January Tidbits #1

Welcome back!

I hope you had a great winter break with family and friends. Staff and students will return to school on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We are approaching the halfway point of the 2024 school year. It has been an exciting year full of field trips, community events, concerts, and much more.

I hope you are as excited as I am for the second half! The upcoming months are filled with academic and social events. First, we will have mid-year assessments to guide future instruction. After that, there will be a PTO dance on Friday, January 5, to reconnect with classmates and friends. Please make sure to read the first Tidbits of 2024. Always remember, 'It's a great day to be a Terrapin!'

Mr. Kent

Thank you for your support!

Mr. Kent and the TCES family

1. Opt-In to the School Messenger Text Messaging Service.

We have the capability to send messages and updates to parents via text. You can opt-in, and you have the option of declining or stopping notifications at any time. If you are new to our school or have a new number and you would like to receive school messages, text the word “YES” to 67587 from your wireless device. For more information, click on this flyer. There is also an FAQ with additional information.

2. Check attendance records in HAC.

Did you know you can keep an eye on your student's attendance in the Home Access Center (HAC)? If you notice any days that are unlawful (marked red), please send an email to smverhaagh@smcps.org, or submit the reason for the absence online through our school website. It would be great to see all of our red absences turn green (lawful), thank you!

3. Don't forget to complete the Acceptable Use Policy agreement.

All students are required to have an acceptable use policy agreement (AUP) on file. This is to be completed by the PARENT or GUARDIAN of the student. This needs to be completed for each student you have in the school system. At the end of the form you have the option to submit another response for your additional students.

Ready to rock some new Town Creek threads? A wide variety of spirit wear is available, from hoodies to sweatpants! And now, we are offering a Town Creek baseball cap! This cap is available in the virtual school store on MySchoolBucks for $15. The cap is available in two sizes, Child and Adult. Samples are on display in the lobby case.

Select this link to see pictures and detailed descriptions of the items currently available in both youth and adult sizes. You can check out the samples in the case in Town Creek's lobby, too!

To order, you can print this form and send cash or check, or you can order everything online in the My School Bucks School Store. For directions on how to order through the MSB School Store, please select this link.

The items will be delivered to your student at school as soon as they arrive at TCES.

**NOTE: Do not put money into the lunch money account for this purchase! That is a separate account from the School Store and can NOT be transferred.

Evening Counseling: SMCPS is once again offering School-Based Counseling Support in the evening for SMCPS students. Counseling support focuses on the following areas: Healthy Relationships, Social Skills, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Worry, Sadness, and Emotional Regulation. Services will be located at Margaret Brent Middle School and Greenview Knolls Elementary School on Tuesday evenings from 4-7:30 p.m. Please complete the Parent Contact Form for Evening Counseling to request services.

JOIN US!!

Our next big event will be the New Year's Dance on Friday, January 5, 2024.

Join the fun from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the TCES Cafeteria!

Also, read all about our last general meeting in the December 5th Minutes and fill out the membership application to join the PTO.

Questions? Contact PTO president Lydia Rivera at towncreekesptopresident@gmail.com.

• January 2nd - Schools Reopen - Students in School
• January 5th - PTO New Year's Dance at 6:00 p.m. in the TCES Cafeteria
• January 9th - PTO General Meeting at 6:15 p.m. in the TCES Cafeteria
• January 15th - Holiday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - All Schools and Offices Closed
• January 26th - Professional Day - No School for Students - End of 2nd Marking Period