I. Coming Up (calendar items in the coming week or so)

II. Message from the Principal

III. Message from the Assistant Principal

• From the Attendance Office

IV. Counseling Corner

• Information on Wellness and Suicide Prevention
  

V. From the PTSA

VI. ASB and Student Announcements

VII. Shout Out Marquee Tiles Now Available!

VIII. Department News

• Learning Commons
• PE
• Science
• Yearbook
  

IX. Clubs (periodic information on extracurricular school activities)

X. Nutrition Services

XI. Multilingual Corner (includes information on ELAC other community resources)

XII. Ethic Studies Engagement Plan - 2024-25

XIII. Special Education Sessions and Events (parenting classes, family events, informational sessions)

XIV. San Dieguito Union High School District Job Opportunities

XV. Community Events (opportunities/events involving the district and its schools)

XVI. Other Important Items (links to the PTMS Family Handbook, Boys & Girls Club, Webstore, etc.)

Monday, September 30 thru Thursday,October 10 at 3:15p - Dance Ticket Sales - student must have this contract signed by a parent to purchase a ticket - $5/ea

Tuesday, October 8 - Picture Day for PE Periods 1, 3 and 5

Thursday, October 10 - Fall Fright Night Dance - Quad - 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wolfpack families,

Happy Friday to you all. Today capped a full week as students had a chance to visit a number of club booths during our Club Fair today. Does your student like games for Rubik's cubes? We have a club for that. Interested in books or art? Yep, we have a club for that. Passionate about the environment? Students can join the Gardening Club, the Green Team, or the Marine Conservation Club. The goal of our Club Fair is for each club to generate interest and gain new members so that students are further connected to each other and PTMS in another positive way. I am happy to share that it went really well! If you'd like to see a list of clubs, click here.

A lot of great learning was happening across campus. 8th grade science classes were looking at the evolution of whales, while 7th grade science did a fun lab with microscopes in which they were seeing how yeast respires. In English classes, some students were using a Ray Bradbury story to consider the advantages and disadvantages of technology, and I was quite impressed by the many great points they raised in their discussion. As digital natives, this topic is very applicable to their lives. As a reminder, I like to share these insights with you so you have things to discuss with your students when they come home. I know when asked "What did you do in school today?", students don't always provide details. So I want to lower that barrier in hopes of greater dialogue.

We had some other great happenings on campus. Dr. Hake led a bike safety training on Monday morning in partnership with the San Diego Bike Coalition and it was very well attended. See Dr. Hake's Assistant Principal message for more information about bike tag distribution next week. Additionally, we began our Homeroom Ambassadors program on Tuesday in which student representatives meet with administration to provide insight and feedback. This month's theme focused on student connection to school, peers, and adults. We use this information as we strive to continually improve our systems and practices. Today was our first Trailblazers celebration in which student nominees received a yummy treat while being recognized by a staff member for doing a kind act or deed around campus.

For those families that will celebrate Rosh Hashanah next week, I want to say shana tova.

Have a wonderful weekend and we will see your student on Monday.

In gratitude,

Scott Wild Ed.D.

Principal

This week, PTMS hosted the San Diego Bike Coalition for a Student Rider Safety presentation for all students who ride bikes/e-bikes, scooters/e-scooters to school. This presentation was a mandatory part of our new student permit application process. We were very excited to have an excellent turnout with 236 students in attendance!

Here are the slides for your review. Basic topics covered were proper helmet fit, where to ride in residential or business areas, new laws for '23 and '24, common signals, rules about passengers, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Permit Application: If your student hasn't already turned in an application, please pickup a hard copy in the front office or download a digital version off our website, complete it, and submit it to the front office.

Make-Up Scheduled for Student Rider Presentation: If your student missed Monday's required Student Rider Safety presentation, there will be a make-up presentation during Homeroom class next week on Tuesday, October 1st. Please send an email to Elizabeth Williams (elizabeth.williams@sduhsd.net) if your student needs to attend so we can create a summons for them that day.

Tags: Tags have arrived! Next week 9/30-10/4, PTMS staff will affix tags to bikes/scooters after school by student's last name. PTMS staff will begin at 2:50 PM. Students should line up outside the front of school on the track side (there will be signage). PTMS staff will verify the student is eligible for a tag and affix it right there. Each student will receive 1 tag. If you would like to request an additional tag, please complete this Google Form to submit a request. Students may receive up to two (2) tags. Here is the schedule:

Monday 9/30: Last Name A-F

Tuesday 10/1: Last Name G-M

Wednesday 10/2: Last Name N-S

Thursday 10/3: Last Name T-Z

Friday 10/4: Anybody who still needs a tag

Enforcement: PTMS will begin enforcement of bike tags starting Monday, October 7th. Violations of the permit regulations may result in progressive discipline. We very much seek to partner with parents/families as we implement this new requirement, and look forward to working with you on solutions to any problems.

Warm regards,

Stephanie Hake, Ed.D.

Assistant Principal

Pacific Trails Middle School

858.509.1000 x4615

PTMS Website

Dear Parent/Guardian,

To gather more regular school climate feedback and better understand student experiences, Pacific Trails Middle School will offer a brief (7 questions/multiple choice ~5 minutes) survey next week. The selected questions come directly from the CA Healthy Kids Survey and are a sampling of engagement, wellness, and safety measures.

The survey is anonymous and confidential; no one will ever be able to connect a student with their answers, and they are private. The survey is voluntary. Students do not have to participate, but the answers will be very helpful in improving school and health programs by informing us of student perspectives.

*If you need any personal help, please do not use this survey and instead contact a staff member.

If you do not want your child to participate, please contact Dr. Hake at stephanie.hake@sduhsd.net.

Because the survey is voluntary, any student in the class may choose not to participate.

Be sure you contact Attendance (858.509.1000, x4909 or PTAttendance@sduhsd.net) if your student misses or is going to miss any class time.

For more attendance information, please see the PTMS Family Handbook posted on the homepage of our website, or you can refer directly to the Attendance Page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Attendance Secretary, Elizabeth Williams, at (858) 500-1000 ext. 4609. Thank you!

Just a reminder about academic supports at PTMS:

• Homeroom is a time where students can prearrange meetings with their teachers in order to get any questions that they have answered.

• Academic Power Hour is from 2:50-3:50 pm in the Learning Commons every Monday-Wednesday. Students are welcome to drop-in and work on homework as well as get help from a PTMS teacher. Students are required to sign in when they arrive.

• Math Mornings are Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. with Ms. Hunner and Mr. Torkelson in room B220.

November Career Speaker Program: Thank you to those of you who have already responded to our request for career speakers. If you have an interesting job and are able to spare approximately 30 minutes out of your day then please get in touch with our Student Support Facilitator samantha.eelstaylor@sduhsd.net for more information. The success of our program depends on our wonderful volunteers. Last year, we had between 50 and 120 students sign up every day to listen to informative talks from sculptors, engineers, veterinarians, and business people and we’d love to continue that this November.

Lisa Curry, Counselor (A-Ll) lisa.curry@sduhsd.net

Carsen Anderson, Counselor (Lo-Z and EL Students) carsen.anderson@sduhsd.net

Samantha Eels-Taylor, Student Support Facilitator samantha.eelstaylor@sduhsd.net

Please click here for complete SDUHSD Grading Information which includes a Parent Tutorial on accessing grades in Aeries.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - September (Link)

During National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, communities across the US raise awareness about the protective factors and help-seeking behaviors that help to build resilience and prevent suicide. We also reach out and support those impacted by loss and enhance efforts to connect individuals who may be at a heightened risk of suicide to qualified mental health systems.

Suicide Prevention Awareness emphasizes the power of connections and the importance of discussing mental health in everyday moments. These efforts aim to destigmatize individual experiences of distress as well as ongoing building of protective factors - the personal or environmental characteristics that help protect people from suicide.

Major protective factors for suicide include:

• Connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions

• Life skills (including problem-solving skills and coping skills, ability to adapt to change)

• Self-esteem and a sense of purpose or meaning in life

• Effective behavioral healthcare

• Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that discourage suicide

The work of youth suicide prevention is a community effort that includes families, schools, faith institutions, teams, public health officials, emergency responders, and more.

Suicide Prevention Week 9/8-9/14 promotes the commitment to working together to prevent suicide through increasing awareness about the complex set of causes, risks, and warning signs. It promotes compassion, care and action to connect those in need to qualified support.

SDUHSD

Our staff works to increase protective factors by fostering connections and building life skills, social-emotional competencies and a culture that encourages qualities such as empathy and optimism. The district suicide prevention policy and referral systems increase access to professional support; all student ID cards and the student start page have resources and students are encouraged to access support for themselves, a friend, family member, or colleague. A team of credentialed school-based professionals, including school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists, along with school administrators, lead suicide prevention efforts throughout the school year.

Resources

There are multiple local and national resources available to help increase knowledge of suicide prevention, risks and warning signs, and provide crisis support - including for parents/guardians.

One California-based resource, Suicide Is Preventable Know the Signs, provides important information in multiple languages (available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Khmer, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Lao, Hmong, Punjabi) about identifying indicators of risk through conversations, actions, and social media. It provides a conversation framework for concerned family members or friends to start the conversation, listening and expressing care, creating a safety plan, and getting help.

Additional Resources

• CareSolace confidential counseling referrals with a live 24X7 concierge line (888) 515-0595

• Jason Foundation / Jason Foundation Parent Resource Program

• Preventing Youth Suicide - Tips for Parents NASP

• SDCOE Resources for High Priority Groups Suicide Prevention

• Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

• Suicide Awareness and Guidance for Families

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center

• Talking to your Kids About Suicide - SPTSUSA

If you or someone that you know needs further assistance, please access these qualified crisis resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 National Suicide Prevention Line 988 https://988lifeline.org/

• National Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 - Youth Crisis Line 800-843-5200

• Trevor Project: National Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ Youth: 1-866-488-7386

If you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate crisis, call 911 or the San Diego Access & Crisis Line 888-724-7240

Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Students, Staff, and School Community.

Click on the QR code to discover your PTMS Support Staff.

Dear PTMS Families,

As we transition into the heart of autumn, we want to take a moment to express once again, our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support in making our recent fundraiser a resounding success! Your contributions not only help enhance our programs but also foster a strong sense of community within Pacific Trails Middle School.

We are thrilled to announce that the fundraiser raffle has been drawn, and the winners' list is now available on the ASB website. Our students have already begun picking up their prizes and the incentives for donors (silver, gold and platinum) will be given to the families next week.

Today marks a special occasion—the first Trailblazer Ceremony of the year! We will honor 59 outstanding students during lunchtime. Celebrating the achievements and positive behaviors of students can really help foster a sense of community and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Looking ahead, there is an exciting event you won't want to miss—the Fall Dance, October 10th themed “Friday Fright Night!” Students can purchase their dance tickets starting Monday. As a reminder, our generous silver, golden, and platinum donors will receive free dance tickets. If you’re in this category, your student can stop by the front office to provide their name and collect a free ticket.

NEW this year: While the students are enjoying the dance, we invite all parents to join us in the MPR for a complimentary free social meeting. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet other families, forge new friendships, and connect with our community. Please register HERE.

We are also looking for parent volunteers to help make the students' dance a success. If you're interested in volunteering, please sign up HERE.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Together, we are making PTMS a fantastic place for our students to learn and grow.

The PTSA Team

~ PTSA Website

Make-Up Picture Day is the morning of Monday, October 14. Students who were absent for either Picture Day will receive passes from one of their first three classes to report to the MPR to get their picture taken.

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.

Is your student having a birthday? Or just accomplished a great sporting feat? Maybe your student aced a recent test. Well, here's your chance to send a "Shout Out!"! Your $25 purchase of a Shout Out Marquee Tile will have your Shout Out projected on the marquee that is mounted on the gym wall facing the parking lot for five business days beginning the day after you place your order. Proceeds will help ASB with scholarships for students for getting dance tickets, PE clothes, Disney tickets, and more. You can order your Shout Out marquee tile on our webstore. Type in what you want to say when you order. Careful, your note is limited to 100 characters.

Please click here to see everything that the Learning Commons has been up to so far this year.

Please follow us on Instagram to see what your student is up to during PE class.

Order your PE clothes here.

Pre-order your Yearbook here. Don't delay! Order your 2024-25 Yearbook TODAY!

We are excited to announce the start of our **Garden Club**, a special opportunity for middle school students to connect with nature and learn the joys of gardening. Our Garden Club is also a certified **Monarch Butterfly Waystation**, which means we’re helping to protect the monarch butterfly population by planting pollinator-friendly flowers and vegetables.

The club will meet **every other Monday after school** from **2:45 PM to 3:30 PM**, starting October, 7, 2024. This is a **free** program designed to give students hands-on gardening experience, while also providing a space to socialize and enjoy the outdoors.

Please have your student visit the Garden Club table at the club fair this Friday. We look forward to seeing your child participate and grow with us in the garden!

Mrs. Memar and Ms, Nava

Garden Club Advisors

What is No Place for Hate?

