February 12, 2024 TPES PTA Dolphin Digest

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1. February PTA Meeting Minutes Now Available 
Our February joint-PTA meeting minutes are  available here, including notes from Mr. Althofer’s presentation on our school’s Zones of Regulation curriculum for social-emotional learning during their counseling special.
2. TPES/PBES Black History Night Celebration: February 29, 7-8pm

February is Black History Month! The Black History Night event will take place on Thursday February 29 from 7 to 8:00 PM at PBES, cosponsored by the TPES and PBES PTAs. Expect live interactive performances, refreshments, and engaging art activities. Students and their families/caregivers are welcome! More details to be provided in the coming weeks.

3. Seeking Volunteers to Join Teacher Appreciation Committee 
Our PTA is 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
 
4. TPES Read-a-thon is coming soon and NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: February 19-March 15 
The Read-a-thon is one of our PTA’s most important fundraisers, where students will read to raise funds for the PTA. Like in a charity marathon where runners are “sponsored” for every mile they run, students will collect pledges for the time that they read. It’s a lot of fun! The students get very excited to read and set reading goals. Volunteer roles only take a few hours and many can be done from home! We will need volunteers to staff the book give-away, tally minutes read, and organize teacher thank-you events. You can sign up to volunteer on this linked spreadsheet. Please contact Amanda Wagner (helloamandawagner@gmail.com) for more information.

5. Valentine’s Day This Wednesday @ TPES

When sending valentines in with your child, be sure there is a valentine for every child in the homeroom class. Unfortunately, students without a full set will not be permitted to pass out valentines. This is being done to safeguard the emotional health of our children. Reach out to your teacher if you don’t know how many students are in the class for the Valentine’s Day card exchange.
 
6. Yearbook Ordering is Now Open
If you’d like to order a year book for your child, please use this link. Yearbooks cost $22 and will be distributed at the end of the school year.

7. Gifted and Talented Screening and Parent Input Form for Second Graders
Second Grade Families: Remember to fill out the Parent Input Form for the gifted and talented screening process by Thursday, February 29!

Link to survey: https://bit.ly/GT-parent-input Parents/Guardians must use their student’s MCPS google account credentials to sign in (studentid@mcpsmd.net). Most students know their passwords.


8. Updated Lice Protocol from the Office of the School System Medical Officer
If the student is identified with a lice infestation, the student’s parent/guardian will be notified and what treatment is needed. The health staff will review information contained in the Lice Treatment Letter (L-8) with the family.

  • Students may remain in school until the end of the day the infestation is identified.
  • They must be treated before returning to school.
  • Upon Return to School: The student should report to the health room accompanied by the parent/guardian. Health room staff will evaluate the student’s scalp and confirm with the family treatment has been initiated.
  • Follow-up – Seven to ten days after the initial treatment of a lice infestation, health room staff will send the Lice Retreat/Reinspection Letter (L-9) to parents/guardians advising the parents to re-inspect their child and retreat if necessary, according to the pediculicide treatment instructions
9. Upcoming TPES Events 
February 14: Valentine’s Day
February 19: No School – President’s Day
February 19-March 15: TPES Read-a-thon
February 29: TPES/PBES Black History Night Celebration @ PBES 7-8pm
February 29: Deadline for 2nd grade Families to Submit G/T Parent Input Form

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February 5, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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February PTA Meeting Tomorrow: Tuesday, February 6, 7-8pm
Our February joint-PTA meeting will take place via Zoom tomorrow evening! Hear about our Black History Month celebration. Also, Mr. Althofer, TPES Guidance Counselor will join us to discuss the Zones of Regulation curriculum. Zoom link will be sent Tuesday afternoon via email.
Support a TPES Family During a Time of Crisis
On behalf of a dear kindergarten student at TPES and his family, Ms. Paz has created a GoFundMe page. His mother, 26 year old María, passed suddenly from complications due to her leukemia. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the cause, Ms. María Vicente Chan’s children chaperoned by Ms. Paz returned her to Guatemala for burial. The medical and funeral expenses unfortunately still linger and any further contributions are enormously appreciated. Click here to contribute to the GoFundMe.
TPES Read-a-thon is coming soon and NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: February 19-March 15 
The Read-a-thon is one of our PTA’s most significant fundraisers, where students will read to raise funds for the PTA. Like in a charity marathon where runners are “sponsored” for every mile they run, students will collect pledges for the time that they read. It’s a lot of fun! The students get very excited to read and set reading goals. Volunteer roles only take a few hours and many can be done from home! We will need volunteers to staff the book give-away, tally minutes read, and organize teacher thank-you events. You can sign up to volunteer on thislinked spreadsheet. Please contact Amanda Wagner (helloamandawagner@gmail.com) for more information.
Valentine’s Day
When sending valentines in with your child, be sure there is a valentine for every child in the homeroom class. Unfortunately, students without a full set will not be permitted to pass out valentines. This is being done to safeguard the emotional health of our children. Teachers will be sending home class lists in the coming weeks in preparation for the Valentine’s Day card exchange.
Yearbook Ordering is Now Open
If you’d like to order a year book for your child, please use this link. Yearbooks cost $22 and will be distributed at the end of the school year.
Lost and Found
TPES Lost and Found was organized last week, and it’s waiting for you to come claim your child’s belongings! Most coats are now hanging on a coat rack, while there are three (large and overflowing) boxes of sweatshirts, sweaters, fleeces and lunch boxes. There is another separate box of water bottles and finally, a box of hats, gloves and scarves. Everything is located in the atrium (pictures attached for reference). We ask that if your child has lost something this year, to please come look for it, as there are a significant number of items. Please remember your ID when you come to school so that you may get in.
Does Your Child Have Extra Pants in Their School Cubby? 
Please send in labeled pants with your child to stay in their cubby in case a change of clothing is needed. Most children only have shorts from the beginning of the year as their change of clothes.
Nurse Seeking Donations of New/Excellent Condition Pants (Sizes 4-10) 
Please consider sending in an extra pair of pants for the nurse’s office. Not only do bathroom accidents happen, children need to change their pants if they fall in the mud/wet grass, spills in the cafeteria, etc. As a Pre K-2 school, we have lots of change of clothing needs!
Share Your Input on the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program
Take this five-minutesurveyto share your feedback on the MCPS and Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program.
Inclement Weather Communication and Make-up Days Feedback
Please provide your feedbackon communication around inclement weather that may impact school operations. MCPS would also like to hear your preferences on how MCPS approaches inclement weather make-up days.
Tell MCPS What You Think About the Food
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) is collecting feedback on what you want to see on school menus. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. Survey results will directly impact menu development.
National School Counseling Week: February 5-9
National School Counseling Week 2024 will be celebrated February 5-9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. Consider sharing a note with our counselors, Mr. Altholfer and Ms. Ampofo, about how they impact you and your student’s life!
Green School Recertifcation atTPES: Bring in dried-up markers and used-up glue sticks
There are 2 boxes in the Atrium, one for dried-up markers and one for used-up glue sticks. Please send your used items in with your child! We will send them to be recycled once the boxes are full! Let’s see how many pounds of plastics we can prevent from going into our landfills!
UpcomingTPESEvents 
February 5-9: National School Counseling Week
February 6: Joint PTA Meeting
February 14: Valentine’s Day
February 19: No School – President’s Day
February 19-March 15: TPES Read-a-thon
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January 29, 2024: Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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Learning Resources and Dreambox
Dr Gadsden’s newsletter yesterday highlighted several resources provided by MCPS here. Most students have likely completed their mid year MAP-M and DIBELS, and teachers will likely share your child’s report in the coming weeks (and will become available on ParentVue). As you review your child’s progress, it’s a good time to remember that our PTA paid for free Dreambox subscriptions for each student in K-3 to practice math at school and home! If you don’t know how to login, ask your teacher!
Book Sorting Volunteers  Still Needed: Wednesday, January 31, 4-5pm
Great news! PBES will receive a large donation of books (over 1,000!) on January 31st. PBES and TPES will split these books for the schools’ read-a-thon giveaways. We are seeking 10 volunteers to help us sort the books on Wednesday, January 31st at 4pm. If you can help for an hour, please sign up here. The TPES PTA very much appreciates the many excellent books already donated. We will continue to accept additional book donations at 7301 Takoma Ave. If we have enough, kids can take home 2 books or we will save some for next year.
Does Your Child Have Extra Pants in Their School Cubby? 
Please send in labeled pants with your child to stay in their cubby in case a change of clothing is needed. Most children only have shorts from the beginning of the year as their change of clothes.
Consider Wearing Boots for Recess
Your child may have reported that if they have snow boots they will be permitted to on the unplowed/unshoveled/muddy playground areas. Students in crocs/canvas shoes/dress shoes will be asked to stay on the blacktop when they go out so they stay dry! Wet shoes for the rest of the day is pretty miserable.
Nurse Seeking Donations of New or Excellent Condition Pants (Sizes 4-10) 
Please consider sending in an extra pair of pants for the nurse’s office. Not only do bathroom accidents happen, children need to change their pants if they fall in the mud/wet grass, spills in the cafeteria, etc. As a Pre K-2 school, we have lots of change of clothing needs!
 
Support a TPES Family During a Time of Crisis
On behalf of a dear kindergarten student at TPES and his family, Ms. Paz has created a GoFundMe page. His mother, 26 year old Maria, passed suddenly from complications due to her leukemia. There are many medical expenses and the sudden death has complicated the family’s finances. Help is needed to pay for the hospital and funeral expenses, as well as continued care for the Kindergartner. Any contribution will be enormously appreciated. Click here to contribute to the GoFundMe. 
 
Meal Train to Support a TPES Family in Crisis
Please consider signing up for a meal train to support this kindergarten student. There are no dietary restrictions. The meal can be delivered to Ms. Paz at TPES’s front office for the day you sign up. Please consider using a container that does not need to be returned like a disposable aluminum foil pan. Please provide a note (in Spanish preferred) of how to prepare. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Paz. Click here to sign up for the meal train.

PTA Working Group on Smartphones: Tuesday, January 30, 8-9PM
Did you get excited about the Wait Until Eighth campaign introduced at our October PTA meeting? A follow-up working group is meeting next week! Here’s the meeting link. Please contact Amber (amber.rieke@gmail.com) with any questions.
Provide MCPS Feedback on Inclement Weather Makeup Days 
Did you know we’ve already used up our snow days? Complete this survey to provide feedback on when you’d like the makeup days to take place.
 
Green School Recertifcation at TPES: Bring in dried-up markers and used-up glue sticks
There are 2 boxes in the Atrium, one for dried-up markers and one for used-up glue sticks. Please send your used items in with your child! We will send them to be recycled once the boxes are full! Let’s see how many pounds of plastics we can prevent from going into our landfills!
Upcoming TPES Events 
January 30: TPES PTA Working Group on Smartphones
February 6: Joint PTA Meeting

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January 22, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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Reminder: NO SCHOOL Next Week: Monday, January 29th!

TPES/PBES PTA Meeting Minutes
Meeting minutes from our PTA Meeting held last week on January 18th, are now available at our website and by clicking here.  While the slide deck that Ms. Oberdorf and Ms. Hollis presented are linked in the minutes, you may also find a shortcut here.

Support a TPES Family During a Time of Crisis
On behalf of a dear kindergarten student at TPES and his family, Ms. Paz has created a GoFundMe page. His mother, 26 year old Maria, passed suddenly from complications due to her leukemia. There are many medical expenses and the sudden death has complicated the family’s finances. Help is needed to pay for the hospital and funeral expenses, as well as continued care for the Kindergartner. Any contribution will be enormously appreciated. Click here to contribute to the GoFundMe.

Meal Train to Support a TPES Family in Crisis
Please consider signing up for a meal train to support this kindergarten student. There are no dietary restrictions. The meal can be delivered to Ms. Paz at TPES’s front office for the day you sign up. Please consider using a container that does not need to be returned like a disposable aluminum foil pan. Please provide a note (in Spanish preferred) of how to prepare. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Paz. Click here to sign up for the meal train.

PTA Working Group on Smartphones: Tuesday, January 30, 8-9PM
Did you get excited about the Wait Until Eighth campaign introduced at our October PTA meeting? A follow-up working group is meeting next week! Here’s the meeting link. Please contact Amber (amber.rieke@gmail.com) with any questions.

Next Food Forest and Gardening PTA Committee on Wednesday, January 24th 8-9PM
We have some great updates to share! Agenda includes planting in the spring, Spring Gardening Club update; and Green School recertification. Please email Erin Mohan mohan.erin.m@gmail.com for the Google Meet link.

Seeking Book Donations and Read-a-thon Co-Chairs
Like last year, we will kick off the 2024 Read-a-thon with a book giveaway! Each student will get to pick out a free book to jump-start their reading adventures. We are seeking donations of lightly-used books suitable for grades K-2. Because each child will receive a book, we need LOTS! If you have book donations, please reach out to Amanda Wagner (helloamandawagner@gmail.com). If you’d like to hear more about parent volunteer opportunities during the Read-a-thon or if you’d be interested in co-Chairing this event, please reach out about this as well!

Green School Recertifcation at TPES: Bring in dried-up markers and used-up glue sticks
There are 2 boxes in the Atrium, one for dried-up markers and one for used-up glue sticks. Please send your used items in with your child! We will send them to be recycled once the boxes are full! Let’s see how many pounds of plastics we can prevent from going into our landfills!

Kindness Day 2024: Saturday January 27 from 10:30-1pm at Piney Branch ES.  
In honor of Tommy Haskins, Small Things Matter is organizing its second annual Kindness Day. TPES PTA will have a table to invite families to write valentines to teachers and staff. There will be many other organizations and activities to spread kindness to the community!

Obeying Traffic Laws
Cars and trucks CANNOT go down the bus loop,(entering from Holly Avenue). If you find yourself going downhill through the bus loop, past the school (on your left), you are driving unlawfully. Vehicles should only be going uphill (entering from Philadelphia Avenue) with the school on the right. It is unsafe for drivers and pedestrians when drivers drive unlawfully. Please keep in mind, the bus loop is only to be used by school buses from the hours of 9:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Proper Dress for the Weather
Please be sure your child is dressed properly for the weather. At this time of the year, children should have a coat or jacket when coming to school. If there is an emergency and the school is evacuated, your child may be uncomfortable standing outside for extended periods without a coat. A coat worn to school will be required for recess, emergency evacuations and dismissal. The adults on staff will make the determination if and when jackets can be removed. If your child needs a coat, please let us know.

NEW Amharic TPES Parents WhatsApp Group
Thanks to our parent volunteer, Alfia Ali, we have an active Amharic-language WhatsApp group for TPES parents. Help us spread the word!

Advice on Lice
Each week, we’ll feature one of the many tips that Dr. Gadsden highlighted in her newsletter to help remind our community that we all need to be vigilant!
TIP #4: Check hair and scalp regularly: Examine the hair and scalp of all family members regularly throughout the year. This means all adults and children living in the same house. In addition to regular checks, you should check your child right away if you see them scratching their scalp, ears or neck. Early detection is key!

Upcoming TPES Events
January 24: Food Forest and Gardening Committee Meeting, 8-9PM
January 26: End of Quarter 2
January 29: No School
January 30: TPES PTA Working Group on Smartphones

Upcoming Community Events
January 26: Blair HS STEM Night for K-5
January 27: Kindness Day in honor of Tommy Raskins, kindness stations at Piney Branch ES, 10:30-1pm
January 27: Takoma Woods Cleanup (Rescheduled from MLK Day), 10-12pm

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January 15, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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TPES/PBES PTA Meeting This Thursday, January 18, 2024, 7-8pm via Zoom (link will be sent the day of the meeting)
Our meeting last week was postponed due to the potential of power and internet outages. Agenda includes: 1) Upcoming dates and announcements; 2) Update about Black History Month events; 3) Presentations by Dr. Gadsden (Principal of TPES) and Ms. Oberdorf (Principal of PBES) on protocol and processes for virtual school in the case of inclement weather; 4) Q&A

Next Food Forest and Gardening PTA Committee on Wednesday, January 24th 8-9PM
We have some great updates to share! Agenda includes planting in the spring, Spring Gardening Club update; and Green School recertification. Please email Erin Mohan mohan.erin.m@gmail.com for the Google Meet link.

Green School Recertifcation at TPES: Bring in dried-up markers and used-up glue sticks
There are 2 boxes in the Atrium, one for dried-up markers and one for used-up glue sticks. Please send your used items in with your child! We will send them to be recycled once the boxes are full! Let’s see how many pounds of plastics we can prevent from going into our landfills!

Seeking Book Donations and Read-a-thon Co-Chairs 
Like last year, we will kick off the 2024 Read-a-thon with a book giveaway! Each student will get to pick out a free book to jump-start their reading adventures. We are seeking donations of lightly-used books suitable for grades K-2. Because each child will receive a book, we need LOTS! If you have book donations, please reach out to Amanda Wagner (helloamandawagner@gmail.com). 

If you’d like to hear more about parent volunteer opportunities during the Read-a-thon or if you’d be interested in co-Chairing this event, please reach out about this as well!

Volunteers Needed to Coordinate TPES/PBES Soccer Spring Event
This spring the TPES and PBES PTAs hope to hold a soccer game event to bring together our school community and potentially raise money for the various programs that the PTA supports. In the pre-COVID era, this event was a basketball game, but there have been calls for a soccer game instead. If you are interested in helping to make this happen, please reach out to Kaitlin Caruso (president@tpespta.net) 
Obeying Traffic Laws
Cars and trucks CANNOT go down the bus loop,(entering from Holly Avenue). If you find yourself going downhill through the bus loop, past the school (on your left), you are driving unlawfully. Vehicles should only be going uphill (entering from Philadelphia Avenue) with the school on the right. It is unsafe for drivers and pedestrians when drivers drive unlawfully. Please keep in mind, the bus loop is only to be used by school buses from the hours of 9:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Proper Dress for the Weather
Please be sure your child is dressed properly for the weather. At this time of the year, children should have a coat or jacket when coming to school. If there is an emergency and the school is evacuated, your child may be uncomfortable standing outside for extended periods without a coat. A coat worn to school will be required for recess, emergency evacuations and dismissal. The adults on staff will make the determination if and when jackets can be removed. If your child needs a coat, please let us know.

Upcoming Emergency Drills
In the coming weeks, we will have both a Drop, Cover and Hold and a Severe Weather Drill. The Drop, Cover and Hold Drill is designed to prepare for earthquakes while the Severe Weather Drill will prepare students for tornadoes.
MCPS Winter Parent Academy Workshops Now Available
Take advantage of virtual Parent Academy sessions this winter to stay informed and empowered as a partner and advocate for your student’s education. Parent Academy TO GO  workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children’s academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready.
Upcoming sessions and topics this month:
Managing Morning Mayhem and Bedtime Battles: Jan. 17, 6-7 p.m.
Online Safety Tips for Kids and Teens: Jan. 24, 6-7 p.m.
Visit the parent academy website for a full schedule and to register.
NEW Amharic TPES Parents WhatsApp Group
Thanks to our parent volunteer, Alfia Ali, we have an active Amharic-language WhatsApp group for TPES parents. Help us spread the word!
Advice on Lice
Each week, we’ll feature one of the many tips that Dr. Gadsden highlighted in her newsletter to help remind our community that we all need to be vigilant! 
TIP #3 Keep Hair in Tight Buns and Braids
Children with long hair are especially susceptible to getting head lice since head to head contact is the most common way lice is spread. Loose hair is more likely to come in contact with hair from another child or adult with an active case of head lice.
Keep in mind, 97% of head lice cases are spread through direct head to head contact. So the best way to prevent lice is to avoid close head contact with others, that includes selfies, sharing a pillow, whispering and hugging.
Upcoming TPES Events 
January 18: Rescheduled PTA Meeting
January 24: Food Forest and Gardening Committee Meeting, 8-9PM
January 26: End of Quarter 2
January 29: No School

Upcoming Community Events
January 26: Blair HS STEM Night for K-5
January 27: Kindness Day in honor of Tommy Raskins, kindness stations at Piney Branch ES, 10:30-1pm

January 8, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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TPES/PBES PTA Meeting TOMORROW,  Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 7-8pm via Zoom (link will be sent the day of the meeting)
Agenda includes: 1) Upcoming dates and announcements; 2) Update about Black History Month events; 3) Presentations by Dr. Gadsden (Principal of TPES) and Ms. Oberdorf (Principal of PBES) on protocol and processes for virtual school in the case of inclement weather; 4) Q&A

TPES Literacy Night This Thursday – January 11, 7-8:30PM
In addition to the wonderful programming by TPES staff, which will include literacy game stations and more, the TPES PTA volunteers will be available with laptops in Ms. Fahrenhold’s room (Media Center) to assist parents and caregivers with the following:

  • Complete the MCPS volunteer training so that you may participate in volunteer opportunities at the school.  This is a great chance to just knock out that training you’ve been meaning to do for so long!  Volunteer training certification lasts 3 years.  If you do not know your ParentVue account information, then TPES Staff will be available on-site during Literacy Night to locate your activation key so that you can create a ParentVue account.  ParentVue is an excellent resource for information on your child’s education through MCPS.
  • Sign up for access to MCPS Chromebooks at home to take advantage of Dreambox and Benchmark at-home programming and in the event of weather-related extended school closure.
  • Register for Little Scholars after-school enrichment by the January 12 deadline.
  • Sign up for the WhatsApp groups for Spanish and Amharic-speaking families.
  • Purchase TPES merchandise (hoodies, t-shirts, keychains, magnets, and water bottles).
  • Become a TPES PTA member (https://tpespta.net/).

Little Scholars Club Registration NOW OPEN until January 12, 8am
Registration is open! Click here to register! No late registrations accepted. The TPES PTA is funding scholarships and will review the applications and attempt to fund as many as possible on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply for a scholarship, click here.

In a change from the fall semester, Little Scholars’ classes will now be one hour in length (instead of 1.5 hours) from 4-5pm. If you have a child at PBES doing Little Scholars on the same day, there is an allowed grace period of 15 minutes to pick up between schools, though there will be a penalty if you arrive after 5:15pm to respect the instructors’ time.

If you have questions regarding pick up, drop off, or return to KA, please our PTA volunteer for after school programming, Emily McCarthy. If you’d like to speak directly with the rep at Little Scholars, please contact Nicole Brown at: nbrown@littlescholarsllc.com

Seeking Book Donations and Read-a-thon Co-Chairs 
Like last year, we will kick off the 2024 Read-a-thon with a book giveaway! Each student will get to pick out a free book to jump-start their reading adventures. We are seeking donations of lightly-used books suitable for grades K-2. Because each child will receive a book, we need LOTS! If you have book donations, please reach out to Amanda Wagner (helloamandawagner@gmail.com).

If you’d like to hear more about parent volunteer opportunities during the Read-a-thon or if you’d be interested in co-Chairing this event, please reach out about this as well!

Volunteers Needed to Coordinate TPES/PBES Soccer Spring Event
This spring the TPES and PBES PTAs hope to hold a soccer game event to bring together our school community and potentially raise money for the various programs that the PTA supports. In the pre-COVID era, this event was a basketball game, but there have been calls for a soccer game instead. If you are interested in helping to make this happen, please reach out to Kaitlin Caruso (president@tpespta.net)

Is Your Child Missing a Winter Coat?
The atrium is FULL of lost coats, hats, gloves, etc. Please stop by before or after school to visit our Lost & Found in the Atrium area. If you plan to come during school hours, please remember to bring your driver’s license to sign in.  Don’t forget to label your child’s belongings! Lost items will be donated at the end of the month.

NEW Amharic TPES Parents WhatsApp Group
Thanks to our parent volunteer, Alfia Ali, we have an active Amharic-language WhatsApp group for TPES parents. Help us spread the word! 

Request a Chromebook Today
Let’s avoid a last minute rush to secure a Chromebook for your child in case we have multiple weather-related closings. Even if you have a family or work device at home, you will likely prefer your child to have their own device on that snow day. Email your child’s teacher AND fill out this form.

Advice on Lice
Each week, we’ll feature one of the many tips that Dr. Gadsden highlighted in her newsletter to help remind our community that we all need to be vigilant!
TIP #2: Avoid ‘Community Piles’
If your child wears a jacket and hat to school, it’s best to put them in their backpack or cubby hook when they get to school. Avoid piling hats or scarves in piles in the classroom or at recess.

Upcoming TPES Events
January 9: PTA Meeting
January 11: TPES Literacy Night
January 15: No School
January 26: End of Quarter 2
January 29: No School

Upcoming Community Events
January 15: MLK Jr. Service Day: Takoma Woods Cleanup 10am-noon
January 26: Blair HS STEM Night for K-5
January 27: Kindness Day in honor of Tommy Raskins, kindness stations at Piney Branch ES, 10:30-1pm

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January 2, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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Happy New Year!!!

Next Joint TPES/PBES PTA Meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Please note the change of date since the first Tuesday of the month falls on the last day of winter break. 

Little Scholars Club Registration Open January 4, 8am – January 12, 8am
The winter season of Little Scholars will be opening this Wednesday! We recently shared parent feedback with Little Scholars regarding past experiences (both positive and negative) and are working closely with them to ensure improved programming with engaging instructors! No classes will be cancelled for low enrollment until after the registration deadline has ended and if a class is cancelled at that point, parents will be notified, reimbursed, and have the option to sign up for another class that is being offered even though the registration has closed.

In a change from the fall semester, Little Scholars’ classes will now be one hour in length (instead of 1.5 hours) from 4-5pm. If you have a child at PBES doing Little Scholars on the same day, there is an allowed grace period of 15 minutes to pick up between schools, though there will be a penalty if you arrive after 5:15pm to respect the instructors’ time. If you have questions regarding pick up, drop off, or return to KA, please our PTA volunteer for after school programming, Emily McCarthy.

No late registrations accepted. The TPES PTA is funding scholarships and will review the applications and attempt to fund as many as possible on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply for a scholarship, click here.

If you’d like to speak directly with the rep at Little Scholars, please contact Nicole Brown at: nbrown@littlescholarsllc.com.

NEW Amharic TPES Parents WhatsApp Group
Thanks to our parent volunteer, Alfia Ali, we have an active Amharic-language WhatsApp group for TPES parents. Help us spread the word!

Literacy Night – DATE CHANGED TO JANUARY 11
TPES Literacy Night is now in January! Apologies for the multiple reminders to save the date in December. More information to come from the school.

Volunteers Needed to Coordinate TPES/PBES Soccer Spring Event
This spring the TPES and PBES PTAs hope to hold a soccer game event to bring together our school community and potentially raise money for the various programs that the PTA supports. In the pre-COVID era, this event was a basketball game, but there have been calls for a soccer game instead. If you are interested in helping to make this happen, please reach out to Kaitlin Caruso (president@tpespta.net)

Request a Chromebook Today
Let’s avoid a last minute rush to secure a Chromebook for your child in case we have multiple weather-related closings. Even if you have a family or work device at home, you will likely prefer your child to have their own device on that “snow” day. Email your child’s teacher AND fill out this form.

Art Contest Opportunity to Design New EV Van Wrap
MCPS’ Division of Sustainability and Compliance/SERT (DSC) is holding a new art contest for a design of our new EV van. This is a great opportunity for students and/or staff to showcase their artistic/graphic design abilities.  Please spread the word.  For more information, click here. Deadline is February 2.

TPES PTA Listserve Etiquette
Please remember to only post TPES-community related events, information, questions, etc. on this list serve! Let’s all be mindful of each other’s inboxes! 🙂

Advice on Lice
Each week, we’ll feature one of the many tips that Dr. Gadsden highlighted in her newsletter to help remind our community that we all need to be vigilant!

TIP #1: Don’t Share Hats, Jackets or Scarves
It’s less common for lice to spread through clothing but it’s always a good idea to remind your child not to share hats or winter clothing that comes in contact with hair.

Upcoming TPES Events

January 9: PTA Meeting
January 11: TPES Literacy Night
January 15: No School
January 29: No School

Upcoming Community Events

January 26: Blair HS STEM Night for K-5

December 18, 2023 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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Spirit Week this Week

The lead up to winter break means Spirit Week at school! If you want to participate, please see below for details:

Monday: Wacky Day (wear things on the wrong body part, inside out or that simply don’t match)
Tuesday; Rainbow Day (wear rainbows or just your favorite color)
Wednesday: Character Day (dress as your favorite book or movie character- no weapons or full face masks)
Thursday: Blue and White Day (show your TPES spirit while wearing our school colors)
Friday: Pajama Day (wear your favorite, school-appropriate PJs)

Volunteers Needed to Coordinate TPES/PBES Soccer Spring Event
This spring the TPES and PBES PTAs hope to hold a soccer game event to bring together our school community and potentially raise money for the various programs that the PTA supports. In the pre-COVID era, this event was a basketball game, but there have been calls for a soccer game instead. If you are interested in helping to make this happen, please reach out to Kaitlin Caruso (president@tpespta.net)

Next Joint TPES/PBES PTA Meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Please note the change of date since the first Tuesday of the month falls on the last day of winter break.

December TPES/PBES PTA Meeting Minutes 

Meeting minutes for the PTA meeting on December 5, 2023, are linked here. The Q&A portion is now complete. Dr. Gadsden and Ms. Hollis’s presentation, along with Piney Branch ES’s, on reading and math activities to do at home can be found in the minutes.

Literacy Night – DATE CHANGED TO JANUARY 11

TPES Literacy Night is now in January! Apologies for the multiple reminders to save the date in December. More information to come from the school.

OFFER: Free Computers
Montgomery Connects is relaunching the Computer for You Program. Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/computer for complete details.

  • Any Maryland resident over the age of 7 who does not have access to a computer can receive one new Chromebook laptop computer. You are not eligible to get a computer if you already received one from the County.
  • You do not have to be a U.S. citizen.
  • Limit one per person.
  • You must have a library card number (https://mcpl.link/DigitalCard).
  • You must make an appointment, appear in person to pick it up, and bring photo ID and proof of address.
  • Appointments are now open to pick up computers Tuesday 12/19, Thursday 12/21, Friday 12/22, and Saturday 12/23.

TPES Online Book Fair with Bookworm Central

The TPES PTA is excited to announce that we are partnering with Northern Virginia-based company Bookworm Central for this year’s book fair, but you don’t need to wait until the onsite book fair in the spring.

You can go to our online book fair right now and purchase books to support our school. TPES PTA earns 15% of all online book fair sales, which will ensure that the PTA can provide every eligible student with book vouchers at the onsite fair.

