Twin Peaks Middle School
Weekly RAM Newsletter
From the desk of Principal Mills
Sunday, January 7th, 2024
Happy Sunday Ram Families!
I hope this newsletter finds you all well and enjoying the New Year! We are excited to welcome students and staff back to campus for our first day of school after the Winter Break on Monday, January 8th for an 8:30am start with a 4, 6, 8, 2 period day. We have a regular week of school with a Wednesday late start this week; next Monday, January 15th, there is NO SCHOOL in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
Over the winter break, I took some time to reflect on the priorities I want to focus on in this New Year at Twin Peaks, and I kept coming back to the importance of a positive campus culture for all students. A major influence on any campus' culture is the language that students are using in their conversations with each other on a daily basis. Unfortunately, for many of our students of color, minority students, female students, and students who identify as LGBTQ, the language that they hear too often includes racial slurs and harassment from other students. This is not okay, and this is not and will not be our culture at Twin Peaks Middle School.
In the coming weeks, our staff will be working with our students and staff to raise greater awareness to the importance and impact of the use of language on our campus, and looking for ways to improve our campus culture for all students. I will be working with our student leaders to identify possible solutions to this issue, and with our staff to hold students accountable when they use inappropriate language towards others. This not only includes "live" conversations, but also what students post on their social media platforms.
Impacting the language students use each and every day is not something that we can accomplish without parent support. Our Student Handbook LINKED HERE outlines behavior expectations for students on pp. 16-19, including specific information Hate Behavior, Insensitive or Inappropriate Remarks and Behaviors, and Harassment. Please review these pages with your students. I also encourage you to read THIS ARTICLE from Boston Children's Hospital that provides some insights for parents on how to discuss racial slurs and words that hurt with your students.
New Year, New Job?! PUSD is hiring, and Twin Peaks needs you!! We are looking for Instructional Assistants to work in classrooms and 1:1 with students, Noon Duties to supervise during lunch time, and a very part-time crossing guard for before and after school. We are always looking for qualified substitute teachers, so if you have your teaching credential, we encourage you to apply! Please reach out if you have questions about any of these available positions, or CLICK HERE to search available PUSD jobs and to apply today! There is a special Bus Driver Hiring Event planned for Friday, January 12th - check out the flyer with more information below!
The TPMS Spelling Bee is coming in January, 2024!! Please encourage students to sign-up and participate in this annual event where we crown one school-wide champion to advance on the represent us at the San Diego County Spelling Bee in March. This year's TPMS Spelling Bee is open to all students in grades 6-8 and will be held on Wednesday, January 24th starting at 4pm in the TPMS Theater. Students will need to complete the signup form LINKED HERE in order to participate. This event is limited to current Twin Peaks MS students in grades 6-8. Thanks in advance for helping to support and advertise this annual event!
Looking to be a part of a district-level committee? PUSD is seeking a diverse group of applicants, including students and parents, for the PUSD Strategic Arts Committee. They are being formed to examine the progress of our existing district arts plan, analyze arts education data, and create recommendations for visual and performing arts initiatives for the entire district. If you are interested in being a part of this new group, please see the informational flier below. CLICK HERE for the online application. The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, January 12th.
Finally this week, all TPMS parents are invited to attend the Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Business meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 6:30-8:00pm at the District Office and via Zoom. The CAC is an active group of parents and district staff who care about students with special needs and the families and educators who support them. Come and learn more about what this group does, opportunities for involvement, and contribute your own thoughts and opinions. Please register to attend no later than Monday 1/8 at 1:00 pm, and indicate whether you will attend in person or via Zoom. If you chose to attend via Zoom, a link will be sent to your email you provide: Please click here to register! We hope to see you there! Please visit the CAC website for more information on the CAC, past agendas, and minutes.
In Partnership,
Steve Mills
Proud Principal
Twin Peaks Middle School
1(858)748-5131 x2806
Instagram: @principalmills_twinpeaks
UPCOMING EVENTS:
TPMS NEWS AND EVENTS - Click here for Calendar
January 8th: First day back from Winter Break, 8:30am start
January 10th: Late Start, 9:50am
January 15th: MLK Day, No School
January 16th: TPMS Foundation meeting, Library 6pm
January 17th: Late Start, 9:50am
January 17th: School Site Council, Library, 3:45pm
January 18th: PTSA Meeting, Library 6:15pm
January 24th: Late Start, 9:50am
January 24th: TPMS Spelling Bee, @Theater, 4:00pm
January 29th: Professional Development Day for staff, No School for Students
January 31st: Late Start, 9:50am
January 31st: Reclassification Ceremony, 8:30am
February 19-23: President's Week Break
TPMS Spelling Bee is January 24th!
The TPMS Spelling Bee is coming in January, 2024!! All students are encouraged to participate in this annual event where we crown one school-wide champion to advance on the represent us at the San Diego County Spelling Bee in March. This year's TPMS Spelling Bee is open to all students in grades 6-8 and will be held on Wednesday, January 24th starting at 4pm in the TPMS Theater. Students will need to complete the signup form LINKED HERE in order to participate. This event is limited to current Twin Peaks MS students in grades 6-8. Please email Principal Mills at stmills@powayusd.com with any questions.
8th Grade Yearbook Ads
Calling all families of 8th graders here at Twin Peaks! 8th Grade Recognition Ads are open and ready for purchase. Go to www.jostens.com and click on Recognition Ads to start the process of celebrating your 8th grader in this year’s yearbook! Deadline is February 1st so don’t delay! Don't forget to order your yearbook, too! Want more information about Yearbooks? Go to http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/
Multilingual Program Updates!
First, we are excited to share a new tool you can access to support your student(s) that are English Learners. The EL Console is our new application where parents can see student’s progress towards reclassification. You can view their ELPAC scores along with their progress on iReady and SBAC assessments. To access the EL Console, follow these quick steps!
Second, our English Learner department has a new Instagram and Facebook account you can follow! You can see amazing learning in action, get updates from the EL Department, and learn how to continue to support your child. You can follow along at @pusdmll !
January Parent Education Courses
Our January Parent Education Courses are around the corner and we are excited for the new year! The course offerings are noted below. Just click on the class for the flyer. Make sure to check-out our new classes. You can also visit the website by clicking here. Scholarships available for families that may be in need.
January 2024 Parent Education Courses:
- Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety – TK -5th Grade
- Are You Tired of Your Child Saying “No”? TK-5th Grade NEW
- Help Your Teen Manage Stress and Anxiety – 6th-12th Grade NEW
TPMS No Place for Hate Lesson #1
The counseling & support services team are excited and have been working with homeroom teachers to start presenting our first No Place for Hate school-wide lesson on Stereotypes in Careers. The lesson objectives will focus on:
1. Defining stereotypes
2. Reflecting on how stereotypes can affect future opportunities
3. Discussing strategies to challenge the impact of stereotypes
We hope you take the opportunity to dialogue with your student(s) about the video they watched, what they learned in the No Place for Hate lesson and what they can do to disrupt these stereotypes and perceived barriers to open up more future career opportunities.
Please Get to School On-Time!
Parents - please make every effort to have your student here before classes begin each day at 8:30am, or before 9:50am on Wednesdays. We are actually experiencing a larger percentage of students late to school on Wednesdays when we have late start than on our regular start days. Please try and drop your student off at school by 8:15am or regular days and by 9:30am on late-start Wednesdays so that they have time to get to their first block class on time; we open the school gates 30 minutes before classes actually start, and our Food Services provide a free breakfast for students during this time or during the morning break after first block.
Attendance Corner
Is your Student leaving early? Call the Attendance Hotline (858) 668-2730 that morning. Leave a message and a note gets sent to the student that block. Bring in your ID, sign the student out, and away you go!
Is your Student running late? Absent? Call the Attendance Hotline (858) 668-2730
Leave a message with the requested information and the Tardy or Absence will be excused.
Did your student go to the Doctor/Dentist/Orthodontist/Dermatologist/Optometrist?
It is beneficial to his/her attendance record to bring an official medical note to the Attendance Desk. Any absence excused by a medical note does not count toward your student’s absence total.
Missing More Than 3 Days of School?
With the holidays coming up many families will be taking extended vacations. We offer an Off Campus Independent Study (OCIS) contract. To set up an OCIS contract please contact Sarah Pierce in attendance at spierce@powayusd.com with the dates of your trip ASAP. If you will be away from the internet, please let her know - this is very important for us to know so teachers can provide accurate work to be completed during the absence. We need AT LEAST one week to set up the contract.
OCIS Contract Requirements:
1. minimum one full week notice; two weeks preferred
2. specific start/end date of trip/vacation
3. will your student have internet access?
4. hard copy signature of both parent and student for contract
Main Office Drop-Offs
As a general rule, we do not accept drop-off items for students once they arrive at school. While we do make exceptions for medical and emergency situations, our TPMS Student Planner states: "In an effort to limit classroom interruptions as well as encourage students to become more independent and self-sufficient, Twin Peaks does not allow delivery of forgotten lunches, PE clothes, homework, non-emergency messages, or other items during the school day."
Delivery food and Door Dash-like companies may not deliver to students at school; additionally, cell phones will not be held for students at the front desk for them to pick up. Breakfast and lunch items are provided to all students, free of charge, so there should not be any reason to drop off a lunch for your student - they will be able to get food at school. If your student has food allergies that require special lunches, the Student Planner states you "must provide a Medical Statement (SNP-925) that explains the need. The medical statement must be signed by a physician and include recommended alternate foods."
Food & Nutrition Update
All children in PUSD are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch meals regardless of income for the 2023-2024 school year. Please see the PUSD Food and Nutrition Website for more information. Breakfast is served 30 minutes before school starts daily, if your student can not make it before school, they can receive a free breakfast at morning break! CLICK HERE to see weekly school food menus
*PUSD Food and Nutrition Department is cashless. Please click on the following link to learn more about the cashless system Cashless System
More Than A Meal: This years Free and Reduced Lunch Application is now available! Although school meals are now free to all students, the application for free and reduced-price meals is still very important. School funding depends in part on the number of students at our school who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. With all students now eating for free, fewer families are completing the application and our school is at risk of losing much-needed educational funds. Plus, students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for discounts on bus transportation, before and after school care, and home internet!
Income qualifications change annually, so a new application is needed every school year. For school year 2023-2024, children from a family of four are eligible if the total gross (pre-tax) household income is less than $4,625 per month, or less than $55,500 per year. Household income information is confidential and applying online is quick and easy.
Apply online at MySchoolApps.com, or pick up a paper application in the school office. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your students counselor if you have any questions or concerns about completing the application. MORE THAN A MEAL (formerly called FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION) can help you out in many ways. Please click on this link More Than a Meal to complete the online application. Listed below are a few ways this program can help:
- Discounts for passes on public transportation
- Discounts on home internet costs
- Discounts on fees for SAT, ACT, AP tests
- Discounts on application fees associated with colleges and universities
- Our district can receive increased funding to support students.
TPMS Yearbook Info
Yearbooks are available for $55. Reserve yours now!
Pay by card: Go to www.jostens.com or use the QR code above.
Pay by cash/check: Download the typable order form from our webpage
http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/ or pick up a form in the office. Return the form and cash or check to the school office.
PTSA Meeting Dates 23-24
The Twin Peaks Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is a membership-based, volunteer organization dedicated to making each school year a rewarding and enriching experience for all students. As a volunteer organization, PTSA is integral to the success of many campus events. We fund, organize and provide volunteers for a variety of PTSA programs and important school activities which serve to enhance your student’s middle school experience
All Executive Board meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:15pm in the TPMS Library unless listed otherwise. Association Meetings will be held in September, February, and April. Board meetings are open to PTSA Board Members and Committee Chairs while Association Meetings are open for all members of the Twin Peaks Middle School PTSA:
January 18th
February 15th (Association Meeting @6:15pm; Board Meeting to follow)
March 14th
April 18th (Association Meeting @6:15pm; Board Meeting to follow)
May 23rd
To join the PTSA for the 2023-24 school year, please CLICK HERE!
TPMS Foundation 23-24
Twin Peaks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational excellence for ALL students at Twin Peaks Middle School. Their purpose is to bridge the widening gap between the amount of money actually provided by the State of California and the Poway Unified School District and the amount necessary to fund technology upgrades, educational programs and resources necessary to support the school. The Foundation typically meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm in the TPMS Library. Here are their monthly meetings dates for the 2023-24 school year:
January 16th
February 13th
March 12th
April 16th
May 21st
Please visit the TPMS Foundation Web Page by CLICKING HERE!
Shop Amazon through TPMS Foundation
Twin Peaks Middle School
Nondiscrimination Philosophy and Policy Statement
The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, James Jimenez, Associate Superintendent of Personnel support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, jjimenez@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator/504 Coordinator Jamie Dayhoff, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2840, jdayhoff@powayusd.com.
Email: chamilton@powayusd.com
Website: http://tpms.powayusd.com/index.html
Phone: 858.748.5131
Twitter: @TwinPeaksRams