BTMS Community Newsletter - 23/24 (Archived)

BTMS Website

Parent Welcome Letter - 24/25

BTMS Information and Overview

Join us for International Family Day at Camp Schmidt on May 3, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM! This special event is open to families with students in 4th grade or lower and offers an opportunity to explore the environmental literacy program that is a key part of the 5th grade science curriculum in PGCPS. Each school may invite up to five families on a first-come, first-served basis, with transportation provided from Langley Park McCormick ES, James McHenry ES, and Panorama ES. Bilingual flyers have been translated into Spanish, French, Pashto, Dari, Amharic, Arabic, and Haitian Creole. Families will fill out their information on the flyer, and ELD staff will then transfer that information into a Google registration form. The registration form will CLOSE on Wednesday, April 23rd @ 11:59 PM. Registration MAY close earlier if spaces fill up.

Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner, and we are excited to celebrate our incredible teachers on Monday, May 5th!
We would love your support to make this day truly special for them.

You can help in two ways:

• Sign Up to volunteer or provide items for our Teacher Appreciation event.

• Donate to help us provide a wonderful celebration full of treats, surprises, and gratitude.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a huge difference in showing our teachers how much they are valued and loved!

To sign up or donate, please https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4DA4AA29ABF85-56515023-cinco#/

Thank you for helping us honor the heart of BTMS – our teachers!

BTMS Families!You’re invited to an inspiring Mental Health Youth Symposium hosted by the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation featuring the incredible Taraji P. Henson!

Can We Talk?

Join us for a day full of healing, culture, creativity, and connection as we come together to support youth mental wellness in PG County.

Date: Friday, May 3, 2025

Time: 10AM – 4PM

Location: Gaylord National Harbor

201 Waterfront Street National Harbor,MD 20745

Who: PG County families and students

Activities include:

Art & wellness activations | Beats & breakthroughs | Poetry & theatre | Dance, fitness, music therapy & more!

Register today at: www.borishensonfoundation.org

Let’s show up for our youth and prioritize mental health as a community!

#BTMSCommunity #CanWeTalk #MentalHealthAwareness #PGCPS #BorisLawrenceHensonFoundation

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.

To purchase & Customize your School Yearbook

enter the school's passcode : 10153989356625

Regular Price $40.00 *

*Does Not Include Sales tax, if applicable**

Create Custom Page by April 18th

📚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!

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

Saturday, April 26,2025

Dancer - 10:00 am

Singer/ Rapper- 1:00 pm

Kentland Community Center

Register Here

• For more information, please email us at customerservice@pgparks.com or call 301-699-2255;
  Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
• Our front desk staff has access to an over-the-phone interpretation service and can help in over 150 languages.
• Please ask for assistance when you call or visit us. The Department of Parks and Recreation. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS NOT SPONSORING, ENDORSING, OR RECOMMENDING THE ACTIVITIES IN THIS FLYER/MATERIAL

You are cordially invited to this year's Teen Arts Summit. This annual event invites teens in Prince George's County and beyond an opportunity to ignite their creativity for a day of celebration for the arts. Teens will come together for artistic exploration and expression, by participating in visual and performing arts workshops.

• The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register a minimum of two weeks prior to the program start date to request and receive a disability modification.
• Customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
• Language interpretation is available at all facility front desks. Please ask for assistance.
• 
  

MSAC | maryland state arts council

Arts programs of the M-NCPPC are supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org)

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Clinton Baptist Church, 8701 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735

This fair is a valuable opportunity for families in need to access baby essentials, healthcare resources, and community support—all at no cost. We want to ensure that as many families as possible can benefit.

For additional details, families can call 301-235-3410 or email PGHealthyStart@medstar.net.

Hey BTMS Families,

We’re excited to celebrate and honor our amazing staff and 8th grade students as we close out the school year! We need your help to make these upcoming events a success.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast : Monday, May 5, 2025

Help us show love to our dedicated staff by donating breakfast items or volunteering your time to set up, serve, and clean up.

8th Grade End-of-Year Events : Volunteers & Chaperones Needed

We are looking for enthusiastic parent volunteers to support and chaperone the following exciting events:

• Fun Day & Picnic: Thursday, June 5

• Hershey Park Trip: Wednesday, June 11

• Semi-Formal Dance – “Arabian Nights”: Friday, June 13

• Promotion Parade: Monday, June 16

The 8th grade will also host a Virtual Parent Orientation in May (date TBD) to go over all event details and answer your questions.

For additional questions, feel free to reach out to

Mrs.Lewter Tiva.Bryant@PGCPS.org or the 8th Grade Committee Chair, Ms. Joyce Smith at Joyce2.smith@pgcps.org.

Thank you for your continued support we couldn’t do this without you!

Please join our upcoming community forum on April 1,2025 . Our collaboration with parents, employees, partners, and students is vital to an exceptional educational experience. We look forward to seeing you there. Please see the Flyer for more details.

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

At BTMS, we believe in celebrating the amazing people who make our school community shine. Our dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators! BTMS Community Pride is your space to share words of appreciation, recognition, and encouragement.

Have a compliment for a teacher who goes above and beyond? Want to recognize a staff member for their hard work? Maybe your child has a positive experience with a staff member they’d love to share? We welcome all messages of gratitude and support!

Your kind words uplift and inspire our school family, reminding them that their efforts are seen and valued. Let’s spread positivity and make BTMS a place where everyone feels appreciated!

📩 Submit your messages of encouragement today!

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.

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.

• College Tour Field Trip to U.S. Naval Academy

• SPRING BREAK APRIL 14th to APRIL 21st

• Benchmark Testing Information

• Grade 6 Math Counts Information

  Accelerated 1

• More to Come

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

Attention 6th Grade Parents!!

Vaccine requirements for 7th grade are Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
vaccine) and Meningococcal (MCV4). Your child may have received the vaccines
already at their last office visit with their doctors. Please contact your doctor to make
sure your rising 7th grader is up to date and submit the documentation to our school
Nurse, Karen Prue. If you have any questions, please email Nurse Prue. Her email
address is karen.prue@pgcps.org. If your child needs to receive the vaccine, please
schedule an appointment with your doctor or the PG health department. The enclosed
link is to the health department's website. https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/clinic/search

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!

• College Tour Field Trip to University of Maryland College Park

• North Bay Field April 7th to April 11th
• SPRING BREAK APRIL 14th to APRIL 21st

• Grade 7

  Accelerated 2

• Benchmark Testing Information

Administrator: Ms.Hazel Counselor: Ms.Dzirasa Peer Mediator: Mr.McFarland

• 8th Grade Activities Letter Link
• College Tour Field Trip to Delaware State
• SPRING BREAK APRIL 14th to APRIL 21st
• MISA Testing Information
  

• Grade 8- Math Counts Infor

  Foundations For Algebra

  
  

• More updates to come

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

• Click here for BTMS TAG Updates

• Testing Information Letter

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

Click here to check out the latest updates for the BTMS NJHS.

More information to come.

Coach Kenny Blakeney of Howard University Men’s Basketball is excited to announce the 3rd annual “Howard University Basketball School” summer camps.

This summer, there are 4 different camp options providing a variety of opportunities to get better and have fun.

All dates are below, and flyer is attached.

For reference, our skills camps are open to both boys and girls. They are designed to help players achieve their potential through fundamentals, coaching clinics, daily game competition, and skill/drill work.

Our Elite Camp is for boys only and designed to help players maximize their potential to earn a college scholarship through game competition and recruiting workshops.

• Skills Camp 1: June 23-27 (Ages 6-18)
• Skills Camp 2: July 14-18 (Ages 6-14)
• Skills Camp 3: July 28-August 1 (Ages 6-14)
• Elite Camp: August 4-5 (Ages 14-19)

All registration can be done at www.howarduniversitybasketballschool.com

The National Urban Farm Festival will provide numerous educational and fun opportunities for students and families to learn about Agriculture, meet urban farmers, and eat healthy foods. This event will be free to attend. The Maryland Agricultural Foundation (MAEF) will have an agriculture showcase trailer along with a variety of educational demonstrations and activities for kids.

Please see the flyer for more details.

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

Instructional Support & Tutoring:

• Math Tutoring:

• Math Tutoring Flier (English

• Tutoring Flier (Spanish)

• 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.

• Math 6 Family Resource letter Unit 1

• Accelerated 1 Family Resource letter Unit 1

• Math 7 Family Resource letter Unit 1

• Accelerated 2 Family Resource letter Unit 1

• Math 8 Family Resource letter Unit 1

• Foundations For Algebra Family Resource letter Unit 1

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

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.

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: 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 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.

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LVGVfnqNN1GqH5YQ1y2ypszpP_06nFE2/view?usp=sharing

Our very own 8th grader, Nigel Foster, has been nominated for the PGCPS Film Festival! 🎥✨ He will be competing on May 7th in Silver Spring, Maryland, showcasing his incredible talent and creativity!

Let’s give Nigel a LOUD ROAR to show how proud we are of him! Drop some 🎉in the comments to cheer him on!

#PGCPSFilmFestival #ProudMoment #FutureFilmmaker #GoNigel #KeepShining #WeAreProud

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.

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

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.

• Emergency Contact Form

• Publicity & Photography Release Form

• Parent Receipt of Acknowledgement

• Review: Student Behavioral Expectations

• Review: Student/Family Handbook

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

Phone: 301-805-2660

Instagram: @BTMS.TIGERS