Templeton Middle School

Principal’s Weekly Communication

Middle School Years

I fondly remember the days when my kids were in elementary school and they would stop by my school on their way home.  I would ask about their day , and boy would I get an earful. I got to hear about the different subjects, new songs they learned, who they played with at recess, and who my wife talked to after school….so much information.  Then they came to my school and that flow slowed to almost a grunt.  This is a typical phase for kids.  Communication can be difficult at the middle school level.  Their peers become more important as they develop socially. It’s super important for you to keep up that communication. They won’t believe it, but you went through the same changes they are facing now and you can help. 

Research by Hill and Tyson (2009) showed a positive relationship between parental involvement with their middle school aged children and their social and academic achievement. To help keep communication flowing, ask open ended questions. Instead of asking “how was your day?” pose questions like “what were the best and worst parts of school?”; what parts of school were easiest and hardest?; or, “did anything surprising happen?”. Make sure you model active listening skills. Body language, such as leaning forward, and paraphrasing can show you are interested in what they have to say.

If you feel like something you hear is out of the norm, please reach out.  Our counselors are here to support your students and you. Fill out our TMS Counseling Form when your student needs extra support from Mr. Heinen or Mrs. Leopard.

Report Cards Headed Out!

The rain delayed us a bit, but the report cards are all being sent today via USPS. Please look for them in the next couple of days.

8th Grade Promotion Requirements

Eighth grade students will be allowed to participate in the promotion exercise, promotion dance, and end-of-year activities if they meet the following standards:

1. The combined GPA from each semester must equal a cumulative 2.0 or more, and/or no more than one “F” grade during the second semester in Language, Math, Science, or Social Studies.  (For example, a student may have a 1.5 GPA first semester and a 2.5 GPA second semester, which averages to a 2.0 GPA.)

2. No more than one “U” grade in citizenship during either the first or second semester. 

3. No school related offense of any kind involving a controlled substance or a weapon during the school year; offenses related to alcohol may result in exclusion from promotion and/or other end-of-the-year activities.

4. No suspension involving violence, hate, or willful injury to another person (see California Education Code sections 48900 (a) (2) and 48900.3) 

5. No more than six (6) total days of suspension during the school year.

6. No more than ten (10) combined detention/Saturday School assignments during the school year, excluding tardy detentions.

*Administration will review any student who fails to meet the standards on a case by case basis. 

8th Grade Promotion Party Committee

PTO is looking for a group of parents to form a committee to help plan the 2023 8th Grade Ravine Water Park Day on June 8th.  

Please email our PTO at Templetonmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com by February 1st to join in on planning a great last day of school.

TMS Run Hide Fight Parent Information Night

Save the date! On January 31, 2023 we will hold an informational meeting for parents to explain our safety policies for an active threat on campus. We will meet from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the TES/TMS MPR. The meeting will also be on Zoom. 

The Zoom link is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84376890111?pwd=NTQveDRZbnFObWE4Q1hSZUxxek1XQT09

Meeting ID: 843 7689 0111

Passcode: 349313

THS Registration Timeline

January 19, 2023: THS counselors will be visiting 8th grade History classes and talking to students about the difference between a college prep, honors and AP level at the high school. Specifically, they will be talking about the differences between CP English 9 vs Honors English 9 and CP World Geography vs AP Human Geography. Students will be asked to complete a Google form if they are interested in the honors track. Our teachers will make recommendations after the students indicated interest in honors at THS. 

February 24th: THS counselors will be visiting 8th grade Science classes to give a course registration presentation to the students. They will go over graduation requirements, 9th grade class options, and how to fill out their elective forms.

March 1st: Incoming Freshman Parent Night at 6 pm in the THS Gym

March 21st: 8th graders come to visit the high school.

TMS Run Hide Fight Parent Information Night

Save the date! On January 31, 2023 we will hold an informational meeting for parents to explain our safety policies for an active threat on campus. We will meet from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the TES/TMS MPR. The meeting will also be on Zoom.

Black and White Ball

Please join the TES, VES, and TMS PTOs for their annual Black & White Ball! Saturday, February 25, 2023 beginning at 5:00 PM at Rava Wines. 

Tickets are $125 and include dinner, dancing, and live music. Live and silent auctions are a fun way to contribute to a fun night. The money raised from the event goes right back into the schools!To buy tickets head to www.ourschool.auction/templetonbwball

6th Grade Science Camp

Mr. Sainsbury has been sending out information for our Science Camp February 6-10, 2023. Please reach out to him if you have any questions jsainsbury@templetonusd.org

We still need  help to reach our goal. Please make sure you have signed up for the Yeti Fun Run. All proceeds will go directly to Science Camp. Your student can sign up/donate at : pledgestar.com/templetonmiddle/

Dates to remember:

January 26 and 27, 2023 - Block Days. 3:00 PM Dismissal.

January 31, 2023 - Run, Hide Fight Information Night for Parents. 6:00 PM TES/TMS MPR

February 6-10, 2023 - 6th Grade Science Camp

February 10, 2023 - PTO  Dance

February 28, 2023 - Internet Safety Parent Forum

March 28, 2023 - Suicide Prevention Parent Forum

Save the Date for the TUSD Parent Forum on Internet Safety

February 28, 2023 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Our PEI Program and the SLO Sheriff Department will be presenting great information for parents of all ages on internet safety. There will be a zoom link provided for those who cannot attend in person.

TMS Counseling Form.

Run Hide Fight Parent Information Night

Save the date! On January 31, 2023 we will hold an informational meeting for parents to explain our safety policies for an active threat on campus. We will meet from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the TES/TMS MPR. The meeting will also be on Zoom.

Dr. Gene Miller

TMS Principal

 Here are some resources you may find useful:

 Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Educators (National Association of School Psychologists)

 Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)

 Helping Children Cope With Frightening News (Child Mind Institute)

Helping Young Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: Policies and Strategies for Early Care and Education (Child Trends)

Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma (Child Trends)

Talking to Children about the Shooting (Child Trends)

 TMS Counseling Form - When your student needs extra support from Mr. Heinen or Mrs. Leopard with a variety of issues.

Student Health and Well Being