PTMS Weekly Parent Newsletter
March 24, 2023
Coming Up
March 27 - Late Start Day
Week of April 3 - Spring Break - Office/Campus Closed
April 10 - Late Start Day
April 11-14 - CAST Testing in 8th Grade Science Classes
April 14 - Trailblazer Awards - 12:05 p.m.
Principal's Message
Parents,
"March Madness" has many definitions it seems. Certainly many think of the NCAA basketball tournaments and all of the fun and energy around that event. I have been tuning in, and will be pulling for the Aztecs this afternoon! Our Lunch League is playing in their own "March Madness" style 3-on-3 basketball tournament that began this week. It was delayed because of the rain, but the students are having a ton of fun at lunch, and I am sure they will be talking about it when they get home. March is also a time of year in which we see student behaviors escalate a bit, in part because they are pretty comfortable on campus, it's a long stretch from February break to Spring break, and....well, because they are middle school students with middle school brains that create middle school behaviors. Our staff emphasizes the importance of good healthy boundaries, and it may be a good reminder for parents to have these conversations, too, so that all students are behaving in a manner that keeps good boundaries. For our campus, this includes picking up trash, keeping hands to one's self, using words in a positive, uplifting manner, and keeping cell phones off and away throughout the day. Any help you can offer on this would be more than appreciated.
Our classrooms continue to be active with engaging learning opportunities. This includes learning to fly drones in STEM class, students hearing from a guest speaker about healthy eating habits and starting the "backyard games" unit, 8th graders navigating the Oregon Trail, studying sound waves, and our 7th graders learning about West Africa and the origin of "call & response" in song. It is a lot of fun for me to see learning in action, though I must say I was a bit confused in our Integrated math class today....nonetheless some kind-hearted students helped me out.
This week also begins the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. For families of students who fast, please know that our staff is aware and should you wish, don't hesitate to reach out to our staff so that we can best support your student during the month-long observance.
A reminder that Monday is a late start day. Have a great weekend, and Go Aztecs!
In gratitude,
Scott Wild
Principal
Assistant Principal's Message
CAASPP/CAST Testing
This year students will be participating in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). All students will take the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. In addition, eighth grade students will take the California Science Test (CAST). Additional information can be found by clicking on the link HERE.
PTMS Testing Schedule:
California Science Test (CAST) in 8th Grade Science classes (April 11-14)
Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for ELA in English classes (April 18-21)
Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for Math in Math classes (May 2-5)
Students will be able to use wireless headphones but they have to be linked to their Chromebook before they start testing, otherwise students should bring their own wired headphones or earbuds if they have them.
If you have questions, please email Assistant Principal Freeman (kathryn.freeman@sduhsd.net) or Lisa Graciano (lisa.graciano@sduhsd.net).
Message from the Counselors
Save the date for the SDUHD College and Career Night on April 26, 2023 at Mira Costa College. This is an opportunity for students and parents to learn in-depth information about specific post-secondary options. The information is most relevant to 11th-grade students but all SDUHSD students are welcome.
The 3rd Quarter ended on Tuesday, March 21, and 3rd quarter progress reports will be available to view in Aeries on Wednesday, March 29. To view your child’s progress report, click on “Grades” or when using the Aeries app, click on “Report Cards”.
Students were shown our latest No Place For Hate lesson during Homeroom this week. This time our student NPFH committee felt it was important to look at Hate Speech in the context of cyber bullying. All our activities so far have been approved by the ADL and hopefully by the end of the school year we will have again achieved the NPFH accreditation thanks to the hard work of our student leaders.
Lisa Curry, Counselor (A-Ne) lisa.curry@sduhsd.net
Carsen Murt, Counselor (Ng-Z and EL Students) carsen.murt@sduhsd.net
Samantha Eels-Taylor, Student Support Facilitator samantha.eelstaylor@sduhsd.net
ASB and Student Announcements
Click here to see the latest version.
You can also check out the Students tab on our website and click the link entitled "Student Announcements" for a running post of each week's announcements.
PTMS MathCounts Takes it Home!
Congratulations to our PTMS MathCounts Team for placing 1st at the MathCounts State Contest on March 18th!
DreamHack
DreamHack is an esport/gaming festival coming to San Diego on April 7-9th. If you are interested in attending, but the price of tickets is too high, please email Dr. Thacker (samantha.thacker@sduhsd.net) to request a voucher by Tuesday, March 21st. Vouchers can be used to redeem one-day, three-day, or family tickets.
From Attendance
Be on top of your game with great school attendance!
From the PE Department
Please follow us on Instagram to see what your student is up to during PE class.
Order Your Yearbook Now
PTSA Membership
The PTMS Parent, Teacher & Student Association (PTSA) welcomes you to the 2022-2023 school year! As PTMS enters its seventh year, the PTSA continues to grow, supporting the families and staff by sponsoring a multitude of enriching activities and programs. We kindly ask for your support to continue this work.
The PTSA Membership fee is just $60 for two adults and one student. Please sign up here.
Volunteers Are Needed for the "Glow The Night Away" dance on February 16th. If you are interested, please click here to sign up.
Would You Like to Serve on the PTSA Executive Board for the 2023-24 School Year?
The Pacific Trails PTSA needs to fill the position of Treasurer for the 2023-2024 school year. This position requires more time than other positions but is required to keep our PTSA at Pacific Trails.
We are looking for someone excited to join our PTSA and help manage the funds used to facilitate many of the fun and important programs for students, their families and teachers. Our current Treasurer will provide all of the training and support you need to ensure your success.
If that is you or someone you know, please contact Uzma Kahn Qazi at: parliamentarian@pacifictrailsmsptsa.org
#EnviroArt Contest
Please click here for information on how to submit art to the #EnviroArt Contest for the Enviro-Art: 2023 AAP Youth Climate Art Exhibition. Admissions are being accepted through April 22, 2023.
And for 8th graders that are going to TPHS and are looking for more information about which math classes to sign-up for, please click here for details.
Student Safety Vehicle Permit
Other
- PTMS Webstore - the PTMS store for PE clothes
- San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club - click the link to the left for 2022-23 athletic schedules.
- SDUHSD - The SDUHSD is currently recruiting to staff permanent and substitute classified positions (e.g. Instructional Assistant, Nutrition Services, Custodian, Secretarial/Clerical). Part-time and full-time positions are available. Substitutes can set their own availability. To view a list of openings and to apply, please click https://www.edjoin.org/sandieguito or you can call Susan Gray at 760 753-6491 x5543.
