The Tohickon Golden Eagle
May 2017
Dear Tohickon Families,
The last full month of the 2016-2017 School Year has arrived. May is typically a very busy month for students and staff. A few of the highlights for this month include the Spring Concerts, Relay for Life, and the Sixth Grade Visitation.
The Spring Concerts will take place on May 4th (Choral) and May 15th (Instrumental). Please note that the Instrumental Concert, originally scheduled for May 16th, was moved to the 15th due to some conflicts with Election Day. The concerts will begin promptly at 7PM in the Tohickon Auditorium.
It is hard to believe that it is time for Relay for Life! Mr. Senavaitis, the coordinator for the event, has been working diligently to make sure everything is ready to go. This is the cornerstone event for Community Service at the middle school level. Students and parents from all five Central Bucks middle schools will be attending this event in support of those fighting cancer. The event runs from Noon until 8:00 PM. We always look forward to this fantastic event!
The morning of May 24th will be spent with our incoming Seventh Grade Students. This is always a special day, as the staff looks forward to meeting our new students. Typically, the sixth grade students are bused over to Tohickon from Pine Run, Gayman and Groveland around 9:30 AM. Students spend the morning meeting staff members and touring the building. Students will depart Tohickon around Noon.
As we begin this last full month of the school year, I want to wish all of our Tohickon Families the best! I am sure that I will see many of you at our events this month, especially Relay for Life. If you have any questions or concerns about upcoming events for this month, please contact the main office at 267-893-3300.
Sincerely,
Kevin Marton, Principal
TOHICKON STUDENT WINS NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
Congratulations to Claire Cao, winner of the 2017 Facing History Together Student Essay Contest! Claire was one of nearly 5200 applicants nationwide. Claire will be rewarded with a $5000 Scholarship. The press release is listed below:
The May Calendar of Events
There are several upcoming events that students and parents should be aware of. The events for the month of May are as follows:
May 2
- Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in Library
May 3
- PSSA Science Testing for Grade 8
- Teacher Appreciation Breakfast in Faculty Room
May 4
- Teacher Appreciation Grab and Go Snacks in Faculty Room
- Spring Choral Concert 7:00 PM
May 12
- International Food Day
May 15
- Spring Instrumental Concert at 7:00 PM (Note - This date was moved from May 16 due to Election Day)
May 16
- Keystone Testing Day 1
May 17
- Keystone Testing Day 2
May 18
- Girls STEM at Delaware Valley University
May 19
- Music Trip to Dorney Park
May 20
- Relay for Life at Tohickon Noon - 8:00 PM
May 24
- Sixth Grade Students to visit Tohickon in the AM
May 25
- Principal Awards 7:00 PM
May 29
- Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
May 31
- 8th Grade Field Trip
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR CBSD REGARDING NETFLIX SERIES "13 REASONS WHY"
You may be aware of the popular Netflix original series, 13 Reasons Why, that many of our young people have watched since its release on March 31st. The fictional series revolves around 17-year old Hannah Baker, who takes her own life and leaves behind audio recordings for 13 people who she says in some way were part of why she killed herself.
The content includes mature and sensitive topics such as suicide, bullying, rape, and drunk driving. Because of the complex issues, mental health professionals have encouraged parents and guardians to discuss the series with their children.
We have information about the series, discussion points, warning signs of suicide, and links to mental health resources on our Student Services website.
As always, please know our counselors and school professionals are here for support.
THE ANNUAL TRIP TO HOPE LODGE
During the month of April, several Tohickon Staff Members volunteered to attend the annual visit to Hope Lodge. Hope Lodge serves residents within 40 miles and it is open to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Tohickon Staff Members, in addition to attending, donate all different kinds of food for this event. The residents of the Lodge are always so thankful for the volunteers and the special meals prepared for them.
Important Reminders
Late Arrival to School and Participation in After School Activities
In order to take part in any after-school event (including dances), students must attend school for at least half of the day. At the middle/high school levels, students need to report to school by 10:30 AM.
Water Bottles are Allowed at Tohickon
Water bottles are allowed at Tohickon! It is important for our students to be hydrated at all times, especially as we approach the warmer months. Please note that students must keep water bottles in their lockers during PSSA Testing.
TEAM HAPPENINGS!
TEAM SUMMIT
Team Summit students have been busy through the month of April. Students in our English Language Arts classes created infographics to explain a specific topic. Some students read a Greek myth and displayed the important characteristics of that myth on an infographic, as shown in the picture. Other students researched a charity of their choice and displayed their findings through an infographic, as seen in the other picture. The students did a great job with the project! Students are getting ready for a few core assessments: Book It in their ELA classes and Historical Person of the Year in their social studies classes.
