Wonderful Falcon Families,
"You know, I'm fairly intelligent, but I don't think my grades reflected that" ~Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions Running Back~
Happy Labor Day! I hope that you enjoyed your three-day weekend and took time to rest even though it was really hot.
With Friday's progress report, I know that many of you feel the stress of grades. This is one of the most difficult transition into middle school. Some of you are seeing and Ds and Fs for the first time. Know that many teachers are working hard to get the work graded, including the late submissions. The most important achievement by students in the first six weeks is for them to learn self-advocacy and organization. To advocate for oneself, means that you understand that there is a way to improve, and that includes modifying my own actions in the small ways. One small change is understanding the Power of Yet. This means practicing positive self-thinking and talking. Instead of saying, "I got an F," say, "I don't have an A YET." Instead of, "I am failing my math class," say, "I am not passing my math class YET." The word "YET" is so powerful that it can change a negative thought into a positive one. This is what is called growth mindset. Let's start developing our growth mindset by including the word "YET" into our thoughts and talks. Please also watch the video by C. J. Luckey on the Power of Yet.
Parents, the most important message your children need to hear from you is that you still love them in spite of their grades. Progress reports are temporary snapshots of the final semester grades. At the parent meeting, I shared how to hold this conversation with your children. Click HERE to access the presentation. Also those who were present had the opportunity to write a love note to their children at school, which were then passed out to them at the end of the day. If you would like to do the same act for your children, please click HERE to access the template for the love note. Send the note to us and we will deliver to your children. There is something profound about receiving a note of love.
Falcon Scholars is Open for Tutoring
With Progress Report 1 already complete, there are many of you who might need the space to catch up any missing work. Please take advantage of this space to get caught up so that you can enjoy your fall break.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. According to the authors of #bethe1to, here are five action steps that each of us can do to help someone who needs help.
#bethe1to:
- Ask.
- Be there.
- Keep them safe.
- Help them connect.
- Follow up.
Here are some important dates for increasing our own awareness:
- September 10-16,2023 - National Suicide Prevention Week
- September 10, 2023 - World Suicide Prevention Day
- September 21, 2023 - SUSDH Suicide Prevention Forum; more information to come
- September 26, 2023 - SDCOE Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents. Click HERE to register
At HTM, we are now one of San Diego County Schools to begin a Mental Health Club sponsored by the San Diego County Office of Education. The faculty advisor is Ms. Esparza (RP Teacher), Ms. Burress (Nurse) and Ms. Santana (Counselor). If you need this support or if you have an HTM student who need this support, please reach out to Ms. Esparza at
lilly.esparza@sweetwaterschools.org or Ms. Santana at
sharri.santana@sweetwaterschools.org or Ms. Burress at
kimberly.burress@sweetwaterschools.org.
HTM Fall Sports Game Day is this Saturday, September 9.
The first game day of fall sports is this Saturday, September 9. The location of fall sports is at Otay Ranch High School and Eastlake High School. As of today, we have not received the time of our games. Click HERE to access the Athletic Parent Meeting Slides from last Tuesday, August 29. For sports pratices, please see the Falcon Flight flyer below.
Celebrating Patriot Day on Monday, September 11, 2023
Next Monday, we will be remembering the 22st anniversary of 911. Many children do not know the significance of this day. We will be remembering this day by holding a Spirit Activity where we are asking everyone to wear a Real Superhero Outfit. Real heroes, in this instance, include firefighters, policemen, first responders, doctors, nurses, just to name a few. Or, if you don't have one, please wear America's red-white-blue colors to showcase your patriotism. Advisory teachers will have a video to show to students and hold a discussion about the significance of this day. Please take time to share your memory of 911 with your children.
Finally, below are important information regarding HTM. Please read the information on the images provided so that you know as much information as possible.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Finley
