April 29, 2024 Dolphin Digest – TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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In this issue: 
1. Next PTA Meeting – Tuesday, May 7th, 7-8pm via Zoom
2. Seeking 2-4 Additional Kindergarten Parents to Participate in Panel for Incoming K Families
3. Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up May 6-10: Need fruit and quiches!
4. TPES vs. PBES Soccer Game: May 9, 6:15pm
5. Parent Input for Next Year’s Class
6. Incoming Kindergarten “Parents Only” Registration and Tour: May 2-3
7. Anacostia Watershed Cleanup: May 11th, 1-4pm
8. Calling All Parents and Guardians – Field Day is Coming: May 13, 15, 16
9. TPES Art Show: Thursday, May 23
10. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29
11. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting: May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
12. Upcoming TPES Events 

1. Next PTA Meeting – Tuesday, May 7th, 7-8pm via Zoom
After a brief presentation from the TPES Food Forest, we’ll go into breakout rooms for panel discussions on: 1) transition to Takoma Park Middle Schoo for current fifth graders; 2) transition from TPES to PBES for current second graders; and 3) transition to Kindergarten for rising Kindergartners. Zoom link will be sent a few hours before the meeting.
Do you know a rising K family who you’d like to invite? Please send them this link to register (so they can receive the Zoom link): https://forms.gle/zW5Fot93DRDRDxAL8
 
2. Seeking 2-4 Additional Kindergarten Parents to Participate in Panel for Incoming K Families
The PTA is looking for volunteers to join us at our May 7th PTA meeting, from 7-8pm, for a panel discussion for rising K families to share your experience and answer questions about the transition and what to expect.  If you can help, please email Joyce McDonough at communications@tpespta.net.
 
3. Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up May 6-10
We have a wonderful team of parent volunteers who are planning activities to help our TPES teachers and staff feel loved and appreciated for all of the hard work they put in each and every day for our children! If you are interested, there are a couple ways you can also help, which are listed below. 
  • Have your child make a card of appreciation for their teacher(s)! Your room parent might have already sent out a message about this, but as a reminder, we encourage you to have your child make a card for their classroom teacher, specials teachers or other support staff they admire. Please have students bring in their cards the week of May 6-10. 

4. TPES vs. PBES Soccer Game: May 9, 6:15pm
We have a full roster for TPES, including five teachers – thank you! This should be a lot of fun! We are still looking for volunteers to 1) help organize a bake sale, 2) help with logistics on the day of, 3) a referee (and maybe line judges), and 4) an emcee/announcer.  Please reach out to president@tpespta.net if you are interested in volunteering in one of these ways. And if you’re not playing or volunteering, we encourage you and your family to come out to watch the game…the kids will be so excited to see their teachers in action! What: Friendly soccer game of TPES Staff and Parents vs. PBES Staff and Parents
Date: May 9th, 2024 (Rain date: May 23, 2024)
Location: Washington Adventist University Field 
Time: 
5:45 PM – Players arrive for warm-up
6:15 PM – Game Begins
7:00 PM – Dance party on the field for children 

Dinner: Pizza will be served for $1 a slice, as well as water and juice. Pizza supply will be limited, so come on the early side if you want to grab some for dinner! 
Cost: There is NO fee to attend, but if your family is inclined, there will be a $5 suggested donation to help cover costs and fundraise for the PTAs of both schools. 

Team Captains:
TPES: Nick Dean (nickdean10@gmail.com)
PBES: Becca Jones-Albertus (beccaj@gmail.com)

*If you are playing for TPES, please wear a white shirt. If you are playing for PBES, please wear a dark blue or black shirt. 
 
5. Parent Input for Next Year’s Class

Please use the attached form to tell the school about your child’s learning style and needs. The form is an opportunity to provide input into your child’s class placement for the 2024-2025 school year. This spring, TPES staff will begin the process of developing classes for next year. This work will continue into the summer. The school’s goal is to make the best student-teacher match possible and staff will use the information in this form to help guide their work.

6. Incoming Kindergarten “Parents Only” Registration and Tour: May 2 and 3

TPES will host “parent only” registration days on May 2nd, and May 3rd . The registration will include a paperwork/enrollment check, parent interview, and tour of the building. Please contact Mrs. Hottel-Cox via email (Anne_M_Hottel-Cox@mcpsmd.org) to schedule your registration. For information regarding kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-25 school year, including important documents needed to register,please visit the MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/enroll/kindergarten/).

7. Anacostia Watershed Cleanup: May 11th, 1-4pm
The students and families of TPES are invited to help pick up litter and plant native plants on May 11th, 1-4pm at the TPES school grounds and the areas surrounding in the Anacostia Watershed

8. Calling All Parents and Guardians – Field Day is Coming: May 13, 15, 16
Field Day is coming for all grade levels in May. We need many parent volunteers to have a successful experience for our children. A Signup Genius link will be sent out next week for parents to sign up to help and have fun with our kiddos. The dates are as follows:

Kindergarten- May 13th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Rain date-May 20th, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
First Grade- May 15th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Rain date-May 22nd, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Second Grade- May 16th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Rain date-May, 23rd, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

9. TPES Art Show: Thursday, May 23

 Our school Art Show is May 23rd! The Art Show Team is seeking parent volunteers to help hang art in our halls from May 13th through May 22nd! Keep an eye out for our sign-up sheet coming out soon from Ms. Kelley.

10. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29

No matter what you do – banker, nurse, architect, dentist, police officer, lawyer, military, computer engineer, bus driver, or doctor – the children can learn about the world of work from you! So, if you, a relative, a neighbor, or a friend has a job that you love to talk about and share with others, being a Career Day speaker would be a perfect fit!

Volunteering does not guarantee that you will be called on to present. We will do our best to make sure we get a wide variety of careers to showcase to our students. If you are selected, you are committing to stay the entire morning session and present to 3 different classes. Each presentation will last 30 minutes (20 minutes of talking, 10 minutes of Q&A with students).

If you are interested in being a Career Day speaker or know someone who might be, please complete the interest form before April 26, 2024!
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Althofer at Max_P_Althofer@mcpsmd.org or Mrs. Ampofo at Charlotte_Ampofo@mcpsmd.org.

11. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting: May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
The staff of Takoma Park Elementary School will host an incoming kindergarten parent meeting on May 30, 2024. The meeting will be held virtually and will include interpreters for Spanish and Amharic.

12. Upcoming TPES Events 

May 2-3: Incoming Kindergarten “Parents Only” Registration and Tour
May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7: May PTA Meeting, 7-8pm via Zoom
May 9, 6:15pm: TPES vs. PBES Soccer Game
May 11th, 1-4pm: Anacostia Watershed Cleanup @ TPES
May 13, 15, 16: Field Day
May 14: No School, Election Day
May 23: TPES Art Show
May 29: Career Day
May 30, 7pm: Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting
 
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

April 22, 2024 Dolphin Digest – TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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In this issue: 
1. THANK YOU to Making Book Fair a Huge Success
2. Parent Input for Next Year’s Class
3. TPES Recognized as a Maryland Green School 
4. Second Grade Musical, “Dinosaurs and More”: Thursday, April 24, 7pm @ TPMS
5. National Take Your Child to Work Day: Thursday, April 25
6. LAST CHANCE! Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: Saturday, April 27, 7:30pm 

7. TPES/PBES Rainbow Club: April 28, 12-2pm @ Loft Collective
8. Incoming Kindergarten “Parents Only” Registration and Tour: May 2 and May 3
9. Seeking Kindergarten Parents to Participate in Panel for Incoming K Families
10. Seeking Gifts/Donations for Teacher Appreciation Raffle: May 6-10
11. TPES vs. PBES Soccer Game: May 9, 6:15pm
12. Anacostia Watershed Cleanup: May 11th, 1-4pm
13. Calling All Parents and Guardians – Field Day is Coming: May 13, 15, 16
14. TPES Art Show: Thursday, May 23
15. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29, 2024
16. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting: May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
17. Upcoming TPES Events 
1. THANK YOU to Making Book Fair a Huge Success
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make our first book fair with an independent book store a HUGE SUCCESS! Special thanks to Claire Dean, Lesley Perry, Amy Swift, and Ms. Anderson! Final tallies still being calculated but we grossed over $14K!
 
2. Parent Input for Next Year’s Class

Please use the attached form to tell the school about your child’s learning style and needs. The form is an opportunity to provide input into your child’s class placement for the 2024-2025 school year. This spring, TPES staff will begin the process of developing classes for next year. This work will continue into the summer. The school’s goal is to make the best student-teacher match possible and staff will use the information in this form to help guide their work.

3. TPES Recognized as a Maryland Green School
Congratulations! TPES has been recognized as a Maryland Green School! The Maryland Green School award represents a school-wide commitment to environmental literacy that includes staff, students, and the community. Your efforts make a difference today and in the future! Thank you all so much for your continued support keeping TPES green!! (And to Ms. Archuletta for spearheading this effort!)

4. Second Grade Musical, “Dinosaurs and More”: Thursday, April 24, 7pm @ TPMS
The second grade students will be performing their musical “Dinosaurs and More” this Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Takoma Park Middle School. All are welcome to come see our children transformed into dinosaurs.

5. National Take Your Child to Work Day: Thursday, April 25

If you will be taking your child/children to work with you, please provide a note or email Mrs. Hottel-Cox at Anne_M_Hottel-Cox@mcpsmd.org, our attendance secretary, prior to the absence from school and it will be excused.

6. LAST CHANCE! Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: Saturday, April 27, 7:30pm 
Come cheer on D.C. United on MCPS Night as they take on the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm. TPES will have its own section. A portion of the ticket sales go to support the TPES PTA so we can continue to offer support to the school. Tickets for the TPES section can be purchased here:  https://fevo-enterprise.com/Takomapark5  Go D.C. United and TPES Dolphins!

7. TPES/PBES Rainbow Club: April 28, 12-2pm @ Loft Collective
The joint TPES/PBES Rainbow Club is having our spring meet-up on April 28th from 12-2 at The Loft. Email rainbowclubtkpk@gmail.com for more information.

