The PTSA is looking to restart the Parents At Lunch (PAL) program. PALs are a group of volunteers that support a healthy, safe and vibrant lunchtime experience at TPMS. We need a volunteer coordinator to help schedule other parent volunteers to be onsite for lunch so the kids can have outside recess time during lunch. PAL volunteers get to know staff and students, support healthy interactions, ensure the cafeteria and outdoor areas are cleaned up, and help make lunchtime fun! The biggest need is for volunteers during 6th grade lunch. If you are interested, please email Emily Pickren at epickren@gmail.com or TPMS.pta.president@gmail.com.
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.
APEX Color Games Fundraiser
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 |
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.
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!
PTSA TPMS Community Events in 2024-25
Here’s what your PTSA is planning for the TPMS community in 2024-25 school year!
- Oct 8, Jan 13, Mar 11, and May 6 | Four in-person PTSA Meetings designed to be useful, and create opportunities to connect with other families, Principal Martin and staff
- Nov 15 | An International Night showcasing foods and performances from the many countries and ethnicities we’ve all come from
- Dec 6 and Dec 7 | Winter socials for 7th and 8th grade families (6th grade families had a welcome picnic in
- Feb 28-29 | Our biggest, awesomest event of the year Books and Basketball. Spanning two days students will square off against teachers in a basketball game to remember. At the same time, we’ll be having a used book sale, silent auction, games and more! This is a great event you won’t want to miss.
Last PTSA Meeting of the Year and Board Elections
The most social PTSA meeting of the year – Tuesday, May 28 from 7-8:30 in the cafeteria!
Bring the family and join us for the last PTSA meeting of the year, where we will celebrate the achievements of our students, hold a PTSA board election, and have a potluck dinner. So bring a dish of your favorite food to share and celebrate the end of the year with us!
Get involved with the PTSA!
The PTSA needs parents and caregivers to join the board next year so that we can continue to support TPMS staff and provide fun and educational events and activities for our kids.
Check out the available positions here https://www.tpmspta.org/
Parents at Lunch (PAL) Program Needs Volunteers
PALs (Parents at Lunch), a volunteer program for parents and caregivers to lend a hand during school lunch periods, is back! The staff could really use our help getting the kids through their meals, cleaning up and going outside, especially these last few weeks of school.
Sign up to volunteer here.
Volunteers must have completed the Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Neglect online training (which takes approx. 30 minutes and can be found via ParentVue/Canvas). Click here for instructions to find your way to the training (which is valid for three years).
Once your training is completed, come for any or all three lunch periods!
6th grade: 12:15 to 12:45 pm
7th grade: 1 pm to 1:30 pm
8th grade: 11:25 to 11:55 am
For more information on the program, please check out the PAL handbook:
April PTSA Meeting Notes
April 16, 2024
PTSA General Meeting
PTSA Board Attendees
Ramata Diop, President
Emily Pickren, Correspondence and Communications Secretary
Emily Modde, Treasurer
Staff Attendees
Principal Erin Martin
Upcoming events:
8th Grade Dance: June 8, 7-9pm – need chaperones and volunteers
8th Grade Promotion Day: June 11 at Blair. Need 7th grade parents to help with promotion set-up
Ms. Martin asks attendees to reach out to 5 different families and ask them to attend May’s PTSA meeting.
Meeting Overview:
- Wax Museum presentation in honor of Women’s History Month – students represented Sally Ride, Jane Goodall, and Cleopatra.
- Clare, PTSA Board member at Blair and former TPMS PTSA president, talked to the group about the Blair PTSA and encouraged incoming 9th grade parents to join their Listserv: www.blairptsa.org
o May 4 was Blair Fair – door prizes, opportunity to tour the school.
- Kaysi-Ann Webley from the City of Takoma Park discussed Safe Routes to School and presented $1k check to TPMS – revenue from previous 5K races – this was seed money for the five area schools participating in the Safe Routes to Schools program. Ms. Webley also shared:
- May is Bike Month in TKPK– will have free bike repair pop-ups at Farmers’ markets.
- Bike to School Day is May 8 – encouraged all kids to ride to school. There are also Adult Learn to Ride classes, there is currently a wait list for them. Bike to Work Day is May 17.
- Participate in Safe Route to School 5-minute survey.
Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6-10 – parent Alisa O’Brien was the lead coordinator. There was a sign-up genius for parents/caregivers to donate food for teachers, for students to write cards for their teachers.
Treasurer’s Report: Emily Modde presented. PTSA has $22K in the bank but has a lot of big-ticket items coming up such as the 8th grade dance and promotion. The PTSA also helped to sponsor We Shine Night. We Shine is a venue where students can shine, make connections to what they are learning and create a project. It is expanding every year and students are planning for it for next year.
Ms. Martin reported that TPMS is continuing to roll out STRIVE, which focuses on kindness toward others and recognizes student’s achievements in and out of school. Always in Principal’s newsletter.
March PTSA Meeting Slides
Takoma Park Middle School (TPMS) PTSA General Membership Meeting
March 12, 2024
7:00 – 8:30pm
View the slides and what we discussed at the meeting here or click on the image below.
