Tompkins Square Middle School Blog

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

Hello TSMS Families,

Hope you are all doing well. Nice workshop coming up at the PTA meeting tomorrow (see below). Also most students spent their Advisory period today discussing the earthquake in Haiti. Students will be holding bake sales Thursday and Friday-- the Chancellor has temporarily lifted the ban on those-- in order to donate proceeds to a couple of on-the-ground aid organizations.

Here's the news of the week:

PTA...
Tomorrow Wednesday, January 20 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. On the agenda is Navigating the Emotional Lives of Middle Schoolers, a conversation facilitated by our Co-Dean of Students, Adam Weinstock. Adam has been here as long as me, 7th year at TSMS. He has been instrumental in the development of our Advisory curriculum and a great advocate for the necessity of social-emotional connections across our school. Hope you can make it.


PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE SOLVED...
Also Wednesday, January 20 from 4:30 to 6:30pm, the TSMS Future Problem Solving team will be taking on their Qualifying Problem. This year, we have 5 four-person teams and 2 individual competitors. Based on tomorrow's challenge, the best teams and individuals around New York State will be invited to the NY State Bowl to compete for the right to represent New York at Internationals. This year's Qualifying Problem topic is "Orphaned Children." Of the future. Solved soon.


AFTER SCHOOL WINTER SESSION...
The winter session has begun. Don't forget you can go to www.tinyurl.com/tsmsafter to register your child! Let me know if you have any questions. And new! new! new! Literary Journal and Yearbook.


7TH GRADE TRIALS...
Wednesday, January 27 are the 7th grade Supreme Court trials. They 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.


6TH GRADE OVERNIGHT...
Permission slips and packing lists have gone home for the 6th grade overnight trip to Frost Valley in upstate New York from Thursday, January 28 to Friday, January 29. You can submit your contribution toward trip costs online at tsmsonline.org/donate.php or handed in to your child's advisor. If you haven't sent back your permission slip yet, please do as soon as possible.


CABARET...
Friday, March 19, TSMS will host Cabaret Night, a venue for showcasing the mighty talents of our students. Plus food! and mingling. Students can sign up to perform on a sheet posted on the door of Room 337. Encourage your children to try out. More info to come.


B-BALL...
Wednesday, Jan 20, doubleheader vs NEST (home game). Girls' game will start at 4pm and boys' at 5pm.
Friday, Jan 22, doubleheader vs MAT (home game). Girls' game will start at 4pm and boys' at 5pm.


That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Oops! I thought I pressed 'send' on this in the afternoon. Sorry for the late night delivery. Hope you're keeping warm.

Here's the news of the week:

EARLY DISMISSAL...
Tomorrow Wednesday, January 13 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.


AFTER SCHOOL WINTER SESSION...
The Add/Drop period for the Winter Session of After School has begun, with two new clubs: Yearbook and Literary Journal. This time we have shortened the registration form AND created a brand-new online sign-up option for your After School signing-up convenience! Just go to www.tinyurl.com/tsmsafter to register your child. We also handed out a paper version this morning in Advisory-- though there is one mistake on the paper schedule: Yearbook will meet on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30pm (not on Fridays). If we do not hear from you during Add/Drop week, we will assume that your child will be keeping their Fall Session schedule. Yearbook, Literary Journal and Theater will not begin until next week, but everything else is still in action right now. Let me know if you have any questions.


MLK...
Next Monday, January 18 is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All schools will be closed citywide.


PTA...
Next Wednesday, January 20 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. On the agenda is Navigating the Emotional Lives of Middle Schoolers, a conversation facilitated by our Co-Dean of Students, Adam Weinstock. If you are on the PTA mailing list, you will have gotten a more in-depth agenda of the workshop. Sounds great. (By the way, if you are not on the PTA mailing list and would like to be, you can opt-in by sending me an email). Hope you'll join us.


PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE SOLVED...
Next Wednesday, January 20 from 4:30 to 6:30pm, the TSMS Future Problem Solving team will be taking on their Qualifying Problem. FPS teams (working in groups of 4) are given a page-long scenario that takes place generally about 30-50 years from now. Our teams then have 2 hours in a closed room to: come up with 16 challenges presented by this scenario, identify an underlying problem, come up with 16 solutions to that problem, analyze their solutions based on their own generated criteria, and fully develop an action plan based on the best solution that emerges. Intense. The topic this round is Orphaned Children. Top teams from all around New York will be invited to the NY State Bowl to compete for the right to represent the state at the International FPS Conference in June.


6TH GRADE OVERNIGHT...
Permission slips have gone home for the 6th grade overnight trip to Frost Valley in upstate New York from Thursday, January 28 to Friday, January 29. You can submit your contribution toward trip costs online at tsmsonline.org/donate.php or handed in to your child's advisor.


B-BALL...
The boys' and girls' basketball seasons are on. As a reminder, TSMS students can attend home games by signing up with Shirley on the days of the games (up to a max of 30 kids). Parents and guardians are welcome at home and away games.
Wednesday, Jan 13, doubleheader vs 140 (home game). Girls' game will start at 4pm and boys' at 5pm.

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan

Hello TSMS Families,

Welcome back and happy new year! Hope your holidays were just right.

Here's the news of the week:

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


EARLY DISMISSAL...
Next Wednesday, January 13 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.


MLK...
Monday, January 18 is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All schools will be closed citywide.


PTA...
Wednesday, January 20 at 6pm is the next PTA meeting. On the agenda is Navigating the Emotional Lives of Middle Schoolers, a conversation facilitated by our Co-Dean of Students, Adam Weinstock. Hope you'll join us.


6TH GRADE OVERNIGHT...
The 6th grade overnight trip to Frost Valley is coming up soon-- at the end of January. 6th grade families should have received a letter about it in the Progress Report mailing. Permission slips will be going home as well. Please remember to submit your trip payment as soon as possible, either online at tsmsonline.org/donate.php or sent in to your child's advisor. If you need to break it up into partial payments, that is totally fine too. The date is coming up fast (Jan 27-28) so just be prompt.


7TH GRADE ICE SKATING...
Tuesday, January 12 is the 7th grade Ice Skating trip to Wollman Rink in Prospect Park-- weather permitting. 6th and 8th grade dates will be in February. Permission slips went out yesterday. All trips will be leaving school each day at 11 am and will be returning no later than 3:30 pm. To help cover rink costs, we are requesting $5 with your slip. Also, students should come to school with a bag lunch on the day of their trip and dressed appropriately to spend the day outdoors. If it is bitter crazy cold or unseasonably warm, the trip will have to be postponed though. We'll let you know.


AFTER SCHOOL...
Monday, January 11 to Friday, January 15 will be an Add/Drop period where students will have the option of switching clubs. There will be a couple of new activities (yearbook! literary journal!) but for the most part, things will remain the same. The new session of Theater will start Tuesday, January 19New schedules and registration forms will be available in room 337 this Friday, January 8. If we do not hear from you during Add/Drop week, we will assume that your child will be keeping their current schedule. We are trying to keep as little interruption as possible, so clubs and activities will continue during Add/Drop week too.


BOOKS AROUND THE HOUSE...
It's time once more to check under the bed for TSMS classroom library books. In the sofa? Behind the fish tank? Inside the light fixture? There may be some books hiding out at home and we would love to have them returned to our classroom libraries so other students can read them too. Thank you!

That's it for now.

All best,
Devan