Twin Peaks Middle School

Happy Sunday Ram Families!

I hope you are all finding a way to stay cool and recharge with this San Diego heat after our first FULL week back at school! It was a whirlwind of activity this week with iReady math diagnostic testing starting, students picking up textbooks and getting library orientations, first projects were assigned in classes, and school pictures were finished up. As I visited classrooms this week I saw teachers reviewing their class syllabi and expectations with students, PE students dressing out and learning the locker room rules, Homeroom students visiting with Assistant Principals to review school expectations and learn the Ram Way, and photography and video students snapping their first projects... school is definitely back in session and our Rams are getting back to learning!

THANK YOU to all of our families who have made alternate plans for drop-off and pick-up - we saw reduced traffic on Tierra Bonita Road and in our parking lot this week as a result of your efforts! Please continue to use other alternatives near TPMS as drop-off and pick-up points when possible (Twin Peaks Road, Trinity San Diego, St. Gabriels, North County Soccer Park). Also, consider picking your student up at 3:20pm rather than at 3:05pm... traffic is heaviest ten minutes before and ten minutes after school starts and ends. Please continue to reduce your speed and use caution during drop off and pick up times as we have many students who walk, ride bikes, scooter and skateboard to school and will be sharing the community roads and sidewalks with you.

iReady diagnostic testing began in all Math classes this week and will continue with the reading diagnostic test in ELA classes this week. Please make sure your student is charging their Chromebook each night and bringing their charger with them to school so that they are prepared for these online assessments. Students will have additional time in their Homeroom class to complete their diagnostic if needed as this is an untimed exam. Results of the fall diagnostic will be compared to students' winter diagnostic scores so that we can get a measure of what growth your student has had in both math and reading.

Twin Peaks Back to School Night will be on Wednesday, September 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm - I hope you can join us! We will meet in the main quad at 5:30pm for a quick welcome, followed by classroom visits by odd/even periods. Your students will be completing a schedule for you to follow for the evening that will include class and teacher names, in addition to the room numbers of their classes. Back to School Night is parent-only event; please do not have your student attend with you.

There has been a lot of discussion about ASES after school sports - here is the latest update from the district on our after school sports programs for this school year:

• ASES sports will continue as usual this school year. The District does not intend to eliminate sports from ASES.
• Our goal is to develop a more consistent, equitable, and financially sustainable approach that can support ASES sports over time. We will begin this review and develop a plan for adjustments to be made for next school year.
• Family and staff will be an important part of this process. No final decisions have been made about future program models, and any proposed changes will be communicated before they are implemented.

The district has created an FAQ page if you would like more information.

Please make sure to read through the rest of this week's newsletter for the following important information:

• Parent Rep needed - School Site Council has an opening!
• 6th Grade Carnival ticket sales and permission slip link
• New Parent Vue Mobile App - Download Now!
• Camp Cuyamaca Open House on 9/12
• PE Uniform Sales Information
• Noon Duty Hiring Fair - 8/28
• Bike and eBike Registration Infomration
• Parent Education classes through PUSD
• Support the Library's Give a Book, Grow a Reader campaign
• Foundation Back to School Campaign - only 20 blankets left!

In Partnership,

Steve Mills

Proud Principal

Twin Peaks Middle School

stmills@powayusd.com

1(858)748-5131 x2806

Instagram: @principalmills_twinpeaks

On Friday, our ASB leaders brought out the music and an impromptu dance party broke out! It was an awesome sight to see so many of our students, especially our new 6th graders, come running up to the stage to be a part of the YMCA, the conga line, and dance to Cotton-Eye Joe. Even with the high temperatures we realized this past week, our Rams were ready to celebrate after their first full week of classes.

August 26th: Late Start, 9:30am

September 2nd: Back to School Night, 5:30-7:30pm

September 3rd: 6th Grade Camp Presentation (6th Grade - lunches)

September 7th: Labor Day Holiday, No School

September 10th: 6th Grade Carnival, 3:30pm, TPMS Quad

September 15th: Foundation Meeting, 6pm (TPMS Library)

September 17th: PTSA Meeting, 6:15pm (TPMS Library)

September 28th: Minimum Day, 12:35 pm release for students

September 29th: Minimum Day, 12:35 pm release for students

Here is the link for the permission slip . Please bring it to the WEB room (301) at lunch between Tuesday, 9/1 and Thursday, 9/8 to purchase your ticket. Please reach out to our amazing WEB advisors, Mrs. McKibbin and Mrs. Fenwick, with any questions or concerns!

Edupoint has released a modernized ParentVUE (New) mobile application and retired the older ParentVUE app. Families should download the updated version to maintain access to student grades, schedules, and attendance records. Here are some easy directions you might provide to families:

How to Get Started with ParentVUE (New)

• Remove Old App: Delete the old ParentVUE app from your phone first so the new version functions correctly.

• Download: Search for ParentVUE (New) directly in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or follow the upgrade prompt inside your legacy (old) ParentVUE app.

• Connect to District: Open the new app, swipe through the intro, and search for your school district using your postal zip code.

