PTMS Weekly Parent Newsletter

I. Coming Up (calendar items in the coming week or so)

II. Message from the Principal

III. Message from the Assistant Principal

• From the Attendance Office

IV. Counseling Corner

• Information on Wellness and Suicide Prevention
  

V. New Student Orientation

VI. Chromebook Distribution

VII. The First Day/Week of School

• Bell Schedule
• Calendar
• Supplies List, etc.

VIII. From the PTSA

IX. ASB and Student Announcements

X. Department News

• Learning Commons
• PE
• Science
• Yearbook
  

XI. Clubs (periodic information on extracurricular school activities)

XII. Multilingual Corner (includes information on ELAC other community resources)

XIII. Special Education Sessions and Events (parenting classes, family events, informational sessions)

XIV. Community Events (opportunities/events involving the district and its schools)

XV. Tell Us What You Think (new section!)

Mon/Tues/Wed, Augsut 5-7 - Chromebook Distribution - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon (see below for more information)

Tuesday, August 6 - New Student/Parent Orientation - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (see below for more information)

Wed/Thursday, August 7-8 - District/Staff Inservice Days - most staff will be offsite and/or unavailable (except in the Learning Commons where Chromebook Distribution continues)

Friday, August 9 - Teacher Prep Day - teachers not available, but the office is open

Monday, August 12

• Final Chromebook Distribution - 10:30-1:30 p.m. - Learning Commons
• Mosey Monday - 11:30-1:30 p.m. - If you couldn't make it to Orientation, here's your chance to have your own self-guided tour of the campus. Classrooms will not be open, but you can take a look around

Tuesday, August 13 - First Day of School - Single Period Day (see this bell schedule for times)

Wednesday, August 14 - Single Period Day

Thurs/Fri, August 15 and 16 - Block Period Days (see this bell schedule for times)

Wolfpack families,

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! I am so excited to welcome you, whether you are a returning 8th grade family, a new 7th grade family, or new to the community. Pacific Trails is an amazing school and place for all students. I hope this email finds you rested from summer break. As you think about the school year, I want to offer some information and tips that will set you and your student up for a successful year.

Our newsletter, along with our school website, serve as your primary places for information. We distribute a newsletter every Friday, and the table of contents at the top can help you locate the information you need. Throughout the year, I will share insights into what's happening on campus, the learning in action that I observe as I visit classrooms, and any other information that is relevant or timely. I know that the transition to middle school for both students and parents can come with a variety of thoughts and feelings, so hopefully you find these sources of information helpful.

I invite all families new to PTMS to our campus on Tuesday, August 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for our PTMS New Student Orientation. Students will be assigned to a group, get a tour of the campus, get to meet some staff, and learn more about what their PTMS experience will entail. Our counselors and administration will have presentations for parents as well, so while students are getting a tour, you can learn more of how we support students and parents during the middle school experience. You can also learn about getting involved with our PTSA and extra-curricular opportunities for students.

As you prepare for our first day of school on August 13, you may wonder what your student needs. It's a good time to think about school supplies. Each new student will receive a Chromebook, charger and stylus. Perhaps you want to get a new backpack, maybe some pens, pencils, and a reusable water bottle. Perhaps your student will ride a bike to school, so remember to have a helmet and a lock. But one thing your student does not need is a cell phone. Across San Dieguito Union High School District, all middle schools enforce a "no cell phone" policy during the school day. I will share more about this during my parent presentation, but please know that students are not permitted to access or use a cell phone at any point during the school day.

Finally, with a few weeks before the start of school, it's time to get back into good routines and habits that your student will use during the school year. Healthy sleep habits are so vital to student success, so I encourage you to get back into the rhythm of going to bed at a reasonable hour, and waking up at a time that will allow them to get to school on time.

Again, whether you are a new or returning family, on behalf of our staff, welcome to the Wolfpack - it's going to be an amazing school year!

In gratitude,

Scott Wild, Ed.D.

~ The Assistant Principal will use this section to keep the PTMS Parents and Community informed about the many formulas and opportunities for student success provided here at PTMS.

How to excuse your student's absence from school

• Contact Attendance at PTAttendance@sduhsd.net or 858.509.1000, x4609 as soon as you know your student will be away from school, for whatever reason (illness, medical appt, etc.)
• Provide student first/last name, ID# (if you know it), grade, your name/relationship to student, and reason for absence.

It is nice that parents inform the student's teachers when the kids will be away from class, but the most important person to inform is the Attendance office.

How to unexpectedly release your student from school early (off campus pass)

• Do not contact your student or your student's teacher.
• Contact the Attendance office.
• Provide the Attendance office all the same information as above AND the time you need your student in the office for pick-up.
• Attendance will send a pass to your student to release them from class and to be in the office waiting for you by the time you get here.
• Anyone picking up a student is required to show their ID.

How to clear your student's tardy

• Contact the Attendance office to let them know why your student didn't get to class on time.

