PTMS Weekly Parent Newsletter
December 22, 2022
Coming Up
December 22 - Minimum Day - School out at 12:25 p.m. - see bell schedule
December 23 - January 8 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
January 9-10 - Inservice Days - NO SCHOOL - CAMPUS/OFFICE CLOSED
January 11 - First Day back from Winter Break - Single Period Day
January 12-13 - Regular Block Days
Principal's Message
PTMS families,
As we close out the month of December and Term 1, it offers a natural moment for reflection. Thinking back to August, we welcomed over 900 students to our campus, many who were nervous, anxious and excited to set foot onto the Pacific Trails campus for the first time. They had to change classrooms, juggle multiple teachers, and were abruptly met with a change in our cell phone policy. For some, this caused a bit of tension. But, since our first few days together, our team of educators have seen students growing in so many ways - academically, socially, and certainly developing new friendships. The end of Term 1 also comes with grades. While grades do serve as a data point, and we always want our students to be their best version of themselves, I hope that, collectively, we don't put too much focus on the letter grade earned in a class. It is reflective of a process that includes so many facets, but it certainly doesn't define an individual. Our children are so much more; they are artistic, thoughtful, compassionate, impulsive, goofy, and beautiful little people; all of whom are going through a process and learning how to learn and manage responsibilities. So this natural reflection point may be a chance to celebrate growth and progress, while establishing new and attainable goals for Term 2. Middle school is about developing habits, both academically and socially-emotionally, so I encourage you to remind your students to reflect on the habits they are building.
This winter break also provides students, families, and our educators a chance to take a break. I hope that we all get down time away from school so that we can enjoy other things in life that bring joy. I can't wait to spend time with my wife and kids, celebrate the holidays, play a little golf, get ready for a half-marathon in January, and hopefully stay up for East Coast New Years (I always fall asleep before the ball drops!) However you choose to spend your break, I hope that you offer care to your family, friends, and certainly yourself. Being a parent is a dynamic and often challenging role and so I hope you get some well-deserved rest.
For those that celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas!
Remember that we will return to learning on Wednesday January 11, 2023. Our teachers will not be checking email or expected to work over the holiday. They will be on vacation, so any concerns that you may have can be addressed when we return. Until then, be safe and on behalf of our team at PTMS, enjoy your break.
In gratitude,
Scott Wild
Principal
Assistant Principal's Message
Winter STAR Testing
This year all students will participate in the Renaissance Star Reading and Star Math academic universal screening tests to measure student’s learning and growth over the school year. The Star tests help our schools and teachers evaluate student performance and progress over time in order to provide the necessary student support.
Star Reading and Star Math are both short (30 minute), low stakes, computer adaptive, academic assessments. Star assessments help teachers better understand what students know and can do in the areas of reading and math. As a student takes the test, the software selects items based on the student’s responses. If the student answers correctly, the next item will be more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the next item will be less difficult. By adjusting the difficulty of the items based on a student's responses, the assessment is an accurate way to help teachers identify what skills students are ready to learn. Teachers use this information to guide their instruction.
Scores will be posted by the district in Aeries once they are available.
Winter STAR Testing Dates
STAR Math: January 12th and 13th in Math classes
STAR Reading: January 30th in English classes
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Kathryn Freeman
Counseling Update
With the upcoming winter recess coming right at the end of first semester, we encourage you to unwind, and settle into an enjoyable break. Some of us may be balancing endless to-do lists from shopping to entertaining and family expectations. While the holiday season brings celebrations, we all know it may also bring unwelcome guests, like stress and grief. It’s also important to stay mindful, acknowledge our feelings, and model to our children that we don’t have to do it all! Take time for self care.
Make time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Read a book, play a game, take a walk, call a friend, slow down and catch your breath.
Be mindful of your schedule. Plan ahead and say “no” to activities if you’re feeling overbooked.
If your family does need any help, reach out. While schools are closed, we want to remind you of the resources available in our community. We encourage you to save these resources so you can easily reference them should you or a family member need help during the break.
If you would like help finding counseling service, you can use Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential coordination service provided by San Dieguito Union High School District:
Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language, or visit www.caresolace.com/sduhsdfamilies and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
For emergency mental health support:
Call 911 or and request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response or go to the closest emergency room for support
Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 for help
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988/English or Español: 888-628-9454
TTYY: 800-799-4889
Wishing all of our PTMS families a safe and peaceful holiday!
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
New Days for Academic Power Hour
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.
From Attendance
Out with the old absences and tardies and in with the new daily and on-time school attendance habits.
From the PE Department
Please follow us on Instagram to see what your student is up to during PE class.
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.
Campus/Offices will be Closed
This is just a reminder that this Thursday, December 22nd, is a Minimum Day. Classes are over at 12:25 p.m. Please refer to this bell schedule for the day's bells.
Offices/Learning Commons will close at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, so there will be no area on campus with adult supervision.
The PTMS Offices/Campus will be closed from December 23rd through January 10th with the first day of the 2nd semester on Wednesday, January 11th, for students' first day back.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Order Your Yearbook Now
Student Safety Vehicle Permit
Other
- PTMS Webstore - the PTMS store for PE clothes and Spirit Wear.
- 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 Dixon at 760 753-6491 x5543.