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