TEAM DISCOVERY
The start of the fourth marking period always signals the beginning of the end of the school year. As the weather gets warmer and spring sports kick into high gear, it is a time when it is easy for students to lose sight of their studies. Please encourage your child to keep up with their school work and not “check-out”! We will be working to the end, so to speak, in all subject areas, so there is still a lot of work ahead. It is important that students are still prepared for class with the proper supplies (pencils, paper, etc.). There are a couple of major presentations in the fourth marking period, like Book It! in ELA B and Historical Person of the Year in Social Studies. Being an audience for your child as they rehearse for these presentations is a great idea! As seventh grade teachers, we like to look at the fourth marking period as a practice run for 8th grade, so we will have higher expectations for students to be accountable and responsible for themselves and their grades.
Classroom Highlight: Team Discovery Science students were busy last month creating cell models! Students were asked to create an edible or inedible cell to demonstrate their knowledge of cell organelles. After cells were complete, the classes did a gallery walk using the courtyard to view and write down various facts about cells on display. After all were viewed and graded, they enjoyed eating the edible ones! The cells all turned out very nice and the students did a great job!
TEAM EXPEDITION
In Mr. Collin’s Class: Science students have begun the physics unit. We are using motion sensors to gather data and graph an object’s velocity and acceleration. Soon, we’ll be learning about forces, friction, projectile motion and Newton’s laws of motion. We will be demonstrating these concepts by pushing each other around on carts, launching bottle rockets, and dropping objects off the roof!
In Mr. Trimbur’s Social Studies students are learning about the Civil War and the class has been broken into Blue and Gray. The Blue and the Gray will be competing against one another in a classroom civil war by completing activities relating to the American Civil War. A full schedule of activities is posted on the SS HW page.
In Mr. Sibel’s class students are beginning the Twelve Angry Men Unit. Students will begin to analyze the existence of social justice and how if effects our world today. Additionally, students have each participated in a Poem of the Day activity. Students were asked to research a piece of poetry of their choice and present their findings with the class. One student presents per day.
Mrs. Zagwoski’s English class has just begun their journey through Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson. This thrilling non-fiction piece parallels the Civil War Unit in Mr. Trimbur’s Social Studies class. Students will be reading about, analyzing, and tracking John Wilkes Booth on his ill-fated attempt to escape after assassinating Abraham Lincoln. In Study Skills, the students are working on a final project for the year, a Middle School Survival Guide that will be shared with our incoming 6th graders in the Learning Support classrooms.
In Ms. Fuller’s math classes, students are working with radicals and how to multiply and divide them. Another class is working the angles, and solving problems to find angle measures. Ms. Fuller uses Quizizz to help students study important concepts in class.
TEAM TRAILBLAZER
All students will be participating in our version of the “Amazing Race” on May 31st. We will be going to Philadelphia to compete as teams of students led by parent volunteers and, just like the television show, a series of clues will be given at historical locations. Once students find that location the process repeats itself and students race to visit and learn about our nation’s past. This fieldtrip could not be a success without the support of our parent volunteers and we thank you in advance for your support.
We are pleased to announce that Tohickon has ten 8th graders and five 9th graders who were awarded a first, second, or third place award for their entry at the regional competition (all schools in Bucks and Montgomery County) for National History Day at Ursinus College. After researching their topic using primary and secondary sources, these students created either a website, documentary, performance, or wrote a paper on this year’s theme of “taking a stand in history.” As a result of their hard work and success, these students will be competing at the state level in Carlisle, PA on May 12th and 13th.
In science, we are gearing up for the PSSA and as part of that we have begun our unit on physics. The start of physics is highly mathematical, but it involves a lot of fun activities using the motion sensors to detect speed, velocity, and acceleration. After some practice with the motion sensors, students could easily model position versus time graphs on the SmartBoard. Once we were experts we took our physics show on the road to catch speeders travelling down Old Easton Rd past Tohickon. While no tickets were handed out, students were able to see some cars moving a bit too fast in a designated school zone. Next week we move onto forces and friction.
Pre-Algebra students have been working hard on an excel project during class. This project uses data collected by the student, with which they are then required to organize, display, and analyzed their results using Excel and Word. This data project is a great way to show students how to use math and technology to analyze real-life situations.
TEAM ODYSSEY
In English/Language Arts class, students are wrapping up a unit on The Outsiders. During the unit, students learned about the 1960s and that the issues facing teens then are still some of the same issues faces teens today. This timeless novel seems to be a class favorite! Next, students will read Chasing Lincoln’s Killer, which will coincide with their Civil War unit in Social Studies class.
Algebra 1 and Algebra 1B students are preparing to take the Keystone Exam on May 16-17. They are finishing up an extensive review using Study Island, and we will continue to review in classes leading up the exam. Students must score Proficient or Advanced on the Keystone Exam, or they will be required to retake the exam next year. Please encourage your child to focus as we review, and to ask for extra help if needed. Be sure they get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast on testing days. Calculators are allowed to be used on the entire Keystone Exam.
Science is in its last unit, Physics! Students will be exploring properties of speed, acceleration, forces and Newtons 3 laws of motion. Students will have many “hands on” experiences and labs including the gravity drop and building and launching bottle rockets.
