Welcome to Monday Mail!
From the Principal
Greetings,

Happy Monday!! This is it; it is the home stretch. The last week of new material as Final exams begin next Monday. Click HERE for the full schedule. It is important that students take the time this week to complete any outstanding assignments. Please check the parent portal to stay up-to-date.

There are calendar changes for Spring 2021 which were adopted at the last BOE meeting. Students now return to school after winter holidays on Thursday, January 7th. Additionally, there will be 4 Digital Learning Days during the spring semester (1/26, 3/2, 3/16, 4/20). All students will participate asynchronously as virtual learners on these days. Lessons will be posted ahead of time and teachers will be unavailable for assistance. Please make a note of these changes.

Our virtual Scholastic Book Fair continues this week with all of the information found HERE. This is a great way to get some gifts for the holiday season and keep your child reading. And while you're thinking of holiday shopping, please keep our PTSA Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser in mind. Thank you for supporting Trickum.
Final Exams will be given Monday, December 14 - Thursday, December 17

Let's finish first semester strong!!

We will utilize a block schedule on Monday/Tuesday and then again on Wednesday/Thursday.
Here is the schedule:

Monday, 12/14: 1st period and 6th grade A Connection
Tuesday, 12/15: 3rd period and 6th grade B Connection

Wednesday, 12/16: 2nd period and 7th & 8th grade A Connection
Thursday, 12/17: 4th period and 7th and 8th grade B Connection

You can access the schedule with specific times HERE
The Giving Tree
All gifts for the Giving Tree are due TODAY, December 7th.

If you chose to sponsor a child, please have the number of your card clearly on every item you bring in to help with organization. Please reach out to your grade level counselor if you have any questions!

6th: Gabby O'Kelley - [email protected] - 770-279-6485

7th: Timothy Irving - [email protected] - 770-806-3754

8th: Melissa Schoonover - [email protected] - 770-806-3763

Girls Who Code Announcement
Are you interested in learning more about computer science? The "Girls Who Code" club is a club committed to closing the gender gap in Tech. "Girls Who Code" is open to all girls in grades 6-8 who are interested in learning more about technology, computers and coding. No computer experience is required. If you are interested in joining this club, fill out the interest survey located on the Trickum Middle School website, under extracurricular activities. This club will meet in person* and virtually. *In person will have a limit of 18 students.

Our club will start meeting in January 2021. Please email Ms. Killian if you have any questions.

Click here to access the interest survey

Trickum PTSA Holiday Gift Card Sale Fundraiser
Trickum PTSA is kicking off our Holiday Gift Card Sale Fundraiser. This is a perfect way to get your holiday shopping done, avoid the stores, and give back to Trickum PTSA. After purchasing a gift card, no extra money comes out of your pocket to support the school!

What: Purchase gift cards online from 700+ vendors. $5 and $10 gift cards are available.
When: Starting now until Christmas Day
How: Go to www.shopwithscrip.com. Enter our enrollment code: 24E8BLB3749L6. Purchase a gift card(s) with your credit card (please do not pick the check option, this will delay getting your gift card). You can then immediately print an e-gift card. Another option is to email the e-gift card to the recipient. If you would prefer to have a physical card, you can do this by ordering through the app www.raiseright.com, not the website.

Also spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors. You do not need to have a child at Trickum to participate, just the enrollment code. Holiday shopping done!

Thank you for your continued support of Trickum PTSA!
Scholastic Virtual Book Fair: November 30th - December 11th
Need some great gifts for the holidays?

Wondering what to buy for that special reader in your life?

Get a head start on your holiday shopping and have it delivered straight to your home. Trickum Middle School's Scholastic virtual book fair has begun and will be available until Friday, December 11th.

You don’t want to miss out on the great titles available and amazing prices. The link to access the virtual book fair is www.scholastic.com/bf/trickummiddleschool.
Bruster's Spirit Night
Bruster's Spirit Night for Trickum will be on
Thursday, December 10th, from 5-8 PM

Location: 5314 Five Forks Trickum Rd SW, Lilburn, GA 30047

Make sure to mention Trickum when you order!!

Chick-fil-A Spirit Night
DATE: Thursday, December 17th

TIME: 4-8 PM, Drive Thru Only

LOCATION: 4801 Lawrenceville Hwy NW, Lilburn, GA 30047

Make sure to mention Trickum when you order!
Mr. Wells' Theatre Arts classes have been participating in a lot of creative writing assignments. The students write and perform their poems in class. Here is one written by 7th grader, Quinn Carter. He will perform his poem in class for his Final.
Baseball is a game of talent and hard work
But sometimes we can put in a little grin
Swinging the bat doing everything right
Getting a hit, running down the base paths
Cheering from second base 
As the pitcher let’s a tear come loose
Stealing third, going for an extra base
Cleats digging in the soft dirt
High-fiving my coach, standing on the dirt stained base
Eyeing the dugout, hearing them chant my name
Winning the game, handshaking the other team
Holding in my excited scream
 
He plants his feet, sure of his might
Hands on the bat, knuckles white
Team counting on you, down by three
The batter stands in the box like a tree
Pitcher throws, high and inside
Standing there steam out his ears, the pitcher he eyed
As irritated as a crocodile, his anger whipped the bat around
A deafening crack, high over the fence, laughing at the mound
 
Celebrating with teammates going into the big game
Eating as much as we can so we don’t get hungry
Tiktok is entertainment, saving us from eternal boredom
Asking coach questions, who’s pitching? Who’s catching?
Running to air conditioned cars
Taking naps, eating food
Saving energy for the championship
Back at the field, sitting in the cold
As break time is over, time to play
Best team in state, let’s keep the others at bay
Baseball lingering in my head
Thinking of goals while in my bed
Centerfield, playing in the big show
Making money, being humble, laying low
Mansions, parties, champagne galore
Big appetite after a big game, scarfing down food like a boar
Mouth watering smell of popcorn and hotdogs filling the air
Thinking of being out in mid July, feeling the sun blare
Competition getting bigger, getting harder
I know i’m good though
Backed up by my future fans screaming
QUINN CARTER!
Just a dream, probably won’t come true
But I believe in myself, do you?
 
Playing now, thinking ahead
Waiting for time to go by, time I dread
Little league sports, fun and games
Speed and hitting, feet of flames
Laughing, talking, having a good time
But later on, my mlb team and leaderboards will climb
Now 13, looking for scouts
Seeing them writing on their clipboards, i’m getting an offer, no doubt
For now it’s fun, just a dream I sometimes see
But 10 years later, you’ll see me in the mlb
Yearbook Picture Proofs
With the initial picture day now complete, your child's image proofs have been delivered to the school. All in-person students who had their picture made on the initial picture day should have brought home their picture proofs for review. All Digital Learning students who participated in Picture Day can pick up their picture proofs at the Trickum Middle School reception desk, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm. Use the “Portrait ID” on the proof form as well as the unique “Access Code” to securely view and order your student’s images online at https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/.

If you have any questions after receiving your proofs or want to order pictures over the phone, you can call the Lifetouch customer service number at 1-800-736-4753. The customer service center is open Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm EST. 
Important Message Regarding Digital Learning Attendance
Trickum has updated its attendance procedures for digital learners.

Teachers are now taking attendance for digital learners who are online during live instruction. Digital learners who are not present during live instruction will be marked with the code “NPD“ which stands for “Not Present Digitally.” Students who are present during live instruction will continue to be marked present digitally with the “DL“ in their teacher’s gradebook.  

The new process is more aligned to our normal attendance procedures and the expectations of in-person students. More importantly, it will help families to better support their students as they can clearly see that their student was online during class and interacting with their teacher and classmates, not just logging on to the computer at some point during the day. This information will help families as they partner with the school to maximize their child(ren)’s school experience.  

If you have any questions about this new process for capturing attendance, please contact your child(ren)'s grade level office.  
Thank you to those of you who have submitted positive feedback for teachers or staff members! This link will be continually monitored, so feel free to drop a kudos in whenever you see or hear about your child's teacher or another staff member doing something great. We'll be sure to let them know and help brighten their day!
Click on the link below to leave positive feedback!

The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) lottery registration window is now open!

GSMST is a unique high school that focuses on advanced and challenging studies in the fields of engineering, biosciences, and emerging technologies. Enrollment for the 9th grade class is open to all 8th grade students who are residents of the Gwinnett County school district attendance zone; who are successfully promoted to 9th grade by the end of spring semester, 2021; and who successfully complete an 8th grade math curriculum that is a full unit of Carnegie-eligible Accelerated Algebra I or higher.

Registration applications are now being accepted for the 2021-2022 freshman class. The registration deadline is January 22, 2021.

Detailed info and the registration forms are available on the GSMST website. You will also find information regarding upcoming informational meetings that will be held at GSMST on the website.
Parent Portal App is now live for GCPS families!
Available for both Android and iOS, all you'll need to do is download the ParentVue app and log in with your parent portal credentials.

If you do not have a parent portal account, please email Drew Schoen to get one set up!


Message from the Yearbook Staff
The Yearbook Staff is trying to reach you! Check your school gmail. Scroll down through all the Google SPAM and see if you've received an email from a yearbook staffer. You may be asked to fill out a quick survey or answer some easy questions. Just take a few seconds and respond. This year matters. And YOU matter. Send us your responses today! 
Yearbook for 2020-2021

Since the copies are limited and school schedules continue to change, we ask that you please order your yearbook online this school year.


Time to send in your pics to the yearbook staff! Click here to upload your images.
When uploading your images, please use ID code: 415464640
Note from our Media Center -
Days, Times, and Location of Book Pick-Up for our Digital Learners:
stack_of_books.jpg
In order to better serve you and give you more flexibility with the number of days and hours available to pick-up and return books, we will no longer be having book pick-up outside on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We will now have book pick-up and returns everyday Monday - Friday from 10:00 - 2:00 at the front desk. Please have your STUDENT ID card to pick-up your books.
 
***IMPORTANT: Please do not come before 10:00 or after 2:00 to pick-up or return books due to the school buses arriving and space needed. THANK YOU! 
 
HAPPY READING! 
PARENTS: Please make sure to frequently check the GCPS website for all updates regarding digital and in-person learning. You can also visit the Trickum website for information and updates at www.trickum.org.

**Also, please stay up-to-date with your child's progress through the Parent Portal. Please reach out to individual teachers if you have questions regarding your child's performance.**

Student hours are:
9:00 AM - 4:05 PM

Updated TMS Parent's Guide to Digital and In-Person Learning
The Parent's Guide to Digital and In-Person Learning has been UPDATED on our Trickum website under Tiger News. Please make sure to keep this document handy as it contains all of the important information you will need as we navigate through this school year.

Please notice the change in the schedule for Fridays for ALL grade levels.

Remember, we are all in this together!


All students returning for in-person learning are strongly advised to bring a device with them to school each day as teachers will continue to utilize a digital learning platform to serve all of their students, and in-person students using their own devices will minimize sharing and reduce any potential spread of germs.

Does your student need a device or a hotspot?
For families in need, we have a limited number of Chromebooks for checkout available to assist students during digital learning.

** HOTSPOTS AVAILABLE**

If you are experiencing issues with the internet in your home or if problems arise in the future, please contact Kelly Gresham. We have hotspots available for distribution.

You can contact Kelly Gresham at [email protected].

UPDATED: GCPS Lunch Service Information

GCPS will provide meals free of charge to students and children 18 and younger through December 31st.

Students Attending School In-Person

Those attending school in-person will receive meals free-of-charge during their scheduled meal times.

Curbside Pick-up for Digital Learners

Digital learners may pick up meals through the curbside pick-up at each school. Trickum's curbside pick-up time is Monday - Friday from 11:45 AM through 12:45 PM. Each day's pick-up includes both breakfast and lunch. Individuals will NOT be allowed to enter the school to pick up or eat meals. Trickum's curbside-pickup will be the same as it was for material pick-up. You will enter the lower parking lot at the traffic light and then drive on the gravel driveway around the back of the school to the outdoor theater.

**Gwinnett County Public Schools encourages families who are eligible for the Free Or Reduced Meal Program to complete the annual application to ensure meal benefits continue when the grant waiver expires. Please click HERE.**
Orientation Agreement Forms and school contributions must be completed via MyPaymentsPlus.com. All returning students (this includes students who attended Trickum this past year as well as upcoming students from one of our four feeder elementary schools) may simply go to MyPaymentsPlus.com and login to complete the process. Those without an account will need to create one by going to MyPaymentsPlus.com; click on “Register” for a FREE account.

**It is important to sign up for MyPaymentsPlus to ensure all orientation forms are completed each school year, and you do not want to miss out on any school contributions that can be paid for on the site! ** If you have not already, PLEASE make sure you complete all of the forms in MyPaymentsPlus regardless of your child's current learning environment.**
Have you signed up for Parent Portal?

Parent Portal is always important but especially as we begin this school year in a digital format. If you have not already signed up for Parent Portal, please contact Drew Schoen at [email protected] to complete the sign-up process. The Parent Portal allows parents to monitor student progress throughout the year. No more waiting for report cards to get an update on grades; you may simply check the Parent Portal at your convenience. Other features allow you to view attendance, lunch account balances, checked out and overdue books, and emergency contact information.

Supply Lists
Supply lists are available on our website on the Registration page.
Trickum Spirit Wear
Interested in purchasing Trickum Spirit Wear?

Please visit the online store today!! A portion of the proceeds goes to Trickum's PTSA.

Are you a PTSA supporter?

We are all in this together!

While our school year may look different, we are still here to support our students, families, and our teachers and staff at Trickum Middle School! We still need you!

We encourage you to support Trickum by becoming a PTSA member. This year PTSA is offering three levels of membership. Basic Level ($10) includes a single membership. Tiger Level ($30) includes two memberships and two car magnets. Top Tiger Level ($50) includes two memberships, two car magnets and a Trickum spirit wear t-shirt. You may join PTSA anytime via MyPaymentsPlus.com. Please consider joining at any level. You can also send our Executive Board ideas for programs, activities, or support for both our students and parents. Click here to email our PTSA!

Trickum Spirit Wear is available via an online store . A portion of the proceeds go to the Trickum PTSA, so do not forget to stock your closet.
Sign up today to receive school system news online. Sign up to receive Gwinnett County Public Schools e-newsletter. In this newsletter, you'll find stories on teaching and learning, school leadership and governance, and the partnerships that make Gwinnett County Public Schools successful. Click here to sign up for GCPS eNews or check out online registration on the GCPS website.

Communique
The community continues their support of our schools, students, and staff through generous grants.

Always keep up with what's going on at TMS!

We've expanded our use of social media so that parents and students can see what's going on around school. Follow The Roary Report on Facebook and Instagram.