Pacific Grove Middle School
Newsletter April 2020
In trying to keep it "normal" under the circumstances, here is our April Newsletter, in hopes that we can return to school. If we are able to, here is information you will need to know.
Making Time to Unplug: The Tech Shabbat
Assistant Principal, Jason Tovani
According to my iPhone, my screen time was down 29% last week. Silly phone. I was online more last week than… ever. Instead of using my phone, I just used my laptop. My phone has no idea! But, by the time the week was over, I was ready for a break from both of them. In this state of screen-exhaustion, I remembered something I had read about taking a deliberate, scheduled, break from technology. Mother, author and filmmaker, Tiffany Shlain, has made it a weekly practice, and calls it a “tech shabbat.” It is one day each week where she and her family commit to logging off, shutting down, and reconnecting to each other. (See her short film on Tech Shabbats here, and check out her book, 24/6, here)
Last Friday night, as the weekend was just arriving, I broke the news to my two boys (10/12) that we were going to shut down our tech for 24 hours, starting at sundown. Having spent a week in front of screens big and small, they were concerned, “What will we do?” I didn’t really know. We made dinner together. We played board games. We read books. We went to bed early. The next morning, as our devices sat neglected in a pile, we played more board games. We sat on the deck, talking. My boys made me lunch. We worked in the garden for hours as rain clouds came and went, intermittently interrupting our projects. We watched the sun set. We connected. And, as the sun set, ending our 24-hour tech-free commitment, we went to our devices to connect with everyone else. We were all surprised, at least a little, at how few of our friends had even noticed we were gone.
Eligibility
A student's eligibility may be removed by the site administrator(s) as part of any disciplinary action. Students may lose eligibility to attend these activities if suspended or by earning two or more disciplinary referrals during the 4th quarter. Administrator's discretion will be used for recurring and/or serious behavioral or disciplinary problems and may result in a student's loss of the privilege of attending these events. Below are specific eligibility requirements for each event:
6th Grade Swim Party, May 15:
• No U on the third quarter grade report.
• No suspensions during 4th quarter.
• No more than two referrals during Q4.
• Present at school on the day of the event.
7th Graders: Attending the Promotion Dance on May 28:
• No U on the third quarter report.
• No suspensions during 4th quarter.
• No more than two referrals during Q4.
• Present at school on the day of the event.
Message for Parents from Community Hospital's Ohana Physician and Chief
Thank you for your support as we navigate this health crisis. Be assured that Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Montage Health entities remain at the ready to care for our community.
As part of our support, Dr. Susan Swick, Physician in Chief, Ohana, has put together a sample schedule and some tips for parents to help them navigate this transition with their children.
www.montagehealth.org/swick-tips
In addition, Montage Health is offering free eVisits for anyone with minor respiratory symptoms such as flu, allergy, or suspected COVID-19.
Visit evisit.montagehealth.org
Parenting Resources
I just wanted to send along a few links for families, or any of you, who might be looking for information on how to deal with the stress of parenting during these unprecedented times.
Helping Kids Cope -Expert Videos
https://gozen.com/coronavirus-anxiety/
Quick Guide from Safe Kids Inc.
The Child Mind Institute -Tips for Parenting During Coronavirus Crisis
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/Dovetail Learning Seminar -Centering Skills for Parents/Caregivers during COVID-19
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CQCMLjg0Scid5JFqxWF09g
Dessie Zanger, dzanger@pgusd.org
Educational Psychologist
Robert Down El. & Pacific Grove Middle School
SBAC testing has been terminated for this year.
Library Book Check-In & Fines
• 8th graders by Thursday, May 14, to go to Great America.
• 6th & 7th graders by May 18, to pick up their yearbook.
Negative Lunch Account Balances
All lunch negative balances must be paid in full by the following dates:
• 8th graders by Thursday, May 14, to go to Great America.
• 6th & 7th graders by May 18, to pick up their yearbook.
Yearbook Distribution
Yearbooks will be distributed on the following days DURING LUNCH in ROOM 26 ONLY.
8th graders: Monday, May 18
6th & 7th graders: Tuesday, May 19
Locker Clean Out
Please remind your students to bring an extra bag, if needed.
6th Graders
Wednesday, May 27, during 2nd period
7th graders
Thursday, May 28, during 2nd period
Thursday, May 28, during 3rd period