Takoma Park Middle School

Emily Modde

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Oct 29 – Martinique Trip Information Meeting

TPMS French Language Teachers, Mme Ribière and Mme Finklea, will be leading a trip to Martinique (French Caribbean island) in June 2027.

From Mme Finklea:
We will be leading a trip to Martinique (French Caribbean island) in June 2027 (right after school gets out).
This trip is not an MCPS sponsored trip, but we organize the trip as an opportunity for students to have contact with native French speakers in a unique cultural setting. We will be having an informational meeting about the trip on Thurs Oct 29 at 7:30 on Zoom.  Please let me know if you have any questions! Here is a link to the trip flyer.
Best,
Mme Finklea
Zoom details:

Suzel Ribiere is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: My Meeting
Time: Oct 29, 2026 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88327669594?pwd=2vYWEmOpyI2UYibbJPKYhEUdDBp2bD.1

Join and take notes
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88327669594?pwd=2vYWEmOpyI2UYibbJPKYhEUdDBp2bD.1&mynotes=on

Meeting chat link
https://us05web.zoom.us/launch/jc/88327669594

Meeting ID: 883 2766 9594
Passcode: Martinique

Join instructions
https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/88327669594/invitations?signature=8f4BF9ILUhWHh74luvsuaSmmFIOX-jJSfzOE8tv77yk

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October PTSA Meeting

On October 13, 2026 we hosted our second PTSA Meeting of the year over zoom.

The agenda:

  • An ask for help with our Teacher Appreciation luncheon on Oct 16. Sign up genius.
  • Mark your calendars for Multicultural Night on Nov 12.  Sign up form for performances, displays and food.
  • An ask to donate items or services for our Spring Silent Auction, or join the committee to help. For info email: ann.w.gordon@gmail.com
  • Update on our Membership Drive. Get to 290 members by 11/1.
  • Update on our Fundraising Drive.  We’re behind in our fundrasing from last year.  We want to be at $14000 by 11/1, and we are currently at $9000.
  • A presentation from students on the school dance “Neon Night” on Nov 20. And an ask for food and drinks from the PTSA, + chaperones.  See the presentation, and Sign up to be a chaperone.
  • A monthly budget update from our treasurer.
  • An overview Financial Review of PTSA finances recently completed by a financial review committee.
  • A presentation on the new Math Curriculum from Mr. Einhorn and Math Specialist Mr. Colwander. They explained the new curriculum MCPS has implemented, how it’s being rolled out, and information acceleration.  Presentation here.
  • Next PTSA meeting is Tue, Nov 10 over Zoom.

Students that attend our PTSA meetings recieve SSL hours.

To receive SSL hours your student must:

  1. sign-in thru the form linked in the meeting chat towards the meeting’s end.
  2. Then go to the main office the next day to pick up the SSL form.
  3. The student must complete the SSL form and return it to the main office.

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60 Minutes of Middle School Math: What You Should Know and What You Can Do

The following information has been put out by the MCCPTA MCCPTA VP Education and Curriculum Committee regarding proposed district wide bell schedule changes that impact Middle Schoolers. 

To PT(S)A leaders and members,

You may have seen the October 8 Board of Education meeting or the latest MCPS Things to Know update about possible changes to middle school schedules. These discussions are connected to Maryland’s requirement for more math instructional time. See the BOE meeting video HERE. We suggest you start at timestamp 1:10:08. You’ll find the 60-minute math slide at timestamp 1:12:13.

What does the state require?

Maryland’s mathematics policy requires that all students in grades K–8 receive at least 60 cumulative minutes of math instruction daily, or the equivalent of 300 minutes weekly. The Maryland State Board of Education (MSDE) adopted this state requirement, not MCPS.

In August, the State Board voted to delay implementation from the 2027–28 school year to 2028–29. The delay gives districts more time to plan, but it does not remove the requirement.

What could this mean for MCPS middle school students?

MCPS is considering scheduling changes that include 60-minute classes in English, math, science, and social studies. The state’s math requirement does not itself require 60-minute classes in the other three subjects. Those additional changes are part of MCPS’ scheduling discussion.

Within a fixed school day, longer core classes could leave less room for world languages, music, art, technology, physical education, and other learning opportunities. Families should also ask whether students who need additional academic support would have fewer opportunities to take electives.

Changes could affect staffing, course availability, and the scheduling of specialized programs. These are important questions to investigate, not outcomes families should assume have already been decided.

MCPS has announced a delay in its middle school planning and implementation process. Its October 8 update describes the proposals as still under consideration, with additional time for review and community engagement.

We can support stronger math instruction and ask the state to change this requirement.

Every student deserves effective math instruction, appropriate challenge, and additional support when needed. Families can ask the state to explain why a uniform time requirement is the right approach for every middle school student, and how it will protect access to a well-rounded education.

What can parents do now?

