Pine Hollow Family Newsletter
October 4, 2021
Moving Forward
The following is an update of the commitments I made to strengthen our community.
15 Day Expectations:
Every classroom, every period sees teachers beginning with a segment on the expectation of the day. This school wide effort is intended to fully inform students of the expectations for the building. Teachers are taking time to address expectations in their classes too. Feel free to explore the link below to see these and discuss them with your student(s).
Volunteers:
Several parents/guardians are in process of completing the steps to be volunteers on campus. These dedicated adults are willing to engage the students during lunch and brunch in various activities. We are hoping to see games, crafts and our library open as well as mindfulness and meditation. Click here if you are interested in joining the Pine Hollow volunteer community. Be sure to contact Nadine Pence when you have been cleared to begin.
Staff Training:
On going staff development will continue to occur in the area of race and equity so that each staff member is better trained to interrupt and educate when racism and other forms of oppression occur.
New Counselor:
We welcome Deonne Curtis-Wesley to the Pine Hollow Counseling Department. Deonne will be on campus every Monday. Along with Edmund Perryman, Deonne will work closely with students running small groups and supporting students.
PBIS Points:
Once we complete the 15 day Expectations, PBIS points will begin. More details will follow as we rededicate ourselves to a healthy learning community.
Challenge Day:
Plans are in the works to host 4 Challenge Day workshops that will be available to all 7th and 8th graders. Challenge Day is a full day workshop that teaches empathy and breaks down barriers between people. Schools around the country has seen tremendous changes in students that resulted in significant reduction in discipline and increases in attendance and course completion. Students report feeling supported and connected to their community and are highly likely to make positive choices to deal with stress and anxiety. Please take time to research and learn about Challenge Day. Here are links to the Challenge Day website, an introduction video and testimonials. Please keep in mind that this program is modified for middle school so that it is developmentally appropriate.
In addition to the day long workshop, we will also host a class wide assembly for the 6th graders who are too young to attend a workshop.
Building Wide Expectations
Chrome Books Distribution Begins October 11
Our 1:1 device roll out is here! Next week, we will start distributing Chromebooks to every student on campus. Please take some time to review the attached handbook which has all of the information regarding policies, rules and logistics around the program. This will be sent home with your student as well. The last page needs to be signed by a parent/guardian and the student and returned to your 2nd period teacher.
Pine Hollow Device Handbook and Agreement
Also attached is the MDUSD low cost device insurance form, which I strongly advise purchasing as it covers almost any and every type of damage or loss.
Mt Diablo USD Technology Insurance Flyer - Securranty
About Us
Email: clarklm@mdusd.org
Website: https://pinehollow.mdusd.org/
Location: 5522 Pine Hollow Road, Concord, CA, USA
Phone: 925-672-5444
Twitter: @phmustangs