Principal                                                                     4909 Brinkley Road

Mrs. K. Fossett                                                            Temple Hills, Maryland 20748

                                                                                    Office: 301-702-7540

Assistant Principals                                                     Guidance Office: 301-702-7546

Mr. Coleman                                                               Fax: 301-702-7555

Mr. Goins 

Greetings Faculty, Parents, and Students:

Here at Thurgood Marshall Middle School, we are committed to literacy. Each month I will select and introduce a book that contains a beneficial message that will resonate with the whole school community. These books will unite all stakeholders i.e. school leaders, teachers, students, and parents in creating a culture of literacy by providing personal reading connections to real–life issues for our students. 

During our 25 Book Campaign Pep Rally, I “kicked off” our October Book of the Month, The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake. This book is an excellent entry into discussions of various issues: self-esteem, bullying, peer pressure, and racism are just a few of the themes that will be addressed.  

So faculty, parents, and students pick up a copy of The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake, and follow along as I read aloud a couple of pages during the morning announcements.

Educationally yours,

K. Fossett, Principal      Thurgood Marshall Middle School

"Thurgood Marshall Tigers R-O-O-O-A-R”

Seventh-grader Maleeka Madison is tormented by other students because of her dark skin. When Maleeka sees her new teacher, whose skin is blotched from a rare skin condition, she thinks she has finally met someone who is worse off than her. As she watches Miss Saunders refuse to accept the taunts of children, Maleeka begins to explore her response mechanisms to the cruelty of her peers. In rethinking how she defends herself, Maleeka learns that she too often judges people by their appearances. This novel explores the ways in which people's own insecurities can affect how they are treated along with how they behave. (1998, 176 pages, Grades 8-12, Hyperion)

    Marshall's life is showcased from his humble beginnings in Baltimore to his seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Text and photographs, like the one of a segregated theater, will help to familiarize readers with some difficult topics and stimulate discussion. The size of this book is perfect for young hands. The simple texts are accompanied by black-and-white and color photos and a short pictorial glossary (Caption found under: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780516270999&itm=4 accessed 2/8/2008).