• March 5: Ash Wednesday
• March 8: International Woman's Day
• March 9: Day Light Savings
• March 12: Minimum Day for D39C
• March 13-14: Purim
• March 14: Holi
• March 15: Hola Mohalla
• March 17: St. Patrick's Day
• March 20: Spring Equinox
• March 26: Minimum Day for D39C
• March 31: Cesar Chavez Day
• March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility

If you're reading this on Sunday, March 2nd, there are 43 days until April 14th, the first Monday of Spring Break.

Not that we are counting.

March can feel like a long stretch—educators often refer to this time as the "March of March." It's one of the few months with no major holidays and all 5-day workweeks. With only a few minimum days and no extended breaks, we’re looking at a steady few weeks ahead before Spring Break arrives on April 14th.

While this time of year can be a challenge, it's important to remember that we're in this together. The focus now is on maintaining consistency, staying engaged, and pushing through to the break.

Here are a few ways we can make it through:

• Stick to routines: Consistency and rest are key during these long weeks, helping to keep everyone energized and focused.
• Encourage focus and effort: Help your child stay motivated and keep up with their work—small steps now will lead to big rewards later.
• Support one another: Whether it’s with homework, encouragement, or just a positive word, a little support can go a long way.

Let's keep marching forward and make the most of these next few weeks. Together, we can get to April 14th and the well-deserved Spring Break that follows.

As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, we want to remind everyone—especially our designers—about the importance of staying vigilant on their way to and from school. Ensuring their safety requires active awareness and responsibility, both as pedestrians and cyclists.

Key Safety Tips for Students:

• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be mindful of your environment when walking or biking to school. Avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones

• Obey Traffic Laws: Follow all traffic signals, signs, and pedestrian rules. This includes waiting for the green light before crossing the street and using crosswalks whenever possible

• Wear Helmets: If you are riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter, always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident

• Use Crosswalks: Cross the street only at designated crosswalks to ensure you are seen by drivers and to reduce the risk of accidents

• Know What to Do in an Emergency: If something feels off or if an emergency arises, use your phone or device to contact law enforcement or a trusted adult immediately. If you don’t have access to a phone, seek out a nearby adult or a trusted community member for help

• Tell a Trusted Adult: If you ever feel unsafe or notice anything unusual on your way to or from school, please report it to a trusted adult at school as soon as possible

Why This Matters:
Staying vigilant and adhering to safety rules helps ensure that students get to school and back home safely. Whether walking, biking, or using other transportation, students should always prioritize their safety. Taking these precautions also helps set a good example for others and contributes to a safer community for everyone.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these safety practices with your students. Together, we can ensure that all students are protected and make it to school and back home safely each day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to a Design Facilitator

Remember: safety first, last, always.

We are sending this reminder about our drop-off and pick-up procedures in the main parking lot. Please remain mindful of traffic and pedestrians to ensure a safe and efficient process.

Main Parking Lot Guidelines:

The parking lot is designated for parents who need to park and:

• Walk their student to the gate

• Drop off for preschool or bridge

• Conduct any school-related business

The parking lot is NOT an additional drop-off area. Using it for drop-offs creates congestion and disrupts traffic flow.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Lane Guidelines:

When using the designated lane, please follow these procedures:

• Always Pull forward: This maximizes space and allows more vehicles to enter the lane.

• Stay in your vehicle: Students should be able to unbuckle and quickly exit independently. If your child needs assistance, please park in the lot and help them. Never leave your car unattended—this area is for quick drop-offs and pick-ups only.

• Student readiness: Ensure your student is prepared to exit promptly upon stopping. If they need extra time, please park in the lot.

• Exiting: Once your student has exited, promptly proceed to the lot exit so other vehicles can enter the lane.

Pedestrian Safety:

If walking from the parking lot, always use the crosswalks to reach the main entrance. Please follow the directions of the Design Facilitators, who are managing traffic to maintain safety. Jaywalking disrupts traffic flow and creates safety hazards.

We appreciate your cooperation in making drop-off and pick-up smooth and efficient for everyone.

Thank you!

The Poway Unified transfer window opens on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 8 a.m.! If you live within the Poway Unified boundaries and want your child to attend a school different than your assigned school, submit your request online through the Transfers page on the PUSD website. (This includes siblings of current students.) Please make sure to still enroll your child at their assigned school of residence when new student enrollment opens on April 1, 2025. Transfer requests can only be processed once your child is enrolled in their school of residence. The transfer request window will close on March 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: Spring Clean Your Backpack!

Just like changing the batteries in your smoke and CO2 detectors for daylight saving time, use next weekend as a reminder to clean out your backpack! Take a few minutes to organize and get rid of old papers, assignments, or anything that’s weighing you down. Keeping your backpack organized will not only help reduce clutter but also ensure that you have everything you need for success each day. A fresh start will make your week feel more manageable and help you stay on top of your work!

We would like to wish our Muslim students, families, and staff Ramadan Mubarak! At Design39Campus, we are committed to supporting those observing fasting and honoring the cultural and spiritual significance of Ramadan.

Ramadan is one of the holy months in the Islamic calendar, marked by a focus on kindness, forgiveness, charity, compassion, and empathy. It is a time for spiritual purification through fasting, self-sacrifice, reflection, and prayer. Many spend extra time performing prayers, reflecting on themselves, and setting aside worldly desires to strengthen the soul.

This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and ends on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025. During this sacred month, Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking (including water) from dawn until sunset.

How Design39Campus Will Support Our Community During Ramadan

• Assessments: When practicable, LEDs can provide additional time to any student observing Ramadan if they request it.
• Quiet Space During Lunchtime: Lunchtime can be challenging while fasting. Students who prefer a quiet space away from the lunchroom may go to the Gallery during lunchtime. This option is open to all students, whether they are fasting or not.
• Empathy and Inclusion: When planning activities and events, we strive to consider how they may impact practicing Muslim students. Our goal is to ensure all students feel included and respected.

If you have any specific needs or questions regarding Ramadan support, please reach out to us. We are here to partner with you in creating an environment of empathy and belonging for all our students and families.

Connect Academy FAQ Link

Recording of Back-to-School Zoom Meeting

PUSD Substitutes Needed: With flu, cold, and COVID season upon us, we are once again in need of qualified substitutes to support PUSD and our campus in the event of an LED absence.

If you or someone you know are interested in applying to become a substitute teacher with Poway Unified School District, please click here.

Food and Nutrition Updates and Reminders: School breakfast and school lunch are FREE for all enrolled students, every school day. Meals must still be entered into the cafeteria computer by individual student account.

• Even though meals are free, families are still highly encouraged to complete the application for free and reduced-price meal eligibility. School site funding depends in part on the number of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals. Families that qualify for free/reduced-price meals may qualify for other benefits, as well. The meal application is available online at MySchoolApps.com.

• Printer-friendly PDF menus are available on the PUSD Food and Nutrition webpage. At the top of the page, click or hover over School Menus + and then Printable PDF Menus.

• Interactive, web-based menus containing nutrient and allergen details are available at MySchoolMenus.com, as well as via links from the F&N webpage.