Union Middle Weekly Update V5.05!

Hello Union Middle School Families,

It's eerie just how fast and sometimes how slow the school year feels at various points over our 180 days together. October and March are notoriously "slow" months where you assume you're on to the next month and it's only the 9th with three weeks to go. May & June are "fast" months because of all of the end of the year activities that take place. Likewise, the first few weeks of school have flown by... It's hard to believe that we are officially halfway through the first quarter as of this week and thus approximately 12.5% of the school year.

With it being the halfway point of a school quarter, our teachers will be updating PowerSchool to better reflect your student's progression thus far this school year. I ask that our staff have their grades updated by the end of this Wednesday, the official Mid Quarter Report (MQR) date. Please take a moment to review PowerSchool and ensure that your student is up to date themselves with their school and class work. As always, with middle school kids, trust but verify what assignments they still need to complete. Encourage them to reach out to their teachers for assistance. We want all of our students to feel successful at Union Middle, not just in their academics but also by learning the skills necessary to ensure their own positive growth in more challenging times. We are always here to help.

Your student may also begin to realize that their classes are increasingly in difficulty over the next few weeks. Like most schools, the first few weeks of the year are utilized by our staff for review of the year previous, getting to know you relationship building, and smaller assessments to be guide their instruction for the school year. We are now at that point where the curriculum becomes increasingly challenging, where a student may have multiple assessments on a single day, and missing any portion of a class period can have a negative affect on one's academic comprehension. My advice is to partner with your student and their teachers by reviewing powerschool regularly, speaking with your student about upcoming assessments, and ensuring that your student has a cell phone-free space in a quiet common area to complete their studies each night. These are routines that will benefit your student through their educational journey and beyond.

I'd also like to encourage your child to limit "bathroom breaks" during class time whenever possible. Missing even a few minutes of class time can be challenging for students to catch up and figure out what they've missed. One of the secrets of "doing school" that I've always strongly believe in is being present and participating in all of your classes. These expectations are "soft skills" that will benefit them in high school, college, and possibly grad school as well. Showing up and being present is the foundation for academic success.

Some quick reminders...

From Mrs. Utley - Our Activities Director: Chaperones Needed for 7th/8th Dance 9/27

Hi parents. Are you looking to get involved? If so, we have an opportunity for you. Parent chaperones are needed for the first dance of the year. The dance is for 7th and 8th grade students and will take place on Friday, September 27th from 6-8pm in the gym. If you are interested in chaperoning, please fill out the following form. We appreciate your help!

-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 Mr. Matthew Cunningham, one of our 6th grade Math/Sci core teachers. I hope you enjoy it!

Todd Feinberg, Principal

• 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)

Mr. Matthew Cunningham has been in education for the past nineteen years, recently having joined UMS in 2020-21 as a 6th grade Math/Science teacher. Enjoy the following Q&A below as we get to meet Matthew Cunningham!

How long have you been at UMS? What do you love about being an educator at UMS? I've been here at UMS for 4 years and in the district for 19. What I love about being at UMS is that we not only focus on educating the students, but also helping them to be the best people they can be. The students themselves are also something I love about our school. They are genuinely good people who want to do well and who always seem to find some way to put a smile on your face.

What's one thing your students don't know about you that they would be surprised to find out? I once spent 10 days in Romania helping build an orphanage house for a group called Caminul Felix.

What are you most proud of in your career so far? Seeing former students become teachers themselves is always a pretty proud moment. Getting through distance learning would be a close second.

What are your words of wisdom? Find the people who really appreciate you for you.

What's one instructional practice that you've adopted for your classroom that you now cannot live without? Peer learning/instruction is something that has been huge for me. Learning to talk at the students less and really give them a chance to work through problems and learn with each other has been really effective, and is something I couldn't imagine not having as a part of my classes.

What made you want to become a teacher? I have a pretty large amount of teachers in my family who also happened to be great people. Having a profession that allowed you to help others in such a profound way seemed like a great path to take in life. I'm very glad I have taken that path!

Alta Vista is having its annual movie night on September 20 and is seeking UMS students to volunteer. Signups are HERE.

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.

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.

​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....

Purchase your tickets HERE.

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

Teacher Team Links included below and are available through Teams & Staff on our homepage (via unionms.unionsd.org). 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

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.

USD is seeking qualified, interested individuals to serve on a committee of community leaders which will serve as the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (“COC”) for the implementation of the District’s Measure J and Measure R school facilities and technology bond program. COC members are appointed to two-year terms, and the time commitment is approximately one hour per quarter.

The vacancies are currently in the role of:

• Business Representative - Active in a business organization representing local business

• Taxpayer Organization Member - Active in a bona fide taxpayers’ association.

If you are interested in serving, applications are available here.

We are actively seeking parents to join the District's Wellness Committee. This committee will meet monthly to review and provide valuable feedback on the District's initiatives to support student wellness through various areas: including health education, physical education and activity, health services, nutrition services, psychological and counseling services, and a safe and healthy school environment. If you are interested in joining the District’s Wellness Committee please contact Rachel Duncan at duncanr@unionsd.org.

he Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program is hosting two engaging and informative evenings, packed with tips on talking to your teens about vaping, cannabis, and tobacco. Available in both English and Spanish, you’ll leave with the knowledge and resources to guide your family towards a safer, healthier future.

When & Where:

• Thursday, October 24 | 6-7:30 PM
  1290 Ridder Park San Jose, CA 95131
  (English: Oak Grove Room | Spanish: Milpitas Room)

Registration: sccoe.to/parentsRP

• Tuesday, October 29 | 6-7:30 PM
  South County Annex Gilroy, CA 95020
  (English: Conference Room | Spanish: Multi-Purpose Room)

Registration: sccoe.to/parentSCA

Parents of English Learners-please save the date! Our next District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting will be held next week on Thursday, September 19 from 3:00-4:00pm on Zoom. We will be presenting information about the ELPAC and upcoming parent workshops and our teacher leaders from our district EL Committee will share updates from each of their school sites. We hope to see you there!

¡Llamando a todos los padres de los estudiantes de inglés! Venga y únase a nuestra reunión del Comité Asesor de Estudiantes de Inglés del Distrito (DELAC) esta próxima semana el 19 de septiembre de 3:00 pm a 4:00 pm por medio de Zoom. Estaremos presentando información sobre el examen de ELPAC y de los próximos talleres para padres. Nuestros líderes de maestros del Comité EL del distrito también compartirán información de lo que está sucediendo en cada una de sus escuelas. ¡No se lo pierda!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://unionsd.zoom.us/j/81452390788

Meeting ID: 814 5239 0788

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