No vember 2015
TPMS November Events
 November 2 — No School (Professional Day)
 November 3—Start of 2nd Quarter
 November 4 —TPMS Fall Drama Production,
3:15-4:15, Tickets are Free!
 November 5 — Sports Banquet—3:00-4:15 p.m.
 November 10 — Transition to High School Meeting
7:00 p.m. (Cafeteria)
 November 11—Early Release Day
Parent Conferences
 November 12 —Early Release Day
Report Card Distribution
 November 18 —Picture Day Make-ups
Career Lunch Seminars
 November 19 — Thanksgiving Day Luncheon
International Night— 6:30 p.m.
(Volunteers Needed)
 November 19—Author Visit with Kwame Alexander
 November 23 — Turkey Trot
 November 25 — Early Release Day
 November 26-27 — No School, Happy Thanksgiving!
TA K O M A PA R K M I D D L E S C H O O L
Principal’s
"I saw the lovely arch of rainbow span the sky,
The gold sun burning as the rain swept by." - Elizabeth Coatsworth, November
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As I talk with students I am continually impressed by their
willingness to share their academic strengths and challenges. Students often note the supports that are available to
them from their teachers during lunch, after school and during TAP (Takoma Academic Period) as well as during
homework clubs. Students are taking advantage of these
supports and are achieving academic success.
It’s hard to believe that the first marking period is already
over! Students will receive their first quarter report cards
on November 12. Please review your child’s report card
and contact the teacher or school counselor if you have any
questions. Parent conferences will be held on Wednesday,
November 11. Grade level school counselors are contacting selected parents to schedule conferences. If you were
not contacted, but would like to have a conference with
your child’s teachers, please contact the teacher or the
school counselor at 301–650-6460.
Congratulations to Ms. Ann Spera and TPMS Alumni
Zelda Littlejohn who were both honored at the Maryland
House of Delegates for a work of art that Zelda created
while a student in Ms. Spera’s art class last year. Both
were recognized at a ceremony by the First Lady of Maryland, Yumi Hogan. Zelda’s artwork is currently displayed
in the House of Delegates with the work of other students
from Maryland.
The TPMS Drama Club is presenting a series of skits this
fall. They are student directed and student produced. The
skits will be presented after-school from 3:15 to 4:15 on
Wednesday, Nov. 4th. Tickets are free! Come out to support our talented student performers!
In mid-October TPMS celebrated Digital Citizenship week
with a lesson on cyber civility. This lesson focused on examples of bullying via social media and how students can
respond. The lesson we shared with students was modified
from the curriculum offered by Common Sense Media.
Common Sense Media is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing infor-
Newsletter
mation and education about the world of media and technology. The organization’s website,
www.commonsense.org, is an excellent resource for parents, students and schools. I encourage you to explore the
resources on this site for ideas on how you can work with
your child to address the challenges they face in navigating
technology and media in their daily lives.
On November 10 at 7 p.m. TPMS will host a meeting for
8th Grade parents and students focused on the “Transition
to High School.” By this time 8th grade students will have
submitted their choice forms for high school. This meeting
will be facilitated by our counseling department and include
current high school students who will share their perspectives on how TPMS prepared them for high school as well
as what students can do as they transition to the next stage
of their education. We hope current 8th grade students and
parents will join us!
On Thursday, November 19, the cafeteria will be hosting its
annual Thanksgiving Feast Luncheon. A traditional
Thanksgiving meal will be the only meal served that day.
Students who do not want to partake in the luncheon should
bring lunch from home. Parent volunteers are needed to
help make the feast a success. Please call the main office to
volunteer. Also on Thursday, November 19 the PTA will
be sponsoring International Night. The PTA is in need of
parent volunteers for this event as well. Please see the attached flyer for information on volunteering.
The Principal’s Monthly Newsletter provides parents and
students with updates on upcoming classroom instruction as
well as important grade level events. For daily information
about TPMS events, you can view the school’s television
show, W ake Up Takoma, which features daily announcements and student produced shows.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Alicia Deeny
Principal
Join Us for the
TPMS International Dinner
Thursday, November 19, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Exciting Entertainment: International music, dancing, and
instruments.
