Tompkins Square Middle School Blog

Hello TSMS families,

This is it, the final newsletter of the the 2009-2010 schoolyear. Graduation on Monday was so sweet. Thank you to everyone who helped, and thank you to everyone who came, and job well done all around. And great speech, Marisol, Jarrett, Aidan, and Sean! And thanks for making the video, Ethan. Also, thanks everyone who brought in food and snacks for the Science Fair last week. Go Science! It is always oddly surprising (for me, at least) to find myself at the end of a schoolyear. It has been a wonderful one and I'm grateful as ever to be part of this amazing community with you all.

Here's the news of the week:

7TH GRADE RETURNS...
7th graders should be getting back from Clearpool Environmental Center around regular dismissal time today.


6TH & 7TH GRADE FIELD DAY...
This Friday, June 25 will be Field Day for 6th and 7th graders. They'll be headed down to Prospect Park and should come prepared with a bag lunch and dressed to run and play. Graduated 8th graders already had their own Field Day and will not be brought along. Also, you may to pack sunscreen! and hats! and water! Probably going to be a hot one.


END OF YEAR CEREMONY...
Also this Friday, June 25, we will doing our annual end of year Ribbon Ceremony. It mirrors how we open the year in September. Usually this happens on the very last day of school, but since that's next Monday this year, and a half-day, we are anticipating many absences that day. Kids leaving for camp, families leaving on trips, etc. So we will close our school year, ceremonially speaking, after the 6th and 7th graders get back from their Field Day. If 8th grade graduates want to join us for this--- and we'd love to have them!-- they should come direct to the 4th Street schoolyard at 2:50pm.


8TH GRADE GRAD REMINDER...
Good job so far with getting graduated 8th graders who want to attend school this week to us on time. It is very important that this continues through the week. Students arriving after 10am will be held in the main office until we get phone confirmation from you. And also, remember that 8th graders will not be going out for lunch this week and need to be signed out to leave school before 3:25pm, just like always.


LAST DAY OF SCHOOL...
Next Monday, June 28 is the official last day of school. It is a citywide half-day and students will be dismissed at 11am.


SOME SUMMER SPORTS...
Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation is sponsoring a free summer sports clinic at M.A.T. (80 Catherine St.) open to school children entering 6th grade through 8th. The clinics will feature coaching, skill development, and scrimmages.
*Volleyball July 6 - 8 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in M.A.T. Gymnasium
*Softball July 12 - 15 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at M.A.T. (Coleman Softball field and batting cages in M.A.T. gymnasium)
*Table Tennis July 19 - 22 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at M.A.T. playroom (featuring 8 olympic quality table tennis tables)
If you are interested, email Shirley at slee at tsmsonline and she will send you the application--- or have your children pick one up from her in room 337.


PTA...
Tonight Wednesday, June 23rd at 6pm will be the last PTA meeting of the year, in the form of a celebration. It will be held at Drop-off Service, on Ave A between 13th and 14th. You should have gotten a PTA email from Ting with more details.


CEC...
Also tonight Wednesday, June 23rd from 6-9pm is the next District 1 Community Education Council Meeting at P.S. 20 Anna Silver School (166 Essex Street). On the agenda is a District One Needs Assessment with the Office of Portfolio Planning; and admissions outcome report from the Office of Student Enrollment. There's also a couple of parent vacancies on the council, if you are interested in getting involved. As always, childcare and light refreshments provided at the meeting.


GOLDIE ANNA...
We are very excited to announce that our school won two separate (and highly-competitive) Goldie Anna Awards for Excellence in Education. This is unprecedented-- I think only three total were given out in the citywide Empowerment Zone this year. We’re so proud of the outstanding work our teachers are doing and also glad we'll receive a bit of extra resources to extend and deepen that work. Congrats to all involved.


GOODBYE 8TH GRADE FAMILIES...
We will miss you!!!! Thanks for giving us so much support throughout and for entrusting us with your high-school-bound wonderful children these past three years (or more, via older siblings). Hard to believe it's time to let you all go. We'll add you to an alumni email list so we can keep you informed about larger community events now and then, like the Carnival or Cabaret. And if you really get lonely for us, just let me know and I'll toss you a newsletter for old times' sake. In any case, good luck out there. It has been a true pleasure getting to know you all. Please be in touch.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer and beyond.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS families,

Well, we're running out of newsletters, though things continue to be very busy round here. Carnival! Thank you thank you to one and all. It is amazing what this community can do.

Here's the news of the week:

EARLY DISMISSAL...
Tomorrow Wednesday, June 9 is the next Early Dismissal day. Students will be dismissed at 1:45pm after lunch. If you would like your child to stay at school until 3:25pm, please contact Shirley at slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303.


PERIOD A ENDS...
Tomorrow Wednesday, June 9 is also the last day of Period A for this schoolyear. Starting next week, school will begin at 9 am every day. Fret not-- Period A will be back again in the fall.


PD DAY...
This Thursday, June 10, there is no school for students. Here at TSMS, we use this citywide Professional Development Day for our staff retreat-- our whole staff comes together to discuss what went well this year and how to improve for next year starting with an intro Wednesday after dismissal and continuing until Thursday afternoon.


FPS...
This Thursday, June 10 to Sunday, June 13, nine members of the TSMS Future Problem Solving Team will be traveling to the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, to compete in the International Future Problem Solving Conference. These students earned the privilege of representing New York State in three divisions (Junior Team, Middle Team, and Junior Individual). The topic at Internationals this year is Green Living. Good luck to our competitors. I'll let you know how it goes.


SLT...
Next Tuesday, June 15 at 5:30pm is the next and last School Leadership Team meeting of the year. All members of the school community are welcome.


ALL-SCHOOL SCIENCE...
Next Wednesday, June 16 from 5:30-7pm is the Science Fair. Come wonder at the work of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in a mind-bending showcase of scientific investigation. As further incentive, students who attend can earn highly-prized Challenge Project points by reflecting and evaluating projects from each grade. Light refreshments will be served. (By the way, we are looking for donations of light refreshments. These can be brought directly to your child's Science teacher on the day of the event.) Hope you all can make it--- remember, that's 5:30-7pm.


HALF-DAY...
Next Thursday, June 17 is a citywide half-day. All students will be dismissed at 11am.


GRADUATION DANCE...
Next Friday, June 18 from 7-10pm, students have organized an 8th grade Dance to celebrate their upcoming Graduation. Tickets are $10 per person-- TSMS 8th graders only-- and money should be brought to Shirley in room 337.


GRADUATION...
Monday, June 21 at 1:30pm is 8th Grade Graduation. All 8th graders need to arrive no later than 12:30! Also, 6th and 7th grade parents and guardians-- it is TSMS tradition that non-graduating families assist with set-up and clean-up so that when your own child is graduating in 8th grade, you can just focus on your family. If anyone can help, please email Shirley.


That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS families,

Busy busy round here so no time to chat you up this newsletter. Hope you are doing well as we move through the last full week of May.

Here's the news of the week:

MEMORIAL DAY...
Next Monday, May 31 is Memorial Day. All schools will be closed citywide.


HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT...
Next Wednesday, June 2 at 6pm will be High School Night for 7th (and interested 6th) grade families. Pat Macken, our Guidance Counselor, will be on hand to lead you through the intricacies of the 2010-11 high school process, along with Shirley Lee-Wong, our Parent Coordinator. Shirley sent an email about it this morning!


CARNIVAL AND CARNIVAL STAGE...
Sunday June 6 from noon to 5pm is the 4th annual TSMS Carnival! The awesome carnival-organizing folk are looking for a few more performers. "Parents of children in the school, or anyone who just loves the school or wants to help. Music, poetry, dance, or whatever would be park appropriate." If you are up for the excitement and adulation, please email Rosane (a 6th grade parent). Thanks. And don't forget to join our school community for good times in the northeast corner of Tompkins Square Park.


AND CARNIVAL RUMMAGE...
This Saturday May 29 from 12- 4pm, carnival superheroes will be collecting your fantastic donations for the carnival flea market. Bring your stuff to Keepers Storage at E10th & Avenue D. "Clothing, Shoes, Household Items, Art Objects, Jewelry, Games..... No stuffed animals or books....PLEASE PRE-SORT CLEAN & GENTLY WORN CLOTHING INTO WOMEN, MEN, CHILDREN & TIE OR RUBBERBAND SHOES TOGETHER....Bags & Hangers Needed As Well...contact christine_carrigan w/any questions."


AFTER SCHOOL WRAP-UP...
Monday, June 7 will be the LAST DAY of After School. The Art & Photography class will be holding their end of year Show, with a possible visit from the Maracatu Rhythm Band. After June 7, all after school activities will be over except for Volleyball. Also, FYI, that's a weird week, with a citywide half-day followed by June's early dismissal day, followed by a citywide professional development day (see below).


HALF-DAY...
Tuesday, June 8 is a citywide half-day. All students will be dismissed at 11am.


EARLY DISMISSAL...
Wednesday, June 9 is the next Early Dismissal day. Students will be dismissed at 1:45pm after lunch. If you would like your child to stay at school until 3:25pm, please contact Shirley at slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303.


PD DAY...
Thursday, June 10, there is no school for students citywide. This was previously known as Brooklyn Day, and then Brooklyn/Queens Day, a school holiday for people in those boroughs. It is now a citywide Professional Development Day. Here at TSMS, we use this time for our staff retreat-- teachers and administrators come together to discuss what went well this year and how to improve for next year from Wednesday after dismissal until Thursday afternoon.


VOLLEYBALL...
Thursday, 5/27 home game vs. GVMS, 4:15pm.
Friday, 5/28 home game at MAT, 3:45pm.

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Hope you had great days over that lovely sunny weekend. Don't get washed away out there today!

Here's the news of the week:

PTA...
Tomorrow Wednesday, May 19 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. As you have probably seen from Ting's email, on the agenda is a conversation about the high school process, where 8th grade families can share some advice with our TSMS families heading toward that process. We'll have a separate official High School Night (why, see next newsletter item!) but tomorrow will be more about experience sharing. Which means some 8th grade families will need to be there to share with the others, please. This is the first time we're trying to organize a conversation around this in its own forum-- let's see how it goes. Also on the agenda are PTA officer nominations/elections and Carnival and Graduation updates. Hope you can make it.


HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT...
Wednesday, June 3 at 6pm will be High School Night for 7th (and interested 6th) grade families. Pat Macken, our Guidance Counselor, will be on hand to lead you through the intricacies of the 2010-11 high school process, along with Shirley Lee-Wong, our Parent Coordinator.


DC TRIP...
This Thursday to Friday, May 20 to 21 is the 8th grade overnight to Washington, DC! Students should be here at 7am. You should have all the information but if you have any last-minute questions, just give us a call. Happy travels.


6TH GRADE SCIENCE TRIP...
Friday, May 21, the 6th grade will be taking a trip to the American Museum of Natural History to explore the Halls of Biodiversity and Ocean Life as part of their Science work this module. Students should come prepared with a bag lunch. Weather permitting, that lunch will be eaten outside in Central Park.


8TH GRADE TO BRONX...
Next Friday, May 28, the 8th grade will be going to the Bronx Museum of the Arts to see an exhibition on the Civil Rights Movement as part of their Humanities study this module. Bag a lunch. Permission slips to go home shortly.


GRADUATION DATE...
For all who have been wondering, Graduation will be on Monday, June 21 around 1:30ish.


TRACK MEET...
This Thursday, May 20 will be the District 1 Middle School Track & Field Championships. Our Track & Field team have had two half-day competitions so far and this one counts. Winners will go to the City Championships in June. It will take place from 9:30-12:30 at the E6th Street Track in East River Park. Only the Track & Field Team will be attending.


MEMORIAL DAY...
Monday, May 31 is Memorial Day. All schools will be closed citywide.

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

A week ago Saturday, an inspired collection of parents and family members came to help us clean our classrooms of collected dust and grime. On behalf of everyone here (and everyone who reads this newsletter too, I am sure), THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Here's the news of the week...

NYS MATH...
Tomorrow Wednesday & Thursday, May 5 & 6 is the New York State Math Exam. And as it turns out, I was misinformed about the extra session for 6th graders on Friday. Hooray! Good night's sleep and make sure they eat breakfast and soon we'll have emerged from NYS Examland.


BLUE CALCULATORS...
Some of the school's blue scientific calculators have not made it back to school. If you see one lurking at home, please send it back in. We need them for class (and also for sections of the Math Exam tomorrow!)


7:30 IN THE MORN...
Please keep in mind that the cafeteria opens for supervised breakfast at 7:30am. Students should NOT be arriving at school before that time.


SLT...
Next Tuesday, May 11 at 5:30pm is the next School Leadership Team meeting. All members of the school community are welcome.


EARLY DISMISSAL...
Next Wednesday May 12 is this month's Early Dismissal day for professional development. Students will be dismissed at 1:45pm after lunch. As always on Early Dismissal days, there will be NO After School. If you would like your child to stay at school until 3:25pm, please contact Shirley at slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303.


PTA...
Wednesday, May 19 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. More info to come.


7TH AND 8th GRADE OVERNIGHTS...
Thursday-Friday, May 20-21 is the 8th grade overnight trip to Washington, DC. The 7th grade trip to Clearpool Environmental Center in Carmel, NY is in late June. 7th and 8th grade families, please continue to send in your overnight trip payments. You can send a check in with your child or pay by credit card at tsmsonline.org/donate.php.


WEARING CLOTHES...
Time for a reminder about the TSMS "dressing appropriately" dress code, featuring such classic highlights as: no short-shorts or mini-skirts, no distractingly rude or lewd t-shirts, no spaghetti straps, no showing off your underwear, etc. If there is an issue, students may be lent a TSMS t-shirt to wear for the day or may even need you to pick them up so they can go change. Please help your children use their better judgment.


VOLLEYBALL...
Thursday, 5/6 home game vs. Salk, 4pm.
Friday, 5/7 away game at MAT, 4:15pm.

That's it for now.

Happy May,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Welcome to fourth module, the last marking period of the schoolyear. Please do what you can to help your children stay focused-- this one counts just as much as the other three! Module 3 report cards will be mailed out next week. Hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the beautiful day.

Here's the news of the week:

SLT...
Tonight Tuesday, April 20 at 5:30pm is the next School Leadership Team meeting. All members of the school community are welcome.


PTA...
Tomorrow Wednesday, April 21 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. On the agenda are the Spring Carnival, Yearbook, Graduation and PTA elections. Hope you can make it.


SPRING CLEANING...
This Saturday, April 24 is Spring Cleaning Day at TSMS! Are you around at all that day? We could really use a few more hands. Please sign up at www.tinyurl.com/tsmsclean.


NYS ELA...
Next Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, April 26, 27, & 28 is the New York State ELA Exam. All students will have the exam on the mornings of Monday and Tuesday-- the 6th graders are the only ones lucky enough to receive a third session on Wednesday. Students will be receiving some test preparation in their Humanities classes between now and the exam. Support your children to get a good night of sleep before the exam and eat some kind of healthy breakfast those mornings. It helps.


NYS MATH...
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, May 5, 6, & 7 is the New York State Math Exam. Just like with the ELA, all students will have the exam the first two mornings and then 6th graders get that third extra session on Friday. Students are currently preparing in their Math classes. Awesome. Sleep and healthy breakfast help with Math too.


7TH AND 8th GRADE OVERNIGHTS...
7th and 8th grade families, please remember to get your overnight trip payments in RIGHT AWAY. 8th grade families especially--- your trip is only a month away and we are still far from being able to put down our deposits! You can send a check in with your child or pay by credit card at tsmsonline.org/donate.php.


DOE SURVEY...
For any of you who have not yet filled out your Dept of Ed school survey, this is now the last week to do so. Please take a few minutes and do it. Remember, we will be graded not only on what you say, but also on what percentage of our families fill out the thing! If you lost it, you can call the Survey Hotline for a log-in to do it online: 800-690-8603. Deadline is this Friday, April 23.


WWII IN HOMES...
8th grade families, there are still many World War II research books from last module's feature article project that have not yet made it back into our classroom libraries. Please see if you can rustle some of them up for us.


VOLLEYBALL...
Friday, 4/23 away game at Salk, 4pm.

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Last Saturday was the NY Future Problem Solving State Championships, which we hosted at our school this year, and our kids were amazing. TSMS won a slew of awards, including the right to represent NY State at the International Conference in June for Junior Division Teams (4th to 6th grade), Middle Division Teams (7th to 9th grade), and Junior Division Individuals. Thank you so much to the many parents whose assistance made the day go so smoothly. And congratulations to the entire team!

Here's the news of the week:

EARLY DISMISSAL...
Tomorrow Wednesday April 14 is this month's Early Dismissal day for professional development. Students will be dismissed at 1:45pm after lunch. As always on Early Dismissal days, there will be NO After School. If you would like your child to stay at school until 3:25pm, please contact Shirley at slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303.


SLT...
In a change from our usual second-Tuesday-of-the-month schedule, the next School Leadership Team meeting will be NEXT Tuesday, April 20 at 5:30pm. All members of the school community are welcome.



SAVING THE BEST MODULE FOR LAST...
This Friday, April 16 is the last day of Module 3. Module 4, the final brand-new marking period of the schoolyear, will begin next Monday, April 19.


SPRING CLEANING...
Saturday, April 24 is going to be Spring Cleaning Day at TSMS. You should have gotten an email about this from Shirley this morning. Any help clearing the classroom surfaces of dust and dirt will be much appreciated--- by staff and students alike. You can sign up at www.tinyurl.com/tsmsclean.



SPRING CLOTHES...
Since we've already had a few warm days, it seems like a good time for a reminder about the TSMS dress code. While it is fairly open as to what students can wear, there are some prohibitions-- which basically boil down to dressing 'appropriately,' including such highlights as: no showing off your underwear, no short-shorts, no spaghetti straps, no distractingly rude or lewd t-shirts, etc. If there is an issue, students may be lent a TSMS t-shirt to wear for the day or may need a pick-up so they can go home and change. Please help your children use their better judgment.


NYS ELA...

Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, April 26, 27, & 28 is the New York State ELA Exam. All students will have the exam on the mornings of Monday and Tuesday-- the 6th graders are the only ones lucky enough to receive a third session on Wednesday. Students will be receiving some test preparation in their Humanities classes between now and the exam.


That's it for now. Hope things are well by you.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Last Friday's Cabaret was amazing. TSMS Talent Shows are always among my favorite events-- there's something about witnessing the level of support our middle school kids and community give each other that is just astounding. Plus the warmth and planning and cooking that went into having it upstairs on our floor took it to the level. A huge thank you to all the performers and to Laura Miller and the many many families that pitched it to get it done. Now this week comes the Book Fair tomorrow at Union Square and a PTA workshop tonight (see below for both). Heading in to spring break with a bang.


Here's the news of the week:


PTA...
Tonight Wednesday, March 24 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. On the agenda is "Smart but Scattered," a workshop on executive brain functioning and how to help your teens plan, organize, control their emotions, and use their brains to negotiate the world. It will focus on the definition of executive functions and the nature of development in the teenage brain, as well as offering some techniques to help engage early teens. The workshop will be led by Karen Singleton-Vega, a psychotherapist in private practice, a NYC school social worker, and the parent of a TSMS 7th grader.


BOOK FAIR...
Tomorrow Thursday, March 25 at 5:30pm is the first-ever TSMS Book Fair! We are privileged to be featuring a reading, Q & A, and book signing from Ned Vizzini, the NYC-raised author of Be More Chill, It's Kind of a Funny Story, and Teen Angst? Naaah.... This event will be held at the Union Square Barnes & Noble on East 17th Street. Our teachers will have class tables set up with wishlists for their classroom libraries. All purchases made during the TSMS Book Fair will also generate a credit for more books for our classrooms! Please stop by--- and be sure to mention TSMS at the register. Please try to join us. Friends and family are welcome!


SPRING BREAK...
Next Monday, March 29 through Tuesday, April 6 is Spring Break. All schools will be closed citywide. Classes will resume Wednesday, April 7.


7TH GRADE OVERNIGHT...
The 7th grade overnight trip to Clearpool Environmental Center in Carmel, NY is getting closer. For this trip to happen, we need families to pay at least part of their trip as soon as possible. If we do not receive enough payments, we will not be able to book the trip! A reminder letter with a slip has been sent home-- you can send in your check to your child's Advisor or pay by credit card at tsmsonline.org/donate.php.


PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE SOLVED...
The TSMS Future Problem Solving Team is competing in the New York State Bowl this evening for the right to represent NY State at the International Conference in June. Congrats to our students for qualifying for this event! Our individual competitors have already completed their own six-step problem solving booklets and now tonight our five 4-person teams will do so. Each team will have two hours alone in a classroom to brainstorm and analyze the scenario put before them. The topic this round is Food Distribution. We'll find out the state winners at the NY State Conference, held here at TSMS on Saturday, April 10.


TRACK & FIELD...
7th & 8th Grade tryouts are today, Wednesday March 24 from 3:30-5:45pm.

That's it for now. Have a great break.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Hope you all are well and drying off after the weekend. Became so beautiful today. Lots of talent practicing going on during lunch and after school for the Cabaret on Friday.


Here's the news of the week:

COFFEE WITH SONHANDO...
Tomorrow Wednesday, March 17 from 8-9am we'll be holding a Principal's Breakfast. Drink coffee, have a bite to eat, ask some questions and be part of the goodness. Why not start your day with Sonhando?


CABARET NIGHT...
This Friday, March 19 from 6-9pm is the first-ever TSMS Cabaret Night! Kind of like a Talent Show, but even better and more delicious. Come one, come all.


7TH GRADE MATH TRIP...
Next Wednesday March 24, the 7th grade will be taking a trip to American Museum of Natural History. They will definitely soak in some science, but their main focus will be math-related, gathering numerical data in order to convert numbers into scientific notation for processing. Students should come to school with a bag lunch and, weather permitting, will picnic in Central Park afterward.


PTA...
Next Wednesday, March 24 at 6pm is also the next PTA meeting. On the agenda is "Smart but Scattered," a workshop on executive brain functioning and how to help your teens plan, organize, control their emotions, and use their brains to negotiate the world. It will focus on the definition of executive functions, the nature of development in the teenage brain, and some techniques to help engage early teens. Thanks goes to Karen-Singleton-Vega for offering to lead this for our community. Karen is a psychotherapist in private practice, a school social worker, and the parent of a TSMS 7th grader.


BOOK FAIR...
Next Thursday, March 25 at 5:30pm is the TSMS Book Fair, another brand-new event for us, featuring a reading, Q & A, and book signing from Ned Vizzini, the NYC-raised author of Be More Chill, It's Kind of a Funny Story, and Teen Angst? Naaah.... The event will be held at the Union Square Barnes & Noble on East 17th Street. Our teachers will have class tables set up with wishlists for their classroom libraries. All purchases made during the TSMS Book Fair will also generate a credit for more books for our classrooms! Please stop by--- and be sure to mention TSMS at the register.


SPRING BREAK...
Monday, March 29 through Tuesday, April 6 is Spring Break. All schools will be closed citywide. Classes will resume Wednesday, April 7.


VOLLEYBALL...
6th Grade tryouts are today, March 16 from 3:30-5:45pm. 7th & 8th Grade tryouts are this Thursday March 18 from 3:30-5:45pm.

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Ahh, the traditional "in like a lamb, out like a strangely early Spring Break" seems to be in full effect this March. Hope you have all gotten some time to enjoy the so very nice sunshine.

Here's the news of the week:

SLT...
Tonight Tuesday, March 9 at 5:30 pm is the next School Leadership Team meeting. All members of the school community are welcome.


EARLY DISMISSAL...
Tomorrow Wednesday, March 10 is the next Early Dismissal day for professional development. Students will be dismissed at 1:45pm after lunch. As always on Early Dismissal days, there will be NO After School. If you would like your child to stay at school until 3:25pm, please contact Shirley at slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303.


SPRING AHEAD...
Remember to give up that hour this weekend. The U.S. government will kindly hold it for you until November, just when you'll be needing an extra 60 minutes of sleep.


COFFEE WITH SONHANDO...
Next Wednesday, March 17 from 8-9am we'll be holding a Principal's Breakfast. Come drink coffee, have a bite to eat, ask questions and be part of the fantastic discussions. Seriously, you should come. Email me first so we can be sure to have enough snacks and drinks.


CABARET NIGHT...
Next Friday, March 19 is the first ever TSMS Cabaret Night! Kind of like a Talent Show, but even better. You should have gotten an email about it from Laura Miller (6th grade parent) via Shirley this morning. Email Laura if you can help out.


PTA...
Wednesday, March 24 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. More info to come.


BOOK FAIR...
Thursday, March 25 at 5:30pm is the TSMS Book Fair, another brand-new event for us, featuring a reading, Q & A, and book signing by Ned Vizzini, the NYC-raised author of Be More Chill, It's Kind of a Funny Story, and Teen Angst? Naaah.... The event will be held at the Union Square Barnes & Noble on East 17th Street. Our teachers will have class tables with wishlists for their classroom libraries. All purchases made during the TSMS Book Fair will also generate a credit for more books for our classrooms! Please come--- and be sure to mention TSMS at the register.


SPRING BREAK...
Monday, March 29 through Tuesday, April 6 is Spring Break. All schools will be closed citywide. Classes will resume Wednesday, April 7.


PARENT SURVEYS...
If you did not fill out this year's Parent Surveys at conferences, Shirley has backpacked yours home with your child. Please help our school by filling these out! It should only take a few minutes of your time. There is also a code on the survey for you to do it online at schools.nyc.gov/surveys, if you'd prefer. Finished paper surveys can be dropped in the mail or given to Shirley. If you haven't gotten one, let Shirley know-- slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303.


B-BALL AND SPRING SPORTS...
Congrats to the boys' and girls' basketball teams on their successful seasons. There will continue to be Monday practices for the boys and Saturday morning practices for the girls throughout the spring. Next week: Volleyball tryouts. The following week: Track and Field tryouts.

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Here's a quick one just to get you up to date. Things are busy around here. This Monday, we'll be holding our group interviews for prospective 5th graders who put us first on their application. Remember that day?

Here's the news of the week:

SLT...
Next Tuesday, March 9 at 5:30 pm is the next School Leadership Team meeting. All members of the school community are welcome.


EARLY DISMISSAL...
Next Wednesday, March 10 is the next Early Dismissal day for professional development. Students will be dismissed at 1:45pm after lunch. As always on Early Dismissal days, there will be NO After School. If you would like your child to stay at school until 3:25pm, please contact Shirley at slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303.


PRINCIPAL'S BREAKFAST REDO...
Wednesday, March 17 we are going to try again for the breakfast with Sonhando. It'll be from 8am to 9am, for families to ask questions, discuss ideas, or just chat. Again, email me if you think you can attend so we can be sure to have enough snacks and coffee. Hopefully we won't get snowed out this time.


CABARET NIGHT COMING...
Friday, March 19 is the first ever TSMS Cabaret Night. Talents abound and the food will be delicious. More info to come, but in the meantime, please contact Laura Miller (6th grade parent) if you can help out.


B-BALL...
Playoffs! The boys' team will be playing tomorrow in the semi-finals, Saturday March 6 at 11:30 am vs. Baruch at Baruch (330 E 21st St). If we win, we will play for the championship on Sunday, March 7, same gym, time TBA.


Have a good weekend everyone!


All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Yes that's right-- it's conference time. Please plan on being here either tomorrow evening (Wednesday Feb 24) from 5-8pm or the following afternoon (Thursday, Feb 25) from 1-4pm. Your participation is crucial! Middle school is a time when children absolutely need you involved in their education, despite any attempts on their part to persuade you otherwise. You can call Shirley at 347-563-5303 to find out the best times left. There will be yummy food.

Here's the news of the week:

HALF-DAY...
This Thursday, February 25 is a half-day due to February Family Conferences. Students will be dismissed at 11am and there will be NO After School activities.


PARENT SURVEYS...
It's also time to let the DOE know what you think about TSMS. This year the surveys have been mailed to the school. They'll be waiting for you when you come in for conferences. Shirley will be roaming the halls to collect them and answer any questions. Schools are graded on how many families fill them out compared to a citywide average, so please take a few minutes to do so while you wait to meet with the teachers. Thanks!


THE ROOF...
Next Monday, March 1 at 8:45 am will be an open meeting about the "Fifth Street Farm" project, otherwise known as a roof garden installed upstairs for all three schools to share. It looks like this project is really going to happen. Pretty exciting! The meeting will take place in the 2nd floor library and will be less than an hour long.


CAP AND GOWN PIX (AND RETAKES)...
Next Tuesday, March 2, the 8th graders will be photographed in caps and gowns. Try to arrive on time as these pictures will also be used in the yearbook. If you plan to order a set for yourself, please turn in your money and order form to Frances in room 351 NO LATER THAN Monday, March 1. This is also the time for retakes for families of any grade. If you have any questions, call Frances at 212-995-1430 x3511.


5TH ST. DOOR NO MORE...
In order to better maintain safety standards in the building, the entrance at 5th Street heading from Avenue C (on that cul-de-sac) will no longer be open. It has been locked.


AFTER SCHOOL...
Students in After School clubs have received a reminder to contribute toward the continuance of our After School program for the Winter Session. You can send in a check to Rachel in room 335 or pay online at tsmsonline.org/donate.php.


7TH GRADE OVERNIGHT...
We are nearing the payment and booking moment for the 7th grade overnight trip to Clearpool Environmental Center upstate. For this trip to happen, we need families to pay at least part of their trip as soon as possible. If we have not received enough payments by March 19, we will not be able to book the trip! A reminder letter with a slip will be going home shortly but feel free to send in your check to your child's Advisor or pay by credit card at tsmsonline.org/donate.php.



That's it for now. See you at conferences.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

The DOE has declared TOMORROW, Wednesday February 10, a SNOW DAY! Schools will be closed citywide. Now let's see if the snow really comes. The last time they closed schools early based on predicted weather, we got nothing, but maybe this time.... The DOE website has more info: http://schools.nyc.gov.

Here's the news of the week:

SLT...
Tonight Tuesday, February 9 at 5:30pm is the next School Leadership Team meeting. All members of the school community are welcome.


7TH & 8TH GRADE COLLECTION...
There is a large batch of student work belonging to our current 7th and 8th grade students that is currently being housed in Ms. Maginnis' room (rm 304). Students are being encouraged to take that stroll back down the 6th grade hall and pick up their work before the end of this week, as much of what remains after Friday will be recycled over break. Feel free to remind them if you like.


COMMUNITY VOICES...
This Thursday, February 11 starting at 4:30pm, there will be a series of events at PS 188, just around the bend at 442 East Houston St and Ave D. Councilmember Rosie Mendez will be there to support the maintaining of sufficient space for PS 188 in their building in the face of a proposed expansion to the Girls Prep Charter School currently being housed there. There will be a rally at 4:30pm, a press conference at 5pm, and a Public Hearing at 6pm. If you have any questions, you can contact Barbara Sherman at Rosie Mendez' office at 212-677-1077 or bsherman@council.nyc.gov. The District One Community Education Council has also spoken out strongly on this issue and can be reached at cec1@schools.nyc.gov.


ICE SKATING...
This Friday, February 12, weather permitting, is the 6th Grade ice skating trip to Wollman Rink in Prospect Park. We will be leaving school at 11 am and will be returning no later than 3:30 pm. Students should come to school with a bag lunch on the day of their trip and dressed appropriately to spend time outdoors. Gloves and hats please.


MID-WINTER BREAK...
Next Monday through Friday, February 15 through 19 is Mid-Winter Break. All schools will be closed citywide.


CONFERENCES...
Wednesday the 24th (evening) and Thursday the 25th (afternoon)-- the week we get back-- are February Family Conferences! We have started returning conference timeslots. If you have not yet turned yours in, please contact Shirley at slee at tsmsonline or 347-563-5303 ASAP. We need you all here for this, so do plan on attending one of the sessions.


FESTIVAL REMINDER...
Tickets bought for the New York International Children's Film Festival will also raise money for TSMS. All you have to do is select TSMS from a dropdown list on the festival website, www.gkids.com, when you buy.

That's it for now. Remember, no school tomorrow.

Happy Snow Day,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Welcome to Module 3. Just a quick heads-up reminder that the eponymous February Family Conferences are coming later this month-- Wednesday the 24th (evening) and Thursday the 25th (afternoon). It's the week after break. Letters will be backpacked home sometime soon for you to pick your best 3 time slots. Also, I had the pleasure of going on the 6th grade overnight last week and, while I did need a bunch of sleep this weekend to recover, it was really great to see our kids out there exploring the forest in the snow. And dancing, and tracking deer, and sledding. Thanks to all for making it happen and to Ms. Maginnis for exceptional organizing.

Here's the news of the week:

SLT...
Next Tuesday, February 9 at 5:30pm is the next School Leadership Team meeting. All members of the school community are welcome.


MORNING WITH SONHANDO...
Next Wednesday, February 10 from 8am to 9am, we will be hosting a Principal's Breakfast for families to ask questions, discuss ideas, or just chat. Email me if you think you will attend, so we can be sure to have enough snacks and coffee. Coffee AND Sonhando??? Don't miss out.


EARLY DISMISSAL...
Next Wednesday, February 10 is also the next early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed after lunch at 1:45pm and there will be NO After School activities. If you would like your children to stay through the end of regular school day (3:25pm), you can sign up with Shirley via email at slee at tsmsonline.


ICE SKATING...
This Friday, February 5 is the 8th Grade ice skating trip to Wollman Rink in Prospect Park (not to be confused with Wollman Rink in Central Park!). Next Friday, Feb 12 is the 6th grade's turn. Both trips will be leaving school at 11 am and will be returning no later than 3:30 pm. Students should come to school with a bag lunch on the day of their trip and dressed appropriately to spend time outdoors. Gloves and hats please.


NYC PREDICTIVE EXAMS...
This Thursday and Friday, February 4 and 5, our students will be taking short standardized tests-- one for ELA and one for Math. While we are able to exempt ourselves from a vast swath of other exams due to our Design-Your-Own Assesment work, we cannot get out of these. The data generated from these two citywide tests will not be passed on to other schools and it can be helpful for both the students and for us to have a run-through of standardized test protocols before the actual State Exams that come later this year. Each of these two Predictive Exams is less than an hour, one each day.


MID-WINTER BREAK...
Monday through Friday, February 15 through 19 is Mid-Winter Break. All schools will be closed citywide.


GOLDWATER TO THE FOREST...
Our ESL teacher, Ethan Goldwater, will be heading to the Dominican Republic for Mid-Winter Break and the week following it as part of a project called "Tres Bosques, Un Mundo" (Three Forests, One World). The project's goal is to have students in DR, New York, and Washington State communicate with each other around the theme of forests. Ethan will be escorting NYC high school students on the trip, but our own ESL class has already been collecting data in Tompkins Square Park about our trees and are writing letters that he will bring. He will also be coming back with a presentation for the Spanish classes.


FESTIVAL TIME...
TSMS is participating in the New York International Children's Film Festival as a fundraiser again this year. Film tickets are $12 and for every ticket bought by our community, our school will receive $4. All you have to do is select TSMS from a dropdown list on the festival website, www.gkids.com, before you buy. Festival brochures (with instructions) will be given out to kids in homeroom tomorrow for you to look through.


TALENT SHOW...
Here's a brief message from one of our parents who is helping to organize this event: "Parents, don't forget to encourage your budding singers, dancers, actors, rockers, rappers, jugglers, mimes, magicians and poets to sign up for the TSMS Cabaret Night Talent Show on Friday, March 19. (They will have ample opportunity to hone their acts at lunchtime rehearsals with teacher help.) This event, which will include an international buffet dinner, will be a great opportunity to celebrate student talent, socialize with all members of the TSMS community, and raise badly needed funds for our school. TSMS GOT TALENT!" Wow, indeed.


B-BALL...
Wednesday, Feb 3, doubleheader at 140. Girls' at 4pm and boys' at 5pm.
Thursday, Feb 4, doubleheader at 34. Girls' at 4pm and boys' at 5pm.

That's it for now.

Happy Groundhog Day,
Devan

Hello TSMS families,

Closing up the first month of 2010. Hope it's treated you well. We're also in the last few days of Module 2, which means we are just about at the midway point of the school year. Does it feel like more than that or less?

Here's the news of the week:

7TH GRADE TRIALS...
Tomorrow Wednesday, January 27 are the 7th grade Supreme Court trials. The Humanities classes have been working their way through mock trials all module as part of their Constitution and persuasive essay writing studies. For this culminating event, students will travel to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Downtown Brooklyn to hold their trial--- the annual New York City vs. Students for Peace landmark case based on an invented occurrence in Tompkins Square Park. Students are working hard getting ready for this, either as attorneys (for NYC or SFP) or as Supreme Court Justices. Come and see it happen!
Teams Harvard (Emily) and Unity (Ms. M & Judith) will hold their trial from 10 am-12 pm. They will return by 1pm for lunch.
Teams Yale (Emily & Judith) and Liberty (Ms. M) will hold their trial from 12:30 pm-2:30 pm. These teams will need to bring a bag lunch.
Either travel with us--- come here to school an hour before your child's trial OR meet us at the courthouse fifteen minutes before the trial (271 Cadman Plaza East). Remember, students should be dressed appropriately as the trial will be held in a federal courthouse and no cellphones are allowed in the building. Permission slips went home today.


CEC...
Also tomorrow, Wednesday January 27 from 6:30 to 9pm is the next District 1 Community Education Council meeting. The meeting will be held in P.S. 142 at 100 Attorney St. On the agenda are the Pre-K to Kindergarten Articulation Policy Feedback Results; Jimmy Bueschen, our Middle School Choice Coordinator, on Middle School Admissions; and the New School Governance Law & State Education Budget with Eric Weltman from Alliance for Quality Education. As always, refreshments and childcare will be provided.


6TH GRADE OVERNIGHT...
This Thursday to Friday, January 28 to 29 is the 6th grade overnight trip to Frost Valley near Claryville, NY in the Catskills. 6th graders should arrive to school at 7:15 am on Thursday and head directly down the cafeteria. You should all have packing lists, but remember to bring warm clothes (I think it might be REALLY cold out) that can get dirty or wet, as well as a healthy snack for the bus (no candy or soda please). We should be back by 4pm on Friday.


NO RUNNING CLUB THURSDAY...
This Thursday, January 28, there will be no Young Runners during After School due to half the team and the coach being away on the Frost Valley trip.


ART THANKS...
Thank you to the families that donated cleaning supplies to the Art Room. They are deep in use already and much appreciated.


ART SITE...
Ms. Lackey has started posting examples of student art on the tsmsonline.org site. To browse around, click her Class Website link on the staff page (next to her name). Some beautiful stuff up there and more is coming.


FILM FEST...
Once again this year, TSMS will get to fundraise from the New York International Children's Film Festival. If you buy tickets online at gkids.com, simply select Tompkins Square Middle School from the drop-down list on the purchase page. $3-5 from each ticket purchased gets donated back to our school. Last year we made a few hundred dollars from this. Thank you Debra (6th and 8th grade parent) for hooking this up for us again! We'll backpack fliers home early next week.


MODULE 2 ENDS...
This Friday, January 29 is the last day of module two. A brand new marking period will begin next Monday, February 1.


B-BALL...
Friday, Jan 29, doubleheader at TASS. Girls' game will start at 4pm and boys' at 5pm.

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan