Twin Peaks Middle School

This coming week is all about connections and helping all students feel a strong sense of belonging on campus with our Start With Hello Week! Please see the flyer below for our first sprit dress-up days of the year! The event finds its beginnings with the Sandy Hook Promise, a national non-profit organization founded by the parents of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in 2012. Start With Hello Week is a social inclusion program designed to teach students how to identify and help peers who may be experiencing social isolation. Each year, I see this program and week of activities bring students closer together by teaching students to open up their friend circles and get to know lots of different people on campus.

We'll end our Start With Hello Week with our annual Club Fair taking place on Friday during both lunches in the ain quad. This is a wonderful opportunity for all students to express their interests and talents and to build connections on campus. Students - don't forget to get your 5 Star points for dressing up this week on the stage at lunch from ASB!

This is our 10th year as a No Place for Hate School, and we are excited to roll out our first school-wide No Place for Hate activity of the school year, The Resolution of Respect, this week through homerooms. This is an opportutnity for students to voluntarily commit to the following guiding principles as students in our school community:

• Combat Prejudice: Pledge to stop those who would hurt others or violate civil rights due to hate or ignorance.

• Acknowledge Bias: Try to be aware of personal biases and seek to understand those who are different.

• Speak Out: Object to all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

• Support Targets: Reach out to support individuals who are targets of hate.

• Reject Bystanders: Believe that one person can make a difference and that no one can be an "innocent bystander" regarding hate.

• Share Responsibility: Recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting harmony are shared responsibilities

I hope you take a moment to review these principles with your students and discuss what it means to make a commitment; students signing their name to the Resolution of Respect is completely optional, but we do hold all students accountable to these principles while students at Twin Peaks.

Picking up your student early from school?! Reminder! If your student needs to be picked up early from school, we kindly ask that you request the pass at least 3 hours before the student needs to leave campus. If the 3-hour notice is not possible, the parent/legal guardian will need to come to the office and show ID to check out the student before 2:30 pm. Due to the busy nature at the end of the school day, it becomes challenging to get passes to students for early pickup during that time. If you arrive at or after 2:45 pm without prior notice, we kindly ask that you wait until dismissal at 3:05pm. We truly appreciate your understanding and support as we work to keep the end of the school day running smoothly and safe for everyone.

Finally this week, please stop by our PTSA Book Fair in the library this week before school, during lunch, and after school! Please look at the Book Fair information below and to volunteer to help out! If you have not done so already please consider joining the PTSA this year. For only $15, you support a dozen different programs and student events on campus, including Book Fairs, the Spelling Bee, 6th Grade Olympics, and Academic Awards Night. Your membership dues also help to cover our staff hospitality events throughout the year, like our Caramel Apple Bar this Monday. Please help us reach our goal of 250 members by CLICKING HERE to join!

Please keep on reading below for more information on the upcoming events and activities:

• August Attendance Report: keep up the great work Rams!
• PTSA Book Fair: this week in the Library - everyone needs a good new book!
• Principal's Advisory Committee: 5 students per grade level needed - apply by 9/30!
• Suicide Prevention Presentation: Link available to watch the presentation
• Lego First Robotics League: information on how to join is below
• PTSA Reflections Art Contests: deadline to enter is October 11th
• Lost & Found: outside the library - claim your sweatshirts, water bottles, and other items!
• TPMS Military Family Survey: please complete if you are active duty, reserves, or a veteran
• Join TPMS Choir: links below to sign-up - startes this Tuesday!
• Parent Education Classes: free to signup and take through PUSD
• Boo on the Blacktop: signup information for our Halloween Event!

In Partnership,

Steve Mills

Proud Principal

Twin Peaks Middle School

stmills@powayusd.com

1(858)748-5131 x2806

Instagram: @principalmills_twinpeaks

September 21st-25th: Fall Book Fair!

September 22nd: TPMS Choir Session Begins!

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

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

September 30th: AVID Induction Ceremony

October 2nd: 6th Grade Camp Registration Due

October 2nd: Band Night at PHS Football Game

October 2nd-30th: AMC Tickets Fundraiser

October 29th: Boo on the Blacktop, 4:30-6:30pm

FALL INTO A GOOD BOOK!

The TPMS PTSA is excited to invite you to our upcoming Scholastic Fall Book Fair! Proceeds will benefit PTSA programs like Choir, Sixth Grade Olympics, Academic Awards, the Spelling Bee, and Five Star All Stars Student Recognition Awards.

The Fall Book Fair will be held in the TPMS Library from Monday, September 21st to Friday, September 25th. The book fair will be open before school, during lunch, and after school until 3:30pm. Students will also visit the fair with their Language Arts class.

We need your help to make the Fall Fair go as smoothly as possible! Volunteers are needed to help with purchases, monitor students as they shop, and set-up/break-down the fair. Volunteer shifts are short and fun! (*Shifts are based on initial class schedules, but may be subject to change. Volunteers will be notified as needed.)

https://www.signupgenius.com/.../4090C4AAAA72FA4FC1...

No time to spare, but you would still like to help with the Book Fair? Please consider making a donation to help purchase book fair decor/supplies and books for classroom libraries - https://twinpeaksptsa.cheddarup.com/

Hey Students! Looking for a leadership opportunity? Interested in bringing positive change to our campus?! Then consider joining the Principal's Advisory Committee! We are now accepting applications for 5 members per grade level for this year's PAC. If you are interested in being a part of the Principal's Advisory Committee, please answer the questions LINKED HERE and submit your application by 3pm on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026. Students will be notified by Friday, October 2nd. The PAC's first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7th, 2026.

Twin Peaks ASB is excited to announce our very first “Boo on the Blacktop!” This event will be open to TPMS staff, students, and their families, and will include Halloween-themed carnival games in addition to a traditional Trunk or Treat event with cars hosted by our very own TPMS Teachers and Staff.

Event details:

• Thursday, October 29th, 4:30-6:30 PM
• Location: TPMS Blacktop
• Cost: Free!
• Concessions and Kona Ice will be available for purchase

We know this event is still quite a way away, but to ensure this event is successful, we need YOU! If you are interested in supporting the event by either donating or volunteering, please CLICK HERE to access our online Sign Up. More information about the actual event will be coming very soon! Please direct any specific questions to our ASB Advisor, Mrs. Crow at kcrow@powayusd.com

Thanks to the TPMS Foundation and our PTSA for their generous sponsorship of our suicide prevention presentation by With Hope - The Amber Craig Memorial Foundation. Our staff and students had an opportunity to hear the presentation live this week, and our parents had a chance to join our on-line event to hear from the presenters. If you missed the event on Wednesday night, you can still watch the video recording of the presentation and learn about all of the amazing resources available to our school community to help support anyone who may be feeling depressed, isolated, or experiencing suicidal ideation.

Please reach out to our Counseling Team with any questions or concerns.

Click Here for the video recording.

Military Family Survey - We Thank You!

We are honored to have military families as part of our school community. If you are active duty, reserves, or a veteran, we kindly ask you to complete our Military Family Survey. Your participation helps us better support and recognize the unique experiences of military-connected students. Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/p2H1a5yFjFXxnY7J7

Calling all Rams dancers! TK through 8th grade dancers of all levels are invited to join Poway High's dance team at their Jr. Titans Dance Clinic on October 2nd! Jr. Titans will learn a dance, play games, enjoy a pizza dinner and dessert, then join the high school dancers for a halftime performance at the varsity football game! It is such a fun event every year! Register today at this link! Discount pricing continues through September 10th.

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

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. Please let us know if your student will be attending camp by filling out THIS FORM! Below are important dates to remember:

• September 4th: Camp packets go home with students.
• October 2nd: Camp Packets DUE
• October 9th: Medical Authorization Forms DUE

UPDATED PRICING: Cost per camper is $495

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.

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 5 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, 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

** 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. Hope to see you there!

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