Wangenheim Middle Newsletter
Volume 3: Issue IV September 10, 2022 (revised 9/16)
Wangenheim Middle School - where we develop the next generation of innovators, collaborative problem solvers and positive agents of change with a global worldview.
- September 22- 12:48 pm dismissal
- September 22-Back to School Night at 5:20 pm, PTSA 5:30 pm
Student Social-Emotional Survey
Our District will implement a social-emotional survey for students as we seek to understand students’ social-emotional needs. The survey will measure students’ competencies in the areas of growth mindset, self-efficacy, self-management, and social awareness, including student perceptions on school climate and culture.
This survey will take approximately 25 minutes to complete. Students will take the survey via our District’s Illuminate online platform. Our school and educators will use data from the survey to continue to understand and support students’ needs.
Please see the information that is available to families regarding the survey, survey window, and implementation here.
All children in grades 4 –12 are scheduled to participate. If you wish for your child to NOT participate in this survey, please contact Susan Kent, Associate Principal, at skent@sandi.net by Monday, September 19.
We look forward to continuing to work alongside you as we support the needs of our students.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
***If you need to print to your student's schedule, please click on the picture.
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Student Social-Emotional Survey, opt out by Monday, September 19
- Principal's Coffee, Tuesday, September 13
- Middle Grade Sports, Basketball and Track tryouts extended
- Club Fair, Wednesday, September 14, during lunch
- Help is on the way ( date TBD)
- Back to School Night, September 22
- Free Breakfast and Lunch for all students
- Official Student Handbook, 2022-23
- Wildcat Study Center
- CORE Academy
- Free COVID testing, Fridays, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
- Sexual Health Educational Program (SHEP)
- Mira Mesa Cluster, September 26 at 5:30 pm
- ELAC parent needs assessment
- DonorsChoose-staff projects
- Wangenheim Clubs
- MathCounts national competition, informational zoom meeting September 28, 6:00 pm
- eSports Team interest form
- PTSA membership drive, Unit meeting prior to Back to School Night
- Amazon Smile
- Kona Ice
COMMUNITY CORNER
- 8th Grade East Coast Trip, 2023
- Mira Mesa Girl's Softball
- CAL Kids, college savings fund sponsored by the State of California
- SANDAG's Youth Opportunity Transit Pass
- Waves of Honor (Sea World)
- Costa Rica, summer of 2023
- San Diego Public Library (Mira Mesa branch)
PRINCIPAL'S COFFEE
Please join us Tuesday, September 13, from 8:30 am-10:00 am in the Media Center for coffee or on ZOOM (https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/99870837812).
Each month, the Principal hosts an informal discussion meeting with parents and community members. This is an open meeting where the Principal shares information on topical issues. Parents and community members are invited to provide positive feedback and to express questions and concerns. Handouts from these meetings will be posted on this page for parents and community members who could not attend.
The meeting begin at 8:30 am in the Media Center and on zoom. The same zoom meeting information will be used for each meeting:
Middle Grade Sports Teams
Wangenheim students have an amazing opportunity to participate in Middle School Athletics. We invite your student to participate this upcoming Fall in either basketball or track. Practices will be held from 3:15 pm-4:45 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please pick up an application form in the office. Please contact Alex Cann, track coach, with any questions or concerns.
The timeline for the San Diego Unified fall middle school athletics season has been adjusted, after some athletic practices and tryouts were postponed due to the record-breaking temperatures across our region this past week. To ensure all schools and coaches are given equitable time to evaluate student athletes, an additional week of tryouts and practices will take place during the week of September 12-16.
Tryout and practice times for next week can be found on this Middle School Tryout Practice Schedule, for all schools which received enough sign-ups to field a team. An "x" in the box indicates there is no practice on that day.
Based on the adjusted timeline, the announcement of teams will be posted on the Middle School Athletics website on Sunday, September 18.
HELP IS COMING
Mark your calendar (date TBD due to district server being down). Staff will be on-site to assist in creating or updating your ParentPortal. We will also have Spanish speakers available for translation. We will be collecting any items no longer needed including but not limited to computers, library textbooks, and library books from Wangenheim as well as previous elementary schools. You will also be able to check out textbooks. If your student is still having trouble getting into Canvas or Google classes, help will be available.
The Wildcat Newsletter will continue to be our vehicle for conveying important information. Please take a few minutes to verify your eMail address, phone number(s), and mailing address are correct through the Parent Portal. You can also eMail Annette Stevens, 619.605.2250.
Need to sign up for ParentPortal?