Your student is at school but doesn't feel well

• Students who do not feel well or get injured during the school day and want to go home MUST go to the Health Office in Administration.
  
• The Health Tech will assess the student and if it is deemed that the student needs to go home, the Health Tech will contact the parent. Parents then go to the Health Office to release the student from school.
• Anyone picking up a student is required to show their ID.

For complete information on Attendance Procedures, please click here.

Everything from Academic, Cell Phone, and Discipline Policies, to information about our Associated Student Body, Attendance Procedures, Dress Code, Health Office, Wellness Center, and more can be found in this Family Handbook, which is also found on our website under "Quick Links" at the bottom of the homepage. For your convenience, this handbook will be in all future newsletters down in the "Other" section for future reference.

Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Students, Staff, and School Community.

Click on the QR code to discover your PTMS Support Staff.

For all students new to PTMS (both 7th and 8th grades), and their parents, please join us on Tuesday, August 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for Orientation. Students will be assigned to teachers who will take them around on a tour, fill them in on all things PTMS, engage them in activities, and more. While the kids are with the teachers, parents are invited to attend the two Parent Presentations led by our Counselors and Administration (see below flyer). Parents can choose either the MPR or the Gym for the first presentation at 10:15 then, at 11:00, swap rooms for the second presentation.

Before and after the Parent Presentations, please take a moment to visit the various tables set up around the quad for information on the PTSA, Science Olympiad, Yearbook, the Music Program, and more. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Thank you to the parents who have signed-up to volunteer for Orientation this year!

Mosey Monday

Orientation is not mandatory. If you happen to miss it, but would still like to come and see the school before school starts, parents/students are invited to their own self-guided tour on Monday, August 12th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Be advised that classrooms will not be open and teachers will not be available.

All 7th graders and new 8th graders to PTMS need to check-out a Chromebook. Please plan to visit our Learning Commons on a date and time of your choosing as shown below:

Monday, August 5: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (New Student Orientation Day)

Wednesday, August 7: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Monday, August 12: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Mosey Monday)

Students may pick up their Chromebooks with or without a parent present, or parents can pick up the Chromebook without their student present. We expect long lines during New Student Orientation and Mosey Monday, so you are encouraged to come on the other days, if possible, and exercise patience if you end up in a long line.

Students will set up their logins in their science classes during the first week of school.

Chromebook Insurance

From time-to-time, your student's Chromebook may get damaged. To help offset the cost of repairs, the district is offering Chromebook Insurance. To get Chromebook Insurance, please click here.

The first day of school is Tuesday, August 13th, and will be a Single Period Day. See more about the Bell Schedule below. School hours are 8:10 a.m. through 2:40 p.m.

The second day, August 14th, is also a Single Period Day. Thursday and Friday will be Block Period Days with Thursday seeing Periods 1, 3, and 5, and Friday seeing Periods 2, 4, and 6.

The second week of school will be the normal Late Start Day on Monday followed by Block Period days for the rest of the week.

A regular school week's schedule is:

- Monday - Late Start

- Tuesday - Block Periods 1, 3, 5

- Wednesday - Block Periods 2, 4, 6

- Thursday - Block Periods 1, 3, 5

- Friday - Block Periods 2, 4, 6

Occasionally, due to holidays, etc. there are deviations to the normal Late Start/Block/Block/Block/Block schedule. To see those deviations, please click here for the PTMS 2024-25 Calendar - Year-at-a-glance.

Please click here to see when the bells will ring during Single Period Days, Block Period Days, and Minimum Days throughout the year.

To keep you informed of events and/or any changes to the main calendar, please keep an eye on the "Live" Calendar of Campus Events on our website. As events are added, rescheduled, or cancelled, this calendar will reflect it in real time.

Start the year off with the tools for success:

- Something to write with (pens/pencils)

- Something to write on (paper in folder or binder)

- Something to carry it all in (backpack)

Students will find out during the first week of school if any of their classes will have further supply recommendations. For Science class, please see recommendations under "Department News" below.

**Note: Student Agendas will no longer be distributed.

All students, both 7th and 8th, are now required to wear PTMS PE clothes during PE class. The shirts and shorts cost $10/per item and are only available for purchase on our online webstore. You may order ANY TIME - even now! Parents whose orders are filled before school starts will receive an email notification when they are ready to pick-up from Vetha in the office. Orders filled after school starts will have a message delivered to your student during their PE class to report to the office to pick-up their order. Students will not be required to dress out in PE class during the first week, so you have some time.

**If your family is dealing with a financial hardship, please talk to your student's Counselor.

Class schedules for your child will be available to view in Aeries shortly before the first day of school.

Dear Pacific Trails Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We hope you all had a wonderful summer and are as excited as we are for the year ahead. Whether you are new to our Pacific Trails community or returning for another year, we are thrilled to have you on board!

Meet the PTSA
The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Pacific Trails is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for all students through collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. Our mission is to create a supportive and engaging environment that fosters academic achievement, emotional well-being, and personal growth.

