Greetings TSES Families,
Throughout the month of February, we will embark on a journey of reflection, education, and celebration for Black History Month. This month offers us a profound opportunity to honor the history of African Americans in our nation and around the world. At TSES, we will focus on highlighting the important contributions of Black and African Americans through our morning announcements, read alouds, a poster contest showcasing “Blacks in the Arts”, and celebrating Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
In addition, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Howard County Board of Education approved a resolution on Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action (BLMWA). This coming week is BLMWA and an opportunity to highlight “our commitment to develop critical thinking that supports students to better understand problems in our society, and to develop collective solutions to those problems.” We must all do our part to make our world a better place.
Quarter 2 report cards will be available in HCPSS Connect Synergy after 4 p.m. on Monday, February 5. Instructions on how to access report cards are available online. I encourage you to review your child’s report card and set a Quarter 3 goal with them. Please reach out to Ms.Guerrero, TSES Family Involvement Contact @ Ilse_guerrero@hcpss.org if you need support accessing your child’s report card.
This is a reminder that next Wednesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 8, students will be dismissed at 12:15pm due to parent/teacher conferences. Please be sure to review the type of conference you have scheduled - in person only on the afternoon of 2/7 or virtual for the evening of 2/7 and afternoon of 2/8. These early dismissals were scheduled to allow parents to connect with math teachers (1st -5th grade) and ELA teachers (Kindergarten) to discuss academic progress. Additionally, HCPSS schools are closed for students on Friday, February 9th. This day has been scheduled for all staff to attend countywide professional development.
Lastly, we are so happy to congratulate our TSES Super Singers! Each week one student in each of our 2nd through 5th grade music classes is selected as the "Super Singer." Students selected demonstrate consistent excellence in the school RISE expectations and/or the music skills that are being taught (singing, playing instruments, creating, and moving are some of the skills). Here are the super singers for the period of 12/14-1/29: Isha K., Sozu B., Gabriella J., Max C., Subhan M., Spencer M., Kyi W., Laila R., Daniel S., Sebastian T., Nehmiah B., Lesly A., Christopher C., Breck H., Alaiah W., Carsyn F., Mikayla H., Douglas H., Desmond M., Jeremiah W., Adrianna R., Kai S., Tina A.M., Isaac L., Javier T.A., Matthew A.J., Amelie L., Daxton T., Jude W., Brian H., Kai E., Hailey C., MJ J., Dylan M., Natalie C., Jesus A.L., London L., Tia F., Dilan F.D., Joshua R.A. Congratulations, TSES Super Singers!
The week’s newsletter includes the following:
Important Dates
February 5: Report Cards Issued
February 7 & 8: Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 7: PTA Restaurant Night @ Chipotle (details below)
February 9: HCPSS schools closed for students
February 15: PTA Meeting at 6:15pm
February 19: HCPSS schools and offices closed for Presidents’ Day
Did you know that TSES has a Family Involvement Contact? Ms.Guerrero is available to support families with communication between school and home. Please feel free to come into the school on Fridays for in person assistance if you would like help with tasks such as creating a LINQ CONNECT account for school meals, filling out a free and reduced meals application, and/or updating your child’s emergency card (family file).
Message from the TSES Health Room
Hi Parents!
As if you haven't had enough illnesses this winter to dodge (COVID, Flu, & RSV), there has also been an increase of Pink Eye cases. Please take a look at the flier in English and Spanish from the CDC to help protect your child and yourself from getting and/or spreading Pink Eye.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Join the HCPSS STARTALK Program and Centennial High School for a spectacular Lunar New Year Celebration on Friday, February 9 from 5:15 to 8:30 pm at Centennial High School. Enjoy an evening filled with authentic Chinese food, student performances, professional groups, cultural activities, and Chinese New Year entertainment. Past and potential HCPSS STARTALK Chinese Language Program participants and their parents/guardians are welcome. Space is limited. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/DhAeuaG1FiazABPd6. Please contact startalk@hcpss.org with questions.
The Talbott Springs Elementary Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) preschool and prekindergarten programs are making preparations for classes for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. These classes include children with and without disabilities. The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills. Parents of children who will be 3 by September 1st, applications will be available and accepted in mid February.
In alignment with Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, new applications for students turning 4 by September 1 will not be available. The Howard County Public School System continues to offer a prekindergarten program for income eligible children who will be four years old by September 1. For additional information contact the school or visit: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/pre-k-programs/
HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, in person, or class quarantine). If you have any additional questions , please contact Amy Lauer at (410) 313-6915 or alauer@hcpss.org.
Our next PTA meeting will be held on Thursday, February 15 @ 6:15 pm. We welcome your participation in person at TSES in the Media Center or via Google Meet. Check out the TSES PTA February Newsletter, which includes the details and flier for the upcoming restaurant night at Chipotle this coming Wednesday, February 7! 33% of the event sales will be donated to the TSES PTA to support our school. We hope to see you there!
PTA Yearbook Committee
The 2023-2024 yearbook is already in the design phase. Please send pictures of your child(ren) from any of the following themes. (1) First Day of School; (2)Trunk or Treat; (3) Field Trips, and/or (4) Craft Night or other school sponsored events. Send all photos and/or questions to Michelle at yearbook@tsespta.org. Please be sure to include the student(s) name and grade. Thank you in advance.
