TMS Principal's UPdate
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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. 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 |
If your student is feeling sick, please keep them home. If they have symptoms of COVID, please keep them home and it is recommended that you have them tested. Students who are ill and stay home are not considered unexcused absences. We want to ensure that all students have a safe environment. If you have questions about the guidelines, please reach out.In order to keep schools open, TMS continues to utilize mitigation strategies, including: masking, ventilation, testing, contact tracing, quarantines, cleaning/disinfecting, limiting on campus activities, and reminding students of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
If you have not had the opportunity to read the update from Mr. Asplund, please see it here.
Click COVID-19 Positive Notifications to see TUSD data.
Prevention and Early Intervention Referral - When your student or family needs extra support from the school for a variety of academic and personal problems, including those related to grades, conflict with others, depression, anxiety, grief, recent life changes, alcohol and/or drug use, food, housing, and other essentials, such as child care, utility assistance, and health services.
TMS News
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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 $100 right now 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!
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The TMS PTO is a great way to help support the school. They help raise needed money and sponsor great on-campus activities for our students. Want to join a great group of individuals and help support TMS? Join the PTO by clicking here. Be a Golden Eagle Supporter
GREAT in 6th Grade Classes
We have a wonderful opportunity involving our School Resource Officer, Deputy Munoz, and the GREAT program. GREAT stands for Gang Resistance Education and Training. The goal of this program is to create a culture of respect within our school/community. The program is a prevention, skills based program that is not just about gangs. Its aim will be to teach kids how to resist peer pressure, stay out of trouble, and deal appropriately with bullying, among other topics. The students will be involved in scenarios on how to make positive decisions. Some classes started the 13-week program this week, and the rest of the classes will start the program in January. Thank you for your support!
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TES Pick Up Safety
TES appreciates the partnership in keeping the surrounding campus area safe when picking up your student near the school. Parents/Guardians shall follow posted signage as this is the protocol TES families follow for walking and driving to and from campus. It is appreciated that families waiting for the TMS/VES/THS dismissal allow TES families to have parking spaces on campus and surrounding streets as the campus releases between 2:30-2:50 pm. Keeping all of our eagles safe is our priority. Soar safely!
Drop off and Pick Up
I have some expectations for you as well parents! When dropping your children off in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon, please think safety first. Students should only exit the vehicle at the curb. Near the office we have four lanes of traffic. Please drop students off in the right lane on either side. The left lane is for exiting vehicles. When you drop your children off in the left lane, other drivers are not expecting children there. I want to make sure all of our students arrive safe and sound. Following that simple expectation will help a lot!
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See Something, Say Something
At our expectations assemblies, we asked students that if they see something that may be a hazard to themselves or others, that they tell an adult at home and an adult at school. This hazard could be anything from a tripping hazard to bullying to messages on social media that threaten violence. If your student comes to you with a concern, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We must be a team to help ensure a safe environment. If the concern is urgent, you can always send me a text at 805-591-0756.
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TMS Leadership Class Announcements
Helpful TIPS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF TMS STUDENTS
- Google Cheat Sheet for Students & Parents
- Be sure to log into PowerSchool daily to check your student’s grades. Please stop by the office if you need a print out of how to access it/your log-in.
- Helpful information can be found on the daily bulletin, which can be opened on the website under quick links or here. The bulletin has a lot of information.
- These are announced daily over the loudspeaker and are also in the daily bulletin.
- If you have an issue you need help solving, please contact us. We care about you!
Resources Available
Google Cheat Sheet for Students & Parents
Connect Be Well for Parents & Teens: https://connectbewell.org/
CAPSLO Teen Wellness Program: https://capslo.org/teen-programs
Stressed Teens: https://www.stressedteens.com/stressed-teens/
Additional TMS Resource Website: https://tusd-ca.schoolloop.com/pf4/cms2/view_page?d=x&group_id=1500178971401&vdid=i1n95b25xh62j2vo
8th Grade Promotion Requirements
8th grade students and parents~ Please read this important document regarding promotion requirements.
PowerSchool
For Parents, Guardians & Students: Track grades, attendance and list of assignments.
Powerschool - Powerschool Link
Parents & guardians the Parent Single Sign-on reference guide.
Assistant Principal's Message:
Dress Code and Tardy Policy
Parents please take the time to read our Dress and Grooming Guidelines. Dress Code.
At TMS, we prioritize having students arrive at school and classes throughout the day on time. Please read our TUSD Tardy Policy.
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Report bullying to the school by clicking here.
Horas de la oficina del maestro
Need to contact the TMS Office? Start with an email to TMSOffice@templetonusd.org
8th Grade Promotion Requirements Requisitos de Promoción del Octavo Grado
PowerSchool Parent Help: PowerSchool Parent Help
Access to PowerSchool:
The PowerSchool portal is a great resource for parents and students alike to monitor grades and attendance. We are planning on opening the portal about one week after school opens. Please watch our website and weekly messages for more information.
Online Store
In an effort to reduce paper and money changing hands, we are asking all of our parents to purchase certain items online. Please check the store if you would like to purchase an ASB card (which offers discounts on things like dances), your yearbook, or PE clothes. Click here to visit our online store.
Are you a parent that wants to be more involved in student life at TMS? Do you want to make friends and share your talents? SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE A PERFECT FIT FOR PTO! The TMS PTO is looking for parents who are willing to help with 6th grade activities, 7th/8th dances and fundraisers!
Contact them at:
templetonmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
TMS Office Staff
Hours: 7:30-3:30
805-434-5813
Principal
Gene Miller, Ph.D.
gmiller@templetonusd.org
Assistant Principal
Debby Garcia
dgarcia@templetonusd.org
Registrar/Clerk
Katie Fiorenza
tmsoffice@templetonusd.org
Site Secretary
Frances Miller
fmiller@templetonusd.org
School Nurse
Lori Skinner
lskinner@templetonusd.org
About Us
Mission
TUSD exists to engage and work collaboratively with students, families and the community to create systems which develop character, academics, global awareness as well as economic, artistic, civic, digital and health literacy allowing our youth numerous options in the pursuit of an ethical and successful life in the 21st Century. With relationships as our foundation, we provide timely and caring feedback which guides progress and ensures success.
Vision
TUSD is an educational system where stakeholders are empowered, respected and adequately resourced to deliver broad-based and effective pathways from which student and employee outcomes are self-determined as a result of individual talents, interests and choices. The fundamental values of integrity, perseverance, excellence and local control are apparent in all interactions between staff members and during interactions with the public.