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 a smooth but active week at Twin Peaks! Students are starting to settle into their classes, develop routines, and make new friends this week, while teachers are delving into their units of study now that classroom introductions and orientations have been covered. Our admin and counseling teams have been busy working with students and families that are still registering and starting their school year, finalizing schedules and balancing classes. Our elective request window is now closed and we are working to finalize all schedules before the end of this week. Thank you to all of our students and families for your patience and understanding as we try to build and balance an 8 period schedule that works for over 1,200 students!

iReady reading diagnostic testing began in all ELA classes this week , with almost all students completeing their testing - great job Rams! This next week will be focused on getting students who still need to finish their testing to complete it in their Homeroom period before Friday's deadline. 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. 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 is this 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 periods: 1-4, Homeroom, then 5-8. 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.

Attention 6th Grade Parents! All 6th grade students will attend our Camp Cuyamaca Orientation Assembly this Thursday, September 3rd, during 1st homeroom. The presentation will begin at 11:20am. Parents are welcome to come and listen, but please know that our time is short and this is not a question and answer forum. Camp packets will be passed out in homeroom on September 4th and are due NO LATER THAN October 2nd.

Our blacktop is open and a great place for students to visit during lunch (when it is not too hot!). Starting this Monday, students will need to use their TPMS ID card to check out equipment. ID Cards were sent home with students during homeroom this week and replacements can be purchased in the Library at any point during the school year for $5.

I'd like to congratulate and welcome Mrs. Ana Moreno as our new Bilingual Parent Liaison! Mrs. Moreno previously served as our School Secretary, working with our Assistant Principals, and doing an amazing job of keeping our main office a warm and supportive environment for all. We are lucky to be able to have Mrs. Moreno stay in our TPMS community by moving into this new role, which will see her split time between TPMS and Midland Elementary. Please see the information below about how Mrs. Moreno supports our school and how you can get in touch with her!

There is A LOT more going on at Twin Peaks, so please make sure to read through the rest of this week's newsletter for information about the following upcoming events and activities:

• Cross Country Parent's meeting on Monday, 8/31
• PTSA September Staff Event - donations now being accepted!
• CJSF Applicaions now available for 8th Graders!
• Parent Rep needed - School Site Council has an opening!
• 6th Grade Carnival ticket sales and permission slip link
• TPMS Choir signups - now open!
• PTSA Reflections Art Contest Information
• New Parent Vue Mobile App - Download Now!
• Camp Cuyamaca Open House on 9/12
• Bike and eBike Registration Information
• Parent Education classes through PUSD
• Support the Library's Give a Book, Grow a Reader campaign
• Foundation Back to School Campaign - only 15 blankets left!

In Partnership,

Steve Mills

Proud Principal

Twin Peaks Middle School

stmills@powayusd.com

1(858)748-5131 x2806

Instagram: @principalmills_twinpeaks

August 31st: Adventure Zone Fundraiser Assembly, 2nd period MPR

August 31st: Cross Country Parent Meeting, 5:30pm @ Theater

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

September 3rd: 6th Grade Camp Presentation, 11:20am @MPR

September 7th: Labor Day Holiday, No School

September 9th: Make-Up Picture Day, all grades

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

September 12th: San Diego Wave - Back to School Bash

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

On September 17, we’re treating our amazing teachers and staff to a Caramel Apple Bar! They work so hard every day for our kids and we want to show them just how much we appreciate everything they do. ❤️

We’re asking our wonderful families to help make this treat extra special! The Sign-Up Genius is linked below with items you can donate. If bringing an actual item doesn’t work for you, financial contributions are welcome too and will help us purchase whatever is still needed.

Every donation, big or small, helps us spoil the incredible teachers and staff who give so much to our kids every day! 🍎✨

Let’s come together and make September 17 a sweet day for our teachers! 💚

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44A5AA2CA6FF2-65343314-ourteachers

Our winter session will start September 22nd and we’ll meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15-8:15 am in the Little Theater until our concert in December. We hope to see you there! Please register at this link: https://forms.gle/PaB1KFxJM4LokDpz8

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

If you're looking for something fun to do on Saturday, September 12, around 3:30pm, The San Diego Wave have extended an "Educator Appreciation" offer to us for a pretty cool deal.

Tickets (through the link below) are $25 each. In addition, each ticket will receive a $10 Concessions Voucher totally free!

I mean, come on! You can't beat that 🙂

This isn't necessarily a "school event" and we don't have blocked tickets like we have done in the past, so if you want to be seated with friends, I suggest buying the tix all at once. You know how it works...

Have Fun. Stay Cool. Support the Wave!

TICKET LINK

TPMS Yearbook Info

Yearbooks are available for $60. We sold out last year so get yours now!

Pay by card: Go to https://www.jostens.com or use the QR code

Pay by cash/check: Download the order form from our webpage

http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/ or pick up a form in the office. Return the form and cash or check to the school office.

Calling all proud families of 8th graders here at Twin Peaks! 8th Grade Recognition Ads are open and ready for purchase. Go to https://www.jostens.com and click on Recognition Ads to start the process of celebrating your 8th grader in this year’s yearbook! Deadline is January 27th so don’t delay!

Want more information about Yearbooks? Go to http://tpmsyearbook.weebly.com/

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.

Sixth Grade Camp is an amazing experience for our students, and we hope your student will join! Twin Peaks will be attending camp November 2nd - 6th. All students will receive their camp packet that includes helpful information and required forms on Friday, September 4th. Below are important dates to remember:

• September 3rd: Sixth Grade Camp Orientation at 11:20am. Parents are welcome to attend! This will take place in the MPR.
• September 4th: Camp packets go home with students.
• October 2nd: Camp Packets DUE
• October 9th: Medical Authorization Forms DUE

Our district’s Caring Connections Parent Education website has new and exciting courses being offered. Check the website at the beginning of each term for the new courses offered to parents, families, and our school community; scholarship opportunities may be available. Click HERE to view the PUSD CCC Parent Education Fall Courses on the PUSD website.

September Parent Education Courses:

• 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!

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 15 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