December 11, 2023 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter
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
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