Takoma Park Middle School

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2025 March 11 PTSA Meeting

PTSA Meeting – Tuesday, March 11, 7-8:30 pm – in person in the TPMS cafeteria!

Join us for our next  PTSA meeting where we will be discussing a whole lot!

Here’s the agenda:

  • Welcome – 
  • Bylaws – Every 3 years we need approval by our membership.  It’s time again.
  • Treasurer’s Report – Find out how we’re doing financially. 
  • Upcoming events –  There are lots of upcoming events hosted by the school and PTA.  Learn about them and ask questions.
  • MoCoCap College and career counseling – Maryland is beginning to take your students on their college and career journey.  Learn more about what they are doing and how it impacts your child. 
  • Principal Martin’s State of the School update – Learn more about her vision for TPMS and how we’re meeting it!
  • Recruiting for 2025-26 th PTSA Board – Elections are at our next PTSA meeting in May.

 

Pizza and drinks will be served.  SSL hours are given to student that attend.

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For your advocacy: Proposed MCCPTA Resolution: Healthy Sleep for Adolescents

MCCPTA is proposing a resolution that encourages healthy sleep for adolescents.  Our TPMS MCCPTA Rep, Liz Ryan, will be voting on Feb 25 and is seeking feedback and input for/against this resolution through this form: https://forms.gle/Q6kF1p8mNZ12GZLJ6

This resolution urges MCPS to set middle and high school start times no earlier than 8:30
AM, so teens can get the sleep they need to improve their physical and mental health, safety,
school success, and quality of life.

Read more about this resolution:

This resolution will go to the MCPS Board of Education once approved.

 

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2025 January 14 PTSA Meeting – Including Info on Bell Schedule

Information on Bell Schedule, Meeting Minutes including Q&A with Ms. Martin.

PTSA Meeting January 14, 2025,  7-8:30pm in the cafeteria, in person only

Agenda

  • Elections
  • Books & Basketball information
  • PTSA Budget summary
  • Bell Schedule Q&A with Ms. Martin

Click here for 2025 January PTSA Meeting Minutes

For background on the Bell Schedule, please read the following

Summary of the Planned TPMS Schedule Changes 

Overview:

 

  • At TPMS, teachers currently teach 6 classes in a 8 period schedule. This schedule exceeds the standard MCPS teaching load of 5 periods and so teachers have to agree to it.
  • Teachers have recently decided through a collective vote to teach 5 classes in a 7 period day, instead of the current 6 class in 8 period schedule.  
  • The Administration and the Bell Schedule Committee, are obligated to run a process to determine a new bell schedule that will implement the change to a 7 period day with a 5-class teaching load.
  • Though teachers have decision making power to determine the number and schedule of periods taught.  Ultimate decision approval is made by MCPS Central Office.
  • Parents and students have the ability to provide input on the proposed bell schedule options and ways to mitigate the impacts of the loss of an elective, but have no decision making authority over the working conditions outlined in the teacher / school agreements.  

 

Nomenclature: 

  • A period is a timeslot within a given day
  • A class is taught by a teacher within a period 

 

Further background:

  • TPMS teachers have been working outside of MCPS contract norms by teaching 6 classes, rather than normal 5 for middle school teachers.  The current TPMS schedule requires extra work that extends beyond the standard teaching contract, and so teachers collectively must agree to the additional work.  It is their right to vote collectively to make this change (in this case 80% voted to change to a 5 class teaching schedule).   By voting, the Administration is obligated to implement a 5 class teaching load. 
  • Given current funding and teacher resources, there were two available options for implementing the change to a 5-class load that teachers would need to vote on:
  1. Retaining 8 periods for students (with a significant class size increase)
  2. Reduce the number of periods from 8 to 7 (a smaller class size increase)

