The BTMS Tiger Times
January 2025
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. HillBTMS Community Newsletter - 23/24 (Archived)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025
WEATHER ALERT FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22:
Schools and offices will open on a two-hour delay due to low temperatures and icy conditions.
Code Orange: Emergency personnel must report to work on time and are not eligible for liberal leave.
Additional Updates:
-All athletic games and facility use are canceled.
-Extracurricular activities and practices are allowed until 6 p.m.; however, no bus transportation will be provided.
-Due to low temperatures, all school activities will take place Indoors
JANUARY 21, 2025
WEATHER ALERT FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 21:
Schools and offices will open on a two-hour delay due to low temperatures and icy conditions.
Code Orange: Emergency personnel must report to work on time and are not eligible for liberal leave.
Additional Updates:
-All athletic games and facility use are canceled.
-Extracurricular activities and practices are allowed until 6 p.m.; however, no bus transportation will be provided.
-Due to low temperatures, all school activities will take place Indoors
BTMS READ & ROLL
📚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!
2025 Black Male STEA3M Ed Day! Feb 8th
2025 Black Male STEA3M Ed Day! This event is curated to explore the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, Athletics, and Mathematics (STEA3M) in education. Programming is geared toward Black male 7th and 8th-grade students.
Join us for a day filled with engaging activities, inspiring artists, and collaboration opportunities to represent creativity and innovation in STEA3M teaching and learning. Whether you're a student, educator, parent, professional, or simply passionate about STEA3M, there's something for everyone. Take the chance to connect and enhance your skills in this dynamic field!
For additional information, please Contact : Mr. Daniel Akinribade
Parent & Community Engagement
Click HERE to register to become a chaperone. If you are not able to attend, please encourage Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, God Parents or other adult age family members to volunteer to chaperone and volunteers can (not required to) be PGCPS Employees.
To serve as a chaperone, the following requirements, as outlined in Administrative Procedure 4216.6, Volunteer Services, must be met:
- Prospective volunteers (chaperones) must undergo a PGCPS fingerprint background check and child protective services clearance at least 15 business days before the field trip. In addition, they must complete the Child Abuse and SafeSchools Volunteer Orientation Training at least seven business days in advance of the field trip.
- For more information and links about Volunteer Requirements visit: https://offices.pgcps.org/volunteer/
Book of the Month:The Ultimate Guide to Raising Teens and Tweens
The Ultimate Guide to Raising Teens and Tweens offers a step-by-step plan for raising your adolescent through this tumultuous time. Douglas Haddad provides specific, proven tools for you to help your child become a problem solver and grow to be smart, successful, and self-disciplined.
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
Lunch with Lewter Parent Power Hour Virtual Workshop
Date: Thursday, January 23
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Register Here: https://pgcps-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/RgtElwyYR-WjDvaPsStH1Q
Topic: Staying Organized Together: Tools for Time Management
• Discover tips for using planners, apps, and family calendars effectively.
• Learn practical strategies to help your family stay organized and on track.
Join us for this interactive session to create a more organized and balanced family life!
Parent Support
Parents The BTMS Staff is in need of a "Helping Hand". We are currently seeking support with the following:
- Chaperones; Upcoming Field Trips
- Volunteers for PBIS Activities
- Teacher/Classroom Support
(donations, supplies and etc.)
Please contact Ms.Lewter at Tiva.Bryant@PGCPS.org to check your volunteer status and or how to start the PGCPS volunteer process.
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.
BTMS READ & ROLL
📚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!
Bright Starr Pediatric Dentistry
Teeth Cleaning Party Event on Saturday February 8, 2025 from 10 AM to 1 PM. This event is FREE for children up to the age of 21 and no dental insurance is necessary! This also includes FREE Dental Exams, FREE dental cleanings, & FREE minor procedures. We ask that everyone RSVP by Thursday January 30, 2025. To RSVP please call the office at (240)-764-5753.
6th Grade News:
Read and Roll Begins 1/13/25
HBCU DRIP DAY 1/24/25
Administrator: Ms.Provost Counselor: Ms.Hardy Student Advocate: Mr.Porter
7th Grade News:
Read and Roll Begins 1/13/25
HBCU DRIP DAY 1/24/25
North Bay Parent Information Session
More updates to come
Administrator: Ms.Hazel Counselor: Ms.Dzirasa Peer Mediator: Mr.McFarland
Black Male STEA3M Ed Day
2025 Black Male STEA3M Ed Day! This event is curated to explore the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, Athletics, and Mathematics (STEA3M) in education. Programming is geared toward Black male 7th and 8th-grade students.
Join us for a day filled with engaging activities, inspiring artists, and collaboration opportunities to represent creativity and innovation in STEA3M teaching and learning. Whether you're a student, educator, parent, professional, or simply passionate about STEA3M, there's something for everyone. Take the chance to connect and enhance your skills in this dynamic field!
For additional information, please Contact : Mr. Daniel Akinribade
Black Male STEA3M Ed Day!
2025 Black Male STEA3M Ed Day! This event is curated to explore the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, Athletics, and Mathematics (STEA3M) in education. Programming is geared toward Black male 7th and 8th-grade students.
Join us for a day filled with engaging activities, inspiring artists, and collaboration opportunities to represent creativity and innovation in STEA3M teaching and learning. Whether you're a student, educator, parent, professional, or simply passionate about STEA3M, there's something for everyone. Take the chance to connect and enhance your skills in this dynamic field!
For additional information, please Contact : Mr. Daniel Akinribade
Math Mania Family Fun
ESSA & Title I Family Fun Nights
Will also provide information on our Family Fun Nights where master teachers will be leading virtual sessions for grade 6th, offering practical insights and advice to help parents engage in their children’s learning in a fun and supportive way.
Attached and linked below are the flyers for easy access, as well as a FAQs page if you have questions. Families can use the links to learn more and register
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Weather Update – January 22, 2025
Due to the inclement weather, all athletic activities have been canceled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding Tasker Tigers and stay safe!
Tasker Tiger Times
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.
Benjamin Tasker Middle School 3-on-3 Basketball League!
Get ready for an unforgettable season of basketball excitement with the Benjamin Tasker Middle School 3-on-3 Basketball League! From February 4th to March 6th, join us in the gym every week from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM for a thrilling mix of learning and competition. Each session kicks off with an hour of basketball fundamentals, helping you improve your skills and confidence on the court. Then, it’s game time as teams battle it out in exciting 3-on-3 matchups!
6th Grade: Plays on Mondays
7th Grade: Plays on Wednesdays
8th Grade: Plays on Thursdays
Teams can have up to six players, with three on the court at a time. Whether you’re refining your jump shot or leading your team to victory, this league is the perfect opportunity to grow, compete, and have a blast with your friends.
Don’t wait—registration closes on February 3rd! Contact Coach Cromer for more details, and sign up now to secure your spot. Let’s make this season a slam dunk!
Rules Overview:
- Each team can have up to 6 players (3 on the court at a time).
- Games are 6-8 minutes long or until a team scores 21 points.
The Real Talk Male Mentoring Program
The Real Talk Male Mentoring Program: Is now full. The Men of BTMS is a collective group of mentors who are committed and dedicated to volunteering their time, gifts, and talents to empower our male scholars in The Real Talk Male Mentoring Program, grades 6-8. The Men of BTMS will Mentor, Model, Mold, and Motivate mentees by empowering them to be academically, socially, and culturally well-rounded. Most importantly, developing and nurturing them to become productive and successful citizens within their families, school, and community.
BTMS Presents: Real Talk Mentoring Program for Male Scholars Grade 6 - 8 Tuesday & Thursday 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM 1st Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kennedy Center Performance
Hudson Brown, Performed at the Kennedy Center!
Here is the link to Hudson Brown's International School of Music Honors Concert Performance at the Kennedy Center.
Hudson's International School of Music Honors Concert Performance
Peace Poster Contest Winner
Peace Poster Contest Winner: Ms. Huizar hosted the Bowie Lions Peace Poster contest again this year with the theme Peace Without Limits. The winner, 7th grader Zoe Wallace, won the contest based on artistic merit, originality and representation of the theme. She was awarded a gift card to Michaels to expand her personal art supplies.
2025 BTMS Spelling Bee
A big congratulations to all the participants of the 2025 BTMS Spelling Bee! Your hard work, dedication, and courage to take the stage are truly commendable.
We would also like to extend special congratulations to our winners for their outstanding performance. You have made us all proud!
Thank you to everyone who supported and cheered on our amazing spellers. Let’s continue celebrating their success and encouraging academic excellence throughout our school community.
The BTMS Cafeteria Staff would like to share a friendly reminder asking for you to take a moment to log into your student’s MyBucks account to review and settle any overdue balances. Keeping accounts current is essential to ensure a seamless school experience for your student.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
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
Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Website: https://www.pgcps.org/benjamintasker/
Location: 4901 Collington Road Bowie, MD 20715
Phone: 301-805-2660
X: @BTMSTigers
Instagram: @BTMS.TIGERS