Union Middle Weekly Update V5.04!

Hello Union Middle School Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Just in case you're semi-new to these newsletters, I utilize this space (the "A Message From Mr. Feinberg" part of the newsletter) to just share reflections of the past school week, anticipation of the upcoming school week, interesting tidbits of happenings at UMS, and occasionally just any random thoughts I may have.

For the most part, I write this weekly introduction just prior to sending the newsletter. I do check last year's newsletter to see if there's anything specific I need to include. Often, I just share whatever may be on my mind, mostly UMS-related.

I also use this space to provide a bit of insight into the life of a middle school student / educator / administrator. We do want to keep our UMS community informed of what's happening at our school, as I suspect all your student may share sometimes to your "how was school today?" question is the short response of "fine".

So one thing I'd like to share (and you'll hear more about this over the course of the school year) is how our implementation of PBIS is going at UMS thus far. PBIS (which stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every school day. Tier 1 are all of the universal, school-wise supports that we offer to all students. Tier 2 focuses on creating practices and systems that support students who are at risk for developing more serious problem behaviors before those behaviors start. Tier 3 applies when students need more intensive, individualized support to improve their behavioral and academic outcomes. (You can read more about PBIS HERE).

One of the most exciting parts about our implementation of PBIS thus far are our new and improved Tiger Bites. These "Tiger Bites" are a way to recognize our students for being the amazing kids that they are. Did they just stop to pick up a piece of litter that wasn't theirs? Did they help a classmate pick up some dropped items? Did they, after a rough morning, end the day on a positive note, working hard and completing their classroom assignments? All of these examples could/would receive a Tiger Bite reward.

When a student receives a Tiger Bite, they bring it to the office and enter it into their grade level drawing for our Friday Reward Drawing. If a student has their Tiger Bite slip pulled from the drawing, they receive recognition during the Friday announcements with instructions to come to the office to receive their reward (which includes a small snack, an In & Out recognition card for a free meal, and an additional piece of UMS swag. The best part of our week is when the students arrive and we are able to cheer and celebrate their successes as they make their reward selections. The positivity that this small activity brings to our campus, both for our students and our staff, is anything but tiny; it's just one additional way, thanks to our new implementation of PBIS, to recognize and support our amazing students.

Some quick reminders, mostly copied from the previous week...

-With after school athletics starting, I would like to gently remind our students that all school rules apply during these games, including but not limited to (1) no food/drink in the gym, (2) no teasing/yelling/harassing other individuals/players, and (3) dress code. There were some instances last year of all three of these rules not being met. Students will receive one reminder before being asked to leave the gym/campus. Students who do not show that they are ready to participate as a spectator for our after school sports run the risk of losing the privilege to do so. Thank you for your support of our student-athletes and after school sports programs. Having students serve a spectators at our after school games is a great way for students to show their school spirit. It is our hope that our students can do so appropriately and productively - we know they can!

-Homework Center is up and running, held in our library from 3-4:30. Please sign up if your student is interested in participating. The link is on our website.

-When writing a staff member (front office, tech support, teacher), please include your student's name (first and last) somewhere in the email. It helps to be able to figure out who you're talking about and allows us to respond to more emails a bit quicker.

-Club information is shared in the announcements, on our website, in your student's classrooms, and here in our weekly newsletter. Per the FAQ, we do not start any clubs for the first few weeks, as we want students to settle into campus life first.

-Please see below for LOTS of information from our Home and School Club! So many events and opportunities are rapidly approaching. Please consider participating and becoming involved in the UMS Home and School Club!

-Also important for our morning and afternoon drivers: please do not block, even for "a minute", any driveways and/or crosswalks in our surrounding neighborhoods for drop-off and pick-up. We know that Taft and the surrounding streets can be busy during these times; please ensure that we are good neighbors in our community and your help therein is appreciated.

-Stay tuned to this space and the morning announcements for information regarding UMS' new eSports club. Should be a ton of fun!

-Tryouts are starting! Please visit the athletics website (bit.ly/unionathletics) to stay updated!

-We are looking for more lunchtime supervisors. It's just a half hour daily and is a paid position. You can sign up for one to five days a week - it's up to you! No experience necessary. If interested, please email Mrs. Mantell at mantellA@unionsd.org. Thank you!

-Our staff member profile this week is Mrs. Kristy Chia, one of our 6th grade ELA/SS core teachers. I hope you enjoy it!