8. Incoming Kindergarten “Parents Only” Registration and Tour: May 2 and May 3

TPES will host “parent only” registration days on May 2nd, and May 3rd . The registration will include a paperwork/enrollment check, parent interview, and tour of the building. Please contact Mrs. Hottel-Cox via email (Anne_M_Hottel-Cox@mcpsmd.org) to schedule your registration. For information regarding kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-25 school year, including important documents needed to register,please visit the MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/enroll/kindergarten/). 

9. Seeking Kindergarten Parents to Participate in Panel for Incoming K Families
The PTA is looking for 3-5 volunteers to join us at our May 7th PTA meeting, from 7-8pm, for a panel discussion for rising K families. We’ll be hosting three separate Zoom breakout rooms (1) rising 3rd grade families, 2) rising 6th grade families, 3) rising K families). If you can help, please email Joyce McDonough at communications@tpespta.net.
10. Seeking Gifts/Donations for Teacher Appreciation Raffle: May 6-10
The PTA is seeking gifts to be raffled off to teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. Some ideas include giving time for pet sitting, a homemade casserole, your favorite cookie recipe, gift cards, gift certificates, etc.  Gifts in any amount are appreciated and welcomed! Please reach out to Betsy to let her know what you can contribute: esthergarcete@gmail.com
11. TPES vs. PBES Soccer Game: May 9, 6:15pm
The details for the event are below, but what we need to make this game possible are…PLAYERS! Whether you are a seasoned player or have never kicked a soccer ball, we welcome you to sign up for a fun evening of exercise and friendly competition! If you are interested in playing, please fill out your name on this Google Sheet(make sure to look at the tabs at the bottom to sign up for the right school). The team captains and their emails are listed below, so please feel free to reach out to either Nick or Becca with any questions you have. If you don’t want to play, but still want to be involved, we are looking for volunteers to help organize a bake sale and to help with logistics on the day of (as well as a referee!). Please reach out to president@tpespta.net if you are interested in volunteering in one of these ways. And if you’re not playing or volunteering, we encourage you and your family to come out to watch the game…the kids will be so excited to see their teachers in action!What: Friendly soccer game of TPES Staff and Parents vs. PBES Staff and Parents
Date: May 9th, 2024 (Rain date: May 23, 2024)
Location: Washington Adventist University Field
Time:
5:45 PM – Players arrive for warm-up
6:15 PM – Game Begins
7:00 PM – Dance party on the field for childrenDinner: Pizza will be served for $1 a slice, as well as water and juice. Pizza supply will be limited, so come on the early side if you want to grab some for dinner!
Cost: There is NO fee to attend, but if your family is inclined, there will be a $5 suggested donation to help cover costs and fundraise for the PTAs of both schools.Team Captains:
TPES: Nick Dean (nickdean10@gmail.com)
PBES: Becca Jones-Albertus (beccaj@gmail.com)
*If you are playing for TPES, please wear a white shirt. If you are playing for PBES, please wear a dark blue or black shirt.

12. Anacostia Watershed Cleanup: May 11th, 1-4pm
The students and families of TPES are invited to help pick up litter and plant native plants on May 11th, 1-4pm at the TPES school grounds and the areas surrounding in the Anacostia Watershed

13. Calling All Parents and Guardians – Field Day is Coming: May 13, 15, 16
Field Day is coming for all grade levels in May. We need many parent volunteers to have a successful experience for our children. A Signup Genius link will be sent out next week for parents to sign up to help and have fun with our kiddos. The dates are as follows:

Kindergarten- May 13th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Rain date-May 20th, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
First Grade- May 15th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Rain date-May 22nd, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Second Grade- May 16th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Rain date-May, 23rd, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

14. TPES Art Show: Thursday, May 23

 Our school Art Show is May 23rd! The Art Show Team is seeking parent volunteers to help hang art in our halls from May 13th through May 22nd! Keep an eye out for our sign-up sheet coming out soon from Ms. Kelley.

15. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29, 2024

No matter what you do – banker, nurse, architect, dentist, police officer, lawyer, military, computer engineer, bus driver, or doctor – the children can learn about the world of work from you! So, if you, a relative, a neighbor, or a friend has a job that you love to talk about and share with others, being a Career Day speaker would be a perfect fit!

Volunteering does not guarantee that you will be called on to present. We will do our best to make sure we get a wide variety of careers to showcase to our students. If you are selected, you are committing to stay the entire morning session and present to 3 different classes. Each presentation will last 30 minutes (20 minutes of talking, 10 minutes of Q&A with students).

If you are interested in being a Career Day speaker or know someone who might be, please complete the interest form before April 26, 2024!
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Althofer at Max_P_Althofer@mcpsmd.org or Mrs. Ampofo at Charlotte_Ampofo@mcpsmd.org.

16. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting: May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
The staff of Takoma Park Elementary School will host an incoming kindergarten parent meeting on May 30, 2024. The meeting will be held virtually and will include interpreters for Spanish and Amharic.