In social studies class, students are learning about the Civil War. During the unit, students will be taking part in a whole series of competitions that will pit the Union and Confederate armies against each other. Students will conduct debates, take part in marching and drill activities, cook hardtack, play town ball, build tents, fold flags, and engage in many other type of Civil War related activities.
On May 31st, the entire 8th grade will be heading to the historic district of Philadelphia for a class field trip. Students will be engaging in an "Amazing Race" type activity that will require students to answer questions and complete tasks related to the locations in the historic Philadelphia area.
NINTH GRADE TEAM
Our warm winter turned cool in April as students studied the Cold War. Comparing Soviet and U.S. strategies led to discussions and debates about nuclear weapons, spies and containment. As exciting as that sounds, it pales in comparison to Bert the Turtle teaching the students how to “Duck and Cover” under their desks in case of a nuclear explosion.
In Science, we study how the physical Earth and the lifeforms on Earth have changed over time. We celebrated Earth Day by taking some time to experience Earth’s beauty by engaging in a variety of activities that centered around biodiversity in different ecosystems.
English classes are continuing their study of literature while reading The Hunger Games, Romeo and Juliet, and Night. We are paying careful attention to man’s identity as it is shaped by the time in which he lives, and to the impact an individual’s actions can have on others and the world at large.
The highlight of April was our annual field trip to Washington D.C. The weather was great and the kids had a lot of fun touring the various museums and monuments along the mall. Stay tuned for information about the Freshman Dance (June 2nd) and Freshman Day (June 6th) at Camp America.
ATHLETICS UPDATE
The weather is getting warmer and spring sports are in full swing. New to Tohickon athletics this year is boys and girls lacrosse. The teams have over 40 participants in their inaugural season! Congratulations to all spring athletes on their efforts and accomplishments so far this season.
Thank you to all of our coaches for their dedication to Tohickon and its students throughout the school year. Our coaches serve as role-models and mentors for our students; Tohickon athletics is not possible without their time and effort.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB INFORMATION
Message from the Diversity Club
Tohickon’s Diversity Club had guest speakers at both the March and April Meetings. In March, the Bucks County Peace Center speakers led stereotype and prejudice activities that involved teachers, administrators and students, and was a big success. In April, speakers from the Sociedad Hispana of Doylestown led a discussion with the students about the differences between El Salvador and the U.S., what it is like to grow up bi-lingual, and what the U.S. citizenship process is like. The Diversity Club students are learning the importance of appreciating and respecting everyone’s differences and the importance of being kind and open-minded.
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.
MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
The health office has recently seen an increase in allergy season related symptoms. Please be reminded to give medication at home before school as the nurse’s office does not have allergy medicine to administer to students.
Important Information for Incoming Seventh Graders
All incoming seventh grade students are required to have a Pennsylvania state mandated dental exam. Dental exams are acceptable with any date after 8/1/2016. Please complete and return the dental exam form prior to the start of the new school year. Also, seventh grade students should have received the Tdap and meningitis vaccinations prior to the start of the new school year. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS CHANGING THE IMMUNIZATION REGULATIONS BEGINNING AUGUST 2017. Please keep this in mind as your child has their yearly physical completed. Feel free to contact the health office with any questions.
FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
SAP – Student Assistance Program
Tohickon recognizes students who are subject to a variety of pressures. The mission of our Student Assistance Program (SAP) is to identify students through a referral process and to intervene in an effort to promote achievement and academic success. We seek to promote healthy, safe, and substance-free lifestyles by connecting these students and their families with appropriate school based or community resources. For more information, please visit the link on the Tohickon webpage under Guidance:
http://www.cbsd.org/Page/28103
Parent Portal
Online Census Verification is a feature available in Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Each year, the Central Bucks School District asks our families to fill out a census verification form. This year the form is online. This form ensures that student information is accurate and also provides our school nurse with important medical permissions for your child. If you have not already done so, please complete the census verification through the PARENT PORTAL as soon as possible.
For more information, including troubleshooting suggestions, please go to: http://www.cbsd.org/Page/26952
If you are unable to complete the online verification, please call the Tohickon Guidance office at 267-893-3310.
Haven’t set up your Parent Portal Account?
Go to www.cbsd.org
Click on “Parent Resources”
Click on “Parent Portal Information” in the left column
Select link “Need a Parent Portal Account”
Complete “Parent Portal Online Request Form”. Submit.
Do we have your E-Mail Address?
In an effort to communicate with all of our families in a fast, efficient manner, we are asking parents/guardians to enter their E-mail addresses through the parent portal. Having a contact E-mail address on file will allow us to mass E-mail all of our Tohickon families at once regarding urgent news and information. Not only will the information reach you faster than through the traditional mail service, but we will also save considerably on paper and postage costs.
How to add or update your E-Mail address?
Log on to the Parent Portal
Choose option to “Change Contact Info”
Enter E-Mail address in field and SAVE
Thank you for helping us improve our communication with our families!
Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-3300