MUSTANG MAIL
July 1st / 20-21 School Year Information
Dear 7th & 8th Grade Mustang Students and Parents,
Mesquite Junior High hopes that our families are finding time to enjoy the Summer despite the challenges we are all navigating. Planning for the 20/21 school year continues to evolve, so I would anticipate additional information/guidance to be provided as it comes available from the State, Town and District. Do continue to review the information sent out by the GPS District office and review the frequently updated “Reopening Schools Taskforce” link found via our Gilbert Public Schools website (also listed below): https://www.gilbertschools.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2011
At Tuesday night’s GPS Governing Board meeting, it was decided that there will be (3) options for GPS students this year:
1. Attending in-person/on campus full time
2. Attend online through Gilbert Global Academy
3. A flex model: attending in-person classes part time each day, either AM or PM. With the remainder of the schedule classes taken online.
**Please see the following link/presentation further below that was provided to the community last night regarding the plan for reopening schools this year.
1. School Start Date: As of July 1, 2020, school begins Wednesday, August 5, 2020 online for all students. In person classes are scheduled to start on August 17, 2020, although that date will ultimately be determined by the AZ Governor’s Office.
2. We appreciate your help during the spring registration process, during which students selected their 20-21 courses. At that time, they were informed that course requests would be accommodated according to availability. Your student’s schedule will be available later this month online via the Infinite Campus student and parent portal. Please feel free to print out your student’s schedule at home. *Please note: Only necessary schedule changes will be made (i.e. lacking a class/lunch, assigned two lunches/classes the same period, or assigned to an inappropriate P.E. class). Due to staffing and scheduling demands, we are simply not able to accommodate specific teacher or elective requests. Please be understanding of this policy.
3. Infinite Campus Parent Portal Set-Up: It is a requirement for all MJHS parents/guardians and students to have access to the Infinite Campus Portal. At the Junior High level, student success relies on both the parent/guardian and the student to consistently monitor their progress. Please ensure that you have followed the necessary steps to set up your Parent Portal (not logging in as your student). Not only is this a tool for monitoring grades and attendance, you will be able to pay any fees or fines and easily stay in contact with your student’s teachers. A flier with step by step directions is included as an attachment. Additionally, please visit the following link (form also attached below) for instructions and information: https://www.gilbertschools.net/IC
4. Mandatory Infinite Campus Annual Update: The Infinite Campus Annual Update will be available Thursday, July 13, 2020 for parent/guardian completion. This update must be completed to insure we have accurate, up to date information for your student (address, phone numbers, etc). This update must be completed in order for your student to be issued a Chromebook for the 2020-2021 school year. Multiple emails will be sent to your listed email accounts with links and directions. *Please ensure you use a valid email address for District/campus communication.
5. Athletics: Please refer to the informational email that was sent out June 18, 2020 for instructions on registering your athlete for the 2020-2021 school year. If you have questions please contact Mesquite Junior High School at 480-926-1433 x2507. Please follow MJHS Athletics on Facebook by searching: @mjhsathletics. If you have questions, please email mjhsathletics@gilbertschools.net **Specifics/Schedules will be provided as that information comes available**
7. PE/Combination Locks (for on campus students): Will be provided to those students enrolled in a PE/Fitness Training class. If the lock provided is lost or damaged in any way, there will be a $5.00 replacement charge issued to the student’s account. MJHS is not responsible for lost or stolen items. As we do not provide book lockers, we encourage book bags/backpacks to help our students stay organized. Dates/times for the purchase of PE uniforms (shorts/t-shirt) will be established later this month for our on-campus students.
8. GPS Junior High Student Handbook: Handbook Orientations will be held during the first two weeks of school via an online presentation. Parents/guardians will digitally sign the form when the Infinite Campus Annual Update is completed. The form acknowledges that all parties have read and understand the policies, procedures, rules, activities, etc. outlined in the handbook. Please be sure you and your student take time to review these important guidelines to ensure your student’s success at MJHS. Please take the time to review the student dress code policy; it is important our students and parents understand the expectations of the dress code before they start purchasing new clothes for the new school year. GPS Secondary Student Handbook PDF and site links further below.
9. Bell Schedule (for on campus classes): For the 2020-2021 school year, our start time is 8:35 am. The first class begins at 8:40 am and dismissal time will be at 3:30 pm. We will generally have a one hour Early Release on Wednesdays (2:30 pm).
10. Buses / Parent Pickup & Drop off: Student bus information will be sent out late this month/early August. It can also be reviewed via the District website (link also below): https://www.gilbertschools.net/transportation
--For students who will be dropped off by a parent/guardian, please ensure the parent drop-off location along Mesquite St (south side of MJHS) is utilized. Traffic will be heavy, please arrive early and be courteous to the other drivers.
***Note no parent/guardian vehicles are allowed through the main drive (bus area) from 8:15 am – 9:00 am / 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm*** In the interest of student safety, no students should be on campus prior to 7:45am.
Dan Johnson, Principal / Email: daniel.johnson@gilbertschools.net
Scott Thomas, Assistant Principal
Danielle Kidd, Dean of Students