Good Evening Mustang Families,

This week marks the end of the first semester of the year. Congratulations to our 6th graders for completing their first semester of middle school and for our 8th graders, congrats as they now enter into their last semester of middle school. While it's a milestone for some, it's also an important benchmark for our 7th graders who are continuing to refine and grow as learners. Whether this was a success or challenging one, the end of the semester offers a great opportunity to reflect and set new goals.

Research on learning points to metacognition as a critical pillar to how we all learn, students and adults. It's defined as the "thinking about our thinking". For example, reflecting on what we think about how we learn can help us gain insights into our strengths and habits. Many of our teachers will be using reflective strategies in the classroom, but I'd like to invite parents to take some time to connect with your student to reflect on what worked well this past semester. Remember to leave questions open-ended to allow students space to think. Some examples might be:

• What were some of the strategies that helped you be successful this year?
• What were some things that made it hard for you this past year?
• What was the difference between the assignments you were successful on and the ones you were not?

There are no right or wrong answers and be open to the results. A quick tip I've learned with middle schoolers is if students are reluctant to talk about themselves, ask them to think about a friend. "Tell me how {insert friends name} does in your math class? What seems to work for them?" It's a great way to get the conversation started.

Congratulations on making it through the first semester!

Josh Way, Ed.D

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.

Did you know there are 39 languages spoken at MMS? Let’s celebrate all the many different countries and cultures represented at MMS at our first ever FESTIVAL OF CULTURES! It will be on Wednesday, May 10 at lunch. We are looking for students who would like to host a country table, perform a cultural dance or song, or make a video sharing their culture. If you’d like to participate, fill out this Google Form and more information will be sent to you!

MMS is excited to introduce you to our school nurse Ms. Lynda Madariaga. Nurse Lynda was instrumental in us navigating COVID the past few years. Her expertise and attention to detail helped MMS continually have the lowest case rates among middle schools in the district throughout the pandemic. Did you know she was a die-hard Michigan State Spartan's fan? Here is some more things to know about Nurse Lynda:

How many years in education?- In my career in schools, I have done health assessments, IEP assessments, Mental Health supports, and emergency planning for 27 years.

Why middle school?- I think it's good age group to teach and help direct future choices.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?- Reading about history and various cultures. Walking outside and exploring new areas.

What impact do you hope to make at Marshall?- I'd like to provide a safe and kind place for students who are struggling emotionally and physically.

Marshall Middle Parents!

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

• ASB will be helping the Gently Hugged community by hosting a Cuddles & Snuggles Baby Shower for Babies in Need Drive here at Marshall. They will be needing Sleepers with sizes (0-12 month) to help keep a baby warm and cozy for the first year of their life.

  Here is a link to the flyer: BabyShowerInvite.pdf

• Since February is around the corner, The ASB is going to be selling Valentine's Grams February 6-10.

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

SDUSD is hosting a presentation called "Meaningful Parent Participation Training" for any parents of students with IEP's on January 31, 6:00-7:30 at the Ballard Center. Childcare & Spanish translation available. You can download the flyer here.

I recently watched a presentation summarizing a new study that surveyed young people across the globe. Researchers discovered that the current generation is more hopeful, solution-focused, and optimistic than previous generations. They also learned that young people today prefer collective action over independent work and have an affinity for social movements that focus more on solutions than mulling over the problem. If you're finding it hard as an adult these to share in this optimism, this article, "Cheer Up! The World is Better Off Than You Think" from the New York Times shares a summary of many of the technological advancements that are worth celebrating.