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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
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
45
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).
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
