TILDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
11211 OLD GEORGETOWN ROAD
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
301-230-5930 (OFFICE) • 301-230-5991 (FAX)
PTSA NEWSLETTER 2011-2012
Vol. 13, No. 6, February 2012
President’s Letter
Principal’s Message
Even though we cancelled the
February 2012 PTSA meeting so
that everyone could enjoy the
Valentine’s Day evening with their
families, it does not mean that
your PTSA has not been busy.
This is an especially exciting
time of the year at Tilden. We have
embarked on the second semester,
and according to the students and
teachers, Spring Break now seems
within reach. While they are busy focusing on the
teaching and the learning, the administrative team
along with the counselors ,is in the process of
preparing for the next school year. A few weeks ago
we held the 6th grade parent articulation information
meeting and it was a pleasure to meet so many of our
new parents. As you will remember, the transition
from elementary school to middle school can be very
stressful for both students and parents. Our current
7th graders submitted their registration cards and our
eight graders are already registered for classes at
Walter Johnson High School.
On Friday, February 24 is the annual PTSA Charity
Basketball Game. Doors open at 6:30 PM, pizza will
be available for purchase, and the basketball game
with teachers against parents starts at 7:00.
Admission is $5.00 with proceeds going to charity.
Please contact Karen Epstein
([email protected]) if you have questions or
would like to volunteer to help.
On Friday, March 16 from 7:00 until 9:00 PM, we
will host the annual PTSA International Night. Our
co-chairs (Gloria Sanchez, Lulu Macias, and Fabiola
Leon) are expecting about 30 countries to be
represented, performances of traditional dances,
music or poems, etc. Although planning is moving
ahead nicely, additional volunteers, especially for setup and removal before and after the event, will be
greatly appreciated. Please contact Gloria at
[email protected] or 301-770-8717 for additional
information or to volunteer.
We are planning a second book fair late in the school
year – Thursday, May 31 through Wednesday, June 6.
Our chair, Adrienne Davis Leal, will need lots of
(Continued on page 2)
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
In a matter of weeks, all of our students will
be taking their Maryland State Assessments (MSA’s).
The Reading and Math testing window for grades 6-8
is March 12th through March 21st and the 8th Grade
Science testing window is April 30th – May 4th. We
feel confident in preparing our students for these very
important tests, but we need your assistance with the
following: please make sure that they get plenty of
sleep (at least eight hours) and start their day with a
healthy and filling breakfast. It is critical that they
come to school on time and avoid personal
appointments if at all possible. Please look for the
altered schedule on the website. (Continued on page 2)
Page 1
Principal’s Message Continued
(continued from page 1)
While the weather might be dreary and cold, there
are so many wonderful events taking place here at
Tilden over the next month and a half. Please join us
and bring the whole family.

Student Service Learning (SSL) Notes
March 2012
(A graduation cap icon signifies SSL Approval at www.mcpsssl.org
“SSL Community Opportunities”.)
 Students who have met the graduation requirement of 75
hours by the first Friday in April of a middle school year will be
awarded the Superintendent’s SSL Award. This year due to
spring break all documentation for this award is due to the
SSL coordinator by Thursday, April 12.
The 5th grade Articulation Concert will take place
on February 22nd at 7 p.m., under the guidance of
Mr. Tim Patrie. Our rising 6th graders will have
an opportunity to put on a special performance
with our current 6th graders.
The popular Tilden Charity Basketball Game will
take place on Friday, February 24th at 7 p.m. Our
brave teachers will take on the parents for a night
filled with laughter and great sportsmanship.
Extraordinary athletic ability is not a prerequisite-a good sense of humor will do.
Our incredible International Night will take place
on March 16th at 7 p.m. and is sure to rival any
event put on by the United Nations. As always,
we will be celebrating our diversity and the
dozens of countries that we represent. The food,
decorations and performances will make this event
memorable for all those attending. I look forward
to opening the evening in multiple languages.
Students have been practicing for months and we
are just a few weeks away from our annual
Variety Show, which will take place on March
23rd at 7 p.m. As you very well know, Tilden
students are not shy when it comes to performing,
so please bring out the whole family and help us
support all the participants.
volunteers to make this happen. Please contact her at
[email protected] or 301-933-9257 to help.
Finally, while I look forward to seeing you at our school
events, I would like to remind you that I am always
available to meet with you and discuss, in person, any
concerns or suggestions that you might have. My email
is [email protected] and the school number
is 301.230.5930.
Thank you for your continued support of your PTSA
and the teachers and staff of Tilden Middle School.



Warmest Regards,
Irina LaGrange
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
 Spring Break next month is a good time to get involved in
service. Address real need in the community while gaining
knowledge, developing skills, and earning SSL hours in a
meaningful way.
 Seniors who have documented 260 or more SSL hours by the
first Friday in April will be awarded a Certificate of Meritorious
Service. This year due to spring break all documentation
for this award is due to the SSL coordinator by Thursday,
April 12.
