Griffin Pride
SPJHS Back to School Edition * October 2020*
October Newsletter 2020
Dear Griffin Families,
Wow, it is hard to believe that it is October. It felt like yesterday we were planning for your students to show up for the first day of school and now October is here. The last few weeks I have been simply blown away by the phenomenal individuals supporting your student(s). We have a remarkable team, who support students in everything from small group teaching, to being a caring adult when students need it most. Our teachers maximize the learning of our students each and every day. All of the educators at South Pointe Jr. High work tremendously hard to support your students. Next time you have an opportunity, please take a moment to thank the wonderful people supporting your students; they are truly amazing!
Calendar reminders
Here are a few upcoming events on the school calendar.
October 2 - Block 1 ends!
Fall Break October 5-9, 2020
Spirit Week October 26-30, 2020
Monday- Pajama Day
Tuesday- Sports Day
Wednesday- Disney Day
Thursday- Costume Day
Friday- Griffin Spirit Day
Remote and in person all students must continue to follow school expectations on Spirit Days.
Fridays
- The third Friday of each month is a 1/2 day in regards to Bell schedule 8:15-12:15 pm
- All other Fridays are a full instructional day 8:15-3:15. When SPJHS is in full remote status for "all" students, the students will follow the 1/2 day bell schedule and afternoons will be used for small group interventions, enrichment, and office hours.
- Only 1/2 Friday Bell Schedule is on October 16, 2020 all other Fridays in October are a FULL Day
Learning Block 2
- Families please make sure your contact information is kept current with the school. Surveys are shared out so we may hear your voice for what you prefer for your student, and this information is valued when determining our next steps pertaining to this school year during these Covid-19 times.
- The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) recommends county-specific public health benchmarks fall within moderate or minimal spread category in all three benchmarks for two weeks in order to provide Hybrid learning (virtual and in-person).
- The first week after Fall Break (October 12, 2020) 6th graders who have chosen to attend in-person will begin. 7th and 8th graders will begin Block 2 remotely. Phase 2 will involve 7th8th grade students who have chosen to attend in-person and will begin (October 19, 2020) for 7th/8th grade in-person learning.
- A parent informational night will be held virtually to share our Re-engagement Plan with families on October 1, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Please check on our calendar on our website for the link and school messenger will share out the details as well.
FAMILY VIRTUAL MEET
Topic: Re-Engagement Meeting Block 2
Time: Oct 1, 2020 06:00 PM Arizona
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98664538608?pwd=WGprbWZHaWF6Umx2enF0Y2l2UCtYQT09
Meeting ID: 986 6453 8608
Passcode: qNEd3B
Covid Health & Safety Measures
Families if you are opting for your student to do in-person learning the following guidelines are expected of all persons entering campus. If in the past ten days the student or any member of their household experienced any of the following symptoms they are directed to remain home.
- Fever 100.4℉ or higher
- New or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore Throat
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
If the student or anyone in their household has had a significant exposure with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspected to have COVID-19 the student is directed to remain home. (Significant exposure is defined as exposure for greater than 10 minutes or less than six feet apart)
Reminders:
- SPJHS Mask-Up (masks are required of persons on SPJHS campus) (Solid, Pattern, No Wording)
- Wash hands often and thoroughly
- Use hand sanitizer as often as possible
- If you are showing any symptoms or someone in your household inform the school and remain HOME
So what is StudentVue and ParentVue?
StudentVUE is an excellent way to monitor your education at Leona Group Schools. StudentVUE will provide you with the latest information about your attendance and grades, among other features. To activate your account and login for the first time, there are 8 easy steps to follow. firstname.lastname@southpointejh.com for your letter, if you didn’t receive it contact the school office.
Activation First Name XXXX
Activation Last Name XXXX
Activation Key (7digt unique numbers/letters)
Web Address: https://leonagroup.apscc.org/PXP2_Login_Student.aspx ( Button on the Homepage Website)
Your Activation Key has no expiration.
ParentVue
Parents and Guardians, if you want to stay on top of your students' grades, missing assignments, and attendance, you can do this by accessing your ParentVue account. Activation letters are being mailed out this week. Please remember to use the personal email account you have on file with the school office and follow the step by step instructions.
School Uniforms and Hoodies
School Uniforms can be purchased at the school office or by phone with cash or credit card. Costs are $8.00 each, 3/$20.00, or 5/$35.00. The cooler months are just around the corner so it’s the perfect time to buy your student Hoodies, the cost is $20.00 each. Mask are $3.00
Student Norms "Virtual Learning Norms"
At South Pointe Junior High School we want to make sure that our students’ have the best ability to focus and learn while engaged in remote instruction and virtual lessons.
To ensure that students are able to learn effectively during virtual lessons it is each student’s responsibility to abide by the following Virtual Learning Norms:
Set aside a quiet place free of distractions (away from TV’s, toys, etc.) that you can focus on your instruction.
Be prepared! Just like in the classroom, you should be ready with any of the materials you’ll need and give your complete attention to the lesson.
Be on time! We’ve helped you schedule your day to complete all your work. Please make sure you are signed in and use the online live help with your teachers when you need it.
During live help sessions - wait for the teacher to start the video call.
During live help sessions-mute your microphone when you aren’t speaking. You and your classmates need to be able to hear the teacher and each other.
Communicate and collaborate respectfully with your classmates. Use respectful language, just like you would in the classroom.
All Students must wear a South Pointe Junior High polo and be in uniform during virtual lessons, just like we do during school.
Remember to exit the live session when your class is over.
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) is a framework used nationwide that focuses on recognizing students when they engage in positive behaviors (affirmations) and teaching/re-teaching students when they engage in negative behaviors (redirections).
The primary goals of a successful PBIS program are as follows
• Creating clear and consistent expectations across campus and within every classroom.
• Conducting early interventions before students establish a pattern of negative behavior
• Monitoring student's behavioral progress and maintaining successful communication between the school, the student, and the student's parent/guardian.
Throughout the 2020-2021 School Year, we look forward to introducing some of our new tools to maintain a healthy, productive school climate & culture. Some of the tools we have already introduced include...
- "Kick Board" a positive reinforcement program to share updates with families and staff.
• An adaptive redirection process to accommodate students who are learning in a remote environment.
For any questions regarding our PBIS Program, please contact Mr. Sidhu (PBIS Coach) at armen.sidhu@leonoagroup.com
Just In with Jeffries
Student Clubs and Support!
Youth Entrepreneur is starting, and it's the first time online and the kids are more involved than ever. Youth Entrepreneur, also called YE, is a program that gives our students a chance to become business owners. Currently, we are taking the time and going over a few fundamental values that help us be more successful. We are excited to see what the students will discover in the next few weeks.
Tutoring
As the school year starts off, virtual tutoring has also kicked off and is now 3 days a week! Ms. Chavez & Ms. Gutierrez provide tutoring after school from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. If you are confused about a lesson or need time to catch up on work. We encourage you all to join us! South Pointe Junior High is proud of our students because they are motivated to succeed and will reach for the stars. If you do need that extra support come and join us, Ms. Chavez & Ms. Guiterrez are excited to see and hear from you.
Ms. Chavez christiana.chavez@leonagroup.com
Ms. Guiterez isabel.gutierrez@leonagroup.com
Student of the Week
In spite of the challenges associated with remote learning, South Pointe Junior High School remains dedicated to recognizing students when they go above and beyond. In pursuit of this goal, we have recently restarted our "Griffin of the Week" program, where staff members collectively nominate and select 1 student per grade level who has demonstrated excellence and/or improvement in one or more of the following categories: academic, behavioral, and social/emotional.
Student of the Week (Week of 9/7-9/11)
-7th Grade: Paul B.
-8th Grade: Maggie S.
Student of the Week (Week of 9/14-9/18)
-6th Grade: Samathana A. G
-7th Grade: Annelise M.
-8th Grade: Elisio R.
Student of the (Week 9/21-9/25)
-6th Grade: Isaac De S.T
-7th Grade: Amaya S
-8th Grade: Michael A. B
SPJHS Attendance
Students participating in the virtual education option will be considered as being in attendance if the students are successfully progressing in the virtual education coursework.
- Students must be visual (camera on, mic muted).
- Successful progression means the student is submitting assignments according to the pacing guide unless approved by SPJHS.
Administrative action may result if a student is not making progress. These actions include, but not limited to, probation or removal from the class, or a charge of truancy, if appropriate. School attendance is not only a good habit, state law requires it. Arizona State Law (15-802.E, 15-803.) requires every person who has custody of a child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall make sure the child attends school for the full time school is in session unless unable to attend due to illness or another legitimate reason.
Please visit your school’s handbook for information pertaining to attendance procedures if you are attending classes inside the school.
School Meal Service
Effective September 8, 2020, we will be serving curbside meals, Breakfast, and Lunch served Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 am - 12:00 noon for anyone ages 0 to 18 years. No identification is required. Stop by our campus, we will be happy to serve you!