Reply to SSIMS vs. TPMS for 6th grade next year

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[quote=Anonymous]My kid goes to SSIMS and I'm semi-active in the PTSA.

The principal, Mr. Bilock, is amazing. He always shows up for events, always is willing to talk to parents, and has a really good rapport with the kids. He even agreed to get pied in the face by students to raise funds for the PTSA. He's high-fived my kid upon hearing how well they did on tests and is always encouraging the kids to try their best. Likewise, the teachers have been phenomenal for the most part and really encouraging.

If your kid likes music, I would definitely lean toward SSIMS. SSIMS music department is very strong and participates regularly in the Blair cluster events. Whereas SSIMS had at least 15 students show up for the Blair Marching Band night this fall, only 1 kid from Takoma I believe showed. Likewise, SSIMS fielded both orchestra and band performances at the Blair cluster concert this fall. TPMS only had a small band participate. SSIMS also had a lot more students participating in the MCPS Middle School All-County Band and Orchestra Ensembles this year compared to TPMS. The Band and Orchestra teacher is also just phenomenal and bends over backwards for her students and to make sure they're learning but also having fun at the same time.

Students at SSIMS are required to take a language each year. They offer Spanish and French. My kid didn't take a language before 6th grade and they're doing great. Most kids start out 6th grade not having taken a language previously, although there is French and Spanish Immersion at the school. So the path is Spanish/French I, Spanish/French II, Spanish/French III.

My kid has friends who go to TPMS, both in and out of the magnet. Their non-magnet friends have told them that at least some of the magnet kids make fun of and talk down to those who are not in the magnet, which is a bit ridiculous since it's a lottery and this particular non-magnet kid has test scores that blow the others away. So that can definitely be frustrating.

The biggest issue with SSIMS is the building, which is older. It can also be hard to keep my kid motivated, as they are a bit accelerated compared to most of their peers and take school very seriously. It's probably similar for a non-magnet kid at TPMS though. But my kid participates in a lot of the academically-focused afterschool clubs, so that definitely helps.

Community is definitely strong, and the PTSA/administration regularly organizes special school-wide events, such as a February Fest in the gym, open gyms before school, honor roll celebrations, field days, etc. There's always something going on! And it's definitely welcoming.  [/quote]

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