The BTMS Tiger Times

March 2025

The BTMS Tiger Times March 2025
The BTMSTiger TimesMarch 2025

BTMS COMMUNITY NEWS


Dear BTMS Students, Families, and Partners,


BTMS hosts a variety of activities and opportunities for our students. We encourage our families and stakeholders to participate as partners in supporting the learning and growth of our children. Dates and activities are subject to change. The Family Newsletter is published bi-weekly and can be accessed on the left-hand corner of the website. Please visit the BTMS website for ongoing updates.

Thank you, Dr. Hill


BTMS Community Newsletter - 23/24 (Archived)

BTMS Website

Parent Welcome Letter - 24/25

BTMS Information and Overview


Upcoming Dates

School Calendar
^^ Click the School Calendar Button to view the BTMS school calendar. ^^

**BTMS community, please view the school calendar to track important dates, activities, and academic and social events. **

New Information & Highlights

Absence Notification Form
Complete the Absence Notification Form to inform the school of your child’s excused absences so that your child can make up missed assignments.

Supporting Immigrant Families

Learn how Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all students by providing resources and support for immigrant families. Join a virtual information session to hear updates from key district offices, Know Your Rights information, and how to access services designed to assist families.

Immigration Resources
PGCPS is aware of our community's rising concerns and uncertainty around policy changes impacting immigration and deportation. You are part of a school community that cares deeply about their well-being. Click the Immigration Resources for more info.
MISA 8 on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 and Thursday, March 13, 2025
BTMS is slated to take the MISA 8 on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and Thursday, March 13, 2025.
The test will include selected and constructed response items, and the online version will also include technology-enhanced items.

Join Us for STEM/PI Family Night!

Get ready for an evening of hands-on fun and learning at the Annual BTMS STEM/PI Family Night!

📆March 13th

⏰6:00 - 8:00 PM

📍Benjamin Tasker Middle School


Bring the whole family and explore exciting STEM activities, including slime making, catapults,

Pi tessellations, MCAP Jeopardy, and more!


💻Click on the link below to RSVP or Scan the QR code to RSVP!

Don’t miss out on a night of discovery and creativity!

#BTMSFamily #STEMNight #PiDayFun #HandsOnLearning #FutureInnovators

Spring Picture Day

Spring Picture Day will be Monday, March March 3,2025 Create an account or login at www.mylifetouch.com use the code EVTSZF9KN


Online orders must be completed by 11AM on March 3,2025

BTMS Yearbook Information

To purchase & Customize your School Yearbook click here

enter the school's passcode : 10153989356625

Regular Price $40.00 *

*Does Not Include Sales tax, if applicable**

Create Custom Page by April 18th

BTMS Read & Roll Incentive

📚Encourage Your Student to Read and Skate for Free!📚


Parents, let’s motivate our young readers to dive into books and enjoy some fun at Skate Zone in Crofton!


Here’s how it works:

Read Books: Students can pick their favorite books to read.

Get Your RELA Teacher's Signature: Once they finish reading, they’ll need their reading teacher’s signature to confirm their achievement.

Receive a Bookmark: With the signed confirmation, they’ll be given a special Reading Enroll Bookmark.

Free Admission: Present the bookmark at Skate Zone for FREE ADMISSION to an exciting skating session!


Let’s celebrate the joy of reading while enjoying some skating fun. Encourage your student to pick up a book today—reading unlocks imagination, and this time, it unlocks free skating too!


Hurry—start reading now!

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Events

Please see the The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission upcoming community events Here

Parent & Community Engagement

If you need addition Parent and Community Engagement Assistance, Contact Ms.Lewter

ParentVue

Synergy Directions: For directions and information on Synergy, please click on the Synergy ParentVue Presentation link.

Book of the Month: Raising Critical Thinkers: A Parent's Guide to Growing Wise Kids in the Digital Age

A guide for parents to help children of all ages process the onslaught of unfiltered information in the digital age.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AJApKHh6ggvjLOY8xlVzOONZ0DdG9Qm4KwlcOdZ2R9Y/edit?usp=sharing

PGCPS Family Information Sessions

These virtual sessions are free for all and packed full of information to support student success! Click on the picture/flyer or link below to access the Zoom information. ALL SESSIONS START AT 6PM.

Parents Needed

When parents are engaged in their children’s lives, students have the home support and knowledge they need to not only finish their assignments but also develop a lifelong love of learning. Research shows that when parents get engaged in their child’s education, the motivation, behavior, and grades of every child in class are positively impacted.

Volunteering is a great way to engage.

There are many reasons for parents to volunteer. It’s a great way to show your children that you are interested in their education and sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause. Here are many reasons to volunteer in PGCPS.

The PGCPS Volunteer Process are just three easy steps however, it may take up to a month to be cleared

Parent Involvement Click Here

School Parking Lot Safety

School parking lot safety is crucial to creating a safe, welcoming environment for learning. When students, staff, and visitors come to your school, navigating where they need to go and parking are the first steps in their journey.

With so many people moving through an area and cars all around, it’s crucial to have safety measures in place to protect each person in your school parking lot. Families, we ask that you please be:


Be considerate & Kind: Be courteous and patient with other parents and drivers.


Use drop-off zones: Use the designated drop-off and pick-up areas Students must stay in the crosswalk when walking.


Cross at crosswalks: Use crosswalks when crossing from the parking lot to the building


Follow safety guidelines: Don't speed, drive recklessly, or engage in horseplay.


Support school efforts: Work with the school to improve drop-off and pick-up systems.

10 Ways to Help Your Child to Succeed in Middle School


PGCPS Parent Guide: Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School Support from parents and families is critical to helping children succeed academically. Here are ten ways you can put your middle schoolers on track. For more information, please contact the Department of Family and School Partnerships at 301-618-7456.

New Opportunities

Math Counts

Instructional Support & Tutoring:


  • Math Unit Study Guides by Math Level: The following guides share what your child is currently learning in math, as well as how they are learning.




Lumiere Education: The Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week program designed for middle school students (Grades 6-8) to explore their academic interests in fields such as economics, astrophysics, biology, history, and computer science. In the past, we have had students create research papers, case studies, and analytical presentations.


Join us in celebrating the Washington Capitals with the Caps in School 50th Anniversary Fan Wall, presented by KPMG! This is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their artistic talents while honoring the rich history and future of the Washington Capitals. We encourage students to create artwork that captures the spirit of the Capitals, their love for hockey, and this incredible milestone. This is a great way to engage your students in a fun, creative project while celebrating a beloved team with deep ties to our community. Select pieces will be featured throughout the season, helping to tell the story of 50 years of Capitals pride! We can't wait to see what students create to help celebrate this exciting anniversary! Link to the submission form


2025 C-SPAN StudentCam Competition: Where Students Become Filmmakers! The 21st year of C-SPAN’s StudentCam documentary competition for middle and high school students is officially underway. Students from grades 6-12 can participate in the competition and can do so as part of any subject area class, as an extra credit or enrichment activity, or on their own accord. This presidential election year's theme is: Your Message to the President? What issue is most important to you or your community? Examine your selected topic from multiple perspectives and assess what action(s) the president should take after Inauguration Day. Link to flyer

Grade Level Information

6th Grade News:


Administrator: Ms.Provost Counselor: Ms.Hardy Student Advocate: Mr.Porter

A message from Ms.Provost

As we start the second half of the school year, here are a few important reminders:

  • Refillable Water Bottles: Please send your student with a refillable water bottle. We have water refilling stations on each floor.

  • Monitoring Online Activity: Many student conflicts originate from conversations happening outside of school on social media or other online platforms. We kindly ask for your support in monitoring your child’s online activity. Addressing concerns at home can help prevent issues from carrying over into school.

