Good Evening Mustang Families,

I hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying the three-day weekend. While we celebrate a day off from school or work, we at Marshall remember to honor the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born on this day, January 15, 1929, we reflect on the life he lived and the impact he is still making on America. As we look back at his commitment to breaking down the barriers of racism and injustice for African-Americans through non-violence, I wonder what a 94 year old Dr. King would tell our kids today. For many, Dr. King's message is about action and movement, not just inspiration. His words paint a picture of the African-American experience in our country and what we can all do to make it equal and just. His words invoke compassion and peace, but his call to action was for community building and coming together. I hope our families at Marshall are able to do something this holiday weekend in this spirit. Rather than a "day off" how can we make this a "day on", a day of action. Perhaps you can meet a neighbor you haven't met before or research a social justice cause your student is passionate about and get involved as a family. One place to start is to take the "Be Love" pledge here at the King Center. We still have much work to do and as Dr. King said, "The time is always right to do what is right."

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day,

Josh Way, Ed.D

Please join the MMS’ Teens Make Health Happen Club members for our MLK Day of Service Beach Clean Up Event on January 21st. We are partnering with I Love a Clean San Diego to help to maintain the beauty of San Diego ’s Beaches while bringing awareness to the marine litter problem!

The event takes place on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at 9:30 am, at Mission Bay-Fiesta Island, 1750 Fiesta Island Rd San Diego, CA 92109.

Please contact Associate Principal Edwards (ledwards@sandi.net) to sign up or if you have any questions. Download a waiver here

The Scripps Ranch Schools Committee will meet next Wednesday, January 18 at 4:30 pm. The meeting topic is parent organization and foundation involvement and the presidents of each of our six Scripps Ranch school groups will update us on their activities.

Interested community members should complete this Google Form to receive a zoom invitation to attend the meeting. https://forms.gle/qoYSjMMQczfaGXH76

The SR Schools Committee is made up of representatives from all six Scripps Ranch schools and the Scripps Ranch Civic Association and works with families, teachers, and school personnel on school-related issues. Its goal is to foster cohesion and collaboration between the six SR public schools. Contact srschoolscommittee@gmail.com with any questions.

We are excited to announce that our Marshall parents are invited to a special experience called “What I Wish My Parents Knew” on Monday, February 6th from 5 – 6:30pm in the SRHS Library. What I Wish My Parents Knew is hosted by Scripps Ranch High, in partnership with the SRHS Foundation. The event is a mental health and wellness resource fair as well as a venue for adults to understand the child perspective of pressure and difficulties that children face today. Each year this has been an extremely powerful night, with mental health and wellness organizations around the county sharing resources and important information. The event is highlighted by a panel of SRHS students who share the obstacles they face in today’s society and how that affects them mentally. It is one of the most memorable nights of the year so you don’t want to miss it. The event is free and all families are welcomed to attend.

On January 27th, SRHS will be hosting "Falcon Day" which is where current 8th graders visit SRHS during the school day. Students will get a first-hand look at high school life by taking a campus tour, experiencing a pep rally, and listening to student panel. 8th Graders will leave MMS by bus with their teachers at 9:40am and return to MMS at 1:00pm. No need to RSVP. Whether students plan on attending SRHS or not, all 8th graders will attend.

4-Year Plan Presentation

High School vs UC-CSU Requirements.pdf

Math Pathways.pdf

CCTE- Course Sequence for Pathways.pdf

Don't forget! Information regarding the 8th grade matriculation will be routinely updated on the MMS counseling website.

MMS is excited to introduce you to one of our Associate Principals, Mrs. Shannon Stepner. Mrs. Stepner joined Marshall just over a year ago. She brings a wealth of knowledge in English Language Arts and English Language Learners, as well as a passion for mentoring students. Here's more about Mrs. Stepner:

How many years in education?- I have worked in education for 28 years. I have taught all grades from K-6, was a Staff-Developer/Peer Coach for teachers, a reading intervention teacher, a 6-th grade English teacher, and now a Middle School Associate Principal.

Why middle school?- My favorite grades are middle school. I have found that in middle school students are eager to learn, diverse and interesting, fun to be around, and have plenty to say. I am never bored being in a middle school environment.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?- My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. Both my sons are baseball players so we spend most of our weekends on the ball field. My daughter is older, but when she was younger we were on the soccer field as well. I love to run when I have time, and walk my two dogs every night with my husband.

What impact do you hope to make at Marshall?- I want every student to feel welcomed and safe here at Marshall. I believe we must always treat others with kindness and do everything with integrity. I want someone to walk away from me and think- that person was nice to me today.

Marshall Middle Parents!

Here is a quick reminder of our special events coming up:

• The end of the semester is coming up on the 20th and those grades get sent to the district, So, make sure your kid has nothing missing or left to make up.
• Since February is around the corner, The ASB is going to be selling Valentine's Grams February 6-10.
• Teacher of the year votes for the Yearbook are coming to a close, so make sure to vote for your favorite teacher! https://forms.gle/H61cGvuSBUj1HGX28
  

Be sure to check out our new logos to our ApparelNow shop, so there are more options for customizing your Marshall Spirit Wear! All proceeds help fund ASB activities on campus, so be sure to check it out! Show your school spirit all year!

Website: https://sites.google.com/sandi.net/marshallmiddleasb/home

ApparelNow: https://apparelnow.com/marshall-middle-school-spiritwear

TikTok: @theactualmarshallasb

Instagram: @asb.marshall

Facebook: @Marshall ASB

A lot has been argued and discussed in regards to student cellphone use in recent years, especially after the pandemic started. Many different approaches have been promoted and schools, including Marshall, have struggled to keep up with the ever-changing demands that cell phone distractions have created. Addressing these changes is often challenging because it goes beyond just limiting time or putting up parameters of when students can use cell phones. In this article, the author suggests a multidimensional approach to curbing the impacts of devices. It's not about just taking them away, but rebuilding productive habits as well. “If you want kids to pay attention, they need to practice paying attention,” one of the researchers suggests. Something that MMS teachers have been working on is integrating time daily for community building in classes. Rather than sporadically throughout the year, we aim to cultivate meaningful culture building each day in class so students relearn the value person to person, human connection, and belonging.