Tarpon Springs Middle School Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2017 Volume 2 • Issue 4

TARPON SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL501 N FLORIDA AVE.

TARPON SPRINGS, FL 34689 | (727) 943-5511

TARPON MIDDLEADMINISTRATION TEAM

Raquel GilesPrincipal

Mr. Eric Leopold6th Grade Administrator

Ms. Tanya King7th Grade AdministratorMrs. Felicia Moline8th Grade Administrator

Mrs. Allison (Linstrum) Rice6th Grade Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Elena Kharina-Sampson7th Grade Guidance Counselor

Ms. Laura Burge8th Grade Guidance Counselor

Vision: Learning Gains for Every Student, Every Day

Mission: We will provide challenging learning experiences so all students are inspired to enhance our school community through character development and creativity.

We will accomplish this mission through our core values:CREATE: We will use our imagination and ingenuity to bring

the students’ education to life in ways they will always remember.

INSPIRE: We will create classrooms that excite, motivate and prepare students to be lifelong learners

LEAD: We will guide them in developing skills needed to survive and thrive in education, career and life.

For the parents, students, and community supporters of

TARPON SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL

P R I D E

T H E

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGEDear Spartan Families, As we enter into November and the holiday season is upon us, let us take a moment to reflect on how thankful we are for all that we have. Please know that I am truly thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community and to join with you in the success of our “Spartan Scholars”. We began this year with referring to our students as Spartan Scholars and our goal in this is to place an emphasis on “Growth Mindset” and getting our students to believe that intelligence can be learned. Carol Dweck, Stanford University Professor of Psychology, defines Growth Mindset as “The belief that with practice, perseverance and effort, people have LIMITLESS potential to learn and grow.” As such, after the pledge of allegiance, students are asked to recite The Spartan Scholar Pledge.

I am a Spartan ScholarI choose to make an “investment” in me todayI know that my future is shaped by the decisions that I make today and that my actions impact others,Therefore, I choose to make right choices for me, for my teachers, my fellow classmates and my school community.Great things are happening at Tarpon Middle because I am here and I choose to make a positive impact on my school community.I am a Spartan Scholar.

I am a firm believer that thinking governs behavior and therefore, if we can change the students’ thinking and get them to believe they are capable of much more, they will rise to the level of those expectations. I do believe that great things are happening at Tarpon Springs Middle and I appreciate your confidence in our ability to educate your scholars. As always, my door is always open.

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STUDENT CALENDAR 2017-2018Aug. 10 - First Day of School.Sept. 4 - Labor Day Holiday – School and district offices closedOct. 13 -End of first quarter.Oct. 16- Hurricane make- up day.Oct. 27- Report CardsNov. 18 – Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Holiday week – No school for studentsDec. 22- End of first semester.Dec. 23 – Jan 7 – Winter Holidays- No School for studentsJan. 8 – Hurricane make- up day.Jan. 9 – Second semester begins.Jan. 15 – Martin Luther King Jr Holiday – No School for studentsFeb. 19 – No school for studentsMar. 9 – End of third quarterMar. 12 – Hurricane make-up day.Mar. 24 – April 1 – Spring Holidays – No school for studentsApril 2 – School reopen and classes resumeMay 24 – Last day for all students

Report Card Information for 2017- 2018 School YearEnd of Report Period: Report Distributed No Later:October 13, 2017 - Friday October 27, 2017 - FridayDecember 22, 2017 – Friday January 19, 2018- FridayMarch 9, 2018 - Friday March 23, 2018 - FridayMay 24, 2018 – Thursday June 1, 2018 – Friday

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWSCanned Food Drive Student Council will be holding their annual canned food drive from November 1 to November 17. Students will be collecting canned food and non-perishable food items in their first period class. Staff and community members may contribute items in the box located in the front office. All of the donations collected will be donated to the Tarpon Springs Shepherd Center. Please help us provide support and assist our local Tarpon Springs community. Together we can make a difference!

Hope for the Holidays The Tarpon Springs Middle School National Junior Society will be hosting their annual “Giving Tree” toy drive community service project. Honorary members will be creating gift tags recognizing students’ holiday wishes. Students, staff and community members may visit our Giving Tree from December 1 to December 22 in the front office. Once a selection is made, please drop it in the red bucket with the gift tag attached by Friday, December 22. All donations collected will be donated to Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs. Together we can fulfill all the children’s wishes.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDWe would like to congratulate our Principal Raquel P. Giles for her efforts in benefiting the Community of Tarpon Springs during Hurricane Irma. In recognition of outstanding leadership and service the City of Tarpon Springs, FL. On behalf of the American Legion Post 46 has awarded our Principal Raquel P. Giles the Citizen of the Year Award 2017. This award was presented by Edward L. Brad Commander2.

Tarpon Springs Middle School

DISCOVERY NIGHTThursday, November 16, 2017 6:00 P.M.

Come out and learn more about our programs and the great things happening in our school community. If you have questions about the Leadership Conservatory for the Arts- please contact Tanya King-Florio. The choice is yours! For more information about the application process, visit www.pcsb.org/choice or call (727) 588-6210.

3CHARACTER OF THE MONTHGreetings Spartans! When you have a moment, please be sure to congratulate our students below- who were the August and September recipients of outstanding character:

AUGUST CHARACTER KIDS WHO ARE RESPECTFUL- they treat themselves and others with courtesy and consideration

Elliot Fuller, grade 6, Lauren Holthaus, grade 7, Michael Jones, grade 7

SEPTEMBER CHARACTER KIDS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE- they do their best and take ownership for their words and actions

Natalie Arn, grade 6, Christina Romanski, grade 6, Elizabeth McCreary, grade 7

‘The Spartan Pride’November 2017 • Issue 4

Published Four Times Per YearTarpon Springs Middle SchoolPinellas County School Board

525 Pennsylvania Ave.Palm Harbor, FL 34683-5223

4GUIDANCE DEPARTMENTTips to Promote Social-Emotional Health Among TeensWhat Teens Can Do:• When feeling angry, worried or troubled, discuss your feelings with a parent, another

trusted adult, or a trusted friend. Teachers and coaches are two examples of adults who can help.

• Find safe and healthy interests that you enjoy outside of school and home.• Write down some goals for the future to help you stay focused on things that really

matter. This can help you put day-to-day problems into perspective.

What Parents Can Do:• Listen to your teenager—let him talk out his problems with you before jumping in with

a solution. Teens need adults to believe in them unconditionally and expect them to succeed.

• Encourage your teenager to get involved in activities that engage her with the community in a positive way. For some this may be sports or drama, for others it may involve tutoring younger kids or volunteering in the community.

• Set clear expectations that you want to know where your teen is and when he’ll be back. Discuss with him the consequences of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

• Help your teen to identify other adults to turn to when she wants to talk.• Let your child know that it’s okay to seek help from a counselor, or a trusted adult, if

needed. Students and parents are encouraged to be aware of the services available at their school and how to access those services.

• Encourage your teen to explore solutions. In many cases, she will know about the solutions—for example, extra help after school —but may need your encouragement to try them.

• Everyone experiences anger and stress! Help your teen to find acceptable ways of working through these feelings.

7th grade October NewsAll 7th grade students will have a Career Cruising activity in their Civics classes the week of October 17th-20th. Counselor, Ms. Sampson will meet with students in a computer lab to complete Career Matchmaker, students will save minimum 2 careers and at least 1 college or university that offer training in those fields. Career exploration program will help to discover and understand some of the talents, interests, and preferences.

The Benefits of Yoga & Mindfulness for ChildrenBy Allison Rice, 6th Grade School Counselor In a world of over-stimulation, mindfulness is a precious practice for children and teens. Mindfulness provides children with essential and accessible tools that allow them to tap into what is going on both inside and outside of their bodies at the present moment. Yoga movement allows children to playfully explore mindfulness in a way that is both fun and illuminating. All students benefit from learning how to cope with stressful situations, but children living in poverty are in particular need because of these greater challenges. Add in the pressure of a rigorous school curriculum and their need becomes even greater. The stress management skills taught in yoga help improve academic performance and also go beyond the school years to help throughout college, career, and life. How a child copes with stress in early life is critical to future success. By learning to control their body’s stress response, children become more resilient, better able to learn, and more likely to succeed. The tools of yoga and mindfulness offer proven methods of developing the inner resilience needed to navigate physical, mental and emotional stress.

8TH GRADE NEWSPlanning on shadowing a high school? Contact your high school of interest to set a date. Once a date has been selected, students should request a shadowing form from Ms. Burge. This will ensure the absence is excused and teachers are aware your child will be out of class.

Tarpon Springs High School:Shadowing Information is unavailable at this time.

East Lake High School Shadowing available for the Engineering Program Tuesday and Thursday during 1st and 2nd period (7:00 am to 8:45am). Shadowing will be available starting November 14th through December. Please contact Gail Novak at 727-942-5419 x2060 to schedule.

Palm Harbor University High School The Medical and IB programs at Palm Harbor University High School will begin shadowing on 10/25/17 this year. Parent information is available at : www.phuhs.org. It can be located on the home page under Magnet Application information. Remember the District Application period opens January 10th-19th.

Discovery Nights for Feeder High Schools:• Palm Harbor University High- Center

for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) & International Baccalaureate (IB)

12/5/17

• Tarpon Springs High- Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), Culinary Arts Academy, Leadership Conservatory for the Arts, & Veterinary Science Academy

11/14/17

Mark Your Calendars• Application Period For District Application Programs Jan. 10-19th

• Acceptance Period Feb. 14-21

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8TH GRADE NEWSPlanning on shadowing a high school? Contact your high school of interest to set a date. Once a date has been selected, students should request a shadowing form from Ms. Burge. This will ensure the absence is excused and teachers are aware your child will be out of class.

Tarpon Springs High School:Shadowing Information is unavailable at this time.

East Lake High School Shadowing available for the Engineering Program Tuesday and Thursday during 1st and 2nd period (7:00 am to 8:45am). Shadowing will be available starting November 14th through December. Please contact Gail Novak at 727-942-5419 x2060 to schedule.

Palm Harbor University High School The Medical and IB programs at Palm Harbor University High School will begin shadowing on 10/25/17 this year. Parent information is available at : www.phuhs.org. It can be located on the home page under Magnet Application information. Remember the District Application period opens January 10th-19th.

Discovery Nights for Feeder High Schools:• Palm Harbor University High- Center

for Wellness and Medical Professions (CWMP) & International Baccalaureate (IB)

12/5/17

• Tarpon Springs High- Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), Culinary Arts Academy, Leadership Conservatory for the Arts, & Veterinary Science Academy

11/14/17

Mark Your Calendars• Application Period For District Application Programs Jan. 10-19th

• Acceptance Period Feb. 14-21

ACTIVITIES, SPORTS AND CLUBS TSMS also offers a before and after school program through the YMCA of the Suncoast. Applications are available in the front office and at the grade level offices. If you have any questions about the activities, clubs and sports at TSMS, please contact please contact the school at 727-943-5511 for more information.

Check out our exciting list of activities, sports and clubs below:Club Name Meeting day Meeting time Club Sponsor ContactChristians in Action Fridays 8:45-9:15 am Mr. Georgei [email protected] Wave Tues/Thurs Tues. till 5:30 &Thu.8:40-

9:20 amMs. Turcott [email protected]

Tri Music Honor Society(by invite only)

Every other Monday till 5:15 pm Ms. Turcott [email protected]

Art Club Mondays 4:10-5:10 pm & (Oct 4 & 11) Ms. Baucic [email protected] Mu Tues & Thurs 8:45 am Mrs. Taylor [email protected] Guard Wed/Thur/Fri 4:30-8:30 pm & various Sat/

compsMs. Barker [email protected]

Girlfriends Club 2nd Wed. 10:40 – 11:11 am (cafeteria) Mrs. King-Florio [email protected] Council Fridays 8:45 am in 5-105 Mrs. Zahner/Ms. Steffen [email protected] Junior Honor Society Thursdays 8:45 am in 5-105 Mrs. Zahner/Ms. Steffen [email protected] 5000 Role Models 3rd Wednesday noon Mr. Leopold [email protected] Club - Cheerleading Tues/Wed/Thu After school until 5:15 pm Mrs. Fonner [email protected] Last Friday Of each month Ms. Sampson/Mrs. Moline [email protected] Wednesdays 4:15-5:15 pm Mrs. O’neil O’[email protected] Club Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 pm Mrs. King-Florio [email protected] Volleyball Every day Before School Mr. Magoulis [email protected] Volleyball Every day After school until 6:15pm Shanti Taylor [email protected]/ Girls Basketball TBD TBD Mr. Hastings/De Palma [email protected]/Girls Track TBD TBD Mr. Hastings/Ms. De Palma [email protected] SPORTS(October 12- December 22, 2017)

