May 10, 2024 Panther Update

The second week of testing we made excellent progress and made adjustments as we went along to make sure we catch makeup testing in a timely manner. The student attendance incentives and prize patrol has been a hit. As we stride towards the finish line, let's continue our efforts and commitment to excellence!

Parents, thank you for your partnership in your child's education. Together, we can help them succeed on their state assessments and beyond.

According to a research study of American teens ages 12-15, those who have used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms.

Parents can help reduce the negative effects of social media by:

• Setting limits: Set timers and screen time limits for apps or devices
• Using parental controls: Limit access to harmful or inappropriate content online
• Discussing what's okay and safe: Talk about what's within your comfort zone
• Modeling positive behavior: Encourage face-to-face activities
• Keeping lines of communication open: Be open with your children if you are following their online accounts or monitoring their online activity

We are excited to announce our upcoming Career Day at PDCMS on May 29th, and we need your help to make it a success! Career Day is an invaluable opportunity for our students to gain insight into various professions and industries, inspiring them to explore their interests and aspirations for the future.

We are reaching out to all parents who are passionate about their professions and willing to share their expertise with our students. Whether you work in healthcare, technology, finance, the arts, or any other field, your unique perspective and experiences can make a meaningful impact on our students' career exploration journey.

By volunteering to be a career day speaker, you have the chance to ignite curiosity, spark ambition, and broaden horizons for our students. Your involvement can help them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths, paving the way for their future success.

If you are interested in participating as a speaker for Career Day, please email Renee McDaniel at renee.mcdaniel@desertsands.us. Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders and professionals. Thank you for your support and dedication to our students' educational journey.

A kindly reminder that homemade or store-bought slime is not permitted on campus. While we understand the appeal and creativity involved in making and playing with slime, it can often lead to disruptions in classrooms and potential messes in common areas.

• PDCMS Students are required to wear their ID, lanyard, and school uniform daily.

• Please review students’ planners and grades weekly.

• Cell phones must be turned off and remain in backpacks until school is over.

• Always follow the drop-off and pick-up procedures and drive slowly to keep all pedestrians safe.

• Common Sense Media provides important information for parents regarding technology and social media.

• Consider donating to support year-end 8th-grade activities to celebrate their years at PDCMS!
  

Please remember to ask your student if they have any outstanding library fines or replacement ID fees. As we get close to the end of the year, we ask that every student bring their account current. PDCMS provides community service and payment plans as options. Please email Renee McDaniel at renee.mcdaniel@desertsands.us

• Apr 29 - May 17 - State Testing Window
• May 17 - 8th Grade Dance
• May 24 - PantherFest **MINIMUM DAY **
• May 27 - Memorial Day **NO SCHOOL**
• May 29 - Career Day Speakers
• June 4 - 8th Grade Knotts Berry Farm Field Trip
• June 5 - Last day of School **MINIMUM DAY**

During Teacher Appreciation Week, our awesome PDCMS PTO went above and beyond by starting the week out with a massive snack bar and later treating teachers and staff to a taco truck! They also gifted everyone a fabulous Panther T-Shirt that most of us wore for the taco truck lunch. Everyone one enjoyed the delicious snacks, tacos and festive decor. THANK YOU PDCMS PTO!!

PantherFest is just around the corner, and to ensure its success, we're reaching out to our community for support. We NEED volunteers and food item donations to make this event truly memorable. PantherFest, scheduled for Friday, May 24th, promises to be a day filled with fun, games, and Panther spirit. But we can't do it alone. Your participation as a volunteer or by donating food items will play a vital role in bringing our PantherFest to life. Whether you can spare an hour of your time or contribute a snack to share, your involvement will make a significant difference. Let's come together and make PantherFest an unforgettable experience for everyone involved! Please email pdcmspto@gmail.com for any questions.

May 11 - 6th Grade Sports Day at La Quinta Middle School

Below is a link to our Coffee with the Counselor's video library. Here you can catch up on our team presenting a variety of important topics for you and your students. All are welcome to join us live in person or virtually on the first Wednesday of every month on campus.

Coffee with the Counselor's Video Library

Coffee with the Counselor's monthly Zoom invite link

Is your planner up to date?

Do I need to sign anything for your classes?

What is your favorite thing about your day?

Are you ready for testing?

Have you returned your school library books?