Delicious Food and International Dishes: We invite you to bring
a food from your country or heritage.
Sixth grade: appetizer or salad
Seventh grade: main dish
Eighth grade: dessert
Please consider healthy foods and enough to serve 6 to 8.
Clothing: Dress in the traditional clothing of your country or
cultural heritage.
Volunteer: We need help in all areas: set-up, clean-up and serving
during the dinner. Please sign-up using the following link on Signup
Genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4bacaa22a64-international
_____________________________________________________________________________
Acompañenos en la
Cena Internacional de TPMS
El jueves, 19 de noviembre
De 6:30 pm a 8:30 pm
Entretenimiento: Música internacional, bailes, instrumentos.
Comida Deliciosa y Platos Internacionales: Le invitamos a traer
comida de su país nativo:
Sexto grado: aperitivo o ensalada
Séptimo grado: plato principal
Octavo grado: postre
Favor de considerar comidas saludables y suficientes para servir de 6
a 8 personas.
Vestir: En ropa típica de su país o herencia cultural.
Voluntarios: Necesitamos ayuda en todas las áreas - preparación,
limpieza y más.
Por Favor inscríbase para ser voluntario en el siguiente enlace en
Sign-Up Genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4bacaa22a64-international.
November
2015
A Beginning to 2nd Quarter!
First quarter has come to an end. It is time for a fresh start! Please make sure your students
are beginning the quarter with good homework and study habits. Help them to seek out
their teachers for help as soon as they begin to struggle, rather than waiting until interims
or the end of the quarter.
TAP (Takoma Academic Period) happens once per week on Wednesdays. This is an opportunity during the school day for students to re-learn and take re-assessments, or just to
catch up on overdue assignments. On Tuesdays after school Mrs. Martinez runs the “Power
Hour” in the counseling office. It is a time for students to get organized and work on assignments. In room 227, on Wednesdays, Mrs. Liberatore runs homework club. Please make
sure your children are accessing all of these opportunities for increased success!
Check Edline regularly to stay updated on your child’s grades and assignments, and as always, contact us immediately if you have a need. We are here to help.
Administrator
Team Leaders
[email protected]
[email protected]
Counselors
[email protected]
[email protected]
6th Grade News
TAKOMA PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
[email protected]
Parent Conferences
Inside this issue:
Team News
English
1
Computer Science
2
Math
2
Digital Literacy
Social Studies
Science
2
2
3
English
These days are a little different than in elementary school. We use a team approach and focus
on students who are in need of academic support. The counselors will call and schedule an
appointment with parents. We will run conferences from 1:00pm –5:30pm on November 11.
No conferences will be held on November 12.
We regularly conduct parent conferences
throughout the school year. If you would like to
have a conference with your child’s teachers,
please contact his or her guidance counselor.
Let the adventure begin! During 2nd quarter 6th graders explore adventure writing
and the elements which make up adventure fiction. Possible texts students will be
reading this quarter are The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle or Mrs. Frisby and
the Rats of NIMH. Throughout the study of adventure fiction, students will analyze
how authors create mood within a text. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to write their own adventure stories and let their imaginations run wild!
Mathematics
Magnet Investigations in Mathematics:
Math Common Core 6
Students will begin November with the first half of Unit 2 Building Understanding of Rational Number Operations.
There is an emphasis on the rules governing arithmetic with
positive and negative numbers and relating that arithmetic
with movement along the number line. By the time we get
to the end of the month the second half of Unit 2 will have
students Integrating Rational Number Operations in Expressions and Equations. Please be sure to check Edline to keep
up with your child’s grades and to see dates and topics of
assessments. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
Math 6 is in full swing. In class, we will be continuing out
push toward developing our understanding of the use of
the standard algorithm for dividing fractions. After our
examination of fractions, we will be dividing whole numbers. Finally, we will end the month with a study and continuation of the number line into the negative side.
Please expect several review packets to come home with
the students this month. These review packets are for
student to study for the county
created unit formative.
