Be in the know.
September 2022 Board Meeting Minutes
Your Tumwater PTO Board is preparing for additional in-person events during the 2022-2023 school year. Read the latest meeting minutes here.
October TMS PTO Meeting Scheduled for Thursday, 10/6
The first Tumwater PTO community meeting of the 2022-23 school year will be Thursday, 10/6 at 6:30pm in the TMS Library.
Join us to hear school & PTO updates with principal Jill O'Neil and your Tumwater PTO Board. Click here for the tentative agenda.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS: In an effort to communicate effectively & efficiently, the Tumwater PTO will be taking questions BEFORE our community meeting on 10/6. This will ensure that our meeting agenda and topics will clarify any lingering questions for our parent community.
Please submit your questions at: https://forms.gle/JPNSHmo6p6FKZ4eH7
MIX & MINGLE BEGINS AT 6:15pm: Come say hi! Tumwater community members are invited to a 15-minute informal mix & mingle prior to the meeting, beginning at 6:15pm. Parents will have the ability to chat, ask questions, and connect with other TMS parents, while enjoying a bite & beverage, prior to our meeting start.
A Zoom link (for audio only) & agenda will be sent via email to parents closer to the date.
Please remember that we only have five community meetings a year. All parents are automatically members of Tumwater PTO. Join us as we kick off another successful year!
Questions? Email Hannah (president@tumwaterpto.org).
Stock the Pantry for Staff Appreciation this Monday, 9/12
Our September Staff Appreciation event is here & it's one of their favorites-- stock the pantry! Sign-up to bulk up the staff lounge with snacks, fruit, and (their favorite) sparkling water!
All items to be delivered next Monday, 9/12. Just drop off on the cart out front. Head to https://bit.ly/3cTAiNe to sign up now.
Questions? Email Breanna (staffappreciation@tumwaterpto.org)
August 2022 Board Meeting Minutes
Your Tumwater PTO Board is excited to kick off a new school year. We look forward to seeing you at the Welcome Coffees and would love to speak with you about how you can get involved in our school community. Read the latest meeting minutes here.
Welcome Coffees Scheduled for 9/6 & 9/7
All parents/guardians are invited to the Tumwater Commons from 9:45-10:45am to enjoy coffee, pastries, and each other's company, hosted by the Tumwater PTO.
It's been a looooong summer (and yet so short), so this is exactly what we need to get ourselves back in the groove for a brand-new year. Board members will be on hand to answer any of your questions & ease any fears you may have regarding middle school.
6th Grade Families: Tuesday, 9/6
7th/8th Grade Families: Wednesday, 9/7
These are drop-in, casual events, so pop in for a few minutes, or stay the whole hour. Hope to see you!
Your Comprehensive Back to School FAQ: All Answers Revealed
Find a comfy chair & settle in because this baby is as comprehensive as it gets. STILL have questions? Let us know!
WELCOME EVENTS
Besides the Ice Cream Social on 8/31, will there be another opportunity for students to peek into the school?
No, there is not another welcome event. However, 6th graders will have the entire school to themselves on the first day of school, with lots of support from staff to have questions answered.
What if we can’t come during our assigned time?
If the assigned time slot doesn’t work, feel free to come anytime that works best for your family.
FIRST DAY
Can I walk my child to his/her class on the first day of school?
Middle school is a time when students are ready to be more independent. Parents/guardians attending the Welcome Coffee may enter the building at 9:45am. Please take your first day of school pictures at home as the parking lot will be quite crowded.
What does my 6th grader need to bring for the first day of school?
Tightly sealed reusable water bottle
Sack lunch (if you are not getting a school lunch)
Pen or pencil
Where does my 6th grader go on the first day?
WEB leaders, the 8th grade leadership group (Where Everyone Belongs), will direct students where to go on the first day. Relax, it works out!
What should my child bring to PE on the first day?
Students do not need to bring anything to PE on the first day.
Should my student bring locker supplies on the first day?
No, lockers will not be assigned the first day of school. Students are encouraged to use their lockers for a few days before bringing in any locker supplies. This gives students an opportunity to see how much space their backpacks and supplies will use in the locker.
When do students bring supplies? On the first day? Do items need to be labeled?
6th graders only need to bring a pencil, a sack lunch (if they are not getting a school lunch) & a water bottle on their first day.
7th & 8th graders need to bring a pencil, a sack lunch (if they are not getting a school lunch), a water bottle, sharpened pencils/pens, colored pencils, highlighters and a notebook with paper on their first day.
The two-inch binder will hold all the smaller individual supplies for students, including their notebooks, so they will always have everything they need at hand. Labeling the binder & notebooks is quite helpful.
LOGISTICS
What are the school hours?
9:15am-3:50pm. Students should arrive no earlier than 8:45 am and plan to depart by 4:00 pm, unless in a prearranged meeting with a teacher or school-sponsored club. Staff supervision is not provided before or after those times.
The cafeteria will open for breakfast at 8:45 am.
What is the school’s main phone line?
503-356-2720. We are often confused with Tumwater Middle School in Washington state and the TumWata Middle School in Oregon City, so please ensure you have the correct number in your contacts.
What is the attendance line?
503-356-2721. Please have your student’s ID number handy before leaving your message.
Where do I drop off my child's medications?
Medications should be dropped off in the main office. Information about medication policies can be found at https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/student-services/school-nursing.
When will lockers be assigned?
Lockers will be assigned within the first two weeks of school.
Will the 6th-grade lockers be on the second floor?
The school assigns student lockers near their classes. Most 6th grade core classes are located in Upper C Hall, so 6th graders are assigned lockers in Upper C.
How much passing time do kids have between classes?
Four minutes.
When are students getting their ID cards?
ID cards are issued at Picture Day, scheduled for 9/21.
LUNCH
Will lunch be free for all again?
No. Either apply for free/reduced meals or put money in your child’s account.
Are there multiple lunch periods?
There are three lunch periods, one for each grade, that last 30 minutes each. Students have lunch with students in their own grade.
What do I do if my child forgets their lunch?
You may drop it off at the front office and students can check the office during their lunch time. The school does not accept food deliveries for students from restaurants or delivery services. It may be helpful for you to email your student that you've dropped the item off and it's ready for them to pick up.
Are there vending machines available for students?
No.
DROP-OFF/PICK-UP/TRANSPORTATION
We didn’t get assigned a bus. Can I request bus service?
Head HERE to get updated info on requesting bus service.
What if our afternoon transportation plans change?
Sometimes afternoon transportation plans change during the day and you may need to notify your child of the change. If this happens, please call the office by 3:20 pm so we have ample time to get the message to your student before dismissal.
Can my child go home with another student on their bus?
If your student is riding a bus home with another student, please send a note with your student to school. They should turn it into the office and will receive a temporary bus pass from office staff. This is for one-time exceptions, not a regular transportation plan.
Can kids bring their bikes on the school bus (so ride their bike one way and take the bus the other?)
No, bikes are not allowed on school buses.
Can children take the bus some days, and not on others?
Yes, students may ride their assigned bus on whatever days they wish.
Do they need to report to anyone if they won't be taking the bus one day?
No.
Can I park in the “carpool” parking spots near the front of the school?
No, those are meant for staff carpools. Please use the drop off zone marked by the yellow curb.
POLICIES
What is the student cell phone policy?
To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, we ask that all TMS students keep their cell phones off and away from 9:15 am - 3:50 pm each day.
If a student's cell phone is in use and/or is out (on desk, in hand, etc), the student will be directed to the office where the phone will be kept for the rest of the school day. Office staff will give the student a receipt for the phone and place it in a locked location. At dismissal time, the student will turn in the receipt in order to pick up their phone from the office. Parents/guardians will be notified for repeated patterns of behavior.
Is Tumwater a closed campus?
Yes. Students are required to stay on campus for the duration of the school day.
How do I deliver something my child has forgotten at home?
You may bring the item to the office. To avoid disrupting classroom learning, items will not be delivered to the classroom, but ask that students check in the office during passing periods or their lunch/recess if they're expecting a notebook, lunch etc. It may be helpful for you to email your student that you've dropped the item off and it's ready for them to pick up.
How can I pick up my child early?
Please send a note to school with your student. They should show it to their teacher or lunch/recess supervisor and will be sent to the office. A parent/guardian will need to check them out of the office. It is easiest if the parent picking up knows their child’s student ID number.
Who do I call if I need to talk with my child while at school?
This should occur infrequently. Please call the main office.
ACADEMICS/CLASSES
Do students need a planner to keep track of assignments?
Each student will receive a student paper planner, paid for by the Tumwater PTO.
What is Advisory?
Your child will be assigned an Advisory teacher and this group will meet on a regular basis. Each advisory has between 20-24 students. Students stay with their Advisory teacher and student cohort for three years.
During Advisories, teachers will spend time building the class community, learning more about working together as a larger school community, participating in mini lessons that directly support technology integration, practicing executive functioning skills necessary for school success, as well as engaging in social emotional learning. This year, BSD is implementing Character Strong as the Advisory Curriculum.
I believe my child is ahead of grade level in math. How will you accommodate his/her needs?
Please contact your child's counselor for information about math placement. Your child's math teacher can address any questions about differentiation within a course.
Is there a plan to reduce tech use in the classrooms?
Each teacher thoughtfully plans units and lessons that provide students opportunities to learn, develop skills, and demonstrate their learning in multiple ways. When technology can be a useful tool, teachers may include it in their lessons.
PE
Do kids bring clothes/shoes to change into every day?
Every student has the option to change their shoes/clothes for PE, however it is not required.
Can they shower after PE?
No
Can PE be any time during the day or is it mainly at the end of the day?
PE classes are evenly distributed throughout the day. There are an average of 3 PE classes meeting during each period.
COMMUNICATION
How often will I hear from the school?
School newsletters are published every other week. Teachers will communicate through Canvas (assignments and feedback), ParentSquare (usually general information), ParentVue (grades), and email (individual correspondence). You're encouraged to follow the school on social media too (@tumwatermiddleschool) or the TMS PTO (@tumwaterpto).
Does the school or PTO have social media?
Yes, you can follow Tumwater Middle School (@tumwatermiddleschool) and Tumwater PTO (@tumwaterpto) on Facebook and Instagram.
How do I subscribe to Tumwater PTO’s blog?
Head to www.tumwaterpto.org and sign-up on the front page. You will receive an email around 5pm on the day a blog post is published.
What is the difference between Parentview, Parentsquare & Canvas?
ParentVUE is a web portal that allows parents/guardians to access real-time information related to their students, including attendance, calendars, course history, emergency contacts, grade Book information, report cards, schedules, and school information. It is also used each fall to verify student enrollment information. Access to ParentVUE requires a username and password, which parents/guardians set up with an Activation Key code. If you have questions or would like assistance with ParentVUE, please contact our registrar at 503-356-2731. Learn more about ParentVUE and StudentVUE here.
Canvas is used by middle and high school teachers as an extension to in-class instruction. Teachers use Canvas to post assignments, give feedback, and communicate with students. Students use Canvas to access lessons assignments, manage their time using the calendar feature, submit work, and receive feedback on completed work. Parent/guardian Log In ID and password are the same as ParentVue. Directions, informational videos, and FAQs can be found here.
ParentSquare is BSD’s communication tool that allows staff, students, and families to connect. You can choose to receive messages from the district and school via email, text or app notification. You can also choose whether to receive the information as it comes or all at once at 6 pm daily. It allows you to communicate in your preferred language and direct message teachers and staff. Learn more here.
VOLUNTEERING
How do I volunteer at TMS?
