March 2024 PTA Meeting Minutes

TPES and PBES PTA Meeting
March 5, 2024
Meeting Minutes

(Spanish)
(Amharic)

(1) Upcoming TPES and PBES dates and announcements
(2) TPES and PBES Read-a-thon Updates
(3) Geobowl Update
(4) Susan Anderson (TPES Media Specialist): Keeping Students Safe Online
(5) Q & A
(6) Treasurer’s reports
(7) Next PTA Meeting

Meeting Kick-off by Kaitlin Caruso, TPES PTA President 

Upcoming Dates & Announcements

TPES ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Read by Joyce McDonough, TPES VP Communications

    • The 2024 TPES Read-a-thon is here! Please continue to read and record your minutes. Reading logs for week 3 are due this Friday. Find more information on the Readathon (including extra reading logs) here
    • Come join us for TPES STEM Night this Thursday, March 7 from 7-8 pm! There will be fun, hands-on activities for all children.
    • Lost and Found: Please come check out the lost and found! 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. 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. EVERYTHING will be donated after STEM Night, so check it out when you’re at school on March 7th! 
  • 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  
  • Volunteers for First Grade Media Class Needed: First graders are making science journals in the library media class. Students will use them in quarter 4 science lessons. We would appreciate help supporting students with handing out supplies, collating the pages and simple sewing. Please check this schedule at and email Ms. Anderson (Susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org) if you can help. 
  • Our Prekindergarten classes are in need of cleaning supplies. In particular, classrooms need Clorox wipes, Lysol wipes and Spic and Span spray. Donations can be dropped off in the office. Please let the office staff know that your donation is for PreK. Many thanks in advance!
  • 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
  • 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. 

PBES ANNOUNCEMENTS: ready by Chris Campbell, PBES VP Communications 

  • The 2nd Swim Unit began this week for all students. Please remind your child to being a swim suit and towel on PE Day for the next three weeks. The swim unit will run  March 4 through March 22. Please reach out to Mr. Russell or one of our school counselors if your child is in need of a swimsuit.
    PBES Picture day: Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6 
  • Family Life Education Unit: On Thursday, March 7, 5th grade caregivers meeting regarding the upcoming Family Life Education Unit
  • PBES Multicultural Night at Takoma Park Middle School on March 20
  • Spring Break: March 25-29
  • PBES School Survey: Help Improve Our School! We want to improve our teaching and make our school a more welcoming place for all students and families. Please fill out this survey to to help us understand what we need to do better. It will take about 10 minutes.

TPES Read-a-thon Update (Amanda Wagner)

  • Week 3 of TPES read-a-thon.  Halfway to school-wide goal of 200,000 minutes
  • If they get to the school-wide goal there will be a popcorn party, and will need volunteers for the party – stay tuned!
  • All students should participate in the read-a-thon regardless if family and friends are pledging money – the fundraising part is optional.  

PBES Read-a-thon Update (Kristin O’Planick)

  • The PBES Read-a-thon kicked off with book give-away
  • After 3 weeks of reading and logging, the 28th marked the end of the 2024 Readathon with class assemblies, where they celebrated the collective achievement.  This included PB-Jelly which the students love.  
  • PBES overall far exceeded its goal of reading 200,000 minutes.  The students read 495,205 minutes in total!
    • 3rd grade read 135,557 minutes
    • 4th grade read 136,235 minutes
    • 5th grade read 225,937 minutes
  • The classes that read the most and won a pizza party are:
    • 3rd grade, with an average of 1,138 minutes per student, Young’s class
    • 4th grade, with an average of 1,548 minutes per student, Plummer’s class
    • 5th grade, with an average of 2,271 minutes per students, Kenney’s class
  • The fundraising goal of $3,000 is close to being met.  
    • Today: $2,570 
    • Please try to complete your pledges/follow-up with sponsors/ contribute this week if you have not already and are able to! https://pineybranchpta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/76287817
      • There is a specific option for the Readathon on the webpage.
      • Alternatively you can send a check made out to the PBES PTA to the school’s office

PBES Geobowl Update (Justine Lassman)

  • Parent volunteers have made this event possible, as many others.
  • In two weeks, the Geobowl competition will take place (March 18 and March 19).  Find which day your student will be competing below.
  • If you want to help they could still use some volunteers – 
  • For volunteering or any Geobowl questions contact: justinelassman@gmail.com 
  • Geobowl competition dates and times for each class:
    • Monday, March 18 in Gym
      • 9:35-10:35 a.m. Gr. 4  (Casey, Eskow, Plummer, Serra)
      • 12:00-1:00 p.m. Gr. 5  (Kenney, Madsen, Pinnock, Tolson) 
      • 1:10-2:10 p.m. Gr. 3  (Dunlap, Gazda, Joy, Kandeh)
      • 2:20-3:20 p.m. Gr. 3  (Claxton, Giles, Granados, Hernandez, Young)
    • Tuesday, March 19 in Gym
      • 9:35-10:35 a.m. Gr. 4 (Bolden, Eberly, Li, Porter)
      • 12:00-1:00 p.m. Gr. 5 (Brooking, Kariuki, Luker, Patrick)

Keeping Students Safe Online (Susan Anderson, TPES Media Specialist) 

  • Slides are available here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1O2YDPIguj8Y5MopaK6ns-sfcFcvVS9EYx4KQHnKJgyI/edit?usp=sharing 
  • In school
    • Online activity is monitored/filtered
    • Students have to log in with an MCPS account 
    • MCPS filters keep students from inappropriate web sites
    • Activity (search history, etc) and Google Drives are monitored
    • All students at TPES and PBES are receiving digital citizenship classes – usually by media specialist (at TPES it’s mostly Sue Anderson. Ms. Edgar teaches them at PBES)
      • Focus: making safe and healthy choices
      • Uses curriculum from Common Sense Education
      • Try to be consistent from school to school
  • At home
    • MCPS is not monitoring or filtering at home
    • You can set up restrictions on your home wifi or router
    • Technology can’t solve all issues, so you should consider:
      • Talk with your child regularly/respectfully about the rules and expectations:
        • They are growing up tech “natives”
        • Remember to emphasize that digital use isn’t all “bad”.  A lot of activities are really useful for learning, being creative, etc.
        • Encourage self-regulation
      • Make a tech plan (common sense guidance)
    • Do it together
      • Model what you are doing for your children
      • Sharing interesting content together helps
      • Create technology together such as a video of them playing piano
      • Talk about what they see and play online
    • Safety tips
      • Children should ask for your permission – they should not be able to grab your device without asking
      • Set rules and limits – say no when needed
      • Keep device use where you can see it
      • Know what sites/games they’re using
      • Open dialog – if they see something uncomfortable they should tell you. Caregivers should be receptive to these conversations.  
    • TPES/MCPS content
      • Educational, fun websites that are free with no ads
      • Most are accessed through Clever afer students logs into MCPS network
      • Find list of resources (and needed passwords here: https://bit.ly/TPESonline23

Q & A

Budget Updates

TPES (Amy Swift, TPES PTA Treasurer)

  • $202 came in this month
  • Expenses include paypal fees.  When you make donations (cash, check or paypal), keep in mind that paypal incurs fees  
  • Spent additional money on staff support (Valentines day, water delivery, lunch card for paypal group)

PBES (Rachael Pierotti, PBES PTA Treasurer)

  • A few more booster donation and fundraising for the readathon boosted donations this month.
  • Expenses included BTSN childcare, paypal feels, etc.  

Next PTA Meeting

  • The next PTA meeting will take place on April 2 at 7 PM 

SPANISH:

(1) Próximas fechas y anuncios de TPES y PBES
(2) Actualizaciones del maratón de lectura de TPES y PBES
(3) Actualización del Geobowl
(4) Susan Anderson (especialista en medios de TPES): Mantener seguros a los estudiantes en línea
(5) Preguntas y respuestas
(6) Informes del tesorero
(7) Próxima reunión de la PTA

Inicio de la reunión por Kaitlin Caruso, presidenta de la PTA de TPES

Próximas fechas y anuncios

ANUNCIOS DE TPES: Leído por Joyce McDonough, vicepresidenta de comunicaciones de TPES

¡El maratón de lectura TPES 2024 ya está aquí! Continúe leyendo y registrando sus actas. Los registros de lectura de la semana 3 vencen este viernes. Encuentre más información sobre el Readathon (incluidos registros de lectura adicionales) aquí.

¡Únase a nosotros para la Noche TPES STEM este jueves 7 de marzo de 7 a 8 p. m.! Habrá actividades divertidas y prácticas para todos los niños.

Objetos perdidos y encontrados: ¡Ven a ver los objetos perdidos y encontrados! La mayoría de los abrigos ahora están colgados en un perchero, mientras que hay tres cajas (grandes y rebosantes) de sudaderas, suéteres, polares y loncheras. Hay otra caja aparte con botellas de agua y, por último, una caja con gorros, guantes y bufandas. Todo está ubicado en el atrio. Le pedimos que si su hijo ha perdido algo este año, venga a buscarlo, ya que hay una cantidad importante de artículos. Recuerde su identificación cuando venga a la escuela para poder ingresar. TODO será donado después de la Noche STEM, ¡así que compruébelo cuando esté en la escuela el 7 de marzo!

Venga a animar a D.C. United en la Noche de MCPS cuando se enfrenten al Seattle Sounders FC el sábado 27 de abril a las 7:30 p.m. La escuela primaria Takoma Park tendrá su propia sección. Una parte de la venta de boletos se destina a apoyar a la PTA de TPES para que podamos continuar ofreciendo apoyo a la escuela. Las entradas para la sección TPES se pueden adquirir aquí: https://fevo-enterprise.com/Takomapark5

Se necesitan voluntarios para la clase de medios de primer grado: Los estudiantes de primer grado están haciendo revistas de ciencias en la clase de medios de la biblioteca. Los estudiantes los usarán en las lecciones de ciencias del cuarto trimestre. Agradeceríamos ayuda para ayudar a los estudiantes a repartir útiles, cotejar las páginas y coser de forma sencilla. Consulte este cronograma y envíe un correo electrónico a la Sra. Anderson (Susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org) si puede ayudar.

Nuestras clases de Prekindergarten necesitan artículos de limpieza. En particular, las aulas necesitan toallitas Clorox, toallitas Lysol y spray Spic and Span. Las donaciones se pueden dejar en la oficina. Informe al personal de la oficina que su donación es para PreK. ¡Muchas gracias de antemano!

Buscando voluntarios para unirse al Comité de Apreciación de los Maestros: Nuestra PTA necesita un copresidente y/o voluntarios para ayudar a planificar e implementar la Semana de Apreciación de los Maestros, que será la primera semana completa de mayo (del 6 al 10 de mayo). ¡Están disponibles notas detalladas del comité del año pasado para que no tenga que empezar de cero! Gracias a la madre, Betsy Garcete, por presidir este comité este año, ¡pero ella sola no puede planificar la Semana de Agradecimiento a los Maestros! ¡Comuníquese con Betsy si tiene interés y tiene preguntas! esthergarcete@gmail.com.

¡Anuarios! Si desea pedir un anuario para su hijo, utilice este enlace. Los anuarios cuestan $22 y se distribuirán al final del año escolar.

ANUNCIOS DE PBES: listos por Chris Campbell, vicepresidente de comunicaciones de PBES

Esta semana comenzó la 2ª Unidad de Natación para todos los alumnos. Recuerde a su hijo que debe usar traje de baño y toalla el día de educación física durante las próximas tres semanas. La unidad de natación funcionará del 4 al 22 de marzo. Comuníquese con el Sr. Russell o con uno de nuestros consejeros escolares si su hijo necesita un traje de baño.

Día de fotos de PBES: mañana miércoles 6 de marzo

Unidad de Educación para la Vida Familiar: El jueves 7 de marzo, reunión de cuidadores de 5to grado sobre la próxima Unidad de Educación para la Vida Familiar

Noche multicultural de PBES en la escuela secundaria Takoma Park el 20 de marzo

Para inscribirse para traer comida, utilice este enlace: https://bit.ly/pbesfood

Para inscribirse en presentaciones, utilice este enlace: https://bit.ly/pbesperform

Para inscribirse como voluntario en el evento, utilice este enlace: https://bit.ly/pbesvolunteer

Vacaciones de primavera: 25 al 29 de marzo

Encuesta escolar de PBES: ¡Ayude a mejorar nuestra escuela! Queremos mejorar nuestra enseñanza y hacer de nuestra escuela un lugar más acogedor para todos los estudiantes y familias. Complete esta encuesta para ayudarnos a comprender qué debemos hacer mejor. 

Tardará unos 10 minutos.

Actualización del maratón de lectura de TPES (Amanda Wagner)

Semana 3 del maratón de lectura de TPES. A mitad de camino hacia la meta de 200.000 minutos para toda la escuela

Si alcanzan la meta para toda la escuela, habrá una fiesta de palomitas de maíz y se necesitarán voluntarios para la fiesta. ¡Estén atentos!

Todos los estudiantes deben participar en el maratón de lectura independientemente de si familiares y amigos están prometiendo dinero; la parte de recaudación de fondos es opcional.

Actualización del maratón de lectura de PBES (Kristin O’Planick)

El maratón de lectura de PBES comenzó con la entrega de libros

Luego de 3 semanas de lectura y registro, el día 28 marcó el final del Readathon 2024 con asambleas de clase, donde celebraron el logro colectivo. Esto incluyó PB-Jelly, que a los estudiantes les encanta.

En general, PBES superó con creces su objetivo de leer 200.000 minutos. ¡Los estudiantes leyeron 495,205 minutos en total!

3er grado leyó 135,557 minutos

4to grado leyó 136,235 minutos

5to grado leyó 225,937 minutos

Las clases que más leyeron y ganaron una fiesta de pizza son:

3er grado, con un promedio de 1,138 minutos por alumno, clase de Young

4to grado, con un promedio de 1,548 minutos por alumno, clase de Plummer

5to grado, con un promedio de 2,271 minutos por alumno, la clase de Kenney

La meta de recaudación de fondos de $3,000 está cerca de alcanzarse.

Hoy: $2,570

¡Intente completar sus promesas/seguimiento con patrocinadores/contribuya esta semana si aún no lo ha hecho y puede hacerlo! https://pineybranchpta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/76287817

Hay una opción específica para el Readathon en la página web.

Alternativamente, puede enviar un cheque a nombre de PBES PTA a la oficina de la escuela.

Actualización del Geobowl de PBES (Justine Lassman)

Los padres voluntarios han hecho posible este evento, como muchos otros.

Dentro de dos semanas se llevará a cabo la competencia Geobowl (18 y 19 de marzo). Encuentre a continuación qué día competirá su estudiante.

Si quieres ayudar, todavía les vendrían bien algunos voluntarios.

Para voluntariado o cualquier pregunta sobre Geobowl, comuníquese con: justinelassman@gmail.com

Fechas y horarios de competición de Geobowl para cada clase:

Lunes 18 de marzo en Gimnasio

9:35-10:35 a.m. Gr. 4 (Casey, Eskow, Plummer, Serra)

12:00-13:00 Gramo. 5 (Kenney, Madsen, Pinnock, Tolson)

13:10-14:10 Gramo. 3 (Dunlap, Gazda, Alegría, Kandeh)

14:20-15:20 Gramo. 3 (Claxton, Giles, Granados, Hernández, Young)

Martes 19 de marzo en Gimnasio

9:35-10:35 a.m. Gr. 4 (Bolden, Eberly, Li, Porter)

12:00-13:00 Gramo. 5 (Brooking, Kariuki, Luker, Patricio)

Mantener a los estudiantes seguros en línea (Susan Anderson, especialista en medios de TPES)

Las diapositivas están disponibles aquí: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1O2YDPIguj8Y5MopaK6ns-sfcFcvVS9EYx4KQHnKJgyI/edit?usp=sharing

Que puedes hacer en casa

En el colegio

La actividad en línea es monitoreada/filtrada

Los estudiantes deben iniciar sesión con una cuenta de MCPS

Los filtros de MCPS mantienen a los estudiantes alejados de sitios web inapropiados

Se monitorea la actividad (historial de búsqueda, etc.) y Google Drives.

Todos los estudiantes de TPES y PBES reciben clases de ciudadanía digital, generalmente impartidas por un especialista en medios (en TPES es principalmente Sue Anderson. La Sra. Edgar les enseña en PBES).

Enfoque: tomar decisiones seguras y saludables

Utiliza el plan de estudios de Common Sense Education

Trate de ser consistente de escuela en escuela

En casa

MCPS no está monitoreando ni filtrando en casa

Puede configurar restricciones en el wifi o enrutador de su hogar

La tecnología no puede resolver todos los problemas, por lo que debes considerar:

Hable con su hijo con regularidad y respeto sobre las reglas y expectativas:

Están creciendo como “nativos” tecnológicos

Recuerde enfatizar que el uso digital no es del todo “malo”. Muchas actividades son realmente útiles para aprender, ser creativo, etc.

Fomentar la autorregulación

Haga un plan tecnológico (orientación de sentido común)

Establecer reglas/límites basados en los valores familiares

Para ver ejemplos, visite: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/family-tech-planners

hazlo juntos

Modele lo que está haciendo por sus hijos

Compartir contenido interesante juntos ayuda

Crear tecnología juntos, como un vídeo de ellos tocando el piano.

Hablar sobre lo que ven y juegan en línea.

Consejos de seguridad

Los niños deben pedirle permiso; no deberían poder agarrar su dispositivo sin pedírselo.

Establece reglas y límites: di no cuando sea necesario

Mantenga el uso del dispositivo donde pueda verlo

Sepa qué sitios/juegos están usando

Diálogo abierto: si ven algo incómodo, deberían decírtelo. Los cuidadores deben ser receptivos a estas conversaciones.

Contenido TPES/MCPS

Sitios web educativos y divertidos, gratuitos y sin publicidad.

Se accede a la mayoría a través de Clever después de que los estudiantes inician sesión en la red de MCPS.

Encuentre una lista de recursos (y las contraseñas necesarias aquí: https://bit.ly/TPESonline23 

Preguntas y respuestas

pregunta sobre videos de minecraft

Los videos de Minecraft pueden ser inapropiados para niños de esta edad y los padres deben considerar estar en la habitación si los niños los están viendo.

Pregunta sobre Chromebooks

Si necesita un Chromebook en casa, envíe un correo electrónico: susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org

Hay un proceso separado para wifi. Si necesita wifi en casa, envíe un correo electrónico y pregúntele al maestro de su hijo. Te darán un formulario para completar para wifi.

¿Cómo se accede a las cuentas de estudiantes?

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/paintbranchhs/uploadedfiles/news/student-accounts-and-access.pdf

Español: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OqD1BLpP5fJ_zyOPgwK9cQp4E1D7ndlg9xXIBT3-1eg/preview

Pregunta sobre las protecciones de seguridad en Chromebooks

Tenga en cuenta que las protecciones de los Chromebooks de los estudiantes en TPES y PBES NO se transfieren automáticamente cuando los estudiantes usan sus Chromebooks en casa.

Pregunta sobre Class Dojo

Para obtener información sobre cómo iniciar sesión en Class Dojo, pregúntale a tu profesor.

Actualizaciones del presupuesto

TPES (Amy Swift, Tesorera de la PTA de TPES)

$202 ingresaron este mes

Los gastos incluyen honorarios de paypal. Cuando hagas donaciones (efectivo, cheque o paypal), ten en cuenta que paypal genera tarifas.

Gasté dinero adicional en apoyo del personal (día de San Valentín, entrega de agua, tarjeta de almuerzo para el grupo de PayPal)

PBES (Rachael Pierotti, Tesorera de la PTA de PBES)

Algunas donaciones de refuerzo más y la recaudación de fondos para el maratón de lectura impulsaron las donaciones este mes.

Gastos incluidos cuidado de niños BTSN, paypal siente, etc.

Próxima reunión de la PTA

La próxima reunión de la PTA se llevará a cabo el 2 de abril a las 7 p.m.

AMHARIC

 

(1) መጪ TPES እና PBES ቀኖች እና ማስታወቂያዎች

(2) TPES እና PBES ተነባቢ-አ-ቶን ዝመናዎች

(3) የጂኦቦውል ማሻሻያ

(4) ሱዛን አንደርሰን (TPES የሚዲያ ስፔሻሊስት)፡ የተማሪዎችን ደህንነት በመስመር ላይ ማቆየት።

(5) ጥያቄ እና መልስ

(6) የገንዘብ ያዥ ሪፖርቶች

(7) የሚቀጥለው PTA ስብሰባ

 

TPES ማስታወቂያዎች፡ በጆይስ ማክዶኖው፣ TPES VP ኮሙኒኬሽንስ አንብብ

የ2024 TPES Read-a-thon እዚህ አለ! እባክዎን ማንበብዎን ይቀጥሉ እና ደቂቃዎችዎን ይቅዱ። የሦስተኛው ሳምንት የንባብ ምዝግብ ማስታወሻዎች በዚህ አርብ ሊጠናቀቁ ነው። ስለ Readathon (ተጨማሪ የንባብ ምዝግብ ማስታወሻዎችን ጨምሮ) ተጨማሪ መረጃ እዚህ ያግኙ።

ዛሬ ሐሙስ፣ መጋቢት 7 ከቀኑ 7-8 ፒኤም ለ TPES STEM ምሽት ይቀላቀሉን! ለሁሉም ልጆች አስደሳች እና ተግባራዊ እንቅስቃሴዎች ይኖራሉ።

የጠፋ እና የተገኘ፡ እባኮትን ኑ የጠፋውን እና የተገኘውን ይመልከቱ! አብዛኛው ካፖርት አሁን በኮት መደርደሪያ ላይ የተንጠለጠለ ሲሆን ሶስት (ትልቅ እና የተትረፈረፈ) የሱፍ ሸሚዝ፣ ሹራብ፣ የበግ ፀጉር እና የምሳ ሳጥኖች አሉ። ሌላ የተለየ የውሃ ጠርሙሶች እና በመጨረሻም አንድ ሳጥን ኮፍያ ፣ ጓንቶች እና ሻርፎች አሉ። ሁሉም ነገር በአትሪየም ውስጥ ይገኛል. በዚህ አመት ልጅዎ የሆነ ነገር ከጠፋበት፣ እባክዎን እንዲፈልጉት እንጠይቃለን፣ ምክንያቱም ብዙ እቃዎች አሉ። እባኮትን ወደ ት/ቤት ስትመጡ መታወቂያችሁን አስታውሱ። እንድትገቡ

ቅዳሜ ኤፕሪል 27 ከቀኑ 7፡30 ከሲያትል ሳውደርስርስ FC ሲያደርጉ በMCPS ምሽት በዲሲ ዩናይትድ አይዞህ። ታኮማ ፓርክ አንደኛ ደረጃ ትምህርት ቤት የራሱ ክፍል ይኖረዋል። የትኬት ሽያጩ የተወሰነው ክፍል TPES PTAን ለመደገፍ ይሄዳል ስለዚህም ለት/ቤቱ ድጋፍ መስጠታችንን እንቀጥል። የ TPES ክፍል ትኬቶች እዚህ ሊገዙ ይችላሉ፡ https://fevo-enterprise.com/Takomapark5

ለአንደኛ ክፍል የሚዲያ ክፍል በጎ ፈቃደኞች ያስፈልጋል፡ የአንደኛ ክፍል ተማሪዎች በላይብረሪ ሚዲያ ክፍል ውስጥ የሳይንስ መጽሔቶችን እየሰሩ ነው። ተማሪዎች በሩብ 4 የሳይንስ ትምህርቶች ይጠቀማሉ። ቁሳቁሶችን በማከፋፈል፣ ገጾቹን በመሰብሰብ እና ቀላል የልብስ ስፌት በማዘጋጀት ተማሪዎችን ለመደገፍ እገዛን እናደንቃለን። እባኮትን መርዳት ከቻላችሁ ይህንን መርሐግብር በ ‹Susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org› ላይ ኢሜል ያድርጉ።

የቅድመ መዋዕለ ሕፃናት ክፍሎቻችን የጽዳት ዕቃዎች ያስፈልጋቸዋል። በተለይም የመማሪያ ክፍሎች ክሎሮክስ መጥረጊያዎች፣ ሊሶል ዊዝ እና ስፒክ እና ስፓን የሚረጩ ያስፈልጋቸዋል። መዋጮ በቢሮ ውስጥ መጣል ይቻላል. እባኮትን ለጽህፈት ቤቱ ሰራተኞች ልገሳዎ ለቅድመ መዋጮ መሆኑን ያሳውቁ። በቅድሚያ ብዙ አመሰግናለሁ!

የመምህራን አድናቆት ኮሚቴን ለመቀላቀል በጎ ፈቃደኞችን መፈለግ፡ የኛ PTA ከግንቦት 6-10 የመጀመሪያው ሙሉ ሳምንት የሚሆነውን የመምህራን የምስጋና ሳምንት ለማቀድ እና ተግባራዊ ለማድረግ የሚረዳው ተባባሪ ሊቀመንበር እና/ወይም በጎ ፈቃደኞች ያስፈልገዋል። ከባዶ መጀመር አያስፈልገዎትም ካለፈው ዓመት ኮሚቴ ዝርዝር ማስታወሻዎች ይገኛሉ! ወላጅ ቤቲ ጋርሴቴ ይህን ኮሚቴ በዚህ አመት ስለመሩት እናመሰግናለን፣ ነገር ግን የመምህር አድናቆት ሳምንትን በራሷ ማቀድ አልቻለችም! እባክዎን በፍላጎት እና በጥያቄዎች ቤቲያን ያግኙ! esthergarcete@gmail.com

የዓመት መጽሐፍት! ለልጅዎ የዓመት መጽሐፍ ማዘዝ ከፈለጉ፣ እባክዎ ይህን ሊንክ ይጠቀሙ። የዓመት መጽሐፍት ዋጋው 22 ዶላር ሲሆን በትምህርት አመቱ መጨረሻ ላይ ይሰራጫል።

PBES ማስታወቂያዎች፡ በ Chris Campbell፣ PBES VP Communications የተዘጋጀ

2ኛው የመዋኛ ክፍል በዚህ ሳምንት ለሁሉም ተማሪዎች ተጀምሯል። እባክዎን ልጅዎን በሚቀጥሉት ሶስት ሳምንታት በPE ቀን የመዋኛ ልብስ እና ፎጣ እንዲሆን ያስታውሱ። የመዋኛ ክፍሉ ከማርች 4 እስከ ማርች 22 ይቆያል። ልጅዎ የመዋኛ ልብስ የሚፈልግ ከሆነ እባክዎን ሚስተር ራስል ወይም የት/ቤታችን አማካሪዎችን ያግኙ።

PBES የሥዕል ቀን፡ ነገ፣ ረቡዕ፣ ማርች 6

የቤተሰብ ሕይወት ትምህርት ክፍል፡- ሐሙስ፣ መጋቢት 7፣ 5ኛ ክፍል የተንከባካቢዎች ስብሰባ ስለመጪው የቤተሰብ ሕይወት ትምህርት ክፍል

PBES የመድብለ ባህላዊ ምሽት በታኮማ ፓርክ መካከለኛ ደረጃ ት/ቤት መጋቢት 20

ምግብ ለማምጣት ለመመዝገብ ይህንን ሊንክ ይጠቀሙ፡- https://bit.ly/pbesfood

ለአፈጻጸም ለመመዝገብ ይህንን ሊንክ ይጠቀሙ፡ https://bit.ly/pbesperform

በዝግጅቱ ላይ በጎ ፈቃደኛ ለመሆን ለመመዝገብ ይህንን ሊንክ ይጠቀሙ፡- https://bit.ly/pbesvolunteer

የፀደይ ዕረፍት: መጋቢት 25-29

የPBES ትምህርት ቤት ዳሰሳ፡ ትምህርት ቤታችንን ለማሻሻል ይርዱ! የማስተማር ስራችንን ለማሻሻል እና ትምህርት ቤታችንን ለሁሉም ተማሪዎች እና ቤተሰቦች የበለጠ ምቹ ቦታ እንዲሆን እንፈልጋለን። ምን ማድረግ እንዳለብን እንድንረዳ እባክዎን ይህንን የዳሰሳ ጥናት ይሙሉ። 10 ደቂቃ ያህል ይወስዳል.

TPES የንባብ ማሻሻያ (አማንዳ ዋግነር)

የ TPES ንባብ-አ-ቶን 3ኛ ሳምንት። በግማሽ መንገድ ወደ ትምህርት ቤት የ200,000 ደቂቃዎች ግብ

ወደ ትምህርት ቤት ሰፊው ግብ ከደረሱ የፖፕኮርን ድግስ ይኖራል እና ለፓርቲው ፈቃደኛ ሠራተኞችን ይፈልጋሉ – ይከታተሉ!

ቤተሰብ እና ጓደኞች ገንዘብ እየገቡ ቢሆንም ሁሉም ተማሪዎች በንባብ ላይ መሳተፍ አለባቸው – የገንዘብ ማሰባሰብያ ክፍል አማራጭ ነው።

PBES የተነበበ-አ-ቶን ማሻሻያ (ክርስቲን ኦፕላኒክ)

የPBES ንባብ-አ-ቶን በመጽሐፍ ስጦታ ተጀመረ

ከ3 ሳምንታት የንባብ እና የምዝግብ ማስታወሻ በኋላ፣ 28ኛው የ2024 Readathon መገባደጃ ላይ ከክፍል ስብሰባዎች ጋር በመሆን የጋራ ስኬትን አከበሩ። ይህ ተማሪዎቹ የሚወዱትን PB-Jellyን ያካትታል።

PBES በአጠቃላይ 200,000 ደቂቃዎች የማንበብ ግቡን አልፏል። ተማሪዎቹ በአጠቃላይ 495,205 ደቂቃዎችን አንብበዋል!

3ኛ ክፍል ንባብ 135,557 ደቂቃዎች

4ኛ ክፍል የተነበበ 136,235 ደቂቃዎች

5ኛ ክፍል የተነበበ 225,937 ደቂቃዎች

በብዛት ያነበቡት እና የፒዛ ፓርቲን ያሸነፉ ክፍሎች፡-

3ኛ ክፍል፣ በአማካኝ 1,138 ደቂቃ በአንድ ተማሪ፣ ያንግ ክፍል

4ኛ ክፍል፣ በአማካኝ 1,548 ደቂቃዎች በአንድ ተማሪ፣ የፕሉመር ክፍል

5ኛ ክፍል፣በአማካኝ 2,271 ደቂቃዎች በተማሪዎች፣የኬኔይ ክፍል

የ3,000 ዶላር የገቢ ማሰባሰቢያ ግብ ሊጠናቀቅ ተቃርቧል።

ዛሬ: $2,570

እባኮትን ቃል የገቡትን ቃል/ክትትል ከስፖንሰሮች ጋር ለመጨረስ ይሞክሩ/በዚህ ሳምንት ለማዋጣት ካልቻሉ እና ካልቻሉ! https://pineybranchpta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/76287817

በድረ-ገጹ ላይ ለ Readathon የተለየ አማራጭ አለ.

እንደ አማራጭ ለPBES PTA የተሰራ ቼክ ወደ ትምህርት ቤቱ ቢሮ መላክ ይችላሉ።

PBES የጂኦቦውል ማሻሻያ (Justine Lassman)

የወላጅ በጎ ፈቃደኞች ይህንን ክስተት እንዲቻል አድርገውታል፣ እንደሌሎች ብዙ።

በሁለት ሳምንታት ውስጥ የጂኦቦውል ውድድር (መጋቢት 18 እና መጋቢት 19) ይካሄዳል. ተማሪዎ የትኛውን ቀን እንደሚወዳደር ከዚህ በታች ያግኙ።

መርዳት ከፈለጉ አሁንም አንዳንድ በጎ ፈቃደኞች ሊጠቀሙ ይችላሉ –

ለበጎ ፈቃደኝነት ወይም ለማንኛውም የጂኦቦውል ጥያቄዎች ያነጋግሩ፡ justinelassman@gmail.com

ለእያንዳንዱ ክፍል የጂኦቦውል ውድድር ቀናት እና ሰዓቶች፡-

ሰኞ መጋቢት 18 በጂም ውስጥ

9፡35-10፡35 ጥዋት ጂ. 4 (ኬሲ፣ ኤስኮው፣ ፕሉመር፣ ሴራ)

12፡00-1፡00 ፒ.ኤም. ግሬ. 5 (ኬኒ፣ ማድሰን፣ ፒኖክ፣ ቶልሰን)

1፡10-2፡10 ፒ.ኤም. ግሬ. 3 (ዱንላፕ፣ ጋዝዳ፣ ጆይ፣ ካንዴህ)

2፡20-3፡20 p.m. ግሬ. 3 (ክላክስተን፣ ጊልስ፣ ግራናዶስ፣ ሄርናንዴዝ፣ ወጣት)

ማክሰኞ፣ መጋቢት 19 በጂም ውስጥ

9፡35-10፡35 ጥዋት ጂ. 4 (ቦልደን፣ ኤበርሊ፣ ሊ፣ ፖርተር)

12፡00-1፡00 ፒ.ኤም. ግሬ. 5 (ብሩኪንግ፣ ካሪዩኪ፣ ሉከር፣ ፓትሪክ)

በመስመር ላይ የተማሪዎችን ደህንነት መጠበቅ (ሱዛን አንደርሰን፣ TPES ሚዲያ ስፔሻሊስት)

ስላይዶች እዚህ ይገኛሉ፡ https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1O2YDPIguj8Y5MopaK6ns-sfcFcvVS9EYx4KQHnKJgyI/edit?usp=sharing

በቤት ውስጥ ምን ማድረግ ይችላሉ

በትምህርት ቤት ውስጥ

የመስመር ላይ እንቅስቃሴ ቁጥጥር/የተጣራ ነው።

ተማሪዎች በMCPS መለያ መግባት አለባቸው

የMCPS ማጣሪያዎች ተማሪዎችን ተገቢ ካልሆኑ ድረ-ገጾች ይጠብቃቸዋል።

እንቅስቃሴ (የፍለጋ ታሪክ፣ ወዘተ) እና Google Drives ክትትል ይደረግባቸዋል

ሁሉም በ TPES እና PBES ያሉ ተማሪዎች የዲጂታል ዜግነት ትምህርቶችን እየተቀበሉ ነው – ብዙውን ጊዜ በመገናኛ ብዙሃን ባለሙያ (በ TPES በአብዛኛው ሱ አንደርሰን ነው። ወይዘሮ ኤድጋር በPBES ያስተምራቸዋል)

ትኩረት፡ አስተማማኝ እና ጤናማ ምርጫዎችን ማድረግ

ከኮመን ሴንስ ትምህርት ሥርዓተ ትምህርት ይጠቀማል

ከትምህርት ቤት ወደ ትምህርት ቤት ወጥነት ያለው ለመሆን ይሞክሩ

ቤት ውስጥ

MCPS በቤት ውስጥ ክትትል ወይም ማጣሪያ አይደለም

በቤትዎ ዋይፋይ ወይም ራውተር ላይ ገደቦችን ማዘጋጀት ይችላሉ።

ቴክኖሎጂ ሁሉንም ጉዳዮች ሊፈታ አይችልም, ስለዚህ ግምት ውስጥ ማስገባት አለብዎት:

ስለ ሕጎቹ እና ስለሚጠበቁት ነገር በመደበኛነት/በአክብሮት ከልጅዎ ጋር ይነጋገሩ፡

እነሱ የቴክኖሎጂ “ተወላጆች” እያደጉ ናቸው.

ዲጂታል አጠቃቀም ሁሉም “መጥፎ” እንዳልሆነ አጽንዖት ለመስጠት ያስታውሱ. ብዙ እንቅስቃሴዎች ለመማር፣ ለፈጠራ፣ ወዘተ ጠቃሚ ናቸው።

እራስን መቆጣጠርን ያበረታቱ

የቴክኖሎጂ እቅድ ያውጡ (የጋራ ግንዛቤ መመሪያ)

በቤተሰብ እሴቶች ላይ በመመስረት ደንቦችን/ገደቦችን ያቀናብሩ

ለምሳሌ፡ https://www.commonsensemedia.org/family-tech-plannersን ይጎብኙ

አብራችሁ አድርጉት።

ለልጆቻችሁ የምታደርጉትን ሞዴል አድርጉ

አስደሳች ይዘትን በጋራ ማጋራት ይረዳል

ቴክኖሎጂን አንድ ላይ ይፍጠሩ ለምሳሌ ፒያኖ ሲጫወቱ የሚያሳይ ቪዲዮ

ስለሚያዩት ነገር ተነጋገሩ እና በመስመር ላይ ይጫወታሉ

የደህንነት ምክሮች

ልጆች የእርስዎን ፍቃድ መጠየቅ አለባቸው – ሳይጠይቁ መሳሪያዎን መያዝ አይችሉም

ህጎችን እና ገደቦችን ያዘጋጁ – አስፈላጊ በሚሆንበት ጊዜ አይሆንም ይበሉ

መሣሪያውን በሚያዩበት ቦታ ይጠቀሙበት

የትኞቹን ጣቢያዎች/ጨዋታዎች እየተጠቀሙ እንደሆኑ ይወቁ

መገናኛ ክፈት – የማይመች ነገር ካዩ ሊነግሩዎት ይገባል። ተንከባካቢዎች እነዚህን ንግግሮች መቀበል አለባቸው።

TPES/MCPS ይዘት

ያለማስታወቂያ ነጻ የሆኑ ትምህርታዊ፣ አዝናኝ ድህረ ገጾች

አብዛኛዎቹ በClever afer ተማሪዎች ወደ MCPS አውታረመረብ ይገባሉ።

የሃብት ዝርዝር (እና የሚፈለጉ የይለፍ ቃሎች እዚህ https://bit.ly/TPESonline23) ያግኙ

ጥያቄ እና መልስ

ስለ minecraft ቪዲዮዎች ጥያቄ

Minecraft ቪዲዮዎች በዚህ እድሜ ላሉ ልጆች አግባብነት የሌላቸው ሊሆኑ ይችላሉ እና ልጆች እየተመለከቷቸው ከሆነ ወላጆች በክፍሉ ውስጥ መሆን አለባቸው.

ስለ Chromebooks ጥያቄ

ቤት ውስጥ chromebook ከፈለጉ፣ ኢሜል ያድርጉ፡ susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org

ለ wifi የተለየ ሂደት አለ። ቤት ውስጥ wifi ከፈለጉ በኢሜል ይላኩ እና የተማሪዎን አስተማሪ ይጠይቁ። ለ wifi መሙላት ፎርም ይሰጡዎታል።

የተማሪ መለያዎችን እንዴት ማግኘት ይቻላል፡-

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/paintbranchhs/uploadedfiles/news/student-accounts-and-access.pdf

ስፓኒሽ፡ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OqD1BLpP5fJ_zyOPgwK9cQp4E1D7ndlg9xXIBT3-1eg/ቅድመ እይታ

በChromebooks ላይ ስለደህንነት ጥበቃዎች ጥያቄ

በ TPES እና PBES ላይ በተማሪዎች Chromebooks ላይ ያለው ጥበቃ ተማሪዎች ክሮሞ መፅሐፎቻቸውን እቤት ውስጥ ሲጠቀሙ በራስ-ሰር እንደማይተላለፉ ያስታውሱ።

ስለ ክፍል ዶጆ ጥያቄ

ወደ ክፍል ዶጆ እንዴት እንደሚገቡ መረጃ ለማግኘት አስተማሪዎን ይጠይቁ

የበጀት ዝማኔዎች

TPES (ኤሚ ስዊፍት፣ TPES PTA ገንዘብ ያዥ)

በዚህ ወር 202 ዶላር መጣ

ወጪዎች የፔይፓል ክፍያዎችን ያካትታሉ። መዋጮ ሲያደርጉ (ጥሬ ገንዘብ፣ ቼክ ወይም ፔይፓል)፣ ፔይፓል ክፍያ እንደሚያስከፍል ያስታውሱ

ለሰራተኞች ድጋፍ ተጨማሪ ገንዘብ አውጥቷል (የቫለንታይን ቀን ፣ የውሃ አቅርቦት ፣ የምሳ ካርድ ለ paypal ቡድን)

ፒቢኤስ (ራቻኤል ፒሮቲ፣ ፒቢኤስ ፒቲኤ ገንዘብ ያዥ)

ጥቂት ተጨማሪ የማበረታቻ ልገሳ እና ለ readathon የገንዘብ ማሰባሰብ በዚህ ወር ልገሳዎችን ከፍ አድርጓል።

ወጪዎቹ የ BTSN ሕጻናት እንክብካቤ፣ የፔይፓል ስሜት፣ ወዘተ ያካትታሉ።

ቀጣዩ የPTA ስብሰባ

የሚቀጥለው የPTA ስብሰባ ኤፕሪል 2 በ 7 ፒኤም ይካሄዳል

 

March 11, 2024 Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

In this issue: 
1. PTA Meeting: TOMORROW Tuesday, March 5, 7-8 pm
2. Last Week of Read-a-thon this week!
3. Seeking Volunteers to Plan a Possible Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration
4. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Opens March 18th
5. Birthday Celebrations at School = 1 Small Treat
6. Help Improve Our School and Provide Feedback
7. Book Fair Committee Volunteers Needed
8. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm
9. Volunteers for First Grade Media Class Needed
10. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK
11. Seeking Volunteers to Join Teacher Appreciation Committee
12. Upcoming TPES Events
1. PTA Meeting Minutes Available
Meeting minutes are available from our March PTA meeting. Among the many topics we discussed there was a wonderful presentation by Ms. Anderson about healthy habits for children using devices and online screen time. The presentation she gave are linked here and also in the minutes.
2. Last Week of Read-a-thon this week!
The 2024 Read-a-thon is entering its final week. Students have read 164,639 minutes as of the latest count! WOW! Reading logs for the final week 4 are due on Friday. Find more information on the Readathon (including extra reading logs) here.
3. Seeking Volunteers to Plan a Possible Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration
We’d love to plan an Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration in May if we have the volunteer support. If you’re interested, please email Kaitlin Caruso at president@tpespta.net.
 
4. Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-25 Opens March 18th

Kindergarten online registration opens March 18, 2024. Paper registration is open now. 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. Birthday Celebrations at School = 1 Small Treat

Be sure to pre-arrange any birthday celebration with your classroom teacher. The school has seen an increase in the number of families bringing pizza, cakes, cupcakes, balloons and candy for birthday celebrations. Please remember, TPES only allows one small treat (like a cupcake) to honor birthdays. Families will not be permitted to take pizza, candy, balloons, goody bags and other things to the classroom. Unfortunately, classroom teachers do not have the time to cut cake, pass out pizza and other treats. We thank you in advance for understanding.

6. Help Improve Our School and Provide Feedback 
MCPS is seeking feedback from families to make our schools a more welcoming place for all students and families. Please fill out this survey. It will take about 10 minutes. You can fill out one for each school your children attend.
 
7. Book Fair Committee Volunteers Needed
Our PTA is planning our first-ever Bookworm Central on-site book fair (a local Northern Virginia-based book fair company) for the week of April 15 (Preview Day on April 12), and there is much to do to ensure it is a successful and fun event for all. Our coordinators need help on the Book Fair Committee to assist with the following in the lead-up to the on-site Fair:
  • Recruiting volunteers for Book Fair shifts
  • Organizing food truck / evening social event the week of the on-site Fair
  • Setting up and breaking down the Book Fair
  • Hanging up pre-fair marketing signs
  • Helping with collecting and disbursing the financial gains from the Fair
The Book Fair is always a fun event for the kids and a great opportunity to raise funds for the school.  Please consider joining us!  Please email Claire at clairecdean@gmail.com or our Book Fair account at bookfair@tpespta.net if you have any ability to help (however small!).

8. 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!

9. Volunteers for First Grade Media Class Needed

First graders are making science journals in the library media class. Students will use them in quarter 4 science lessons. We would appreciate help supporting students with handing out supplies, collating the pages and simple sewing. Please check this schedule at and email Ms. Anderson (Susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org) if you can help.

10. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK

Our Prekindergarten classes are in need of cleaning supplies. In particular, classrooms need Clorox wipes, Lysol wipes and Spic and Span spray. Donations can be dropped off in the office. Please let the office staff know that your donation is for PreK. Many thanks in advance.

11. 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

12. Upcoming TPES Events 

February 19-March 15: TPES Read-a-thon
March 18: Kindergarten Enrollment for 2024-25 Opens
March 25 – April 1: Spring Break
 
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

March 4, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

In this issue: 

  1. PTA Meeting: TOMORROW Tuesday, March 5, 7-8 pm
  2. STEM Night @ TPES: Thursday, March 7, 7-8 pm
  3. The 2024 TPES Read-a-thon is here
  4. Lost and found items in the Atrium must be claimed by Thursday night, 3/
  5. The 2024 TPES Read-a-thon is here
  6. Book Fair Committee Volunteers Needed
  7. Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair Applications Open March 1-15
  8. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm 
  9. Volunteers for First Grade Media Class Needed
  10. Donate Cardboard Tubes
  11. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK
  12. Seeking Volunteers to Join Teacher Appreciation Committee 
  13. Upcoming TPES Events 
  1. PTA Meeting: TOMORROW Tuesday, March 5, 7-8 pm

Please join us for our next joint-PTA meeting between TPES and PBES PTAs. Ms. Sue Anderson, TPES Library Media Specialist, will discuss keeping children safe online, including built-in safeguards on MCPS-issued Chromebooks. Zoom link will be emailed the day of the meeting.

  1. STEM Night @ TPES: Thursday, March 7, 7-8 pm

Please save the date for this community-favorite event at TPES! More information will be coming but expect fun, hands-on activities throughout the school for this special evening!

  1. Lost and found items in the Atrium must be claimed by Thursday night, 3/7

Please take some time to peruse the lost and found items in the atrium, which will be available at STEM Night this Thursday. Any items remaining after STEM Night, will be donated.

  1. The 2024 TPES Read-a-thon is here!

Please continue to read and record your minutes. Reading logs for week 3 are due on Friday. Find more information on the Readathon (including extra reading logs) here.

  1. Book Fair Committee Volunteers Needed

Our PTA is planning our first-ever Bookworm Central on-site book fair (a local Northern Virginia-based book fair company) for the week of April 15 (Preview Day on April 12), and there is much to do to ensure it is a successful and fun event for all. Our coordinators need help on the Book Fair Committee to assist with the following in the lead-up to the on-site Fair:

  • Recruiting volunteers for Book Fair shifts
  • Organizing food truck / evening social event the week of the on-site Fair
  • Setting up and breaking down the Book Fair
  • Hanging up pre-fair marketing signs
  • Helping with collecting and disbursing the financial gains from the Fair

The Book Fair is always a fun event for the kids and a great opportunity to raise funds for the school.  Please consider joining us!  Please email Claire at clairecdean@gmail.com or our Book Fair account at bookfair@tpespta.net if you have any ability to help (however small!).

Also, as a reminder, our online book fair is still accessible with loads of books for all ages at:  https://www.bookwormcentral.com/TakomaPark  You can purchase books and 15 percent of the proceeds come back to our school.  You can also purchase books for the Media Center directly at the bottom of the page (“Book Drive”).

  1. Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair Applications Open March 1-15
    Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair is a one-day marketplace that allows children to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, then showcase to the community.This event is hosted by local parents, the majority of funding is sponsored by Takoma Park business owners, and the generous support of our community volunteers.  We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.

    WHO: Children Age 6-14
    How many booths / children will be participating this year: 50 booths and up to 150 children!
    WHEN: Saturday May 4th between 10am – 2pm (Rain date: May 11th)
    WHERE: Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD

Applications will be accepted online from 3/1 through 3/15.

  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. Volunteers forFirst Grade Media Class Needed

First graders are making science journals in the library media class. Students will use them in quarter 4 science lessons. We would appreciate help supporting students with handing out supplies, collating the pages and simple sewing. Please check this schedule at and email Ms. Anderson (Susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org) if you can help.

  1. Donate Cardboard Tubes

Send or bring in your cardboard tubes: toilet paper, paper towel, wrapping paper, etc…) for our maker room at STEM Night! Collection box is in the atrium. Thank you!

  1. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK

Our Prekindergarten classes are in need of cleaning supplies. In particular, classrooms need Clorox wipes, Lysol wipes and Spic and Span spray. Donations can be dropped off in the office. Please let the office staff know that your donation is for PreK. Many thanks in advance.

  1. 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

  1. Upcoming TPES Events 

February 19-March 15: TPES Read-a-thon
March 5: PTA Meeting, 7-8pm
March 7: STEM Night @ TPES, 7-8pm
March 7: Lost and Found Clean Out
March 25 – April 1: Spring Break

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

February 26, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

In this issue: 

  1. Black History Night at PBES This Thursday, February 29, 7-8 pm
  2. Reminder: Early Release THIS FRIDAY, March 1st
  3. TPES Grounds Clean Up to Prepare for Nature Walk: Sunday, March 3rd, 1-4 pm
  4. The 2024 TPES Read-a-thon is here!
  5. Next Joint-PTA Meeting: Tuesday, March 5, 7-8 pm
  6. STEM Night @ TPES: Thursday, March 7, 7-8 pm
  7. Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair Applications Open March 1-15
  8. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm 
  9. Volunteers forFirst Grade Media Class Needed
  10. 10. Donate Cardboard Tubes
  11. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK
  12. Seeking Volunteers to Join Teacher Appreciation Committee 
  13. Yearbook Ordering is Now Open
  14. Gifted and Talented Screening and Parent Input Form for Second Graders
  15. Upcoming TPES Events 

1. Black History Night at PBES This Thursday, February 29, 7-8 pm

Please join us at Piney Branch Elementary School for a dynamic Black History Night Program on Thursday, February 29, from 7 to 8 pm, proudly sponsored by the TPES and PBES PTAs. Enjoy live performances by Blair HS Hip Hop Dance Troupe and Keur Khaleyi Dance Company, showcasing the vibrancy of African culture through dance. Engage in an art activity led by Baltimore-based artist Bakari Jones, exploring art and social justice with a focus on joy. Conclude the night with a lively dance party, led by our very own TPES NAACP Parent Representative, celebrating diversity and community spirit. Children and caregivers are warmly welcome to join this inclusive evening. Light refreshments will be served. See attached flyer for more details.  We hope to see you there!

We are also seeking volunteer support at the Black History Night event – we need support with set up, break down, refreshments, and support of the art activity.  If you are willing and able, please see the Sign Up Genius for the event here.

2. Reminder: Early Release THIS FRIDAY, March 1st

A friendly reminder that TPES will be dismissed at 1:20pm this Friday for Early Release.

3. TPES Grounds Clean Up to Prepare for Nature Walk: Sunday, March 3rd, 1-4 pm

TPES is working with the Takoma Park Community Food Forest Collective to bring a Nature Walk and Mini-Food Forest to our school.  This month, the Community Food Forest Collective and MCPS are planting 16 new native trees as part of the Nature Walk.

Join the Collective and the TPES PTA as we prepare the grounds for the new trees by weeding, cutting back invasives and picking up litter!  This is a great opportunity for TPES kids and families to take care of our school and be part of this exciting project.

WHEN: Sunday, March 3rd from 1pm to 4pm. Come for as long or as little as you can.

WHERE: Meet on the path behind the playground (opposite from the parking lot). This is the site of our TPES’ future Nature Walk!

WHAT: Help weed, cut back invasives, and pick up litter.

WHO: TPES kids, families, siblings, community members.  Anyone who wants to help grow a Nature Walk at TPES.

Questions: Email Erin Mohan at mohan.erin.m@gmail.com

4. The 2024 TPES Read-a-thon is here!

Please continue to read and record your minutes. Reading logs for week 2 are due on Friday. Find more information on the Readathon (including extra reading logs) here.

5. Next Joint-PTA Meeting: Tuesday, March 5, 7-8 pm

Please join us for our next joint-PTA meeting between TPES and PBES PTAs. Ms. Sue Anderson, TPES Library Media Specialist, will discuss keeping children safe online, including built-in safeguards on MCPS-issued Chromebooks.

6. STEM Night @ TPES: Thursday, March 7, 7-8 pm

Please save the date for this community-favorite event at TPES! More information will be coming but expect fun, hands-on activities throughout the school for this special evening!

7. Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair Applications Open March 1-15
Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair is a one-day marketplace that allows children to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, then showcase to the community.

This event is hosted by local parents, the majority of funding is sponsored by Takoma Park business owners, and the generous support of our community volunteers.  We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.

WHO: Children Age 6-14
How many booths / children will be participating this year: 50 booths and up to 150 children!
WHEN: Saturday May 4th between 10am – 2pm (Rain date: May 11th)
WHERE: Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD

Applications will be accepted online from 3/1 through 3/15.

8. 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!

9. Volunteers for First Grade Media Class Needed

First graders are making science journals in the library media class. Students will use them in quarter 4 science lessons. We would appreciate help supporting students with handing out supplies, collating the pages and simple sewing. Please check this schedule at and email Ms. Anderson (Susan_g_anderson@mcpsmd.org) if you can help.

10. Donate Cardboard Tubes

Send or bring in your cardboard tubes: toilet paper, paper towel, wrapping paper, etc…) for our maker room! Collection box is in the atrium. Thank you!

11. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK

Our Prekindergarten classes are in need of cleaning supplies. In particular, classrooms need Clorox wipes, Lysol wipes and Spic and Span spray. Donations can be dropped off in the office. Please let the office staff know that your donation is for PreK. Many thanks in advance.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Upcoming TPES Events 

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
March 1: Early Release
March 5: PTA Meeting, 7-8pm
March 7: STEM Night @ TPES, 7-8pm

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

February 19 2024 Dolphin Digest – TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

In this issue: 
1. February PTA Meeting Minutes Now Available
2. TPES/PBES Black History Night Celebration: February 29, 7-8pm
3. Cheer on D.C. United and Support TPES PTA: April 27, 7:30pm 
4. Author’s Visit This Friday, February 23
5. Donate Cardboard Tubes 
6. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK
7. Seeking Volunteers to Join Teacher Appreciation Committee 
8. Yearbook Ordering is Now Open
9. Gifted and Talented Screening and Parent Input Form for Second Graders
10. Upcoming TPES Events 
1. The 2024 TPES Read-a-thon is here!
We are excited for this fun, school-wide event that gets kids excited about reading!
 

What: The TPES Read-a-thon is a month-long, school-wide event in which your child reads and sets goals related to their reading. Like in a charity marathon, where runners are “sponsored” for every mile they run, caregivers and others may sponsor students for every minute they read. The pledges collected at the end of the Read-a-thon are donations to the PTA, and these donations provide benefits for students, teachers, and staff at TPES. 

When: The Read-a-thon runs February 19 – March 15, 2024. 

Where: At home or school, your child reads or is read to. This includes audio books and another child or adult reading to them.

Who: Anyone (parent, grandparent, family friend, etc.) can sponsor a child. Then you or your child records the minutes read. 

Why: Instead of asking children to sell items—like candy or magazines—to family and friends, a Read-a-thon encourages kids to get lost in a book, and supportive adults feel good about encouraging a child’s love of reading and supporting the school without having to purchase anything they do not need.  

How: Students and their caregivers will record minutes read on reading logs. These should be handed in to teachers every Friday of the Read-a-thon. More information was provided in your student’s Dolphin Folder and is available on the PTA website linked here (including extra reading logs if you need them). If you have any questions, email Amanda Wagner at helloamandawagner@gmail.com.

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!
3. 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!

4. Author’s Visit This Friday, February 23

This Friday, February 23, we have local author, Shannon Earle, presenting to first graders. She’ll read her nonfiction book The Penguin of Ilha Grande. Please prepare students. They’ll be sitting on the floor in the All Purpose Room (APR). She’ll read the book on a Boxlight and show things related to her research and the events in the book. She’ll take some questions at the end.

5. Donate Cardboard Tubes 

Send or bring in your cardboard tubes: toilet paper, paper towel, wrapping paper, etc…) for our maker room! Collection box is in the atrium. Thank you! 

6. Cleaning Supply Donations Needed for PreK

Our Prekindergarten classes are in need of cleaning supplies. In particular, classrooms need Clorox wipes, Lysol wipes and Spic and Span spray. Donations can be dropped off in the office. Please let the office staff know that your donation is for PreK. Many thanks in advance.

7. 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
8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Upcoming TPES Events 

February 19-March 15: TPES Read-a-thon
February 23: Author’s Visit, Shannon Earle
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

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

February 12, 2024 TPES PTA Dolphin Digest

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

Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም

February 2024 PTA Meeting Minutes

Takoma Park Elementary School (TPES)
Piney Branch Elementary School (PBES)
Parent & Teacher Meeting (PTA)
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 7 – 8pm on Zoom 

Meeting Kick-off 

Ingrid Gardiner, PBES PTA President welcome

  • Intro to topics to be discussed
  • Desiree Hernandez will be translating in Spanish, we do not have an Amharic interpreter today. Notes will be shared in English/Spanish/Amharic.
  • Reminder: PBES suggestion/feedback form at this link.  Please give feedback regarding upcoming meetings or other PTA suggestions/ideas

Upcoming Dates & Announcements

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

  • 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. 
  • Black History Night is on February 29th at PBES! We are looking for six volunteers from TPES to help with set up, food, clean up and the art table. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Gabrielle Williams. We will put her information in the chat. (gabriellefouche@gmail.com). 
  • 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! Our most important volunteer need right now is on Friday, February 16th for the book giveaway! Even if you can’t commit to a whole time slot, we appreciate even an hour of your time! You can sign up to volunteer on this linked spreadsheet. Please contact Amanda Wagner (helloamandawagner@gmail.com) for more information.
  • 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. Please label your student’s clothing as it helps get the items returned if misplaced.
  • Lost and Found: Please come check out the lost and found! 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.
  • 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! 
  • 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 soon.
  • Yearbook Ordering is Now Open: 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. 

PBES ANNOUNCEMENTS: ready by Ingrid Gardiner, PBES PTA President

  • February is Black History Month! TPES/PBES Black History Night Celebration: February 29, 7–8 pm – 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.
  • February 19: No school (President’s Day)
  • Cultural Heritage Night, GeoBowl, and Readathon updates will be provided by the committee members after the announcements
  • Here is the sign up link to bring some Valentines treats for PBES staff on Feb 13: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4DA4AC28A4F49-47660610-velentines#/

Budget Updates, TPES and PBES

Amy Swift, TPES PTA Treasurer 

Zones of Regulation

Ms. Altofer . TPES Counselor 

Overview – Zones of Regulation is an SEL curriculum originally developed for small groups of students with autism or sensory processing issues. We are however seeing more and more children with self regulation challenges.

  • Mr Altofer and Ms. Ampofo are working with this curriculum (Zones of Regulation) this year. 
  • Breaks feelings into color zones.
  • Will be continuing to refine lessons and have consistency throughout classrooms/school.

Q: Are there ways we as parents can support what you are doing at school?

A: You can have conversations with your student at home if they are becoming unregulated or getting close to a tantrum, ask what color they are in. Reinforce that red is not good/bad but means out of control. Remind them that not everyone experiences their feelings the same, there isn’t a right/wrong, just a difference of opinion.

Q: If this was originally developed for kids on the autism spectrum, how appropriate is this curriculum for kids who are not on the spectrum (which presumably is most kids)?

A: It was developed for that purpose but has been used in school/clinical settings with students with ADHD, students with regulatory issues. 

This is something that is good for all children, it was just designed for children originally for kids on the spectrum. “A good strategy is a good strategy”

From chat: I rarely get details from my kids about what they learn daily, but my kindergartner and 2nd grader fell all over themselves to tell us everything about the zones of regulation!

Q: I really appreciate the focus on zones of regulation this year. How it the zones curriculum being balanced with other guidance curriculum that covers other topics?

A: This year, this is the curriculum we are using. Next year we will incorporate mindfulness into zones. 

Q:Is this tool being used in PBES as well so students can maintain a consistent approach as they age up?

A: No, but it is available. Choice was made to use it at TPES based on what counselors/staff were seeing and what seemed appropriate.

Q: What trends post-pandemic are you seeing? Particular grades or throughout?

A: Throughout school. My sense that it was from being out of school, being on screen, then having to transition back. The social skills foundation and general frustration tolerance has decreased. In any given year, there is a handful demonstrating this but we are seeing more and more, behaviors are getting bigger, more students are becoming physically aggressive, etc.

Black History Month celebration – no presentation this evening

Reminder: The celebration is Feb 29th at PBES

THANK YOU

Mrs Oberdorff: Thank you to all the volunteers for GeoBowl and Readathon

Dr Gadsden: Thank you for everyone volunteering for lunch, recess, and at school, and for your smiles when you come in.

Ingrid Gardiner,  PBES PTA President

  • Reminder that next PTA meeting will be on March 5 at 7 PM 

Additional Q&A:

Q:Is there a “no-school day” on Tuesday, May 14th?

A: May 14th is a Holiday with schools and offices closed for Primary Election Day.



February 5, 2024 – Dolphin Digest TPES PTA Weekly Newsletter

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

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 2024 PTA Meeting Minutes

Takoma Park Elementary School (TPES)
Piney Branch Elementary School (PBES)
Parent & Teacher Meeting (PTA)
Rescheduled: Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 7 – 8pm on Zoom 

Agenda will include:
(1) Upcoming TPES and PBES dates and announcement
(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

7:00 PM: Meeting Kick-off 

Kaitlin Caruso, TPES PTA President welcome

7:05 PM: Upcoming Dates & Announcements
Joyce McDonough, TPES PTA VP Communications
Chris Campbell – PBES PTA VP Communications 

TPES Announcements: 

  • Little Scholars Club Registration Extended through Sunday, January 21, 8pm for Cheerleading, Hip Hop, and Mini Med

We have been working with Little Scholars to ensure improved programming this winter session. If a class is no longer listed, it is full. Please click here or on the attached flyer to register. 

  • Next Food Forest and Gardening PTA Committee on Wednesday, January 24th 8-9PM

To learn about 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 Certification 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! They’ll be sent to be recycled once the boxes are full! Let’s see how many pounds of plastics we can prevent from going into our landfills! 

  • 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. If you are interested in helping to make this happen, please reach out to Kaitlin Caruso (president@tpespta.net

    • Thanks to our parent volunteer, Alfia Ali, we have an active Amharic-language WhatsApp group for TPES parents. We also have a Spanish-language WhatsApp group, led by Ms. Paz. Help us spread the word! 
  • Advice on Lice. We are still having reported cases of lice at the school. You may have noticed that our PTA is including tips in our weekly newsletters to keep lice front of mind. We have also purchased some medicated shampoos and combs for the nurse to distribute to families who may need them. 
  • Blair HS has their STEM night for Grades K-5 on January 26th, 
  • There is NO school on January 29th. 

PBES Announcements: 

    • The Geography Bowl has begun! Packets should have come home with you children with maps of Africa and The Americas and questions about these regions. For anyone unfamiliar with the GeoBowl it’s a voluntary opportunity for kids to develop an enthusiasm for geography and create school spirit through team competitions. The packets are completed outside of class time and the classroom with the highest percentage of completed packets gets a donut party 🙂 You can learn more about the GeoBowl on the PBES PTA website HERE, including important dates:
      • Monday, January 22 4pm-5pm and Thursday, January 25 8am-9am packet completion help at school for those kids interested in getting support completing their GeoBowl packets 
      • Thursday, February 1st Final day to turn in completed packets
      • Monday, February 5th All corrected packets will be returned to classrooms
      • Please consider volunteering by filling out this FORM
  • TPES/PBES Soccer Spring Event: reach out to Sara Lewis at serowe@gmail.com if interested in participating through PBES.
  • Little Scholars Club Registration is open through Sunday, January 21st. Scholarship applications are now closed. We are accepting donations to help cover the cost of scholarships for the Spring Semester of after school programming. Link here to make a donation.
  • January 24: Instrumental music concerts at TPMS: 6:00 p.m. Strings Concert, 7:00 p.m. Band Concert. Family and friends are invited to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Mrs. Pratt at Stacia_A_Pratt@mcpsmd.org.

Amanda Wagner from TPES and Leanne from PBES will now share a special announcement about the Read-a-thon at each school.

  • Read-a-thon is a schoolwide event to encourage kids to read over a period of three weeks.
    • TPES: starts February 14
    • PBES: starts February 2
  • Parents submit their readathon minute trackers back on fridays; win pizza party for most read
  • Book giveaway on first day, starting book collection next week
  • Families may submit donations for every minute or book read. Will be sending home information.
  • How to participate (both schools)
    • Book collection: Donate books for the book giveaway, particularly books in Spanish
    • Parent volunteers
      • Help with book giveaway
      • Tally minute trackers
    • More information coming soon
  • Contact information:

7:15 PM: Update from NAACP Representatives and PTA leadership regarding Black History Month Events

Gabrielle Williams, TPES PTA NAACP Representative
Ingrid Gardiner, PBES PTA President 

  • Theme: Blacks in the Arts
  • Solidifying date for the event at the end of February
  • Will be held at PBES
  • Planned for the event:
    • Food
    • Dance troupe
    • Opportunities for student involvement
  • More details coming soon

7:25 PM: Protocol and Processes for Virtual Schooling In the Case of School Closures Due to Inclement Weather (Including time for Q & A)
Ms. Joi Hollis, Principal of TPES
Ms. Christine Oberdorf, Principal of PBES 

  • Dr. Gadsden will stay on the call at the end for further questions
  • Slide Deck
  • MCPS Operating Status
    • Color coded system (LINK)
    • Multi-step process for making the decision to close (LINK)
      • Team tracking weather data and what surrounding districts are doing
  • Code Purple: Virtual Learning (LINK)
    • Only happens under certain conditions
      • Predictable storm/event
      • Part of multi-day event
      • Prior preparation and communication has taken place – school will know by noon the day before
    • Get Ready announcement will be sent from school
    • Required to have live (synchronous) instruction on 2-hour delay schedule
    • Attendance taken: maximize flexibility if difficulty during sign-on
    • There will be opportunities to make up work missed if unable to be online
    • Chromebook: must have access to a device for live instruction
      • Request device (link)
      • MCPS ITS handles the distribution
        • Tech days
          • TPES: Wednesdays
          • PBES: Fridays
      • MiFi device – request through school principal
      • Technology support resources (LINK)
      • Additional Tech Supports: School will send the resources via email when having a Code Purple day
      • Advance planning: Ensure you can find Canvas and Clever – look at documents and check with teachers/child to find out if child knows their signon details
      • Sign up for MCPS alerts (LINK)
    • Meal service: offered at 20 sites thru county; MCPS will communicate where these will be
    • TPES Schedules
      • Separate schedules for each grade
        • Start: 11:05
        • Lunch: 12:05-12:40
        • K: will not have specials – many movement breaks
        • User-friendly icons (teacher faces) to help out students and families
          • Hub to click on your grade level to take you to the slide deck with your child’s grade.
    • PBES Schedules
      • Start: 11:05
      • Lunch: 12:45-1:30
      • Follow pod and teacher within grid
      • Specialists will use the teacher zoom link to keep from switching rooms
    • Can assign chromebooks the day before the code purple if needed

Q&A

  • How TPES kids move from classrooms for homeroom/math: Canvas landing page will have zoom link and their schedule; TPES working out how to handle math transitions; Students will switch virtual classrooms for reading if they have Ms. Wade.
  • Snow days: only 2 built into the calendar. Unsure what January 29 or spring break will look like yet. MCPS may ask the state for special dispensation to avoid makeup days.
  • Do students have to logon to a MCPS device? Everything can be accessed through student’s google account. No need for a specific device from MCPS.
  • Canvas: do students know how to use it? Students are familiar with accessing it.
  • Chromebook tech issues: send device to school and IT will troubleshoot. 
    • Tech days
      • TPES: wednesday
      • PBES: friday
      • Send in the device (not charger) with a note of the issue
      • Not always immediate reply; will try to turn around based on availability 
  • Students sign in to Google with their ID and .net email. For example: 123456@mcpsmd.net. Then they input the same password they use in school.
  • Passwords and logins: if students don’t remember, call the office
  • Preferable for kids to be on their own computer rather than having several kids on one projector/device.

7:50 PM: Budget Updates
Amy Swift, TPES PTA Treasurer
Rachael Pierotti, PBES PTA Treasurer

  • TPES include link to document?
    • Through December 31, 2023
    • Ahead because of Dolphin Drive, Read-a-thon, Dolphin Gear
  • PBES include link to document?
    • Fundraising same as last year
    • Working on getting more business sponsorships
    • Bookfair expenses
    • Holiday treats, etc. 
    • Total expenses: $15,086

7:55 PM: THANK YOU: Kaitlin Caruso, TPES PTA President 

Reminder that next meeting is Tuesday, February 6, 2024

General questions:

  • Are they learning how to access Canvas at school? Teachers are teaching this based on their tech level; making as much of the navigation visual.
  • Lost and found: ideas to organize? Teachers borrow from the lost & found when someone needs a coat; they try to reconnect kid with coat when possible; appreciate any help with that; Parents: take an inventory and come by the school to go through the atrium
    • Possible ways to help
      • PTA take photos and send on listserv
      • Donation of coat racks for better organization?
      • Want to ensure everyone gets their things back before donating this year. 
      • There is a supply of available hats/gloves/coats at PBES that they give out when they see a need.
  • Tomorrow (January 19) is NOT a virtual day. Building will not be accessible.
  • PTA will try to hold a session on how to log in for virtual learning, on MCPS Chromebook and non-MCPS device.