Digital Literacy
Social Studies
Digital Literacy students will continue with their social
problem investigation. They will embark upon further
studies in their investigation by learning how to write to
an audience and evaluating how an author unfolds his
ideas.
Page 2
The month of November is the start of a new marking
period and a new unit. The students will take the unit
test 1 during the first week of the new quarter. Unit 2
will focus on the foundation of democracy by discovering
the unique civilizations Ancient Greece and Rome. We
will study how our fundamental belief in democracy developed. Students will explore the geography of Greece
and understand how location determines the structure of
government. We will also discuss how governments create order and stability in a changing world. It looks to be
another exciting month in Social Studies.
6TH GRADE NEWS
Science
6th Grade Science
6th grade science classes are continuing to work on their
STEM projects. Students are busy exploring the structure of atoms. We are also investigating the organization of elements on the periodic table. Students are
learning about chemical and physical reactions through
hands-on experiments in the classroom.
NOVEMBER
Magnet Science
Students in 6th Grade Magnet Science are working on
their Chemistry unit. We will start with the the periodic
table and atomic structure. Students will be investigating
the organization of the periodic table. They will also look
at electron configurations and how the electrons are arranged in atoms. Then, we will be starting our investigation of phase changes and thermal energy. Work will
continue with the STEM project, moving from our Introduction and Review of Literature in Checkpoint 2, to the
Experimental Design in Checkpoint 3, and a draft of the
Materials and Methods in Checkpoint 4. Students will
have the opportunity to review one another’s work, and
to give and receive peer feedback, as well as feedback
from Ms. Epling. Please encourage your student to use
this feedback to make changes to the living document
that is their STEM project.
Page 3
GRADE 7
NEWS
Takoma Park Middle School
7611 Piney Branch Road
Novemb er 1, 2015
Vol u me 10 , I ssu e 2
Grade 7 November Newsletter
What’s Happening in Class?
World Studies
In World Studies students are learning
about the decline of Feudal Europe, and
examining the roles of the Crusades and the
Plague in the transition to Nationalism and
the Renaissance. Students will take their unit
test on the Principles of Political Systems, and
we will transition to the Principles of Culture.
Students will get to enjoy learning about
cultural diffusion in the great kingdoms of
Africa during the Middle Ages. Just in time
for Thanksgiving, they will have a clearer
picture of what cultural diffusion (and
conflict) really means.
Science
In science students are making final
modifications to their Hydroponic systems.
The variety of construction is an outstanding
testimony of the creative interest the students
have made in caring for their basil plants. We
will finalize our discussion by reviewing the
Photosynthesis process and by comparing and
contrasting animal and plant cell structures.
We are also looking forward to listing ideas
for our annual STEM EXPO (April 8, 2016).
In Magnet science class students have just
completed our unit on the biomolecules
necessary for life. Students will now begin a
short unit on the study of cells and the
diversification of organisms. Finally, students
will continue working their STEM projects.
Students will write their STEM paper
materials and methods during the month of
November. Please make sure your child looks
at the online class site each evening to get
class updates and complete class assignments.
Math
In Algebra 2.0, during November, students
will continue our work on Unit 2, Linear and
Exponential Relationships. Specifically, we will
be focusing on solidifying our understanding of a
function, function notation, and modeling a
function symbolically, numerically, graphically,
and verbally. We will discuss the characteristics
of functions including increasing and decreasing,
intercepts, domain and ranges that extend
infinitely, maxima/minima, and discrete vs.
continuous. We then move into graphing linear
and exponential equations and describing key
features of the graphs.
In Math 7 students will be working on the
following objective: simplifying numbers using
exponents and scientific notation, learning how
to use integer operations to solve real world
problems, and learning how to recognize and
express relationships between numbers.
In Magnet Algebra students are completing a
unit on Linear Relations and Functions. We
have already investigated forms of lines, graphs,
and inequalities. We will now advance to lines of
best fit and arithmetic sequences and continue to
apply our newly acquired knowledge. The next
test is schedule for Nov. 20/23. Later in the
month we will investigate Exponential Functions
and geometric sequences.
