Tilghman Tiger Talk
Principal's Update 2021
Week of February 22nd-26th
Hello Tilghman Elementary Families,
Thank you to all who participated in parent teacher conferences last Friday. It takes us working as a team to ensure student success. If you have any concerns regarding your child's academic progress, please reach out to your child's teachers. The weather has been challenging but we appreciate your diligence in having your children attend virtual instruction and engage in asynchronous work. We need every instructional minute as time is passing quickly. Next Friday, Feb. 26th marks the end of the interim.
In case you didn't have an opportunity to see Tilghman Elementary highlighted at the 2/17/21 board meeting, I've included a button below for you to see the video we presented. The video is a compilation of ways that we've reimagined and recreated avenues to reach families and to educate our students in this non-traditional year. A special thanks to Marley Fletcher, Lucy Thomas, London Davis, Braxten Murphy, Autumn Henckel, Mrs. Weems, Mrs. Asmussen, and the rest of our students and staff. I would be remiss without acknowledging and thanking Mr. Ray Remesch for his time, creativity, and work in creating such a quality video showcasing our amazing school.
Don't forget our PTO fundraiser at Chipotle this Saturday, February 20th between 4:00-8:00 p.m. Bring the flyer (at the end of this newsletter), show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you're supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds are donated to Tilghman Elementary School.
We appreciate your continued support and flexibility! We continue to make the best choices for our students and to be #smallbutmighty.
Ms. Murdoch, Proud Principal
Dr. Griffith's Weekly Message
MR. REMESCH -Yearbook Pictures
Hey parents,
As most of you know, when COVID began I found a new passion for photography and videography. We were not able to have Life Touch take school pictures this year so I will be taking outdoor portraits for the 20-21 TES yearbook with my Canon R5.
Here is how it will work, based on your child's schedule:
A and C Schedule students: On Tuesday the 16th I snapped pictures of almost everyone in school. As I have time, I will send them out to parents individually. I think they all look adorable BUT if you'd like a redo with some advanced notice, let me know and I will re-take them on Tuesday March 2nd.
B Schedule Students: Portraits will be taken during the day on Friday February 26th. If your child is absent that day, I will follow up with you individually.
Virtual Students: If I haven't already, I will reach out to you individually to hopefully find 5 minutes on an upcoming Wednesday that you can stop by TES.
If you have any questions, please email me via Ray.Remesch@talbotschools.org
Introducing Our New School Resource Officer: Dfc. Tony London
Mental Health Minute- Excerpt taken from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers
As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your children or other dependents. You may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure they get help.
What to Look For:
It is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when your child may need help.
Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviors:
- Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
- Seriously trying to harm or kill himself or herself, or making plans to do so
- Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
- Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
- Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
- Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make himself or herself lose weight
- Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
- Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting himself or herself in physical danger or causing problems in school
- Using drugs or alcohol repeatedly
- Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality
Because children often can't understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:
- Loss of a loved one
- Divorce or separation of their parents
- Any major transition—new home, new school, etc.
- Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
- Teasing or bullying
- Difficulties in school or with classmates
What to Do:
If you are concerned your child's behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care.
You should:
- Talk to your child's doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you
- Ask your child's primary care physician if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems
- Ask if your child's specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing
- Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans
How to Talk About Mental Health:
Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health? Try leading with these questions. Make sure you actively listen to your child's response.
- Can you tell me more about what is happening? How you are feeling?
- Have you had feelings like this in the past?
- Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I'm here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
- Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?
- I'm worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?
When talking about mental health problems with your child you should:
- Communicate in a straightforward manner
- Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child or adolescent's age and development level (preschool children need fewer details than teenagers)
- Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
- Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child becomes confused or looks upset
- Listen openly and let your child tell you about his or her feelings and worries
Get Help for Your Child:
Seek immediate assistance if you think your child is in danger of harming themselves or others. You can call a crisis line or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If your child is in need of community mental health services you can find help in your area.
Always remember that you can reach out for help or support! We are here to support you in anyway that we can and are always happy to brainstorm new ideas and ways to continue to support you and your family!
As a reminder, each Wednesday Ms. Baker and Ms. Charest are offering groups for each grade level as well as office hours.
Office Hours: 2:30 - 3:00 pm
1st Grade: 1-1:30 pm
2nd Grade: 9:30-10 am
3rd Grade: 9-9:30 am
4th Grade: 10-10:30 am
5th Grade: 10:30-11 am
If you would like for your child to participate in the Wednesday group, please email permission to Ms. Charest (logan.charest@talbotschools.org) or Ms. Baker (jessica.baker@talbotschools.org).
~Ms. Baker & Ms. Charest~
Tremendous Tiger Nomination
Time for you to nominate a TES staff member:
This year we are looking for parents, teachers, and community members to nominate a TES teacher/staff for the Tremendous Tiger Award. Click on the link to submit a nomination during any time of the year.
Nomination Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lEB3_tdhTKlnzxRk3IrRg6t_YJzxthQvXPwlppXTnoA/edit
PAWS for Applause
Congratulations to our Weekly A & B Day PAWS recipients:
Sutton Harrison, Brady Gottleib, Bethany Crouch, Katalina Fogler, Rikk Hightower, Mackenzie Fletcher, Brody Poore, Quinn Sadler, Kennedy Smith, Peyton Reiss, Gabe Maxwell, Emma Sadler, Connor Fenzel, India Smith, Kylie Sadler, Chloe Rehbein, Jamison Heinz, Jacob Sadler, Daniel Fluharty, Caleb Murphy, Kaelyn Hicks, Sammy Jensen, Ella Marr
Way to Go! We are so proud of all of your hard work!
A DAY PAWS Recipients
Reminders from the School Health Office
All of the following are symptoms of Covid -19
Fever (100.4 or higher)
Chills/Body Aches
Sore Throat
Headache
Nausea or Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Breathing
New or worsening cough
Fatigue
Congestion/Runny nose
Please do not send students to school sick.
If a student has 2 or more of the above symptoms they will be sent home.
They will be required to stay home for 10 days or see a doctor to get a specific diagnosis or get tested for Covid-19.
Please continue to monitor your children for any of the above symptoms and follow the guidelines to help keep students and staff safe and in school.
Please feel free to call the school health office if you have questions regarding your child coming to school due to illness.
Attendance and Maryland Expanded Travel Guidance
REMINDER: Students who miss school due to an illness, family vacation, or other situation must send a note to the office for attendance purposes.
Please note the travel guidance given by Governor Hogan:
Marylanders should limit all travel to essential purposes only. All Marylanders who do travel outside of Maryland or any individuals who do travel to Maryland must either obtain a negative COVID-19 test result or self-quarantine for 10 days. This applies to all states, with the exception of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
MCAP Assessments for Grades 3-5 Students
As of right now, students will still be taking state assessments in reading and math called MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program) this spring. Students are scheduled to take these assessments (exact dates TBD). All students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are assessed at the elementary level in the state of Maryland. Below are links to MCAP practice tests in reading and math for families to access:
Math:
https://support.mdassessments.com/practice-tests/math/
ELA:
Important Upcoming Dates
February:
2/20- PTO Chipotle Fundraiser
2/26- Quarter 3 Interim Ends
March:
3/5-Quarter 3 Interims Issued
3/14- Daylight Saving Time Begins
3/15 and 3/16-5th Grade MISA Testing (Science)
April:
4/1- End of Quarter 3; Early Dismissal
4/2-4/11- TCPS Spring Break
4/12- Quarter 4 Begins; School re-opens
4/16- Quarter 3 Report Cards Issued
4/21- Administrative Professionals' Day
PTO ADOPT A CLASSROOM
ADOPT A CLASSROOM
Update: We now have THREE classes adopted! Thank you!!!!
Give teachers a hand! Help students and teachers gain increased access to the supplies they need to learn, grow, and achieve excellence. If you are interested in adopting a classroom, contact Mrs. Weems. (Make checks payable to Tilghman Elementary School PTO. In the memo, please write 'adopt a classroom'.) A sign will be displayed outside of the adopted classroom thanking you for your donation.
PTO MEETINGS
The next meeting will be held virtually on 3/3/21 from 4:00-5:00.
Please email Mrs. Weems for the link. jessica.weems@talbotschools.org
PTO Chipotle Fundraiser FEBRUARY 20TH 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Technology Updates
TECHNOLOGY TROUBLE-SHOOTING TIPS:
If you are having trouble with your device (slow running, not holding a charge, etc), please email teshelpdesk@talbotschools.org with the following information: Your name, your school's name, the issue you are having, and your contact information.
VISIT for TCPS Technology Tutorials:
https://www.tcps.k12.md.us/2020-21-news/online-learning-family-tutorials
PowerSchool Parent Access Videos
Here is the link to the video of directions to access PowerSchool in English:
And with a HUGE thank you to Janine Puma, here is the link to the video of directions in Spanish: