Twin Peaks Middle School

Happy New Year Ram Families!

I hope this first newsletter of 2025 finds you all well, rested, and rejuvenated after our time off for Winter Break and to celebrate the Holidays! We're looking forward to seeing everyone back at school tomorrow - Monday, January 6th starting at 8:30am with a 7-1-3-5 schedule.

This week we will also be starting ourWinter iReady diagnostic testing. From January 6th-10th, students will be taking the iReady reading diagnostic exam in their Social Stuides class. Next week, January 13th-17th, students will complete the math diagnostic exam in their math class. We will still have the week of January 20th-24th to compete any unfinshed diagnostic exams before the testing window closes on January 26th. Both online assessments will require students to come prepared with a charged Chromebook for the next few weeks, so students - please make sure to charge your Chromebook each night before school!

We had a chance to welcome our new PUSD Superintendent, Dr. Ben Churchill, to Twin Peaks on the Thursday before the winter break. Dr. Churchill was also joined by new PUSD Board Member David Cheng, in addition to Board Member Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff and outgoing Board Member Cindy Sytsma. The group had a chance to tour the campus, led by four of our outstanding 8th grade leaders - Scott Angell, Kaylee Bedard, Reese Davidson, and Jojo Gonda. Our guests visited the Wellness Center and Library, walked the quad and outside areas during lunch time, had a chance to see our digital photography and video production classrooms, took part in an AVID circle, and spent some time in Pride Park visiting with students and staff at the Cocoa and Crafts event. Thank you Rams for helping to welcome Dr. Churchill to our campus!

Our trash on campus has been improving in the weeks leading up to the Winter Break, and students have now earned back the privilege of eating their food in the quad again! If we have two more days of keeping a clean campus, then students have earned back after school activities... I know ASB is looking forward to announcing details about their next dance planned for Friday, February 7th in next week's newsletter, so let's make sure we are taking care of our campus Rams! Please be a part of the solution and not part of the problem - please pick up your trash on campus!

Get excited spellers!! The TPMS Spelling Bee will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd atarting at 4pm in the theater. This event is open to all students in grades 6th-8th. This optional after-school event is open to all 6th-8th grade students - all you have to do is CLICK HERE to signup! The practice word list can be found by CLICKING HERE! Best of luck spellers!

The AMC8 Math Competition is coming to TPMS! The AMC 8 test is a 25-problem exam that students need to solve in 40 mins. It is a fast-paced multiple-choice test where problems increase in difficulty as the test progresses. Each question is awarded one point, with a total score of 25. The time limit allocates approximately 90 seconds per problem. The problems are designed to challenge students and offer problem-solving experiences beyond those provided in most junior high school mathematics classes. Any 6th-8th grade students who are interested in participating in this optional competition should SIGN-UP HERE no later than Friday, January 17th.

There is an PUSD E-Bike Safety Class scheduled for students and their parents on Wednesday, January 8th at 6:00pm in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Mt. Carmel High School. The class is aimed at promoting safe and responsible e-bike usage and is required for students who will be riding an ebike to school. Attendees are highly encouraged to arrive at 5:30pm so you have enough time to find parking and the PAC. We hope to offer additional classes in February and March as dates and locations are scheduled.

We are currently planning our TPMS College & Career Fair for Wednesday, March 19th and we need parents/guardians to share their careers with our students! If you are interested in showcasing your career for our students and are available during our lunch time on March 19th (11:45am -12:52pm), please consider volunteering! Check out the information below with a Google form link to sign-up and contact information if you have any questions.

Finally this week, please come join the TPMS Foundation at their Foundation Winter Social being held at The Cork & Craft on Friday, January 31 from 6-8pm. Lite bites and one beverage are included with your ticket. There will be opportunities to win cash, bid on silent auction items and socialize with TPMS staff and fellow parents! Please CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets TODAY!!

In Partnership,

Steve Mills

Proud Principal

Twin Peaks Middle School

stmills@powayusd.com

1(858)748-5131 x2806

Instagram: @principalmills_twinpeaks

TPMS NEWS AND EVENTS

January 6th: First Day of School in 2025!

January 6-10th: iReady Reading testing in Social Studies classes

January 8th: Late Start, 9:30am

January 8th: eBike Safety class at MCHS @6pm

January 10th: 6th Grade Camp Forms and payment due!

January 13-17th: iReady Math testing in math classes

January 15th: Late Start, 9:30am

January 20th: MLK Day - NO SCHOOL

January 22nd: Late Start, 9:30am

January 22nd: TPMS Spelling Bee, 4pm Theater

January 27th: NO SCHOOL - Staff Workday

On Friday December 27, 6th grade cross country team members Hailey Ellis, Maylin Boyer and Audrey Barkley participated in their 1st 5k run representing TPMS. They had a great time and then enjoyed the parade. In their matching TPMS cross-country uniforms, they received attention and support from many, including alumni and event organizers. Maylin placed 3rd, Hailey 8th and Audrey 9th, out of 35 in the female under 12 category - CONGRATULATIONS Rams! Way to represent!!

Please complete, sign, and return the following required forms to your student’s teacher as soon as possible but no later than Friday, January 10, 2025:

• Pink Student Registration Form
• Blue Medication Authorization Form (If taking meds to camp)
• Payment (Checks should be made payable to: Twin Peaks Middle School.)

***The cost of camp is $455. If you have questions about the cost of camp as set by the Poway Unified School Board, please reach out to Ms. Ana Moreno at (858)748-5131 ext. 2808***

Calling all spellers! The TPMS Spelling Bee will be taking place pn Wednesday, Janaury 22nd in the TPMS Theater. The event is open to all 6th-8th grade students - all you have to do is CLICK HERE to signup! The practice word list can be found by CLICKING HERE!

Once you signup, you will receive a confirmation email confirming your spot in the competition. Our school site winner will go on to represent TPMS at the San Diego Regional competiton for a chance to represent San Diego County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC!

Questions? Please reach out to Mrs. Atkinson at ptsaprestpms@gmail.com.

The AMC8 Math Competition is coming to TPMS! The AMC 8 test is a 25-problem exam that students need to solve in 40 mins. It is a fast-paced multiple-choice test where problems increase in difficulty as the test progresses. Each question is awarded one point, with a total score of 25. The time limit allocates approximately 90 seconds per problem. The problems are designed to challenge students and offer problem-solving experiences beyond those provided in most junior high school mathematics classes. Any 6th-8th grade students who are interested in participating in this optional competition should SIGN-UP HERE no later than Friday, January 17th.

The counseling/student services team will present our second No Place for Hate school-wide lesson to all Homeroom classes this month. This focus of this lesson is Online Hate and Harassment, to ensure that our students understand the impact of what we post online. We invite you to view the presentation HERE and discuss it with your student.

Come join us for an evening at The Cork & Craft to enjoy drinks, food, opportunity drawings, a silent auction and best of all, to hang out with other Ram families! This social event for parents/guardians will be Friday, January 31 from 6-8pm. Lite bites and one beverage are included with your ticket. There will be opportunities to win cash, bid on teacher experiences and socialize with TPMS staff and fellow parents! We hope you will invite a friend and come celebrate the New Year! Please CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets!

We are starting to plan for our TPMS College & Career Fair on Wednesday, March 19th and we need parents/guardians to share their careers with our students! If you are interested in showcasing your career for our students and are available during our lunch time on March 19th (11:45am -12:52pm), please consider volunteering!

College & Career Fair Details

Date: Wednesday, March 19th

Time: 11:45am-12:52pm

Location: TPMS Quad

If you would like to participate by sharing fun facts and other information about your work and career with our students, please complete our Google Form: bit.ly/tpccf2425. We look forward to partnering with you for this exciting event. Please contact Melissa Baskin, mbaskin@powayusd.com, if you have any questions.

• FREE Teen Positive Parenting Program (English) via ZOOM

Wednesdays, January 8th, January 15th, and January 22nd, 2025 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Click here for the flyer and more information!

With fire season upon us we want to assure parents and guardians that we have appropriate response systems in place when emergencies arise. Our first priority will always be the safety of our students and staff on campus.

When Twin Peaks becomes aware of any incidents in the geographic area of the school site, we will focus first on the safety of our campus while working with law enforcement, emergency responders, and the District for guidance and support for communication. Communication with parents is part of the response plan, but will be secondary to immediate safety. As soon as we can, we will message families with details of school-wide incidents such as lockdowns or evacuations. Please ensure your contact information is up to date in ParentVue in the “My Account” section.

Finally, we have been asked by first responders to remind our families NOT to come to campus in times of emergency – there have been several instances when officers, firefighters, and their ability to respond to the emergency have been hindered by parents rushing to the scene. Should an emergency occur, we will send out messages about dismissal or reunification procedures for families when first responders indicate it is safe to do so.

Yearbooks are available for $55. Reserve yours now!

Pay by card: Go to www.jostens.com or use the QR code

Pay by cash/check: Download the 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.

Want more information about Yearbooks? Go to http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/

Calling all proud 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!

Want more information about Yearbooks? Go to http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/

Please complete the free/reduced-price meal application! Although school meals are free for all students, the application for free and reduced-price meal eligibility is still very important. School funding depends in part on the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. If income-eligible families do not apply, we risk losing important educational funds for our school.

Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for discounts on testing fees, before and after school care, and home internet! Income qualifications change annually, so a new application is needed every school year. For school year 2024-2025, children from a family of four are eligible if the total gross (pre-tax) household income is less than $4,810 per month, or less than $57,720 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.

In response to community requests and a desire to address a student safety need, PUSD has partnered with local enforcement to provide mandatory safety classes for all ebike riders. If your child rides their ebike to and from school, attending one of these one-hour classes with a parent or guardian will be a requirement to park their ebike on campus. To provide students ample time to comply, this new requirement will be enforced starting January 6, 2025.

We are excited to announce an upcoming E-Bike Class for students and their parents, aimed at promoting safe and responsible e-bike usage. The class will take place in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Mt. Carmel High School on Wednesday, January 8th at 6:00pm. Attendees are highly encouraged to arrive at 5:30 so they have enough time to find parking and the PAC.

Once you register your ebike at the meeting, you will receive a sticker to place on your ebike and TPMS will receive a notification that you attended the safety class. We appreciate your partnership in taking this important step toward keeping our students safe.

Please note - this class is only required if your student is riding an ebike! If your student is riding a regular bike to school, then our previous registration policy applies. If you registered last year and you have the same bicycle with the TPMS permit still visible, then you are good to go! If you are a new bicyclist to TPMS or have a new bike, please follow the permitting process LINKED HERE on our school webpage.

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. We realize that volunteering may not be in the cards for everyone, but your membership and donation will ensure our programs continue to stay funded.

If you would like to contact PTSA please email: ptsaprestpms@gmail.com. Thanks so much!

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 16th

February 13th (Association Meeting @6:15pm; Board Meeting to follow)

March 20th

April 24th (Association Meeting @6:15pm; Board Meeting to follow)

May 15th

June TBD

To join the PTSA for the 2024-25 school year, please CLICK HERE!

Our 2024-2025 Executive Board:

President - Melissa Atkinson

Executive VP - Sonnie Humphreys

1st VP of Ways and Means - Rachel Czarzasty

2nd VP of Membership - Shelly Mead

3rd VP of Volunteers - Alicia Tamayo

Secretary - Mikki Trusheim

Treasurer - Steph Cole

Historian - Alicia Gormican

Financial Reviewer - Phil Trom

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 2024-25 school year:

January 14th

February 11th
March 18th
May 13th

Please visit the TPMS Foundation Web Page by CLICKING HERE!

You can always shop Amazon and earn money for Twin Peaks! Just click on the Amazon link below, then start spending!

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.

Website: http://tpms.powayusd.com/index.html
Phone: 858.748.5131
Twitter: @TwinPeaksRams