In IM students will learn about the Real
Number System (Unit 2). This will include
topics such as: mathematical properties, rational
numbers, exponents, powers/roots, rates, and
percents. Unit 2 will be reviewed at the end of
November in preparation for the Unit 2 test
which is currently scheduled for the beginning of
December. Please be looking for a review packet
to study for the unit test at the end of November.
Grade 7 Team Newsletter Page 2
What’s Happening in Class?
Studying for A Test
English
In English class students are beginning a
unit on “A Sense of Place.” Classes will be
reading one or more of the following titles:
Call of the Wild, Island of the Blue Dolphins,
Journey to Topaz, The Secret Garden, The
Glory Field, Esperanza Rising, and other
books related to our study. Classes will be
focusing on poetry and poetic elements
during this unit. Students will be reflecting
and writing about different places in their
lives and a place’s effect on behavior and
attitude. Students must continue their
independent reading during the second
quarter. Our grammar studies continue with
our study of passive and active voice, word
choice and editing.
Before the Test
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Computer Science
In Magnet Computer Science students
are continuing to study and learn Python
programming. It is not too late to get caught
up if you have skipped over some readings,
studying, lecture notes, or projects. Three
important comp. sci. skills:
You must
identify a code problem. You must generate
possible solutions. You must then select the
best solution for the problem. I do not expect
you to have a solution immediately; I do
expect you to spend at least 15 minutes
analyzing a problem. Hint: The problem is
probably related to a task we have done in
class. Also, if you frequently rely upon your
neighbor or me to solve your coding problem,
you will not learn how to troubleshoot your
own code.  At-Home Work: read your
lecture notes, read (hard copy) code given
in Hand-Out Folder for each chapter, and
read code you have written.
Upcoming Events
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Be sure to find out ahead of time.
a. what material the test will cover
b. what type of test it will be (multiple choice,
true false, short answer, essay)
c. how the test will be graded
d. how much the test will count toward the
final grade
Study in a place that is free of distractions. Have
ready all the things you will need, such as paper,
pens, or a calculator.
Study at a time when you are alert and not hungry
or sleepy.
Don't wait until the last minute to study! Short
daily study sessions are better than one long session
the night before the test.
Set a goal for each study period. If you are being
tested on three chapters, set up four study
sessions, one for each chapter and one for a review
of the main ideas in all three chapters.
Repetition is key! Read and reread your class notes
and chapters in the textbook.
Pretend that you are explaining the material to
someone else.
Create your own study aids.
a. Make an outline from your notes of just the
main ideas.
b. Make a timeline of important dates or the
order of events.
c. Make flashcards for studying vocabulary or
events and important dates.
d. Make up your own quiz or test based on your
notes
Do any practice exams or study sheets provided by
the teacher.
Get help from the teacher if you do not understand
something.
Great Study Skill Links
http://www.studygs.net/
http://www.infoplease.com/homework/studyskills1.html
http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html
December 4: Grade 7 AFI Trip
8th Grade Newsletter
TAKOMA PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
November 2015
English
8th Graders will be working on an argumentative essay using multiple sources. Students will
learn how to write clear claims, and support and develop a position using evidence from various sources. They will read a variety of short essays and articles to find support for their
claims, as well as exemplars of structural models. After analyzing and writing arguments, students will analyze poetry through an informative essay.
U.S. History
Eighth grade United States History will begin Unit 2 on the creation of the Constitution. The
unit focuses on the historical background of the Constitution as well as how it continues to
shape our political system. Students will study the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, the seven principles of the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They will
write a document-based question (DBQ) essay on slavery and the Constitution and another
essay on the Election of 1800. A featured activity for this unit is the Constitutional Convention debate. Each student will take the part of one of the delegates at the convention and argue
what should – and shouldn’t – be in the new Constitution.
Algebra-Prep
Students are starting a new Unit in Algebra Prep this month called Expressions, Equations,
and Inequalities. In this unit they will be discovering types of patterns and relationships that
can be represented graphically, numerically, symbolically, and verbally. This month will be
focused on properties, simplification, translation, solving equations, and solving inequalities.
Students build on knowledge of patterns and sequences as they begin their study of functional
relationships, linear functions, and rate of change. Mathematical expressions may represent
real-world quantities and students will be able to use a calculator on future assignments.
Algebra 2.0
During November we will continue our work on Unit 2, Linear and Exponential Relationships. Specifically, we will be focusing on solidifying our understanding of a function, function notation, and modeling a function symbolically, numerically, graphically, and verbally. We will discuss the characteristics of functions including increasing and decreasing, intercepts, domain and ranges that extend infinitely, maxima/minima, and discrete vs. continuous. We then move into graphing linear and exponential equations and describing key features of the graphs.
Honors Geometry
As students continue through Topic 4 in Unit 1, students will prove theorems using a variety
of formats and solve problems about triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons. Students
will use their previous knowledge of triangle congruencies as well as types of angles formed
by parallel lines cut by a transversal to help discover multiple ways to write formal proofs.
Precise geometry vocabulary and student
knowledge of constructions, rigid transformations, and congruence are applied to prove geometric theorems. In November, students will also start Topic 1 in Unit 2. Here they will once
again apply their earlier experience with dilations
and proportional reasoning to build a formal understanding of similarity. They identify criteria
for similarity of triangles, use similarity to solve
problems, and apply similarity in right triangles to
understand right triangle trigonometry.
Continued on next page
Magnet Geometry
In November, we will complete a study of triangles, polygons, and congruence. We will continue to develop
our skills writing proofs in different forms, and examine how many familiar properties of quadrilaterals and
polygons can be proven from the humble triangle. We will also feature constructions this unit, so sharpen
those compasses!
Magnet Algebra II
In early November, we will finish our work with exponential and logarithmic functions, including many applications of these useful functions. By mid November, we will move on to polynomials, where we sharpen and
expand our factoring skills, study properties and applications of complex numbers, and apply function properties to polynomial graphs.
Magnet Science
Magnet Science students will begin the Planetary Systems in the Universe Unit. Students will complete a series of in-class learning stations that investigate the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. Students will then investigate what has been discovered about the universe and planetary systems by applying EM spectrum properties. Students are continuing to do their background research for their Capstone Research Papers. Throughout
November draft copies of sections of their report will be due for review and editing. Final background research
papers will be due the middle of December.
Science
In science the end of October involves the conclusion of our unit on weather by completing our final unit project. This project is to propose and design a model for a green
home. Each student will be assigned an area of the world to build
their house and they will need to tailor their model to the challenges presented by their unique area. This project represents the
culmination of all the topics and work from the previous quarter. The new unit starting in November and lasting until January
will be on Astronomy.
Come to 8th Grade Homework Club!
After School on Thursdays
Room 306 with Ms. Taylor
World Languages Department
November Newsletter
Important message regarding county-wide semester World Languages exams:
For the 2015-16 school year, students in Spanish and French classes WILL still take an exam in
January (except Spanish 1a full year and 1b full year) and an exam in June.
Spanish
Spanish 1A (full year)—Ms. Carroll
Sixth and seventh grade Spanish 1A full-year students are finishing the Welcome to Spanish
Unit. They have learned the basics of Spanish in this unit; ABCs, numbers,
introductions/greetings, Tú vs Usted, time, date, days, months, weather and seasons. In early
November we will have a unit assessment and then begin a unit on Getting Acquainted/Mis
Amigos y Yo. Students will be learning to talk about activities they like to do (gustar) and to
describe their looks and personality with the verb SER. They will learn the rules of adjectives
and nouns and will apply these rules and structures in written and spoken descriptions. It is
important for all students to practice vocabulary outside of the classroom to reinforce language
acquisition. It is also important to stay caught up on homework as this gives good practice with
the concepts we present in class. Parents should check agenda books for homework assignments
and should monitor Edline for student progress.
Spanish 1B (full year)—Sra. Vogel
Spanish 1B Full Year students are finishing the Pastimes Unit. In November and December we will study
a unit on Family. Students will learn how to express ownership in Spanish. This can be a difficult
concept and students are encouraged to study outside of the classroom. It is important to stay caught up
with homework as this gives extra reinforcement of vocabulary and grammar presented in class activities.
Students will describe family members, create a family tree (true or invented) and talk about what family
members like and don’t like to do. We will also explore the tradition of the Quinceañera in many Spanishspeaking countries. Parents are encouraged to check agenda books for homework and check Edline for
student progress. Students are reminded that learning vocabulary takes time outside of the classroom.
Extra grammar practice can be found on StudySpanish.com, conjuguemos.com or a multitude of other
online resources.
Spanish 1AB— Señora Kim and Señora Carroll
Students just concluded a unit on Mis Amigos y Yo. We learned how to talk about activities we
like and don’t like to do. We also described ourselves with adjectives using proper
gender/number agreement. During the month of November, Spanish 1AB students will be
learning about La Escuela including schedules with ordinal numbers, the materials needed for
each class, the objects found in a typical classroom, and what we do during each class. Students
will also learn subject pronouns and how they work with conjugating –AR verbs. Location of
items in the classroom with the verb ESTAR will also be practiced. Parents and students are
encouraged to check Edline frequently for homework and for student progress. Consistent
homework completion is essential for success in this High School class.
Spanish 2AB—Sra. Guevara, Sra. Kim and Sra. Vogel
In November, students will begin a unit about Daily Routines and Chores. In this unit students
will be introduced to the concept of reflexive verbs and possessive adjectives. The pace of the
class moves more quickly than Spanish 1 and students are encouraged to establish a routine of
studying every week night for 10-15 minutes in order to help build vocabulary and ease with
structures. There are many resources on Edline for them to practice such quizlet.com and
conjugeumos.com, online flashcard websites which allow students to make flashcards for
vocabulary but also practice verb conjugations as well. In addition to vocabulary, students are
responsible for keeping track of work and studying for quizzes and tests ahead of time. Ms.
Guevara’s students may also complete the monthly optional formative assignment, ¿Dónde está
Sra. Guevara? and Ms. Kim’s students can complete Ya terminé enrichment activities which
students can find on Edline or posted on the board in the classroom.
Spanish 3— Sra. Guevara
In early November, students will complete a unit entitled Las Bellas Artes. In this unit, students
will be able to describe and exchange current and past information about their experiences with
the visual and performing arts. Students will continue to refine their ability to use the preterit
and imperfect tenses. After Las Bellas Artes, students will begin discussing their well-being and
healthy lifestyles. A new grammar voice, the subjunctive, will be introduced. The pace of the
class moves quickly and students are encouraged to establish a routine of studying every week
night for 10-15 minutes in order to help build vocabulary and ease with structures. There are
many resources on Edline for them to practice such Quizlet, an online flashcard website which
allows students to make flashcards for vocabulary but also verb conjugations as well. Students
may also complete the monthly optional formative assignment, ¿Dónde está Sra.
Guevara? which students can find on Edline or posted on the board in the classroom.
French—Mme Finklea
French 1
This month, French 1 students will be learning how to talk about family members and describe them (and
other people). Parents should check agenda books for HW and encourage students to study vocabulary at
home. Parents should also check Edline and weekly student progress reports. If your child has a C or
below on a weekly progress report, please sign it and have your child return it to me!
French 2
French 2 students will begin a unit on food and shopping for food. We’ll be continuing our work with the
passé composé and learning prepositions of location. Parents should check agenda books for HW and
encourage students to study vocabulary at home. Parents should also check Edline and weekly student
progress reports.
French 3
In French 3, we will be continuing our unit on friends and family and our study of the subjunctive (which
will continue through most of the year). Toward the end of the month, we will begin a unit on The Great
Outdoors (nature, animals, outdoor activities). Parents should check agenda books for HW and encourage
students to study vocabulary at home. Parents should also check Edline and weekly student progress
reports.
Arts Department November Newsletter
Art—Ms. Spera
The sixth graders will be creating a
monoprint of a mythological creature. They
will be first doing thumbnail sketches for an
idea. (This means they do several small
drawings to get their ideas flowing.) After
they have finalized one of their designs, the
printing will take place. They will be
scratching foam board to use in the printing
process, and then pressing it onto paper to
transfer the image. This will give the broad
areas of color. The students can then come
in later with markers to give more detail to
their composition.
The seventh graders have just started their torn paper
self-portraits. They painted seven pieces of paper…ranging from
white to black, as well as one textured piece. They will use these
different values to recreate their facial features. The pieces of
paper will be glued to a sheet of plastic to construct a very
original portrait.
The eighth graders are still
working on their molas. They have
completed their colored sketches,
and most have started a practice
cut to learn how to use the exacto
knife. After they have practiced
the skill, they move onto their
final projects. I cannot wait to see
them!
FACS—Ms. Davis
Eighth Grade students
have had a busy quarter.
They started off with a
financial literacy unit.
Students focused on
career skills including job
applications and interview
questions.
The Eighth Grade is now in
a sewing unit. The
students are learning to
operate a sewing machine
to make aprons that they
will use for an upcoming
food unit.
Seventh Grade students
also started off with
financial literacy. They
learned about credit cards
versus debit cards,
checking accounts,
identity theft and keeping
a budget. They also
learned how to operate a
sewing machine to make a
drawstring backpack or
tote bag.
Sixth Grade students have
created their own pattern
for an applique that they
will stitch by hand on a
pillow. Students will learn
how to operate a sewing
machine. The pillow will
then be sewn together
with the sewing machine.
World Beat Music and Chorus —Mr. Liddle
Happy Fall! Student in general music and chorus have been settling nicely into the 2015-16
school year and digging farther into concepts and music. Chorus students have started working
on music literacy while also pushing farther into their choral pieces in preparation for our
Winter Concert on December 15. General Music students have been progressing towards Level
II on their instruments and have started playing their first pieces in bands. As our program has
expanded, the school has generously purchased new instruments and equipment including
better sounding and more durable headphones, 2 new basses, a new electric guitar, 2 new
digital drumsets, and a 5th Jamhub. Students in the choral program are joining students in Band
and Orchestra in our Fall Music Fundraiser to raise money for our trip to the Music in the Parks
Festival Competition at Hershey Park in Spring. The proceeds for this fundraiser go towards
lowering the overall trip price and into student accounts to help students who sell to earn
money towards their trip. The fundraiser was launched on October 20th and will continue until
November 18th. Please look for the fundraiser envelope sent home with every choral
student. If you do not want to participate in the fundraiser but would like to make a donation,
please do so in the fundraiser packet and turn it in on November 18th. Thanks for all your
support!
Computer Science
6 Grade — Ms. Galley
th
6th graders are in the final stages of completing the Microsoft Word segment of their
curriculum. Students have enhanced their knowledge of word processing beyond creating a
document and can now create and manipulate tables, sort data in tables and format various
types of document. Students are also able to complete a task by using different menu options
and short cuts keys.
Our classes continue to use Turbotyping on a daily basis to enhance their typing skills.
Students are using a keyboard guard to further increase their skill set. Students are also in the
process of finalizing their speeches on recent developments in hardware. Speeches will be
given over the course of the next two to three weeks. We will transition to Photoshop, a
graphics editor, which students will use to manipulate images.
7th Grade — Dr. Taliff
We are continuing to study and learn Python
programming. It is not too late to get caught up
if you have skipped over some readings, studying,
lecture notes, or projects. Three important
comp. sci. skills: You must identify a code
problem. You must generate possible solutions.
You must then select the best solution for the
problem. I do not expect you to have a solution
immediately; I do expect you to spend at least 15
minutes analyzing a problem. Hint: The problem
is probably related to a task we have done in
class. Also, if you frequently rely upon your neighbor or me to solve your coding problem, you
will not learn how to troubleshoot your own code.  At-Home Work: read your lecture
notes, read (hard copy) code given in Hand-Out Folder for each chapter, and read code you
have written.
8th Grade — Ms. Wu
In November, 8th grade Computer Science students will continue to expand/polish their
Python programming knowledge and skills. They will design more programs to use the string
manipulation, numeric functions and recursive functions. They will learn Bit-String Flicking and
Prefix_Infix_Postfix, as a part of the fundamental computer design learning. Students will
continue working on their Final Project at home. The Flowchart of a Game or Website Map is
due on 11/10, and the deadline is 11/20.
Students in 8th grade Computer Application class will continue to enhance their typing
skills by following the study practices. Students will expand their knowledge of technologies by
studying different topics online. They will learn HTML basics and build up their own website
gradually.
Contemporary Communications and TV Studio - Mr. Wilson
6th Grade TV Studio- Students are wrapping up their first “Sample Script” video production, and
are now hard at work completing their preproduction work for a TPMS Advertisement or Public
Service Announcement.
7th grade TV Studio- Students have completed their first TPMS Advertisements and are
currently working on their first TPMS News piece.
8th grade TV Studio- Students have completed two productions and are now working on
creating a montage video with advanced editing techniques such as L cuts and J cuts.
Bands, Orchestras & Jazz Ensemble — Ms. Pasquale
This year’s bands and orchestras of TPMS are really among the best ensembles TPMS
has seen in a long while. Now that we have a couple months of school done and the 1st
marking period is coming to a close students have chosen instruments (beginners), completed
several playing tests, worked in independent sectional rehearsals, sightread lots of music and
are practicing their performance pieces for the December concerts. The 6th grade band is
polishing and advancing skills they learned in elementary school and adding new notes, scales
and breathing patterns. The large Intermediate Orchestra is settling into the routine of student
lead tuning groups and learning to shift. The Intermediate Band is working hard and an
ensemble and preparing some difficult pieces for our upcoming concert. The advanced band
has already completed their first performance, playing at the Lifelong Takoma Event on October
10 in a joint performance with the Takoma Park Community Band. Both advanced groups have
been working to refine their tuning skills and working on some very difficult performance
pieces.
November is the month for auditions. Auditions for Montgomery County Honors band
and orchestra will be held on the November 10. The Maryland All-State junior Band auditions
are on November 14th. Congratulations to all the 6th grade students chosen for this year's 6th
grade honors orchestra and band as well as those chosen for the TPMS jazz ensemble.
Takoma Park Middle School Book Fair Hours
Media Center News
Monday
November 2015 7:55am—3:10pm
Tuesday
The Book Fair
The annual TPMS Book Fair will be
held November 30—December 4, in
the Media Center. Scholastic Books
will supply us with quality hardback
and paperback books from renowned
authors.
Profits from the fair will be used to
enhance the Media Center collection.
We hope that you will encourage
your child to select his/her favorite
books. Parents are welcome to drop
in any time.
7:55am—3:10pm
magazine account
before paying
with magazine
sale funds.
Adults may pay
with cash, check,
or credit card.
Parents who would like to volunteer,
please contact Ms. Phelan:
[email protected]
Hope to see you at the Book Fair!
Wednesday
7:55am—3:10pm
Thursday
7:55am—3:10pm
Friday
7:55am—11:20am
*All students will be
visiting the Book Fair
through their English
classes.
-Ms. Phelan
Students may pay with cash, check,
or magazine drive money. Please be
sure your child checks his/her
IMPORTANT
DATES
Nov. 2:
SHOP THE BOOK FAIR ONLINE!
Professional Day
Nov. 11 & 12:
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/tpms2015
Early Release
Don’t have time to visit the Book Fair? Forgot to bring money to
school? You can now purchase books online! Access the online fair
through the TPMS Book Fair hompage.
The Online Fair is open 24/7 from 11/14—12/4
Nov. 26 & 27:
Current Media Center News


Send wish lists to family and friends.
Browse an expanded book selection.

All orders ship to school for free!
Thanksgiving
Holiday
Nov. 30—Dec. 4:
BOOK FAIR!