Tumwater News
October 28, 2022
Principal 's Message
Dear Students & Families,
We are looking forward to a fun Spirit Week for students & staff. Coming together as a community to show our school spirit provides us a chance to share our similarities, showcase our creativity, and celebrate the joy of being together!
Thursday, November 10th is the Quarter 1 Grading Day during which teachers will assess student work and enter grades summarizing student progress so far. For most TMS classes, the 9 week grade is a progress report at the halfway point of the semester. The progress report is intended as a way for students and families to monitor student progress and plan for the remainder of the semester. For semester-long classes, only the semester grade issued in February is reflected on the student transcript. After the grading day, you will be able to access the progress reports in TeacherVue/StudentVue report card tab. If you have questions about the marks in a specific class, please ask your child, check ParentVue gradebook, and/or contact your child's teacher. All teacher email addresses are firstname_lastname@beaverton.k12.or.us
I appreciate how students, staff, and families have successfully worked together to build a safe, inclusive, school community. Thank you for your willingness to partner with TMS to support your child as we learn and grow together.
Warmly,
Jill O'Neill
Principal
Upcoming Events
Oct 31- Nov 4 Spirit Week
Nov 1 PTO Board Meeting, 6:30 pm
Nov 3 Picture retake day
Nov 3 Choir Concert, 7:00 pm
Nov 10 Grading Day - No Students
Nov 11 Veterans Day - No School
Nov 15 Pre-ACT Exam - 8th Graders
Nov 23-25 Schools Closed
Nov 28 Staff Development Day - No Students
Be sure to check the calendars on ParentSquare and our school website (scroll to the bottom of the home page) for the school all school events.
Native American Heritage Month Recognition
On September 30, 2020, the Beaverton School Board resolved to formally recognize November as Native American/Alaska Native Heritage Month. The Beaverton School District sits on the ancestral homeland of the Atfalati band of the Kalapuya and the district includes community members–students, families and staff–representing numerous Native and Indigenous communities. Learn more about district services to students and families by checking out the American Indian/Alaska Native Education Program on the district website.
For events and activities centering members of the Native and Indigenous community, the NAYA Family Center offers a variety of social and educational opportunities. Open to everyone, Clark Community College in Vancouver, Washington is again hosting a Powwow on November 4, 2022 to begin the recognition month.
For your own continued learning and engagement, consider delving into resources from the Library of Congress, the National Museum of the American Indian, the ListenWise Blog and Learning for Justice.
National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
November was first declared as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007. Since then, November has been a time to acknowledge those children and families experiencing homelessness. As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness. Along with losing their home, community, friends, and routines as well as their sense of stability and safety, many homeless youth are also victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, juvenile justice professionals, and policy makers.
Picture Retake Day - Thursday Nov. 3rd
Picture Retake Day is Thursday, November 3rd. Retake Day is for students who were absent or not yet enrolled on Picture Day. It is also for students who purchased a picture package but wish to exchange it for a new picture and for students who wish to purchase a picture package for the first time. Pictures will not be retaken for students who wish to receive a new ID card - they should see Mrs. Ellis in the Counseling Center if a reprint is needed.
Orders may be placed online by searching for Tumwater MS at mydorian.com and selecting the green order button next to our school retake day event. Online orders are available up to 4 days after retake day.
Spirit Week: Oct. 31 - Nov. 4
All students are encouraged to show their school spirit by participating in dress up days during Spirit Week. In our yearlong Grade Level Class Competition, students will have the chance to earn points for their grade level by participating. We encourage students to be creative, re-fashion/reuse/recycle items from home, and hone their artistic talents to participate in each day.
Mon., Oct. 31 Costume Day (see guidelines below)
Tues., Nov. 1 Twin Day
Weds., Nov. 2 Wacky Hair Day
Thurs., Nov. 3 Dress Your Best Day
Fri., Nov. 4 School Colors - wear blue and/or light gray
When choosing a costume, keep in mind that culture is not a costume. As an inclusive community, we expect that students will dress in a manner that is respectful of their own and other cultures. Costumes perpetuating stereotypes related to gender, race/ethnicity, culture, or economic status are not allowed.
Students are expected to adhere to the school dress code, particularly those related to safety and modesty. In addition, the following costumes/accessories are not allowed:
- Masks or full face paint
- Dripping or gooey makeup/accessories
- Inflatable costumes
- Weapons or look-alike weapons (daggers, scythes, swords, light sabers, etc.)
- Implements (hockey sticks, baseball bats, etc.)
- Gang-related
- Costumes marketed as "sexy"
Learner Profile Corner
Each month, the newsletter will be featuring a learner profile trait. Please encourage your student to reflect on the questions included in the article.
This month, the Learner Profile focuses on being principled.
Staff and students at Tumwater strive to act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Students, reflect on the questions below:
Do you always try to do what is right, even when it’s costly or difficult?
Do you do your part for the common good?
Do you participate in community service?
Do you do the right thing even when no one is looking?
TMS After School Activities
Fall Safety Tips
Every year thousands of people are injured due to daylight savings time changes and the changing of the seasons. Autumn means all road users should be extra alert.
Wear bright reflective clothing when walking or rolling.
Don’t assume people driving will see you. Make eye contact before crossing in front of vehicles.
Be alert! Keep eyes and ears open, especially while crossing the street.
Cyclists should make sure to have lights and wear helmets – it is the law.
Driving or biking? Use extra caution and slow down in the dark and rain. And remember, do not text and drive!
Thank you for working with us to keep our students safe and healthy!
Become an AVID Tutor!
AVID is a class that helps students develop the skills that they'll need to be successful in college and beyond. As part of the class, students participate in student-led tutorial sessions, where small groups of students come together to work through problems that they're experiencing in their core classes.
We need AVID Tutors (in-person in the classroom) to help facilitate these conversations. Don't worry, you don't need any content or subject knowledge. You're really a coach, encouraging a small group of students to ask questions and keep the discussion going. You'll be supported by the AVID elective teacher and the students you work with.
The time commitment is just one hour per week. There are opportunities throughout the school day at the school of your choice. Training involves a self-paced online course plus a one-hour Zoom information session. That's it!
To apply to be a tutor and learn more, please use this link: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/teaching-learning/student-programs/avid/avid-etutor
RISING TIDES RAISES OVER $41,000
We are proud to announce that Rising Tides raised over $41,000, an increase from last year’s total.
Thank you to the over 250 donors who showed up this fall to support the students, staff & classrooms of Tumwater Middle School. Your money will be spent well on our 1000+ students.
We are humbled by this community’s response. While we didn’t quite make our full annual budget, we did increase our fundraising in both dollars & donors. Bravo, TMS!
However, it’s never too late to buoy our efforts & help us reach our original goal. Donate directly via PayPal.
OCTOBER COMMUNITY MEETING MINUTES
The October Community Meeting included updates from Principal Jill O’Neill and your Tumwater PTO Board. Highlights include:
Information about student clubs and upcoming school events
An overview of the PTO’s goals for this year
PTO Committee updates, including the new music booster committee, TEMPO
An update on the Rising Tides fundraising campaign
Upcoming in-person volunteer opportunities
Treasurer’s Report
Vote to approve Katia Kaeser as our new co-Volunteer Coordinator
Read the full minutes & click through the slideshow to learn more. Remember to check out the action items for parents/guardians.
We look forward to seeing you at our next Community Meeting on Thursday, November 17.
Questions? Email the PTO Board (board@tumwaterpto.org)
MATCHING FUNDS ARE AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE
So far this year, Tumwater PTO will receive over $17,500 in matching funds, totalling 37% of our annual budget. Massive thanks to all community members who took the time for that extra step.
There’s still time to double your donation! Head to www.tumwaterpto.org/matching-funds for more information or check out these common local employer links:
*Please search by our EIN (#87-1380669) to ensure you are donating to Tumwater Middle School Parent Teacher Organization.
QUESTIONS: Email Kelly (vp@tumwaterpto.org) or check out www.tumwaterpto.org/fundraising.
Join Tumwater’s Volunteer Database
Instructions on how to join our Tumwater volunteer database are available at www.tumwaterpto.org/volunteer. This is a two-step process. We’ve also included an extensive FAQ with the most common volunteer questions.
Request your profile be moved into Tumwater’s database or fill out the volunteer application. **Please note: your profile does not automatically move from your previous BSD school. Email update_volunteer_locations@beaverton.k12.or.us in order to add your profile to Tumwater Middle School.
Upload a jpg of your covid vaccination or medical exemption to be reviewed by District staff. The covid vaccination & medical exemption requirements remain in place, per state mandate. Please ensure that you have completed this process so that volunteer opportunities can be available to you.
Email our Volunteer Coordinators, Kristi Nelson & Katia Kaeser (volunteer@tumwaterpto.org) with any questions.
Tumwater Middle School
Building the knowledge and skills that empower students to change the world.