Join us at our table during Orientation Day and Back to School Night! We would love to meet you and share information about our programs and activities. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect and ask any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Goals for This Year
As we embark on this new school year, we want to share some of our key goals that will guide our activities and initiatives:

1. Strengthening Community Connections: We aim to build strong relationships between families, educators, and the local community. Through events and activities, we hope to foster a supportive environment that values each member of our school community.

2. Encouraging Academic Success: By creating a supportive environment, advocating for resources, and recognizing achievements, the PTSA can significantly support the academic success and overall development of students.

3. Promoting Health and Wellbeing: We understand the significance of mental and physical health, and we are committed to supporting the Wellness Center and the Counseling team, as our students deserve an optimal environment.

4. Supporting Staff and Teachers: Our educators are the backbone of our school, and we want to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. We will coordinate efforts to appreciate our teachers and provide them with enrichment opportunities.

5. Fostering Inclusivity: We believe that every family deserves to feel welcome and involved. We will work to ensure that our PTSA is inclusive and representative of the diverse community that makes up Pacific Trails.

Get Involved!

We encourage all families to join the PTSA and get involved. Whether you can contribute your time, talents, or ideas, there are many ways to participate. Volunteering at events, attending meetings, or simply staying informed via our newsletters are great ways to become engaged in our school community.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Pacific Trails Middle School a vibrant and thriving community. We look forward to an exciting year filled with learning, growth, and connection.

Here’s to a school year filled with learning, growth, and community spirit!

Warm regards,

Claire Dufayet

PTSA President

president@pacifictrailsmsptsa.org

~ PTSA Activity will be posted here throughout the year. You can visit their webpage by clicking here.

You can check them out on the Students tab of our website under "Student Announcements" for a running post of each week's student announcements.

Please click here to see everything that the Learning Commons has been up to so far this year.

The PE Department is currently taking donations of your empty Almond Milk/Oat Milk hard plastic containers with handles. We fill these containers with gravel to use as weights.

Order your PE clothes here.

Please follow us on Instagram to see what your student is up to during PE class.

Pre-order your Yearbook here. Don't delay! Order your 2024-25 Yearbook TODAY!

Science Notebooks

Are you going Back-to-School shopping? Don't forget to pick up a science notebook!

All 7th and 8th grade science students will need a notebook that they will bring to their science class daily. These can be a composition style or a spiral bound notebook. We recommend the 8.5x11” spiral bound, 100 page, college-ruled notebooks, but the 7.5x10" size will work as well. We DO NOT recommend the 3 or 5 subject notebooks, as this science notebook must be used EXCLUSIVELY FOR SCIENCE; no other subjects should be in this notebook. (If a student needs a notebook for another class, please get a separate notebook for that class.)

Students should bring their science notebook to class by Monday, August 19th. If a student is unable to get a notebook, please contact your student’s science teacher.

Check out this Guide for Science Notebooks

~ Club activity will be posted here throughout the year. To get a list of all Clubs currently active, please check the Activities page on our website.

PTMS will host its first English Language Advisory Committee meeting, called "ELAC," on Thursday, August 22, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Learning Commons. This event is open to the public! Parents of students identified as English Language Learners (sometimes referred to as Multilingual Learners) are encouraged to attend as this meeting which includes important topics about the Multilingual Program at our school, the process for recruiting ELAC board members for the 2024-25 school year to represent this student group, and topics on the importance of school attendance. We look forward to seeing you soon! Coffee will be provided courtesy of Starbucks.

For a list of Special Education Informational Sessions and Family Events, please click here.

~ Activities at our sister schools or district-sponsored events will be posted here.

Parents and community members have a lot to say about the schools our children attend: "My son/daughter is learning so much in that teacher's class." "I really loved that special event." "Who do I talk to about homework or helping out at school?" Well, here's your chance to officially speak to Pacific Trails Middle School. Please take a moment to express your concerns, comments, suggestions, kudos, and questions by clicking the link below or the QR code to the right. We'd love to hear what you have to say and what you think about Pacific Trails Middle School. Every comment will be read and we'll try to respond to all of them. Thank you for taking the time.

Click here to make your comments.

- Boys & Girls Club - Seasonal sports information/registration.

- PTMS Family Handbook.

- PTMS Live Calendar of Campus Events and 2024-25 Instructional Calendar.

- PTMS Student Vehicle Permit - Register your bike/e-bike/scooter/skateboard with PTMS. Complete this form and turn in to the office.

- PTMS Webstore - PE clothes and Limited Series Clothing (While Supplies Last)

- PTMS Yearbook. - Order today!

- San Dieguito Alliance for a Drug-Free Youth - complete the Parent Pledge here.

- San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club - click the link to the left for 2023-24 athletic schedules.

This newsletter has also been posted to our website under "Parent Communications."

Deadlines to submit articles for publication are Thursdays.

Email: vetha.pierce@sduhsd.net
Website: pt.sduhsd.net
Location: 5975 Village Center Loop Road, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: 858.509.1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacifictrailsmiddleschool