Dear Marsh Gator Families,

Every year about this time, school districts in California hold their annual parent/community input meetings as part of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) process. The LCAP is essentially the district's plan for how it will allocate taxpayer dollars to best meet the needs of the local student community. In turn, each school site has their own site-level LCAP plan (sometimes referred to as The School Plan for Student Achievement, or SPSA).

As you know, at Marsh Junior High School, we try to solicit your input throughout the school year and we use all forms of communication (newsletters, website, official meetings, emails, texts, phone calls, etc.) to increase the likelihood that you as an individual family will feel like you have a voice in our school community. We would also like to invite you to attend these upcoming LCAP meetings to provide your input and be a part of the process. I have linked the document with all of the dates and times HERE.

The first Family & Community meeting will be held on March 8 at the Marsh Junior High School Library, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided.

You will notice that some meetings are focused on targeted student populations (like Students with Disabilities or English Learners). State law requires these specialized meetings to ensure that districts' plans address the unique needs of all learners based on available data. I want to clarify that ANYONE may attend ANY meeting. The meeting times/dates will also continue to run in our weekly Marsh newsletter.

Please reach out to me with any questions. I look forward to seeing you at these important planning meetings.

Respectfully,

Jessica Kamph
Principal, Marsh Junior High school
jkamph@chicousd.org
530 -891-4110

In 2007, a 9th grader was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. In response, his classmates banded together to create a plan. One trip to the store later and 50 students stood in solidarity with the 9th grader the next day. Join the now global movement against bullying by wearing pink this Wednesday the 23rd to show support for the movement. For more information on the organization itself, visit their website here at

https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/about

Gators, we are so proud of the many kind acts you completed through the Marsh Kindness Challenge. You truly showed what it was to be a Gatorific Gator!! Your kind acts make a huge differenc on our campus. Our challenge to you is to continue to show the world that KINDNESS MATTERS!!

Some of our very own Gators have taken it upon themselves to spread positivity across our campus. The kindness club started by three of our Gators meet weekly and discuss ways that they can help create a kinder more positive school culture at Marsh. They have created positive lunchtime events like kindness rocks, and posters with kindness messages. If you would like to join in and be a part of this club check it out in room B-6 on Tuesday during the 6th grade lunch.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

This month the Marsh Multicultural Club will have several activities running Fridays at lunch to help students celebrate Black History Month.

Gators, please check out the link below to digital copies of books celebrating Black History Month!

Be sure to check out our slide show honoring historic figures in black history! Click the picture below to for awesome resources about everyone from Civil Rights Activist Harriet Tubman in the 1800s to Young Entrepreneur Mikaila Ulmer in the present day!

This slideshow is designed for secondary students only. Chico unified sign in is required. For any questions regarding the slideshow, please contact Liesl Jones at lkjones@chicousd.org

In celebration of Black History month, leadership students have been out at lunches collecting student's "Dream for the Future". These have then been posted on posters around campus. Keep up the great work Gators, and let's make Marsh the best it can be!

Last week, CJSF 8th graders walked over to Parkview where they met up with our little buddies in 3rd grade to have some fun with a STEM activity. They built towers with candy hearts and predicted their height along with other fun math problems. Our little buddies love getting to see our 8th graders and it warms our hearts to see our CJSF kids working so well and having fun with them.

The benefits of music education are immense and highly beneficial to students. Music positively impacts a child’s academic performance, assists in developing social skills, and provides an outlet for creativity that is crucial to a child’s development.

Music education improves and develops language skills in children. Music stimulates the brain, and with its varied sounds and lyrics, students are exposed to a large amount of vocabulary in a short amount of time. Music also provides exposure to other languages, which creates a foundation for the student’s ability to understand and communicate in a different language.

Music education requires teamwork and collaboration. While playing instruments together, students develop listening skills. They must listen to others to better gage volume levels, the implementation of dynamics, and so much more. Teamwork and collaboration is also required when completing simple musical tasks such as rhythmic and melodic notation. Students quickly learn to value the opinions and ideas of others and how to efficiently combine those thoughts to complete the task at hand.

Music education fosters greater work ethic and discipline in children. Students of music learn from an early age that hard work, determination, and a positive mindset are all you need to succeed, but with those characteristics, continual practice is required. Students learn that improving musical skills does not come easy, as it requires hours of study and practice. Through this, students gain a greater concept of work ethic and learn to discipline themselves to reach goals.

https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/the-importance-of-music-education-in-schools/

Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, is a proven learning support structure, known as WICOR , that incorporates teaching/learning methodologies in the critical areas of Writing to Learn, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading to Learn. WICOR provides a learning model that educators can use to guide students in comprehending concepts and articulating ideas at increasingly complex levels.

Marsh’s teachers have been trained in the WICOR principles and incorporate their proven strategies into their lessons. This week's WICOR spotlight is Mrs. Anderson's classroom. Students were asked to conduct a gallery walk, where students were able to explore multiple student work sample images that are placed around the room. The goal of this strategy was for students to share their work with peers, and get ideas of how they could help solve the problem in a variety of different ways. Way to go Mrs. Anderson, you are a WICOR Rock Star!!

Did you know that Marsh Junior High School is the only Junior High in Chico Unified that is trained as an AVID school? So what is AVID and how does it impact my midddle schooler?

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program that changes lives by helping schools shift to a more equitable, student-centered approach to teaching. It is designed to close the opportunity gap, so they can prepare all students for college, careers, and life.

Students receive the additional academic, social, and emotional support that will help them succeed in their school’s most rigorous courses.

AVID Instruction promotes:

• WICOR Strategies
• 21st Century Skills
• Student Leadership Skills
• Goal-Setting/Monitoring
• Rigor for All

AVID School Wide Culture fosters:

• College Awareness and Preparation
• Common Belief in Student Success
• Family and Community Involvement
• High Expectations for All
• Positive and Safe Learning Environment

Marsh teachers use AVID WICOR strategies to promote students success, close the opportunity gap, so they can prepare all students for college, careers, and life. WICOR is an acronym for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading and provides a learning model that educators can use to guide students in comprehending concepts and articulating ideas at increasingly complex levels. Within WICOR are variety of teaching strategies essential to student learning and work well in all types of classrooms. Why WICOR?

• WICOR is: A proven learning support structure, for any content area.
• Teachers who WICORize: Guide students to deeper comprehension and increasing skill levels. Choose WICOR strategies appropriate to the content and skill objectives of their content area.
• Students who WICORize: Actively work with new information in order to think, talk, write, read, and ask questions, leading to long-term learning. Develop skills and attitudes that will serve them well in postsecondary life.

Check out last week's Atta Gator Award winners! The Atta Gator award is chosen by staff who nominate a student who showed excellency that week!

We are revisiting the word Encouragement! This week we are going to encourage our classmates with kind words that help us inspire them toward their unique greatness. We will also be meeting Houston Kraft who shares his inspiration for spreading kindness. When you see someone working towards their personal goals or hobbies, tell them what a great job they're doing! When you hear a classmate encouraging a friend jump in and maximize the kindness! Go get'em Gators!

We have implemented several supports for our Gators who are out on quarantine or absent and may need support getting caught up with their assignments. we encourage our Gators to take advantage of these supports..

Center for Success:

Students who are returning from quarantine will be placed in our Center for Success program at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They’ll receive a front of the lunch line pass and go straight to a teachers classroom to work on assignments from their absence. They can continue to attend Center for Success as long as they need to get caught up.

Saturday Academy:

We also offer Saturday Academy various Saturdays of the year. Students attend the full session from 9-1 and work on any current or absent work with the support of a teacher.

Virtual Support:

While absent, students may take advantage of our Virtual Support, hosted by a teacher from Marsh. Students can access the school wide Google Classroom and log on at the specified times to meet and ask for help from the host teacher. Students have received log on instructions in their English class.

Students who are absent or on quarantine should monitor their Google Classroom regularly and reach out to their teachers by email. They are also encouraged to complete any work that was started before going on quarantine to prevent more build up of assignments when they return. You've got this Gators!!

Yearbooks are still available for purchase in the Marsh Student Store (Main office). Yearbooks are $45 and available for purchase online or in the main office.

Student Store Hours:

Monday: 7:30 - 11:00

Tuesday 7:30 - 3:15

Thursday: 7:30 - 3:15

Pleasant Vally High School Information:

Incoming Freshman Visitation Day (students only) - PV - February 24th

This visit will provide incoming freshmen with a tour of the PV campus, as well as an opportunity to learn more about our programs, clubs, athletics and other activities. More details forthcoming.

Your student will be supervised by Marsh Junior High Staff and transportation is by district-owned buses.

Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Parents MUST complete the form below to grant permission for students to participate in this voluntary activity.

You can complete your form by clicking the link below.

Complete and Sign Form View or Reply

Virtual Viking Showcase/Course Planning Information – February 25th via Parent Square

Be on the lookout for a message through Parent Square by February 25th, which will link you to the “Registration Website for Incoming Freshmen.” This is where you can access the “Viking Showcase” slideshow, which will highlight PV’s programs including academic and elective departments, Career Tech Ed (CTE) Pathways, Student Government, athletics and more. Additionally, you will have access to a series of screencast videos related to course planning and instructions on how to register for 9th grade courses through Aeries.

PV Counselor Site Visits at Junior High Schools

Counselors will meet with 8th grade students to assist with course selections for their freshman classes on the following dates:

Marsh Junior High School:

Class Presentations: Tue, Mar 1st

Individual Student Advisement: Tue, Mar 8th

PV 8th Grade Parent Letter

Chico High School Information:

Incoming Freshman Visitation Day (Students Only) - Chico High - February 23

This visit will provide incoming freshmen with a tour of the PV campus, as well as an opportunity to learn more about our programs, clubs, athletics and other activities. More details forthcoming.

Your student will be supervised by Marsh Junior High Staff and transportation is by district-owned buses.

Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

(Note: This is a late start Wednesday, however, students MUST arrive at 8:30 am.)

Parents MUST complete the form below to grant permission for students to participate in this voluntary activity.

You can complete your form by clicking the link below.

Complete and Sign Form View or Reply

CHS Counselor Site Visits at Junior High Schools

Counselors will meet with 8th grade students to assist with course selections for their freshman classes on the following dates:

Marsh Junior High School:

Class Presentations: Tue, Mar 1st

Individual Student Advisement: Tue, Mar 8th

The Kids Leading Everyone Against Nicotine club seeks to provide a fun, engaging learning environment to teach middle schoolers to stand up against nicotine addiction and vaping. Every Wednesday in P-29 KLEAN club will host engaging activities and opportunities at lunch!

Are you looking for something fun to do at lunch? Do you like games or sports? Would you like a place where you can hang out with friends? If so, tcheck out these fun activities happening during the lunch period.

Games In the Library - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

* Fuego, Uno, Battleship, scattegories, and much more!

Sports Activities - Tuesdays and Thursdays

* Basketball, Football, Soccer, and more

Join the Marsh Multicultural Club - everyone welcome. This club is a fun way to learn, explore, and foster appreciation for the cultural diversity on our campus. Through this club you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people while contributing to building better school climate for all.

We have been seeing a surge oin COVID-19 cases since the return of winter break. Please remind your student about proper mask use and following safety and social distancing protocols. If your student has any of the COVID -19 syptoms, please keep them home until they are symptom free.

-Cough (new onset not related to asthma or allergies)
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of taste/smell

-Fever above 100.4
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Nasal congestion/runny nose
- Fatigue/muscle or body aches
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

In an ongoing effort to help maintain a healthy campus environment, Chico Unified School District is offering FREE COVID-19 testing opportunities for CUSD students, staff and volunteers at their current school site. View the Testing Schedule

Parent/Guardian COVID-19 Resources & Information

• CUSD COVID-19 Reporting & Information Hotline: (530) 801-2813 (phone line is staffed school days M-F from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Butte County Public Health Department Community Resources: https://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/Home/fbclid/IwAR3fSGcPIbTuP9oMALIinPe68ft2E_vscQm2hDlGwwyilvdXog7KZwY9vTw

If you have any questions/concerns, please contact our CUSD COVID-19 Reporting and Information Line at (530) 801-2813.

Hello Marsh Gator Parents!

We are out of quite a few favorites at our Gator Shack. We are messaging you in hopes some will be able to help us restock our shelves again. Here is a list of things we are out of:

Airheads

Altoids

Candy Bracelets

Candy Necklaces

Caprisuns

Gatorades

Ice Breaker Mints

Movie Sized Candy Bars/Candy

Mini Cookies, Grandma’s

Nabisco Cookie Packs

Lifesavers

Rice Crispy Treats

Here is the link to our Wish List which is one of the ways you can purchase these items:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2OIO9XPH6MQ6M?ref_=abls_nvfly_yl

If you would be able to donate one or multiple of these items, it would be greatly appreciated! We would not be able to have the Gator Shack without your support, so thank you!

Marsh PBIS Team

Please join Living works youth summit for an online training program based on supporting our students through suicide prevention. This free training can be accessed through the link provided here https://www.lwyouthsummit.com/access-training or by texting "start" to 888-707-0780. The program is open to all California students and staff!

Don’t miss out on this 8th grade tradition!

Purchase a spot in the 2021/2022 Yearbook for

an 8th grade baby photo and dedication.

● Spots are $25 per 8th grade student.

● Spots can be purchased on the MJHS

website and must be purchased by

January 31st, 2022.

Store | Featured (myschoolcentral.com)

● Images and dedication must be submitted

by December 6, 2021. Please use the link

at the point of purchase to submit your

photo/dedications.

● If you need alternate arrangements for

submission, please contact

dabbott@chicousd.org

Don’t miss out on the lowest price

of the year!

● Books are now $40...price will

increase later in the year.

● Yearbooks can be purchased

online at the MJHS online store:

Store | Featured (myschoolcentral.com)

● Questions regarding Yearbook

Purchases contact:

srsnow@chicousd.org

Need help from a Counselor? Come scan any one of these posters, or click poster itself to get in contact with one of our team!

The Allstar parent program, based on the Rezilientkidz.com curriculum, is a workshop designed to promote communication and understanding for both parents and kids. This event will be hosted for 13 weeks at Emma Wilson Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:45pm, with meals provided at 5:15. Please contact your schools targeted case manager to sign up for the second session

El Programa de Padres Estelares esta basado en el currículo de Rezilient Kidz y es un taller de 13 semanas diseñado para construir familias más fuertes, proporcionando confianza, herramientas y capacidades que los padres necesitan para criar hijos saludables, responsables y atentos. Este evento comenzará el dia 23 del febrero en la escuela Rosedale (Sesión de Español de 9:30 AM-11:00 AM) y la escuela Emma Wilson (Sesión de Ingles de 5:30 PM-7:30 PM). Habrá comida y cuidado de ninos. Comuníquese con el administrador de casos específico de su escuela

THRIVE's newest project - The CARE Team. This program is for Butte County high school-aged youth.

The CARE Team helps connect young people and their immediate circle with support and resources . Their mission is to prevent and limit the recurrence of youth suicide in our community and ensure every young person knows just how much they matter. Click the links below to learn more.

Visit the North Valley Community Foundation THRIVE Online Resource Page

- or -

Visit the North Valley Community Foundation CARE Team (Community, Assessment, Response and Education Team) Website

Did you know that Parents and Guardians can view Attendance Notices on their app or website and can submit notes back to the school? See how in the information flier below.

Students have many opportunities to stay connected and have fun during the lunch period at Marsh. Gators check out some of these activities next time you are at lunch.

Cube Club - Wednesday

Club Live -Tuesdays and Thursdays

Flag Football - back field

Basketball - basketball courts

4 Square - back courts

Volleyball - back courts

Board Games and Cards - library

Fun Friday; Spikeball cornhole, and music - WIFI area

MJHS Website: http://mjhs.chicousd.org/

MJHS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicoUnified.MJHS/

• Address: 2253 Humboldt Road Chico, CA 95928
• Phone: (530) 895-4110
• Fax: Fax(530) 895-4111
• Attendance: (530) 895-4115
• Parent Portal

MJHS PTSO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/233308576872298/