The Triton Tribune Parent Edition
Be Kind ~ Be Awesome ~ Make The Right Choices
Hello Amazing Triton Families,
“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~
It is hard to imagine that this crazy year is coming to close with some form of normalcy such as promotion. Last week, ELM became the first middle school to host a district vaccination pop-up site for students ages 12-up. Friday was surreal as I felt exhilarated and exhausted simultaneously knowing that if our students are vaccinated, we will be one step closer to having all students return to school in-person. It was amazing to see my 8th grade families and excited to meet my 7th grade families. In all, 470 students in our community were vaccinated. If you were not able to participate in this event but would like to have your child vaccinated, below is information on all available locations for you to access. Your children will be excused from school for going during the school day. As I think of ending a school year, I believe what Henry Longfellow stated that the art of ending is far greater than the art of beginning is true. Last year, we ended the year the best way we knew how and our 8th graders who participated in our drive-through promotion felt acknowledged and appreciated. This year started incredulously and now we will be ending with an in-person celebration. And while this is challenging to accomplish due to safety guidelines that must be followed, I hope you know that the ELM staff is working diligently to make this end-of-the year a memorable one. We want to FINISH STRONG in spite of a shaky beginning.
As we approach the end, below are critical information regarding the last two weeks of school. It is important that you take time to read it so that you are aware of all the changes that we needed to make to accommodate promotion and textbook/IPAD returns.
Additionally, promotion information have become official. Please read our official ELM Promotion letter. It includes everything you need to know about promotion. The biggest change is that there will be four ceremonies with approximately 200 students each. To help us finalize our plans, if your family does not plan on participating, please complete the survey located in that section.
Finally, our yearbook has arrived! It is a beauty. Ms. Bolles and her yearbook students have done an amazing job in creating this yearbook. By looking at it, you would not know that we were in distance learning. We only have 100 unsold copies; they now cost $40. The information on how to purchase one can be found in the ASB section of the newsletter. There is also information how to participate in a digital signing experience.
With the yearbook complete, our yearbook staff has created our first-ever digital newsletter called the Triton Times. Click on this link to access the first issue. Thank you Yearbook Staff!
Please read the newsletter in its entirety as there are a lot of information for the week and the rest of the school year.
Let's have a fabulous week!
Mrs. Finley
Changes to daily schedules with respect to dates were made to accommodate all end-of-year activities surrounding eighth grade promotion. We received approval from the district and ELM Faculty Advisory Committee on June 11, 2021. We apologize for the inconvenience it may cause your families. The last day for eighth graders has not been announced. As of now, all students’ last day of school is June 4, 2021. If we hear any updates, we will add to the newsletter.
Additionally, here is the link to the the textbook/IPAD collection process. We will follow a drive-through protocol. If it is necessary for you to walk-in to the office, please email an administrator in advance so that we can make an appointment for you.
Please contact administration if you have any questions.
Promotion is around the corner! This year, we are scheduled to hold the 17th ELM Promotional Ceremony on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Eastlake High School. This last week, we received a lot of official information that we are now passing on to you. The first document is my official letter regarding promotion. It contains all the details of promotion including maps of the stadium and our ingress/egress pattern. Included is the waiver for participation, which will serve as your ticket into the venue. Remember, students and all adults each need a completed waiver. Minors' names, such as siblings, will be added on one of the parents/guardians' waiver.
To better prepare for promotion, we would like to know if your 8th grader will not be participating in promotion. Below is the link to a survey to let us know if this is the case. If your child(ren) is attending, then you do not need to fill out the survey.
In the past, we held a rehearsal for promotion. To ensure that we will not shut down promotion as a consequence of potential exposure to COVID-19, there will not be a scheduled practice. Instead, we will create a video showing students and parents how the whole day will proceed. This video will be created this week and made available by the week of May 24, 2021. Parents, please watch this video with your 8th grader to ensure they know how to proceed on that day.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the administrators who will be able to answer all your questions.
- ELM Promotion Letter English Version
- ELM Promotion Letter Spanish Version (coming soon)
- District Waiver for Participation English Version
- District Waiver for Participate Spanish Version
- SUHSD Graduation/Promotion Rules and Protocols
- CDPH COVID-19 Guidance: Outdoor Seated Live Events and Performances
- ELM Promotion Student Participation Survey (only complete if student is not participating)
Below are all the locations for free COVID vaccinations for you. This available to everyone. Please remember that if you go during class time, you need to let your teachers know so that they don't mark you absent. Your attendance code will be EP.
Staff,
This community support is for you and your families, your students and their families. I encourage you to take advantage of this free testing service as your bubble has increased by being here on campus. You can take this test as often as you like. Also, encourage the students who are physically here on campus. Please complete the forms below if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.
Eastlake Middle School
Email: easter.finley@sweetwaterschools.org
Website: elm.sweetwaterschools.org
Location: 900 Duncan Ranch Road, Chula Vista, CA, USA
Phone: 619.591.4000
Twitter: @erfinleysd