***They voted to reduce the number of periods from 8 to 7.

  • By reducing the number of classes teachers are required to teach to 5, there are less teaching hours available across the same number of teachers.  The school is unable to hire additional teachers to cover the loss of teaching hours.  Thus, class sizes will increase in any case; but reducing to a 7 period schedule has a smaller impact on class size than 8 periods.  
  • It should also be known that regardless of the proposed 5 of 7 teaching plan, class sizes have been and will continue to increase due to enrollment increases and budget cuts (ie. reducing the number of teachers).   This effort is in part to minimize the impact on class sizes. 
    • The number of teachers allocated to a school is based on a variety of factors outlined in the MCPS Budget Guide. 
  • What were the anticipated increased classroom totals in a 7 vs 8 period schedule?
    • With students taking 8 periods, class sizes would be 36-38 for standard classes
    • With students taking 7 periods, class sizes are estimated at 30-32 for standard classes
    • Enrollment is projected to increase to 1200 or more students next year, after significant increases last year and this year
  • Shifting to a 7 period schedule results in the loss of an elective. Many parents and families are understandably upset about the loss of an elective for students with this shift. Its impacts are felt most acutely by any student in a program with a required elective class, as they go from selecting two electives to selecting one.
    • For Magnet program students, this may mean that they must select between a language course, or a music course.  Many Magnet families have expressed that they selected TPMS based on the ability to do both music and language.  And now that they are here, they are forced to choose language or music learning continuity.  And this may eliminate the opportunities for other elective options such as arts, etc. 
  • To create a schedule with 7 periods reduces the length of a period in a day.  This provides an opportunity to have shorter class periods. A survey of students found the majority cited difficulty engaging for 90 minutes and preferred 50-70 minute periods..  Teachers prefer a shorter class period citing difficulty engaging their students for 90 minutes and classroom management effects.  Students and families who have preference for longer periods cite the opportunity to engage more deeply with the material and their classmates/teachers, and require less context switching during the day. 
  • TPMS is currently seeking parent input on the bell schedule layout for 7 class periods. This input period closes at the end of day Wednesday. There is not an opportunity to change to 8 periods, but to provide input on how 7 periods are scheduled.
  • On January 17, TPMS will submit its proposed bell schedule to MCPS for approval along with all input and feedback provided by stakeholders (including parents and students). 
  • Though the decision has been made by teachers to move to a 5 of 7 schedule, there will be  opportunity to talk about what the school can do to mitigate the impacts of losing one elective period, such as after-school programming, quarter rotations, etc.  

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Questions posed at the Bell Schedule Q & A with Ms. Martin.  Her answers to these questions can be found in the PTSA Meeting Minutes: Click here for 2025 January PTSA Meeting Minutes

  • This feels like a BIG change, what triggered this?
  • What has been the timeline of this decision?
  • Many folks don’t feel that they were properly engaged and want to know more about the process.  Can you tell us more about this?
  • This feels rushed, why can’t we slow this down and roll it out next year or phase it in?
  • The input that you have received from families – what were the patterns of feedback you received?
  • The existing bell schedule has worked for years, why change what is working?  Can’t we just keep the 8 periods?
  • Have you tried finding creative solutions?   Or finding more budget?
  • Can you elaborate on why you can’t preserve the 8 periods?  How keeping 8 periods increase student class size?
  • There are other schools with 8 period blocks (and 3 electives).  Have you consulted with them about how they make it work?
  • What are current class size averages with the 6 of 8 at TPMS?
  • What are predicted class size averages with a 5 or 7 teaching schedule?
  • In some presentations predicted class sizes for a 5 of 8 teaching schedule are as high as 34-38 students. This seems counter-intuitive.  How does the number get that high with more classes?
  • 3 potential bell schedules were presented to parents, students and teachers for feedback.  But you also need to present your decision on the schedule soon.  How can this feedback be properly incorporated into your process?
  • Some parents have noted that when these choices were presented to their student by the teachers, teachers informed them that they were working outside of contract.  Are you aware of this?
  • What are your next steps in this process?
  • What options as a parent community do we have to mitigate these impacts?

 

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2024 October PTSA Meeting Minutes

2024.10.08 | General PTSA Meeting – Minutes

Takoma Park Middle School (TPMS)

Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)

General Membership Meeting

October 8, 2024

7-8pm

Minutes

 

Attendees 

TPMS PTSA Officers in Attendance: Ramata Diop (President), Emily Modde (Treasurer), Erin Martin (Principal), Liz Ryan (MCCPTA Delegate)

Members of the Community present: 115 (students, parents, staff)

 

Call to Order: Ramata Diop, PTSA President, called the meeting to order at 7:16 pm. 

 

Welcome/Introductions: Ramata and Emily provided a summary of current PTSA roles filled and those still vacant. Emily relayed the need for a Recording Secretary to take meeting minutes (4 general membership meetings, 1 board meeting per month during the academic year)

 

Safe Routes to School briefing:  Event is tomorrow, Wednesday October 9.  Takoma Park Transit Director, Kaysi-Ann Webley, was unable to attend the PTSA meeting due to illness. 

 

Upcoming Events briefing: 

  • PTSA has a need for an Election Day Bake Sale coordinator. Tuesday November 5, timing TBD, TPMS Cafeteria.  This event can only happen every 2 years when there is an election.  Role: Arrive at TPMS to receive donations and be onsite to sell to voters. 
  • Supporting your middle schooler presentation, Tuesday November 11, 7-8 pm Online/Zoom
  • 7th Grade Families Winter Social Friday December 6 5:30-6:30 pm, TPMS Cafeteria.  PTSA is looking for someone to lead this event.  Lead role is not too hard – get hot cocoa from Costco and bring to TPMS for set up.  
  • One week later, Winter Social for 8th Grade Families, Friday December 13.  Looking for volunteer to lead this event as well.  
  • Next PTSA Meeting is Tuesday January 13. 
  • Note that TPMS Open House will be November 11th (Veteran’s Day) – Opportunity to come in to see the classrooms during the day. 

 

Treasurer’s Report: Emily Modde emphasized the diverse purposes and needs of the PTSA organization as a 501c3 organization including fundraising to support school priorities, create an advocacy voice such as at MCCPTA, and to build community bonds including strengthening the home/school communication.  Emily Modde covered the range of actions that the PTSA supports such as 8th grade promotion, mini grants, and supporting the music department, speakers, and other events such as social events and picnics. 

 

Vote on PTSA Budget for 2024-25: Previous 2023-24 PTSA budget was reviewed.  Last year’s proposed expenses were $35k, actual expenses were $20k.  This was less than expected due to some expenses that came in after June 30th (end of fiscal year), and some programs that didn’t get enacted.  

Proposed expenses by category for 2024-24 school year is $30k, with expectation to leave $15k carryover for next year’s PTSA.  In 2023-24 revenue was $12k; proposed was $17k. Fundraising efforts underperformed in 2023-24.  Proposed income for 2024-25 is $31k.   

Emily Modde made a motion to pass the proposed budget as presented for 2024-25.  All in favor. None opposed.  Motion carried.  

We don’t have a fundraising chair on the PTSA this year, as such we’re working with Apex games to handle fundraising efforts.  We hope that our current fundraiser, kicking off this week, will be the biggest fundraiser that we do (with two smaller fundraisers later). 

 

Apex Color Games Fundraiser briefing: Matthew Berman, of Apex, explained the Apex Color Games fundraising effort.  All students who raise at least $30 are eligible to participate in games on Thursday Oct 17, 1-3 pm at TPMS. A video was shared on the type of events that students can fundraise to do (e.g. pie on a teacher, color powder).  Professionals who work with kids on fundraising from Apex will help them.  Volunteers are needed for the event.  Sign up through SignUp Genius here

 

Principal’s Updates: Ms.Erin Martin, TPMS Principal, explained that it had been awhile since core values had been reviewed.  Previous core values were: Courtesy, Safety, and Integrity.  These were fine, but most people coming to the school had not had a hand in saying who we are.  

Last year had posters out during Back to School night and got feedback from nearly all students and staff members which were used to develop the new core values which are “S.T.R.I.V.E.”

The new “houses” model was used to support the intended cultural values beyond just being a poster in the hallway. Additionally, since the school is very large (#5 in size in the county), the houses notion is to promote inclusivity, respect, and equity; to build community; to understand strengths and challenges; and to foster a sense of connectedness in the community.  

House structure is the name of each letter of S.T.R.I.V.E.  Each has a Head of House staff member (a ‘hype’ sponsor for each value).  Each has a House Mascot. 

Activities such as the fun events held on September 27 help to build the community, which is showing that students are making friends across grade levels based on their experiences together as a school ‘house.’

Students came up with house chants. Up next students are working on house crests that they are designing.  Students are also applying to be house leaders. 

A fire alarm was set off by accident, however evacuation was by house (e.g. orange and blue went out the back).  

Every Wednesday they are in their S.T.R.I.V.E. groups.  We did not have an explicit advisory period on non-academic things that our students face.  These groups will be used to host community circles to talk about issues. Will do other Socio-Emotional Learning (S.E.L). lessons during this Wednesday time with houses.  

 

Additional Topics/Questions: None

 

New Business: None

Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 pm. 

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PTSA Sponsored Events for the 2024-25 School Year

The following are events the TPMS PTSA is sponsoring or participating in.

Event Date Time Who 

is it for? 

 Tell Me More… Volun-

teers Needed
Back to School Night Th, 8/5 5:30-8:00 Family Event Tour the school, meet the teachers, and see your students classrooms
Student Assembly – Latin Dance M, 8/16 Day All Students To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, an interactive dance performance will engage  students in the basics of Latin Dance during the school day. 
Fundraising Kick-off M, 10/7 Day All Students Fitness minded fundraising to help raise money for the school to fuel our programs!
PTSA Meeting – First of the year!  Tu, 10/8 7-8:30

In person

TPMS

Cafeteria

 Family Event First meeting of the year: Meet families and school admin, PTSA members, and learn best approaches for supporting your middle schooler to set them up for success this year!  Plus special information for High School choice.
Fundraiser End Celebration Th, 10/16 Day Volunteer & 

All Students

 Students will celebrate their PTSA fundraising efforts with fun day activities and prizes.  Volunteers are needed to support this event. V
Dance TBD Evening All Students SGA Dance for all ages TBD
Election Day Bake Sale Tu, 11/5 Day Volunteer Support education by voting and baked goods V
International Night F, 11/15 Evening Family Event Represent your country or culture of origin by bringing a dish to pass, and/or showcasing your culture’s talent.  V
7th Grade Families 

Winter Social

 F, 12/6 Evening 7th Grade Family Event 7th Grade families – come join us for a social hour with cocoa and snowflake factory!
8th Grade Families 

Winter Social

 F, 12/13 Evening 8th Grade Family Event 8th Grade families – come join us for a social hour with cocoa and snowflake factory!
PTSA Meeting   M, 1/13 7-8:30

In person

TPMS

Cafeteria

 Family Event Find out more about school electives for rising 7th and 8th graders, and more about rising High Schooler options
Student Assembly – African Drum M, 2/3 Day All students To celebrate Black History month students will learn about African drumming and rhythms in an interactive assembly!
Books & Basketball F, 2/28 –

S, 2/29

 Evening & Day Family Event The biggest TPMS Community Event of the year – watch the students vs. teachers basketball game, then stay for an excellent book sale and silent auction fundraiser!
PTSA Meeting & Women’s History Event Tu, 3/11 7-8:30

In person

TPMS

Cafeteria

 Family Event Celebrate Women’s History Month with us, plus a special guest and lots of useful information about the TPMS community!
We Shine Night Th, 4/3 5:30-8 Family Event A student showcase of Science, tech and the arts with exciting  presentations and demonstrations.  
Dance F, 4/4 Evening All students SGA Dance for all ages TBD
Student Assembly – Dragon Dance M, 5/5 Day All Students Celebrating Asian Heritage month dragon dancers will bring the hallways of TPMS to life.
Staff Appreciation Week M,5/5 – F, 5/9 Week Volunteers We have a week of activities and food to honor our teachers and staff.  Please consider helping for this event! V
PTSA Meeting – Elections & More Tu, 5/6 7-8:30

In person

TPMS

Cafeteria

 Family Event Our last meeting of the year we will elect new PTSA board members and more.
8th Grade Dance  M, 6/9 Evening 8th Graders Only A party to bring our 8th graders together one last time before they are 9th graders.  Please consider chaperoning if you are a 7th grade parent! V
8th Grade Promotion Tu, 6/10 Evening 8th Grader Families Only It’s a rite of passage and a final good-bye to our students and TPMS.  We need volunteers to help set up the gym, and pass out treats to our graduates.  Please consider if you are a 7th grade parent! V

 

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First PTSA Meeting – Oct 8th!

Join us for the first PTSA Meeting of the school year.

Tuesday, October 8th from 7:00-8:30pm in the Cafeteria.

Pizza will be served.   Your student is encouraged to attend and will receive SSL hours for attending.

The Agenda:

  • Introductions and what’s in store this year
  • Safe Routes to School information
  • Fundraiser Kick off – we’re only doing one (hopefully)!  A quick overview about this program.
  • STRIVE – TPMS created this fun and exciting way to build a school culture.  Find out how it’s going!
  • PTSA Budget Approval –  Learn what we are fundraising for, and what is in the budget.  You get to vote on the budget.
  • High School Choice Process presentation – The 8th Grade Counselors and Administrator information navigating the High School Choice process.  All 7th & 8th Grade families are encouraged to attend.

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What your donations support!

Wondering what your contribution to the TPMS PTSA will fund in the 2024-25 school year?  

Here’s a little list!  Please consider making a donation –  I want to donate!

  • Mini-grants to Teachers and Staff to Enrich Curriculum  (Last year these included: Counseling office reboot room materials, after school program materials, training resources, Pi Day activities, Turkey Trot t-shirts and PE equipment, instrument repair, curriculum enrichment, and so much more)
  • 6th Grade Welcome Families Picnic
  • 6th Grade Outdoor Ed Reptile Man
  • 7th Grade Family Winter Social
  • 8th Grade Family Winter Social 
  • 8th Grade Promotion Dance
  • 8th Grade Promotion
  • Student Dances
  • 3x Heritage Month Enrichment Performances
  • International Multicultural Night Event
  • Books & Basketball Community Building Event
  • We Shine Night 
  • Speakers and Presenters
  • Music Program
  • Teacher & Staff Appreciation Events and Meals
  • Teacher & Staff Professional Development Augmentation Materials
  • No Device Policy Materials for Safely Storing Devices
  • …And A Whole Lot More!