"No Place for Hate® is an organizing framework and Anti-defamation league (ADL) partnership with K-12 schools. Our initiative is a holistic, school-wide approach to improving school climate that amplifies students’ voices in creating the school they want and leverages the wisdom of teachers, administrators and family members to achieve their school climate goals! The framework can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your school and build upon the work you are already doing. Participating schools incorporate ADL’s anti-bias and bullying prevention resources with their existing programming to form one powerful message that all students have a place to belong."

Advisors, Mrs. Threatt (Kristen.Threatt@sduhsd.net) and Mrs. Memar (Parnak.Memar@sduhsd.net) are currently organizing a student committee. If your student is interested in being part of this committee, please have them contact one of the above Advisors.

Science Bowl (https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb) is a buzzer-based national competition where teams of students from different schools compete in head-to-head science competitions with questions in math, biology, the physical sciences, Earth/Space, Energy, and general science. Students will compete in a regional competition in late February, and will compete in the national round if they win.

PTMS Science Bowl Club that is sponsored by Mrs. Griffen and will be coached by CCA students. Weekly meeting will be held on Tuesdays 3:45-4:45pm in the PTMS Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) Starting September 24th, 2024. Please register using this link: https://forms.gle/GSpar7iUqkxcEmXU9

Posted on the Activities Page of our website, you can see all the various Clubs now being offered to all students who would like to join (and it continues to grow!) If your student would like to join one of the listed clubs, all they need to do is talk to the Advisor named with the club.

~ 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.

We would like to express our gratitude for Dr. Wild, Dr. Hake, Mr. Lamarr, Mr. Louis and Mr. Don for the help they provide during the lunch rush hours. They are truly amazing and without their help we will not be able to provide a quality service to all students. Also, We would like to remind everyone that lunch line expectations are the same outside and inside the kitchen and we challenge all students to practice them.

FRIENDLY REMINDER

Each student is entitled to ONE BREAKFAST and ONE LUCH per day.

You can either receive Breakfast before School OR during Nutritional Break.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, PTMS is hiring for food service workers . Click on the links for more information.

If you need to check our menu in advance, click here.

Thank you to all the PTMS parents who attended the Fall Multilingual Learner Night (MLL). The evening kicked off with MLL families connecting through an engaging icebreaker activity, all while enjoying cookies baked by the SDA Culinary Arts program. Following this, parents took part in Family/Community Listening Circles, facilitated by site principals. These circles provided a valuable opportunity for parents to share their insights, experiences, and perspectives, helping SDUHSD gain a deeper understanding of both the strengths and needs of the MLL program. The slides from the program are linked here.

SDUHSD invites you to get involved in the Ethnic Studies Engagement Plan 2024-25. The district has developed an Ethnic Studies Engagement plan which will become a graduation requirement for high schoolers in a few years. For more information, including opportunities for involvement in the engagement process, please visit the Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirements webpage.

Community Engagement Meeting Dates:

10/8 - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm @ Earl Warren Middle School

11/7 - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm @ Earl Warren Middle School

For a list of Special Education Informational Sessions and Family Events, please click here.

SDUHSD is seeking individuals who want to make a difference in children’s lives as a classified staff member. Current job opportunities include Nutrition Services Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Campus Supervisor, Custodian, and Student Health Care Specialists. We have both full and part time positions at campuses throughout the school district. The District offers great benefits, including paid time off and health and retirement benefits for eligible positions.

Our job opportunities can be viewed here. If you have questions, please contact us at classifiedpersonnel@sduhsd.net.

To apply to be a Bus Driver Trainee, click the link below.

High school students from Canyon Crest Academy and others across the US are hosting free online coding camps for middle school students. They offer Introductory Python, Intermediate Python, Introductory Machine Learning, and Project-Based Machine Learning with more programs planned, and their past programs have achieved 800+ enrollments throughout the country with dozens of positive reviews. These programs usually meet bi/tri-weekly for two to three weeks for one-hour classes. More information on dates can be found on their flyer and their website, and the enrollment form is linked here.

~ Activities at our sister schools or district-sponsored events will be posted here.

- Boys & Girls Club - Seasonal sports information/registration.

- PTMS Family Handbook. - PTMS Cell Phone Policy

- PTMS Live Calendar of Campus Events and 2024-25 Instructional Calendar.

- PTMS Webstore

- 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.

This newsletter has also been posted to our website under "Parent Communications."

Deadlines to submit articles for publication are Thursdays.

Email: vetha.pierce@sduhsd.net
Website: pt.sduhsd.net
Location: 5975 Village Center Loop Road, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: 858.509.1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacifictrailsmiddleschool