Timberwolf Connection

Dear Tilden Community,

What an exceptional season of achievement! Our school has earned 4 out of 5 stars on the 2023-24 School Report Card, improving from last year's 3 stars. This advancement shows in our academic achievement, steady progress, and enhanced English Language Proficiency outcomes. Your dedication makes this growth possible.

Our Math department brought learning to life through Tilden's first IXL Challenge Thanksgiving Tournament, expertly organized by Mrs. Miller, our Math Content Specialist. IXL, a comprehensive K-12 learning platform supporting math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish, became the stage for friendly class competition. The results were remarkable: students answered 187,812 questions across 577 practice hours, with one determined 8th grader in Honors Geometry completing 3,466 questions in just over 3 hours! Congratulations to our winning classes and their teachers on their cookie party celebrations, and special thanks to Kelly and the entire Math department for fostering such enthusiasm.

Our recent Parent/Caregiver-Teacher Conferences marked another milestone of success. Through the dedicated efforts of Mrs. Levy (6th grade administrator), our grade-level counselors, team leaders, and administrative team, we conducted a record 36 team conferences for students needing additional support. The impact was clear: 92% of caregivers felt welcomed and supported, with teachers prepared to discuss specific strategies for student success. Staff feedback was equally positive, with 93% appreciating the team conference approach. Special recognition goes to Mrs. Levy for her leadership in coordinating these meaningful connections between home and school.

These achievements reflect our community's commitment to excellence through partnership. Each student's effort, every teacher's dedication, and all families' engagement make Tilden a place where learning thrives.

With appreciation,

Sapna Hopkins

We're taking important steps to strengthen our partnership with families through Scholastic's Family Engagement Survey (FEA). Research consistently shows that engaged families lead to successful students - from better grades and attendance to more positive attitudes toward learning. Through this assessment, we'll examine how welcoming our school is, both in our physical space and in our interactions. We'll evaluate our communication methods, information sharing, and family participation opportunities. Your perspective is valuable, and I encourage you to complete the Family Engagement Survey to help us enhance how we serve our Tilden community.

Dear Tilden Middle School Families of Rising 7th and 8th Grade Students,

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the school’s leadership team will be hosting a virtual event, Curriculum Night for the rising 7th (current 6th) grade and rising 8th (current 7th) grade students. It will be held via Zoom from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The slide-deck and the catalog of course offerings will be posted on our website on December 18 for reference if you miss the event.

This kick-off event marks the beginning of the scheduling process for your student! We will be sharing important information regarding scheduling, core subjects, elective course selection, and essential information for students and caregivers for next year’s classes!

Please plan to join us via Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. There is a flier below with this information for your reference.

Please see the information about the Zoom link and passcode below:

• Link: https://bit.ly/TMSRising7-8

• Passcode: TildenMS

For questions, please contact Mr. Courtot at Richard_J_CourtotIII@mcpsmd.org or Jackie McKibben at Jacklyn_M_Mitchell@mcpsmd.org

We look forward to seeing you there!

6th grade families, Outdoor Education is coming! On Monday, Dec. 9, all students will receive an information packet and permission slip for Outdoor Education from their Science teacher. They must return the permission slip and payment of $90 via cash, check, or using School Cash Online by Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 to participate in this wonderful opportunity.

We appreciate the efforts of Mr. Poje and Ms. Giganti, Outdoor Education Coordinators, who did a wonderful job compiling all the questions from the parent meeting held on November 20 about Outdoor Education (ODE) field trip for 6th grade families to create a FAQ filled with useful information. Please see the resource HERE.

Below is the schedule for the ODE trip for 6th graders:

• Session 1: Jan. 13-15: Ms. Brown’s science classes
• Session 2: Jan. 15-17: Ms. Golando’s science classes (periods 1, 2, 4, & 7)
• Session 3: Jan. 22-24: Ms. Golando’s class (period 6) Ms. Bernardo and Ms. Hernandez’s science classes

Please direct any additional questions to the coordinators Mr. Tristan Poje (Tristan_p_poje@mcpsmd.org) or Ms. Kirstin Giganti (Kirstin_giganti@mcpsmd.org).

Math 6+: Students are continuing their work on Unit 3: Fractions and Decimals and will continue to explore the impact of numerator and denominator sizes on fraction division, compute with fractions and multi-digit numbers, solve real-world problems involving fractional lengths, areas, and volumes, and use efficient algorithms for arithmetic operations with whole numbers and decimals. Students will complete the District Assessment on Unit 3 before Winter Break.

Math 7+( for 6th grade): Students will complete the work on Unit 3: Writing and Solving Equations and will begin working on Unit 4: Inequalities, Expressions and Equations. In this unit, students build on prior knowledge of solving linear equations, including forms like px + q = r and p(x + q) = r . They solve linear inequalities in one variable, represent solutions symbolically and on a number line, and understand terms like "less than or equal to" and "greater than or equal to." Students also work with linear equations where the variable appears on both sides and explore cases with no solutions, one solution, or infinitely many solutions, interpreting solutions in context. Additionally, they generate equivalent expressions for given numerical or linear expressions.

Math 7: Students are beginning Unit 5: Rational Number Arithmetic. In this unit, students explore signed numbers (positive and negative rational numbers) and their operations in real-world contexts, such as temperature, elevation, and velocity. They use tools like tables, number lines, and coordinate planes to represent sums, differences, and changes. Students compute operations with signed numbers and interpret their meaning in context, becoming more fluent in expressing relationships through different equations. They also analyze proportional relationships involving constant speed, using multiplication and division to model and interpret positive and negative velocities.

Math 7+: Students are beginning Unit 4: Inequalities, Expressions and Equations. In this unit, students build on prior knowledge of solving linear equations, including forms like px + q = r and p(x + q) = r . They solve linear inequalities in one variable, represent solutions symbolically and on a number line, and understand terms like "less than or equal to" and "greater than or equal to." Students also work with linear equations where the variable appears on both sides and explore cases with no solutions, one solution, or infinitely many solutions, interpreting solutions in context. Additionally, they generate equivalent expressions for given numerical or linear expressions.

Math 8: Students are beginning Unit 4: Linear Equations and Linear Systems. In this unit, students write and solve linear equations in one variable, including cases with variables on both sides of the equation and those with no solutions, one solution, or infinitely many solutions. They interpret solutions in the context of the problems. Students also work with systems of linear equations in two variables, understanding that a solution satisfies all equations in the system and corresponds to the point where the graphs of the equations intersect. They learn key terms like "system of equations," "solution of the system," and classifications of solutions (none, one, or infinitely many).

Algebra 1: Students will finish up their work on Unit 4: Functions and take their District Assessment. They will then begin working on Unit 5: Exponential Functions in which they explore exponential relationships, characterized by a constant quotient over equal intervals, and compare them to linear relationships, which have a constant difference. They analyze contexts involving exponential change using verbal descriptions, tables, and graphs, constructing and applying equations to model and solve problems. Students learn that increasing exponential functions eventually surpass increasing linear functions for the same input. They also study exponential functions as mathematical objects, using function notation and terminology, and examine how parameters a and b affect the graph of f(x) = ab^x . Real-world contexts, such as loans and savings, are used to deepen understanding.

Hons. Geometry: Students will begin Unit 3: Similarity in which they use dilations and rigid transformations to justify the triangle similarity theorems, building on their understanding of congruence and transformations. They demonstrate that triangles are similar by showing how a dilation followed by rigid motions maps one triangle onto another. The unit emphasizes both proving similarity and applying it to find unknown side lengths and angles. It also introduces concepts foundational to trigonometry, including the study of similar right triangles and applications like using indirect measurement to determine heights of objects.

6th Grade: Students will explore how the unequal heating of the Earth and the Coriolis Effect contribute to global wind patterns.

7th Grade: Students will be continuing the body systems journey to connect the cardiovascular system, immune, and respiratory systems to diagnose M’Kenna’s symptoms. We studied the digestive system in depth and will move on to see how the digestive system impacts the functioning of all the other body systems.

8th Grade: Students will begin our look at circuits and start modeling how electricity flows through a circuit. We will be building various circuits, looking at the difference between parallel and series, and finally making an electromagnet with our knowledge of the circuit.

All of Tilden will be taking the MAP-R on December 17th

6th Grade: Students will continue with the unit on relationships looking at poetry and short stories that continue this theme. Along with this will be work on figurative language and theme.

7th Grade: Students will continue reading poems and other texts that have messages about love and loss. In preparation for their Q2 EWP, we will be analyzing them and determining how the authors of these texts use figurative language to create or enhance these messages.

8th Grade: Students will be reading the novel, "The Outsiders." We will be focussing on characters and character development.

6th Grade has finished their unit on ecnomics and will begin to learn about ancient China. Students will learn about the dynasitc cycle and how each dynasty fit into that cycle. Students will learn about the three Chinese Philophies that controlled how the dynasties ruled China.

7th Grade students will learn about the Middle Ages and Feudialsim in Europe. Students will analyze how the Byzintine and Islamic empires were different than Feudialism. Finally students will focus on the Crusades (a series of wars fought over religion and land).

8th Grade will learn about the development of the US government. First they will learn about the Articles of Confederation and how difficult it was to pass laws because all states needed to ratify. Then they will learn about the Whiskey Rebellion which made the government realize they needed a new form of government. Finally students will focus on the Constitution and how the Federalist and Anti-Federalists both needed their sides met by adding the Bill of Rights.

** Sign up to volunteer for the 7th grade field trip to Finance Park Feb. 12-14. Mr. Hutchison's classes will attend on Feb. 12, Mr. Polley's classes will attend on Feb. 13, and Mrs. Neumann (Taplar)'s classes will attend on Feb. 14. We need 17 volunteers per day. Volunteers do not need to be parents of students in the class - all adults are invited to attend. Please sign up at https://jagw.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/jafpmc/

Let us WELCOME and CONGRATULATE our newest Staff Members and Head Coaches to our Tilden MS Athletics Program for After-School Sports.

Coach "T" will be leading our Girls Basketball program. A graduate of Norfolk State University, with a B.A., in Sociology. Also, she has earned a MA in Criminal Justice. Coach "T" first started coaching at Norfolk State University. As the Intramural Facilitator, she was responsible for organizing all the intramural activities on-campus. After leaving the Norfolk area she settled into Montgomery County and became an active coach for girls basketball in the Montgomery County Recreation Programs.

Coach Andrew Eisenberg is a graduate of Georgetown University, Cum Laude, and U of M School of Law. He served as an Assistant State Attorney and has a successful private law practice in Potomac. In giving back to his community, Coach Eisenberg previously served as Asst. JV Coach at Northwestern HS, Asst. Varsity Coach at Walt Whitman HS while securing Montgomery County 4A West Division Regular Season Championship. Most recently he was the head coach for Hoover MS during the 2020 - 2022 season.

All students are invited to learn more about the US government through a program called Kids and Government. It will explore the branches of government each Thursday in December from 3:20pm - 4:20pm. All are welcome to attend these sessions in room 2014. Mr. McKee and students from WJ high school will run each session. For additional information please see the links below.

• Google Form LinkLinks to an external site.

• December 6 & 7: Tilden's Fall/Winter Show at 7pm
• December 12: Student Voice Forum Grade 6
• December 13: Student Voice Forum Grades 7 and 8
• December 13 & 14: Tilden's Fall/Winter Show at 7pm
• December 17: Winter MAP-R Assessment (Grades 6 - 8)
• December 18: Instrumental Concert at Walter Johnson HS
• December 19: Choral Concert at Walter Johnson HS
• December 20: Student vs. Staff Volleyball Jamboree
• December 23 - January 1: Winter Break (No School for Students)
• January 2: First Day of School after Winter Break

• Effective December 4, 2024, MCPS will be disabling and collecting older Acer model Chromebooks because they have reached end-of-life and should no longer be in use. The models being retired include the Acer C720, C740, C738, and C771. These Acer devices are currently being used in limited settings, including for home use and to run kiosks or signage in schools. Students currently using one of the listed Acer Chromebook models should return their device to your school’s ITSS. Students who need a device for home use can submit a request for a new device by completing the Home Use form. To avoid a disruption in access to a device while at home, students should complete the form prior to devices being disabled on December 4, 2024. Students currently using an Acer model listed above will receive communication about this information and how to request a device for home use if needed.