Welcome To Panther Tracks
News, updates, and reminders for the coming week and more going forward. La traducción al español está en la parte inferior. የአማርኛ ትርጉም ከታች ነው።
Community Resources
This is a new, recurring portion of Panther Tracks and we will update this section weekly with relevant information as needed. This week:
- A message from BOE Superintendent Dr. Taylor: All our children deserve a high-quality education that fosters both academic excellence and well-being regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, disability, religion, or any other identifying characteristic. Read the full statement here.
- MCPS is committed to ensuring that all students feel safe and welcome in our schools, regardless of immigration status. Click here to read the statement.
- MCPS offers support to our Immigrant students and families. Click here for resources.
- How does MCPS handle immigration enforcement visits to schools? Click here for more information.
- How can I ensure my child's personal information is not shared? Under FERPA, schools may disclose directory information without consent unless the family completed an Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy form at the start of the year. If you would like to update your family's preference, please contact the main office.
Cultural Heritage Night: Food, Performers, and Volunteers Needed
Please join us for a vibrant celebration of our multicultural community at 7 pm on April 9 at Takoma Park Middle School. There will be food, performances, and a fashion show. What we need most now is food! Please consider making a last-minute pledge to bring something to share from your family or heritage.
To sign up to bring Food, use this link: dub.sh/2025PBESeat
Tuesday: Public Meeting Regarding Boundary Studies
We wanted to highlight recent messages from MCPS about upcoming meetings regarding two school boundary studies. One of these studies will directly affect middle and high schools in the DCC potentially including Takoma Park Middle School. This boundary study could potentially affect where your student attends middle or high school starting in Fall 2027.
The meetings about this study is open to all and we encourage everyone to attend!
In-Person Session: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Walter Johnson High School Auditorium
Registration is Open for Big Learning After School Programs
Scholarships are available by calling the Big Learning office 301-244-5254. Families will be getting flyers sent home that include the schedule of classes and registration information. They are also attached here. Please contact pbes.pta@gmail.com with any questions.
Big Learning Science & Engineering: The theme is The Physics of Sound and Flight
Register at: https://biglearning.asapconnected.com/
Select ALL CLASSES along the upper menu bar and then use the drop down location finder to find your school.
Build a guitar from scratch and simulate sound waves while exploring pitch, tones, and frequencies. Discover the science behind flight and then get your chance to launch a model rocket!
Big Learning Foreign Language: Open a window to language learning!
Register for Spring Session of Spanish Classes: https://biglearning.asapconnected.com/
Select ALL CLASSES and use LOCATIONS tab to find school
New and continuing beginners learn and practice speaking Spanish together in a fun, informal, language immersion setting with games, activities and a workbook.
Needed: New PTA Board Members for 2025-26 School Year
As we soon hit the home stretch of this school year, the PTA needs to refresh its ranks for next year. The current board is term-limited out of our positions so we need new volunteers to take our places and lead the PTA into next year. We will be discussing the need for new board members at next month’s PTA meeting, as well as having a social event to inform anyone interested in learning more about roles and responsibilities. In the meantime if you are interested in a position please reach out to board@pbespta.groups.io thank you!
Readathon Wrap-Up
Thank you again for encouraging your kids to read over the Readathon! Next steps for families – if your students have collected pledges for minutes read, please submit these pledges on the PBES PTA website (use the Readathon Donation option), or by check (make checks payable to PBES PTA). All donations are tax-deductible.
Upcoming Dates
This week:
- Wednesday, April 9: Cultural Heritage Night at Takoma Park Middle School, 7 pm
- April 14-21: Spring Break (no school for students)
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም
