PTMS Weekly Parent Newsletter
October 28, 2022
Coming Up
Monday, October 31 - Single Period Day - Halloween Spirit Day
November 1-18 - Food Drive
Friday, November 4 - PTSA General Meeting/Principal's Coffee at 8:45 a.m. in the Learning Commons
Friday, November 4 - Trailblazer Awards Party at 12:05 p.m.
Monday, November 7 - Block 1-3-5 Day
Principal's Message
What a full and amazing week! I continue to be impressed and amazed by the learning experiences your students have each day. Music and the arts are so critical in the development of the whole child, and this was on full display this week. On Thursday and Friday, our instrumental music programs, led by Mr. Johnson, treated us to "coffee concerts". Our 7th and 8th grade bands and our orchestra performed beautifully, and it's been wonderful to see how they've progressed individually and as a group. Thank you to the many families who gave of their time to attend the events and support our students. I know it's tough to make time in your calendars during the day, but your students definitely appreciate your presence. They will again perform on December 15th at our "Holiday Howl", an evening event here at PTMS. I invite all families to attend.
Many of our 8th grade math students were challenged with solving an "escape room" on Thursday and Friday in the Learning Commons. Conceptualized by our incredible math department, students were in teams of three or four and had to solve challenging math problems, use strategy, and solve a number of clues to unlock the treasure chest and "escape the room". It involved QR codes, puzzle pieces, and black light flashlights that highlighted invisible ink. It definitely provided a dynamic learning experience, and hats off to the math department for their creativity!
A few other reminders:
~ With Halloween on Monday, please remember to review the costume expectations with your student. You may find them below in the ASB section. We want to make sure that we are setting everyone up for success.
~ Thank you for only dropping off your student in the lane closest to the school. I am trying to help direct traffic in the morning, and if you see my waving, it's to pull your car up further so you can make room for cars that are behind you.
~ We are beginning a PTMS Clean Crew in which students can sign up to help keep our campus clean during lunch. If they help for ten minutes a day for the week, they will earn a "Front of the Line" lunch pass. They may sign up here: https://forms.gle/XMeSSL97GqFwtAf2A
~ Next Friday, November 4th, is our 2nd Principal's Coffee from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. in the Learning Commons. I invite you to attend if your schedule permits. It's a forum for us to discuss what's on your mind, an opportunity to share updates and, most importantly, to listen to your perspective as parents. If there are certain topics you wish to discuss, feel free to reach out to me via email.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Scott Wild
Principal
Counseling Update
No Place For Hate: PTMS is once again taking part in the ADL’s No Place For Hate program. Last month, all students were invited to apply for the chance to become a committee member. Eighteen students were then chosen for their leadership skills, empathy and commitment to helping our school be a more tolerant and welcoming environment. They have already met as a group to discuss and plan events and activities for the school year, and next week during Homeroom their task will be to re-introduce the NPFH pledge. We are very proud of our student leaders in taking on this important role on our campus.
SDUHSD has added more Parent EducationTrainings to check out. Below are a few of the upcoming opportunities. Visit the link above for more information and to register. All events are free.
11/29/22, 6:00pm How Parents Can Help Their Child Manage Anxiety
12/7/22 QPR: Question, Persuade and Refer Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention
12/15/22, 6:00pm Taking Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health While Parenting
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.netASB 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.
Halloween Costumes on Monday, October 31st
On Monday October 31st, our ASB will be hosting the annual Halloween Spirit Day. In order to make the day a success, we ask for your support by reinforcing with your student the specific guidelines below that provide greater clarity to our costume expectations. Most importantly, all costumes must meet Pacific Trails dress policy.
Costume Reminders:
1. Costumes may not include full face masks, full face paint or cover the face.
2. Costumes may not be violent or suggestive.
3. Costumes may not have anything simulating a weapon.
4. Costumes may not suggest racial attitudes that reinforce stereotypes about, mock or mischaracterize a culture, group of persons, an individual person or a religion. We are asking students to refrain from dressing up as fictionalized stereotypes that marginalize any one culture.
5. If students are unsure, please have them speak to administration. Further, if in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Please review this with your student in preparation for the day. We want to ensure that it is a safe and positive experience.
ASB is planning some trick or treating and a treat bag decoration contest in the quad during lunch.
Food Drive - November 1-18
ASB is hosting the annual Food Drive which benefits the Encinitas Community Resource Center. Please only donate items that are assigned to your student's Homeroom classes and no glass containers. Thank you.
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.
High School Tours
Smart Tools for School with C2K - Computer Savings Event
Order your Yearbook Now!
Student Vehicle Safety and 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.
From the PE Department
Please follow us on Instagram to see what your student is up to during PE class.