Takoma Park Middle School

Why we chose TPMS…

Extremely positive experience as a teacher.

Great reputationDiverse community

Takoma Park Economic Statistics

Takoma Park

Maryland U.S.

Median household income

$48,490 $57,019 $41, 994

Median home price

$189,200 $146,000 $119,600

% of people living in poverty

9.2% 8.5% 12.4%

Unemployment 24.9% 4.7% 5.8%

http://factfinder.census.gov

Takoma Park City Budget Revenues are up $4.2 million from 2009

FY09. An increase in the

value of homes and commercial properties has led to more tax collected on them.

Housing prices are higher than last year.

The tax rate will remain at 60.5 cents per $100 of assessed value.

www.takomaparkmd.gov

Takoma Park City Budget 53.6% of the

general fund comes from property taxes.

Day to day operational activities such as police protection, snow removal, and general administration.

Takoma Park City Budget Expenditures are up 3.

6 million from FY09. 3.1 % increase in

employee compensation

11 percent increase in the cost of employee health insurance.

Increased expenditures to the police employees’ retirement plan as it carries a high rate of disability awards.

Takoma Park City Budget Majority of

expenditures are going to the police.

The second highest percentage of funding is going to construction, maintenance and repair of storm drains, inlets, channels, and ditches.

Economic Plans for Growth

To avoid excessive borrowing debate has occurring over dipping into the reserve funds.

No additional staff positions have been accepted or proposed.

Will lobby to receive stimulus money for bridge repair.

Reduced state highway user revenues by $57,000.

Want to try and reduce the increase in employee health insurance.

Revenue = 26.9 million Expenditures = 28.3 million

Deficit = 1.4 million

Social Characteristics

Liberal, diverse (economic, racial, ethic, religious, sexual orientation)

 'Tree-City USA' Takoma Park Co-op Takoma Records

Local Religions and Organizations

Seventh Day Adventist Seekers Church  Mar Thoma Church UniversalistsTakoma Park Theatre ConservancyMain Street TakomaTakoma Park Recreation Center

  

Colleges and Community Events

Columbia Union College  Montgomery County Community

CollegeSunday farmer's market  Takoma Park Folk Festival, Takoma

Jazz Fest, Takoma Park Street Festival, Takoma Park Fourth of July Parade

Political factors

City Council functions and vision

Politcal Party affiliations of residents

Educatational Conditions

Educational background of residents

 Takoma Park Cluster Schools

  High Schools (Choice: IB programs at Blair/Richard Montgomery, Academy Programs, CAP Program at Blair, Tech schools)

Educational Conditions

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org

Northwood HS

Montgomery Blair HS

John F. Kennedy HS

Albert Einstein HS

Wheaton HS

Graduation Rate

88.8 % 84.5 % 84.8 % 81.2 % 78.2 %

Drop Out Rate

4.4 % 3.4 % 4.1 % 3.7 % 4.3 %

FARMS 58.4 % 51.7 % 69.3 % 67 % 81.4 % ESOL 8.0 % 9.3 % 9.5 % 10.6 % 15.5 % SPED 14.4 % 6.1 % 12.4 % 13.9 % 9.9 %

Northwood HS

Montgomery Blair HS

John F. Kennedy HS

Albert Einstein HS

Wheaton HS

Enrollment 1,323 2,681 1,552 1,570 1,320 Afr. American

34.6 % 29.1 % 42.8 % 22.9 % 21.9 %

Am. Indian .3 % .1 % .1 % .3 % .1 % Asian 6.3 % 18.6 % 10. 9 % 10.8 % 11.1 % Hispanic 34.3 % 26.4 % 35.8 % 43.9 % 56.6 % White 24.5 % 25.8 % 10.4 % 22.2 % 10.3 %

Educational Conditions

Takoma Park Maryland United States

High School

Graduates

85.1 % 83.8 % 80.4 %

Bachelor Degree or

Higher

49.6 % 31.4 % 24.4 %

http://factfinder.census.gov

Overview of Takoma Park MS

Science/Math/Computer Science Magnet School since 1983

 ESOL METS programWas grades 7-9 until 1983, 7 and 8, and

1996 became 6-8Facilities- Renovated 2002

Staff Responsibilities and Efforts

TeamsDepartmentsAdministrative/ CounselingAll staff efforts         

Student Life

Demographic of Student BodyCurriculum (Follows MCPS curriculum)Assessment/ Student AchievementMSA results/MAP-R resultsExtra-curricular ActivitiesStudent perspective 

Analysis: Connections between Community and School

 Volunteer/ Fundraiser OpportunitiesGreen school Community Events at the schoolSocial ServicesParental connection

Changing CommunityImmigration trends in the 70s-90s resulted

in a more ethnically diverse community though gentrification has priced some immigrants out more recently (rezoning laws)

Magnet status improved school reputation and attracted more funding since 1983

Redistricting of Takoma Park in 1997 to include former PG Takoma Park.

Changing Community and Leadership

Consistent positive leadership has provided optimum results within this changing environment. “Leadership has determined the culture of the school.” S. Levine

Teachers interview and are a part of the hiring process which engenders a sense of responsibility and accountability.

Changing Community and Outreach

Students, teachers, and parents feel that they have a stake in the school which is reflective of the activisim in the community.

Activism is local as well as global which is seen in the school through their outreach activities (Hats for Haiti, Turkey Trot, Breast Cancer Awareness Run)

Principal very receptive to the outside community to initiate new opportunities for school and community which is again reflective of strong, open leadership.