17. Upcoming TPES Events 

April 24, 7pm: Second Grade Musical @ TPMS
April 25: National Take Your Child to Work Day
April 27, 7:30pm: DC United Game Fundraiser
April 28, 12-2pm: Rainbow Club @ The Loft
May 2-3: Incoming Kindergarten “Parents Only” Registration and Tour
May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7: May PTA Meeting
May 9, 6:15pm: TPES vs. PBES Soccer Game
May 11th, 1-4pm: Anacostia Watershed Cleanup @ TPES
May 13, 15, 16: Field Day
May 23: TPES Art Show
May 29: Career Day
May 30, 7pm: Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting
 
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

April 2024 PTA Meeting Minutes

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Takoma Park Elementary School (TPES)
Piney Branch Elementary School (PBES)
Parent & Teacher Meeting (PTA)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 7 – 8pm on Zoom 

7:00 PM: Meeting Kick-off 

Chris Campbell, PBES VP Communications 

  • Intro to topics to be discussed

7:05 PM: Upcoming Dates & Announcements

Chris Campbell, PBES VP Communications 

Joyce McDonough, TPES VP Communications

JOINT TPES/PBES ANNOUNCEMENTS: ready by Chris Campbell, PBES VP Communications 

  • April 10 –  No School for Students – Grading and Planning for end of term
  • April 22 – Asynchronous Day for Students – Professional day for teachers There is no school for students on Monday April 22nd. Students will receive asynchronous assignments to bring home on Wednesday, April 17th. Students will return the assignments following the asynchronous learning day
  • May 9 – TPES and PBES Soccer Game – Details to be shared soon

PBES ANNOUNCEMENTS: read by Chris Campbell, PBES VP Communications 

  • 5th Grade Panoramic Picture: The 5th grade panoramic picture will be taken on April 17th. Orders are now being accepted.
  • PBES Yearbooks: Yearbooks are on sale now. The price is $20. They may be ordered online here. 

TPES ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Read by Claire Dean, TPES PTA Vice President

  • There will be an Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting-May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The staff of Takoma Park Elementary School will host an incoming kindergarten parent meeting on May 30, 2024. The meeting will be held virtually and will include interpreters for Spanish and Amharic.
  • Please Submit Your Read-a-thon Pledges Read-a-thon pledges were due April 8 but we’d never turn away your donations! 🙂 Pledges support all PTA programs, and the Read-a-thon historically has been one of the TPES PTA’s most important fundraisers! You can submit pledges via PayPal here:  https://tpespta.net/read-a-thon/. Or you can make a check payable to TPES PTA and put it in your child’s Dolphin Folder or mail it to TPES PTA at 7511 Holly Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912.
  • Volunteers Needed for TPES PTA Book Fair with Bookworm Central: April 15-19. The book fair is less than ONE WEEK away and we still have MANY volunteer openings. Please consider signing up here. This will be our first time supporting Northern Virginia-based Bookworm Central rather than Scholastic and want to make it a huge success!
    • Evening Book Fair Hours: The Book Fair will be open for evening shopping hours from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on the following dates:
    • Tuesday, 4/16:  Pajama Night!  Come dressed in your coziest pajamas for some book shopping.
    • Thursday, 4/18:  Dress as Your Favorite Book Character!  Celebrate a love of reading by dressing as a favorite book character while you shop (No masks, weapons, etc.).
    • PTA Donations for Book Purchases: The PTA is committed to ensuring that every child can shop for a book during the book fair.  If you are interested in donating to help the PTA fund books for our TPES community, please donate here and note in the Comments that the donation is toward book fair vouchers.
    • Teacher Wishlists: Teachers will have a chance to prepare lists of books that they would like for their classroom during Preview Day on 4/12.  Parents can purchase those books for classroom and specials teachers during either the on-site book fair or at our online book fair.
    • Online Book Fair: Our online book fair will remain open through the school year.  There are books for all ages available at the online fair.  TPES PTA receives 15% of the proceeds for books purchased through the online fair.  https://www.bookwormcentral.com/TakomaPark
    • Please contact Claire Dean and Lesley Perry at bookfair@tpespta.net.  
  • Teacher Appreciation Committee Seeking Gifts/Donations for Teacher Raffle We are seeking gifts to raffled off to teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. Some ideas include giving time for pet sitting, a homemade casserole, your favorite cookie recipe, gift cards, gift certificates, etc.  Gifts in any amount are appreciated and welcomed! Please reach out to Betsy to let her know what you can contribute: esthergarcete@gmail.com
  • STEM Night Feedback Did you come to STEM Night? If so, we’d love your feedback. Please fill out this form to share your thoughts. 
  • Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Now Open Kindergarten online registration is now open. For information regarding kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-25 school year, including important documents needed to register, please visit the MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/enroll/kindergarten/). If you have any questions or would like more information on how to enroll at Takoma Park Elementary School, please call 240-740-0980 or email Ms. Hottel-Cox at anne_m_hottel-cox@mcpsmd.org. 
  • Come cheer on D.C. United on MCPS Night as they take on the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm. Takoma Park Elementary School will have its own section. A portion of the ticket sales go to support the TPES PTA so we can continue to offer support to the school. Tickets for the TPES section can be purchased here:  https://fevo-enterprise.com/Takomapark5  
  • Yearbooks! If you’d like to order a yearbook for your child, please use this link. Yearbooks cost $22 and will be distributed at the end of the school year. 

7:10 PM: TPES Career Day (Kaitlin Caruso)

  • Career Day will take place at TPES on May 29, 2024 from 9:30 to 11:20 am
  • No matter what you do – banker, nurse, architect, dentist, police officer, lawyer, military, computer engineer, bus driver, or doctor – the children can learn about the world of work from you! So, if you, a relative, a neighbor, or a friend has a job that you love to talk about and share with others, being a Career Day speaker would be a perfect fit!
  • Volunteering does not guarantee that you will be called on to present. We will do our best to make sure we get a wide variety of careers to showcase to our students. If you are selected, you are committing to stay the entire morning session and present to 3 different classes. Each presentation will last 30 minutes (20 minutes of talking, 10 minutes of Q&A with students).  
  • If you are interested in being a Career Day speaker or know someone who might be, please complete the interest form before April 26, 2024!
  • If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Althofer at Max_P_Althofer@mcpsmd.org or Mrs. Ampofo at Charlotte_Ampofo@mcpsmd.org.  

7:15 PM: Kaysi-Ann Webley,  (Special Projects Coordinator – City of Takoma Park)

  • Presentation on  Earth Day/Free Bike Repairs/Bike Month/Spring Safe Routes Survey 
  • Funds from TKPK 5K to TPES and PBES $661.02 for each school
  • Parent Surveys: 
    • PINEY BRANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL URL: http://www.saferoutesdata.org/surveyformparent.cfm?key=6693730 
    • TAKOMA PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL URL: http://www.saferoutesdata.org/surveyformparent.cfm?key=2690359

Presentation:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ELjncL0W2DlS38Egur6KRVgbLjizdiu8/edit#slide=id.p1

7:25 PM: Koko Lawrence and Ashley van Norden (PBES Special Educators)

  • Understanding Neurodiversity and how to support at neurodivergent kids at school and at home  

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGBvweeHeY/uC_bDnW8zLOlt1ykQ4XCDw/edit?utm_content=DAGBvweeHeY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Resources: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17o8tpP2M8t-In1BtAkcwA5X1zAbRQKMwH57CR8cxdsw/edit#slide=id.p

7:40 PM: Q & A

Q&A – Koko and Ashley’s presentation

Q: Does the school offer testing?

A: Yes, if we go through child find and determine impact, with consent, can be tested. We have a school psychologist for assessments. Parents can also seek outside specialists.

Q: Can you talk about the 2 E (Twice Exceptional) program options for students with that diagnosis.

A: There are special educations services so students can receive pull out intervention, some receive in class support. No specific programming outside tailoring.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/enriched/gtld/

Q: What is the timeframe between when a family enters the child find process and when they ultimately receive supports (if required)

A:  About 90 days.

Q: Is there any education being provided to the students to normalize neurodivergency?

A: Educators and classrooms have been intentional about embracing normalizing differences and providing accommodations such as different seating types, etc.

Q: I know this presentation was specific to PB, I’m wondering if TPES has similar accommodations?

A: All processes are same for MCPS.

7:50 PM: Budget Updates

Amy Swift, TPES PTA Treasurer

Rachael Pierotti, PBES PTA Treasurer

Q: What happens to any money left over at end of year

A: Rolls over and will get applied to next year’s budget.

7:58 PM: THANK YOU

Ingrid Gardiner,  PBES PTA President

  • Reminder that next meeting will be on May 7 @ 7 PM 

REQUEST: If anyone is able or knows anyone willing to be a translator, please reach out. We would like to provide translation and have not been able to for the last few meetings.

PTA Suggestion Box:

Please share comments and ideas for meeting topics:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffIWOOmTZloAzFJHnvKrJiRaD-hNiRRt-18VfwFjZyZgWTmg/viewform



April 15 Dolphin Digest – TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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In this issue: 

  1. April PTA Meeting Minutes Now Available
  2. TPES PTA Book Fair THIS WEEK with Bookworm Central: April 15-19
  3. Spring Individual & Class Pictures: April 18th & 19th
  4. Asynchronous Learning Day for Students: April 22 
  5. National Take Your Child to Work Day: Thursday, April 25
  6. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm 
  7. TPES/PBES Rainbow Club: April 28, 12-2pm @ Loft Collective
  8. Seeking Gifts/Donations for Teacher AppreciationRaffle: May 6-10
  9. TPES Art Show: Thursday, May 23
  10. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29, 2024
  11. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting-May 30, 2024 at 7 p.m.
  12. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Now Open
  13. Pedestrian Safety Art Contest
  14. Upcoming TPES Events 
  1. April PTA Meeting Minutes Now Available

The April PTA meeting minutes are now available here and on our website and includes announcements and important dates, TPES Career day, Earth Day/Free Bike Repairs/Bike Month/Spring Safe Routes Survey, and presentation by PBES special education teachers on neurodiversity .

