Takoma Park MS Community Newsletter

Dear Families,

We had another great week at TPMS! At this time, our students are really settling into the routine of school. I see students transitioning from class to class with even more efficiency and ease. As I visit classes, I see students engaged in learning, working in cooperative groups, and striving to achieve their very best!

I want to draw your attention to two events that are taking place next week. First, students will have Picture Day on Thursday or Friday of next week through their PE/Health class. This year, we have changed vendors and we are utilizing the same photographer that Takoma Park Elementary School uses. Students will be taking their pictures outside weather permitting. Also, on Wednesday night at 6pm, we invite you to our Virtual Health Curriculum Night. The purpose of this event is to provide families with an overview of the Family Life Unit in the Health curriculum. The link to the zoom is included in the newsletter.

We are fortunate to have such a vibrant, committed and supportive community. The school and the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) rely on community support through volunteerism and fundraisers/financial means. There are three ways that you can support TPMS through actions that you already engage in.

Box Tops for Education: Download the application on your phone and scan your receipts. All eligible products will earn funds for the school. Send a link for family and friends to download the app and you will earn additional Box Tops for each family and friend who joins. Use this link: Get the App - Box Tops for Education (boxtops4education.com) and use the referral code S6IS3O0S.
Clothing to Cash: This is a clothing and shoes recycling program. When you or a family member outgrows their clothes and shoes, simply bring your bag to TPMS and put it in the Clothing to Cash bin in the corner of our parking lot.
Amazon Smile: Enter your regular Amazon account through the Amazon Smile link (https://smile.amazon.com/), select our school, and earn money for the TPMS PTSA.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Erin L. Martin

Principal

Virtual Health Curriculum Night

When

Wednesday, Sep. 21st, 6pm

Where

This is an online event.

More information

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/89761121411?pwd=ck9PVXNpUlpHcnpneStLMHhPdFBzZz09

Meeting ID: 897 6112 1411

Passcode: 374054

The 8th Grade Annapolis Trip is Here!!

Attention 8th grade Families!!

From Mr. Valera and Ms. Windsor: Our Amazing Annapolis field trip is Monday, September 19th. That’s this coming Monday. We will tour Annapolis on foot and by boat. In other words, we will spend a lot of time outside. Please remind students to dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Repeat: wear comfortable shoes for walking – we will be outside all day. Also, sunscreen is recommended.

There will be a snack bar on the Harbor cruise. Students can bring a few dollars if they think they’ll want to buy a small snack.

Thank you.

We’re going to have a great time!!

Next Thursday and Friday, all students will take the Measures of Academic Progress in Reading (MAP-M) through their Math classes. MAP-M is an assessment which is administered 2-3 times per year to measure their math growth and proficiency. Our staff uses this as one data point to help inform instruction and differentiation to ensure curriculum is accessible and appropriately challenging for all students.

Please be sure to have your child get a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast in the morning.

My name is Elizabeth Hoyt, and I am excited to be your new Attendance Secretary. Being present and on-time is essential for academic success, and promotes social skills, work skills, and connection to our school community.

Our school attendance policy aligns with MCPS attendance policy. If your student must arrive late, leave early, or be absent, this must be reported to the office by a parent, guardian, or with a doctor’s note. Parents and guardians can Report an Absence electronically, email me at Elizabeth_Hoyt@mcpsmd.org, or submit a note on paper. Details can be found in our Attendance Policy.

Grade Level Ice Cream Socials for 7th and 8th Graders

We will be holding an ice cream social for the 7th graders (5:30 - 6:30 PM) and 8th graders (6:45 - 7:45 PM) on Thursday, Sept 29. Make sure to submit your RSVP at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4DA8A729A75-rsvp.

Can you help us make the event a success? If so, please sign up to volunteer at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4da8a729a75-tpms or email Shana Fulcher- fulcher@gmail.com.

Other volunteer opportunities and initiatives include:

· PAL Program: Able to help get kids outside during lunch?

The TPMS Parents At Lunch. (PAL) program is requesting your support of the staff and students by volunteering 30 minutes of your time to support healthy interactions, ensure the cafeteria and outdoor areas are ready for our students to enjoy and help make lunchtime fun! You can find more details on the program and how to sign up on the PTSA website here.

· Support the Celebration of Culture at TPMS

The PTSA needs YOU to help us put on this year's event to celebrate kids' cultural heritage and our school's rich and diverse community! During the week of October 17 we will be having exhibits at school to celebrate international experience and cultural heritage, culminating with an evening of performances and great food (formerly known as International Night) on Friday, October 21.

To make this event a success, we need parents to volunteer at the event and share a dish for the potluck. Can you offer your time and talent to make this wonderful event a success? Please contact Jamie Iwugo and Patricia DuHuang at jamieiwugo@gmail.com or patgreen0906@yahoo.com.

· Amazon Smile Rewards Program to Support TPMS

You can support the TPMS PTSA just by shopping online at Amazon.com. Please consider bookmarking this link in your favorite Internet browser. Then you’ll be able to remember to click first on that link every time you shop at Amazon. Pass it along to grandma, grandpa, uncles, and aunts, friends, cousins, neighbors, and any others who might be interested in helping out the school. The PTSA appreciates all of your fundraising support! Amazon Smile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases at Amazon.com to a TPMS. There is no extra cost to you or to TPMS.

Other Events and volunteer opportunities in October and November include:

- October 11: Second TPMS PTSA Meeting (7-8:30 PM, TPMS)

- October 12: TPMS Eats Out at Cielo Rojo: Local favorite Cielo Rojo is partnering with TPMS again for our annual TPMS Eats Out event. The restaurant will donate 10% of all dine in and carry out orders that day to our PTSA. More details on the PTSA website here.

- Week of October 17: International and Cultural Heritage Week

- Friday, October 21: International and Cultural Heritage Celebration & Potluck Dinner

- October (TBD): Family Picnic/Potluck

- Tuesday, November 8: Election Day Bake Sale

- November 10-11: Health Forum

TPMS Parent Teacher Association Links:

PTSA website

Join PTSA for free

Donate to PTSA

Parent Volunteer Signup