The Lion Link

Dear Lion Families,

With just two weeks remaining in the semester, now is a great time to focus on supporting your student in finishing strong. To help your student succeed in these final weeks, we encourage you to stay actively engaged in their academic progress. Here are some practical study tips to support your student between now and the end of the semester and beyond:

1. Stay Organized: Encourage your child to use their planner track upcoming assignments, tests, and projects. With only two weeks remaining, keeping everything organized will help them manage their time effectively.
   
   

2. Prioritize Tasks: Help your child identify which assignments or subjects require the most attention. Support your student by identifying a location and a set schedule at home for completing these tasks.
   
   

3. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Encourage your child to break down larger assignments or study sessions into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can make tasks feel less overwhelming and provide a sense of accomplishment as they complete each step.
   
   

4. Review Class Notes: Spending a few minutes each day reviewing notes from class can help reinforce material. It’s especially helpful for any upcoming tests or assessments.
   
   

5. Stay Positive and Rested: Encourage a balanced routine that includes adequate rest. A healthy sleep schedule is key to staying focused and performing well academically.
   

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. We hope you have a wonderful week!

Natalie Daniels

Principal, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

OUSD is making an important change in our student progress report/report card distribution process.

Beginning this reporting period, progress reports/report cards will no longer be printed and mailed home. Instead, parents and guardians will access their child's progress reports/report cards electronically through the Aeries Parent Portal.

Thank you to all who participated with the Barnes & Noble fundraiser this weekend!

Ms. Cook's orchestra students played a variety of holiday tunes, Ms. Christensen's students read passages from their book reviews, Ms. Thompson's NJHS students supported community participation tables & Mr. Aldridge's Digital Innovations student's captured footage for the Friday News.

Thank you, PTSO, for coordinating such a wonderful event!

We are excited to share that we were able to hold our first Lunchtime Lions event where approximately 25 students were able to enjoy a student picnic on the field!

A huge thank you to our parent volunteers who have supported with launching this program and to our custodial team who provided our students with a beautiful and clean space for the event.

We look forward to hosting Lunchtime Lions every Wednesday as parent volunteers are available. Contact us if you're interested in supporting this program.

Encourage your student to participate in Friday's upcoming Reindeer Day!

For weekly ASB updates, ensure that your student has access to their grade level Google Classroom. Details related to upcoming student events and activities are posted in the Google Classroom and on the ASB Website.

6th Grade la3hy4c

7th Grade gcaqzdt

8th Grade lvr4x3q

Each week, Mr. Aldridge's Digital Experience course works hard to develop a news production featuring King students and staff.

This week our Friday News (8:43) is packed with Holiday cheer! Enjoy!

A huge congratulations to this week's Lion Pride winners who selected gift cards from In N' Out, Chick-Fil-A and Cane's during this week's drawing. Thanks for making great decisions on campus!

Don't forget to turn in your Lion Pride tickets to Room E-2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be entered into our weekly drawing.

The next time you need a feel-good cup of coffee, consider getting it here. It's this week's Oside USD in One Minute.

Watch it in Spanish

A huge thank you to all of the families that donated items for the Library club! During the month of December we will highlight our amazing PE department. Please click on the sign up genius below if you are interested in donating an item off their wish list.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F44A5AE28ABFC1-53441034-donations

An amazon wishlist has been created for your convenience.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2GJAWZJSXEGDD?ref_=wl_share

I’d like to take a moment to share some important news regarding our leadership team. Beginning on Monday, December 2nd, Dr. Sesky will be transitioning from her role as Assistant Principal at King to a new opportunity at the central office. We are grateful for her contributions to our school community and wish her all the best as she begins this new chapter.

At the same time, I am pleased to introduce Emily Rae as our new Interim Assistant Principal. Mrs. Rae comes to us with a wealth of experience in education, having worked in both elementary and middle school settings, most recently supporting at Santa Margarita as an Interim Assistant Principal. Her diverse background and understanding of student needs will be an asset to our school and community as we continue to provide a high-quality learning environment for all of our students.

Please consider reading her letter of introduction linked here and join me in welcoming her to the team!

Please have your student come to Student Services to check for any items that may be in our lost and found. The items will be donated at the end of this semester

• King Middle School
  Please view the document linked here for details regarding dates and times.
  
  
• Virtual Tutoring - All OUSD Gr. 6 -12 Students
  OUSD has partnered with Tutor.com for FREE, on demand, online tutoring! Connect with a tutor right away, schedule a future session, drop off a writing assignment for a writing review, find test prep and self-study materials. View instructions linked here.

• Wellness Together
  Our on-site mental health specialist is available to all students by referral through Student Services or your student's counselor. If you feel that your child may benefit from this service, we encourage you to reach out.
  
  
• PASS Americorps
  Our two on-site PASS team members provide academic and social emotional support for referred students based on qualifying criteria.
  
  
• Palomar Family Counseling Services
  Our PFC team is available on-site for not only student support, but also for family wrap around services. Students may see one of our favorite PFC team members, Rosie the service dog, on campus on Fridays! Check in with your student's counselor for a referral.
  
  
• Transformational Consulting
  Our TC team members support King on a daily basis for ongoing student check-ins and to support with student mediation opportunities. Life Skills 101 in room B-1 is offered on a regular basis at lunch. This program encourages leadership, responsibility and accountability for all participants. Students can report to Student Services if they'd like to access these supports.
  
  
• Restorative Practice Small Groups
  Restorative Practices circles and small group supports are provided by our OUSD central office team. Creation and implementation of these small group circles are ongoing. Check in with your student's counselor for access to these groups.
  
  
• School Resource Officer
  Our SRO is an OPD officer who is available and accessible for students / families as needed. He is often seen at Nutrition and / or lunch and works to develop strong and trusting connections with our students.
  
  
• Student Training & Assemblies
  During this school year, the central office team will be / has offered trainings / assemblies for all OUSD sites. These topics include E-Bike safety, Drug Prevention, Inclusion & Belonging, Standing Together Against Bullying & Threats. More information to come on the presentations / trainings that have not yet occurred at King.

For weekly ASB updates, ensure that your student has access to their grade level Google Classroom. Details related to upcoming student events and activities are posted in the Google Classroom and on the ASB Website.

6th Grade la3hy4c

7th Grade gcaqzdt

8th Grade lvr4x3q

Follow MLK on Instagram on the following accounts:

• kingmspride
• kingmiddleschool_asb
• kingmiddleschool_njhs
  
  

Follow OUSD on Instagram on the following account:

• osideusd

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School (Website)