Tamanend Connections
Tamanend Together!
April 30, 2021
CONGRATULATIONS, BOOMERANG WINNERS AND NOMINEES!
The Boomerang Youth Recognition Award is a district wide program which recognizes and honors youth in our community for exemplifying and living by the chosen asset for each month of the school year. For the month of April, the asset was reading for pleasure— Recognizing a young person who reads for pleasure most days, either alone, with family members, or with friends. We had 61 nominations. Now we would like to highlight our building winner, 9th grade student, Tristan Wrobel: Tristan is known as the student who always has a new book with him. His reading has been described as “voracious” and “insatiable”. His English teacher even said, “Tristan reads more books (neither short nor easy) in a shorter span of time than most students I have had in over 25 years of teaching English.” He cannot get enough and reads as much as he can get his hands on. Tristan can often be heard chatting about his favorite books with his peers and teachers. The moment he finishes work or an assessment, he is right back into that book. At times he has a new book every two or three days if not sooner! He even rereads his favorite books at lightning speed!
Perhaps the most exciting part of Tristan’s passion for reading is that he has transferred this skill into numerous writing pieces. Tristan started writing for pleasure and seeking feedback from his English teacher. It is clear that his penchant for reading has had a very visible impact on the quality of his writing, the idea that good writers are often such because they read deeply. We are so proud of Tristan and look forward to seeing what he creates in the future.
Congratulations to Tristan and all the following nominees: Venkat Bayireddy, Olivia Cao, Vincent Daniel, Karley Davis, Harry Degnan, Tanush Deka, Araiza Del Toro Amaya, Mahnsimran Dhankhar, Marcello DiPrinzio, Victoria Donovan, Daria Drakas, Ryan Dunne, Shrinithaa Elangovan, Devlin Faber, Tanley Falcone, Charvi Gami, Teesta Gami, Ella Gift, Skylar Ginsburg, Maddie Gorniak, Shea Gruber, Michael Howse, Sophia Jacob, Madalyn Jimiera, Heera Kalidindi, Kush Kodiya, Jillianne Leyson, Kriti Malathker, Anna Malychok, Gregory Matczak, Kessa McClister, Morgan Miller, Jaival Modi, Lakshay Naresh, Lalit Nookella, Tristan Peng, Aditi Podduturi, Satty Prabha, Ved Rajish, Shreyas Raju, Zak Robson, Raniya Robson, Anushka Saha, Varunikha Satheesh Megan Schmidt Kyra Schollin Shweta Sharma Katrina Sinkevic Apoorva Siragavarapu Eliana Song Evan Spadt Samantha Thomas Layla Wood Sophia Woodcock Jayani Yate
If you would like to nominate a Tamanend student for May’s Boomerang, click HERE.
CALENDAR ITEMS TO NOTE
Deadline to Order Tamanend Yearbook--Friday, April 30 (details below)
Early Dismissal--Friday, April 30 (students are dismissed at 10:45)
PSSAs (7th and 8th Grade)--Monday, April 19; Monday, April 26; Monday, May 3
Teacher Appreciation Week--Monday, May 3 to Friday, May 7
Parent Book Club--Thursday, May 6 @ 6:30 PM (details below)
National School Nurse Day--Wednesday, May 12
Move-Up Day at CB South for Current 9th Graders--Thursday, May 27 @ 9:00 AM (details below)
Keystone Exams (for Students Taking Algebra*)--Tuesday, June 1
*Please see details below regarding students who are eligible to take the Keystones this year.
TAMANEND ATHLETICS
INFORMATION:
- Please be sure all student-athletes and families are following protocols outlined in the health and safety plan. For information on how the recently passed modified quarantine impacts student-athletes, please refer to the letter that was sent via email to parents/guardians of all current athletes on Thursday, April 15th.
- The daily screening for Spring sports can be found HERE. Student-athletes must complete this survey each day they have a tryout, practice, or game.
- As Tamanend’s Spring sports teams begin their seasons with games next week, students are reminded that attending games as spectators is not permitted this year. The only spectators allowed at games are players’ family members. Thank you for your cooperation with this, and we look forward to hopefully having spectators at games next year.
- REMINDER: Please keep in mind that students must go home at the end of the school day. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete and parent/guardian to coordinate transportation back to school on days of practices/games, as well as for away games.
- WANTED: Nominations for CB Cares Positive Coaching Award! Since being established in 2012, the Positive Coaching Award has recognized a deserving coach who serves as a positive role model, understands the importance of a child’s well-being, and is a positive influence in the lives of young people. Specifically, the annual recipient will be recognized for teaching positive life lessons through sports, providing leadership, and promoting sportsmanship, fair play, motivation, and respect. All of these behaviors and values are consistent with the Developmental Assets®, the framework of all CB Cares Educational Foundation’s programs. The award comes with a $500 gift and a beautifully engraved plaque, which are presented to the recipient at a community ceremony in late spring. Thank you to Shelly Law Offices for their support of this special program. bit.ly/CBCaresPCA
Athletic Schedule
Monday, 5/3
- Girls 7th Grade softball at Unami (Away; 3:15)
- Girls 8th Grade softball vs. Tohickon 8 (Home; 3:15)
Tuesday, 5/4
- No Contests
Wednesday, 5/5
- Girls 7th Grade softball vs. Tohickon 7 (Home; 3:15)
- Girls 8th Grade softball @ Unami (Away; 3:15)
- Boys 7th Grade baseball vs. Unami (Home; 3:15)
- Boys 8th Grade baseball @ Unami (Away; 3:15)
- Boys/Girls Varsity Track @ Tohickon (Away; 3:15)
Thursday, 5/6
- Girls 7th Grade soccer vs. Unami (Home; 3:15)
- Girls 8th Grade soccer @ Unami (Away; 3:15)
- Girls lacrosse vs. Unami (Home; 3:15)
- Boys lacrosse at Unami (Away; 3:15)
- Boys/Girls Varsity Track @ Unami (Away; 3:15)
Friday, 5/7
- No Contests
UPCOMING TAMANEND EVENTS
Move-Up Day at CB South for Current 9th Grade Students
On Thursday, May 27th, our 9th Grade students will be taking a trip to CB South High School. We will be using CBSD buses to travel to South from 2nd period to 4th period. The time spent there will be in the Auditorium and the Gym, where students will be provided with important information about their 10th Grade year. Forms surveys have been sent to Online Only students in order to determine which online students would like to attend in person and which method of transportation they would like to use (i.e. CBSD buses or parent/guardian drop-off & pick-up). If you have any questions, or are Online Only and have not received a survey, please reach out to Mr. Dudley at kdudley@cbsd.org.
TAMANEND FEATURES
Reminder--Last Day to Order Your Tamanend Yearbook is Friday, April 30
Don’t forget to order your child’s 2020-2021 Tamanend Yearbook! The price of the yearbook is $40. The last day to order a yearbook is April 30. Please click the link here to take you to Jostens online ordering page. No preorders will be accepted in school – all orders must be done through Jostens. If you have any questions, please email Kristen Gerth at kgerth@cbsd.org.
Roxy Readers Return to Tamanend!
Reminder--PSSA Testing Information for Parents of 7th and 8th Graders
Tamanend’s PSSA Testing Dates:
- Monday, April 19th
- Monday, April 26th
- Monday, May 3rd
* All testing will be completed online using district provided laptops.
Schedule Information:
Please note the following schedule information:
7th Graders—You will report to your 1st and 2nd Period classes as normal. After 2nd Period, you will report to your Resource class for PSSAs.
8th Graders—You will report directly to your Resource class.
9th Graders—No schedule change.
Online Students Taking PSSAs—Report directly to the Cafeteria at 7:30 AM. We anticipate that you will be finished testing around 1:20.
Important Information for Online Only Students Taking the PSSAs
* Students must bring their laptops, chargers, a reading book, and a snack/water to school with them. *
Online Only students planning on participating in the PSSAs must be in the Tamanend Cafeteria by 7:30am on Monday (4/19).
- Online Only 7th Graders will log-in to their Specials classes before starting the PSSAs. They need to bring headphones.