  1. TPES PTA Book Fair THIS WEEK with Bookworm Central: April 15-19

All students will visit the Book Fair in Room 500 with their classes.

  • School Day Shopping: Here’s the class visit schedule.
  • Evening Hours:  The fair is open Tuesday and Thursday 5:00-7:00pm for families to visit. Tuesday – Pajama Night! Thursday – Dress as your favorite book character! Kush Food Truck will be serving up yummy food outside.
  • eWallet: Visit https://www.bookwormcentral.com/ to set up your child’s eWallet so you don’t need to send cash with your child (though we accept cash, too!).  Please note that the eWallet will not work unless you see “STATUS:  Card on File.”  That means that the credit card successfully linked to your child’s eWallet.  Volunteers can look up eWallets so do not worry if you forget to print it.
  • Build a teacher’s classroom library: “Wish list” folders are located at the book fair entrance. If you can’t make it in person, send a note with your child and we’ll help them purchase an item their teacher will appreciate.
  • Online fair: For at-home shopping and a much wider selection, including for all-ages, shop our online fair open until June.
  • Volunteering: Shifts remain! Sign up online.

Questions? Email bookfair@tpespta.net.

  1. Spring Individual & Class Pictures: April 18th & 19th

 Freed Studios will be at TPES to take Individual and class pictures on April 18th & 19th (Thursday & Friday). Check your child’s take home folder for an order form and for more information.

  1. Asynchronous Learning Day for Students: April 22 

Students will not come to school on April 22, 2024. Instead, students will have a “work from home” day. They will be provided school work, online and in paper form to be completed on that day. Students will be provided packets of school work that will also be available on MyMCPS Classroom. Attendance for school will be taken based on the work turned in to the teacher. Students who do not turn in work will be marked absent that day. All work must be turned in by May 6, 2024. The staff will be engaging in professional development on that day but there will be a small number of staff available to answer questions and help with computer challenges.

  1. National Take Your Child to Work Day: Thursday, April 25

If you will be taking your child/children to work with you, please provide a note or email Mrs. Hottel-Cox at Anne_M_Hottel-Cox@mcpsmd.org, our attendance secretary, prior to the absence from school and it will be excused.

  1. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm 

Come cheer on D.C. United on MCPS Night as they take on the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm.  Takoma Park Elementary School will have its own section. A portion of the ticket sales go to support the TPES PTA so we can continue to offer support to the school. Tickets for the TPES section can be purchased here:  https://fevo-enterprise.com/Takomapark5  Go D.C. United and TPES Dolphins!

  1. TPES/PBES Rainbow Club: April 28, 12-2pm @ Loft Collective

The joint TPES/PBES Rainbow Club is having our spring meet-up on April 28th from 12-2 at The Loft. Email rainbowclubtkpk@gmail.com for more information.

  1. Seeking Gifts/Donations for Teacher AppreciationRaffle: May 6-10

We are seeking gifts to raffled off to teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. Some ideas include giving time for pet sitting, a homemade casserole, your favorite cookie recipe, gift cards, gift certificates, etc.  Gifts in any amount are appreciated and welcomed! Please reach out to Betsy to let her know what you can contribute: esthergarcete@gmail.com

  1. TPES Art Show: Thursday, May 23

 Our school Art Show is May 23rd! The Art Show Team is seeking parent volunteers to help hang art in our halls from May 13th through May 22nd! Keep an eye out for our sign-up sheet coming out soon from Ms. Kelley.

  1. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29, 2024

No matter what you do – banker, nurse, architect, dentist, police officer, lawyer, military, computer engineer, bus driver, or doctor – the children can learn about the world of work from you! So, if you, a relative, a neighbor, or a friend has a job that you love to talk about and share with others, being a Career Day speaker would be a perfect fit!

Volunteering does not guarantee that you will be called on to present. We will do our best to make sure we get a wide variety of careers to showcase to our students. If you are selected, you are committing to stay the entire morning session and present to 3 different classes. Each presentation will last 30 minutes (20 minutes of talking, 10 minutes of Q&A with students).

If you are interested in being a Career Day speaker or know someone who might be, please complete the interest form before April 26, 2024!

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Althofer at Max_P_Althofer@mcpsmd.org or Mrs. Ampofo at Charlotte_Ampofo@mcpsmd.org.

  1. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting-May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

The staff of Takoma Park Elementary School will host an incoming kindergarten parent meeting on May 30, 2024. The meeting will be held virtually and will include interpreters for Spanish and Amharic.

  1. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Now Open

Kindergarten online registration is now open. For information regarding kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-25 school year, including important documents needed to register, please visit the MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/enroll/kindergarten/).

If you have any questions or would like more information on how to enroll at Takoma Park Elementary School, please call 240-740-0980 or email Ms. Hottel-Cox at anne_m_hottel-cox@mcpsmd.org.

  1. Pedestrian Safety Art Contest

The Montgomery County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program has launched our annual Pedestrian Safety Art Contest for all elementary school (private & public) students in Montgomery County. The purpose of the contest is to have students use their creativity to educate themselves and others about the importance of walking safely. Not only is it important for students to go to school, but they MUST get there safely.