1. Ask state leaders to revise the middle school requirement.

Email the Maryland State Board of Education at stateboard.msde@maryland.gov  and State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright at carey.wright@maryland.gov. Also consider emailing the state board of education and its members.

State Board (all members at once)

State Board members (individual); but I would also use individual emails

Copy-paste version (everyone):

stateboard.msde@maryland.gov, joshua.michael1@maryland.gov, james.bell2@maryland.gov, lorena.wu@maryland.gov, peggy.carr@maryland.gov, chet.chesterfield@maryland.gov, kenny.clash@maryland.gov,  monica.goldson@maryland.gov, nicholas.greer@maryland.gov,  irma.johnson@maryland.gov, marcy.leonard@maryland.gov, kimberly.lewis1@maryland.gov, xiomara.medina@maryland.gov,  nicole.murraylewis@maryland.gov, samir.paul@maryland.gov, carey.wright@maryland.gov, msde.mathematics@maryland.gov, lyndsey.brightful@maryland.gov, stacie.marvin@maryland.gov, erin.godwin@maryland.gov, rachel.mcclam@maryland.gov, jen.meehan@maryland.gov, miryam.oziel@maryland.gov, robert.richardson@maryland.gov

Ask them to remove the blanket middle school minutes requirement or replace it with a more flexible approach that supports strong math instruction, provides additional time based on student needs, and preserves electives.

You can use this message:

“I am an MCPS parent requesting that the State Board revise the requirement for 60 daily or 300 weekly minutes of math for all middle school students. I support improving math achievement and ensuring students receive the support they need. However, I am concerned that this requirement could reduce access to world languages, arts, technology, and other essential learning opportunities—particularly for students who also need support services. Please share the research supporting this specific time requirement and assess its scheduling, staffing, and equity impacts. I urge you to allow districts greater flexibility to meet students’ math needs while preserving a well-rounded middle school education.”

Add a few sentences about your child and the opportunities you want protected.

2. Make your voice heard at a State Board meeting.

Parents can submit written comments or register to speak. Visit the State Board’s public comment page for registration instructions. Speaking time is limited to three minutes.

3. Ask MCPS for transparent planning and meaningful family input.

Contact Superintendent Taylor and the Montgomery County Board of Education. Ask MCPS to share schedule alternatives, explain which changes are required by the state, and show how each option would affect electives, support services, specialized programs, and staffing. Ask for opportunities to provide feedback before decisions are finalized.

4. Share this information with your school community.

Elementary families have a stake in this, too: today’s elementary students will enter middle school as these changes take effect. Share this message with your PTA and other parents.

The implementation delay creates an opportunity to advocate now. Let’s ask state and local leaders for an approach that strengthens math learning while protecting the full range of opportunities our children need.

Sincerely,

Audra Dove, MCCPTA VP Education

Regan Kelly, MCCPTA Curriculum Committee Chair

Emily Appel, MCCPTA Curriculum Committee Vice Chair

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Oct 13 – Einstein HS Fall Sampler Concert

Dear 8th graders and families,
My name is Rebekah and I’m president of the Patrons of the Arts Community at Einstein (PACE). We’re like a Boosters club, but we support the art, music, theatre, and dance programs.
This is a perfect opportunity to hear all seven of our curricular music ensembles perform. That’s right! SEVEN ensembles for singers and instrumentalists to explore and grow as musicians! And Einstein is the only school in MCPS with TWO curricular jazz bands!
Our music program doesn’t stop in the classroom.  We also have a marching band, drum line, pep band, and live pit orchestra for spring musicals. Our singers perform in plays and musicals, and as guest performers with our instrumental ensembles.
PACE volunteers will be at the concert to answer any questions you or your student have about music at Einstein.
Can’t make it on the 13th? Our musicians will also be performing at our Fall Showcase for 8th graders on October 19!
(If you would like to come but you are unable to cover the cost of a ticket, please contact me at einstein2@mccpta.org.)
Rebekah Kuschmider,
Einstein Cluster Coordinator
Delegate, AEHS

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Represent MCCPTA on Curriculum Advisory committees

The MCPS Curriculum Advisory Committees (CACs) bring together community members, families, students, teachers, school-based staff, central office staff, and other stakeholders to receive and provide feedback on changes, updates, and information related to curriculum, instruction, programs, and assessments across MCPS. The Montgomery County Council of PTAs, along with other stakeholders, is invited to send volunteer representatives to these committees, which meet quarterly.
Representatives should be able to attend the scheduled meetings and be willing to share their perspectives, ask questions, and provide feedback as part of the committee’s work. They will also be expected to submit notes that will be included in reports to the MCCPTA delegates. No prior experience is necessary.
The CAC will meet virtually from 4:15-6:00 on the following dates:
  • October 15
  • January 14
  • April 8
  • May 14
The MCCPTA has openings to represent MCCPTA on the following committees:
 
Fine Arts: The topics covered this year will include
  • General Music at the Secondary level
  • Dance and theatre development
  • Regional Centers and course development
Health /PE: The topics covered this year will include:
1) elementary health education; 
2) elementary physical education; 
3) CDC What Works in Schools Grant; 
4) input from adapted physical education topics; 
5) health education and physical education based on the updated MSDE Frameworks approved in Winter 2026.
 
If you are interested in being an MCCPTA representative for either of these committees, please email esolvicechair@mccpta.org.
Thank you!
Evelyn Chung
MCCPTA CAC Coordinator

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After-School Financial Literacy Club for Takoma Park Middle Students (Earn SSL Hours!)

NOTE: This After-school program at the Long Branch Community Center is made available from the CHEER non-profit.  It is not available through TPMS, and bussing to/from is not available.
Learn more in these flyers and message from CHEER.
My name is Danielle Wolfe. I am the Communications Director at CHEER, a local nonprofit organization. I am reaching out to share an exciting after-school opportunity for your students that also helps them earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
Starting October 6th, we are launching a new round of our financial literacy after-school club. This program teaches students essential, real-world money management skills such as budgeting, opening bank accounts, understanding investments, and navigating student loans. Our instructor, Matt, is fantastic at breaking down these concepts in a way that is fun and highly engaging for middle and high schoolers.
We would be incredibly grateful if you could please share the details below and the attached flyer with your school’s parents and families.
Program Details:
I have attached the club flyer, as well as CHEER’s brochure to provide some more background information about our organization and mission.
Thank you so much for your time, support, and help in spreading the word to our community.
Take care,
Danielle Wolfe

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Danielle Wolfe

Communications Director

Community Health and Empowerment through Education and Research

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Things to Do: 9/26 -TPMS Black Families Affinity Group Picnic and Meetup

The TPMS Black Family Affinity Group is looking forward to this year’s Fall Meetup!
  • Event Date/Time: Saturday 09/26/26 at 3pm
  • Location: Takoma-Piney Branch Park
  • Please RSVP and review the available slots in the sign up genius to sign up no later than Thursday, 09/24. Thank you!

We invite everyone to please formally RSVP and sign up to bring an item or help organize an activity here:  https://tinyurl.com/2026TPMSBLKMEETUP

Appreciate you spreading the word to new families at TPMS.

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Have a High schooler? Take the survey asap – High School Instructional Continuity Survey

High School Instructional Continuity Survey
Last spring, MCCPTA passed a resolution asking MCPS to prioritize teacher continuity in full-year high school courses and avoid routine mid-year teacher and schedule changes.
Now that schedules are available for the new school year, MCCPTA would like to understand what families are actually seeing across MCPS high schools. Please take 2 minutes to complete this short survey about your student’s schedule.
The survey is available in English and Spanish , includes directions for checking your student’s second-semester schedule, and is anonymous. If you have more than one high school student, please submit a separate response for each student.
Please respond ASAP.
Thank you for helping MCCPTA understand how instructional continuity is being implemented across MCPS high schools.
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PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Survey on Continuity of Instruction in Secondary Schools
Last spring, MCCPTA passed a resolution calling on MCPS to prioritize continuity of teachers in year-round courses and to avoid routine mid-year teacher and schedule changes.
Now that schedules for the new school year are available, MCCPTA wants to know what families are seeing in MCPS high schools. Please take two minutes to complete this brief survey about your student’s schedule.
The survey is available in English and Spanish , includes instructions for reviewing your student’s second-semester schedule, and is anonymous. If you have more than one high school student, please submit a separate response for each student.
Please reply now.
Thank you for helping MCCPTA understand how continuity of instruction is being implemented in MCPS high schools.
Regan
MCCPTA Curriculum Committee

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Join the Regional Program Center Listserv

Hello! I’m Rebekah, the chair of the new committee for Regional Program Centers. I want to invite you all to subscribe to the listserv for this new committee. I hope it will become a valuable resource for sharing information about the new regional program centers. You can subscribe by sending a request to regional-program-centers+subscribe@mccpta.groups.io.
I look forward to answering questions and bringing your suggestions to MCPS!
Rebekah Kuschmider,
Chair, Committee on Regional Program Centers
Einstein Cluster Coordinator
Delegate, Einstein High School
President, Patrons of the Arts Community at Einstein (PACE)
“If not us, who? If not now, when?”

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Due 9/30 – Screen Use Survey for Upcoming Listening Session

MCCPTA is currently planning for a listening session to be led by a Maryland delegate that would include legislators, Board members, candidates, and MCPS leaders. The focus of the listening session would be to: 1) hear parent concerns about screen use in school; and 2) make practical recommendations to MCPS to address excessive and harmful screen use.

Please complete a BRIEF survey to help us collect some basic data about Chromebook access at your school and your support for a list of recommendations. You can also share this survey with friends who may like to join!

Complete the SURVEY SUPPORTING SCREEN USE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MCPS

(SBS-MCPS, MCCPTA Tech Committee)

Deadline: September 30