- Only Only 8th Graders will begin the PSSAs at 7:30am. Then, they will log-in to their Specials classes during 4th & 5th periods, between testing sessions. They need to bring headphones.
- Regularly scheduled district transportation will stop at all assigned bus stops to provide transportation to Online Only students who will be testing.
- When students are finished, at or before 1:20pm, they may contact their parents for a ride (if not taking a bus).
Important Information for PSSA Opt-Out Students
Students who have been opted-out of the PSSAs should be participating in the following activities:
- Make sure all other academic work is up-to-date for all of their classes.
- Self-enroll in the Library Canvas Course by CLICKING HERE (or https://bit.ly/2ENWMhD). Click on ‘Modules’ at the top-left, and participate in the PSSA Opt-Out Activities, designed by our Librarians.
- In-Person Opt-Out Students will be doing these activities in the Library and attending Specials classes in person.
- Online Only Opt-Out Students will work on these activities at their own pace. The only classes they need to log-in to on 4/19 are Specials classes.
Please email Mr. Dudley (kdudley@cbsd.org) with any concerns.
Reminder--Keystone Exams
Earlier this school year, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1216, making several revisions for previous legislation regarding state assessments and graduation requirements. This message serves to inform our families of these legislative revisions and to provide clarity around the implications for your children. Please watch the informational video, Keystone Exam and Graduation Requirements: Update to Middle School Families if you have not already done so.
Students Enrolled in Algebra in 2019-2020
Any student who was enrolled in Algebra 1 or Algebra 1B and was scheduled to take the Algebra Keystone Exam in Spring of 2020, is considered the Spring 2020 cohort. Students in the Spring 2020 cohort are not required to “make-up” the exam. According to the legislation and guidance from the PA Department of Education, these students have been deemed “proficient” if they passed the course last Spring. Central Bucks will not be rostering any students in the Spring 2020 cohort to take the Algebra Keystone Exam this school year. However, any parent wishing for their child to take the exam may do so by completing this form by May 7th. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires students who take the Algebra 1 Keystone to complete the assessment in the building.
Students Enrolled in Algebra in 2020-2021
All students who are taking Algebra 1 or Algebra 1B this school year are required to take the Algebra Keystone exam this Spring. However, parents of children enrolled in a Keystone exam course during the 2020-2021 school year may choose to opt-out of the exam. If a family chooses to opt-out of the exam, they must notify the school in writing of their desire to do so following the process outlined on the CBSD Assessment Webpage by May 7th. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires students who take the Algebra 1 Keystone to complete the assessment in the building. The Keystone Exam at Tamanend will be administered on June 1, 2021.
Reminder--Tamanend Spirit Gear is Here!
Looking for some Tamanend gear? Here are the current opportunities to order Tamanend Spirit Wear:
Tamanend Spirit Wear from Caldwells in Doylestown
Reminder--Join the Wellness/Snack Break Social 10:35--10:55 Daily
Hello! Are you looking for a way to connect with other kids from school while you are learning from home in the virtual setting? Mrs. Cammann is hosting a Wellness/Snack Break Social time each day from 10:35-10:55 during the virtual and hybrid learning models. Students are invited to join in to share some conversation and be connected with students across all grades. On Wednesdays, we will have games and trivia during this time! You are welcome to participate daily or pop in occasionally - no pressure. Maybe you will even get to know some new faces! Just click the link below to take part, socialize, and participate, while using our Tamanend ROAR to respect and include each other in this group. Enjoy your snack and unwind with us at 10:35 any day. Hope to see you there! Click here to join the meeting
Reminder--Tamanend Parent Book Club
Reminder--UNICEF Club
Are you interested in global issues and news? Do you want to get involved in helping people in your community and around the globe? Join the Tamanend UNICEF Unite Club. This club was started this year and the purpose of this club is serve as a space to discuss global issues, engage students, help students use their voice to enforce positive change, make better thinkers and communicators, and much more. Students will have the opportunity to learn about child protection, education, water, sanitation and hygiene which may align with certain areas of study, allowing for a more insightful, understanding life outside of the classroom. The club will also provide students with an opportunity to gain leadership positions on campus. Through fundraising, awareness, and community service, we will be able to help the millions of children who need our help. Please fill out this interest form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=j0gLqp78hUGl4zhCIN8jyiSa13bnl15Kgt4n4oFy81FURjJUTThYNlM2M0xTN0pWNFU5MzNWUE9OQy4u if you are interested in the club. Meetings will be once every two weeks virtually A date for our first meeting will be sent out to those interested soon! If you have any questions feel free to contact Kalidindi.H055@student.cbsd.org , EORINSKI@cbsd.org , or AHIGGINS@cbsd.org.
Reminder--Mock Trial Team for 9th Graders
Do you want to improve your speaking and analysis skills? Do you like exploring legal issues of everyday events? Or, just want to spend some time hanging out with Mr. Sterner and Mr. Heisey? We are pleased to offer the Mock Trial Club at Tamamend for any interested 9th graders. It’s a great way to learn about the legal profession and debate your way through an actual case as either a lawyer or a witness, as well as build your skills for future participation and competition at CB South. Please e-mail Mr. Heisey (jheisey@cbsd.org) or Mr. Sterner (dsterner@cbsd.org) if you are interested. Thank you!
Reminder--Tamanend Today Club
While we can’t currently run Tamanend Today, our live weekly TV show, we are still seeking interested students who enjoy broadcast media and video production. We have some ideas for production until we can go live again, and we would like your ideas for when we can go live. Until then, join us and be a part of producing meaningful, pre-recorded broadcasts and features. If media production is your thing, please reach out via e-mail to Mr. Sterner (dsterner@cbsd.org) or Mr. Landis (mdlandis@cbsd.org) to be part of our Tamanend Today Club! Thank you!
FROM OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Sign Up for CB South's Marching Titans (Open to Current 8th and 9th Graders)
The Central Bucks South Marching Titans will begin that 2021 season in just a few short weeks. All current 8th-11th graders interested in joining the original CBSMT should come to the first Spring Training practice on May 11th at 6pm in the CB South Music Wing to learn more about the Marching Titans. Time to join the family!
QUOTES AROUND TAMANEND
HELPFUL REMINDERS ABOUT TAMANEND PROCEDURES
Communicating Absences
Please report your child's absence in any of the following ways:
- Email: tamanendattendance@cbsd.org
- Phone (Attendance hotline): 267-893-2920
Reminder--Students Should Check Outlook Email Daily
Reminder--Important Traffic Safety
Since the beginning or the year, our parent drop-off and pick-up traffic has improved tremendously, but we still need your help. There will soon be an increase in daily traffic as more students return to in-person learning. We must remember that WE HAVE STUDENTS WHO WALK TO SCHOOL. Recently, we've seen an increase in cars speeding on Stuckert Road. For the safety of our students, please maintain a 15 mph school zone speed limit in our parking lots and along Stuckert Road. Thanks for your help!
Reminder--Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Up
With the return of 5-day in-person schooling, there has been an increase in the number of car riders. Please remember the following important details when dropping off or picking up your child-
- You can only turn right into the parking lot, from the direction of Kelly Road. Do NOT attempt to make a left-hand turn into the parking lot during pick-up at the end of the day. If you come from Bristol Rd., please go past the school, turn around, and get in the car line.
- There are staggered dismissal times. The first is at 1:16 and the 2nd is at 1:21pm. It would be helpful to find out what time your child is dismissed from their 7th period class, so that you do not rush to get in line if they are let out at the 2nd dismissal time.
- Everyone has been able to exit the parking lot by 1:30 pm, so there is no need to rush. All students are let out between the Main Entrance and the Gym/Cafeteria Entrance, so students should not be walking down the sidewalk to your cars. This causes the line of traffic to stop and we need to keep everyone moving.
Thank you for your support!
FROM OUR GUIDANCE OFFICE
Reminder--Teen Mental Health Check In Group
This Edition of Guidance Sparks--Be the Captain of Your Child's Spark Team
We know that the last 12 months have been difficult for many people in many, many ways. For our students, the struggle has included a disruption in their educational and social way-of-life. Learning from the restrictions the pandemic has placed on your children may be an opportunity to re-exam what is important to them for now and the future. Ask your daughter or son to think about what was missed during this time of limited access? What didn’t he/she/they miss? The answers might give insight to what Sparks are important to them.
