Weekly Update for February 23, 2020
Joan MacQueen Middle School
Principal Message
Hello Alpine! This is Joan MacQueen's Proud Principal Casey Currigan hoping that you had a fantastic weekend. February is coming to a close, and I can't believe how fast the year is moving forward. Over the last two weeks, we have hosted National History Day, where I had the opportunity to witness the hard work of our students who created projects. History is our story, usually told by those that end up on top. However, I was impressed by the focus of the students’ reports. They looked past the obvious and concentrated on those less publicized events that began to chip away at the status quo. I applaud those with the courage to have a voice for those who don't have a platform. I was moved this past week to see an example of the positive culture being built at Joan MacQueen. So much so that I took a photo of a pair of sixth graders, in which one was encouraging and consoling a peer struggling with her public speaking (figure 1).
Culture building is a crucial aspect of building a world-class school. I am proud to announce that our Assistant Principal, Rebecca Sanders, and Counselor, Jane Smith, have been recruiting student school ambassadors to lead the change from the student perspective. Please keep your eye out for more information about this fantastic opportunity.
This upcoming week JMMS will begin our showcase work to plan for the next school year. If you have not had the opportunity to gather your feedback on the CPM math program, there is still time. We plan to take the CPM math program to the March Board Meeting for adoption. This Friday, we are hosting all of the 5th graders in the district at our JMMS showcase event. Parents are welcome to accompany their children starting at 9:30 am in the JMMS Gym.
Lastly, as a reminder students only receive the full benefit of their education when they are consistently present at school. Missing more than 20 days in a school year is a leading predictor of students dropping out of high school. If you have concerns about your child's attendance, do not hesitate to give us a call.
Register your 8th Grader to take the PSAT
6th Grade Camp
Empathy on Display (figure 1)
Presenting for Mrs. Smith
Outlining the Details from their Website
Whew! We Made It
Mrs. Fourman Preparing Feedback
Mrs. Wetton Listening to a Presentation
Student showing off to Mrs. Skovmand
Math Adoption
Spiritwear
Jr. Wildland Fire Safety Day
Every year Wildland Fire Fighters take the Rt-130 Wildfire Safety Class. This Class allows Fire personnel to work safely behind Fire Lines.
The Jr. Wildland Fire Safety Day is an event that will allow kids and their parents to experience the Rt-130 training that Fire Fighters go through every year.
Phones on Campus
We are all aware that middle school in 2020 is not the same as when we grew up. Today, cell phones, while powerful tools for learning are also often used to spread negative messages instantly. In order to do our part in reducing the impact of social media on students, phones will need to be shut off and placed in backpacks during the school day.
Students with visible Air-pods, phones or other electronics out during school will have those items confiscated and they will need to pick them up in the office after school. If the confiscation of their electronics becomes habitual those items will be held in the office for parents to collect. As always, thank you for your support.
About Us
Email: ccurrigan@alpineschools.net
Website: https://ca02215157.schoolwires.net/Domain/8
Location: 2001 Tavern Road, Alpine, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 445-3236
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joan-Macqueen-Middle/596800583760039?ref=br_tf&epa=SEARCH_BOX