois Lowry. As we read the novel, students are introduced to new vocabulary words. The students pictured here are busy in Mrs. Reese’s class using vocabulary squares to sort and group words from the novel. The squares are similar to flash cards, with the word on one side, and the definition on the back. Students can use them to study at home, as well as in school. Students become familiar with the parts of speech as well as the definition of each word. Besides grouping the words into categories, students are also asked to work with a partner and create sentences. This can be a challenging task as they are thinking “on their feet” and sometimes use two to three words in a sentence. Students seem to enjoy the vocabulary activities.
TEAM DISCOVERY - GRADE 7
Class Highlights: In Ms. McMahon’s ELA B classes, students prepared to read the novel Schooled, by Gordon Korman, by becoming familiar with the lifestyle of the main character, who seems like he is a time traveler from the 1960’s and who has just landed in a 21st century Middle School. Students worked in groups to research topics related to the 1960’s, like Daily Life, The Vietnam War, Music, and The Civil Rights Movement. After researching, each group presented their findings to the class.
Team News: Team Discovery seventh graders will be hosting it’s 13th Annual Used Bike Drive on Saturday, November 5th! Working in conjunction with the non-profit group Pedals for Progress, students will collect used bicycles that will be shipped to people in need from around the globe, where they will be used as a primary means of transportation. By donating any child or adult bicycle in “repairable condition,” you will be helping individuals get to work, to the market, to medical care, and even to school. By donating, you are also helping to keep usable bikes out of landfills; it is truly a win-win model charity. If you do not have a bike to donate but would like to help, monetary donations are always welcome to help cover shipping costs. A $10 donation is required with each bike. To learn more about Pedals for Progress, visit www.p4p.org, or for more information about our drive email Ms. McMahon at kmcmahon@cbsd.org. Please help spread the word to “recycle your bicycle” on Saturday, November 5th, from 12-3 PM, right here at Tohickon Middle School!
The adventure of a new school year has begun for eighth graders on Team Expedition. Some highlighted events in classes are a flame lab in science with Mr. Collins, the start of The Outsiders in Mr. Sibel’s class, and the French and Indian war—narrated by Mr. Trimbur. The team showed its unity early, directed by Ms. Fuller, to form a stellar E for expedition in their team photo. Later all students signed their name on Mr. Trimbur’s bulletin board around the picture. The bulletin board was created and designed by students from the team.
TEAM TRAILBLAZER - GRADE 8
The year has started off great for Team Trailblazer. Here you can see Team Trailblazer members setting up a full scale periodic table in the eighth grade hallway advertising all the elements, from the always popular Gold and Platinum, to the unknown Francium and Erbium, to the highly radioactive Plutonium and Holmium. Team Trailblazer can explore the table and prepare themselves for the complicated chemistry to come.
TEAM ODYSSEY - GRADE 8
Over the summer, incoming eighth graders were asked to read one of the following books: The House of Scorpion, Mockingbird, The Juvie Three, Deathwatch, Found, and Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. During the first couple weeks of school, they were grouped with students who read the same book as them. Groups discussed aspects of the book such as setting, characters, plot, and conflict. These discussions led each group to select a “moment of truth” from the book. A “moment of truth” is a defining moment in a person’s life that helps shape who they are, how they act, and what they believe. The groups then illustrated their chosen “moment of truth” on a poster and provided written explanations as to its importance to the plot and/or the characters. The groups then shared their work with the class.
A big thank you from the ninth-grade team to the parents who attended Back-to-School Night. We enjoyed meeting you and sharing our vision for the 2016-2017 school year with you.
Remember that ninth grade is included in your child’s college transcript. Since most students will apply to and/or hear from at least one college by December of their senior year, colleges are evaluating applicants on their performance in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. This puts even more importance on ninth-grade achievement.
We are working hard to get your child off to a good start in his or her high-school career. Each of us is dedicated to helping our students succeed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Celebrate Education Week
Celebrate Education Week will be held beginning on Monday, October 10th. Parents/guardians are invited to visit their child’s classroom during this week and attend team activities. Please look for information from your child’s academic team for specific activities, times and dates as Celebrate Education Week approaches.
Tohickon Athletic Update
The fall sports season is in full swing. Now that practices and games have begun, here a few important reminders:
- Team members are not permitted to leave from an away game with a parent unless the coach has a note or email from the parent.
- Parents, siblings, and fans should not stand with the team during games. Spectators should observe from a safe distance on the sidelines.
- Seventh and eighth grade practice and game cancellations are posted on the Tohickon Athletics website by 1:30 PM on days with inclement weather. Freshmen sports cancellations are posted on the high school websites.
Winter sports are around the corner. Informational meetings for wrestling and girls' basketball will be held later in October, while boys' basketball will have a meeting in November.
Finally, our fall sports teams will be hosting their annual Family Movie Night on Friday, October 14th. All students, families, and friends are invited to attend. We will be showing Hotel Transylvania 2 in the auditorium starting at 7:00 PM. The cost of admission is one non-perishable food item per person. All food collected and money raised from concession sales will be donated to the Doylestown Food Pantry.
Share Good News About Tohickon Students!
Tohickon Students achieve amazing things and make a difference in school and in the community. Share your story about the accomplishments and good work of a Tohickon student with Mr. Marton at kmarton@cbsd.org so that he may highlight this good news in an upcoming edition of the Tohickon Golden Eagle online newsletter.
In the News
Emmi S. (1st Place) and Katie F. (2nd Place) came home with medals in their age group in the Travis Manion Heroes Run on September 25th. Congratulations to Katie and Emmi!!!
- We also would like to recognize Audrey C. for collecting nearly $300 worth of school supplies for local children in need.
Tohickon Wellness Update - Central Patio Additions
The Tohickon Central Patio had some major additions over the summer. Several large planting bins were brought in and bamboo trees were planted. Additionally, a fountain was added, giving off the constant sound of running water. During nice weather periods, the patio is used daily. Students and staff have found it to be a great alternative location to bring their classes. In addition to an added instructional area, we are hopeful that the patio will generally serve as comfortable, relaxing place for students and staff.
Community Service Update
Community Service has many activities planned this year starting with students volunteering to decorate and assemble First Responders Baskets for our local Emergency Personnel 9/11 Remembrance Assembly. Students took time to assemble and decorate baskets as well as make signs welcoming our guests here to Tohickon. Many students, faculty and families from Tohickon participated in the Travis Manion Run on Sunday, September 25th. Over thirty students have signed up to volunteer with our school garden which has supplied an abundance of vegetables that are being used in our FCS classes. On October 11th from 2:30 to 4:00, students will be decorating donation boxes in room 408. Students can sign up for this activity outside of the FCS room. Volunteers are also needed the afternoon of October 14th to help set up for Family Movie Night. November starts our annual coat drive, so start going through those closets! Donation boxes will be placed around Tohickon. Please have your students check the Community Service Board outside the FCS, Tohickon’s website for upcoming events and opportunities.
Dr. Mackensen's Autumn Lab Night
During Celebrate Education Week, on October 10th, Dr. Mackensen's Team Summit science classes will host their annual Autumn Lab Open House. Parents of Dr. Mackensen's students will come to their children's science classroom and get right to work with triple beam balances, beakers, graduated cylinders, and density experiments. Most parents will bring their son or daughter to be their personal mentor for these skills; student volunteers will work with parents whose son or daughter is unable to come. Hours for the event are 2:45 - 8:00 PM, and families can stop at any time. Duration of the visit can range from fifteen minutes to an hour or two. Dr. Mackensen and his students are excitedly looking forward to Lab Night, and are hoping for a big turn out!
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB INFORMATION
General Information about After School Clubs
In order for clubs to run, a teacher must be willing to sponsor the club after school and there must be a reasonable level of student interest. For these reasons, Tohickon clubs may be different from year to year. Over the course of this year, Tohickon will be running the following clubs:
Debate Club - Sponsored by Mr. Forney
Diversity Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Fox
Anime Club - Sponsored by Mrs. Bongiorno
Math Club (2nd Semester) - Sponsored by Mrs. Bellavance and Mrs. Rissing
Science Olympiad - Sponsored by Mr. Weir and Mr. Collins
Garden Club (Seasonal) - Sponsored by Mr. Neely and Ms. Mangold
If you are interested in joining one of the clubs at Tohickon or have any questions, please see the club's sponsor in order to sign up.
From the Nurse's Office
The Tohickon Nursing Team has had a busy start to the school year. Mrs. Colleen Fox certified school nurse, and staff nurses: Mrs. Sheila Kelly, Mrs. Beth Iatorola, Mrs. Deneen Dry, and Ms. Caryn Trotter are committed to help support you in keeping your child healthy and ready to learn.
Attention seventh grade parents: There are many seventh grade students who have not submitted the state mandated dental form and immunizations required. Parents can access the immunization section on the parent portal to verify if their child is in compliance with the PA state law.
Children who participate in the Federal lunch program need to have an application on file. Please contact the school if you need a paper application; the online application is available at the cbsd.org website. The “grace” period for continuation of the program without updated information ends in October.
Unfortunately, the start of the athletic season brings with it many student injuries. If your injured child is in need of supports throughout the school day, please contact the school nurse. At Tohickon, a physician note is required to use the elevator. If your child sustains a head injury and is diagnosed with a concussion, the guidance counselor and school nurse will help him/her manage the transition back to school as outlined in your child’s physician orders.
Guidance Department
Guidance Office: 267-893-3310
Mrs. Schute will be working with those students with last names from A-H.
Mr. Stryker will be working with those students with last names from I-R.
Mrs. Blankenburg will be working with those students with last names from S-Z.
Guidance News – October 2016
Johns Hopkins University – Center for Talented Youth Program
Information on the Center for Talented Youth program (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University is available online. Please check the Johns Hopkins website at www.cty.jhu.edu. To qualify for the CTY Talent search, students must be in 7th or 8th grade and must have scored Advanced on the PSSA or in the 97th percentile or above in a single area (mathematics, verbal or composite score) on a nationally normed aptitude or achievement test. Applications will be available in the guidance office in the fall.
Discussion Groups
This year the school counselors at Tohickon Middle School will conduct discussion groups with the student body. These groups usually consist of six to eight students under the supervision of one of the counselors. Some discussion groups are facilitated in conjunction with the school psychologist or a certified counselor from a community agency.
Discussion groups are confidential in nature and are intended to help the youngsters cope with everyday situations. Participation in a group is on a voluntary basis. These groups are not therapeutic. Topics discussed may include study skills, divorce, bullying, anger management, adjusting to a family move, peer pressures, alcoholic tendencies in family dynamics, better communication with parents, etc.
Groups are open to all students. If you do not want your child to participate in such discussion groups or if you would like your child to participate in a particular group, please call the guidance office at 267-893-3310 and inform us of your wishes.
To view the CB Cares Backpack Newsflash please click the link below:
GIANT A+ School Rewards Program
Tohickon Middle School has the opportunity to earn cash through Giant A+ School Rewards Program. In order to register online, please go to the following website:
https://giantfoodstores.com/aplus/register-card/
If you prefer to call, 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 #25868. Thanks to our Tohickon families, we raised $5,500 from this school rewards program last year.
Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-3300