The Triton Tribune
Be Kind ~ Be Awesome ~ Make The Right Choices
Volume 2 ~ Issue 19 ~ December 7, 2020
Amazing Triton Staff,
On Saturday evening, a dear friend of mine from Africa died due to complications from two brain surgeries. At the same time, Californians are bracing for yet another COVID lockdown all the while others are experiencing life challenges that might cause us to just wish 2020 away. And although it might appear that the start of the Christmas / Hanukkah / Kwanzaa season looks to continue on the bleak outlook we have lived through this year, I am reminded that this time of the year is all about HOPE. I choose to HOPE even though I might not have full understanding of why we are experiencing the year that we have had or why modern science could not save my friend, or why people have to struggle. What is hope? The Dictionary by Merriam-Webster defines hope as “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment.” Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “something good that you want to happen in the future, or a confident feeling about what will happen in the future.” Collins Dictionary offers this: “a feeling that what is wanted is likely to happen; desire accompanied by expectation.” Without hope, we give in to pessimism, miss opportunities, become more anxious, or worse, lose faith in everything. I don't want to be that person or leader who ever relinquishes my HOPE. As we finish this semester, regardless of our current station or status or experience, let's hold on to our HOPE like our lives depended on it because it does. Finally, as educators, our most important responsibility to give our students a reason to have hope, especially in times to COVID. Let's also focus on giving our students HOPE.
English Language Advisory Committee Meeting on December 9, 2020 @ 10:00am
Are you the Parent of an English Learner? Would you like to get involved with our school, and learn about how to help your student? Come to a meeting of the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).This committee is a group of parents who come together to learn about school programs, requirements, and advise the school on how to better support English learners. Click on this link to join the meeting or see the picture below for other ways to join.
Final Exam Week during December 14 - 18, 2020
Please see the final exam schedule below. Note that on Monday - Wednesday, school ends at 1:40pm with only two classes for each testing day. In preparation for finals, below are the links for you to prepare.
- Illuminate Testing Systems Instructions
- Illuminate Teacher Portal
- Illuminate Student Portal
- CAASPP Testing Systems Instructions
- CAASPP Student Portal Instructions
- CAASPP Administration Guide
ELM Sock Drive for the Homeless and ELM 20-21 T-Shirt Distribution Event
This semester, we will end with one drive-through event: the ELM Sock Drive for the Homeless and the 20-21 T-shirt Distribution.
- Date: December 17-18, 2020
- Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
- How: Drive-through by alpha distribution
- Bring: One pack of socks to benefit the homeless community in San Diego
- Pick-Up: 20-21 ELM T-shirt
We will be discussing the PLC pullout opportunities for you as we await the district approval to hold this drive-through. Click on this link to access the detail of the drive-through as we finalize the details of this event and we will share with you the information on this significant gesture to our homeless community. Our goal is for every student to give something to our cause. We hope that each family will join us in our cause.
In addition to needing students' t-shirt sizes, we will also need your T-shirt sizes. Click on this link to tell us your shirt size. You must use your district gmail account to access the form. Right now, we have 831 sizes. After Wednesday, we will estimate all remaining sizes. Please take time to complete this form
Eastlake Educational Foundation Fundraising Campaign
This past Friday, EEF launched its fundraising campaign. This campaign raises funds to support the technological needs of ELM as well as other schools in the area. As distance learning continues, our technological needs will increase. I am inviting you to join me in supporting this year's campaign. Click on this link to learn about the Come Together Community Campaign. There are different levels of sponsorships. Each donation, no matter how big or small, counts and WILL make a difference. You may also donate by texting to 619. 333.5548 and text the code: elmiddle. This will ensure that 100% of your donation will go directly to ELM. The donation window is from November 19 - December 31. We can do this!
Yearbook Sales begins this Week
As we are starting finalize the yearbook, we have begun the sales for this year. Please look for the details in the ASB Section of the newsletter. Additionally, the district is finalizing its contract with Jostens for the yearbook pictures for students to upload. Once the contract is signed, student will be able to upload a portrait for the 20-21 yearbook.
Two ASB Activities this Week:
- Scary Holiday Costume Contest - Wednesday, December 9, 2020
- Elf of the Shelf Picture Contest: Thursday, December 10, 2020
Please have students submit pictures below under ASB Activities for details. Do not forget to submit your participation also at bit.ly/ELMspiritsubmission by Wednesday, December 9.
COVID-19 Resources
Here are some resource for you and your family in the event that you need it.
Meal Distribution is Back This Week
The district has resumed its distribution of meals for the next two week.
Below are slides and video information that are pertinent to the week. They appear in this order:
1. English Learner Advisory Committee Meeting
2. Eastlake Educational Community Fundraising Campaign
3. Final Exam Week Schedule
4. Available Academic Support
5. ELM Artist of the Week
6. November / December Triton Trait of Gratitude
7. Triton Trait Nomination: Gratitude
8. Yearbook Requests
~Winter Activities and Travels
~Yearbook Sales
9. ASB Activities This Week
~T-shirt Sizes Needed
~Scary Holiday Costume Contest
~Elf on the Shelf Contest
~Purple Pride Club
10. Teacher Attendance Change Form
11. ELM Staff HandbookForm
12. ELM Google Calendar
13. ELM Genius Bar
14. ELM Technology Support Line
Finally, Here is the link to the parent newsletter and the link to the the December 4 Faculty Meeting.
Let's have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Finley
Purple Pride Club
Eastlake Middle School
Email: easter.finley@sweetwaterschools.org
Website: elm.sweetwaterschools.org
Location: 900 Duncan Ranch Road, Chula Vista, CA, USA
Phone: 619.591.4000
Twitter: @erfinleysd