  1. Upcoming TPES Events 

April 15-19: TPES Book Central Book Fair

April 18-19: Spring Individual & Class Pictures

April 22: Asynchronous Learning/Snow Make Up Day

April 25: National Take Your Child to Work Day

April 27, 7:30pm: DC United Game Fundraiser

May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 7: May PTA Meeting

May 23: TPES Art Show

May 29: Career Day

May 30, 7pm: Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

April 8, 2024 Dolphin Digest – TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

/in /by
In this issue: 
1. April PTA Meeting New Date: April 9th, 7-8pm
2. Please Submit Your Read-a-thon Pledges
3. Reminder: No School for Students on Wednesday, April 10
4. Volunteers Needed for TPES PTA Book Fair with Bookworm Central: April 15-19
5. Asynchronous Learning Day for Students on April 22
6. SAVE THE DATE-Second Grade Musical Performance: April 25, 7pm
7. Teacher Appreciation Committee Seeking Gifts/Donations for Teacher Raffle
8. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29, 2024
9. STEM Night Feedback
10. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Now Open
11. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm
12. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting-May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
13. Pedestrian Safety Art Contest
14. Upcoming TPES Events
1. April PTA Meeting New Date: April 9th, 7-8pm
The April PTA meeting will take place tomorrow, April 9th, 7-8pm via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent the afternoon of the meeting.
2. Please Submit Your Read-a-thon Pledges 
Read-a-thon pledges were due April 8 but we’d never turn away your donations! 🙂 Pledges support all PTA programs, and the Read-a-thon historically has been one of the TPES PTA’s most important fundraisers!
You can submit pledges via PayPal here:  https://tpespta.net/read-a-thon/
Or you can make a check payable to TPES PTA and put it in your child’s Dolphin Folder or mail it to TPES PTA at 7511 Holly Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912.
3. Reminder: No School for Students on Wednesday, April 10.
 
4. Volunteers Needed for TPES PTA Book Fair with Bookworm Central: April 15-19
The book fair is ONE WEEK away and we still have MANY volunteer openings. Please consider signing up here. This will be our first time supporting Northern Virginia-based Bookworm Central rather than Scholastic and want to make it a huge success! .

Evening Book Fair Hours: The Book Fair will be open for evening shopping hours from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on the following dates:

Tuesday, 4/16:  Pajama Night!  Come dressed in your coziest pajamas for some book shopping.

Thursday, 4/18:  Dress as Your Favorite Book Character!  Celebrate a love of reading by dressing as a favorite book character while you shop (No masks, weapons, etc.).

PTA Donations for Book Purchases: The PTA is committed to ensuring that every child can shop for a book during the book fair.  If you are interested in donating to help the PTA fund books for our TPES community, please donate here and note in the Comments that the donation is toward book fair vouchers.

Teacher Wishlists: Teachers will have a chance to prepare lists of books that they would like for their classroom during Preview Day on 4/12.  Parents can purchase those books for classroom and specials teachers during either the on-site book fair or at our online book fair.

Online Book Fair: Our online book fair will remain open through the school year.  There are books for all ages available at the online fair.  TPES PTA receives 15% of the proceeds for books purchased through the online fair.  https://www.bookwormcentral.com/TakomaPark

Please contact Claire Dean and Lesley Perry at bookfair@tpespta.net.  Happy Reading!
 
5. Asynchronous Learning Day for Students on April 22 

On April 22, students will engage in a day of asynchronous learning. Additional information that is specific to each grade level will be provided soon. Each grade level will provide both a paper copy of the work, as well as an electronic copy that can be completed on the computer.

Teachers will be providing four hours’ worth of student work which is current to what they are doing in class. Your child/children will have 10 days to complete the work, and attendance for April 22 will be dependent on your child’s completion of that work.

 
6. SAVE THE DATE Second Grade Musical Performance: April 25, 7pm
 The second grade musical performance will take place at 7:00 p.m. on April 25th at Takoma Park Middle School. Please use this link to access the flyer.

7. Teacher Appreciation Committee Seeking Gifts/Donations for Teacher Raffle

We are seeking gifts to raffled off to teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. Some ideas include giving time for pet sitting, a homemade casserole, your favorite cookie recipe, gift cards, gift certificates, etc.  Gifts in any amount are appreciated and welcomed! Please reach out to Betsy to let her know what you can contribute: esthergarcete@gmail.com
8. Career Day Volunteers Needed: May 29, 2024

No matter what you do – banker, nurse, architect, dentist, police officer, lawyer, military, computer engineer, bus driver, or doctor – the children can learn about the world of work from you! So, if you, a relative, a neighbor, or a friend has a job that you love to talk about and share with others, being a Career Day speaker would be a perfect fit!

Volunteering does not guarantee that you will be called on to present. We will do our best to make sure we get a wide variety of careers to showcase to our students. If you are selected, you are committing to stay the entire morning session and present to 3 different classes. Each presentation will last 30 minutes (20 minutes of talking, 10 minutes of Q&A with students).

If you are interested in being a Career Day speaker or know someone who might be, please complete the interest form before April 26, 2024!
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Althofer at Max_P_Althofer@mcpsmd.org or Mrs. Ampofo at Charlotte_Ampofo@mcpsmd.org.

9. STEM Night Feedback

Did you come to STEM Night? If so, we’d love your feedback. Please fill out this form to share your thoughts.

10. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Now Open

Kindergarten online registration is now open. For information regarding kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-25 school year, including important documents needed to register, please visit the MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/enroll/kindergarten/).

If you have any questions or would like more information on how to enroll at Takoma Park Elementary School, please call 240-740-0980 or email Ms. Hottel-Cox at anne_m_hottel-cox@mcpsmd.org.

11. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm 

Come cheer on D.C. United on MCPS Night as they take on the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm.  Takoma Park Elementary School will have its own section. A portion of the ticket sales go to support the TPES PTA so we can continue to offer support to the school. Tickets for the TPES section can be purchased here:  https://fevo-enterprise.com/Takomapark5  Go D.C. United and TPES Dolphins!

12. Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting-May 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

The staff of Takoma Park Elementary School will host an incoming kindergarten parent meeting on May 30, 2024. The meeting will be held virtually and will include interpreters for Spanish and Amharic.

13. Pedestrian Safety Art Contest

The Montgomery County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program has launched our annual Pedestrian Safety Art Contest for all elementary school (private & public) students in Montgomery County. The purpose of the contest is to have students use their creativity to educate themselves and others about the importance of walking safely. Not only is it important for students to go to school, but they MUST get there safely.

14. Upcoming TPES Events 

April 9: PTA Meeting
April 10: No School, Grading and Planning for Teachers/End of Quarter 3
April 15-19: TPES Book Central Book Fair
April 22: Asynchronous Learning/Snow Make Up Day
April 25: 2nd Grade Musical @ TPMS
April 27, 7:30pm: DC United Game Fundraiser
May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 29: Career Day
May 30, 7pm: Incoming Kindergarten Parent Meeting
 
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

April 1, 2024 Dolphin Digest – TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

/in /by
In this issue: 
1. April PTA Meeting New Date: April 9th, 7-8pm
2. Read-a-thon 2024 Results
3. TPES PTA Book Fair with Bookworm Central
4. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Now Open

5. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm
6. Still Seeking Volunteers to Join Teacher Appreciation Committee
7. Upcoming TPES Events

1. April PTA Meeting New Date: April 9th, 7-8pm
The April PTA meeting has been moved from April 2nd to April 9th due to the former date being the day students return from spring break.
2. Please Submit Your Read-a-thon Pledges 
Read-a-thon pledges are due by April 8. Pledges support all PTA programs, and the Read-a-thon historically has been one of the TPES PTA’s most important fundraisers!
You can submit pledges via PayPal here:  https://tpespta.net/read-a-thon/

Or you can make a check payable to TPES PTA and put it in your child’s Dolphin Folder or mail it to TPES PTA at 7511 Holly Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Amanda Wagner: helloamandawagner@gmail.com
3. TPES PTA Book Fair with Bookworm Central is This Month!
The TPES PTA will host an on-site book fair with Northern Virginia-based Bookworm Central from April 15 – April 19.  Students will get a chance to shop with their classes.  There will also be an opportunity for evening shopping – date to be announced soon.  Students and teachers will have an opportunity to browse the fair’s selection on Friday, April 12 at Preview Day. Caregivers are able to create an e-wallet with Bookworm Central for their children to shop during the fair (instructions attached).  If you are able to volunteer to help out with the book fair, please contact Claire Dean and Lesley Perry at bookfair@tpespta.net.  Happy Reading!
 
4. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Now Open

Kindergarten online registration is now open. For information regarding kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-25 school year, including important documents needed to register, please visit the MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/enroll/kindergarten/).

If you have any questions or would like more information on how to enroll at Takoma Park Elementary School, please call 240-740-0980 or email Ms. Hottel-Cox at anne_m_hottel-cox@mcpsmd.org.

5. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm 

Come cheer on D.C. United on MCPS Night as they take on the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm.  Takoma Park Elementary School will have its own section. A portion of the ticket sales go to support the TPES PTA so we can continue to offer support to the school. Tickets for the TPES section can be purchased here:  https://fevo-enterprise.com/Takomapark5  Go D.C. United and TPES Dolphins!
6. Still Seeking Volunteers to Join Teacher Appreciation Committee 
We are still in need of a co-chair and/or volunteers to help plan and implement Teacher Appreciation Week which will be the first full week of May (May 6 -10). Detailed notes from last year’s committee are available so you don’t need to start from scratch! Thanks to parent, Betsy Garcete, for chairing this committee this year, but she can’t plan Teacher Appreciation Week on her own! Please reach out to Betsy with interest and questions! esthergarcete@gmail.com

7. Upcoming TPES Events 

April 9: PTA Meeting
April 10: No School, Grading and Planning for Teachers/End of Quarter 3
April 15-19: TPES Book Central Book Fair
April 22: Asynchronous Learning/Snow Make Up Day
April 27, 7:30pm: DC United Game Fundraiser
 
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም