Tamanend Connections
Tamanend Together!
May 27, 2022
Tamanend Marching Band to Perform in Doyestown Memorial Day Parade
This Monday, the Tamanend Marching Band will be marching in the Doylestown Memorial Day Parade. The parade, which begins at CB West at 10am on Monday, will run through Doylestown before ending at the Doylestown Cemetery on East Court Street. Over 150 Tamanend instrumentalists will be representing our community in this historic parade! We’re excited to see you all in Doylestown on Monday.
CALENDAR ITEMS TO NOTE
Memorial Day/School Holiday--Monday, May 31
CBSD District Art Show--June 3 through 5 at Lenape Middle School (details below)
Freshman Celebration--Friday, June 3 from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM (details below)
Principal's Award Ceremony--Monday, June 6 at 6:00 PM
Freshman Day--Thursday, June 9 (during school day) (details below)
Closing Ceremony/Last Day of School--Friday, June 10
TAMANEND ATHLETICS
Athletic Schedule
Monday, 5/23
- 7th Grade Softball vs. Tohickon (Home; 3:15)
- *8th Grade Softball @ Holland (Away; 3:30); bus leaves at 2:15
- 7th Grade Baseball vs. Tohickon (Home; 3:15)
- *8th Grade Baseball @ Holland (Away; 3:30); bus leaves at 2:15
- Boys Lacrosse: Tournament Semi-Final vs. TBD (Home; 3:15)
Tuesday, 5/24
- 8th Grade Girls Soccer: Tournament Semi-Final @ TBD (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- Boys Lacrosse: Tournament Championship vs. TBD @ CB West’s Pettine Complex (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15 **if qualifying**
Wednesday, 5/25
- 7th Grade Baseball @ Holicong (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- 8th Grade Softball @ Unami (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- 8th Grade Girls Soccer: Tournament Championship vs. TBD @ CB West’s Pettine Complex (A; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15 **if qualifying**
Thursday, 5/26
- 8th Grade Softball vs. New Hope-Solebury (Home; 3:15)
- 8th Grade Baseball vs. New Hope-Solebury (Home; 3:15)
Friday, 5/27 and Monday 5/30
- No School
Tuesday, 5/31
- *8th Grade Softball: Tournament Semi-final vs. TBD @ Lenape (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
- *8th Grade Baseball: Tournament Semi-final vs. TBD @ Lenape (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15
Wednesday, 6/1
- *8th Grade Softball: Tournament Championship vs. TBD @ Lenape (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15 **if qualifying**
- *8th Grade Baseball: Tournament Championship vs. TBD @ Lenape (Away; 3:15); bus leaves at 2:15 **if qualifying**
* indicates that teams will ride the same bus to/from games that day
INFORMATION:
- Congratulations to the Tamanend track team who traveled to CB East and participated in the Bucks County League Championship with 9 other schools. Over a dozen medals were earned as we ran, jumped, and threw our way to an overall 4th place in the competition! Pictured is the 1st place winning girls 4x100 team which includes Gabby T., Jules T., Hannah K. and Elizabeth H. Our boys placed 4th and included James C., Cole M., Andri P. and AJ B. Also pictured is our end of the season KONA truck to celebrate our great season! Awesome job, Tigers!
- 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.
FROM CB SOUTH:
- CB South Co-Ed Golf – Tuesday May 31, 2:30-4:00 in the Forum Room at CB South
- This is a message for any prospective ninth graders that are interested in joining the cross-country team at Central Bucks South. There will be an interest meeting on Tuesday, May 31, at the CB South stadium. The meeting will take place from 3-3:30pm. At the meeting Coach Simpson and Coach Fantini will go over the background of the program, our goals for the upcoming season, and relay any necessary information regarding scheduling of summer voluntary practices and Family ID to runners. Athletes who attend will receive a summer training packet that details everything that will be covered at the meeting. This meeting is for interested athletes only, there will be a parent meeting once the rosters are finalized prior to the start of the new school year. This team is open to all interested participants, all are encouraged to attend. We look forward to a successful 2022 season!
- There will be an informational meeting for any girl who will be in grades 9-12 in the fall interested in girls lacrosse. The meeting is at CB South, June 7 at 3:00 in room D205. You can email Coach Craig at ccraig@cbsd.org if you cannot attend and have questions.
- Please see below for ice hockey information
TAMANEND EVENTS
Student Council Officer Elections for 2022-2023 School Year
Student Council is excited to begin the election process for the 2022-2023 9th grade class officers. Are you interested in being a leader of your 9th grade class? Do you want to be a part of the planning process for Tamanend dances, special events and fundraisers? If you are interested in running to be a 9th grade class officer next year, we are asking that you do the following:
· Complete the nomination form which can be picked up outside of Ms. Vitacco’s room, Room 225
· Drop off your completed nomination form to Ms. Vitacco (Room 225) or Madame Orinski (Room 212)
We are asking that you submit your completed nomination form to Ms. Vitacco or Madame Orinski by Friday, June 3rd at noon. We are so excited for this year’s elections! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Madame Orinski or Ms. Vitacco.
Move-Up Day at CB South for 9th Graders--Friday, June 3
On Friday, June 3, our 9th Grade students will be visiting CB South High School for the Move-Up Day orientation. We will be using CBSD buses to travel to South at will be at CB South from approximately 11:45 to 1:00. Students will be provided with important information about their 10th Grade year as part of this program. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Dudley at kdudley@cbsd.org.
Reminder--Freshman Celebration--Friday, June 3 from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
We are holding our evening Freshman Celebration on Friday, June 3 from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Join us for an evening of music, food, and fun! Please note that this is not a prom. Students are encouraged to dress nicely, but do not have to dress for a formal. Students do not need a date to attend. The cost is $21 per student. Tickets and permission forms can be found here on MyPaymentsPlus. Please register by Tuesday, May 31.
Freshman Day--Thursday, June 9 During School Day
We are holding our traditional Freshman Day outside at Camp America. Join us for music, food, and a great variety of outdoor activities on this fun day. Students should bring bathing suits, towels, and sunscreen. The cost is $24 per student. Tickets and permission forms can be found here on MyPaymentsPlus. Please register by Tuesday, May 31.
UPCOMING TIGER'S i ENRICHMENTS
FROM OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Tamanend Has Strong Showing at Dorney Park Music Adjudication
Congratulations to all five Co-curricular Music Ensembles for outstanding performances at the Dorney Park Music Adjudication this past Friday. Each group who performed received the top rating of Superior in the competition and many students were recognized for their individual works. Of the 17 trophies brought home by the bands, orchestra, and choirs, congratulations to Egor and Semen Sakhabutdinov, George Leigh, Mitchell Rabinovich, Hannah Kauffman, Evan Spadt for their individual works, and congrats to the Violin Section of the String Ensemble, the Low Wind Section of the Wind Ensemble, and the Sax Section and Brass Section of the Jazz Band. The Jazz Band was also awarded the top instrumental score given at the competition. Well done to all performers!!
EARN YOUR STRIPES--TAMANEND'S SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SYSTEM
Tamanend Middle School empowers students to grow academically, socially and emotionally. Students, staff, and families work collaboratively to model the acronym ROAR.
Respect yourself, others, and property.
Own your behaviors.
Act appropriately.
Remember Kindness.
We believe that a caring, positive school culture and learning environment foster respectful, thoughtful, appropriate, and kind citizens.
In order to operationalize our mission, Tamanend utilizes a school-wide positive behavioral intervention and support plan (SWPBIS). This plan helps us establish a social culture in which students expect and support appropriate behavior from one another— creating school environments that are socially predictable, consistent, safe, and positive. This helps to reduce problem behaviors that lead to office discipline referrals and suspensions, and to change perceptions of school safety.
Next Week's SWPBIS Focus Area is the Hallway:
QUOTES AROUND TAMANEND
UPCOMING DISTRICT & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Reminder--CB Work-Based Learning Holds Good Stuff Thrift Donation Drive
CBSD Art Show--June 3 through 5 at Lenape Middle School
Reminder--CBSD Mock Trial Camp
What? A 4 day camp exploring mock trial and careers in the law. Campers will learn mock trial fundamentals, rules of evidence, and hear from speakers in a variety of careers in the legal profession. At the close of the week, all campers will participate in a full mock trial for parents and guests. The camp is led by South’s award winning team captains working alongside college alumni, attorney advisors and our teacher coach.
When? June 27th-June 30th from 9:30 to 3pm
Where? TBD (CB South or Mill Creek)
Who? Open to rising 7th to 12 graders in Central Bucks School District
How Much? $120 payable to the Community School Via MyPaymentsPlus (includes camp shirt and all materials)
More Information: Contact Tara Brouda, tbrouda@cbsd.org
Reminder--MBIT Summer Career Exploration Courses
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
Reminder--Please Properly Take Care of Your Laptop
We have seen an increase in cracked laptop screens. Here are a few tips to help you properly take care of your laptop:
· Use your laptop bag when carrying your laptop in school and outside of school.
· If you have a small crack on your screen, please take it to the Library to get it fixed as soon as possible. Many times, students do not have small cracks repaired as soon as they occur. This sometimes results in the screen shattering completely.
· Please note that intentional laptop damage will result in potential disciplinary consequences and a bill for the repairs.
Reminder--Student Technology Security Outside of the U.S.
Currently, the Technology and Innovation Department blocks Microsoft Office 365 logins to Outlook, OneDrive, ClassLink, and Canvas from foreign countries. This aids in protecting our CBSD user accounts and organization from malicious computer attacks from outside of the United States.
Students who travel cannot assume their devices will work once they leave the United States. For student out-of-country access requests, please know that access to technology for vacations will not be approved at this time.
FROM OUR GUIDANCE OFFICE
Reminder--Mental Health Resources
Sparks--Career Exploaration
Below is a Sparks newsletter article we sent out almost two years ago. The topic is still very relevant. Please take the time to watch with your children for some interesting and needed discussion.
In today’s world we are all trying to know what is best for our children but it is difficult to see what lies ahead for them. The Sparks video below gives some economic insight into the past, present and future. Please share your reactions to this video with you children for their own understanding of future possibilities.
Success in the new economy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs6nQpVI164
For comments or questions, please contact Ginny Barrett at vbarrett@cbsd.org.
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.
Student Assistance Program Newsletter
FROM OUR HEALTH OFFICE
FROM OUR CAFETERIA
RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE
Reminder--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
HELPFUL REMINDERS ABOUT TAMANEND PROCEDURES
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--Morning Car Line
When the weather is poor (heavy rain, low temperatures, etc.), more and more parents/guardians choose to drive their children to school. A reminder that students are expected to be in their 1st Period classes by 7:30 AM. If a child is late to school because of CBSD transportation, their tardiness will be excused. If a student is late to school because of car trouble, over-sleeping, or they are in the car drop-off line, their tardiness is unexcused. Typically, there are few cars in the drop off line from when the doors open at 7:10 until about 7:20. After 7:20, the line begins to get very long.
If you drive your child to school and the weather is poor, please consider leaving home earlier so that your child arrives to class on time.
Thanks for your assistance!
A Reminder About Medications in School
A reminder that students are not permitted to carry medication and/or self-administer medication. Per the medication policy, “All medication, both prescription and non-prescription must be kept in the school health office. Medication will be administered to student during school hours only when such medication is required and accompanied by a doctor’s order” (CBSD Medication Dispensing Form medication policy). “With parent permission, acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be administered according to the manufacturer’s suggested dosage. Administration of specific non-prescription medications is available to all students under the guidelines of the district’s chief medical director. These medications include cough drops, throat spray, antacid tablets, and antibiotic ointment. Parents may grant permission when student information is updated via the parent portal during the summer months. Students who have medications of any kind in their possession (purses, lunch boxes, school bags, etc.) may be considered in violation of the school drug and alcohol policy. However, with a doctor’s order, students requiring emergency medication (EpiPen, for example) may be permitted to carry and self-administer the medication” (2021-2022 CBSD Family Handbook).
Regarding field trips and medication:
“A nurse is not available for field trips. If a parent requests medication to be administered during the trip, this should be noted on the field trip permission form. Parents must package medications at home and hand deliver them in a sealed envelope to the teacher. The child will self-administer the medication under teacher supervision” (2021-2022 CBSD Family Handbook). Epi-pens and inhalers should be brought from home for field trips as long as the appropriate doctor’s order/competency check is on file.
Please contact Mrs. Lauren Myrtetus, Certified School Nurse, Tamanend Middle School with any questions at lmyrtetus@cbsd.org or 267-893-2915.
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.