If your teen missed working at a part-time job at the local restaurant because of the responsibilities opportunity to learn about how to run a business, this might be worth exploring in a more serious way. If your teen didn’t miss taking piano lessons because it was just something to add to a college resume, maybe it is time to start looking at other activities where there is true interest.
Looking at the whole concept of Sparks, this might be the right time to reevaluate where time is spent and what interest holds true passion. “One joy scatters a hundred griefs.” – Chinese Proverb
For comments or questions, please contact Ginny Barrett at vbarrett@cbsd.org
FROM OUR LIBRARY
Reminder--Tamanend Library is Here for All Your Reading Needs!
All students have full access to all books in the Tamanend Library and to SORA, our digital collection. If you would like to check out a book, please watch the following videos in your Library Canvas Course to see how to access both physical and digital books. Books will be delivered to classrooms for Hybrid students and Online students can pick their books up in the front lobby of Tamanend!
FROM OUR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Reminder--Technology Support
Reminder--9th-12th Grade Student Technology Toolkit
FROM OUR HEALTH OFFICE
Reminder--Required Dental Exams for 7th Graders
Reminder--Please Contact Our Nurse For COVID-Related Issues and Concerns
Please notify our Certified School Nurse, Lauren Myrtetus, if you, someone in your household or your student have been diagnosed with COVID or if your student has been identified as a close contact of someone who has been diagnosed with COVID. Also, please notify Mrs. Myrtetus if your student is ill and is being tested for COVID.
If your students needs to quarantine, he or she should report directly to the nurse’s office on his or her first day back to school for a temperature and symptom screening.
Mrs. Myrtetus is happy to answer any questions related to COVID.
267-893-2915
Reminder--Modified Quarantine
CBSD’s Board of School Directors approved changes to the district’s health and safety plan, including implementation of modified quarantine protocols beginning on Monday, April 19, 2021. More details may be found on our website at www.cbsd.org/2020-21. Review updated questions and answers at www.cbsd.org/help.
Updated--What to Do If Your Child Is Sick
FROM OUR CAFETERIA
Reminder--Breakfast and Lunch is Available to ALL Students Free of Charge Through the Remainder of the 2020-2021 School Year
Reminder--Free & Reduced Lunch/Breakfast Application
RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE
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
Reminder--Bucks County Health Human Services Hub
Reminder--Shriner's Children's Pediatric Fracture and Sports Injury Care at Doylestown Hospital
Reminder--Food Pantry at Warrington Fellowship Church
Reminder--Grandfamilies Support Group
Reminder--Housing Information
CB CARES
Reminder--Nominate a Tamanend Student for March Boomerang Award
For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Boomerang Youth Recognition Award, it is a district-wide monthly program which recognizes and honors youth in our community for exemplifying and living by one of the chosen Developmental Assets®. These Developmental Assets were identified as a set of skills, experiences, relationships and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults.
Nominations for March's Boomerang Asset are due by Friday, 04/23. The chosen for March is Asset #25: Reading for pleasure- Recognizing a young person who reads for pleasure most days, either alone, with family members, or with friends. Please submit your nomination through this link. Staff members who nominate students will wear jeans and their Boomerang pin to show their Boomerang Spirit on Tuesday, 04/27. Thank you in advance for your nomination
GETTING INVOLVED AND STAYING CONNECTED WITH TAMANEND
TMS Parent Council
Thursday, May 20, 2021, 09:00 AM
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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)
- Daily announcements (scrolling on TV screens during school day and posted on our website)
- 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
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
Recursos en Español
Aquí se encuentran recursos en Español para padres y guardianos de los estudiantes de Central Bucks: World Languages / Recursos para Hispanohablantes (cbsd.org)
Share Good News About Tamanend Students
How Did We Do This Week?
Tamanend Middle School
Email: tms@cbsd.org
Website: http://www.cbsd.org/Domain/25
Location: 1492 Stuckert Road, Warrington, PA
Phone: 267.893.2900