PTMS Weekly Parent Newsletter
December 16, 2022
Coming Up
December 19-22 - Spirit Week
- Monday - Snow Out (White Out) Dress-Up Day
- Tuesday - Ugly Sweater Dress-Up Day
- Wednesday - Happy Holidays or Festive Dress-Up Day
- Thursday - Snowed in/cozy Day Dress-Up Day
December 19 - Single Period Day
December 20 - Block Day 1-3-5
December 21 - Block Day 2-4-6
December 22 - Minimum Day - School out at 12:25 p.m. - see bell schedule
December 23 - January 8 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
January 9-10 - Inservice Days - NO SCHOOL
January 11 - First Day back from Winter Break - Single Period Day
January 12-13 - Regular Block Days
Principal's Message
PTMS families,
It has been a very full week on our campus with lots of great things to share. I like to use these newsletters to offer snapshots of what your student may experience throughout the day. Often I like to have a theme woven through the message, but this is more like a buffet or hodgepodge of events. Nonetheless, here goes:
Perhaps you have seen "Finding Nemo". If not, it's an animated film about a little fish who is separated from his father and they try to reunite. They eventually do, and it's a very cute movie. One of the scenes that always has me laughing is when the seagulls are posted on the rocks and continue to say "mine, mine, mine." I have never looked at seagulls the same. Well those little birds have been all over our campus this week, desperately scavenging for scraps of food left behind during lunch. We have had to dodge them a lot, and so we continue to remind students to make sure all of their trash and food waste ends up in the trash cans. Our student body is doing much better at this, and I'm grateful to our students who have stepped up to join the "PTMS Clean Crew".
Also during lunch, our students play, play and play some more. I call it "getting the wiggles out" and boy do they ever! We have 10-on-10 soccer on the blacktop each day during 7th grade lunch. We have 12-on-12 basketball games during 8th grade lunch. It definitely gets loud, and the kids have so much fun! There are other games going on for sure, and it is so important as it lets the students be more focused during their last class of the day. Plus, the camaraderie and friendships they develop are positive. Our students who prefer a calmer more serene lunch experience are accessing our Wellness Center at lunch to quietly play games, do art, or just relax.
Our next lunch league activity will be kickball and signups went out through homeroom announcements this week. Students have an opportunity to form co-ed kickball teams, and even have a chance to include a staff member on their team if they wish.
Also in homeroom, our students engaged in the first of three lessons planned and implemented by our "No Place For Hate" student committee. The students recognize that words matter, and can definitely have a positive or negative impact on others. The committee designed a lesson around how we use words, defining microaggressions, and how to address them in the moment. I am very proud of our team, and look forward to their continued work throughout the year.
Last night was our 2nd annual "Holiday Howl". It featured student artwork, our performing arts groups, a magician and lots of yummy treats. Thank you to the over 300 students and families that joined us. It was a really great evening of community being together in support of our students.
Finally, as we wrap up the calendar year of 2022 and turn the corner to 2023, I know many of our 8th grade families are thinking about their next school choice. Our counseling team will push out information when we return in January about the high school options. If you are electing to access a private school, a gentle reminder that we do not write letters of recommendation for private school applications. I have included this link for your reference:
Hanukkah begins this Sunday evening, so to our families who celebrate I wish you "Happy Hanukkah".
Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend and see you Monday,
Scott Wild
Principal
Counseling Update
This is a reminder about the information we shared via email on Tuesday. The Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito has a program called Operation School Bell. The goal is to help children thrive and succeed in school by providing new school clothing for those that might have need. This year they are providing students in need with a Target gift card to purchase new school clothing. There are still some gift cards available, so please email your student’s counselor if this is something you could utilize for your child.
Lisa Curry, Counselor (A-Ne) lisa.curry@sduhsd.net
Carsen Murt, Counselor (Ng-Z and EL Students) carsen.murt@sduhsd.net
Samantha Eels-Taylor, Student Support Facilitator samantha.eelstaylor@sduhsd.net
ASB and Student Announcements
Click here to see the latest version.
You can also check out the Students tab on our website and click the link entitled "Student Announcements" for a running post of each week's announcements.
From the PE Department
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please remind your student to wear appropriate footwear to PE. No open heeled shoes (Crocs), flip flops or Ugg boot type footwear is allowed due to safety concerns.
Thank you in advance for your support!
PTMS PE Department
Please follow us on Instagram to see what your student is up to during PE class.
We are currently collecting donated full-size pool noodles.
From Attendance
Don't leave us for too long! Extended vacations can cause you to fall behind. School starts back on January 11, 2023.
Lost & Found
Please take a moment to check the Lost & Found for your student's missing clothing/water bottle/etc.. It is periodically set out on the blocks in front of Administration and otherwise located behind the Attendance Desk in the front lobby. All Lost & Found items not claimed by Thursday, December 22nd, will be donated to charity.
PTSA Membership
The PTMS Parent, Teacher & Student Association (PTSA) welcomes you to the 2022-2023 school year! As PTMS enters its seventh year, the PTSA continues to grow, supporting the families and staff by sponsoring a multitude of enriching activities and programs. We kindly ask for your support to continue this work.
The PTSA Membership fee is just $60 for two adults and one student. Please sign up here.
Order Your Yearbook Now
Student Safety Vehicle Permit
Other
- PTMS Webstore - the PTMS store for PE clothes and Spirit Wear.
- San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club - click the link to the left for 2022-23 athletic schedules.
- SDUHSD - The SDUHSD is currently recruiting to staff permanent and substitute classified positions (e.g. Instructional Assistant, Nutrition Services, Custodian, Secretarial/Clerical). Part-time and full-time positions are available. Substitutes can set their own availability. To view a list of openings and to apply, please click https://www.edjoin.org/sandieguito or you can call Susan Dixon at 760 753-6491 x5543.