TILDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
11211 OLD GEORGETOWN ROAD
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
301-230-5930 (OFFICE) • 301-230-5991 (FAX)
PTSA NEWSLETTER 2011-2012
Vol. 13, No. 7, March 2012
President’s Letter
Principal’s Message
Do you believe that only have
three more PTSA meetings this
year? Are you planning on
attending? You should! We need
you!!! Please read on for why.
Greetings! The MSA’s officially
started on Monday, March 12, 2012
and will go through March 28, 2012.
This is a very busy time for both
students and staff. The Maryland
School Assessment (MSA) is an
annual test that assesses the Maryland content
standards in mathematics, reading and science, while
meeting the requirements of the federal No Child Left
Behind Act. The test includes both multiple-choice
and brief constructed response questions. It is
important that students come to school well rested
and that they have a nutritious breakfast. The
schedule is available on our website.
For March 13, I have a presentation scheduled by Mr.
Jason Klopman of XML Financial Group on
Maryland’s 529 College Savings Plan. He will
answer your questions, too. During our general
business meeting, we need to select a nominating
committee for next year’s officers. We need three
volunteers who must be in place at least two months
prior to the election according to our Bylaws. And,
speaking of Bylaws, we will be voting on the output
of our Bylaws Committee who have created a new
version of our Bylaws for the next three years.
Additionally, we will begin discussions on purchasing
“wish list” items submitted to the PTSA by teachers
and staff. And, Debbie Kobernick will provide an
update on her efforts to find an instructor and
schedule a CPR class for some Tilden teachers – one
of those “good ideas” just in case something happens.
The April 10 PTSA meeting falls on the day after
Spring Break. I am working with Ms. LaGrange to
try to schedule another teacher presentation on
general curriculum and parent-teacher involvement.
(Continued on page 2)
Tilden PTSA Newsletter March 2012
Our Annual International Night will take place this
Friday, March 16 at 7:00 pm. The program looks
wonderful. We will have performances from around
the world and an international fashion show where
students will have an opportunity to showcase
traditional and folklore clothing from their countries
of heritage. Students, along with their parents, will
also have tables set up to celebrate and share with us
all that makes their countries unique and beautiful.
This is a lovely family event and I hope that you will
be able to come and celebrate Tilden’s rich diversity
with us.
Tilden’s annual Variety Show, sponsored by our
Music and Theater department, will take place next
Friday, March 23rd at 7:00 pm.
(Continued on page 2)
Page 1
Principal’s Message Continued
President’s Letter Continued
(continued from page 1)
(continued from page 1)
Students will have an opportunity to share their musical
and dramatic talents in front of a live audience and win
them over! The performer with the highest number of
votes will be declared “the Act of the Night.”
Outdoor Education is fast approaching. We will be at
the Smith Center from April 23 – 27, 2012. The 6th
grade team has been working very hard and they are
ready to go! The parent information night will take
place this Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 pm in the Media
Center. This is a great opportunity for parents to ask
questions and find out all the details so that they have
ample time to prepare for the trip.
If you visited Tilden in the past week, you might have
noticed a large, blank, white wall in the main entrance.
I am thrilled to announce that a small group of 8 th grade
students have spent several weeks working with a
renowned local artist, Mr. Arturo Ho, in developing a
community based legacy project. Once they complete
their Tilden inspired design, the entire student body and
the staff will have an opportunity to participate in
creating the mosaic. Mr. Ho has worked with schools in
both Montgomery County and Washington D.C. I look
forward to sharing the pictures with you in upcoming
newsletters. More importantly, you will be able to see
the final product when you stop by for the next
Principal’s Coffee on April 12, from 8:00-9:00 am.
Hope to see you then!
Warmest Regards,
Irina LaGrange
Just a reminder that qualified 6th and 7th graders wishing to run for
MCJC President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary need to complete
the online application by 4:00 p.m., this Thursday, March 15th.
Application details and the link can be found at:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentaffairs/sga/mc
jc/eb_elections.shtm
Let me know if you have any questions.
Karen L. Crawford
Student Affairs Coordinator
Dept. Of Student Services, MCPS
For the May 8 PTSA meeting, we will start with the
next installment of our annual presentation by parents,
staff, and especially, current students at Walter Johnson
High School (WJHS). This presentation focuses on the
transition from middle school to high school and the
multiple opportunities available at WJHS. This is a
good meeting for current Tilden Eighth Grade students
to attend. The business meeting will focus on election
of 2012-2013 officers and on approving any remaining
teacher/staff wish list items.
Your active PTSA committee chairs have several events
planned for the remainder of the school year. First, our
annual International Night is Friday, March 16. Our
committee chair, Gloria Sanchez, says “Whether you
just arrived in the United States or are a third generation
American, you can help us make this event a success by
sharing ethnic foods, crafts, posters, artifacts,
performing a traditional dance, song or just showing off
a folk costume from your country. Please send your
name, email and country to Gloria Sanchez at
[email protected] or to Mrs. Carmen Nakassis at
[email protected]. Please let us if you
would like to set up a table and/or perform a traditional
dance, music or poem.”
The third marking period of the school year ends just
before Spring Break, so students (but not teachers) get
an extra day tacked on to their break. During Spring
Break, the Maryland Primary Election will take place
and many public schools will be partially open as
polling places – please exercise your right as a U.S.
citizen to vote on the people and issues on the ballot!
In April, there is a PTSA meeting, Career Day for
Eighth Graders and a school dance. The Eighth Grade
Celebration Committee will be actively planning the
event. Please watch the Tilden Listserv for requests for
volunteers as we head toward the end of this school
year.
Thanks for your continued support of TMS PTSA,
Joe Piff
Tilden PTSA Newsletter March 2012
Page 2
From the PE Department:
Please mark your calendars now for our annual “MILE OF CHAMPIONS” On Friday May 11th.
Your student has been improving her/his running and breathing technique all year while learning
that a mile run is an indication of cardiovascular fitness. Nearly every student has measured
improvement in this area. We are so very proud of their progress. As a culmination of this mile
stone, we showcase our top 40 runners in each grade at our annual “MILE Of CHAMPION
RACE”. It will take place Friday morning, May 13th we hope to see many parents cheering on
their extremely fast children.
The 4th Annual Tilden Volleyball Tournament was a big success again this year. The
tournament, which includes 3 person teams of students and teachers, had 16 teams
competing in a single elimination format. The competition was keen and the games
were, for the most part, close. Many of the games went down to the last point. This
year saw one change in the Tournament rules that had all teams required to include at
least one student on each team. The last two years saw teacher teams dominate the
tournament. This year saw a team led by 7th grader Olivia Kane take the
Championship. Even though the Tournament was interrupted by testing and schedule
changes, the teams adjusted and kept tabs on when they were suppose to play. Mr.
Young would like to thank all the players who made this year a great success.
Tilden PTSA Newsletter March 2012
Page 3
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
As always the SGA has been quite busy these past few months with several fundraisers and MCPS
student government decisions. We are currently running the annual Pennies For Patients change drive.
All proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Students can bring change, bills or a check
made out to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. All donations are to be brought to the first period
teacher. The class that collects the most will win a pizza party. Donations can also be made through
the Tilden link at: http://nca.sy.llsevent.org/TildenMiddleSchool. Thank you in advance for being a
part of such a wonderful cause!
Our officers have been preparing for the annual Student Member of The Board elections which will
take place on April 25th. The sixth grade will vote on April 19th due to outdoor education. All students
will have the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice. This is an official elected position
and a wonderful opportunity for students to be involved first hand in the voting process. Our next and
last all school dance will take place on Friday April 13thfrom 7-9 p.m. SGA is a great way to get
involved, meet new people, help your school and community and have fun! All students are welcome
and encouraged to join!
Amy Domingos and Michelle Cassels
SGA Sponsors
FAMILY AND COMPUTER SCIENCES
Second semester is flying by! The students are very enthusiastic about trying new recipes and cuisines.
The sixth grade class has been collaborating and working well in lab groups to create fantastic and
original dishes. Nutritional choices and influences play an important role when selecting recipes.
Kudos to the sixth grade! The seventh grade students have been sharing recipes from home and
introducing new techniques to their fellow classmates. We are beginning our personal finance and
budgeting unit. The students will be introduced to financial planning and price comparison. The eighth
graders will soon be researching and choosing more intense recipes. They are looking forward to the
many options available pertaining to recipe selection. I am eager to seeing, smelling and tasting the
many wonderful dishes! These classes will also be entering the financial literacy unit as well. Students
will learn the ins and outs of checking and savings accounts, debit card and credit card procedures as
well as personal budgeting. FACS is a wonderful way to prepare for independence, be creative, meet
new people and develop decision making skills.
Amy Domingos
FACS Teacher
Tilden PTSA Newsletter March 2012
Page 4
SOCIAL STUDIES
This year, Junior Achievement has begun an exciting new phase of our
partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools. In response to the
Maryland state mandate that all students receive financial literacy
education, we are providing the JA “Economics for Success” program to
every 6th grade student in MCPS.
The Junior Achievement financial literacy curriculum will be taught in the
6th grade social studies classes at Tilden in April and May. We are looking
for members of the community (parents, neighbors, retirees, etc) to
present the lessons to the students.
What is the curriculum?
The program is called “Economics for Success” and includes 5 lessons
designed to teach budgeting, credit, investment, risk and self-knowledge. The lessons involve pre-planned
games and activities that are fun, engaging, and challenging for students!
What is the time commitment and why should I volunteer?
The time commitment involves a 90 minute training session and then five 45 minute lessons, taught to a class of
students at Tilden. The dates are April 13th, April 20th, May 4th, and May 11th, and May 18th (all Fridays).
This is a prime opportunity to master and contribute your own financial skills and give back to the community
at the same time!
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Sarah Shah, Program Manager, at [email protected]
Attention all Tilden Families, Students, and Staff!
The 2nd Annual Tilden Variety Show will take place Friday night, March 23, at
7pm in Tilden’s gym. Come out and support Tilden students showcase their
dramatic and musical talents!! Audience members will vote for the “Act of the
Night” and the winner(s) will receive a $200 gift card to Amazon.com. Tickets
are $5 each and will be sold at the door only.
Tilden PTSA Newsletter March 2012
Page 5
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.
 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.
Tilden PTSA Newsletter March 2012
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CHANGE OF SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION
Tilden PTSA Newsletter March 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 March 2012
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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 March 2012
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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 March 2012
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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 March 2012
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