You only need to do this once. See below for directions on how to sign up for ParentPortal. Please contact Annette Stevens (astevens@sandi.net) to obtain your access ID or if you have any questions.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR ALL STUDENTS
For the 2022-23 school year, every San Diego Unified student will now be provided with a nutritious breakfast and lunch each school day, at no cost.
All students will have access to the free meals at their school, with no application or eligibility requirements to worry about. Salad bars featuring fresh local produce are back this year, as well as many of the more popular entrees such as teriyaki chicken, beef tacos, vegetarian chili, and Caesar salad.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS
Scholastic Book Clubs offers a wide selection of quality books that are just right for your student's reading level and interest. With a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 Book (use code: READS).
Class Order Due Date: 09/14/22, Class Code RB7Q9
- Shop Digital Flyers: https://clubs.scholastic.com/middleschool
- Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/RB7Q9 where you can access all levels, preschool through middle school
All orders earn FREE books and supplies for our school. Orders will be delivered to the school and distributed through their English class. Please contact Mrs. Minezaki, School Library Tech, if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
WILDCAT STUDY CENTER
Beginning Tuesday, October 4, the Wildcat Study Center will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school in the library. There will be no WSC on minimum days. This is a quiet place for students to study from 3:05 pm-4:00 pm. Certificated staff will be available to support students, as needed.
CORE ACADEMY
CORE Academy provides students the opportunity to recover missed instructional minutes and days while receiving academic instruction and support. Core Academy classes are taught by a certificated instructors and allow students, and schools, to recover lost attendance. Our first session will be held on Saturday, October 8.
Core Academy provides instruction for a minimum of four (4) hours. A nutritious meal will be offered by SDUSD's Food Services Department to all participating students during the instructional day.
Invitations to attend will be sent out by Associate Principal, Susan Kent. However, any students who would like to join in the activities are welcome to attend.
Friday from 12:00-3:00 is Wangenheim's COVID testing day
All students are encouraged to participate in regular, on-site COVID-19 testing. Even if students are fully vaccinated, we still recommend weekly testing. Free Covid testing in school not only helps prevent the spread of the virus, but it also helps more students stay in school and continue their education.
Opt-In to Regular, On-site Testing
You must opt in every year for your student(s). Register and complete the opt-in consent in the Primary.Health Portal to allow the testers to conduct weekly testing.THE CALIFORNIA HEALTHY YOUTH ACT – EDUCATION CODE §§ 51930 ‐ 51939 COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL HEALTH AND HIV PREVENTION EDUCATION
THE CALIFORNIA HEALTHY YOUTH ACT – EDUCATION CODE §§ 51930 ‐ 51939 COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL HEALTH AND HIV PREVENTION EDUCATION
California state law, the California Healthy Youth Act, requires that comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education be provided to students at least once in middle school. The California Healthy Youth Act, corresponding CA Education Code, and other instructional resources can be found on the Sexual Health Education Program’s website: www.sandiegounified.org/SHEP.
Instructional materials are available to preview by parents/guardians online. To provide you with an accessible opportunity to preview instructional materials, please see link below to a pre-recorded online curriculum presentation. You may also preview instructional materials on the SHEP Curriculum webpage.
Please note that parents/guardians may excuse their child from the sexual health instruction for this school year by providing an electronic or written note in their preferred language to their child's teacher. The note should simply state that they are excusing their child from the instruction, include their child's name, and be generated or signed by the parent or guardian. There is no need for any reason to be stated in this note.
Instruction will be provided through science classes. Please contact Susan Kent, Associate Principal, with any questions or concerns.
ELAC NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Parents of current EL students or reclassified EL students , please take a few minutes to complete the form below. Please contact Karina Reyes, English Learner Coordinator, with any questions or concerns.
REQUIRED PARENT NOTIFICATION OF ELPAC, CAASPP, AND PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
STUDENT HANDBOOK
All schools in the San Diego Unified School District have "hot weather" plans in place for continued operations of schools during periods of extremely hot weather. The guidelines for the plans are outlined in Administrative Procedure 4032.
A letter was sent to parents via email on April 7, 2022 outlining this information. Click here to read the letter in English or Spanish.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
If you are in need of any school supplies or personal care items, there is a limited supply of “Take What You Need” in the Counseling Center.
PE CLOTHES
Students will be “dressing out” for PE and participating on the fields. PE classes will not suit up the first week of school. The cost is $25.00 (cash only please). Students may opt to purchase a plain gray t-shirt and navy athletic shorts.
For colder weather, PE sweats are also available for purchase.
STUDENT IDs
Student ID cards were issued to all students who had their picture taken on September 2. Their ID is their primary proof of identification. IDs will also be required at Wangenheim to check out library books. If you have a cell phone, taking a picture of your ID can serve as a backup, should you lose your card. Replacement IDs will be issued for a $5.00 fee.
Picture Make-up is Friday, October 7 (8:00 am-11:30 am).
Order before Picture Day with Student's ID # or Picture Day ID(EVTM3ZXB8).
SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT
Students, come buy Wangenheim t-shirts and hoodies before school in Room 902. Check and cash only please.
- T-shirts..................$9.00
- Baseball t-shirts...$16.00
- Hoodies................$26.00
WANGENHEIM CLUB NEWS
MathCounts Competition Series!
The MATHCOUNTS Competition Series is a national middle school mathematics competition that builds teamwork and problem-solving skills. No prior experience required! If you're interested, please come to the informational Zoom meeting on Wednesday, September 28th at 6:00 pm to learn more:
- https://us05web.zoom.us/j/7870931179?pwd=a0lQSldCb1JQbi9HeXlzV2pobm9SQT09
- Meeting ID: 787 093 1179
- Passcode: 2eb7z0
Questions, please contact Gen Esmende, advisor.
eSports Team
The season starts soon. Games currently offered for Middle Schools are -
Brawlhalla
Splatoon 2
Mario Kart 8
Minecraft Survival
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate
Rocket League
Chess
Space is limited so if interested, please fill out the interest form below. Online behavior will be closely monitored and inappropriate conduct will be disciplined and may result in removal from team participation. In keeping with the program guidelines established at Mira Mesa High School, students are expected to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to be allowed to play on any competitive teams and for any opportunities to play casually in the eSports lab.
* You must register with your DISTRICT EMAIL.
DONORS CHOOSE
Many of our staff members have created DonorChoose projects to advocate for our students. Please see current project below. Your support would mean so much. Please share with family and friends.
Ms. Coppola: Paint to Build Community
Help me give my students an inclusive environment by supporting a community school project.
Mrs. Garrett: Finally, a Class Library!
Help me give my students access to book-bins for an organized classroom library.
Mrs. Minezaki: School Supplies for Academic Success
Help me give my students basic school supplies to help them be successful.
Mrs. Minezaki: Building Self-Confidence Through Personal Hygiene
Help me give my students basic hygiene products such soap, acne pads, and deodorant to give them confidence in their appearance that will help them succeed socially and academically.
Mrs. Minezaki: Zone Out to Zone In
Help me give my students a safe, relaxing environment with beanbag chairs and engaging activities for our most challenged students to calm down so they can return to safely interact with others.
Mrs. Minezaki: Learning with Legos
Help me give my students the opportunity to experience the world of Legos through science exploration.
Last year's yearbook sold out. Don't miss out. Order your yearbook only $40.00 in the Finance Office (cash only) or online today.
PTSA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Please join us as we support Wangenheim students and community. Our first Unit Meeting will be held September 22 prior to Back to School Night.
Generate donations to Wangenheim PTSA
Shop at smile.amazon.com and we’ll donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to your favorite charitable organization—no fees, no extra cost.
Kona Ice Fundraiser on minimum days
The Kona Ice shaved ice truck will be on campus during lunch on minimum days. Prices range from $4-$6.
COMMUNITY CORNER
East Coast Trip 2023
If you have not yet signed up for the 8th grade East Coast trip, we are having one final informational meeting for parents. We will meet on Zoom (https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/85232895002) on Thursday, Sept 8th at 5:30 pm. If you attend this meeting, you will get $100 off the trip.
This is the trip of a lifetime where we visit Boston, New York City, and Washington DC. We only have 15 spots left so you do not want to miss this meeting! You will get a flier in your history class with all the zoom information and it will be posted in all 8th grade google classrooms. https://drive.google.com/file/d/14jW5Gg6XqmfRbM_kYNvlMrxo12bdQJ7L/view
If you already know you definitely want to sign up, and don't need to watch the meeting, you can go directly to www.worldstrides.org and register using the trip ID # 203214
If you have questions, please email jchambless@sandi.net and lcoppola@sandi.net.
FREE GROCERY DISTRIBUTION
SANDAG's Youth Opportunity Transit Pass allows anyone 18 and under to ride San Diego transit (bus, trolley, Coaster, and Sprinter) for free until June 30, 2023. There are several ways children and families can take advantage of this opportunity, such as using their existing online bus pass or getting a hard copy card through SANDAG.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- September 13, Principal's Coffee, 8:30 am
- September 14 and 15 - 12:48 dismissal
- September 22- 12:48 dismissal
- September 22-Back to School Night (PTSA Unit meeting prior)