Timberwolf News & Notes
John Poole Middle School
March 6, 2016
Principal’s Message
Upcoming Dates:
Good Evening Timberwolf Families!
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This week students received their interim progress reports. If you
have not logged into Edline to check their reports, please do so. This is
a great time to sit down with your child and get through their grade
reports, celebrate those areas your child is seeing success and to set
goals for improving where students are struggling. As you set goals
with your child, you should work with them to set SMART goals. You
want the goals to be:
 Specific- goals should include the what, why, and how
 Measurable- set not only a target, but checkpoints along the
way
 Achievable- you want your child to have success, but you want
to make sure they are able to reach that success, you want to
stretch them and their abilities
 Results-focused- goals should measure the outcomes, not
focused on activities the students will do
 Time-bound- there should be a timeline associated with the
goal, this will help provide a sense of urgency and allow for
accountability.
Once you have set goals with your child, help them monitor, track and
celebrate their accomplishments!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. will be our next PTA meeting. It
will be held in the media center and we will discuss testing at the middle
school, staff appreciation, fundraising, and the 8th grade dance. Grab a
neighbor and come support the work of our PTA and the growth of our
students!
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3/8 – PTA Meeting (6:30 p.m. in
the Media Center)
3/8-10 – Soccer Tryouts
3/9-10 – Talent Show Tryouts
3/11 – Friday Academic Success
3/14-18 – Book Fair
3/16 & 3/18 – 8th Grade Science
MSA
3/17 – Humanities Night (Don’t
Miss the Fun!)
3/24 – No School, Prof. Day
3/25&28 – HOLIDAY, No
School
3/29-4/1 – No School, Spring
Break
Top 10 skills middle school students
need to thrive, and how parents can
help. Great article.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/pare
nting/wp/2016/02/29/top-10-skills-middleschool-students-need-to-thrive-and-howparents-can-help/
Make it a great week!
Respectfully,
Mr. Robert Sinclair Jr, Principal
Budget Information
The Montgomery County Board of Education submitted its Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget to County
Executive Isiah Leggett and the County Council March 1. Over the last eight years, MCPS has seen a rapid
expansion in the number of students enrolled but a contraction of the essential resources to serve them. Since
2009, enrollment has skyrocketed by 12 percent, yet, cuts to funding have only allowed an increase to staff by
just 3 percent.
Click here to read a message from Board of Education President Michael A. Durso regarding the Budget
Humanities Night
We have been busily planning a wonderful HUMANITIES NIGHT for the community to be held on
Thursday, March 17! Look forward to a sneak peek at the spring musical, student artwork and literacy
projects, an art fair, “street-style” musicians, games… and so much more! You will leave the evening with a
renewed understanding of what middle school students do in their reading, social studies, art, and music
classes!
Hallway Heroes
Hallway Heroes are students we honor for demonstrating exemplary PRIDE behaviors as they move from class
to class, helping to keep our hallways safe and comfortable for everyone. The students recognized below
consistently demonstrate Purpose, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Effort everywhere they go
at JPMS. They are Hallway Heroes and we are proud to celebrate their high expectations and their Timberwolf
PRIDE! Congratulations to last week’s winners:
Timothy Dominici
Keaton Dorman
Kevin Fulz
Jessica Mense
Ashley Portillo-Rivas
Maya Rosenbaum
Congratulations!
Students recently took the MAP-R test. Congratulations to the following students for making significant gains!
We are so proud of their hard work and commitment to achievement:
Grade 8
Sydney Allentuck
William Batres
Bradford Blair
Shaun Bolten
Luka Brizhik
Daniel Chen
Jakeline Fuentes
Zac Goldstein
Chase Hillegas
Makayla LeMarr
Keegan Morrison
Dominique Perry
Krishna Ponnapalli
Bailey Smith
Malik Smith
Madeline Stempler
Kelsey Szafranski
Josh Widenhofer
Grade 7
Matthew Ashley
Colin Bradshaw
Aaron Brown
Jamie Hill
Colleen Hueting
Sam Kim
Terrance Lee
Daniel Lowell
Faythe Mullins
Grade 6
Diesel Anderson
Jackson Barney
Tessa Brizhik
Nick Brown
Perrin Chalk
Michael Deffinbaugh
Joey Geehreng
Sean Groeninger
Katie Krueger
Austin Little
James Maisel
Madison Nessul
Nate Parks
Trinity Posey
Jolie Quiroa
Zach Schneider
Valerie Sullivan
Jonah Valmonte
Leader of the Pack
At JPMS, we focus every day on helping our students to be as successful as possible, both academically and
personally. Part of that focus is instilling the core values of Timberwolf PRIDE: Purpose, Respect, Integrity,
Dedication and Effort, because we believe these qualities will support all students being the successful learners
they want to be today and becoming the positive, contributing members of our community they can be all their
lives.
Each month, the staff recognizes five students in each grade who are leaders and role models because they
routinely demonstrate the components of Timberwolf PRIDE. We celebrate them at a ceremony on the first
Friday of each month where they receive a certificate and are served a breakfast treat. Their pictures are
proudly posted on a bulletin board in the front hall during the month in which they are being honored.
Congratulations to our February winners!
Grade 6
Purpose – Alaena Bowman
Respect – James Maisel
Integrity – Colin Rickert
Dedication – Terry Pierce
Effort – Savannah Bowen
Grade 8
Purpose – Avery Groeninger
Respect – Cheyanne Bowen
Integrity – Cameron Carney
Dedication – Lindsey Lightcap
Effort – Jessica Convers
Grade 7
Purpose – Anthony Witt
Respect – Mackenzie Walton
Integrity – Garrett Wallace
Dedication – Mikaela Tejada
Effort – Victoria Robinson
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Ashlynn Stearns for her outstanding performance in the 2015 Veteran’s of Foreign Wars
Patriots Pen contest. Ashlynn’s entry What Freedom Means to Me” essay placed first in the VFW Post 5633
competition. Her entry was also posted at the District 2 competition. Conducted nationwide, the VFW
sponsored writing competition gives outstanding students an opportunity to express their views on our
American democracy. Great job Ashlynn!
JPMS Talent Show
Attention to all Talented Timberwolves! If your child has a special skill or talent they want to show off on
stage, the school wide JPMS Talent Show is the perfect place! In order to perform, your child must turn in a
sign-up form about their act by March 4th. They can pick up and return their sign-up form in their social
studies classes. Auditions will be held after school on March 9th and 10th. Please encourage anyone with a
talent to take part in the first ever JPMS Talent Show!
Hershey Park Trip for 8th Graders
Planning is already underway for John Poole Middle School’s annual 8th Grade end-of-the-year trip on
Thursday, June 16, 2016, to Hershey Park.
Eighth graders and their teachers will travel to Hershey Park via video coach buses using Atlantic Coast
Charters for a great day of fun and adventure. Buses will leave John Poole Middle School at 7:45 AM and
return at 7:45 PM.
Information about the trip will be given out March 1st in social studies classes. Students need to return the
permission slip/medical form to their social studies teacher with a check for $53.00 payable to John Poole
Middle School. Payment may also be made on-line via the JPMS website. This price includes transportation to
Hershey Park and all rides and admissions in the park.
Payment is due no later than March 17, 2016; any outstanding financial obligations also need to be paid before
March 17th. Funds are available to students who need financial support. Please contact Mrs. Eisenberg, your
child’s counselor, for more information. Economic concerns should not keep any student from enjoying this
celebration!
SSL News
Each year we have students apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community awards. This opportunity is available
to all students who have completed their 75 hours of SSL. The opportunity opens every fall. This year two
very capable students applied: Charlotte Vogel and Jessica Mense. Jessica received a Merit award for her
service. We are proud of the hours both of these students put into serving others. Both will also be eligible to
receive the Superintendents Award for Student Service Learning this year. If you are eligible, don’t miss this
opportunity next year. Congratulations!
8th Grade Dance
The 8th Grade Dance will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Poolesville Baptist Church. The dance will
be from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and the theme will be “An Evening Under the Big Top.”
Needed: Volunteers to help with the event. If interested, please contact either Dreama Hemingway at
[email protected] or Jennifer Kasten at [email protected].
Attention 8th Grade Parents!
It’s that time of year! We are preparing for the 2016 Career Day for our 8th grade students. We have many
wonderful things planned for them but still need your help. Parents can help by being a presenter and sharing
with our students your personal career path. You will share for about 15 minutes with 4 different small groups
of 10-15 students. Students sign up for this day 10 days in advance, so we need your commitment by April 14th
OR we always need help with refreshments for our presenters. You can help with this by signing up on
Sign Up Genius www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0E4DAFAF23A02-jpms1/7690200
In case you do not have access to Sign Up Genius, please click on the link to get a hard copy of the signup
sheet CareerDaySignup.pdf
If you have questions, feel free to contact [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected] See attached form for more details!
Attention 6th Grade Parents
BE PREPARED! The Maryland mandatory immunization requirements will change next year when your child
enters 7th grade. The new requirements for 7th grade are: Meningococcal (MCV) & Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria,
pertussis/whooping cough). Visit your child’s health care provider for required immunizations. Please provide
proof of immunizations to your school’s health room as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please
call the nurse or health tech at 301-407-1029.
Attention 7th and 8th Grade Soccer Players
Spring is right around the corner and it is time to get ready for soccer. The JPMS soccer teams will be having
try outs the week of March 8. Try-outs and practices will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from
2:50-4:05 pm. Games are also on these days and start at 3:15 or 3:30 pm depending on location of game.
Athletic packets are available on the JPMS webpage under athletics and they are also available in the girls and
boys locker rooms. Packets must be completed and turned in before the first day of try outs. If you have any
questions stop by and see your Athletic Coordinators: Mr. Willett or Mrs. Gerrie.
Choose Respect Conference -- #RespectYourSelfie
Students and parents: mark your calendars for the 2016 Choose Respect Conference. This free event will take
place on Sunday, March 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Richard Montgomery High School. Morning host
Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM and correspondent for WUSA9-TV will emcee the opening session of the
conference. Parents, teens, youth service providers, and educators will come together to discuss the problems
around teen dating violence and talk about ways to establish healthy relationships. Did you know that nearly 1.5
million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner each year?
This is an important conversation that all students must have. There will be raffles, prizes, free food, and live
entertainment. You don’t want to miss this event. For more information and to
register, visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/chooserespect.html.
Honoring Contributions to Special Education
MCPS parents, students, and staff are encouraged to submit nominations to recognize individuals and
programs that have contributed to the success and acceptance of students with special needs. The recognitions
are being given by the Special Education Committee of the Montgomery County Council of PTAs
(MCCPTA). The recognition ceremony will be held at Rockville High School on Monday, May 9.
Nominations are being accepted in four categories: Staff, Programs, Parents, and Students. Applications are
due by Friday, March 18. Nominations can be submitted by email attachment to Jeanne Taylor, or by hard
copy to the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, Upcounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook
Road, 3rd Floor, Germantown, MD, 20874. Visit the MCPS website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org,
search “MCCPTA Awards” to download the nomination form.
MCPS Annual Report to the Community
The 2015 Annual Report to the Community tells the story of MCPS—the factors that are driving change in our
district; the strategies we are using to close the achievement gap and prepare our students for success in the 21st
century; and the operational and student performance data we use to monitor our progress. The online report
features photos, charts, and video and audio segments that help portray how MCPS is fulfilling its vision and
mission. Read the report at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org (search “Annual Report”) to learn more and meet
some of the district’s outstanding students and staff.
College Prep Fair to be Held on April 9
A free College Preparation and Scholarship Fair will be held 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, at Montgomery
College (Bioscience Education Center), 20200 Observation Drive in Germantown. The fair is intended for
students in Grades 6–10 and their parents. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet representatives from
various careers, colleges, and universities, learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities and attend
informative breakout sessions. Space is limited, so be sure to register early! Registration can be completed at
www.mcpsparentacademy.org. Call 301-279-3100 for more information.
Montgomery College
Workforce Development & Continuing Education
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get a taste of what we have planned for our Summer Youth
Camps by experiencing some of our most popular technology programs during your spring break.
SPRING BREAK AT MC!
Register NOW for THIS ONE WEEK TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OFFERED FOR STUDENTS, AGES
8 – 14 AND GRADES 9 – 12. THE PROGRAM IS HELD FROM TUESDAY – FRIDAY, MARCH 29 – APRIL
1, 2016 ON THE GERMANTOWN CAMPUS OF MONTGOMERY COLLEGE. COURSES OFFERED ARE
CODE BREAKERS, MINECRAFT DESIGNERS, AND FUNDAMENTAL PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS USING
PYTHON.
These classes fill very quickly, so register NOW!
For additional brochures or registration information,
contact YOUTH PROGRAMS
at 240-567-7264 or 240-567-7917 or access brochure online at
http://www2.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/wdce/youthpdf/springbreak.pdf