Head to www.tumwaterpto.org/volunteer for instructions on the two step process to begin volunteering at TMS. You will first need to become a part of our database, and then upload your covid vaccine/medical exemption info.
Why don’t I see Tumwater when I log-in to myvolunteerpage?
First, be sure to scroll down past the other schools in your profile to make sure it’s not at the bottom, as schools are shown in alphabetical order. If you still don’t see Tumwater when you log-into the Better Impact system, then you are not a part of the Tumwater database. Head to www.tumwaterpto.org/volunteer for instructions on the two step process.
***Parent profiles do NOT automatically move schools with their child’s enrollment. Email update_volunteer_locations@beaverton.k12.or.us in order to add your profile to Tumwater Middle School. It can take as long as a week (or more) for your volunteer profile to be added to Tumwater’s database, especially during high volume processing times.
We strongly encourage volunteers to submit this request well in advance of the event for which you want to volunteer. If you have emailed the address listed above and have not received confirmation within one week, please send an email to volunteer@tumwaterpto.org.
I've passed the background check and have a profile at another school, but haven’t been added to Tumwater’s database yet. Can I still volunteer at Tumwater for an upcoming event?
No. Unfortunately, each school’s volunteer database is separate, so Tumwater’s administration staff and volunteer coordinators cannot view volunteer profiles in other schools’ databases to verify your volunteer status and qualifications.
From a security standpoint, it is essential all volunteers have the time clock running while they are on school grounds (or chaperoning an off-campus event) so school staff knows who is on site at all times.
I see Tumwater within the volunteer system, but none of the opportunities are showing up.
The covid vaccination & medical exemption requirements remain in place, per state mandate. If you have not completed this process, you will not see volunteer opportunities within the volunteer system.
Please ensure that you have completed this process so that volunteer opportunities can be available to you. Head to www.tumwaterpto.org/volunteer for instructions on this process. You can view your Vaccination Approval Status from your MyImpact profile. After logging in, select the “MY PROFILE” drop down menu, select “Qualifications,” then select “Tumwater Middle School” under Organizations.
I have forgotten my login information.
If you have forgotten your login information, you can reset it at the MyImpact Login page by clicking on the link that says “Forgot your username or password?”. If you don’t remember the email address you used when creating your volunteer profile, please send an email to volunteer@tumwaterpto.org
Will I need to be a part of the TMS database to volunteer for the 8th grade celebration?
Yes. Head to www.tumwaterpto.org/volunteer for instructions on the two step process to begin volunteering at TMS.
If I request my volunteer profile to be transferred to Tumwater, does it remove my profile from the other school(s)?
No, you may have volunteer profiles at more than one school. However, if you would like to be removed from a school’s volunteer database, you may also submit that request to update_volunteer_locations@beaverton.k12.or.us at the same time as your request to be added to Tumwater’s database.
I’ve signed up to volunteer for an event. Where do I go and what should I do?
When you arrive at school, you will sign in to your profile on the Volunteer Chromebook located in the office. In the case of an event with many volunteers, Chromebooks may be set up in the hallway to relieve/prevent congestion in the office. After starting the time clock, grab a volunteer badge and proceed to your volunteer assignment. For larger events a staff member will be nearby to direct you.
How do I get a volunteer badge with my name on it?
Volunteer badges are typically created a few days prior to large events. If you have signed up for a volunteer shift at that event, or have volunteered at Tumwater in the past, chances are you already have a badge! For large events, badges may be placed on the tables next to the Chromebooks. Otherwise, they are hanging on the wall in the front office, arranged by last name.
If you have volunteered at Tumwater in the past and cannot find a badge with your name, send an email to volunteer@tumwaterpto.org and one will be created for you.
I'm volunteering for a teacher or staff member and I don't see an activity for me to select when I sign in.
Please select the activity "General Volunteer Hours." If you are volunteering on a regular basis and would like a dedicated volunteer activity in the system, please email volunteer@tumwaterpto.org.
I signed up for a volunteer shift, but my plans changed and I can no longer volunteer.
Most volunteer opportunities in the system will allow you to cancel your volunteer shift up to four hours beforehand. Go to the Schedule page in My Impact and you should be able to see a cancel shift button. If you are unable to cancel your shift, we would appreciate it if you sent us an email at volunteer@tumwaterpto.org to let us know.
CLUBS/SPORTS
When do after school clubs begin?
Clubs are driven by student interest and require a staff advisor. After school activity transportation is provided by a BEF Grant that is typically awarded in mid-October. Clubs won’t begin until the end of October/beginning of November.
Clubs may request volunteers as the need arises. Club information will be shared with students during the school day and with families in the school newsletter.
Are there local basketball, soccer and baseball leagues that most of the kids utilize since there isn't a middle school team? Is there a comprehensive list of all extracurricular activities (ie, clubs, sports, programs offered by non-school affiliated groups, etc)?
The range of competitive and recreation sports leagues/clubs in this area is intimidating. THPRD has a comprehensive list of local recreation sports clubs in the area. However, this list does not include the many competitive clubs in the area.
Here is a brief list of some (emphasis on some) youth recreation sporting organizations that include Tumwater within their boundaries:
THPRD Middle School Cross Country
Cedar Mill Little League (baseball)
Willow Creek Little League (softball)
Sunset Junior Baseball
THPRD Winter Basketball Program
Sunset Youth Football
Sunset Youth Lacrosse
Milltown United Soccer
THPRD Middle School Track & Field
Sunset Youth Cheer
Sunset Youth Basketball (boys & girls)
THPRD Volleyball league (boys & girls)
Rugby Oregon
ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS
What academic competitions are organized by Tumwater?
Academic competitions are divided into two categories: school sponsored and school affiliated.
School Sponsored: The school anticipates there will be five academic competitions that are sponsored by the school and take place during the school day or as an after-school activity:
AMC-8:- a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. 7th & 8th grade students who pre-register take the exam during the school day in mid-January. More information about registering will be shared by math teachers.
MathCounts
Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB)
Science Bowl
Scripps Spelling Bee
***Note that after 33 years, The National Geographic Bee has been permanently discontinued.
School Affiliated: The International Academic Competitions require an affiliation with a school. TMS will register as an IAC sponsor and will proctor the qualifying exams for the following competitions. These are free 20-minute exams that will be offered during student lunches. Students will need to pre-register with the school in order to attend these exam sessions. If students qualify for the Regional or National competitions, the registration fees are paid by the family of the qualifying student, not the school.
National History Bee Qualifying Exam
International Geographic Bee/US National Championships Qualifying Exam
National Science Bee - Qualifying Exam
Science Olympiad is open to students who want to compete individually or on a team of 10-15 students from the same school. Tumwater does not organize, register, coach, host, or sponsor Science Olympiad teams. Teams meet off campus under the guidance of someone other than school staff. The school Registrar serves as a staff liaison to communicate between the team and Tumwater. Learn more by visiting https://www.soinc.org/
OTHER
Will parents have more access to teachers this year? (Ie: parent teacher conferences, back to school night/meet the teacher type setting).
The partnership of parents/guardians and teachers is instrumental in a child's success. The school will follow district health guidelines and protocols. While mask wearing is encouraged at group events, at this time the school is planning for in-person events this fall including the Ice Cream Welcome Social, Back-to-School Night, and Family-Teacher Conferences. We welcome volunteers in our classrooms, library media center, and school events.
How can I become involved?
Read the TMS newsletters & emails
Attend PTO Community Meetings
Join the volunteer database and volunteer
Explore www.tumwaterpto.org
8th Grade Celebration Co-chairs Needed
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE FAMILIES!
Our 8th graders are entering their last year of middle school before they brave the halls of high school. And let's face it-- being a middle schooler these past few years has been bumpy at best. So let's give them a send-off to remember!
