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Foothill MS Community Memo
January 12th, 2024
Dear Foothill Community,
I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after a restful break. As we embark on the second semester of the academic year, it is with great excitement and anticipation that I extend a warm welcome back to each and every one of you.
The start of a new semester is like turning the page of a book – filled with fresh opportunities, new challenges, and the promise of growth. Our shared journey continues, and I am confident that the dedication and enthusiasm within our community will propel us to achieve remarkable accomplishments in the coming months.
I look forward to witnessing the achievements and milestones that will undoubtedly shape this semester into a memorable chapter in our school's history.
Below I have included some upcoming events. You can also visit our website for our calendar as well as updates posted on the homepage.
Wishing you all a fantastic second semester!
In Appreciation,
Your Principal
Crystal Stull, Principal
Foothill Middle School
2775 Cedro Lane
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Course Requests for the 2024-2025 school year is now open
Check parent square for information on how to help your student request elective options for next year. Current 6th and 7th grade students went over this information in their CORE classes and the course catalog is on the FMS website.
Math class placement for 2024-2025 (Next school year)
Placement into the advanced math classes (Accelerated Math 7 and Algebra) is based on multiple measures as defined by the District in addition to current grades. This is the case for all schools within the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. With the multiple measures, determination will not be completed until after this school year has completed. Notification of the class will be via the assigned class in August.
Grades are appropriate for demonstrating learning but it cannot be a sole indicator for readiness for the curriculum in an advanced math class. This is especially true as students assess for mastery, at times allowing them to retest multiple times. We need to make sure the skills that they are demonstrating are retained which is why assessments are utilized as well.
The current list of assessments to be used this year is not available yet. One example of the assessments utilized in the past is the MDTP Readiness Test (a diagnostic testing program created from UC San Diego) which is a reliable indicator to assess essential topics needed for success in the CA Common Core State Standards for a particular math level. Your students did take the ‘6th grade readiness MDTP’ earlier this year so they have seen what the test will look like if that is used again.
Both advanced math classes need to have students who have mastered the essential topics so they will be prepared for the accelerated content and pace of the course.
For 6th graders: Please also know that taking Math 7 does not prohibit their ability to demonstrate their readiness at the end of the following year for any advanced class offered in 8th grade.
Foothill's Choir Elective is open to everyone and is lots of fun! Check it out:
Upcoming Dates
January 15th- No school
January 17th- PFA meeting- 7 PM
February 6th- Minimum Day- School Dismissed at 12:30
Chromebook Care
It is also very important that your student shuts down their Chromebook regularly.
Staff Shout Out!
At Foothill Middle School, we believe in recognizing all of our staff members! This helps us continue to strive to be a warm, welcoming and fun campus. Have a staff member you'd like to give a shout-out to? Click below to fill out a brief form. We'd love to hear from all community members - parents, students, staff alike. Responses will be shared at staff meetings and featured on our staff appreciation board and website. You can submit as many as you'd like and this form will be available all school year.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QXb7Wt_-kg3ysfYiKklBHWKs2PNIeuzYOBteWrIVYjg/edit
Virtual Coffee with Admin
https://mdusd.zoom.us/j/82143130733?pwd=QUFsWm1aSFBocnV6cUJNOC9OT0xIQT09
The 8th gr Promotion Event will be the morning of Tuesday , June 4th, at Foothill MS. Information available in May.
Home of the Griffins
Location: 2775 Cedro Lane, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Phone: 925-939-8600
Twitter: @FoothillGriffi