Order school supply kits through the PTA for 2020-2021

/in /by
TPES Community –
The PTA’s school supply sale is now available through August 1, 2020! For new TPES families, every year the PTA works with a vendor to make grade required school supplies available for sale. It’s a convenient way to get supply shopping done and the sales provide a financial boost for the PTA. While we do not know how the upcoming school year will start, we made the decision to move forward with the traditional sale because it gives parents and guardians the option to purchase next year’s supplies entirely from home – a convenience that is important right now.
To purchase school supplies please visit: www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks
 
The TPES “code” is TAK008. K kits are selling for $26, First grade kits are selling for $29 and Second grade kits are selling at $45. The costs of the kits are determined based on the school’s grade level supply requirements.
The PTA has made the decision not to distribute supplies in-person this year because of the uncertainty about access to school buildings in August. All school supplies purchased through the sale will be delivered directly to the address of your choice by August 17th. There is a shipping fee. As in the past, you can purchase a donation kit to give to TPES for distribution to students who need supplies.
We know this is an uncertain time for all of us. We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe.

 

If you have any questions about the sale please reach out to us directly.
Thank you –
Sasha Johnson
(outgoing PTA VP Fundraising)
—
Becca Jones Albertus
PTA Membership Secretary

PTA Reimbursement Request Forms

/in /by

TPES Parents and Staff-

Thank you for your commitment to our school! If you have expenses to be reimbursed with PTA funds, please use the forms below to submit that information. Please note there are separate forms for parents (or other community members) and for staff.

ATTACH ORIGINAL RECEIPTS FOR ALL ITEMS AND PLACE INTO PTA TREASURER MAILBOX OR EMAIL RECEIPTS WITH SIGNED FORM TO TREASURER@TPESPTA.NET
Both the signed form and receipt(s) are required for reimbursement.

Parent Expense Reimbursement Request Form

Staff Expense Reimbursement Request Form

Online resources to support learning, activity, and mental health

/in /by

Whether you’re looking for kid-focused yoga videos, a link to watch Mo Willems teach your child to draw a pigeon, or strategies for balancing the whole family’s needs at this time, the internet can help! Here are a number of sites that have pulled together some of the best resources available online:

The Washington Post has put together a pretty exhaustive list of resources in areas ranging from “Reading” to “Mental Wellness” to “Physical Activity” to “Theater and Dance.” Each link has a short description, and there are hundreds of options, generally separated by target age range.

For some additional curated resources, as well as guidance on how to manage family stress and how to talk to children of different ages about the new coronavirus, check out this page from the University of Maryland’s Department of Family Science.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has created this site with basic information on SARS-COV-2, and if you scroll to the end you will see links to articles like “Getting Children Outside While Social Distancing” or “Cloth Face Coverings for Children” that may answer many of your questions about how to best keep your kids both sane and safe at this time.

TPES response to COVID-19: How you can help

/in /by
Dear TPES families-
 
We hope you are hanging in there as we find ourselves in unprecedented times!

 
We want to let you know that school administrators, PTA presidents, the city of Takoma Park, and a few local organizations have been working on how to better support vulnerable families in Takoma Park. At this time, we feel that the best way for you to help is to donate money to either  of the local organizations below as they work to significantly expand the number of families they are able to serve in our community. These organizations have the infrastructure to be able to purchase the most needed food supplies at the lowest costs (in some cases for lower-than-wholesale-cost!), which lets them serve more families that would be possible through direct donation and distribution of non-perishable goods.  
1.  Adventist Services of Greater Washington food pantry at 501 Sligo Ave.

Donate here: Https://www.ACSGW.org

The DONATE button is very obvious on the site: please put “Takoma”’in the notes line.

2. Manna Food Center
More information can be found at https://www.mannafood.org/ Manna supports the food pantry at Takoma Park Middle School which serves families of Takoma Park Elementary and Piney Branch Elementary as well.
If you do have extra food supplies you wish to donate, you may drop them off at the following locations in Takoma Park:

7216 Garland Ave. (Minter Place side of the house near the grill)

19 Sherman Ave. (at the top of the driveway)

6 Cresent Place (on the porch)

7214 Holly Ave. (on the porch)

1210 Elson Place – Northwest corner of Elson and 13th Ave. (on the porch)

Supplies dropped off at these locations will be collected and distributed through volunteers of the Takoma Park Middle School food pantry.

Finally, if you and your family are in need of food and groceries during this time, please email takomafood@gmail.com, with subject line: grocery, to get more information about how to receive support and food delivery for your family.

Thank you for your support and please spread the word!

Takoma Park Elementary Parent and Teacher Association

COVID-19: Information and Resources

/in /by

TPES Families:

On Thursday, March 11, the Governor and State Superintendent announced that Maryland schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.

The state, the county, and individual schools are all working hard to facilitate this change, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.

 

Here’s some of what we know:

  • All children who attend school today will come home with a letter with instructions on how to get on Google Classroom to access resource materials, as well as the password to the Parent/Student Portal
  • If your child will not be in school today, please contact your child’s teacher
  • In addition to materials sent home with your child today, you can access the online curriculum from MCPS at this website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/contingency/index.aspx  (Click on your child’s grade level)
  • These assignments through the county will not be graded but are intended to support and sustain student learning while children are at home

 

Here are some resources that may answer some of your questions and help you get through the next few weeks:

  • The MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/index.aspx) will continue to be updated over the coming weeks with more information, in particular the page on the coronavirus response: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/
  • Looking for a guide on how to talk to your children about COVID-19? National Public Radio collaborating with experts in social work and mental health have developed a cartoon that explores what kids might want to know about the new coronavirus (https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus)
  • The TPES website lists a number of additional online resources to support learning here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/takomaparkes/specials/literacy/index.aspx
  • In addition to that list, TPES Art Teacher Kristen Hayes suggests checking out the following (not just related to art!):   https://www.artforkidshub.com/ , BrainPop Jr. (username “takomaes” , password “brainpop”), code.org  (K or 1st graders may work on course A, 1st/2nd grade may work on course B, and 2nd grade may also work on course C, which they have started in STEM at TPES), and the following learn-to-code sites: CS First (coding curriculum through Google),  Scratch, Jr. App (coding for pre-readers), and Scratch (coding for readers).

Resources for families needing support at this time:

  • About 34% of the 170,000 kids in Montgomery County Schools are in the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) program. MCPS has set up some grab and go meals for students (children up through age 18) that might need them during the impending school closure, including Rolling Terrace Elementary and Montgomery Blair High School. If any of your friends or neighbors will suffer from food insecurity in this period and have school age children, please let them know about this option, available M-F 11-1pm. The full list of locations is here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/Coronavirus/COVID-19_Emergency_Closure_Meals_for_MCPS_Students.pdf
  • More great resources to share far and wide for students and families in our community:
  • Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington
    501 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, 20910
    301-585-6556
    http://acsgw.org
    Mon-Thu 10AM-3PM
    Type:Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Appointment Required, Documentation Required
    Languages:French, Spanish
    Features:Special Diet Accommodations, Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • Difference Makers Kokua Foods
    7611 Piney Branch Rd., Takoma Park, 20912
    301-233-1698
    http://difference-makers.org
    Sun11AM-12PM
    Type:Choice Pantry, Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Documentation Required, Service to a Specific Population
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • Crossroads Community Food Network
    Crossroads Farmers Market, Anne St at University Blvd E, Takoma Park, 20912
    http://crossroadscommunityfoodnetwork.org/
    Wed Farmers Market, April 17th-November 27th , 11AM-3PM
    Type:Discount Grocery
    Accessibility:Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Benefits Counseling, Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring
    7410 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, 20912
    301-434-1922
    http://mowtakoma.org
    Mon-Fri 9AM-1PM
    Type:Meal Service
    Accessibility:Fee for Service, Service to a Specific Population
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Delivery, Benefits Counseling, Special Diet Accommodations, Fresh Produce
  • EduCare Support Services, Inc.
    240-450-2092
    Mon, Wed and Fri10AM-2PM-every 1st Sat 10AM-2PM Deliveries every 3rd Sat
    Type:Choice Pantry, Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Appointment Required, Documentation Required, Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish, French
    Features:Delivery, Benefits Counseling, Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • God Glorified Church of God in Christ
    111 Geneva Ave, Silver Spring, 20910
    301-588-6607
    http://ggcogic.org
    Second Thurs of the month (April-Dec.)
    Type:Choice Pantry
    Accessibility:Appointment Required, Documentation Required
    Features:Benefits Counseling

    Shepherd’s Table

  • 8106 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, 20910
    301-585-6463
    http://shepherdstable.org
    Mon-Fri: 7:30-8:25AM, 12-12:55PM, 6-7:25PM Sat & Sun 10:30AM-11:25AM, 6-7:25PM
    Type:Meal Service
    Accessibility:Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Other Services Offered
  • CASA (CASA de Maryland)

    734 University Blvd East., Silver Spring, 20903
    301-270-8432
    http://wearecasa.org
    Sat 10AM-12PM
    Type:Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Other Services Offered

  • Small Things Matter Kokua Foods
    The Co-op from 10-11am
    Fresh Produce/pantry items
  • General Crossroads info:Toll-Free Hotline number for SNAP applications 866-821-5552.
  • Capital Area Food Bank: Call: (202) 644-9807 (they may not be able to serve folks outside DC, but they can offer resources in PG and MoCo)
  • Manna: Must be a moco resident; fall under a certain income level.  Call : (301) 424-1130https://mocofoodcouncil.org/food-assistance-resource-map/

Scholastic Book Fair: Spring 2020

/in /by

Please mark your calendars for our annual Scholastic Book Fair, February 7th to 14th in the Media Center! 60% of every dollar spent at the fair goes to books and supplies for our classrooms and Media Center.

The success of our fair depends on volunteers! Visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054fadab2aaafe3-scholastic1 to see all the ways you can help, from set up (Thursday the 6th) and break down to staffing the registers. No experience is necessary!

www.scholastic.com/bf/takomaparkelementaryschool is the hub for the information you need, including hours of operation, setting up an eWallet (a digital payment option) for your child to use at the fair, and a link to our online fair, which opens on February 1st.

Contact co-chairs Kate Ivcevich and Shivani Sutton with any questions.

First JOINT TPES/PBES PTA Meeting of the Year: October 1

/in /by

Parents and staff from both Takoma Park ES and Piney Branch ES will begin our year of joint meetings starting next Tuesday. More information and agenda below!

 

Tuesday, October 1, 2019, 6:45-8:00pm

Location: All Purpose Room @ TPES

 

Coat Drive and Halloween Costume Swap

Pick up some new fall coats and costumes! Please bring gently used items to the meeting, or drop in the office on Monday or Tuesday. 

6:45 FREE pizza and drop off kids (ages 3 and up)  in gym for FREE babysitting

 

7:00 Welcome – WHAT does the PTA do & WHO are we?

 

7:05 Upcoming Events and Announcements

Wed, Oct 2: Walk To School Day

Fri, Oct 4: Early Release for all students; dismissal @ 1:20pm

Wed, Oct 9: No School

Mon, Oct 14: TPES Open House, 9:30 – 11:00, 2:30 – 3:50

Wed, Oct 16: ESOL Night @ PBES

Sat, Oct 19: PBES Takoma Prom @ Kaldi’s Social House 6-9pm

Thurs, Oct 24: PBES Fall School Photos

Nov 1-26: PBES Read-a-thon & Book Fair (Nov. 4-8)

Tues, Nov 5: PTA Meeting  – Power Tools for Power Struggles by PEP

Thurs, Nov 7: TPES Fall Book Fair (3:50pm to 8pm)  + Kindergarten Literacy Night, 7pm

Mon, Nov 11 & Tuesday Nov 12: Early Release & Parent-Teacher Conferences

Wed,  Nov 27: Early Release for all students; dismissal @ 1:20pm 

Thurs & Fri, Nov 28 & 29: No School

Tues,  Dec 3: PTA Meeting/TPES International Night

 

7:10 Treasurer’s Report (& PBES Budget Vote) 

Kelley Skelton, Treasurer TPES and Amy Gibson-Grant, PBES

7:20 Dolphin Drive
Sasha Johnson, Fundraising Chair TPES

Panther Appeal
Angela Riemer, VP of Fundraising PBES

 

7:25 Reading Update: How is the teacher training changing what’s happening in classrooms?

Dr. Gadsden

 

7:40 Social-emotional curriculum updates at PBES

Mrs. Oberdorf

8:00 Coat and Costume Swap & Adjourn

Get ready for SOCKTOBER

/in /by

SOCKTOBER: A Month Long Community Sock Drive

This October Takoma Park ES wants to prove that even the smallest act of caring, like donating a pair of new socks, can help make a huge difference in the lives of our neighbors who are less fortunate!

SOCKTOBER is a national sole warming movement that gives everyone an easy and fun way to help those in need within their very own community.

So why should you participate in SOCKTOBER?

Because every night in the United States hundreds of thousands of people sleep on the streets or in shelters and are in need of simple things, like socks.

So please donate a new pair of socks for men, women or children. Just send your child to school with the donated socks to bring to the classroom.

First TPES PTA Meeting of the 2019-2020 School Year

/in /by

Welcome to the 2019-20 School Year!

This will be a meeting to approve the budget and let you know about open PTA volunteer opportunities and after school enrichment sign ups.

Location: TPES Cafeteria/All-Purpose Room

Time: Pizza and childcare available starting at 6:45; meeting begins at 7:00

 

7:00 Welcome

Introduce Small Things Matter

Upcoming Dates and Announcements:

Mon, Sept 30: No School 

Tues, Oct 1: PTA Meeting + Coat Drive and Halloween Costume Swap, 7-8pm

Wed, Oct 2: Walk To  School Day

Fri, Oct 4: Early Release for all students; TPES dismissal @ 1:20pm

Wed, Oct 9: No School

Tues, Nov 5: PTA Meeting  – Power Tools for Power Struggles by PEP

              Thurs, Nov 7: Literacy Night

 

7:10 Present and vote on the 2019-20 budget  – Kelley Skelton, Treasurer

 

7:20 Before and After School Enrichment  – Virginia Davis, After School Enrichment committee chair

 

7:30 Keeping up with PTA news and opportunities  – Lauren Greenberg, VP Communications

 

7:40 Lunchroom expectations – Dr. Gadsden

 

7:50 Get Involved!

Open volunteer opportunities, big and small:

Health & Wellness committee Lunch & Recess volunteers

Cultural Arts Assembly coordinators Social Services committee

Teacher Appreciation committee Equity committee

Readathon committee Room parent coordinator

After-school enrichment committee

 

Supply lists for the 2019-2020 school year

/in /by

The school has prepared these lists of requested supplies for each grade level. If you ordered a supply kit through the PTA at the end of the last school year, this is what will be waiting for your child in their classroom when they start/return to school.