Todd Feinberg, Principal

• September 10, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• September 12, 2024 - Math Team Entrance Test @ UMS Cafeteria (3:00-4:15pm)
• September 17, 2024 - Mid Quarter Reports - Check PowerSchool!
• September 23, 2024 - September HSC Meeting @ UMS Teacher's Lounge (6:30pm)
• September 24, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• September 26, 2024 - Picture Make-Up Day
• September 27, 2024 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance @ UMS Gym (6-8pm)
• September 30, 2024 - Tentative Start Date for Wrestling (3 pm Cafeteria)
• October 4, 2024 - NO SCHOOL
• October 7, 2024 - Spelling Bee @ Lunch (All Week)
• October 8, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• October 14, 2024 - Girl Soccer Tryouts Begin (check sports website for more information)
• October 14, 2024 - Boys Volleyball Tryouts Begin (check sports website for more information)
• October 18, 2024 - UMS Games @ UMS Library (6-7:15pm)
• October 21, 2024 - UMS Book Fair Begins!
• October 22, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• October 22, 2024 - October HSC Meeting @ UMS Library (8:45-10:15am)
• October 23, 2024 (tentative) - Quality Quad Time @ Lunch (more info to come)
• October 25, 2024 - UMS BLAST - More info to come!
• October 29, 2024 - Halloween Concert @ UMS Quad (6:30-8pm) TENTATIVE DATE
• November 1, 2024 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Staff Professional Development Day
• November 11, 2024 - NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
• November 18, 2024 - November HSC Meeting @ UMS Teacher's Lounge (6:30pm)
• November 19, 2024 - Mid Quarter Reports - Check PowerSchool!
• November 19, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• November 25-29, 2024 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
• December 6, 2024 - 7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance @ UMS Gym (6-8pm)
• December 10, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• December 13, 2024 - Girls Basketball Tryouts Begin (check sports website for more information)

Mrs. Kristy Chia has been in education for the past twenty years, recently having joined UMS in 2023-24 as a 6th grade ELA/SS teacher. Enjoy the following Q&A below as we get to meet Kristy Chia!

What is your current role at UMS? I'm currently a 6th grade ELA & SS core teacher. Plus, I teach one period of Crafting to 7th and 8th graders every day!

What's one thing your students don't know about you that they would be surprised to find out? I can play the guitar and piano.

What’s one thing on your bucket list? It is my goal to hike Machu Picchu

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What is your favorite lesson/curriculum to teach each year? Why? My favorite class right now is our new crafting elective - because it's always exciting to see what students make with their creativity and it's empowering for students.

Explain why your subject is important for your students to learn. How will they use this information in their future / "real world"? Lifelong reading and writing are a must for everyone no matter what age you are - even as an adult! Crafting is important because it can be therapeutic, has immediate & incredible effect (completing projects can be rewarding) and allows our students to slow down & switch focus to provide a new mental space to direct their attention. Crafting also helps manage stress, improve self-esteem, & build authenticity!

There are many ways to get involved at Union Middle School. From leading Art Vistas lessons or helping at the Scholastic Book Fair to participating in fundraisers or supporting music, drama, or athletics, there’s definitely an opportunity to fit your schedule and interests. Sign up here: www.unionhsc.org/volunteer.html.

This year, our primary way to fundraise will be through the Annual Membership Drive. We rely on your generous donations to hit our fundraising goals. If your employer provides Corporate Matching, this is another way for you to double your donation and help support Union Middle School students, teachers, and school programs. Please follow the steps below and donate online today!

Donate online now: www.umsstore.org

Your HSC Membership donations support:

• HSC donates approximately $175 per student each year

• Art Vistas, Athletics, Music, Drama, Technology, and Cheer programs

• All of our teachers, who receive $500 each for teaching and classroom supplies, resources, and online education subscriptions

• Grants made available to faculty to fund one-time expenses

• A wide range of student resources and support programs including orientation for new 6th graders (WEB), mentoring, UMS Reads, and leadership training.

Donate online now: www.umsstore.org

Bridge the Gap is a principal discretionary fund that enables the principal and staff to provide the best possible educational experience for the students at Union Middle School. Your Bridge the Gap donations support:

• Teacher development and teacher recognition events

• Existing programs that may have been drastically cut or risk cancellation

• Student clubs and student recognition events.

You can easily double your donation via Corporate Matching. Find more information here: www.unionhsc.org/corporate-matching.html

We offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations to support Union Middle School. Community sponsors are invited to donate ONCE, and in exchange, receive visibility to the Union Middle School community through the website! Go to www.unionhsc.org/community-sponsorships.html for more information.

All are welcome at our monthly HSC meetings. Visit the HSC website for updates and information all year long: www.unionhsc.org.

Art Vista celebrating 40 years of creativity!

​It will be 40 years since 8 parents at Alta Vista Elementary school got together and started the Art Vistas program for their students. For almost 40 years, we've delivered the finest art education to Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade classrooms in Union School District and beyond, exposing students to art history and technique, bringing the joy of art and growing creative confidence in children, everywhere.

40th Anniversary Gala - Support Art Vistas with a fun night out!

Date/Time: Saturday, October 12th, 2024 6pm - 9pm
Location: The San Jose Clubhouse/We and Our Neighbors
Address: 15480 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124

The Gala will include:

• Appetizers, drinks and adult beverages
• Stand-up comedy featuring local comedians, with headliner Kathy Guest
• Art-themed trivia, silent auction and more....

We hope you can join us at the gala and help us celebrate 40 years of creativity!

Purchase your tickets HERE.

What: USD STEAM Night: Creativity Carnival

Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024

Volunteer time: 5:30-8:00pm

Where: Alta Vista, Carlton, Guadalupe, Lietz, Noddin, and Oster Elementary Schools

Sign up to volunteer: bit.ly/steamnightusd24

Carlton's Annual Walk-A-Thon event is coming up on September 28th. Traditionally, Union Middle School students have volunteered at the event, working various booths and water stations. If your student is interested in volunteering, here is the link to Sign Up.

Our morning clinics have begun!

If your student needs extra support, homework help, and/or test preparation, our UMS clinics can help! Whether they are struggling with the curriculum or just want to sharpen their academic skills, our staff (and high school tutors) are ready to assist them. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these opportunities, available throughout the week. Students should arrive with work to do and/or questions to ask - Clinics aren't necessarily 1:1 tutoring; they're a place where students can get extra help with their academic questions.

Math Clinic: Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:05 am to 8:25 am in Room 3

ELA Clinic: Mondays and Thursdays from 8:05 to 8:25 am in Room 4

Science Clinic: Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:05 to 8:25 am in Room 30

We understand that it can be challenging to keep up with your middle school student's assignments. Your "what happened at school today" question might get a response such as "stuff" or "I don't know" or "leave me along; I just want to go to Costco." Knowing how middle school students struggling with communication at times, we are pleased to share with our parents that all teacher teams have put together a team Hyperdoc and daily slides that's available on our website.

This means that thought one click, you'll be able to see the daily slides of what happened in each of your student's classes. This will be helpful as often homework assignments and due date reminders are included in these daily slides. I believe it is a lot easier for parents to stay current with assignments coming due rather than dealing with the aftershocks of the inevitable "0" put into PowerSchool because your student didn't complete the work.

The links are available through Teams & Staff on our homepage (via unionms.unionsd.org) and listed below. Your student should know which team they're on. And of course, please bookmark the below link for usage throughout the school year.

6th Grade Happy Campers

6th Grade Avengers

7th Grade Otters

7th Grade Firefly

8th Grade Mustangs

8th Grade Penguins

We have a NEW location for UMS Athletics: bit.ly/unionathletics!

As the seasons progress, more information will be added for whatever after-school sports become available. Please visit the website for tryout information and other key topics. Questions: Mrs. Moore is our athletic director and is available to answer any questions not already shared on the UMS Athletics website.

UMS has a new web store! it's available at www.umsstore.org. While we plan on running all of our yearly donation requests and school purchases through the web store, currently we are offering:

1) PE Uniforms, Sweats, & PE Lock

2) Donation Requests for HSC

3) Yearbook Kit (includes yearbook, ASB Card, UMS T-Shirt, & Planner)

Please do take a minute to venture to the store and place your order so your student can start day 1 with everything they need.

Union School District and Union Middle School uses ParentSquare for District and school communication. An account is automatically generated for each parent/guardian, using contact information in PowerSchool so that you can get important, urgent, and emergency communications.

Use your phone number or email address on file with the school to register your account today.

While not required to receive messages, we encourage families to register their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences or customize on when and how they are notified. (If not registered, guardian contacts will still receive all default notifications from their school and the District.)

• Visit the ParentSquare Website

• Download the ParentSquare App (Apple iOS Version)

• Download the ParentSquare App (Android Version)

View resources and back to school information for the 2024-25 school year including Bell Schedules, Calendars, Class/Teacher Assignment info, Student Nutrition, ParentSquare and contact information. We’re excited to welcome students and staff for what is sure to be another wonderful school year!

Learn more HERE!

Email: feinbergt@unionsd.org
Website: Unionms.Unionsd.org
Location: 2130 Los Gatos Almaden Road, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: (408) 371-0366
Twitter: @goteamums