PTMS Weekly Parent Newsletter
December 21, 2023
Coming Up
December 21-January 5 - Winter Break
January 8 & 9 - Staff Inservice - No School - Office/Campus Closed
January 10 - First day of second semester - Single Period Day - First class begins at 8:10 a.m. - NOT A LATE START DAY
January 11 - Block 1-3-5 Day
January 12 - Block 2-4-6 Day
Message from the Principal
Wolfpack families,
As we close out the 2023 calendar year, we have made such great memories, students are really learning, and I imagine there is even a bit of fatigue. That is well-earned! Our students and staff alike have worked hard since August as we learn and grow together. One of the joys of being an educator is seeing students grow, learn and have those "A-ha" moments in which the lessons and learning we are trying to teach clicks in their brains. There have been many of those "A-ha" moments both academically and socially, and our staff looks forward to continued student growth when we return in January.
Remember that January, in addition to bringing a new year, brings a new term. This gives students a chance to reset and start fresh, while also continuing the successful learning habits from the first part of the year. Successful students participate in class, self-advocate and speak to their teacher regularly, and work on time management habits. Successful students also engage in good social skills, including empathy, responsibility with words and actions, and kindness to others.
When we return, the administration team will be visiting classrooms for a "Rules 101: refresher" so we remind and reinforce our behavior expectations to all students.
But over the break, I want your families and our staff to fully immerse in the winter break. This means stepping back from school, stepping back from email, and engaging in activities that bring joy. I know many families are traveling over the break, and I wish you a safe and relaxing journey. During the break, our staff will not be checking or responding to email so that they can rest and recharge.
Our school will be closed beginning December 22nd, and students will return on January 10, 2024 at 8:10 am and we will be on a single period day bell schedule.
For families that celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. For those who celebrate Kwanza, I wish you a Happy Kwanza. To our entire Pacific Trails community, I wish you a safe and Happy New Year!
In gratitude,
Scott Wild
Principal
From the Counseling Office
With the upcoming Winter Break coming right at the end of first semester, we encourage you to unwind and settle into an enjoyable break. Some of us may be balancing endless to-do lists from shopping to entertaining and family expectations. While the holiday season brings celebrations, we all know it may also bring unwelcome guests, like stress and grief. It’s also important to stay mindful, acknowledge our feelings, and model to our children that we don’t have to do it all! Take time for self care.
Make time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Read a book, play a game, take a walk, call a friend, slow down and catch your breath.
Be mindful of your schedule. Plan ahead and say “no” to activities if you’re feeling overbooked.
If your family does need any help, reach out. While schools are closed, we want to remind you of the resources available in our community. We encourage you to save these resources so you can easily reference them should you or a family member need help during the break.
If you would like help finding counseling service, you can use Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential coordination service provided by San Dieguito Union High School District:
Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language, or visit www.caresolace.com/sduhsdfamilies and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
For emergency mental health support:
Call 911 or and request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response or go to the closest emergency room for support
Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 for help
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988/English or Español: 888-628-9454
TTYY: 800-799-4889
Some of our 7th and 8th grade students have spent their lunch breaks getting creative in the Wellness Center this week. Everyone had the opportunity to spread a little light and make a decorative mini-lantern. This was a great way to relax and unwind amongst the busy end of semester chaos!
Wishing all of our PTMS families a safe and peaceful holiday!
Lisa Curry, Counselor (A-Ma) lisa.curry@sduhsd.net
Carsen Anderson, Counselor (Mc-Z and ML Students) carsen.anderson@sduhsd.net
Samantha Eels-Taylor, Student Support Facilitator samantha.eelstaylor@sduhsd.net
Is Your Student Going to a Private School Next School Year?
If you and your student are thinking of applying to a Private School for next year. Please fill out the link below for each school.
1st Semester grade Transcripts will not be ready until January 2024.
Mental Health & Wellness
Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Students, Staff, and School Community.
Click on the QR code to discover your PTMS Support Staff.
From the Attendance Office
~ Don't leave us for too long! Extended vacations can cause you to fall behind. School starts back on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 8:10 a.m.
ASB and Student Announcements
You can check them out on the Students tab of our website under "Student Announcements" for a running post of each week's student announcements.
Department News
From the PE Department
Please follow us on Instagram to see what your student is up to during PE class.
From the Music Room
Congratulations to Evan Kim (trumpet) for making the SCSBOA All Southern Honor Symphonic Band and to Steven Chen (alto sax) for making the SCSBOA All Southern Honor Jazz Band. They will be representing Pacific Trails at the SCSBOA Conference in Pasadena from January 25th-28th. This is a different event than the All State Honor Band. They made that too.
From Yearbook
The yearbook makes a perfect holiday gift!
Clubs
~ Club activity will be posted here throughout the year. To get a list of all Clubs currently active, please check the Activities page on our website.
Multilingual Learner Corner
The next PTMS ELAC meeting for multilingual learner families will provide information about the High School Selection Process. The meeting is Tuesday, January 23, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Carmel Valley Middle School Learning Commons (3800 Mykonos Ln, San Diego, CA 92130).
Special Education Sessions and Events
For a list of Special Education Informational Sessions and Family Events, please click here.
For meetings, trainings, workshops, and more from the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education, please click here.
The District will be CLOSED for Winter Break, 12/22/23-1/5/24.
With the upcoming winter recess and end of the term, we encourage you to relax, unwind, and settle into an enjoyable break.
Some of us may be balancing substantial to-do lists from shopping to entertaining and managing family expectations. While the holiday season brings celebrations, we all know it may also bring unwelcome guests, like stress and grief. It’s important to stay mindful, acknowledge our feelings, and model that we don’t have to do it all! Take time for self-care. Be mindful of your schedule. Plan ahead and say “no” to activities if you’re feeling overbooked.
While schools are closed, we want to remind you of the resources available in our community and below some are listed so you can easily reference them should you or a family member need help during the break.
We wish all of our families a restful and enjoyable winter break and look forward to welcoming you back at the start of spring term!
Food Resources Food Locator Map - San Diego Food Bank Feeding San Diego
Community Resources: call 2 1 1
Below are a few suggestions from the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) for staying healthy during the winter break while connecting with friends and loved ones and managing potential holiday stress.
Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays / Tips for Dealing with Holiday Stress
San Dieguito Academy Parent Information Night
Other Important Items
- Boys & Girls Club - Seasonal sports information/registration.
- PTMS Live Calendar of Campus Events and 2023-24 Instructional Calendar.
- PTMS Spirit Wear/Gear - PTMS Spirit Wear and accessories for the whole family!
- PTMS Student Vehicle Permit - Register your bike/e-bike/scooter/skateboard with PTMS. Complete this form and turn in to the office.
- PTMS Webstore - PE clothes/Limited Series Clothing
- PTMS Webstore - Spirit Wear
- PTMS Yearbook. - Order today!
- San Dieguito Alliance for a Drug-Free Youth - complete the Parent Pledge here.
- San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club - click the link to the left for 2023-24 athletic schedules.
- SDUHSD - Employment Opportunities. To view a list of openings and to apply, please click https://www.edjoin.org/sandieguito or you can call Susan Gray at 760 753-6491 x5543.
This newsletter has also been posted to our website under "Parent Communications."
Deadline to submit articles for publication is Thursdays.