Twin Peaks Middle School

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend as we creep into October and closer to Halloween! It was another great week to be a RAM... 4th and 5th graders from Tierra Bonita visited our Agricultural Science classes to learn all about our classroom animals, we welcomed Love on a Leash to bring joy to the library, our band and orchestra students practiced their Halloween tunes, 6th graders finished up their physicis unit in science, 7th graders had a challnging Europe map quiz in Social Studies, 8th graders learned about point of view and irony in ELA, Cross Country had an away meet at Oak Valley MS, and ASB continued to make Friday lunches and the quad the place to be!

We have a busy week coming up at TPMS... PARENTS - We need you!! Please consider joining us on Tuesday night at 6pm in the Library for our monthly TPMS Foundation meeting. We will be discussing our annual teal envelope fundraiser and our need to raise money to replace our Mac lab this school year, in addition to planning our winter social event scheduled for Saturday, February 6th. You can also join us on Thursday night at 6:15pm for our monthly PTSA meeting, also in the Library, where we will get an update on our Fall Book Fair, Art Reflections Contest entries, and the October and November events they have scheduled for our school community. Both meetings are open to all TPMS parents and new members are always welcome!

In our ongoing efforts to improve the traffic congestion in and around TPMS, we have been cleared to open our back stairs onto Twin Peaks Road! Starting this next week, the back stairs to Twin Peaks Road will be open after school as a student exit to help streamline dismissal and ease traffic congestion at the front of the school. Located directly behind the 900 building off the fire lane by the baseball fields, this exit provides direct access onto Twin Peaks Road. Both students and teachers are allowed to use this route to exit campus at the end of the day; we will not be opening this gate in the morning for students. A Campus Security Specialist will be stationed at the gate to unlock the area and supervise student traffic flow after school only.

Please do continue to slow down and drive carefully in and around TPMS! We continue to get numerous reports of cars running red lights, speeding drivers, and cars almost hitting students while they are in the crosswalks. Please check back for the date of an upcoming Principal's Coffee I plan to host to bring together some of our community stakeholders and to start discussing what solutions can be implemented to address these ongoing safety concerns.

Finally, this week is National School Lunch Week (October 12-16) - please join me in thanking the dedicated school nutrition professionals who help ensure PUSD students are well fed and ready to learn, regardless of financial circumstances. The Food and Nutrition Department serves more than 17,000 lunches every school day, featuring organic produce and milk from local farms, entrees rich in whole grains and lean protein, and options for varied food preferences. A large, comprehensive study published in 2019 found that nutritional quality of school lunches is higher, on average, than lunches packed from home, particularly in the areas of vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. During National School Lunch Week, we recognize and appreciate the important role that nutrition plays in supporting student success.

Please continue to read on for important details and information on these upcoming events and activities:

• PTSA Reflections Art Contest: due TODAY, 10/11!
• Support the TPMS Band Program - Buy El Ranchito this Wednesday & Thursday!
• AMC Movie Tickets - Bundle, Save and Support the PTSA!
• We're Hiring - Instructional Assistants Needed!
• ELAC Meeting: on 10/21 in Pride Park @5:30pm
• CPK Science Fundraiser on 10/20 and 10/21
• PTSA Staff Nacho Bar signups!
• TPMS Night at PHS football: Friday, 10/23
• Free e-bike safety workshop on 10/24
• Boo in the Park Tickets: event is on 10/29 - families welcome!

In Partnership,

Steve Mills

Proud Principal

Twin Peaks Middle School

stmills@powayusd.com

1(858)748-5131 x2806

Instagram: @principalmills_twinpeaks

On Tuesday morning, we hosted about thirty 4th and 5th graders from Tierra Bonita Elementary to come over and learn all about our classroom animals from our agricultural science students. Our TBES guests had a chance to learn about geckos, cockatiels, pythons, fancy rats and much more from our Ag Science student experts! And Friday saw more unbelievable Ram spirit as our ASB hosted an obstacle course for students in the quad, gave out 5 Star points for spirit wear, and helped lead a little dancing to the Cha Cha Slide!

October 14th and 15th: Music Fundraiser at the Taco Shop

October 19th: AVID 8 Field Trip (USC/CSU Long Beach)

October 20th and 21st: CPK Science Fundraiser

October 21st: EL Parent Advisory Committee Meeting, 5:30-7:30pm

October 26th - 27th: Minimum Days, Professional Learning

October 29th: Sea World Field Trip - Zoology

October 29th: Lunch Time Jazz Concert

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

October 30th: Before School Halloween Concert, 8:00 - 9:00am

November 2-6: 6th Grade Camp @ Cuyamaca Outdoor School

Throughout the month of October, you can support TPMS PTSA while watching your favorite movies at AMC theaters! Grab a $39 Movie Ticket Bundle with two AMC tickets, or treat yourself to the $60 Movie Ticket & Concession Bundle, complete with two drinks and a popcorn to share. For every bundle sold, AMC will give back 20% to TPMS PTSA!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET BUNDLE AND SUPPORT OUR PTSA!

Starting on Monday, October 12th, the exit gate to Twin Peaks Road will be open to help streamline dismissal and ease traffic congestion at the front of the school. Located directly behind the 900 building off the fire lane by the baseball fields, this exit provides direct access onto Twin Peaks Blvd. Both students and teachers are allowed to use this route to exit campus at the end of the day; we will not be opening this gate in the morning for students. A Campus Security Specialist will be stationed at the gate to unlock the area and supervise traffic flow after school only.

TPMS ASB is excited to announce our 2nd Annual TPMS Night at PHS Football! Join us in the TPMS Fan Section on October 23rd!! Get your tickets at www.gofan.com and cheer on your future team with your classmates!

Click Here to RSVP!

Looking for a rewarding job working with students? Like working as part of a collaborative team that supports our most needy students? Then consider applying to be an Instructional Assistant! We have immediate openings for classroom and 1:1 Instructional Assistants at TPMS and we would love to have members of our school community come and join our team! Please take a look at the flyer below and apply today!

Sixth Grade Camp is just a few weeks ago! Click HERE to access the packing list and begin planning.

If your student turned in a greed medication form, medication drop off will be Friday, October 30th (all day) and Monday, November 2nd, from 7:00 - 8:30am.

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

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

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.

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.

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