Cougar Connection
February 4 , 2024
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Next Steps...
While the spring semester has just gotten underway, we’ve already got an eye on what next year will look like for our students. Please don’t let this stress you out. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
That being said, it is especially important for you to keep up with timelines by reading emails from our school and the district, reading this weekly newsletter, and keeping an eye on our website and Instagram page.
Current 8th graders (next year’s high school students) - The most important thing right now is to complete the high school selection process by February 15 at 4:00 PM. It’s important to declare your preferred high school, even if you are planning on attending your “boundary” high school (La Costa Canyon for most Diegueño students). See the article below and the high school selection webpage for more information. Our counseling team recently met with all 8th graders and shared this “High School & Beyond” presentation.
Current 7th graders (next year’s 8th graders) - Your student will be learning how to select their classes for next year on February 21 in their math classes.
Current 6th graders (next year’s 7th graders) - While students are assigned a middle school based on where they live (their “boundary” or “home” school), there are many families who request to attend another middle school in our district, based on transportation or other factors. Regardless of your possible plans for requesting an intradistrict transfer, you must enroll your student at their home/boundary school by Friday, February 9. Please visit our enrollment webpage often, as we update it regularly. To learn more about the intradistrict transfer timeline and process, visit the intradistrict transfer webpage.
All 6th graders and their families are welcome to Diegueño’s New Student Open House on Wednesday, February 7 from 3:30 - 5:00. Drop in anytime that works for you!! We’ll have lots of classrooms open so you can pop in and get a feel for what being a middle schooler is like. Being on campus will also give you a sense of the positive Diegueño vibe. We’ll have music playing and lots of people will be around to answer questions! Here’s a list of the classrooms that will be open and a campus map. We hope to see you on Wednesday!
Dr. Barnette and Ms. Wilhelms will be visiting current 6th graders at their elementary schools over the next few weeks. One focus of those presentations is how to select the best classes for 7th grade and especially how to pick an elective class that you’ll love. Keep an eye on the course selection webpage for more details.
Again, try not to let all of this overwhelm you. Just do the “next right thing.” We got ya!!
Kindly,
Celeste Barnette, Ed.D.
Principal
(760) 944-1892 x6683
ATTENTION: 8TH GRADE FAMILIES
High School Selection Window is OPEN
The SDUHSD High School Selection window is now open and will close Thursday, February 15 at 4:00 p.m. All SDUHSD 8th grade students who currently live in the district must select the high school that they wish to attend in the Fall of 2024. San Dieguito Academy (SDA) and Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) are open to all district residents on an equal basis, but to be eligible to attend SDA or CCA, a student must have selected the school during the established high school selection window process. If necessary, a lottery will be conducted on Friday, February 23.
PTSA HAPPENINGS
February 9 Restaurant Fundraisers!
UPCOMING DATES
- Monday, Feb. 5 - National School Counselor Week
- Wednesday, Feb. 7 - Incoming Cougar Family Open House 3:30-5:00 PM
- Friday, Feb. 9 - New student enrollment deadline
- Monday, Feb. 12 - Late Start - Tardy bell rings at 9:45 AM
- Friday, Feb 15 - High school selection window closes @ 4:00 PM
REMINDERS
Students Who Miss School, Miss Out
There are many reasons a student may miss school and some can't be avoided. However, it is important to minimize missed days as much as possible. Discussions and activities happen in class that cannot be duplicated by just looking at the notes or Google classroom after class. In middle school, students are balancing six different classes, each having work that will need to be made up when students return to school. It can be stressful for students to balance their make-up work with their current work. Please try to plan vacations during non-school days.
Claim Your Lost & Found Items This Week
Our lost and found basket is overflowing with sweatshirts, water bottles, and other middle school miscellany. Items that have not been claimed by Friday, February 9 will be donated to charity.
Sorry! We Can't Accept Food Deliveries
Please understand the challenge it presents when parents drop off fast food or have food delivered to their students (from Grub Hub, Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.). This tends to cause issues between students and creates more work for our front office staff. Fast food dropped off by parents will be held until the end of the school day and meals from delivery services will be refused.
Our strong preference is that students bring a meal with them from home or choose from our menu of free breakfast and lunch offerings (January lunch menus).
Thank you for your cooperation.
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY NEWS
FFEE February Newsletter
The Families for Equity in Education February newsletter includes:
- Black History Month
- Local events
- Equity walks and talks
- Cultural calendar
For more information, go to famforequity.com
Family Alliance Community Exchange Program Event
The Family Alliance Community Exchange (FACE) Program is a collaborative effort between SDUHSD and the CSU San Marcos Alliance. Parents and guardians are invited to a special event on February 6th at Oak Crest Middle School. Presentations will focus on promoting engagement, strong habits of mind, and essential skills for middle school students. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please RSVP by clicking on the button below.
El programa Family Alliance Community Exchange (FACE) es un esfuerzo de colaboración entre SDUHSD y CSU San Marcos Alliance. Los padres y tutores están invitados a un evento especial el 6 de febrero en la escuela secundaria Oak Crest. Las presentaciones se centrarán en promover el compromiso, hábitos mentales sólidos y habilidades esenciales para los estudiantes de secundaria. Se proporcionará cena y cuidado de niños. Por favor confirme su asistencia haciendo clic en el botón a continuación.
eBike Safety Class
Join the Carlsbad Police Department to learn about bike and e-bike safety on Feb. 10. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. What you’ll learn:
- Tips for being safe on your bike or e-bike
- Rules of the road for bicyclists and drivers
- Carlsbad-specific e-bike laws
For more tips and safety information, visit the Safer Streets Together webpage.
SDUHSD Part Time Job Opportunities
San Dieguito UHSD has part-time opportunities available for Special Education Instructional Assistants, Bilingual Instructional Assistants, and Nutrition Services Assistants. Please visit the link below for a list of all available positions.
STAY CONNECTED TO DIEGUEÑO
During the school year you will receive this Cougar Connection newsletter every week. This is an important way to stay updated about what’s happening on campus and to learn how to set your child up for success. Other ways to stay connected include:
Bookmark our school website
Subscribe to the Diegueño events calendar
Follow the official Diegueño Instagram account
Follow the official ASB Instagram account
Download the Parent Square app to get his newsletter sent directly to your phone (Apple App Store; Google Play)
Download the Membership Toolkit app to access the private school directory if you joined PTSA (Apple App Store; Google Play)