• Log In: If prompted, select "Already Activated" if you already have an account, and sign in using your existing username and password.

Welcome back to the new school year! PUSD is excited to kick-off our fee-based Parent Education courses that are coming up in September. We have several NEW course offerings and parent educators.

Parents can also visit the website at https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/parenting-classes-education and search for the course they are interested in and enroll directly from our site. There you can find the course description, information, and the cost for the course; parents are able to enroll and pay online at Poway Adult School for the classes they are interested in attending.

September Parent Education Courses: NEW courses are highlighted yellow

• Motivating Unmotivated Kids: Practical Strategies for Responsibility, Cooperation, and Independence - All Grades TK-12th
• My Kid Isn’t Bad: Understanding What Your Teen is Really Saying – Grades 6th-12th
• Raising Pre-Teens in Immigrant and Multicultural Families – Grades 5th-8th
• The Life Skills Behind Learning and Success – Grades TK-5th
• Connection Before Correction: Supporting Teens with Anxiety, Stress, and Behavior – Grades 6th-12th
• The Parent Behind Parenting: Understanding Yourself and Parent with Confidence – All Grades TK-12th
• Parenting Preteens: Growing Confidence and Connection – Grades 5th-7th
• Personal Stress and Anxiety – All Grades Tk-12th

Many of these courses above are being offered 2x - 1 In-Person and 1 Online on different dates. Please feel free to visit the website for more information.

Please note, scholarships are available to parents who may be in need. Parent can contact the Caring Connections Center for more information.

Thank you for supporting our PUSD Parent Education. May you have a wonderful 2026-2027 school year!

PE clothes can be purchased through your students PE Coach during their PE class all week long. Please see the price list below for equipment costs; cash or checks payable to "TPMS" only.

For families new to PUSD, an informational letter with a new user account name and password was sent to all parents of secondary students (grades 6-12). If you did not receive this letter, have misplaced it, or if you are a parent of a new student enrolled after the start of school, please visit the password.powayusd.com website to retrieve their username or select a new password.

Attendance in school is vital for a successful education.

It is important that you notify the school if your student is absent or will be picked up early.

You may choose to call in your student’s absence (858-668-2730)

OR

Digitally excuse your student’s absence though ParentVUE

Below is the video link for details on how to access it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=720SAxzNzyY

For more information on attendance and absences. Please see our website for additional details!

https://twinpeaks.powayusd.com/apps/pages/attendance

Please Note: No walk-in pickups will be allowed after 2:45 p.m., unless a one hour prior notice has been received.

As the new school year begins, many students will be riding bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters to school. To give everyone time to transition, all students may park on campus without a permit through August 31st. Beginning Tuesday, September 1st, a valid permit will be mandatory.

Safety, Walk Zones & Parking

• State Helmet Law (CA VC 21212): All riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet at all times when riding any vehicle.
• Mandatory Walk Zones: Safety protocols begin at the intersection of Twin Peaks Rd. and Tierra Bonita. Students must walk or carry their vehicles in all areas in front of Twin Peaks Middle School, Tierra Bonita Elementary, in our parking lot, and anywhere on campus. Riding on walkways or in parking lots is strictly prohibited.
• Designated Bike Parking: All vehicles must be parked in the designated bike area, located through the gate to the far right of campus as you face the school.
• Securing Vehicles & Lock Advice: TPMS is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property. We strongly encourage students to use heavy-duty U-locks—especially for e-bikes—as cable locks are easily cut.

Vehicle Restrictions & Prohibited Vehicles

• Prohibited Vehicles: E-scooters and motorized scooters are strictly prohibited for middle schoolers under Poway law and CA Vehicle Code (which require a valid driver’s license to operate).
• Allowed E-Bikes: Only Class 1 (pedal-assist) and Class 2 (throttle-assisted) e-bikes capped at a maximum motorized speed of 20 mph are allowed on campus.
• Banned E-Bikes: Class 3 e-bikes (speeds up to 28 mph) are illegal for anyone under 16 and are strictly banned. Modified "e-motos" or dirt bikes are also banned. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (Poway Station) will conduct random sweeps throughout the year; unpermitted or illegal bikes are subject to impound.

How to Obtain a Permit

• Bicycles, Skateboards & Push Scooters: Register for a standard TPMS permit via the "Parent" section of the school website.
• E-Bike Permits (Separate Steps): Go to the "Parent" section on the TPMS website to complete the following:
1. Watch the mandatory PUSD safety video with your student.
2. Submit the official PUSD Request Form to the Assistant Principal’s office.
3. Permanently affix the approved permit sticker to the e-bike frame.

This year, we're excited to launch our Give a Book, Grow a Reader! campaign to help build an even stronger school library for our middle school students.

We invite each family to donate one new book to our library. Every book added to our shelves opens the door to new adventures, fresh perspectives, and lifelong learning.

A vibrant library does more than provide books—it creates opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop empathy, strengthen literacy skills, and experience the joy of reading for pleasure. Together, we can foster a school culture where reading is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and every student can find a book that speaks to them.

Thank you for helping us grow our library, inspire our readers, and make a lasting difference—one book at a time!

Send a book directly to TPMS Library!

This is a friendly reminder that TPMS is a phone free school between the hours of 8:30am - 3:05pm. Students must keep their devices in their backpacks during school hours to support our learning centered classrooms.

Phones and electronic devices can be confiscated by school staff for repeated violations of our electronic devices policy. Please review page 14 in the student planner (LINKED HERE) for more information on our school's electronic devices policy. Parents - please review the appropriate use of cell phones and our school's policy with your student to avoid having to come in and pick up their phone after school.

All children in PUSD are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch meals regardless of income for the 2025-2026 school year. Please see the PUSD Food and Nutrition Website for more information. Breakfast is served 30 minutes before school starts daily, if your student can not make it before school, they can receive a free breakfast at morning break! Click here to view the school menus.

Parents/Guardians are still encouraged to complete a meal application online to receive other benefits such free or reduced-price after-school care, discounts on SAT and AP testing fees, reduced internet and utility bills, and food-buying assistance during summer breaks. Meal applications also help ensure that our school receives its fair share of state funding. The website to apply is www.myschoolapps.com. Paper meal applications (for parents that can’t complete one online) are available in the TPMS front office.

*PUSD Food and Nutrition Department is cashless. Parents/Guardians can add money to their students account at MySchoolBucks.com or bring a check to any window to enter in their account for any a la carte items their students would like to purchase.

Help us get the year off to a great start by donating to the Twin Peaks Foundation Back to School Campaign! We will use the money within the next year or two so your student benefits! We support all kinds of programs and projects on campus, from mental health programs to school beautification. We appreciate any amount you are able to contribute but any donations over $150 will receive a special edition Twin Peaks fleece blanket. ONLY 20 BLANKETS LEFT!

Donate today! Back to School Campaign 2026 - 2027 - Cheddar Up

Twin Peaks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational excellence for ALL students at Twin Peaks Middle School. Their purpose is to bridge the widening gap between the amount of money actually provided by the State of California and the Poway Unified School District and the amount necessary to fund technology upgrades, educational programs and resources necessary to support the school.

The Foundation typically meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm in the TPMS Library. Here are their monthly meetings dates for the 2026-27 school year:

Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:00pm

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6:00pm

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6:00pm

Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6:00pm

Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 6:00pm

Tuesday, February 9, 2027, 6:00pm

Tuesday, March 16, 2027, 6:00pm

Tuesday, April 20, 2027, 6:00pm

Tuesday, May 11, 2027, 6:00pm

Please visit the TPMS Foundation Web Page by CLICKING HERE!

The Twin Peaks Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is a membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to making each school year a rewarding and enriching experience for every student. TPMS PTSA brings you the 6th Grade Olympics, 8th Grade Promotion, Academic Awards, Book Fairs, Choir, the Giving Tree program, the Reflections art program, the Spelling Bee, Staff/Teacher Hospitality, Student Character Recognition Awards, and lots more!

Whether you join as a member, donate directly to our programs, or give your time and talents (or all of the above!), we are very grateful for your contribution to TPMS. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities or other ways to get involved, email Steph Cole at ptsaprestpms@gmail.com We will also be available to chat and answer questions at Back to School Night on 9/2. Come find our table!

** To join PTSA and/or donate via TOTEM, click here

** To join PTSA and/or donate via Cheddar Up, click here

PTSA Meetings 2026-2027

As a member of PTSA, you are invited and encouraged to attend our three Association Meetings, held in September, February, and April. Mark your calendars now! This is where you can learn about what's happening at the school and hear directly from Principal Mills, student leadership, staff, and the PTSA Board. Members will receive meeting packets to the email addresses used to register. Our first Association meeting is coming up on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:15pm in the TPMS Library. Hope to see you there!

September 17, Association Meeting at 6:15pm, Board Meeting to follow

October 22, Board Meeting

November 5, Board Meeting

December 3, Board Meeting

January 14, Board Meeting

February 11, Association Meeting at 6:15pm, Board Meeting to follow

March 18, Board Meeting

April 22, Association Meeting at 6:15pm, Board Meeting to follow

May 13, Board Meeting & Awards Night

June TBD

Our 2026-2027 Executive Board:

President - Steph Cole

Executive VP - Misa Rudge

1st VP of Fundraising - Shelly Mead

2nd VP of Membership - Beckie Barber

3rd VP of Volunteers - Shannon Lilly

Secretary - Cassie Stroben

Treasurer - Kate Dokmo

Historian - Brenda Wiese

Financial Reviewer - Chrissy Rhew

Parliamentarian - Alicia Gormican

Nondiscrimination Philosophy and Policy Statement

The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, Melissa Griffith, Associate Superintendent of Personnel support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, mgriffith@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator/504 Coordinator Jessica Pineda, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2843, jpineda@powayusd.com.

Website: https://twinpeaks.powayusd.com/l
Phone: 858.748.5131
Twitter: @TwinPeaksRams