Thursdays 4:15-6pm on outside fields/courts

Mr. Hastings/Ms. De Palma [email protected]@pcsb.org

Girls Track TBD TBD Mrs.Austin/Mrs.Schermerhorn

[email protected]

GSA Tuesdays 4-5pm in room 5112 Mrs. Greenbaum [email protected] 3rd Thursdays 4:10-5:10 in room 5210 Mrs. Gohl [email protected] Club Wednesdays 4:10-5:10 pm Mrs. Linstrum-Rice [email protected] Club Thursdays 8:30-9:10 am Mr. Touchton [email protected] Orchestra Tues/Thur 4:00-5:15 pm Ms. Suris [email protected] Bowl (by invite only) Mondays 4:10-5:10 pm Mrs. Marshall [email protected]

6VOLUNTEERADOPT A CLASS SPONSORS – 1st Quarter 2017-18

Bireley FamilyMaria Vazanellis-MagklisCorinne Shaw, Embracing Memories PhotographyJennifer MarangosEsperanza MacmillanJill PeasleyRebecca RameyMelissa AbercrombieDanielle ReidyTracey SinnottEd MorrisLeslie HourdasJennifer LynchBecky CapleRenee KinkeadKatherine HatchEdwin DunnPatricia SalatinDerrek DeCanIrene WrightManuel Chavvez-RubioBertha Romero

Michael RiniosMonteverde FamilyDavis FamilySpataro FamilyTaylor FamilyCherin FamilyBuck FamilyAckley FamilyThe Peterson/Fonner FamilyHarry W. KinkeadAlimonos FamilyMelody DayKeri MooreHughes FamilyWal-Mart, Tarpon SpringsSugardarlings Cones & CupcakesDemetra Tsavaris-Lecourezos Tarpon Springs Youth Foundation - First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs

We need volunteers, please!Basketball tryouts start November 6th and the season begins the week of November 27th. We need score keepers and concessions help (dates will be posted.)

Save the DateN O V E M B E R 15TH 8:30-4:30 GREAT AMERICAN TEACH-IN27th 4:15-6:00 Basketball Games begin this week through February28TH 9:30-3:45 Finance Park Field Trip (Ms. Marshall)30th 9:30-3:45 Finance Park Field Trip (Ms. Zahner)

D E C E M B E R 9TH Interact Club Community Service22nd Busch Gardens Chorus Performance

Mentoring Means so Much In addition to family, a consistent presence in a child’s life can make all the difference in the world.

• Girlfriends of Pinellas County Schools is designed to empower young ladies through academic support and mentorship

• Take Stock in Children is a scholarship and mentoring program in which students may be nominated to receive a scholarship.

• Peer to Peer mentors will provide guidance, support, and act as a role model.

• Lunch Pals is a lunch time mentoring program

• 5000 Role Models of Excellence: Promotes youth development through relevant activities and experiences that help youth develop social, ethical, emotional, physical, and cognitive competencies.

To learn more about mentoring, go to www.pcsb.org/mentors or call Susan Emmons at 727-943-5511, ext. 2008

Congratulations TSMS 2016-2017 Five Star WinnerThe Florida Department of Education’s highest award for community involvement.

Qualifying schools set the standard for student, community, business and family engagement in Pinellas County, as well as for the State of Florida. In order to earn the Five Star School recognition, a school must show documentation that it has achieved 100 percent of the established criteria in Business partnerships, Family Involvement, Volunteerism, Student Community Service, and School Advisory Councils.