  • Code of Conduct: Now is the perfect time to review the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook!

  • BTMS Dress Code: Crop tops, pants with rips and holes, fuzzy slippers etc. Hoodies of any kind are not allowed to be worn during the school day. Students must place all hoodies and jackets in their lockers during arrival. Headphones (large Beats headphones and apple earpods) are also not allowed. Please ensure your scholar does not bring these valuable items to school.

  • Bookbags - Only clear book bags are allowed to be carried throughout the day. All other book bags or large purses must be placed inside student lockers.

Thank you for your continued partnership!

8th Grade News:

Administrator: Dr.Scott Counselor: Mr.Reid Peer Mediator: Ms.Sibila

8th Grade VIRTUAL PARENT NIGHT

Hello to the amazing parents and guardians of the Benjamin Tasker Middle School 8th grade class. You are cordially invited to attend an 8th grade VIRTUAL PARENT NIGHT on Monday, March 10th @ 6:30pm. Please see the flyer attached for more details. Information about end of year activities, the transition to high school and more will be discussed. You must register in advance to attend this event. Thank you and see you soon!



Register in advance for this meeting below:
https://pgcps-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ro5tcunKSauuX5zRm6-xOw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Benjamin Tasker TAG
For the latest updates and information about our TAG program Click this button.

The Joint Science and Technology Institute for Middle School Students

The Joint Science and Technology Institute for Middle School Students (JSTI-MS) is a one-week, fully-funded, residential science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research program that provides middle school students the opportunity to solve and complete STEM challenges and projects. The hands-on projects provide students with opportunities to develop problem-solving and collaboration skills. The program's purpose is to provide students with an opportunity to solve STEM challenges while working as a member of a small team and to inspire them to become lifelong STEM learners.

There are two locations for JSTI-MS. JSTI West will be held at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM from June 14-20, 2025. JSTI East will be held at Towson University in Towson, MD from July 19-25, 2025.

For more information on the specific locations, visit https://orise.orau.gov/jsti/.

Link to the application page: https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/JSTI-MS-2025

Young Scholars Program:

Young Scholars Program: The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th-grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities

Program Experience

Educational Advisers support Young Scholars to maximize high school experiences and to go on to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. Our programming and support may include:


  • Identifying an appropriately rigorous high school.

  • Engaging in four-year planning and goal-setting.

  • Funding for academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as music and art lessons, supplemental academic classes and technology.

  • Annual summer programs, including two required Young Scholar programs.

  • Year-round Young Scholars community programming.

  • Networking opportunities with a high-achieving peer community.


The application for the Cooke Young Scholars Program is currently open. It will close on April 30, 2025. Link to application page

If you have any questions regarding your application, please email us at scholarships@jkcf.org.


BTMS Students interested in applying for any of the programs can check in with Janet.Clarke@pgcps for assistance with their application profile

Soccer Tryouts

Soccer tryouts begin March 10th. All students must have a completed and up to date physical.

For more information please contact Mr. Lane at Chad.Lane@pgcps.org

Clubs & Organizations

BTMS After-School Clubs & Activities

BTMS offers a wide variety of after-school clubs and activities. We encourage all students to participate. Please open the BTMS After-School Clubs & Activities doc to review the current offerings. Students participating in after-school clubs and activities must have their own transportation home.

Tasker Tiger Times Newspaper Club

Our BTMS student led News Club has are so excited to finally publish and showcase all our hard work and effort! The newspaper will bring weekly relevant and exciting news to our community.

The Real Talk Male Mentoring Program

The Real Talk Male Mentoring Program: For Male Scholars Grade 6 - 8 Tuesday & Thursday 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM 1st Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. The Mentoring Program is now full.

The Leo Club

The Leo Club is now full. We do have a waiting list of students in case a space becomes available. If your child is in the Leo Club, be sure to return the signed permission slip. Information about our schedule and upcoming activities can be found on our Leo Club Google Site. Questions? Email ann.fleming@pgcps.org.

ART Club

🎨Our Wonderful Art Club gave our school shed a beautiful makeover🎨

BTMS SHOW & TELL

Thank you Mr.Cooper

On behalf of the entire BTMS community, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Cooper. Your

dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our building and community. We here at BTMS are grateful for all that you have done to support and uplift BTMS.

As you enter this exciting new career chapter, we celebrate your well-earned promotion and send you our best wishes for continued success. Your hard work and leadership have not gone unnoticed, and we know you will continue to do great things.



BTMS, let’s give Mr. Cooper a loud ROAR of appreciation!

Celebrating Women's History at BTMS
As we honor Women’s History Month with the theme "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," we proudly recognize the exceptional women who make a lasting impact on our school community
Black History Month Celebration
A glimpse of our exceptional, talented students at BTMS showcasing and celebrating black history month.

Explore.Act.Tell. Program: Teacher Spotlight

Today's Teacher Spotlight highlights educators who completed the Explore.Act.Tell. Program with their students. Ms.JanetViana Clarke-Green has been recognized by the Explore. Act. Tell. program for her hard work and dedication to our students and community. Let's give her a LOUD TIGER ROAR and celebrate her.

National Great History Challenge Reel
Check out the video reel of the participants and students who qualified for the National History Challenge

Exploring New Adventures

Field Trip Fun

Oh, The Places We Can Go!

Meals (Breakfast/Lunch): Breakfast is available to all students from 8:00 am to 8:20 am. Students must be in line by 8:20 am to receive breakfast. However, all students arriving on a late bus will be permitted to receive breakfast, if they choose. Students may purchase breakfast ($1.60) and/or lunch ($3.00) daily

https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/BenjaminTaskerMiddle


Please check your student's My School Bucks account status and balance My School Bucks Links

Important Parent & Student Information Forms

Each year students are required to complete 3 forms (Emergency Contact Form, Publicity & Photography Release Form, & Parent Receipt of Acknowledgement form) to ensure BTMS has updated and accurate information in addition to ensuring important policy has been reviewed.





COVID-19 Exposure: As we enter Cold and Flu season, we must be mindful of not sending students to school when they are sick. If your child is sick, please notify the school via the Absence Notification Form so that the absence will be excused. If your child tests positive for COVID, please make sure you have notified the school so we can contact the families of students who may have been exposed. If a person tests positive, they should remain home for 5 days and can return on day 6 if asymptomatic. A mask should be worn for days 6-10. PGCPS Policy


Absence Notification : Parents, when you inform the school of your child’s absence, please use the Absence Notification Form rather than sending a note to the school. The school monitors this form, and excused absences will be noted. Students must still go to pick up their yellow Excused Absence Pass upon their return, which is taken to each teacher to retrieve any missed work. Sometimes, students forget to complete this step, but you can also email their teachers to retrieve work.




Transportation Issues & Questions: With the numerous transportation issues and concerns, PGCPS has provided some resources to assist families better:


Transportation Resolution System: https://apps.pgcps.org/pls/apex/f?p=358:1::::

Transportation Phone Bank: at 301-952-6570 (Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Stop Finder: https://stopfinder.com/help/




Next PTSO Meeting March 17th

Mark your calendars! Our next PTSO meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, March,17 2025, at 7:00 pm. A private invitation will be sent to all PTSO members beforehand. We also want to hear from you! Please submit any questions you’d like addressed during the meeting through this form: Submit Your Questions. We look forward to connecting with you!

City of Bowie Community Events

Middle School Night

The City of Bowie invites all Middle School Student to come out for a night of fun, games and sports Friday March 14, 2025 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Bowie Gym. Sign up here

Benjamin Tasker Middle School

Website: https://www.pgcps.org/benjamintasker/
Location: 4901 Collington Road Bowie, MD 20715

Phone: 301-805-2660

Instagram: @BTMS.TIGERS

Tiva Lewter
Tiva is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters