Welcome to Takoma Park

Middle School

Transportation

● Bus transportation is provided on a central stop system

● Morning transfer at Eastern MS● Afternoon transfer at Blair HS● Activity buses Tues, Wed, Thurs

Registration

● Go to bit.ly/TakomaResponse to accept or decline your invitation

● After Feb 7, you will get an email from me about how to choose elective classes

Registration

● All student take…○ Magnet Math, Science, Computer Science○ Advanced English, Global Humanities

(social studies)○ Phys Ed/Health

● Two periods for electives● See course bulletin on TPMS website

Welcome to Magnet Math!

Sarah Manchester8th Grade Magnet Math Teacher

Mathcounts Coach

What is so great about the TPMS magnet math program?

■ Teachers■ Curriculum■ Extracurriculars■ Peer Group

Who are the magnet math teachers?

■ Experienced at teaching highly able students

■ Content experts

■ Passionate about subject

What is the magnet math sequence at TPMS?

■ Magnet Investigations into Math■ Magnet Algebra■ Magnet Geometry

Challenging, collaborative, interdisciplinary, fun!

Magnet Investigations into Math

■ Set Theory■ Number Theory■ Number Relationships■ Operational Systems■ Language of Algebra■ Relations & Functions■ Probability & Statistics■ Geometry

Magnet Algebra

■ Sets, Operations, & Math Systems■ Mappings, Relations, & Functions■ Data Analysis■ Linear, Quadratic, & Exponential

Functions■ Polynomial & Rational Expressions■ Solving Equations & Inequalities■ Systems of Equations

Magnet Geometry

■ Mathematical Reasoning & Proof■ Geometric Figures in 2 and 3

Dimensions■ Similarity & Congruence■ Trigonometry■ Axiomatic System■ History & Art

What are some enrichment & extracurricular math opportunities?

■ MCPS Math League■ Sigma Math League■ American Mathematics Competitions■ Purple Comet Online Contest■ Maryland Math League■ Math Olympiad■ High School Math League■ MathCounts… AND MORE!

Who are TPMS magnet students?

■ Hard-working■ Quick learners■ Curious■ Engaged■ Learn from & teach each other■ Eager to share, discuss, & debate

mathematical ideas■ The BEST reason to come to TPMS!

Magnet Science Program at

Takoma Park MSChoose Takoma!

Teachers

Grade 6: Ms. Rebecca Epling also Science RTGrade 7: Mr. Bryan GoehringGrade 8: Mr. Evan Porch

Grade 6 UnitsUnit 1: Matter and It’s Interactions

Principles Atomic and Molecular StructureProperties of Matters

Unit 2: Ecosystem InteractionsGrowth and Development of OrganismsInterdependence and Organization of Organisms

Unit 3: Earth’s Resources and Human ImpactBiodiversity and AdaptationsHuman impact on the environment and Natural Resources

Unit 4: Energy and WavesMotion and StabilityEnergy – forms and transformationWaves (Energy) and its applications

Grade 7: Life SciencesUnit 1: Characteristics of of Life Unit 2: Principles in Biochemistry and Organic Chem.Unit 3: Cell Anatomy and Physiology▪ Cell structure and function▪ Cell cycle and Cancer aUnit 4: Genetics▪ Basic Mendelian and non-Mendelian Genetics▪ Population Genetics▪ Chromosomal constructionUnit 5: Human Anatomy and PhysiologyUnit 6: Forensic Science/ Biotechnology▪ Analyses of physical evidence as well as witness testimony▪ Scene reconstruction

Grade 8: Earth/Space ScienceUnit 1: Meteorology ▪ Predicting Weather▪ Understanding ClimateUnit 2: Geology▪ Processes that change the Earth▪ Materials that compose the Earth▪ Earth’s HistoryUnit 3: Physics▪ Kinematics, Dynamics, & ConservationUnit 4: Astronomy▪ Understanding the Solar System▪ Stellar Evolution▪ Cosmic Scale Objects

Grade 8: Earth/Space ScienceUnit 1: Meteorology ▪ Predicting Weather▪ Understanding ClimateUnit 2: Geology▪ Processes that change the Earth▪ Materials that compose the Earth▪ Earth’s HistoryUnit 3: Physics▪ Kinematics, Dynamics, & ConservationUnit 4: Astronomy▪ Understanding the Solar System▪ Stellar Evolution▪ Cosmic Scale Objects

But How Are We Different?

Why Choose Takoma?

Robust and Advanced Curriculum

Much of the material is at the AP Level

Increased Integration and Application of

Technology and Mathematics

Increased Student Debate and

Discourse with respect to authentic and current issues

Development of Technical Writing

and Advanced Research Skills Through STEM

Projects

We Go Beyond the Classroom to help student develop

skills in Leadership

and Citizenship

Enrichment Opportunities▪ STEM Night (Largest Middle School STEM Night) This year is it Friday, April 12 from 5:30 -9:00 pm▪ Science Fair: Four Broadcom Semi-Finalists and

two finalists in last six years ▪ Science Bowl (Ranked in the top 16 in nation 12 out

of past 14 years) TPMS was ranked 2nd on two occasions and in the top 5 on six occasions

▪ STEM Club▪ Other Special Programs

Difference Makers – Student Run Leadership and Service Organization (www.difference-makers.org)Largest middle school after-school program in the county

Choose Takoma!

It is Truly A Special Place!

Computer Science Teachers6th Grade - Ms. Stender

7th Grade - Mr. Moses

8th Grade - Ms. Wu

6th grade - Ms. Stender

Ms. Stender is a former civil engineer and Air Force RED HORSE officer. She has 13 years teaching experience in math, engineering and computer science. This is her first year at Takoma Park.

7th grade - Mr. Moses

● Mr. Moses is a mechanical engineering graduate now in his first year of teaching.

● He has extensive programming experience with experience in a dozen different programming languages.

8th grade - Ms. Wu

Mrs. Wu had 15 years experience in IT field… and 13+ years w/ Verizon

This is her 17th year teaching and coaching the American Computer Science League (ACSL) teams in the Takoma Park

We believe…

● Each of your children is special in a unique way

● The pursuit of excellence is fundamental and unending

● Our purpose here is to help them to find and develop their talent

6th Grade – Computer Science ● CS Human and Computers Interaction

○ Hardware Concepts

○ Software Concepts

○ Keyboarding

○ Google Docs and Sites

○ Current Events in Technology

● Problem Solving

○ Problem Solving Process

○ Minimal Spanning Trees

○ Binary Notation

○ Culminating Project

● Programming

○ Scratch

○ Intro to Python

■ Input/Output

■ Variables

■ Loops

● Data Analyses

○ Google Sheets

○ GIS

● Robotics

○ Python based intro to robotics

7th Grade – Computer Science● Python

○ Intro to programming

○ Conditions, loops

○ Manipulating strings, arrays, dictionaries

○ Functions

● Processing

○ Translating knowledge into a new language

○ Creating and manipulating graphics elements

○ Preparation for Arduino

8th Grade – Computer Science

● HTML ○ History and Intro

○ Website Design

● Programming Languages:○ Python○ Scratch / Block-Object programming○ JavaScript / Scripting programming

● Final Project:○ Design a game or website

8th Grade – Computer Science● Participate American Computer Science

League Competition○ Fundamental Computer Topics:

■ Number System■ Recursive■ Bit-String-Flicking■ Prefix, infix, postfix notations■ Boolean■ Graph Theory■ Digital Electronics■ Data Structure

Look forward to working with

You & Your Child

in

Takoma Park Middle School

ENGLISHTakoma Park Middle School

James D. GoldsmithStaff Development Teacher English Resource Teacher

James_D_Goldsmith@mcpsmd.org

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1.Studying

Writer’s CraftLiterary Analysis & Writing

Studying the Craft of Great Authors

Such As . . .

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Ben Mikaelsen

Lois Lowry

Farah Ahmedi

Mildred Taylor

Walter Dean Myers

Rameck Hunt

Ernesto Galarza

Alan Gratz

Sixth Grade

Hatchet

A Wrinkle in Time

Walk Two Moons

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

The Lightning Thief

Hoot

I Am Malala

Freedom Walkers

The Story of My Life

The Miracle Worker

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery

Touching Spirit Bear

Seventh Grade

Star Girl

The Jungle Book

Tangerine

Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy

We Beat the Street

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Barrio Boy

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

The Hunger Games

The Other Side of the Sky

The Giver

Hidden Figures

Eighth Grade

Monster

Ten Days in a Mad-House

The Outsiders

Inside Out & Back Again

A Night to Remember

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave

Across Five Aprils

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Refugee

The Dark is Rising

The War of the Worlds

Delving into Great Literature!

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2.Writing FocusAnalytical & Creative

“The art of writing is the art of discovering

what you believe.

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~ Gustave Flaubert

Written Literary Analysis - Character Development - Author’s Tone, Purpose, & Style - Influence of Setting on Plot & Character

Expository Writing - Personal Essay - Persuasive Letter / Speech - Research-Based Argument - Explanatory Essay

Creative Writing - Poetry - Short Stories - Research-Based Character Development & Narrative - Personal Narrative - Character Creation & Development - Literature Extension / Fan Fiction

Writing in the Curricula

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3.Extension

Literary, Writing, & Performance Opportunities

The Art of Writing

(Grades 7 & 8)This class focuses on the art of writing, revising, editing, and

publishing written work. It also focuses on improving the

technical and creative sides of writing and composition.

Students will study writing from various genres and analyze what

makes excellent and engaging writing.

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Going Above and Beyond!

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Creative Writing Club

Drama Club

Dramatic Arts Festival

TPMS Musicals

Scripps Spelling Bee

Scholastic Arts & Writing Contest

MCPL Mosaic Writing Contest

Global Humanities atTakoma Park

Deirdre LettSocial Studies RT

A rigorous Social Studies course designed for the highly able students...

● Accelerated version of middle school Social Studies

● Taps into students’ natural curiosity and creativity

● Provide increased opportunities for higher level thinking and in-depth discussion and reflection

● Connect course concepts to modern issues and real-world problems and ethical questions

● Focused on historical thinking skills and advanced writing skills

What is Global Humanities?

6th Grade Extensions

● Each unit has an extended DBQ (document based essay question) writing assignment

● Units 1 and 3 have a literature connection / novel study

● UPFRONT magazine-- authentic real world topics

● Year-long Model UN research culminating in Model UN Simulation during Unit 4

7th Grade Extensions● Each unit has a mandatory

extended writing; most are from the DBQ mini-Q binder

● The Silver People novel is the literature connection / novel study during first semester

● ICONS-- Diplomacy Simulation Activities through the Univ. of MD

● Year-long History Day research project

Enrichment Opportunities

● Model United Nations● History Day● Geography Bee

World Languages Options for 6th Graders at TPMS

Lara FinkleaResource Teacher, World Languages

Should my 6th grader take a World Language?

Points to consider…

● Research shows that the “critical age” for learning a second language is under 12.

● Learning a second language improves memory, concentration, problem solving, critical thinking and listening skills.

● Sixth grade Magnet students taking world language at TPMS are generally very successful.

Should my 6th grader take a World Language?

More points to consider…

● Most colleges want more than the minimum of 2 years of a language required by MCPS. Students can achieve level 3 by 8th grade and continue in high school.

● Students who are successful on AP or IB tests achieve the Seal of Biliteracy on their HS diploma. This can distinguish them from other college applicants!

Why is Takoma a great place to take Spanish or French?

● dedicated and experienced teachers● talented and motivated peer group● 8-period schedule allows students to take a language class as well as another

elective● TPMS World Languages teachers organize trips to target language countries

every year.

High School Courses

● Students receive high school credit for WL courses since it is the same curriculum.

● Grades can be included in high school GPA if families choose

French or Spanish?

6th graders may only take level 1

1a full year vs1ab?

other non-language elective?

How do we decide which class to take?

French or Spanish 1a/b (high school pace)This course is the same as French/Spanish 1a/b taken in high school. This is a good choice for students who...● are very motivated to learn the language● have good study skills (are willing to practice every night, are organized, have

good time management skills● learn quickly

Most magnet students should take 1a/b!

French or Spanish 1a FY (slow pace)This course is the first semester of French/Spanish. 1a FY students will take 1b FY the next year. This is a good choice for students who…● are motivated to learn the language but are nervous about the workload in

middle school● may not have great organizational skills but are willing to learn to manage their

time and study● earned mostly Bs and Cs in elementary school

Most magnet students will find the pace of this class too slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a student take both French and Spanish? YES

Can a student take 2 non-language electives? YES

What if my child has prior experience with the language? It depends on their proficiency level. Contact Lara Finklea for more information (or find me after tonight’s meeting).

lara_e_finklea@mcpsmd.org

Thanks for coming tonight!

Hope to see you in the fall!

Full Year Arts Electives

● Band 6● Orchestra

○ Intermediate○ Advanced

● Chorus

Semester Electives

● Art● Family & Consumer Sciences● General Music● TV Studio● Theater● Imagineering Tech● Horticulture● Coding & Robotics

Questions

?scott_degasperis@mcpsmd.org