Takoma Park MS Community Newsletter
Back to School Edition
Welcome Back Families!
Welcome to the 2022 - 2023 school year! I hope you have had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends this summer. We have had an exciting and enjoyable summer as we had the unique opportunity to host Takoma Park and Piney Branch Elementary Schools for their summer school program. Co-locating gave all three teams the opportunity to build relationships with some of our feeder schools, meet our future scholars, and collaborate to enhance the summer school experience for all of the students! I want to THANK my summer school team and our building services staff who worked this summer to support our summer programs and get our large building ready for your return to school.
Our top priorities this school year, which aligns with Superintendent McKnight's vision, are to continue to rebuild our relationships with students, staff, and families; support our students' health and social-emotional well-being; and refocus on equitable teaching and learning. Our theme this year is Excellence for All! #OneTakoma. With the many transitions between virtual, hybrid and in person learning over the past few years, we have learned that our students are resilient and that together, we can achieve great things!
Although not required, all MCPS staff, students, and visitors are encouraged to wear face masks in our school building. The health and well-being of our students and staff are my top priorities. Like last year, we will have masks for anyone who wants one. On Wednesday, August 24th from 3:15-7pm, families may come to TPMS to pick up a COVID test kit. It is strongly encouraged for all students to test before they return to school on August 28th. My administrative team and I will review our health and safety precautions with you throughout the school year.
The parent partnership is a critical aspect of a child's education. Thus, we are excited to share two opportunities to meet staff and other parents and caregivers as we work together to support our children. This year, I am excited to share that our Back-to-School Night will be held in person on Thursday, September 8th from 6:30-8:30pm with a Resource Fair from 5:30-6:30pm. We are also expanding our family back-to-school events to include a gathering for 7th and 8th grades. Please see below for more information.
Finally, I am thrilled to begin my 2nd year as your principal and 23rd year in MCPS! I am joined by Mr. Aaron Williams (6th Grade Assistant Principal), Mr. Gary Einhorn (7th Grade Administrator and Magnet Coordinator) and Ms. Carlyn Patterson-Breese (8th Grade Assistant Principal). Together, we look forward to serving our students and families with excellence!
As always, please check our website at Takoma Park Middle School for up-to-date school news and information. Bookmark our 22-23 TPMS Calendar and use this live link to monitor our school events throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Erin L. Martin
Principal
6th Grade & New Student Orientation
From the PTSA
The TPMS Middle School PTA is excited to kick off the 2022-2023 school year with a number of fun events in September, including our first in-person PTA meeting at 7pm on September 13. We hope that you can join our PTA and welcome you to do so at: JOIN THE PTA (tpmspta.org).
6th Grade Events
We enjoyed the opportunity to meet many families and introduce you to Takoma Park Middle School! Here is a link to the presentation. Click here to view the recording. Use the passcode: q3%QG35v.
6th Grade Barbecue-September 1st
On September 1st, the PTSA invites you to a 6th Grade Barbecue from 5-7pm at TPMS. This is a great opportunity to meet other families and staff, participate in fun community building activities and enjoy a delicious dinner compliments of the PTSA. This event is free and open to all 6th grade families. Please complete this form by Friday, August 26th.
7th & 8th Grade Events
School Supplies
This year, we will be utilizing the classroom chromebook cart model. Our Instructional Council used parent, student and staff feedback provided last spring to make this decision. We believe that this will allow us to more strategically and intentionally balance the use of technology with other teaching methods, remove an item that students have previously had to transport throughout the day and evening. Chromebooks will be available for students to check out and leave at home for the school year if needed. We will message details as soon as we receive the information.