President’s Letter Continued
(continued from page 1)
Our next PTSA meeting will be Tuesday, March 13,
starting at 7:00 PM with a presentation from a
professional working in the field on Maryland’s College
Savings Plan (the 529 plan). During our regular
business meeting that follows this program, we will be
discussing and voting on our bylaws for the next three
years, among other items of business.
I hope the second semester of the school year is going
well for your students, their teachers, and our school
administrators. Problems, issues and especially
successes should be addressed to me, other PTSA
officers, and school administrators as you see
appropriate.
--Joe Piff
Page 2
Friday, February 24, 2012
Doors open 6:30pm for pizza and drinks
Game starts at 7:00pm
Tickets $5 per person; children under 5 free
Halftime Entertainment
Basketball Shooting Contests
Raffles
Prizes
Want to help or have questions?
Please contact Karen Epstein at [email protected] or 301-807-2770
All proceeds will benefit the Tilden Families in Need Fund to help those needing financial
assistance.
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 3
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
The SGA has been very busy lately. We just completed the Candy-gram sales. This was our most
successful year!!! What a wonderful way for the students and staff to send their friends a Valentine
message while contributing to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Thank you Tilden staff, students and
parents. Beginning March 5th-23rd we will be participating in the annual Pennies For Patients charity
drive. Students can bring in loose change, bills and even checks made out to the Leukemia and
Lymphoma society. All donations should be brought to the first period class. Donations can also be
made at the following link: http://nca.sy.llsevent.org/TildenMiddleSchool. We thank you in advance
for all the help and support.
The annual Student Member of The Board Elections are quickly approaching. Our officers and
observers will be attending the SMOB Nominating Convention on March 1 st. They will have the
opportunity to meet, listen and ask questions of the candidates who are running. The playing field is
narrowed down to two candidates. This is a great learning opportunity for the SGA. The students
take part in an official elected position. Student Government is a fantastic way to meet fellow
students, get involved in the school and community and have fun! All students are encouraged to
join us.
Thank you,
Amy Domingos and Michelle Cassels
SGA sponsors
FAMILY AND COMPUTER SCIENCES
Welcome to a brand new semester in FACS!!!!! I am looking forward to getting to know my new
students, creating new and exciting recipes, introducing personal finance and budgeting, nutrition
awareness and skills for independence. FACS provides a wonderful opportunity for students to get to
know their classmates, be involved in decision making and group collaboration. Not signed up for
FACS next year? Be sure to join us in 7th and 8thgrade!
Thank you,
Amy Domingos
FACS Teacher
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 4
CHANGE OF SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 5
Heritage and Horizons:
Through the Eyes of the Future
Special Guest Speaker
Leonard Pitts, Jr.
Author and Pulitzer Prize-Winning
Syndicated Columnist
Friday, February 17, 2012 (Feb. 24 snow date)
7-9 p.m.
Ridgeview Middle School
16600 Raven Rock Drive
Gaithersburg, MD
Bring family and friends for an evening of
INSPIRATION~MUSIC~FOOD
Presented by:
Ridgeview Middle School NAACP Parents’ Council and PTSA
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 6
Donate Books
Now thru February
Walter Johnson Used Book Sale
rd
th
March 3 & 4
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Deliver boxed items to the Main Office
Weekdays 7am-7pm
6400 Rock Spring Dr Bethesda
Seeking gently used books in all genres and for all reading levels.
Accepting music CDs, audio books, DVD/VHS movies.
No textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, software, or manuals.
____________
Volunteers Needed
Book Sorters ▪ Set-up Teams ▪ Sale Monitors ▪ Tear-down Teams
[email protected]
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 7
Celebrating Diversity at Tilden
Friday, March 16, 2012
7 pm - 9 pm
(Set-up starts at 6 pm)
Konichwa... Bonjour... Buon Giorno... Buenos Dias... Privet… Hold... Salaam...Kia Ora…
Shalom... Gidday... Ni Hao Ma... Kalimera... Jambo... Dia Dhuit…Deega Duht... Dzien Dobry... GutenTag... Hello... Hallo...
Dobrie Dien... Hi...
Calling All Tilden Families!
Can you cook an authentic tagine, curry, bortsch, Spanish paella or Korean barbeque,
fold an origami, dance the Hora or play African drums? Help celebrate the wonderful
diversity of cultures at Tilden by sharing your talents at the International Night!
Whether you just arrived in the United States or are a third generation American, you can help us make this
event a success by contributing ethnic foods, crafts, posters, artifacts, performing a traditional dance, song
or just showing off a folk costume from your country.
Please complete the form below and return to the school office by February 24, 2012.
Or, contact Gloria Sanchez
919-949-5485, * [email protected]
Mrs. Nakassis (ESOL teacher) * [email protected]

Tilden International Night 2012
Our family would like to:
Set up/help with the table representing____________________________________ (country), prepare food
samples and display artifacts (folk costumes, crafts, books, posters, etc.)
Perform a traditional dance, music or poem from______________________ _______(country)
Name: ______________________________
Phone:_________________________
email__________________________________________________________________________
Child(ren)'s Name(s)__________________________________Grade(s)_____________________
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 8
Celebremos la diversidad en Tilden
Marzo 16, 2012
7 pm - 9 pm
(Poner mesas a las 6 pm)
Konichwa... Bonjour... Buon Giorno... Buenos Dias... Privet… Hold... Salaam...Kia Ora…Shalom... Gidday... Ni Hao
Ma... Kalimera... Jambo... Dia Dhuit…Deega Duht... Dzien Dobry... GutenTag... Hello... Hallo... Dobrie Dien... Hi...
¡Un llamado a todas la familias de Tilden!
¿Puedes cocinar popusas, mole, empanadas, ,arroz con gangules, ,paella española,
barbacoa coreana o lomo saltado? O ¿puedes hacer figuras en origami, bailar o tocar
tambores africanos?. Comparte tu talento y ayúdanos a celebrar la maravillosa diversidad
de las culturas en Tilden MS.
Ya sea si acabas de llegar a Estados Unidos o si eres americano de tercera generación;
participa ayudando a hacer de este evento un éxito contribuyendo con comida, artesanías,
afiches, artefactos, bailes tradicionales, canciones o, solo viniendo con ropa típica de tu
país.
Por favor completa la forma siguiente y envíala a la oficina de Tilden antes del 24 de
febrero, 2012
O contacta a Gloria Sanchez, 919-949-5485, * [email protected]
o a Mrs. Nakassis (ESOL teacher) * [email protected]

Tilden, Noche Internacional 2012. ¡Cuenten con mi familia! Nos gustaría participar en:
� Poner/ayudar en la mesa que represente a _____________________ (país), preparando comida y
mostrando artefactos (libros, afiches, ropa típica, artesanías, etc.)
� Particparé con una danza tradicional, una pieza musical o un poema de ___________ (país)
Nombre: ________________________ Telf. ___________ email___________________
Nombre el niño(s)__________________________________Grado(s)______________________
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 9
2012년 3월 16일
미국에 온지 얼마 안 되었거나 이 민 와서 이미 정착한 가정이나 모든 가정은 본
행사에서 각국의 음식, 공예품, 사진, 고유의상 선 보이기 및 전통 무용이 나 노래
공연 등에 참 여 하시어 본 행 사가 성공적 으로 치 러 질 수 있도 록 협조 부탁
드립니다.
2012년 3월 11일
아래 양식을 작성하시어 2012년 02월24 일 까지 가능한 빨리 회신하여 주시면
감사하겠습니다.
궁금한 사항은 Gloria Sanchez 919-949-5485,  [email protected] 또는,
Mrs. Nakassis (ESOL teacher)  [email protected] 으로 문의 바랍니다
_______________________________________________________________
Tilden International Night 2012
우리 가정은 다음과 같이 참여하고자 합니다 :
□______________________________(국가명) 전시 장 설치/협조, 음식 및 공예품
준비
(고유 의상, 수공예품, 도서, 사진 등)
□_________________________(국 가명) 전 통무 용, 음악 공연, 시 낭송 등
이름__________________________전화____________________이메일_________________
학생이름_________________________________학년________________________________
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 10
2012 国际文化之夜
2012, 3月16 7 pm – 9 pm Tilden 中学
请 Ti l d en的 所 有 家 庭 都 来 参 加!
您会做正宗的西班牙食物、韩国烤肉、印度咖哩，或者秘鲁牛排吗？您会叠纸鹤或者打非洲手鼓吗？快来
参加Tilden的多元文化节，分享来自你们国家的文化和奇妙
国际文化夜
2012年3月 16日
不管你是刚到美国或 者已是第三代美国移民，你都可以为国际文化夜做出贡献，比如准备你们国
家独特的食物、手工 艺品、招贴画、表演传统舞蹈或民歌，或者仅仅是穿上你们国家的民族服装 。
请在 2 0 12 年02 月24 日前完成以下表格并尽快寄到学校办公室
或者联系 Gloria Sanchez 电话 919-949-5485 邮件 [email protected]
或者 Mrs. Nakassis (ESOL teacher)
 [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tilden 2012 国际文化夜 我要参加! 我们想:
帮助准备代表_____________ (国家)的展台，准备食物，或者是展示艺术品(民间服装，手工艺品，
书本，招贴画等等)
表演_____________________ (国家)的传统舞蹈、音乐或者诗歌
名字: __________________电话:________________电子邮件_____________________
孩子姓名__________________________________年级____________
Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
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Tilden PTSA Newsletter January 2012
Page 12