August Newsletter 2015
Truman Middle School
5801 North 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
Upcoming Events
http://www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/truman T: 253-571-5600
September 1
Dear Families,
I am excited to have you as part of the Truman Titan Family. I hope
you find the information in this newsletter helpful for a successful
start. Additionally, a supply list is available online and in the main
office. Please visit our Truman website.
Warm regards,
Principal Johnson
6th Grade Titan Day
Orientation
September 3
7th/8th Grade Titan Day
Orientation
September 9
First Day of School
TITAN DAYS/ORIENTATION- September 1st (6th) & 3rd (7th & 8th)
Arrival is scheduled according to last name;
8am A-E ~ 9am F-J ~ 10am K-O ~ 11am P-T ~ 12pm U-Z.
Parents attend with students who have already received all necessary shots for
attending school. We are prepared to accommodate for arrivals scheduled according to
last name and on pre-set grade level dates for schedule pickup and to avoid overcrowding.
Sometimes you may hear it referred to as Orientation. However, our Titan Days
are organized to allow parents and students to attend Truman on a very informal basis to
purchase Truman gear (sweatshirts-crewneck or hoody and T-shirts), PE Shirts, Lanyards,
planners, ASB membership, pay class fees, and tour the building. We accept cash and
debit or credit only—No checks please, as our necessary new policy for 2015-16.
There is an online store accessible to parents as well. These items will be available
for pick-up on orientation day. The online store can be accessed through BAYSIDE only at
www.baysideapparel.com. Ordering from a different company will cause your purchase to
be out of compliance with dress code. The online orders close on August 9th.
It is best to purchase ASB memberships at orientation to have it electronically
printed on the ID card on Picture Day Wednesday, September 23rd.
ASB cards are required for membership in all ASB clubs, to participate in all
sports, and to receive special ASB sponsored incentives. It also helps support our school!!
We encourage every child to participate in some club, sport, or extra-curricular activity
throughout the school year.
More Upcoming
Events
Picture Day- Sept. 23rd
Back to School NightOctober 1st 6:00-7:30 PM
Conferences Early Release
Days: October 22 & 23
Truman Fall conferences are
held on Oct 22 from 12-3 PM
& 4-7 PM only; Arena Style in
the Gym
No School: Waiver Day Oct.
26, Veterans Day Holiday
Nov. 11, Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 25-27, Winter Break
Dec. 21-January 1
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More Important News
TRANSITION SUMMER SCHOOL- August 18-20, 8:30-11:30 AM. The Title
I/LAP department sponsors a transition program for students transitioning from
fifth grade to sixth grade. The goal is to give students a head start on middle
school life. Academics are geared toward reviewing and teaching concepts that
students will encounter in the first month of school. Students will learn about
school life through social building activities and discussion. Staff members and
administrators will be available to meet students and explain building expectations
and routines.
PRICE LIST:
STUDENT PLANNER ………….$ 5.00
LANYARD……………………….5.00
SUPPLY PACK………………….10.00
P.E. SHIRT…………………….... 5.00
HOODIE SWEATSHIRT………..25.00
CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT …...10.00
TRUMAN T-SHIRT……….…….8.00
ASB. MEMBERSHIP…………...15.00
ART LAB FEE…………………..10.00
For more information about the program contact the Title I/LAP office at 253571-1111. You can also register for this on the Tacoma Public Schools website
http://www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/information/departments/summerschool/Pages/Summer-SchoolRegistration-Form.aspx
DISCIPLINE is progressive at Truman Middle School. That means stricter
discipline is given each time an infraction is done, regardless of whether or not it is
the same infraction. That being said, some discipline, depending on the nature of
the infraction, is given at the highest level upon the first occurrence, especially if it
is verbally or physically belligerent and/or unsafe behavior.
Likewise, Truman staff members love to reinforce positive behaviors by
acknowledging students who follow the rules and maintain academic excellence.
Acknowledgement takes on various forms such Behavior Bingo Games, Civi (free
dress) Days, Honor Certificates, Titan Tributes, Friday Treats, leadership
opportunities, and fun assemblies.
We have five operating principles, also known as ―Be Attitudes we expect all to
live by when at school—Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Prepared,
and Be a Learner. These are the behaviors we expect from each student and staff
member. Each behavior should be taught and revisited periodically at school and at
home to ensure proper compliance.
TECHNOLOGY FEE…………....5.00
Important Contact
Information:
Ms. Johnson, Principal
[email protected]
Mr. Arial, Vice Principal
[email protected]
Ms. Anable, Office Coordinator
[email protected]
Mr. Wright, Campus Security
[email protected]
Ms. Plank, Registrar/Guidance
Secretary
[email protected]
You, as the parent, are your child’s first teacher. Working cooperatively together,
we can support each student in being a good citizen and successful learner.
Currently, Truman’s mission states: The Truman community will inspire integrity,
through teamwork and the promotion of academic excellence by nurturing
relationships and sharing ideas that support a safe and civil learning experience for
all.
ATTENDANCE – Absences should be reported in writing to Ms. Jamison. A
courtesy call will be accepted, but does not take the place of written documentation
for your child’s attendance file. See handbook for details. You can reach Ms.
Jamison, Attendance Specialist, at (253) 571-5677, or [email protected].
Our goal is 100% attendance, no unexcused absences. See TPS website for a list of
authorized, excused absences.
Mr. Horton, 6th/7th Grade
counselor
[email protected]
Mr. Allen, 7th/8th Grade Counselor
[email protected]
Mr. Peirce, Athletic Director
[email protected]
Ms. Metcalf, Librarian
[email protected]
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CURRICULUM INFORMATION
Middle School Language Arts College Board Pre AP SpringBoard Curriculum
 Emphasizes higher-order thinking skills that challenge students to aim higher and achieve more
 Helps students personalize and own their learning
 Encourages self-exploration and the application of learning strategies that work best for them
http://springboardprogram.collegeboard.org/english-language-arts/
7th Grade Springboard Language Arts Sample Unit
http://www.springboardonline.com/flipbooks/springboard-flipbook-ELA-MS-Sampler/ELA-MS-Sampler.html
Middle School Science
http://www.nextgenscience.org/search-standards-dci?tid_1%5B%5D=14&=Search
Middle School Math- EngagedNY Math Curriculum which is linked to the Common Core Math Standards
Common Core Math Standards
http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice/
EngagedNY Math Curriculum adapted by teachers for Washington state
6th Grade
https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-6-mathematics
All contents and all grade levels incorporate the DOK Thinking skills strategies to increase academic rigor. It is already
embedded in the Springboard Language Arts, Science, and Math EngagedNY curriculum. However, teachers incorporate
them readily in other classes/contents as well.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/webbs-depth-knowledge-increase-rigor-gerald-aungst
EXTRA-CURRICULAR & ELECTIVE INFORMATION
Truman Middle School is dedicated to helping your student succeed. There are several programs available to meet the needs of
students at every level. It is imperative that students come to school ready to work with the desire to be successful.
In addition to general CORE classes...
Other Enrichment and Supplemental Educational Programs are as follows:
READING INTERVENTION
ROBOTICS
HORTICULTURE/HUMANITIES
MATH INTERVENTION
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES
BAND
SPANISH (7&8)
AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING
CHOIR
SPARX
TECHNOLOGY
ORCHESTRA
CAMPUS LIFE
ASB CLUBS-Drama, Book-making, Chess, Catch up math, Builder’s Club, Jazz Band, Cheer
SPORTS– Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Football (7&8), Track, Cross Country, Baseball, Fastpitch, and Wrestling
Please contact Mr. Tristan Allen, school counselor for more information (253) 571-5628.
An Activity Bus is available after school to transport students to the elementary nearest their home, Oakland, and the Boys and Girls
Club once afternoon activities have ended. Only students who have been in an adult supervised activity are allowed on campus and on
the bus. Students are expected to be in an adult supervised activity by 2:55 or vacating the premises. No loitering allowed.
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Middle School
5801 North 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98407
Phone: 253-571-5600
Fax: 253-571-5680
Home of the Titans!
WE’RE ON THE WEB
Tacoma School District No.
10
P.O. Box 1357
Tacoma, WA 98401-1357
Visitor Sign-In and Authorization
Truman staff welcome parents, community partners, and other district staff members to our school. We love it when parents come to
check on their students and partner with us to assure the best learning experience for our most precious resource—the children. In
order to maintain a safe environment, we need to be aware of every visitor in the building at all times. Therefore, any non-Truman
student or adult should report immediately to the main office to check-in. At that time, one of the wonderful office staff—Ms.
Swaleson, Ms. Anable, or Ms. Jamison will assist you with the proper sign-in process.
Students from other schools are not allowed to visit Truman Middle School, unless they have completed Volunteer paperwork and are
being supervised by an adult staff member from their school, or are involved in an organized activity approved by administration.
Older brothers/sisters picking up a Truman sibling should not enter the building, but wait for their little brother or sister in the
courtyard or on 37th street.
Adults will only be allowed to sign a student out of school with proper cause and identification. Only adults listed in our Eschoolplus
student account system will be allowed to remove students from the premises. If you are planning to pick up a student during the
school day, be sure to bring a current Washington State Driver’s License or Identification card. Remember, not all absences are
excused, and illnesses past four days should have a doctor’s note. Excessive tardiness and absences lead to the BECCA Bill protocol
which is required by law.
To schedule a conference with the teachers, simply call the team leader. You will meet them when school starts. To schedule a
classroom visit, call either Ms. Johnson or Mr. Arial. A classroom visit can be arranged after consultation with admin and the teachers.
There are more specific guidelines for visitation outlined in Regulation 4200R and Policy 4200. Admin and security want to partner
with you, so please consider your approach and communication style when calling and coming to the school. It is expected that
we maintain respect and professionalism toward our Truman community and we expect the same in return from our
community as well.
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