Check out our online book fair at: https://www.bookwormcentral.com/TakomaPark. You can see the full list of available titles by clicking the “Books” tab at the top of the fair page. You can also help Ms. Anderson and the Media get the books they need by purchasing from the Library’s Book Fair Drive. Those books will go right to the Media Center’s collection. Let’s get reading!

Absences from School and Changes to Dismissal 

A written explanation of each absence is required within three days of the student’s return to school. A written explanation can be an email, a doctor’s note, or a signed written parent note. Phone calls are not accepted for absences. Requests for late arrivals, early dismissals, or changes to dismissal must be authorized by the parent/guardian and emailed to the attendance secretary (Anne_M_Hottel_Cox@mcpsmd.org), administrative secretary (Johanna_A_Paz@mcpsmd.org), and your child’s teacher NOT Class Dojo! Only your child’s teacher can see Class Dojo, and they’re usually too busy teaching to see incoming messages for changes to dismissal!

2023-24 MCPS School Calendar Available

For the planners among you, the school calendar for 2023-24 has been adopted and posted!

Lost and Found

The lost and found item pile is growing! Feel free to come during school hours to look through the items (and bring your driver’s license to sign in!). Leftover items will be donated at the end of January. Be sure to label all coats, lunchbags, water bottles, etc. to help reunite lost items with your child!

Sign Up for the Remind App!

Remind is a messaging platform that will be used to communicate across MCPS, and messages can be translated into your preferred language. Sign up…Text @takomap to the number 81010. If anyone has trouble with 81010, try texting @takomap to (563) 265-6842.

TPES PTA Listserve Etiquette

Please remember to only post TPES-community related events, information, questions, etc. on this list serve! Let’s all be mindful of each other’s inboxes! 🙂

Upcoming TPES Events

December 18-22: Spirit Week
December 25-January 2: No School – Winter Break
January 9: PTA Meeting
January 11: TPES Literacy Night
January 15: No School

Upcoming Community Events

December 21: Winter Solstice Celebration with Rock Creek Morris Women Dancers @ the Takoma Park Library
January 26: Blair HS STEM Night for K-5

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

December 11, 2023 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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December TPES/PBES PTA Meeting Minutes 

Meeting minutes for the PTA meeting on December 5, 2023, are linked here. The Q&A portion is still under development, so we will send it out in the coming weeks. Dr. Gadsden and Ms. Hollis’s presentation on reading and math activities to do at home can be found here.

TPES Online Book Fair with Bookworm Central
The TPES PTA is excited to announce that we are partnering with Northern Virginia-based company Bookworm Central for this year’s book fair. But you don’t need to wait until the on-site book fair in the Spring.

You can go to our online book fair right now and purchase books to support our school. TPES PTA earns 15% of all online book fair sales! There is something for everyone at Bookworm Central.

Check out our online book fair at: https://www.bookwormcentral.com/TakomaPark. You can see the full list of available titles by clicking the “Books” tab at the top of the fair page. You can also help Ms. Anderson and the Media get the books they need by purchasing from the Library’s Book Fair Drive. Those books will go right to the Media Center’s collection. Let’s get reading!

Literacy Night – DATE CHANGED TO JANUARY

TPES Literacy Night is now in January! Apologies for the multiple reminders to save the date in December. More information to come from the school.

Celebrating birthdays at TPES

Please see Dr. Gadsden’s latest newsletter for details on birthday celebrations at the school. TPES loves celebrating and recognizing your child’s birthday but please follow the school’s policies. 1) Only store-bought treats are permitted; 2) Please provide only one treat per child; 3) No balloons, candles, hats, party favors; 4) Non-TPES/ MCPS children are not permitted in classrooms; 5) Please contact your child’s teacher in advance to schedule a time to celebrate with the class

Absences from School 

A written explanation of each absence is required within three days of the student’s return to school. A written explanation can be an email, a doctor’s note, or a signed written parent note. Requests for late arrivals or early dismissals must be authorized by the parent/guardian – this includes all medical appointments.

Lost and Found

The lost and found item pile is growing! Feel free to come during school hours to look through the items. Leftover items will be donated at the end of January. Be sure to label all coats, lunchbags, water bottles, etc. to help reunite lost items with your child!

Lice is Still Here! 

Lice is still going around at TPES so be vigilant at home! Check for signs of lice (mainly itching/scratching of head). Lice and nits are being found at the crown of the head not just behind ears and nape of neck, so check all areas!

School Closing Alerts for Inclement Weather and Request your Chromebook! 

You can learn about school closures, delayed openings an early dismissals when there is inclement weather via text, email, webpage, hotline, social media, etc. Click here to learn how to sign up. Also, a reminder that for excessive weather-related school closings, MCPS may go virtual. Request a Chromebook for your child using the link.

Sign Up for the Remind App!

Remind is a messaging platform that will be used to communicate across MCPS, and messages can be translated into your preferred language. Sign up…Text @takomap to the number 81010. If anyone has trouble with 81010, try texting @takomap to (563) 265-6842.

Consider Purchasing TPES Gear for Holiday Gifts! 

The PTA has plenty of selection and sizes on TPES t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, magnet decals, and water bottles. Consider purchasing as a holiday gift while supporting the Dolphins! Email Claire Dean, vp@tpespta.net for more information.

Upcoming TPES Events

December 13: No School for Pre-K
December 18-22: Spirit Week
December 25-January 2: No School – Winter Break
January 15: No School

Upcoming Community Events

December 16, 1-4pm: Takoma Cocoa Crawl
December 21: Winter Solstice Celebration with Rock Creek Morris Women dancers @ the Takoma Park Library
January 26: Blair HS STEM Night for K-5

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

December 4, 2023 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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Joint TPES/PBES PTA Meeting TOMORROW, 12/5, 7-8PM 

In response to questions that parents have raised about how best to support their children academically (after receiving feedback on report cards and in conferences), both schools will provide information on resources and tools, in both reading and math, that families can use with their children at home. Zoom link will be sent a few hours before the meeting.

HUGE Thanks for Contributing to the Dolphin Drive! 
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! We couldn’t have done it without your generous support. Diana, our VP Fundraising, will announce the grand total at our PTA meeting, but spoiler alert: We EXCEEDED our $10,000 goal! 

TPES Online Book Fair with Bookworm Central
The TPES PTA is excited to announce that we are partnering with Northern Virginia-based company Bookworm Central for this year’s book fair. But you don’t need to wait until the on-site book fair in the Spring.

You can go to our online book fair right now and purchase books to support our school. TPES earns 15% of all online book fair sales! Purchases made by December 8 will ship in time for the holidays. There is something for everyone at Bookworm Central.

Check out our online book fair at: https://www.bookwormcentral.com/TakomaPark. You can see the full list of available titles by clicking the “Books” tab at the top of the fair page. You can also help Ms. Anderson and the Media get the books they need by purchasing from the Library’s Book Fair Drive. Those books will go right to the Media Center’s collection. Let’s get reading!

Consider Purchasing TPES Gear for Holiday Gifts! 

The PTA has plenty of selection and sizes on TPES t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, magnet decals, and water bottles. Consider purchasing as a holiday gift while supporting the Dolphins! Email Claire Dean, vp@tpespta.net for more information.

Lice is Still Here! 

Lice is still going around at TPES, and due to the new protocols, you will likely not know if lice has been found in your child’s classroom. The PTA’s Health and Wellness Committee is working on additional communication and education but in the meantime, be vigilant at home! Check for signs of lice (mainly itching/scratching of head). Lice and nits are being found at the crown of their heads rather than behind ears and nape of neck, so check all areas!

Outdoor Recess Policy and Dressing for the Weather

Please see Dr. Gadsden’s latest newsletter for details on MCPS outdoor recess policy and ensuring your child dresses for the weather (including a pro-parent tip!). In general, for cold weather, outdoor recess will be canceled when it is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder with a wind speed of 10 miles per hour or more.

Celebrating birthdays at TPES

Please see Dr. Gadsden’s latest newsletter for details on birthday celebrations at the school. TPES loves celebrating and recognizing your child’s birthday but please follow the school’s policies. 1) Only store-bought treats are permitted; 2) Please provide only one treat per child; 3) No balloons, candles, hats, party favors; 4) Non-MCPS children are not permitted in classrooms (but teacher can arrange to enjoy treats in a common area like the atrium if siblings must attend); 5) Please contact your child’s teacher in advance to schedule a time to celebrate with the class

TPES Transitioning Communication Platform: Sign Up for the Remind App!

Remind is a messaging platform that will be used to communicate across MCPS. School staff, central office staff, students and parents will all have Remind accounts to enable them to send and/or receive messages using a preferred mode of communication, such as text message, email or phone call and in their preferred language. Sign up…Text @takomap to the number 81010

You will receive a welcome text from Remind.
If anyone has trouble with 81010, they can try texting @takomap to (563) 265-6842.

ParentVue is still the platform for checking grades, attendance, documents, etc.

School Closing Alerts for Inclement Weather and Request your Chromebook! 

You can learn about school closures, delayed openings an early dismissals when there is inclement weather via text, email, webpage, hotline, social media, etc. Click here to learn how to sign up. Also, a reminder that for excessive weather-related school closings, MCPS may go virtual. Request a Chromebook for your child using the link.

Small Things Matter Coat and Winter Gear Distribution

Families are invited to a second distribution event of coats and winter gear on Tuesday, December 5 from 4:30-6 PM behind the TPSS Coop. 

TPES Holiday Gift Drive FULFILLED – THANK YOU!
In less than 24 hours, our generous community fulfilled our gift drive for our TPES families! If you didn’t volunteer for this drive but would still like to give back to the larger local community this month, here are a couple of options:
  • The City of Takoma Park is collecting toy donations at the Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department through December 20.
  • Small Things Matter is collecting toy donations at several locations around Takoma Park through December 17.

Literacy Night – SAVE THE DATE – December 21st

TPES Literacy Night is approaching! More details to come but expect rooms throughout the building to be set up with different literacy games and activities that you can then practice at home!

Upcoming TPES Events

December 5 – PTA Meeting
December 8 – Deadline to order books from book fair to arrive by 12/25
December 21 – Literacy Night

Upcoming Community Events

December 16, 1-4pm – Takoma Cocoa Crawl
January 26 – Blair HS STEM Night

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም