Eagle Newsletter
January 15, 2021
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - no school. Block days the remainder of the week.
January 18: Westview Robotics
January 20: Dine Out Night at Bubble Up from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
January 21: Opportunity Drawing for $50 Amazon Gift Card
January 26: SWE Next student meeting at 3:00 PM
January 26: Racial Equity Community Conversation from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
January 28: OCIS-PE Attendance and Performance Records due
January 29: Deadline to order yearbook for 20-21 School Year
January 29: Professional Growth Day. Non-student day.
Index of Information
Here is a list of information which can be found in this week's newsletter.
- Next Week's Class Schedule
- On-campus Learning Reopening Delayed due to new state guidelines
- Racial Equity Community Conversation - January 26 (action)
- Resources to Assist with Discussions of Current Events
- No Outdoor Library on Monday - January 18
- PTSA Dine Out Night Fundraiser at Bubble Up - January 20
- On-Campus Learning Scheduled for February 16
- Next Opportunity Drawing to Receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card (action)
- Shortened February Break
- We Are Hiring (action)
- Westview Robotics (action)
- Eagle Shout Outs
- Notification to 8th Grade Families (action)
- OCIS-PE Attendance and Performance Record Forms (action)
- Last Chance to Purchase a Yearbook (action)
- Intradistrict Transfer Requests (IDTs) (action)
- Mesa Verde Clubs
- ASB Newsletter
- Counselor's Corner
- Parent Education Upcoming Courses (action)
Next Week's Class Schedule: January 18-22
Next week is a four-day week. All four days are block days and begin at 8:30 AM and end with office hours 2:05-3:00. Friday is a virtual school day, not asynchronous.
- Monday (1/18) is no school
- Tuesday (1/19) will be EVEN periods (same as regular week)
- Wednesday (1/20) ODD (same as regular week)
- Thursday (1/21) EVEN (same as regular week)
- Friday (1/22) becomes ODD periods instead of asynchronous
On-Campus Learning Delayed due to New CDHP Guidelines issued January 14th.
Based on new California Department of Health Guidelines*, our Board of Education voted at last night's Board meeting to continue the temporary suspension of on-campus learning for elementary, middle, and high schools until:
o January 19: when PUSD will reopen full-day preschool classes and ESS programs on campuses; resume in-person individual special education supports, instruction, and related services on a case-by-case basis.
o Between January 25 and February 1: when Elementary schools can reopen for on-campus learning with the AM/PM schedule; special education classes can resume on campus (preschool through adult transition); small groups at middle and high schools can return to campus.
o Five Days after San Diego Reenters the Red Tier* (see explanation below): when Middle and high schools will open with the concurrent learning model on an A/B schedule.
*12:00 p.m., January 14, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provided updated school reopening guidelines that do not allow PUSD middle and high schools to reopen while the county is in the Purple Tier. Based on the new CDPH guidelines, our middle and high schools can now only reopen five days after San Diego County returns to the Red Tier.
Virtual Learning and Engagement
At our parent forum this week we heard from parents that we have to continue to seek new ways to engage our students in virtual learning and to try new ways to connect students with our school community. As a faculty we met this morning and we will be reaching out to the students to find what is working well so that we can use that information to increase their positive experiences. We understand that learning from home is isolating and we are committed to help.
We ask that parents ensure that students turn on their cameras during Zoom. Some students are hesitant for different reasons, but it is really best practice. How do you get to know students if you never see their face? Teachers will reach out to parents of students who consistently leave their camera off because we know that you want to know! Thank you.
Martin Luther King's Birthday and Black History Month
Mesa Verde has an equity team working with the San Diego County Office of Education. The team attends monthly trainings on equity and we also meet monthly with a coach to evaluate how we can ensure equity and access on our campus.
We are planning for Black History Month and if you would like to be part of that planning, please email cdonnelly@powayusd.com
Resources to Assist with Discussions of Current Events
With so much going on in our nation, we understand that children may have questions, strong feelings, and a desire to discuss. We recognize the importance of being sensitive to and aware of various reactions and perspectives to the events taking place. As public educators, it is also essential that we maintain political neutrality as we listen to our students and give them a safe space to speak. Some parents have asked about how to support at home. Here are some resources from San Diego County of Education to help young people during challenging times: LINK.
The principal and admin team will host open Zooms for students during lunches next week Wednesday and Thursday and during office hours Tuesday-Thursday. Students who need to connect, want to share thoughts, or ask questions will have open access. Will post Zoom links on student Canvas pages.
Racial Equity Community Conversation
Engage in conversations with fellow parents and students to foster trust and build relationships focused on improving racial equity and inclusion in Poway Unified Schools.
PTSA Dine Out Fundraiser
Next Opportunity Drawing for a $50 Amazon Gift Card - January 21
We have a winner for the first Amazon gift card giveaway for all students who have submitted their yearbook photo. Please watch the video at this link to see if you won.
The next opportunity drawing for a lucky student will be January 21st. All you have to do to enroll in this opportunity drawing is submit your photo for the 20-21 MVMS Yearbook, using the website and instructions below! If you already did this, your name has already been entered.
Instructions
Use this link to take and submit your portrait: tinyurl.com/high5eagles
1. Click the website link provided here: tinyurl.com/high5eagles
2. Type in your ID number and proceed
3. Acknowledge the guidelines that pop up
4. Line your chin up with the curvature of the lower line, and your eyes with the straight dotted line, and take your picture
5. Click the button that says “looks good”
6. Enter your personal email address so we can notify you if your picture needs adjustment
7. Confirm your submission, and have a lovely day!
Click here to watch a video of the instructions.
PUSD February break is shortened this year
A reminder to PUSD families that the 2021 February break has been shortened from five days off to just two days off due to COVID-related adjustments to the 2020-21 school year calendar.
There is no school on Monday, February 15 and Friday, February 19 due to the observance of Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays.
However, school will be in session Tuesday through Thursday, February 16 through February 18, so students are expected to attend class on those three days.
Spring Break remains the same, Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 16.
The last day of school was changed to Friday, June 18, 2021. You can view the official District calendar here.
We Are Hiring
As we work to open schools for our students, we are in need of Instructional Assistants to assist with the supervision of students and WE ARE HIRING! Starting Pay is $15.13/hr. We have several openings for 6 hour per day positions (8:00-2:30 daily). These are limited term assignments that will go through the end of the school year. If you or someone you know might be interested, please apply using the link below!
Westview Robotics
On Monday, January 18th from 1:00-3:00 pm, Westview Robotics will be hosting a series of STEAM workshops for MVMS students in grades 6th-8th.
Students are invited to join Westview Robotics for a free virtual STEAM workshop. The virtual workshops will be given by our high school robotics team members (Team Name: Option 16). Our team has spent the last 2 months preparing to deliver quality virtual STEAM workshops. Our priority in delivering these workshop are to:
- Provide a safe digital learning environment
- Guide students through a fun and challenging interactive STEAM activities that will allow them to continue to explore and create further projects
- Each participant will have 2 mentors, allowing for personalized guidance and interaction at their pace in order to assure success in completing the interactive STEAM challenge
- Share new STEAM skills and inspire further exploration after the workshop
- Mentor and connect with the participant during our 2 hour interaction
To assure that each participant has the best learning experience, they will be in an individual Zoom breakout room with 2 Westview robotics mentors who are trained to guide the participant through the interactive STEAM activity. Westview Faculty advisors will remain in the main Zoom room and will be available to quickly move into any breakout room if help is needed. The participant will be sharing their screen and interacting with the 2 Westview mentors to complete the activity and to play games. All will be using annotating tools and screen sharing. With your permission, and as a last resort, we would like to use the Zoom remote control feature to help your student gain success in the interactive STEM activity if they are struggling. These details will be explained in our waiver if you sign up.
Signups are accepted online - link. Please include a non-pusd email address in the application in order to receive confirmation or waitlist emails. Each workshop has a very limited amount of space, so sign up as soon as possible.
Westview Robotics - Option 16
- Angela Yu - STEM Workshop Coordinator
- Divya Jain - VP of Outreach
- Mrs. Dawn Hester and Ms. Kim Carroll - Advisors
FRC Team #3341
Eagle Shout Outs
It's the first Eagle Shout Outs of the new year! Hooray for these Eager Eagles!
Notification to 8th Grade Families
If you are living in optional areas for high school pathway (meaning you have two high school options based on your address), you have received notification from the District Office.
Notification to the district office is required by January 29, 2021. Please follow the instructions in the email sent to you. For any questions or concerns relating to this, contact the office of Attendance and Discipline directly.
Attention OCIS-PE
Attendance and Performance Record for 2nd quarter (November 7, 2020- January 28, 2021) must be completed, signed by coach, and submitted to MVMS with student’s Attendance and Performance Record by January 28, 2021. This may be dropped by MVMS front office to Mrs. Rinehart or you may scan/upload and email this documentation to Michelle Rinehart at krrinehart@powayusd.com and include Dennis Panganiban at dpanganiban@powayusd.com. Printable Attendance and Performance Records are available on here. Please print, complete and turn in by due date.
Attendance and Performance Record (done quarterly): If this document is not received by due date, student will receive an “incomplete” on their report card. After two weeks, this “Incomplete” will turn into an ‘F’.
**If any of your Off Campus Independent Study documentation has or is expiring, new/updated forms need to be submitted as soon as possible.
Last Chance to Purchase a Yearbook
Course Selection for 2021-22 School Year
Although it is only January, many start thinking about next year! Traditionally, Mesa Verde has done course selection in mid to late March and we anticipate the same this year.
We will be sharing a How To video for course selection as we get closer. Nothing to do at this time.
Intradistrict Transfer Requests
For students who live in the PUSD boundaries and would like to attend another PUSD school, PUSD will accept Intradistrict Transfer requests for the 2021-2022 school year from February 1, 2021, at 8 a.m. through March 31, 2021, at 5 p.m. During that time period, there will be a link on the PUSD webpage to submit a transfer request.
For students who live in another school district and would like to attend a PUSD school, PUSD will accept Interdistrict Attendance Permit requests for the 2021-2022 school year starting February 1, 2021. Please note that the document must first be signed by your district of residence before it is submitted to PUSD.
Decisions on transfers are made by the Student Attendance and Discipline Office, not Mesa Verde.
Mesa Verde Clubs
SWE Next Meeting - January 26
Fill out this form to get onto our email list (DO NOT put down a school email address). Girl Scout Cadette can earn two badges by completing our Innovation Challenge. They need to attend all meetings between January through May. Questions? Email swenextmvms@gmail.com.
Club Live
Come join Club Live/Save Promise Club. Members of Club Live/Save Promise club learn to be a positive student leader on and off campus.
Club Live Zoom Meeting
When: first and third Wednesdays of every month.
Where: via Zoom. Click here to join us.
Meeting ID: 795 849 2578
Passcode: 976884
ASB NEWS
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Season of Gratitude
Resource Guide for Students and Parents
PARENT EDUCATION
FREE Teen Positive Parenting Program
We are pleased to share that we are offering the Teen Positive Parenting Program in English and Spanish for FREE via ZOOM! This webinar series is designed for parents and will address raising responsible teenagers while improving family communication. The webinar is offered in separate English and Spanish sessions:
FREE Teen Positive Parenting Program (English) via ZOOM
- Thursdays, January 14th, January 21st, and January 28th 2021 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
FREE Teen Positive Parenting Program (Spanish) via ZOOM
- Tuesdays, February 2nd, February 9th, and February 16th 2021 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Preparing Positively for Puberty - Live via Zoom
We can prepare our children for puberty by teaching them what to expect as their bodies transition from childhood to adulthood. Learn how to break down "the big puberty talk" into tiny talks that are more comfortable for both caregivers and children. Participants will review resources such as books and web sites that can simplify the process of starting a tiny talk. Activities that can promote a positive and practical attitude toward this important life stage will be discussed.
Monday, January 25, 2021 from 6:30pm-8:00pm Online Course via Zoom
Class fee: $16/individual or $27/couple
Grades: TK-8th Grade
Please note, scholarships are available to parents who may be in need.
Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing Signs and What to Do
This free webinar and Facebook Live event will provide information about suicide prevention for parents, including warning signs for suicide, how to have a conversation with their teen, actions to take if their teen is having suicidal thoughts, and resources.
Wednesday, January 27, 2020 at 5 to 6 p.m.
Click here to register.
To join Facebook Live event, click here.
For information in Spanish, click here.
For information in Hmong, click here.
Parenting and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth - NEW
Parenting a teen can be very challenging in itself, but understanding a LGBTQ+ life can become overwhelming. This workshop will give parents/caregivers insight into the LGBTQ+ youth. We will be working to understand the unique needs of each youth, finding common ground between youth and parents/caregivers, and exploring communication skills to best carry our message as parents or caregivers of love and hope for their future. This session is sponsored by the Caring Connections Counseling Center with Guest Speaker Kathie Moehlig. Enroll online TODAY at Poway Adult School.
Monday, February 3, 2021 from 6:30pm-8:00pm Online Course via Zoom
Class Fee: Free
Grades: 6th-12th Grade
Student & Parent Resources
Tech Support
Please email pusdithelp@powayusd.com if you need assistance with Canvas, MyPLAN, Zoom, or Chromebooks.
Contact Us
CONTACT US
General Questions?
If you are unsure of who to contact about a matter, please email us at MVMS@powayusd.com and your message will be answered or forwarded to the correct person.
Mesa Verde Middle School
Email: MVMS@powayusd.com
Website: https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/MS/MVMS/Home
Location: 8375 Entreken Way, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (858) 538-5478
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mesa-Verde-Middle-1493083354314112
Twitter: @MesaVerdeMS