Trojan Tribune Newsletter

Dear TeWinkle Families,

Happy February! We’re already well into the second half of the school year, and there’s so much to look forward to this month. From exciting classroom projects to upcoming events, our students continue to grow, learn, and make great strides. This month, we celebrate Lunar New Year, Black History Month, our remarkable presidents, and recognize the importance of kindness and friendship with Valentine's Day falling on our minimum day Friday 2/14. Presidents week begins Monday, February 17th through Friday, February 21st, students return to school on Monday, February 24th.

We are excited about the many upcoming academic and extracurricular activities at TeWinkle. On January 24th, we held a schoolwide pep rally, and our ASB students did an outstanding job organizing a spirited and engaging event. Additionally, on January 15th, we conducted our second-semester student expectations assembly, where we reviewed strategies for academic success and reinforced positive behavior expectations. As we conclude the winter sports season, we look forward to the start of cross country, golf, track, and soccer. We sincerely appreciate your continued support in fostering a welcoming and enriching school environment for all students. Please continue reading for important updates, key dates, and opportunities to stay involved.

As the temperatures drop, we want to take this opportunity to send a friendly reminder to emphasize that students are NOT permitted to wear pajamas, slippers or bring blankets to school, except on designated Spirit Days. We ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your child is dressed in appropriate school attire each day, including their footwear. If you need help with proper cold weather clothing or shoes for your child, please contact our School Community Facilitators for assistance. On another note, cooler weather typically also means people getting sick with colds and viruses. If your child feels ill, exhibits fever, vomiting, or cough, please keep them home from school and call us. If your student is absent for ANY REASON, please call TeWinkle that same day and let us know the REASON they are missing school: 714.424.7965 (main line) and choose option #2 to leave a message for our attendance clerk. Available 24 hours/day. Let’s start the year strong by being on time and present every day.

We encourage you to stay connected with us through our school website and social media channels. This is where you’ll find the latest updates, announcements, and resources to support your child’s education. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Wishing you a fantastic February!

Sincerely,

Dr. Sanchez

Principal

Beck B., Yael M., Anthony P., Gisel S., Alan B., Kayleigh J., Jayden N., Kaelyn R., Allison T., Reyna G., Damian F., Larry M., Erwin S., Rielynn L., Jose S., Richard L., Violet S., Gavin W., Ethan C., Morgan S., Mia M., Brianna R., Vanessa G., Leah B., Camila R., Julissa A., Kimberly M., Emma B., Jasmine F., Jenny & Sarai M., Angie S., Adrian C., Isabella C., Liam D., Samantha L., Aaliyah C., Lucy S.,

Joseph K., Jennifer M., and...Michelle & Miguel W.

May all your wishes come true!

Supporting Your Child's Use of Social Media

Parents/Guardians play a crucial role in guiding their children’s social media use to ensure it’s safe and beneficial. Setting clear rules about screen time, monitoring content, and discussing online behavior can help children make responsible choices. Encourage open conversations about the risks of sharing personal information and the importance of maintaining privacy online. Model healthy habits by demonstrating balanced use of technology.

Understanding the Impact of Social Media

While social media can foster connections, it also has potential downsides. Overuse or exposure to negative content can affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. It can also become a distraction, interfering with study habits and academic performance. By helping children set boundaries and encouraging them to engage in offline activities, parents can support their overall well-being and academic success.

We value the partnership of parents and guardians in guiding their child’s social media use. Your efforts in monitoring online activity, setting boundaries, and fostering responsible digital behavior have a significant impact. As social media can sometimes contribute to conflicts at school, your proactive support helps create a safer, more positive environment for all students. Together, we can promote healthy habits that support both their personal well-being and academic success.

At TeWinkle, we are committed to fostering a safe and positive learning environment for all students. Guided by the principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), we emphasize teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors to create a respectful and supportive school culture. Students are recognized with Trojan Charges for demonstrating positive behaviors inside and outside the classroom, promoting a sense of pride and responsibility.

Our progressive discipline model includes a range of responses to address inappropriate behavior constructively, such as after-school detention, reflection essays, restorative practices, and alternatives to suspension. While suspension remains an option for serious infractions, we prioritize strategies that promote growth and learning. Parents are notified and involved throughout the process to ensure a collaborative approach.

Student safety is our top priority, and we are dedicated to working in partnership with parents and guardians to support a secure and nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

During Middle School, we recognize that students are developing individually, intellectually, and are creating their own independent beliefs. We foster an environment where we empower our students by recognizing their diverse needs and individual strengths and use that knowledge to build lifelong learners. As a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) School, we offer an array of classes that are innovative and rigorous and focus on a STEAM initiative. In addition to PLTW, students can also be participants of music, AVID, Publications or ASB, giving all students an opportunity to become involved in areas of their own personal interest. In the classroom, our students will be engaged in 21st-century learning. We promote peer to peer engagement, high levels of critical thinking, culturally relevant instruction, and students will be challenged to think outside of the box. Our goal is to prepare students for high school and build a culture where we nurture our educational partners desires as it relates to college and career. Every student matters and we believe that every dream can be their reality.