Timberwolf Connection

Dear Tilden Community,

February brings meaningful opportunities for learning, celebration, and growth. Throughout Black History Month, our students will explore and honor the rich contributions of Black and African American communities. In homeroom, students will research and spotlight influential figures, from community members to historical leaders, deepening their understanding of the diverse ways this important month is celebrated and commemorated.

We're excited to share local opportunities for engagement through the Kid Museum's Black History Month celebration on February 9th. Students can experience historic woodworking with Josiah Henson Museum & Park, explore sound with the Swaliga Foundation, meet Culture Queen, and participate in Nigerian drumming and cultural crafts. Check it out: https://kid-museum.org/programs/celebrations/bhm-2025/

For families unable to attend, the Museum offers DIY maker activities throughout the month: https://kid-museum.org/maker-playground/black-history-month/

Our third marking period focuses on building digital citizenship and strengthening our culture of respect. Students across grade levels will engage in targeted lessons about online safety and responsible communication. Seventh and eighth graders will learn strategies to prevent the spread of harmful messages, while sixth graders will explore the important distinction between intent and impact in their communications. All students will review the Speak Up Protocol, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining a respectful school environment.

As we enhance these digital citizenship skills, we've noticed increased inappropriate content access on MCPS Chromebooks at home. Please note that MCPS network protections don't extend to home usage. We encourage families to actively monitor students' online activities and implement appropriate safeguards.

Together, we continue building a community that celebrates diversity, promotes respect, and prepares our students for responsible digital citizenship.

With appreciation,

Sapna Hopkins

Join us in recognizing our outstanding counseling team during National Counseling Week (February 3-7). Mrs. McKibben, Mrs. Whited, Mr. Alessi, Mr. Heflin, Mrs. Zlotnik, and Mrs. Hill work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our students, staff, and the entire school community. Their compassionate approach and unwavering dedication make a profound difference at Tilden Middle School every day. Please take a moment to thank our counselors.

While we're highlighting their contributions during National Counseling Week, we celebrate and appreciate their impact throughout the entire year!

In basketball news, the Boys basketball team posted two wins. Tilden Boys Basketball were victorious over league rival North Bethesda. They won the game 33 - 24. Also, they beat Westland MS this week. Tilden Boys defeated Westland 30 to 20. Tilden Boys basketball improved their record to 3 WINS and zero losses.

The Girls Basketball team narrowly lost by one point in overtime against league rival North Bethesda MS. The overtime score was 28 to 29. Additionally, the Girls team fought hard against Westland MS. Unfortunately, they lost to Westland MS 29 to 18. They currently stand at 1 WIN and 2 losses. The next HOME game is Girls Basketball against Hoover MS on Wednesday, February 12th, at 3:30PM.

Go Timberwolves!!

The planning for the 8th-grade end-of-year activities has already begun, thanks to the 8th-grade team and parent/caregiver volunteers. Please save the following dates. As and when more details become available, we will share with the students and families. Thank you in advance for your patience!!

• The 8th-grade field trip to Dave and Buster’s is scheduled for June 5, 2025.
• The Promotion Ceremony will take place at Walter Johnson High School on June 10, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm
• The school dance is scheduled for June 11, 2025 and will be held in the school cafeteria.

For questions, please contact the 8th-grade administrator, Mrs. Dixon-Settles at Teresa_A_Dixon-Settles@mcpsmd.org

Born in: Adelaide, South Australia

Languages I speak: English

Subject I Teach: Math 6, Math 7 & Math 8

College/University: University of South Australia

Schools Attended: 7th grade - St. Mary Magdalene’s

Favorite ice cream flavor: Peanut Butter Cup

Favorite candy: Twin Snakes or Swedish Fish

Favorite colors: Purple & Teal

Why I am an educator: To help you learn skills that will encourage you to be a lifelong learner!

We are excited to share that Tilden MS will be participating in the MoCo Black History 365 Knowledge Bowl this February. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about the rich history and accomplishments of people from the African diaspora, and to celebrate that Black History is American History.

The Knowledge Bowl will take place on Saturday, March 01, at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring, MD, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Twelve Montgomery County Maryland Middle Schools will compete, with each team consisting of three players and one alternate. This is open to ALL grade levels.

Ms. Ananya Bernardo, Social Studies and Science teacher, is leading Tilden's preparation for this competition. Please let Ms. Bernardo (Room 3034) know if you would like to participate by Friday, January 31. Please use this form to express your interest:https://forms.gle/cSF8CW7siuAcezxTA

The team will meet after school on Thursdays throughout February to prepare for the event.

Let's get excited about this chance to celebrate Black History and make connections to our shared American history!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ananya Bernardo at Ananya_C_Bernardo@mcpsmd.org.

• February 3: No Place for Hate Committee Meeting (During AST)
• February 3-5: Session 3 ODE Trip for 6th Graders
• February 6: Report Card Distribution
• February 7: Winter MAP Growth Certificates (distributed during 1st Period)
• February 11: Tilden Parent/Caregiver Workgroup Meeting at 7pm
• February 12: Girls Basketball vs Herbert Hoover MS at 3:15pm
• February 12 - 14: 7th Grade Finance Park Field Trip
• February 17: Presidents' Day (No School for Students)
• February 19: Boys Basketball vs Wood MS at 3:15pm
• February 25: No Place for Hate Committee Meeting (During AST)
• February 27: Student MD Survey (Modified Bell Schedule)
• February 28: Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal at 12:30pm)

As promised, the PTA is ready to share how we plan to honor Barb McGolrick, a cherished member of our Luxmanor family and community. Barb touched so many lives with her warmth, creativity, and generosity, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

While we all knew her as the woman who made Luxmanor run, we wanted to share some other facts about Barb that you may not have known. Barb had a profound love of flowers, and her favorite was the Black-eyed Susan—a perfect symbol of her vibrant and cheerful spirit. She expressed her creativity through crafting, whether it was with her intricate cross-stitch projects or the beautiful handmade greeting cards she lovingly made using her Stamp-It supplies.

As one of eight children, Barb grew up surrounded by family, and she carried that love of connection into her own life. She and her husband, Mike, shared an incredible bond and would have celebrated 43 years of marriage this year. Together, they raised two sons, who fondly remember earning their service learning hours by helping run bingo at their church—one of Barb’s favorite pastimes.

Barb’s legacy is one of love, family, and dedication. She gave over 20 years to Luxmanor Elementary, where she was lovingly known as "Mama Lux." Her kindness, laughter, and unwavering support for students, staff, and families made her a cornerstone of our community.

In Barb’s honor, we have decided to cancel the silent auction planned for this year and replace it with a Family Bingo Night—an event Barb frequently attended and enjoyed with so many of us. Additionally, we are proud to announce plans for a mural at Luxmanor that will commemorate Barb’s memory and her lasting impact on our community.

Families who wish to contribute to the mural project are welcome to make a donation. This mural will be a tribute to Barb’s love, creativity, and commitment to the Luxmanor community—a beautiful reminder of the light she brought into our lives.

We will always remember Barb for the joy she brought to every room she entered and the countless ways she made our community brighter. May her memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

With heartfelt sympathy,

The Luxmanor PTA Board of Directors

Parent Academy To Go Winter 25 is designed to inform and empower families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career-ready. Through a variety of learning opportunities hosted by MCPS staff and community partners, we hope to strengthen our engagement with families and the community. We recognize that behind every successful student are supportive families, teachers, school staff and community members who take an active role in educating our students.

Did you notice there’s no school on Jan. 29? Wondering how to keep your kid busy? Read on …

We hope your child will join us for the Third Annual Walter Johnson Basketball Clinic on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 (an MCPS professional day)! Participants in 3rd through 8th grades will sharpen their skills in a clinic led by WJ varsity and JV girls and boys basketball players. The day will include drills, scrimmages, and even a chance to compete against current Wildcat players. If your child plays in the county rec league, please share this with all of your team families!

The clinic will be held in the Walter Johnson High School main gym (6400 Rock Spring Dr., Bethesda, Md. 20814). The morning session (8:30 to 11:30 a.m.) will be for players in 3rd through 5th grade. The afternoon session (12 to 3 p.m.) will be for players in 6th through 8th grade.

The clinic fee is $60 per player, and all proceeds benefit the WJHS Boys and Girls Basketball Programs to help fund uniforms, equipment, and other program expenses. All tickets will be sold through gofan- https://gofan.co/event/2460881?schoolId=MD24855.

Please do not use the ticket until that morning at registration.

• FAQ
• Liability Waiver – Please bring with you on the day of the Event.

We are looking forward to working with all players (and hopefully lots of future Wildcats!). Questions? Contact Chris Donlon or Kevin Parrish at Christopher_Donlon@mcpsmd.org and Kevin_M_Parrish@mcpsmd.org.

Our last donation date is coming up! Please help make our used book sale a success by dropping off gently used books, video games, and DVDs. All proceeds will go to the Walter Johnson all school Booster Club.

The last drop off date will be:

*Saturday, February 8th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Walter Johnson Cafeteria in the back of the school.

**Donations are also accepted during school hours at the WJ Loading Dock (at the rear of the school).

PLEASE DONATE: Most books (including recent test-prep and children's books), video games, and DVDs

DO NOT DONATE: dictionaries, textbooks, CDs, VHS tapes, toys and games

We need your support to come and buy books! We will have thousands of adult and children’s books in good condition!

**BOOK SALE DATES:: **

● Saturday, March 1: 9 am - 4 pm

● Sunday, March 2: 9 am - 3 pm

Email WJUsedBookSale@gmail.com with any questions