The Tohickon Golden Eagle
December 2022
THE HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS
Dear Tohickon Families,
I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!!! The month of November included two unique events that deserve special recognition: The Veterans’ Day Presentations on November 15 and Tohickon’s 20th Anniversary Kick Off Event on November 18. I would like to thank and recognize all of those that planned and participated in these events. The veterans that came to speak to our social studies classes were amazing. Like the Veterans’ Day Presentation, the 20th Anniversary Kick Off also went perfectly. I am very thankful to all of our parents/community members that helped to organize the 20th Anniversary event, our returning staff members, our student council representatives and all other staff members that planned and participated in the event. Thank you to all!!!
As we move into December and approach the winter break, things always tend to speed up. There are a number of key events between now and the end of the month that it is important to be aware of. During this time period, we have our winter concerts, a presentation by the Youth Alliance (Reggie Dabbs), and our annual winter dance. Tohickon will be hosting a district-wide evening event for parents next Wednesday, December 7, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Tohickon Auditorium. During this presentation, Reggie Dabbs will be discussing ways to promote kindness in our schools and amongst our children. All of the dates and times for these items can be found in the calendar date section below.
The holiday months are a wonderful time for many but can also be a difficult time for others. During this time period, our guidance counselors and staff members always keep a close eye on any students that may be depressed or upset. If your child is having a difficult time for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact our guidance office at 267-893-3310. In these situations, we will do whatever we can to help the child feel safe, comfortable, and happy while at Tohickon. Additionally, please remind your child(ren) that it is important to continue working academically, turning in all assignments that are due. During this time of year, some students tend to lose focus with the many distractions that come with the holiday season.
In closing, I wish all of our families a safe and healthy holiday season. Please enjoy time with family and friends. If you need to contact us for any reason, please do not hesitate to do so. We can be reached at 267-893-3300 (Main Office) or 267-893-3310 (Guidance Office). Have a great month!
Sincerely,
Kevin Marton, Principal
IMPORTANT DATES FOR DECEMBER
December 6
- Reggie Dabbs Youth Alliance Presentation to Students during day
- Winter Choral Concert 7:00 PM
December 7
- Reggie Dabbs Youth Alliance Parent Presentation 6:30 PM
December 13
- Winter Instrumental Concert 7:00 PM
December 16
- Winter Dance 7:00 - 9:00 PM
December 23
- NO SCHOOL - Office Open
December 26-January 2
- Winter Break
Youth Alliance to Present to Students and Parents of All Five Middle Schools
On December 6, we will hold an assembly about encouraging our students to be kind and to take care of each other in our school community. Our guest speaker will be Reggie Dabbs from the Youth Alliance. To learn more about the presenter, please click here. In addition, there will be a follow-up presentation for parents on the evening of December 7 at 6:30 PM at Tohickon Middle School. This presentation is open to all CB middle school parents and will be live streamed for those that can't be present. A link will be sent out to parents/guardians shortly before the presentation begins. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s guidance counselor.
ATTENDANCE
PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OF ANY ABSENCE, LATENESS OR EARLY DISMISSALS THROUGH THE PARENT PORTAL. Excused absences include illness, death in the immediate family, inclement weather that would jeopardize the safety of the student, religious holidays, home emergencies directly related to the student, health care of the student which cannot be arranged outside of school hours, and educational trips or family travel under the conditions outlined as per the School Board Policy. Please use the parent portal rather than calling or sending your child with a written absentee notice. If an absence has not been entered through the parent portal within one week of the absence, it will remain marked as unexcused. We strongly encourage submitting a doctor note if your child has missed three or more days of school or has missed school due to a scheduled appointment. Doctor notes can be emailed to dmeadows@cbsd.org.
Ten (10) days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification will be permitted during a school year. Absences beyond ten (10) days require an excuse from a physician. In cases when a physician’s note is required, absences not documented by a physician’s note will be considered unlawful.
Vacation
Children may also be excused from school for educational tours or trips, which are defined as non-school sponsored trips taken by the student with immediate family members in attendance. Only two (2) separate absences for family travel will be excused, and the TOTAL number of days missed must not exceed five (5) days. Days exceeding these guidelines will be considered unlawful and/or unexcused. It is the responsibility of the student to let teachers know and obtain work prior to the absence in order to keep pace with class progress.
Lateness:
A student is considered late if they are not in their seat in 1st period by the second bell at 7:30 AM. Students must report to the office (with a note from their parent/guardian explaining their lateness) to receive a late pass in order to gain admittance to class. Such reasons as missing the bus, oversleeping, etc. are not valid excuses for lateness. On the third unexcused tardy, an administrative conference will be arranged. If the problem persists, stronger measures may be taken. Late time may be accumulated and count toward unlawful absences from school.
RX FUNDRAISING
If you have not registered yet, please help Tohickon raise funds by registering below:
support.rxfundraising.com/TohickonMS
Thank you for taking a minute to register!
The Next Parent Council Meeting is in January
We typically do not have a Parent Council Meeting in December due to the holidays. We will be holding our next Parent Council Meeting on Thursday, January 19, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held in person in the library. We hope to see you there!
Social Studies Department
On Tuesday, November 15th, the Tohickon social studies department hosted fifteen veterans and speakers (photos above) from various conflicts and branches of the armed services. Our distinguished visitors were treated to breakfast before speaking with students in all social studies classes in all three grade-levels at Tohickon. Many classes had the opportunity to hear from two to three speakers. Students listened to the many stories our veterans had to share, asked questions, and expressed their appreciation for the sacrifices made by our visitors. Our guests were treated to lunch and a very special recognition reception at the conclusion of the day. Students wrote “Thank You” cards that will be sent to all of our speakers along with a Tohickon care package. Tohickon looks forward to welcoming our heroes again next year!
Our speakers for the day were: Mr. Walter, Mr. Stratton, Mr. Flanagan, Mr. Hellstrom, Mr. Mager, Mr. Zaborowski, Mr. Shelsy, Mr. Sigafoos, Mr. McComb, Mr. Rizzo, Mr. Hilferty, Mr. Graham, Mr. Duckett, Mr. Schwarz, and Mr. Healy.
Happy Anniversary Tohickon!
Tohickon celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Friday, November 18 by reproducing the program of events from the school’s first year ceremony. Previous administrators, teachers and staff were welcomed back in addition to local first responders and Judge Gambardella. The rededication ceremony included speeches by Mr. Marton, Mr. Skari (Tohickon’s first principal), Judge Gambardella, opening year teacher, Mrs. Reese, and Student Council members: Julia McCarty, Maegan Williamson, and Alina Zola. All of Tohickon’s musical groups performed and there was a special performance of Tohickon’s new school song written by Mr. Dengler and performed by Tohickon Singers, and accompanied by the band and orchestra. Parents provided us with refreshments for the reception in the library following the ceremony. (Photos Above)
Wigs and Wishes Foundation
On Saturday, November 12th, the Wigs and Wishes Foundation crowned Serena Firenze as Queen of the Night (photos above). Serena has been battling cancer for the past few months and has an incredible fighting spirit. Martino Cartier, founder of the Wigs and Wishes Foundation recognized her tenacious spirit when she was fitted with a wig in September. And so, it was decided and was kept as a surprise from Serena.
Martino fitted her with a stunning gown and hired Paula Abdul’s make-up artist, Kályd Odeh, to complete her look of glamour for the special event. She was shocked as she walked across the stage with her mom, interviewed and then serenaded by pop artist, Frankie Zulferino, while both Martino Cartier and Paula Abdul fitted her with a new wig and gown.
The best part of the night was learning about the foundation. Wigs and Wishes helps women who are going through hair loss during chemo feel alive again as they are given a wig without cost to them. In addition, they grant wishes to children that are battling cancer. From a meet and greet with Disney’s Elsa and Anna to family vacations to Disney, the Foundation provides these wishes for children and their families. The wigs and wishes are made possible by donations that are made directly to the foundation.
As Serena watched each and every story, she grew more and more aware of its mission and decided that she too wants to create an impact and be able to help the Foundation in any way she can. She hopes to be able to use her talent in art to give back to this amazing foundation and help other woman and children feel just as honored and special as she did at the Gala.
If you wish to help in Serena’s honor, please visit https://www.wigsandwishes.org/index.php to make a donation.
From Student Council
Student Council’s annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive has begun here at Tohickon Middle School! Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose guardians cannot afford to buy them gifts for the holidays. Over the next two weeks, Toy Collection will occur within your student’s resource classrooms. Toy donations can be dropped off at your student’s resource classroom before the start of first period. All toys donated need to be new and should not have gift wrapping paper on them.
To add a little competitive spirit, we’ve decided to challenge each resource classroom to donate as many gifts as possible. At the end of the two weeks, the resource with the most toys donated will receive a Salt Box Pretzel Party courtesy of Student Council.
Winter Wonderland Dance is Friday, December 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Students from grades 7, 8 & 9 are invited to attend. Tickets will be $5.00, advance sales will begin during lunches the week of December 12th. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
Snacks will be available for purchase (All items ranging between $1.00-$2.00)
Dress code: dressy casual (not formal) below are some suggestions:
· Girls
o Dress
o Skirt and dressy top
o Dressy pants outfit
o Nice jeans and dressy top
· Boys
o Dress shirt (Optional tie), casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
o Khaki pants or nice jeans
All profits will fund future Student Council events/projects. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the student council advisors with any questions.
Ms. Dobrowolski ndobrowolski@cbsd.org
Ms. Meadows dmeadows@cbsd.org
STUDENT SERVICES
What is MBIT? Is MBIT for me?
Interested ninth grade students can sign up to go on a Field Trip to Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) to see if it is a match for them. The trip will be on December 14th from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Come to our office to pick up a permission slip and fill out a FORMS survey on your canvas page in order to be able to attend.
MBIT will also have their OPEN HOUSE on December 1st from 6-8 PM. It is strongly recommended to attend and ask any questions you may have directly to them. All interested students should go to their website (www.mbit.org) to learn more. Applications should be submitted online as soon as possible. Feel free to stop down for help.
Preparing for 10th Grade
January 5th, 2023 -- Curriculum Fairs at CB East and CB West – 6:30 PM – The curriculum fair is an opportunity for parents and students to gain more information about the high schools and the courses available. We strongly recommend that ninth grade students and their parents plan to attend.
We will begin PROGRAM PLANNING for next year in January 2023. See important dates coming soon listed by grade on our website in January.
Share Good News About Tohickon Students!
Tohickon Students achieve amazing things and make a difference in school and in the community. Share your story about the accomplishments and good work of a Tohickon student with Mr. Marton at kmarton@cbsd.org so that he may highlight this good news in an upcoming edition of the Tohickon Golden Eagle online newsletter.
Diversity Club
Tohickon’s Diversity Club learned about and created a Dio de los Muertos altar to celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1 and 2. Dio de los Muertos is widely observed in Mexico, but it is also starting to be observed in other places especially by people of Mexican heritage. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed. Students celebrated by putting together the altar, eating pan de muerto (special bread) and drinking Mexican hot chocolate (with cinnamon or chili powder). (Photo above.)
From the Nurse's Office
Cold and Flu season has officially begun along with other illnesses. Advise your child to wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently as this is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. No children should be in school with a fever over 100.3. Remember children should be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. Your child may carry their own personal supply of cough drops but no other medication may be administered without a physician order. Please advise the nurse’s office with any new medical condition your child may develop to keep their health records up to date and allow us to support your child in school.
REMINDER: If your child has Asthma, please be sure we have the appropriate paperwork on file for them to carry and/or use their inhaler in school. We appreciate your help with this district medication policy.
We wish you a Happy, Healthy and Fun Holiday Season! Sincerely, Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Flynn
Spanish Classes
Students in Sra. Levenson’s Spanish classes play ¿Adivina Quién?, the Spanish version of Guess Who?, to practice describing people. (Photo above and below.)
National Junior Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society is an organization that recognizes and encourages academic achievement along with characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy, such as scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Below is a brief outline of the application process for Tohickon’s chapter of NJHS:
- Current 8th and 9th grade students who meet the academic requirement of a rolling GPA of 3.5 or higher will be invited to apply in early March. Eligible students will receive an application via email. Additionally, an application will be mailed home to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student.
- Students will have approximately 2-3 weeks to complete the application.
- A faculty council will then review the applications. The final decision for membership will be made by the faculty council and acceptance letters will be mailed home in early April.
- As active members, students will be given opportunities to share their talents and skills with the school and community.
Other Important Information:
- Current members (9th grade students who were inducted in Spring 2022) do not need to reapply; therefore, they will not receive an application.
- The Induction ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 17th, 2023.
- If you have any questions about the National Junior Honor Society, please email Mr. Saska at dsaska@cbsd.org
Astronomy Club
In astronomy club students learned about Jupiter and Saturn and made 3-D foldables of each planet. During the astronomy night, planned for a nice evening, we will be able to see both of these planets with the naked eye and even better with our telescope! Stay tuned for the date and time of our first astronomy night. Check canvas announcements for more information.
Physical Education Class
Students are not required to purchase a CBSD issued physical education uniform; however, students will be required to change into athletic attire and sneakers to participate safely and practice good hygiene. Student attire must adhere to the dress code guidelines presented in the student handbook. CB locks will still be required to purchase to ensure personal items are secured in a locker. Locks are available for purchase on MyPaymentsPlus.
LAPTOP BREAKAGE
We have seen a rise in the amount of screen breaks for student laptops. Our policy covers for two broken screens per device. If your child’s laptop screen breaks three times, we will be required to send you an invoice for the repair and labor. The current cost for this is $200. Please remind your child to care for their laptops. Some simple steps to assist are:
- Use two hands when holding or moving the device.
- Use clean hands while using the laptop or iPad.
- Use only the provided digital pen or finger on the screen.
- Use only the power adapter that came with the device.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen.
- Keep device stored in the provided case. This includes traveling through the hallways, on buses, or anytime the device is not being utilized.
- Make sure nothing is on the keyboard when you close the lid and remove all cables if any are plugged into the laptop. Place laptop in your bag carefully.
- Be careful when placing your case on the floor. Keep the device off the floor so screens do not get stepped on by others.
Tohickon Middle School
Email: kmarton@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org
Location: 5051 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-3300