PTMS Weekly Parent Newsletter
October 13, 2023
Coming Up
October 9-19 - Dance ticket sales for the October 19 Red Carpet Dance - Ticket sales are: $5/ea from October 9 thru 13, then $10/ea from October 16 thru 19 - Student's must have their student ID and this signed parent permission/contract to purchase a ticket - sales end promptly at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 19th and will NOT be sold at the door.
October 13 - 1st Quarter Ends
Week of October 16 - Digital Citizenship Week
October 16 - Digital Safety Presentation w/Jon Moffat through PE classes - ISPE students encouraged to attend during their ISPE period.
October 19 - ASB's Red Carpet Dance - 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Quad - Ticket sales are: $5/ea from October 9 thru 13, then $10/ea from October 16 thru 19 - Student's must have their student ID and this signed parent permission/contract to purchase a ticket - sales end promptly at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 19th and will NOT be sold at the door.
Message from the Superintendent
Standing Together to Denounce Violence and Support the SDUHSD Community
To our San Dieguito Union High School District Community,
The unprecedented brutal terrorist attacks, abductions, and loss of innocent civilians in Israel and loss of innocent civilians in Gaza are unthinkable and deeply felt by members of our SDUHSD community. As the conflict escalates, we know that many of us are going through a great amount of pain and uncertainty. We extend our deepest condolences to those who are impacted by these events.
At times like this, it is crucial for us as leaders within SDUHSD to stand together in denouncing terrorism and violence and express our unwavering support for human dignity. We firmly believe in the power of education and community to foster understanding and peace.
As always, counseling services on each campus are available with space for students and staff who need support and resources. We recognize the importance of ongoing communication, and building understanding and educating students as global citizens and our leaders of tomorrow and we expect members of our school community to behave accordingly. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bias of any kind. If we become aware of any hate speech, no matter its form, we will respond immediately and appropriately.
There are disturbing graphic and violent videos and photos that are circulating online. We invite all families to exercise caution, and evaluate responsible use of social media while engaging in conversations at home with students about appropriate online behavior. This is an opportunity for our students to demonstrate who they are and who they want to be, by avoiding spreading hate or content that may cause further pain.
We are committed to an environment focused on high academics and a culture of belonging where students feel safe, seen, heard, and respected. As a community let us strive to cultivate compassion, empathy, and kindness and a sense of shared humanity.
Message from the Principal
Parents,
I was hoping to start my newsletter with my usual update about walking through classrooms, sharing the great learning that is happening, and the joy and laughter that I saw on students' faces this week. All of that is true, but first, I want to speak more candidly about global events.
Please make no mistake, I am not an expert on world events or global dynamics in any way. I am an educator, a principal, a father, and a person who wakes up every day with the goal of ensuring that Pacific Trails continues to be a safe, enjoyable place for all students and staff. With that in mind, just like you, I have seen news reports about the events happening in Israel and Gaza. I have many thoughts and emotions, and I know that many in our PTMS community have direct and indirect ties to the people and lands of Israel and Palestine. All week long, our staff and I have been keenly aware of how students are experiencing school, checking in on various students, and continuing to be visible in classrooms, hallways, and out at lunch and break. I can assure you that students continue to be safe. In preparation for the week, on Sunday I emailed our staff these resources from the San Diego Office of Education. As parents, you may find them helpful in deciding how to navigate the topics with your children. I also want to say thank you to the many parents who have reached out to us. This communication matters and is helpful as we work to support all children.
In speaking to the department leaders on Monday afternoon, as well as many other staff throughout the week, students are not bringing up these world events. In many ways, school continues to be routine for them. From my perspective, that is very positive. We want to continue to provide safety for our students so that they can keep being the wonderful 12, 13 and 14 year old kids that they are. My final note on this topic is that SDUHSD leadership, principals included, will continue to monitor and dialog as we consider how to best keep our students safe and able to access school in a positive, productive and peaceful manner.
Transitioning to what's been happening this week, I've seen some amazing classrooms in action. Ms. Hogelucht's Yearbook students were presenting poster designs, showcasing their graphic design skills and public speaking skills. Our 7th grade science students transitioned from their photosynthesis lab to ecology and ecosystems, looking at various food webs that exist within the ecosystems they selected. Profe. Starr's Spanish 1 students were learning a variety of verbs while playing a hilarious and engaging game similar to "Among Us" using a really cool digital interface on their Chromebooks. Outside of the classroom, ASB continued their dance ticket sales in preparation for our first dance next week. In lunch league, we crowned a dodgeball champion as the 8th grade winners defeated the 7th grade winners. On Wednesday and again today, both 7th and 8th graders began playing in our Pickleball tournament, and we have over 80 2-person teams. It is SO much fun to watch, and the students are having a blast. Finally, today was our first of many "Trailblazer Awards" in which staff nominate students when they see them doing an act of kindness, going above and beyond, or demonstrating high levels of character. We celebrated them today at lunch. Congratulations to the 43 students nominated!
A reminder that next Monday, October 16, in conjunction with Digital Citizenship Week, Jon Moffat will come to Pacific Trails to speak to students about staying safe on the internet and across social media platforms. We will be sending out a recorded seminar for families to view on Monday afternoon to supplement the message that our students receive.
Have a safe and relaxing weekend, and hug your children a little tighter tonight.
In gratitude,
Scott Wild
Principal
Message from the Counselors
October 16-20 is Digital Citizenship Week at PTMS and students will learn a different digital citizenship lesson in each of their classes. To keep the digital citizenship conversation going, we recommend checking out Common Sense Media, where you can find some great parent resources including tips on media recommendations, advice for parents to help their child use social media wisely, guidance on parental controls and screen time to name a few.
Middle and High School STEMM Opportunity: Arizona State University and the Department of Defense invite your students to join their virtual Fall STEMM Camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). Sessions will take place every Saturday from 10 am – 12:30 pm starting October 7 through November 4. This camp will focus on a wider variety of STEM fields including blood typing, artificial intelligence, and circuitry.
The program is free, and all necessary materials will be provided by the program.
Event Details
Where: Online. Register here
When: Every Saturday, 10/14 – 11/11; 10 am – 12:30 pm
Who: Students age 13 – 18
Looking for resources related to video games and screen time?
Some experts recommend a mindful approach to media. Simply banning screens may backfire, says Jon Lasser, PhD, a psychologist at Texas State University. Lasser and Brooks include a tool in their book called the Family Assessment of Screen Time, or FAST, which family members can use to gauge their feelings about screen time. The tool is similar to AAP’s Family Media Use Plan, in which parents and children, 5 years and older, negotiate limits and boundaries around screen usage.
It is recommended that parents continue to co-view media with their kids. Keeping an open line of communication around media helps protect kids when they inevitably run into content they aren’t ready to see, Strasburger says. A healthy relationship around media also makes it easier to enforce boundaries when required. For more information, check out the resources below:
Some of our Wolves took part in rock painting sessions in the Wellness Center during Homeroom this week. While this activity was primarily about fun and forging friendships, I’m sure you will agree that the end results were fabulous!
Lisa Curry, Counselor (A-Ma) lisa.curry@sduhsd.net
Carsen Anderson, Counselor (Mc-Z and EL Students) carsen.murt@sduhsd.net
Samantha Eels-Taylor, Student Support Facilitator samantha.eelstaylor@sduhsd.net
Mental Health & Wellness
Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Students, Staff, and School Community.
Click on the QR code to discover your PTMS Support Staff.
From the Attendance Office
~ Don't let chronic absence creep up. Keep up the good attendance!
ASB and Student Announcements
You can check them out on the Students tab of our website under "Student Announcements" for a running post of each week's student announcements.
Red Carpet Dance - October 19 - 5:00-7:00 p.m. - Quad
Ticket sales begin on Monday, October 9th, and will go until 3:15 p.m. on October 19th. **Tickets will not be sold at the door.**
Ticket prices are: $5/each from October 9 thru 13, then $10/each from October 16 thru 19.
Student's must have their student ID and this signed parent permission/contract (also passed out in Homeroom classes today) to purchase a ticket. Tickets will be sold during lunch at the ASB tables or anytime with Vetha in the front office. Only a student can purchase their tickets. Parents can't do it for them.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! We are looking for parent volunteers to help with food and supervision. Click here to sign-up.
Food Drive - November 1-17
PTMS is holding a food drive November 1st through November 17th.
This year, we are supporting 92130 Cares. They are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to share resources, make meaningful connections, and spread neighborly love!
Stay tuned for information about what foods to donate!
Student ID's
ID's are required when students purchase tickets and attend dances, purchase and attend the end-of-the-year 8th Grade Disneyland Trip, and so much more. If your student loses their ID, a replacement can be purchased for $5.00 with Vetha in the front office once we receive the picture files.
If you have questions about your student's picture, please contact Gerardy.
Click on this QR code to receive a link to your Gerardy photo gallery. This will open up a direct link to Gerardy with regard to your student's picture.
Department News
From the PE Department
From Yearbook
Remember to pre-order your yearbook early and check it off your back to school to do list! You can also scan the QR code below to sign-up and ensure you receive the most timely information on your 2023-24 Yearbook sales promotions!
Clubs
Garden Club
In this week's Garden Club meeting, the club members prepared the sunflower beds and planted multi color sunflowers. They also prepped one of the vegetable beds and made carrots and radishes seed tapes. Next week, they are going to plant carrots and radishes. They had a lot of fun learning how to prep the soil for planting by turning the soil and adding compost. Here are a few pictures of this week's activity.
~ Club activity will be posted here throughout the year. To get a list of all Clubs currently active, please check our Activities page on our website.
From the PTSA
Flippin' Pizza - All Day PTSA Fundraiser
Hello families!
Mark your calendars for the tastiest Thursday of the year - October 26, 2023.
Join our Flippin Pizza All-Day Fundraiser - indulge in the ultimate pizza feast & help us make some dough for PTMS. Twenty-five percent of the sales will be donated back to our school.
It's a win-win – you get to enjoy your favorite slices, and we get closer to reaching our fundraising goal. Please check the flyer for details.
Thank you for helping PTSA raise funds to support student enrichment in school.
Chromebook Insurance
Chromebook insurance is available for purchase by clicking this link.
The cost is $44 for coverage that lasts until August 7, 2024.
Deadline to purchase insurance is October 31, 2023.
Nutrition Services
Job Opportunities - Nutrition Services
SDUHSD is seeking individuals who want to make a difference in children’s lives in the role of an Instructional Assistant. We have positions available for Instructional Assistant – Special Education, Instructional Assistant – Behavior Intervention, and Instructional/Personal Care Assistant. These positions are typically between 4 – 6 hours per day, depending on the assignment.
Instructional Assistants assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to an individual or small group of students in a special education learning environment. We have openings throughout the district at middle and high schools in Special Education classrooms.
If you are interested, or know someone else who would love this job, go to www.edjoin.org/sandieguito.
Multilingual Learner Corner
Special Education Sessions and Events
For a list of Special Education Informational Sessions and Family Events, please click here.
For meetings, trainings, workshops, and more from the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education, please click here.
SDUHSD Family Movie Night @ LCC - October 25th
CCA Envision Arts Theatre Presents
Bright Young Things - a new musical. Purchase your tickets here. Check out the Carmel Valley News article on this production.
CCA Envision Arts Theatre Presents
Sense & Sensibility. Purchase your tickets here. Check out the Carmel Valley News article on this production.
CCA Teams
SDUHSD Job Opportunities Available!
SDUHSD is seeking individuals who want to make a difference in children’s lives in the role of a Campus Supervisor. We have both full- and part-time positions at campuses throughout the school district.
Campus Supervisors play an important role at our middle and high school campuses, working to provide a safe environment for all. The Campus Supervisor is a friendly face who assists students, visitors and administrators, while also ensuring rules and polices are followed.
If you are interested, or know someone else who would love this job, go to www.edjoin.org/sandieguito.
Other Important Items
- Boys & Girls Club - Seasonal sports information/registration.
- PTMS Live Calendar of Campus Events and 2023-24 Instructional Calendar.
- PTMS Spirit Wear/Gear - PTMS Spirit Wear and accessories for the whole family!
- PTMS Student Vehicle Permit - Register your bike/e-bike/scooter/skateboard with PTMS. Complete this form and turn in to the office.
- PTMS Webstore - PE clothes/Limited Series Clothing
- PTMS Webstore - Spirit Wear
- PTMS Yearbook. - Order today!
- San Dieguito Alliance for a Drug-Free Youth - complete the Parent Pledge here.
- San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club - click the link to the left for 2023-24 athletic schedules.
- SDUHSD - Employment Opportunities. To view a list of openings and to apply, please click https://www.edjoin.org/sandieguito or you can call Susan Gray at 760 753-6491 x5543.
This newsletter has also been posted to our website under "Parent Communications."
Deadline to submit articles for publication is Thursdays.