We are looking for co-chairs to lead the charge of the 2023 8th grade celebration, already scheduled for Tuesday, 6/20/23.
Things to consider:
It's a team effort & not rocket science!
It's been done before, so hey, copy what they did last June & call it good!
All can be easily delegated to multiple people so no ONE PERSON is responsible for all.
Email Hannah (president@tumwaterpto.org) if you are interested. Grab a friend & let's make some magic happen!
Submit Your 2022-23 Questions
Help us help you!
With middle school coming up fast, many parents and families are new to this scene.
So tell us, what burning questions do you have surrounding the logistics, policies, academics or activities at Tumwater Middle School?
Fill out this form & your questions will be answered in our upcoming Back to School FAQ.
**Please note: this is meant for all-school, generalized questions, not for specific individuals.
Let’s start 2022-23 off right!
Tumwater Ice Cream Social on Wed, 8/31
Join us on Wed, August 8/31 for an all-school welcome ice cream social!
Students will have the opportunity to get their schedule, walk through the building, meet the staff, and enjoy an ice cream treat brought to you by Tumwater PTO.
Your TMS Board will also be back with their wheel of prizes, ready to answer your questions and get your family set for 2022-23!
Please come at:
6:00-6:30pm: Last names A-G
6:45-7:15pm: Last names H-O
7:30-8:15pm: Last names P-Z
Don’t miss this celebration of our brand-new school year! Look for more info soon.
Tumwater 2022-23 Calendar
The 2022-23 Tumwater calendar is taking shape. Mark your calendars now for these important dates.
An up-to-date calendar can be found at TMS’ website.
Ice Cream Welcome Social: Wed, 8/31/22, 6-8:15pm
Last names A-G: 6:00 - 6:30pm
Last names H-O: 6:45 - 7:15pm
Last names P-Z :7:30 - 8:15pm
First Day of School (6th Grade): Tuesday, 9/6/22
Welcome Coffee on the TMS Patio (6th Grade): Tuesday, 9/6/22, 9:45-10:45am
First Day of School (7/8 Grade): Wed, 9/7/22
Welcome Coffee on the TMS Patio (7/8 Grade): Wed, 9/7/22, 9:45-10:45am
Picture Day: Wed, 9/21/22
Back to School Night: Thurs, 9/22/22
Tumwater PTO Community Meeting: Thursday, 10/6/22, 6:30-8pm
NO SCHOOL: Friday, 10/14/22 (Staff Development Day)
Conferences: Wed, 10/19 /22& Thursday, 10/20/22
***NO SCHOOL: Thursday, 10/20/22 & Friday, 10/21/22
Band Concert: Thursday, 10/27/22
Choir Concert: Thursday, 11/3/22
NO SCHOOL: Thursday, 11/10/22 (Grading Day) & Friday, 11/11/22 (Veterans Day)
Tumwater PTO Community Meeting: Thursday, 11/17/22, 6:30-8pm
NO SCHOOL: Wed, 11/23/22 - Friday, 11/25/22 (Thanksgiving Break)
NO SCHOOL: Monday, 11/28/22 (Staff Development Day)
Fall Play Production: Thursday, 12/1/22, Friday, 12/2/22 & Saturday, 12/3/22
NO SCHOOL: Monday, 12/19/22- Monday, 1/2/23 (Winter Break)
NO SCHOOL: Friday, 1/13/23 (Staff Development Day)
NO SCHOOL: Monday, 1/16 (MLK Day)
Band Concert: Thursday, 1/19/23
All-School Social: Friday, 1/20/23, 2:30-3:50pm
Choir Concert: Thursday, 1/26/23
NO SCHOOL: Friday, 2/3/23 (Grading Day)
Tumwater PTO Community Meeting: Thursday, 2/9/23, 6:30-8pm
Conferences: Wed, 2/15/23 & Thursday, 2/16/23
***NO SCHOOL: Thursday, 2/16/23 & Friday, 2/17/23
NO SCHOOL: Monday, 2/20 (President’s Day) & Tuesday, 2/21 (Staff Development Day)
Arts Night: Thursday, 3/16/23
Band Concert: Thursday, 3/23/23
NO SCHOOL: Monday, 3/27/23- Friday, 3/31/23 (Spring Break)
NO SCHOOL: Thursday, 4/13/23 (Staff Development Day) & Friday, 4/14/23 (Grading Day)
All-School Social: Thursday, 4/20/23
Tumwater PTO Community Meeting & Listening Session: Thursday, 4/20/23, 6:30-8pm
Spring Play Production: Thursday, 5/18/23, Friday, 5/19/23 & Saturday, 5/20/23
NO SCHOOL: Friday, 5/26/23 (Staff Development Day)
NO SCHOOL: Monday, 5/29 (Memorial Day)
Band Concert: Thursday, 6/1/23
Choir Concert: Tuesday, 6/6/23
Tumwater PTO Community Meeting: Thursday, 6/8/23, 6:30-8pm
Band Concert: Tuesday, 6/13/23
NO SCHOOL: Monday, 6/19/23 (Juneteenth)
8th Grade Celebration: Tuesday, 6/20/23
Last Day of School/Field Day: Wed, 6/21/23
These events & dates are subject to change. Head to the TMS calendar webpage for updated dates/times.
***Conference/no school dates are unique to each school & are not included on BSD’s official calendar.
2022-23 School Supply List Available
The 2022-23 school supply list is now updated and available on the Tumwater MS website. You can take a glance at the list here:
SUPPLY LIST:
Student Planner- Provided by Tumwater PTO at no cost to all students
Backpack (without wheels)
Reusable water bottle
Earbuds/Headphones preferably with microphone
(1) two-inch three-ring binder
Notebook dividers for 7 subjects
(5) college-ruled single subject notebooks (wireless or spiral)
(2) college-ruled composition notebook
(1) graph paper composition book
(1) sketchbook (art students only)
Pencil pouch
Pencils
Pens (black or blue and one other color)
Highlighters (4 colors)
Colored pencils
Erasers
Handheld pencil sharpener
Ruler with Standard & Metric
Small sticky notes (for Language Arts)
Scientific calculator (Math 6/7, 7/8, and AGS 1)
Graphing Calculator (AGS 2 and AGS 3)
Optional:
Chromebook case (9 x 11.7 x 0.8 inches)
Helpful Supplies for Use at Home:
3x5 index cards
Scissors
Scotch tape
Glue sticks
Compass (AGS 1-3)
Straightedge (AGS 1-3)
Assistance Available:
Graphing calculators are available for checkout in the library for students enrolled in AGS2 and AGS3.
If you are in need of assistance with school supplies, please call the school office or email TMS-Communications@beaverton.k12.or.us.
Donations Accepted:
The school office is accepting donations of any of the above supplies to share with other students. In addition, our art classrooms are seeking donations of the following household items to reuse:
magazines
newspaper
Donations can be dropped off in the school office Monday - Thursday 8 am - 2 pm throughout the summer.
WHAT A YEAR: Thank You From Tumwater PTO
It’s time to celebrate ourselves!
In a year of COVID restrictions, changing guidelines, and massive transitions, this community came together to build an organization with energy and focus, all while parenting middle schoolers. Bravo to us all for making it (crawling?) to the finish line.
As for Tumwater PTO, scroll through our successes this year, courtesy of you, your friends, & your neighbors:
BUILT PTO INFRASTRUCTURE
We didn’t buy a house– we’re building it. What started as a group of strangers and a few strong ideas has grown into a fully functioning organization. We wrote bylaws, drafted policies, incorporated in Oregon, opened our financial accounts, created a website, launched social media, hosted meetings, and moved to Google Workspace. Then kept the wheel turning all year.
RAISED OVER $35,000 IN INAUGURAL RISING TIDES CAMPAIGN
We are honored & thankful to the 254 individual donors who put their belief in this organization last fall. Their support culminated in over $35,000 in income, exceeding our initial goal by $10,000. This groundswell of support set us up for a year of success. Shout out to the Rising Tides team, Kelly Kinzer & Ava Palmquist.
RECEIVED OUR 501(c)3 STATUS & REGISTERED WITH BENEVITY
After months of waiting, this little PTO-that-could finally received its IRS 501(c)3 designation this spring. Thank you to the IRS for making our federally tax-exempt & matching funds dreams come true. Also shout out to Rachel Arnold, who conquered the 26 page IRS application last summer.
Intel/Columbia/Nike families: You can now find Tumwater PTO within Benevity, making corporate matching even easier. Huge thanks to Julie Gupta for making this happen so quickly.
APPROVED EIGHT COMMUNITY GRANTS
The Tumwater PTO fulfilled eight community grants in 2021-22, totalling $12,564 of direct support of the students & classrooms of Tumwater Middle School, and is completely funded by our Rising Tides donors.
This community grant program is roughly just over 30% of the Tumwater PTO budget and provides funds to enable purchases that inspire, inform, and support educational inquiry and innovation at Tumwater Middle School. This year’s recipients included the TMS drama club, the Language Arts department, and several science-based inquiry projects.
Read on for more specific grant details →
SUPPORTED ALL-STUDENT PROGRAMS
Even in a year mired with COVID restrictions, our volunteers found a way to lift these PTO-sponsored programs off the ground.
OBOB: With an army of volunteers, our OBOB program launched last January, with 15 teams and over 60 students participating. The winning team, Rapid Readers, earned their way into the final four of the Regional tournament. Shout out to Kristi Nelson & Vandy Kapoor for building this program from scratch.
Art Lit: Our Art Lit program brighted the month of May, with each science section receiving a lesson on artist Frida Kahlo. Students then worked on their own self-portrait (using their school picture!) and artwork was displayed in the cafeteria trophy cases.
This was a HUGE undertaking for our volunteers who braved the middle school classrooms. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated leadership of Melissa Manos.
CREATED MEMORABLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCES
Supporting students isn’t just academic. TMS PTO also funded several events that brought a bit of magic, joy & memories to our student body.
Student Social: Our first PTO-sponsored student social was held this May, with activities that appealed to all types of personalities. Basketball, a cake walk, glow bingo, board/card games, and karaoke were just some of the opportunities presented. Massive thanks to TMS staff member Kristin Hayward for her leadership in making this possible.
8th Grade Celebration: Though the sun didn’t come out, our parent volunteers did! Our 8th grade class was sent off in style. Massive thanks to the months-long fundraising & team of parents who made this happen, especially co-chairs Amber Ferschweiler & Sarah Sullivan.
More celebration details & pictures can be found here →
Field Day: Our final day was filled with fun (and sun!) as this PTO-sponsored Field Day, courtesy of our TMS staff, parent volunteers, & funding from our Rising Tides donors.
BUOYED THE EFFORTS OF TUMWATER MIDDLE SCHOOL
With over 1000 volunteer hours this year (even with the earlier restrictions!), this community showed up for TMS & its students and staff in a big way.
Every contribution counts. Thank you to everyone who:
Volunteered in any capacity throughout the year
Donated to Rising Tides, the 8th grade celebration, staff appreciation, or the music supporters
Attended (even virtually) any PTO meeting or event
Read the TMS newsletter and/or followed us on social media (you’re a hero for staying informed!)
Click here for a full listing of our committee leads →
Together, this community created a successful first year for our students and staff in a stressful year of constant changes. Hats off to all of us for conquering another year of middle school parenting.
To our outgoing 8th grade families: Thanks for being a part of this ride. We wish you luck in your next adventure.
To our returning families: We look forward to collaborating again next year to keep these Rapids rising!
Follow along on Facebook & Instagram (@tumwaterpto).