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JMMS Weekly Update

August 14, 2020

JMMS WeeklyUpdateAugust 14, 2020
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Principal's Message


We are so close to the start of school. I can see it. Today, we had a great first day with teachers. They are all excited to get started, although we are all disappointed that we won't be able to see everyone on that first day. So we are asking you to upload your virtual first-day picture to our Instagram Account.


Next week on Aug. 19, schedules will become active thru ParentVUE and StudentVue. If you are new and did not receive your activation email, please call the JMMS office for assistance.


Next week we are going to spend two days conducting assessments with your children. A separate communication with more information will be coming out on Tuesday. In general, students will be participating in MAPs Testing in Reading and Math.


Those two days' goal is to assess any learning gaps that may have arose as a result of the loss of instruction during the spring. We recognize that this isn't the usual way to start a middle school year, but 2020 is unusual.


Starting now, please have your child log into their AUSD Google Account. If, for some reason, they no longer remember the login, please send me an email.


Many families have asked, "What supplies will my child need to start school." Because students see multiple teachers in Middle School, it is not realistic to publish an all-encompassing materials list. We have found it better to let the teachers tell the students what materials they will need after school starts. They will need to start a computer, and when we start back to in-person instruction, they need to bring that computer back and forth to campus. If you already have a device and are okay having your child bring that device back and forth to school, that is awesome. However, if they are using your Macbook during distance learning and they will not be allowed to bring that to campus, please make sure they check out a Chromebook on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.


Please be sure and read the entire Weekly Update as there is a wealth of information about the start of school.

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Chromebook Pick-Up

If you need to check out a Chromebook for your child, we have two-days scheduled (Aug. 18 & 19 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm) to distribute machines. New this year the district is sponsoring a low-cost insurance option.


Students and parents are responsible for district-owned technology property that is issued to them, just as they are for other district-owned items such as textbooks and other materials.


AUSD recognizes that there is a need to protect the investment by both the district and the student/parent. If the device is damaged, the district will repair or replace it, but students/parents will be responsible for the cost of those repairs or replaced devices. However, the liability on families/students can be reduced significantly by taking part in the district’s Chromebook Protection Plan program. For $25 (non-refundable) per year, per device, the Chromebook Protection Plan program will repair or replace the device one (1) time with no deductible.

The Protection Plan program covers accidental damage. It does NOT cover loss, theft, damage by flood/fire/intentional destruction. The district strongly recommends purchasing our Chromebook protection plan.

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Student Schedules

Click on this link below to access your StudentVUE and ParentVue accounts to see your student's schedule.

You can sign in to both accounts with this link. You'll need your Username and Password. Questions? Contact our office at (619) 445-3245.

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AUSD Distance Learning Plan Agreement

Here is a sneak peek at our Distance Learning Plan Agreement that will be sent out to you soon.

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Yearbooks

If you purchased a yearbook last year, you can come by to pick it up in the student drop off area on:

AUG. 20 & 21 between 9:00am-12:00pm

Please be prepared to sign for it by providing your own pen.

Thank you!

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Please Welcome our Newest Dust Devil

Anna Feil - has worked in special education for over a decade. Nothing makes her happier than to see her students thrive!

She is a graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design and holds a BFA in studio art. She is very excited and eager to begin her teaching journey at Joan McQueen Middle School.


When Anna is not teaching, she likes to create in her studio and spend quality time with family exploring beautiful San Diego.

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Purchase your 2020-2021 yearbook online

Click on: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/

Keep your order number handy when you log on.

Joan MacQueen Middle School

8280

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Parents of 7th grade students

Please confirm that your 7th grade student is current on their TDAP vaccination. We must have proof of immunization ASAP. Questions? Contact Leslie in our office at (619) 445-3245

Student Schedules

This year student schedules have been a challenge. Mrs. Darcey (Formally Mrs. Sanders), Mrs. Smith, and I have been building and rebuilding student's schedules to meet the requirements for opening school normally, hybrid, and then for distance learning. We have landed on a schedule that provides the most flexibility regardless of what model of learning we are providing.


Every student will have a Learning Strategies (Homeroom) Class starting at 8:00 am daily. During that time teachers will work on three fundamental skills from which all other skills can be built:

  • Communication
  • Decision Making
  • Goal Setting

Their homeroom teacher will be in touch with them no later than August 19th.


All student schedules will go live on Parent Vue and Student Vue on August 19th. Passwords and login instructions will be sent out soon.

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Parent and Student Reopening Guidebook

Since the close of the school year, we have been hard at work preparing for the new school year. We realize that our families are eager for answers as to what school routines will look like when the new school year begins. With this in mind, we have designed the AUSD Safe Schools Parent and Student Reopening Guidebook. It provides a road map for how our schools will operate in the 2020-21 school year.
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Reopening Forum

If you were not able to join me on August 5th for our reopening forum below are the links to the slideshow and the video recording of the webinar.

Reopening Slide Show

Webinar

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AUSD Plan for Reopening Schools

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted every facet of our lives. Each of us has been forced to make changes to our daily life that would have been unimaginable prior to this moment in time.

Our goal is to create a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment where our students can find their passions and reach their potential. We have taken the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), California Department of Education, and other agencies to develop our plan for reopening schools. This is the link to the AUSD Plan for Reopening Schools.