Susan J. EmmonsFamily & Community [email protected] Ext. 2008

7EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAM (ELP) PROGRAM The Tarpon Springs Middle School Before/After School Extended Learning Program (ELP) program is geared towards helping students master essential learning in core academic standards. The student will develop strategies to expand their cognitive ability, problem solving skills, and performance at grade level. In addition, tutoring will be provided in the core subject areas. Day/Time: Math, Science, Reading/Language Arts and Social Studies tutoring is available on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:10-5:10pm. (Tutoring is also available from 4:30-5:30 pm Mondays at the CAP Center.) Morning sessions from 7:40-8:40 am are available by appointment only with Mr. Jackson (Math) or Ms. Lawrence (Reading). Please contact your grade level guidance counselor for more information.

EXCITING ORCHESTRA NEWS! On Sunday, September 24, we had 6 orchestra students perform with the Tampa Bay Golden Strings and orchestra students from other schools in the district to raise donations for Hurricane Harvey.

The following students participated: Cecilia Dieffenthaller, Kira Dunn, Erasmea Harding, Hannah Hollenback, Brenna Keiderling, and Alyna Williams.

Florida Orchestra PartnershipOur Tarpon Springs Middle School Leadership Conservatory for the Arts Orchestras have been selected as a 2017-2018 Florida Orchestra Partner School!! There were only two schools selected in the entire district. With this partnership, Ms. Baird, violinist in the Florida Orchestra will be working with our student musicians on a weekly basis throughout the entire school year!

Florida Orchestra Pre-Concert PerformanceOur advanced orchestra has been invited to perform at a Florida Orchestra matinee concert on Sunday, January 7 at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete. We will be performing in the lobby from 1:30-1:55pm. The Florida Orchestra concert will begin at 2pm and our students will receive complimentary tickets to the concert. More details will be available.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE LIBRARY Due to Hurricane Irma our book fair that was scheduled for September 7 through September 15 was a wash out…no pun intended! In light of this, we booked another Scholastic Book Fair for November 6th-November 10th. This is a great fundraiser to raise funds for books and other supplies at our school! The fair will be open from 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM. I am also looking for volunteers as well.

HOW TO ACCESS CLEVER FROM HOME If you need help with how to log into Clever from home here is some information from Pinellas County Website. Please click here: Clever @ Home

SUNSHINE STATE READER BOOK REVIEWCourage is For Beginners by Karen Harrington

If only Mysti could be a character in a book, then she would know how to deal with her mother, who is agoraphobic and unable to leave the house; who decides he is too cool for her. With all the changes and challenges in her life that shift into focus when her father is hurt, and the pantry is slowing emptying. With the help of friends, Mysti finds the courage to change her own story.

VISUAL ARTS Congratulations to following students for their accomplishments in the Visual Arts. Their artwork is being displayed in the administration building.

Kimberly BaldwinKierra BedfordNatasha Ison-ThiranBrynn NetherlyDalena Nguyen

Trianna RathAdriana Saenz-SalinasChristina TsaousisJackie WuKristen ZawachiDorweiler

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T H ENon Profit Organization

US Postage PaidOrlando, FL

Permit # 2346

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SPARTANFA L L S P O R T S

HELP KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE • Please use the car circle for student

drop-off and pick-up

• Please do not use the front parking for parent-pick-up

• Please be sure to pull forward in the car line to keep an efficient flow of traffic

• Do not stop at your child; this creates gaps (Your child will walk up to meet you)

Big things are happening in the athletics department. First off, boys and girls volleyball have been off to a tremendous start and are now winding down with just a few games left in the season. New this year, Pinellas County will have playoffs for the top two teams in each division. If Tarpon can pull off a few more wins, they will have earned themselves a spot in the playoff tournament. Please make sure you come out and support your fellow Spartans in what seems to be a very exciting finish. Secondly, intramurals has just kicked off and this is an opportunity where students get a chance once a week to go outside, exercise, and have some fun playing the sports they love. This will be led by Coach DePalma and Coach Hastings. Lastly, basketball tryouts for the Girls and Boys team will be tentatively held November 6-8th from 4-6pm in the gymnasium. In order to try out for the basketball team, you must hand in your paperwork to the 6th grade office only! Please make sure you have completed the following: updated physical, participation form, and proof of school insurance form. We look forward to seeing you and stay tuned for morning announcements for further information. GO SPARTANS!!!